Loading...
8.0. PRSR 07-08-2015 ElkMemorandum River To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Michael Hecker,Parks and Recreation Director Date: July 8,2015 Subject: Director's Report This report is a monthly highlight of department activities related to collaboration, strategic planning, staff changes/development, and park operations NRPA National Awards Dave Anderson was selected by the National Recreation and Park Association to receive the 2015 Robert M.Artz Citizen Advocacy Award. The Robert M Artz Award recognizes a citizen, an elected or appointed official, or volunteer who has demonstrated efforts to forward public parks and recreation through education and activating the public in their community, state or at the national level. A copy of the nomination form submitted in March is attached. It includes letters of recommendation from Mayor John Dietz and Congressman Tom Emmer. Dave will be recognized and presented with this award at the upcoming annual NRPA Conference in Las Vegas on Thursday, September 17 at the Best of the Best Ceremony. This annual ceremony recognizes the phenomenal work begin done in the field of parks and recreation nationwide. This is the most prestigious parks and recreation national award that can be given to a citizen volunteer/ appointed official. Rivers Edge Commons Park Phase One RFP The city received three proposals for the Rivers Edge Commons Park Phase One. HKGi received the strongest support for the project due in part to their work plan deliverables,project schedule, familiarity with the city, and the pricing. This is on the City Council agenda for approval on July 6. Following approval, design development will begin in late July. Refined costs estimates are expected to be brought to Council in August before seeking construction bids. With the construction season well underway, construction costs are expected to be higher than a later bidding for spring construction. We will explore bidding this project in the winter for completion in spring 2016. Park Dedication HKGi has prepared a proposal to assist the City in updating its park dedication ordinance. This proposal is a follow up to the recently completed Parks and Recreation Master Plan and reflects the discussion with City Council at the June 15,2015 worksession. rail I r N:\Departments\Parks and Recreation\Commission\Packets\2015\07-08-15 PRC Packet\Directors Report 7-8-15.docx TURE Regional Park Designation Application Staff recently completed the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission Designation Application for Woodland Trails Park. The deadline was June 30,2015. Incorporating both the Big Tooth Ridge Park and the Great Northern Trail makes Woodland Trails Park a 427-acre regional park. The Woodland Trails Park system map that was an attachment in the application is attached. If Woodland Trails qualifies as a regional park, then the Commission will review the application and rank the project against set classifications and criteria. A Master Plan of the park with the criteria outlined by the Commission will be required before regional park status is formally approved. This is a more comprehensive plan than the one completed in the recently adopted Parks and Recreation Master Plan. It's a more detailed plan with detailed graphic plans, descriptions, and photos. A Commission approved regional park qualifies it for grants and funding made available through the Commission by Minnesota's Legacy for parks and trails. This is for funding of city/county parks and trails of regional significance outside the seven-county metro area. N:\Departments\Parks and Recreation\Commission\Packets\2015\07-08-15 PRC Packet\Directors Report 7-8-15.docx Robert M. Artz Citizen Advocacy Award 2015 Nomination Form AA National Recreation Var. and Park Association AA National Recreation WO and Park Association Robert M. Artz Citizen Advocacy Award Dave Anderson Parks Commission Chair and Advocate Nominee Title City of Elk River 763-241-8257 Company/ Agency Phone Number 14845 County Road 30 Elk River, MN 55330 Street Address (UPS delivery) City / State / Zip danderson @cretexinc.com Email NRPA Membership Number (if applicable) Michael Hecker Parks and Recreation Director Submitted by (contact) Title City of Elk River 763-635-1161 Company/Agency Phone Number 13065 Orono Parkway Elk River, MN 55330 Street Address (UPS delivery) City / State / Zip mhecker@ElkRiverMN.gov 18445 Email NRPA Membership Number 2 Robert M. Artz Citizen Advocacy Award 2015 Nomination Form REQUIRED MATERIALS AA National Recreation W,• and Park Association ESSAY QUESTIONS 1. Describe how the nominee's advocacy for parks and recreation has contributed to the NRPA mission to advance parks,recreation and environmental conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all people. (250 word maximum) For over 30 years,Dave Anderson has actively worked to improve Elk River's parks and recreation program. He has served as a Parks and Recreation Commissioner since 1987,with 17 years as the commission chair. Under his leadership and advocacy, Elk River's park system has grown from a handful of parks covering less than 50 acres to a comprehensive and diverse system comprised of 44 parks, over 1,000 acres of parkland, and 44 miles of paved trails. His dedication and enthusiasm has motivated elected officials and city staff to acquire and develop playfields and nature preserves for current and future generations. His vision and devotion has inspired hundreds of volunteers to commit thousands of hours to maintaining parks. Dave played a critical role in the City of Elk River acquiring the Houlton Farm property, a 336-acre parcel of land with more than 3 miles of river frontage on the Elk and Mississippi rivers, in the fall of 2014. He testified on Elk River's behalf before the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council,a panel established by the Minnesota legislature to provide recommendations regarding the acquisition, restoration, and protection of natural habitat, helping secure a $3.1 million grant to purchase the pristine property located just two blocks from downtown Elk River. Representing the culmination of over two decades of work between the city and multiple local and state agencies,the Houlton farm property has become Elk River's crown jewel,as the first-ever municipal conservation area in the State of Minnesota. .S .`' 441 a i x., LAKE ORONO *et gni ro :s HOULTON FARM PROPERTY`'- " 1 . MISSISSIPPI RIVER Robert M.Artz Citizen Advocacy Award Application 2015 I Elk River Parks and Recreation ESSAY QU ESTIONS 2. Describe the nominee's active support in realizing NRPA's vision, that every person in the United States should have convenient access to safe and affordable park and recreation opportunities. (250 word maximum) h 4i .4 ? t` I. , .,h � , - r ,'w r Dave Anderson's passion begins with ensuring Elk River residents have safe and accessible places to play and enjoy their community. • t The city's original Park Master Plan identified potential parcels of land ,. . that could be available for acquisition. Dave was instrumental in not `` , only locating parcels, but identifying a vision for each tract that would meet future needs of the city whether an active playfield, a passive, serene green space or a neighborhood gathering place. He further led the drive to prioritize the acquisition of parcels so elected officials had a clear vision for the future and had affordable, bite-sized victories in I park development. A strong economy in the 1990's boosted Elk River's development. Dave worked tirelessly with staff and council to ensure that developers included neighborhood parks in new plats. Dave's leadership on the ' Parks and Recreation Commission led to the incorporation of Park Development Fees to fund new parks and facilities so recreation opportunities become available at little cost to the taxpayer. Recognizing a need for additional summer and winter trails in the 350- acre Woodland Trails Park, Dave again enlisted volunteers to clear trees and brush to enhance the trail system. In all, they built and continue to maintain over 25 miles of trails. As the official Park Trail Steward, he and his volunteer crew log 2,500-3,000 hours annually ensuring safe and accessible trails that are recognized regionally. Dave manages N. and trains the volunteers to ensure safety, personally spending an I `' estimated 1,000 hours annually in Woodlands. ,-cf I r: r yk ,r qty 3 :'''' S. Robert M.Artz Citizen Advocacy Award Application 2015 I Elk River Parks and Recreation ESSAY QUESTIONS 3. Describe how the nominee has successfully galvanized support at the local, state or national level through legislation or funding in support of local parks and recreation. (250 words maximum) In 1985, Dave led the design and construction of the Orono Softball Complex with a city contribution of only $3,000. He and his actively-engaged volunteers spent countless back-breaking hours building and soliciting financial and in-kind donations to complete the complex, which now bears his name, and is valued at over $1 million. The Dave Anderson Athletic Complex continues to be one of the best athletic facilities in the area. Dave's active role with park planning has provided a roadmap for elected officials to systematically acquire important parcels of land. He provided a vision for the community park system. When questions of financing a purchase arose,Dave sought outside sources to offset costs and create momentum for community expenditures. He looked to the Minnesota Land Trust,a nonprofit conservation organization,and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources,to identify and secure funding for acquisition. His persistence paved the way for elected officials to commit public funds and encourage community buy-in for park projects. Bailey Point was purchased in 2012 in partnership with grants and city funds. This pristine, and scenic property is a gem with an untouched shoreline at the confluence of the Mississippi and Elk Rivers. Dave's work has inspired city leaders to acquire over 500 acres from 1995 to 2014 through gifts and grants. Many of the properties were acquired to stabilize,buffer or protect the current park system. Some have placed Elk River on the map such as the Houlton farm and Bailey Point. .a : j 1 \\\\‘, Robert M.Artz Citizen Advocacy Award Application 2015 I Elk River Parks and Recreation ESSAY QUESTIONS 4. Describe how the nominee has made a lasting, positive impact at the local, state, or national level through parks and recreation resources. (250 words maximum) It is difficult to imagine Elk River if it not for Dave's passion for parks and recreation. Our municipal park system brings great pride to our community. It is enjoyed by visitors from the region and is arguably one of the best in the entire state which is a direct result of Dave's commitment,tenacity,vision, and support. As a Parks and Recreation Commission Chair and citizen advocate, Dave is the first to speak up and explain why parks and recreation is crucial for the health and welfare of our community. If being the single driving force for park development was not enough, Dave Anderson has further impacted the lives of many residents in park programming as well. Dave has also served by coaching and serving on youth sports boards for nearly 30-years. He has been active in Boy Scouts where he has mentored more than 30 prospective Eagle Scouts. In 2008,the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association bestowed upon him their Parks and Recreation Board and Commission Award for his significant contributions as a commission member recommending public policies,financing and advocating for parks and recreation. During 2014, he co-chaired the Facilities Committee for the annual Hockey Day Minnesota event. This event attracted more than 4,000 people,and was televised nationally on Fox Sports Dave's volunteerism and commitment is unparalleled in the city and likely the entire state. He was recognized by the Elk River Star News choosing Dave as their"Newsmaker of the Year for 2014." .I 1 +� .t 4 e ` Ali . � .. F � ' a; - _ - ___ . _ - -;.: -.. -.-1......--- At, - to w x 4. MX »`,... 4,' « t a , 4 n ,..t.„. sort of ��'�!" 4 }4 = K rya• AR .� - y ,K ; -4 "- 4— -� d .4 4.-- `tit 11 Robert M. Artz Citizen Advocacy Award Application 2015 I Elk River Parks and Recreation RESUME Dave Anderson 14845 County Road 30,Elk River, MN 55330.763.441.4582•danderson!i7 cretcxinc.com Volunteer Experience 1987-Current Elk River Parks and Recreation Commissioner Elk River,MN • Planning-Pains Master Planning • Park Acquisition and Development -Acquired park and conservation land valuing over$10 million -Acquired 336-acre Moulton Farm conservation area with a $3.1 million grant -Acquired 200 acres of park land through donations,dedications,grants and gifts -Developed park dedication fees to acquire park property -Recruited and developed hundreds of volunteers for Elk River park system -Program development for youth conservation,spans and senior programs and community special events • Trail Development Developed paved trail network of over 40 miles 17 Years and current Elk River Parks and Recreation Commission Elk River, MN Chair 1992-2002 Sherburne County Parks Commissioner Elk River, MN • Established County Park Dedication Fees • Acquired Various Park Properties and Facilities 30 Years { Volunteer Supporter of Youth Athletics Elk River,MN • Elk River Youth Hockey Coach: 1972-1973 • TRSA Youth Soccer Coach: 1981-1991 • Elk River(lids Youth Volleyball: 19X8-1989 -Founded program and ran it first two years • Elk River Youth Football: 1987-1997 -Worked with youth to establish playing fields 30 Years + Serving Youth in the Elk River Community Elk River, MN • Cub Scout Den Leader and Assistant Pack Leader for Pack 111: 1984-1987 • Assistant Scout 1 faster for Troop 99: 1987-1990 • Work to Learn Program.Site Coordinator:1997-2(X11 • Juvenile STS Crew I.eader: 1995-2005 RESUME Dave Anderson 763..1.11.1582•clandcrsonlikretexinc.cm 2009-Current Eagle Scout Project Community Coordinator Elk River,MN • Worked with over 20 Eagle Scout projects in the City of Elk River -Total estimated value over 5100,000 with projects to include: o Natural prairie restoration a Ski trail signage o Concrete mile markers on Great Northern Trail o Savannah restoration along Great Northern Trail o Woodland Trails pars:entrance sign landscaping 30 years + Volunteer Supporter of Adult Sports Elk River.MN • Adult Men's and Women's Softball League President: 1985-1998 • Adult Men's Tennis League President: 1978-1980 • Adult Women's'1'ennis league President: 1979-1980 -Pounded league • Adult Men's Volleyball League President:1987-1989 • Adult Coed Soccer: 1986-1989 -Founded and ran informal league 25 Years+ Community Service Elk River,MN • Developed Orono Softball Complex:1985-2002 o Designed,coordinated construction and arranged donated labor and materials and secured funds for four regulation softball fields with fencing,bases and infield material o Shelter building o Concessions building and equipment o Athletic field lighting and PA system o Electronic scoreboards and controls o Maintenance building and storage shed o Planted red pine screening south of complex o Approximate current value is 5I million • Managed Orono Softball Complex: 1985-2001 • Managed Orono Complex Concessions: 1987-200l • Woodland'trails Park Volunteer: 1987-Present • Cross Country Ski Trails Groomer: 1988-Present • Elk River Biathlon Range:1993-Present • Native Prairie Restoration:1995-Present • Bailey Point Nature Preserve:2012-Present • Hockey 1)ay Minnesota Facilities Co-Chair:2013-2014 2012-Current City of Elk River Volunteer Coordinator Elk River,MN Employment 1974-Current Director of Concrete Quality at Cretex Elk River, MN LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION TOM EMMER 503 CA\ ON HOUSE OFFICE BUIEON.r 6TH DiST ,T,MINNESOTA WASHINGTON,DC 20515 w (202)225-2331 COMMITTEES E STRICT O:F CE 5201 DUADAV AVENIE NE AGRICULTURE &ogre, s al tilt Unite) 3` taus OTS6G0.MN 65330 FOREIGN AFFAIRS 2@3?241-5848 t)01t5e of ikeprcSt ntiltlbeS SUFICOMMlTEES REPU3UCAN WHIP TEAM. t C0AAOOITYEXCYINGE.ENRGY,A1i asiltngtu ♦,13(g 24515-23L6 CnEorr LIVESTOCK AND FORE:GV AGRICULTURE National Recreation and Park Association WESTERN HEMISFHFRE 22377 Belmont Ridge Road A F M C A TS,AND IN ERNATIONALM Ashburn,VA 20148 ORGANI ZATIONS March b,2015 To whom it may concern: I am writing in support of the nomination of Dave Anderson by Michael Hecker for the Robert M. Artz Citizen Advocacy Award. With outstanding leadership and tremendous dedication. Dave has been an integral part of establishing and preserving our parks and recreation opportunities in Elk River. Dave has served as the Parks and Recreation Commissioner since 1987 with seventeen of those years as the commission chair. With over 30 years of experience,he has been involved in numerous projects that have helped the Elk River park system grow exponentially. What was once fewer than 50 total acres of park land has now grown in a broad and diverse system of 44+ parks,44 paved trails,and 1000-acres of park land. As a very proactive leader in our community, he has spent countless hours of his free time to ensure that our citizens have a clean and safe environment to enjoy our parks. Due to the amount of time he spends cleaning and trying to improve our parks,many citizens in our community think Dave is a full time park employee. This past year. Dave was a critical pan in bringing Hockey Day Minnesota to the town of Elk River. This is a huge event where strong leadership and countless volunteer hours are needed. For his efforts, Star News named Dave "Newsmaker of the Year" for his service in making this day a great success and one that the community is very proud of. Dave's hands-on approach to the recreational programs from managing adult softball leagues and coaching youth sports, to mentoring Eagle scouts and developing new tennis leagues is refreshing. His passion and dedication to the community has impacted a countless amount of lives and it continues to do so today. In my opinion,there are few people more deserving of this recognition. Thank you for your time and your consideration. Sincerely, it".14 Toni Emmer Member of Congress PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION C ty o Elk River 13065 Orono Parkway Elk River,MN 55330 February 12, 2015 To NRPA Awards Committee, I am proud to offer this reference for Dave Anderson for the Robert M.Artz Citizen Advocacy award.I have known Dave for more than 30 years and his contributions to our city are without equal.He has shown tremendous dedication and passion in the area of parks and recreation,volunteering most of his free time to further that cause. Dave is a hands-on type of guy who has spent many hours making our parks better for the citizens of Elk River.He doesn't ask someone else to do something he's not willing to do himself. He's a great leader and has led many park projects over the years. Dave has been especially active in Woodland Trails Park,a large wooded area that the city acquired several years ago.it has several miles of walking and skiing trails and is used for running,biking,skiing and walking.It has become known in the Twin City area as one of the best cross country ski facilities in the metro area. Dave has spent countless hours in that park, building and grooming trails and conducting yearly burns to allow new vegetation. Dave was also respons'ble for upgrading a four field softball complex in Elk River into one of the top softball facilities in the area.He managed the local softball league for many years and was instrumental in getting lights installed. Recently as a tribute to his efforts the Elk River City Council renamed the facility as the Dave Anderson Athletic Complex. In the last year Dave has been very active in two new parks that the city has acquired along the Mississippi River. Bailey Point Nature Center is a small park that Dave and several volunteers has spent hours clearing brush and creating trails.Houlton Park is a new 350 acre park that will open in 2016.Dave is part of the task force that will establish rules as to how that park will be used. He testified before a legislative committee to help the city to obtain a grant that was used to purchase the park. Dave has been a member of the city's Park and Recreation Commission for nearly 30 years,serving the last several years as the chair.Recently he was honored by our local newspaper,the Elk River Star News,as the city's top newsmaker for 2014. Besides his work in the parks he led a committee that transformed the Handke Pit into an outdoor ice facility that hosted Hockey Day Minnesota. Dave has been honored as the Minnesota Park and Recreation Association's Park Commissioner of the Year. He was also recently inducted into the Elk River High School Hall of Fame. He is very deserving of this national honor for his incredible contributions to our city's park system and in turn to our quality of life. Sincerely, Joh . Dietz Mayo Phone:763.635.1000 Fax:763.635.1090 www.ci.elk-rivermn.us Robert M. Artz Citizen Advocacy Award 2015 Nomination Form SUPPLEMENTAL IN FORMATION AA National Recreation Who„, and Park Association MEDIA COVERAGE _ ANDERSON SELECTED TOP NEWSMAKER OF THE YEAR 2014 "His considerable efforts to whip Handke into shape for Hockey Day and his help on acquiring Houlton Farm lead him to distinction" Star News front page newspaper article by Jim Boyle, Editor, December 27, 2014 http://ersta rnews.com/2014/12/27/a nderson-selected-newsmaker-of-the-yea r/ Excerpts from article: This past year came in like a lion for Dave Anderson, and it is leaving like a lion. The tireless volunteer and longtime champion for the always-improving Elk River park system led the effort to whip the Handke Stadium into shape for Hockey Day Minnesota... Anderson also played a critical role in the City of Elk River landing the Houlton property, a 347-acre parcel of land with more than 3 miles of river frontage on the Elk and Mississippi rivers. Anderson testified in August at the Lessard-Sams Council, asking for a $3.1 million pool of money so the city could turn the vast property located two blocks from downtown Elk River into a conservation area with the help of The Trust for Public Land. For Anderson's efforts on Hockey Day Minnesota and the Houlton property acquisition as well as other headlines he made in between, he has been chosen for the Star News as the top newsmaker of the year... ....Anderson said Hockey Day Minnesota 2014 is an incredible memory he will carry with him forever. He calls it his most rewarding volunteer effort in his life. But in the grand scheme of things, he said, he believes the acquisition of the Houlton Farm property and making it a conservation area is even a bigger deal than Hockey Day. Anderson who has been on the Elk River Park and Recreation Commission since 1987 and has served 17 years as chair said"This is the most important acquisition in the history of parks and recreation for the city:' Anderson said the Houlton property had been on the radar of the commission for more than two decades. The same was true when Bailey Point, in partnership with grants,was purchased in 2012. This pristine historic and scenic property has shoreline at the confluence of the Mississippi and Elk rivers. "Five hundred years from now people will say we had vision acquiring these properties;"Anderson said. Anderson was a good choice to testify down at the State Office Building on the Houlton Farm as he can speak about the great volunteer corps Elk River has helped assemble—be it the one for Woodland Trails Park,the one for Hillside Park or the one for Hockey Day Minnesota. 1 5i1 14 %1 , Great Northern Trail Birch Meadow Bailey Point Nature Babcock Park Bailey Point Nature Preserve Preserve w , � 0< T " R -' CC W A1AINSTREAA1S SCORFROARI)..■An 8k River pdice I It River\i\Vii.330•Vol 14).\o i) MOO.Tel 441 limit•wins el-stamens s t om Elks hoops teams O veteran.Chief Brad Rolfe, •De('e 111�)C'1')Z 2014 • win the River Battle at reflects an his greet—8 home.—11 VI I MLR 0151.60 ROC!Rs 1I\t\11 It\t:\\ ININSIMMINIIIIIIM Q K 4 ;. ,iti. .: . Ille 2 4 �l _ t i t t" iry1 t' itw tit -,. � 1 " f i 7 1 ahoto by Tay!e.Cunnngham Handke Stadium,or the Handke Pit as it is affectionately known,was home to the eighth annual Hockey Day Minnesota event.The venue was de- scribed on national television as"Heaven on Earth"by Fox Sports North broadcaster Kevin Gorg. Hockey Day top story of 2014 •Event did more gest impact on the mm from all the volunniersa 3 tout swatch to replace wool, got together and than attract 4,000 muoity was bringing he said,"Countless cunt- a bad patch of ice,Bezek pulled°clone of the nom e'0 e;it rekindled •T News of the f people together,not pow- sunnily members, pay- said. spectacular events I memories and rekindled r erful people but people sionate about creating The hockey gods shined have ever been a part of," P with the potential to do positive memories for our on Elk River on Jan.18, Rydberg said a large community of collective Iileti101J of the good things together," youth,became the nexus Bind said It was a beau- Elk River Mayor John volunteers together stadium that had fawn said Dave Anderson, for hundreds of volun- tifal day for the event. Dietz said the event put restored by the Elk River co-chair of the facilities teer hours to achieve a "We wanted 18 Elk River on the map, by Jim Boyle Rotary and placed mi committee. "Those rein- successful Hockey Day.I degrees.- Bezek said and might make it easier the National Register°f tionshi will grow and was extremely reseed "We got 20 degrees: to land other big-time Editor Historic Place.. NsO 3' P % % %- The Historic Handke .what we found is help the community in with the volunteer work. Elk River High School events. Pit in downtown Elk the future." Elk River did not just Hockey,with a deep tea- "People from around River played lost to the e'd1 One had an expert- It was a three-year jour- lost the evens, howev- dition of excellence, got the state were thorough- top non-of the 2014 as ence or story to shore net'from the time Bizal Cr The organizing coin- to showcase its program ly iuipresscd with the judged by the staff at the about Tie Pit•and they and Superintendent n»ttee turned it into a and the city. way it was run and how Star News. shared it with excitement Mark Bezek joked in week-long affair, giving "The amount. of Elk organized everything Hockey Day Minnesota and passion,"Elk River one of their offices about niece than 1,300 youth, River pride that people was," Dietz said. "The 2014 was held there on High School ihincipal hosting Hockey Day alumni and players displayed was owned. statewide publicity of the Jan. 18,wildly surpass- Tetry Buzau said. Minnesota until the from Minnesota Special ible;"Bizal said event was advertising trig e18,wildly ex ta- The Elk River Area drop of the puck for the llorkey a chance to play Debbi Rydberg, execu- that Elk River could not 1>ce School River, the Elk first hi h school game in the stadium rive director of the afford to buy" [ions of Elk River, the Elk in decades down at the "We beat the heck out Chamber,said she's not a Ottstate competitors The event was as em River Area Chamber biased glacially-y place, hockey ibile.d r3i+,lalltwids s'ol' and the Elk River Youth d of Pitciall then'would be no prop gave�herr'abthrill, cape- Lourdes and got Rochester than 4,000 spectators on Hocls�y Association wen The task of producing hems on Hockey Day daily when she got a call Day Minnesota going the day of the event and the °win organizers of a quality Ifoekey Day Minnesota,'Bezek said from her sore in another with the first game.The even garnered a nation- the`'vent'but 11r eel vol- Minnesota event was That included filling state raving about how Lumbctjacks of the north ally televised audience. untcwn fern aB over the daunting,Baal said. !ales the hick would fall great the event Raked on heat the Eagles of the connnunity "The atirYeee of the into and et stock and television, south 4-1. What it also did is "I think the event's big % rekindle the c°nimunity s event Was made possible chipping out a 30 foot by "I liked how all the Top news story to page 4 Anderson _: "' 4t- 't' °''' '•. ''- City acquires selected f -- y_ S t Houlton Farm newsmaker .., . , 't of the year ■Property won't be deer,he turkey and i nter- Open to the public "We really happy until late 2016 •His considerable were mp n PPe to be able to play a role efforts to whip Handke by Joni Aatrup in helping to conserve into shape for Hockey - - Associate Editor this,'Protection ec said. Y Protection of the land, Day and his help on It's official which is near the Orono acquiring Houlton Farm s n tied The Mutton Farm in Dam,has been a prior- lead x °`P Elk River now belongs itv for the city for many lead him t0 distinction i k to the ell!' and will h e years given its high nat- vy t j x .,rn protected as a new con Ural resource value and by Editor Boyle s P t t .._ i s t r, j - servation area. sensitive shoreline This pax[ year came J.- `t;1 - _ The Trust for Public "The City of Elk River in like a lion for Dave Land closed on the.deal is excited to become the - f Anderson,and it.is leav- •° s e vet' 1G mid then con- permanent atevvard of t v.•, the land to the the HodWn Farm pro, in like a lion. ,u - prop- city• , "_w n The city plans t� e The tireless volunteer r A oie vat the confluence - o nit to the public b n t and longtime champion ---e` of the Mississippi and tie end of 2016. p for the alwayer pa v- :laws BobM.cGillivr y;senior Eecker, director said cor'Michael trig Elk River park project manager with Hecker, director a£the system led the effort The g Elk River !'arks and to whip the Handke >ta try.him DO>w The Trust for Public Recreation Department. Stadium into shape for Dave Anderson,who was inducted into the Elk River High School HaN of Fame land was acquiring extre the "71 is a unique Properly 9 farm was`an itytremel'4 with 347 acres in the Hockey Day 111inneurola, this year for his volunteerism,called prepping the Handke Stadium for Hockey ore opportunity." middle of Elk River and He was the architect of Day 2014 the most intense and rewarding volunteer effort of his life.He Co- The over 3 miles of river the hillside seating as chaired the facifties committee with Elk River Council Member Matt Westgaard col is one of the Lary- fratitage. The city is well as one of the nine- eat undeveloped afros for a massive vol' Anderson testified in with the help of The Mississippi River propp Public to The Their unteer effort it took to August at the Lessard Trust for Public!.ands. ernes between E Ii for P°bhc land for their prep the pit for a week Irv- efforts in working with lelPV al production. ti.or 'TOIJ Nl?____ Of the year for a 83 omillion pool g efforts on HockeysoDay includes and several j aid itnynmkiiiig te ava if Anderson also played a 347-acre parcel of land money so the city could Minnesota and the of shoreline along the able to the public,.critical role in the City with more than 3 miles turn the vast property lloolton property ac ui- Mississippi and Elk The Elk River City of Elk River landing of river frontage on the located two blocks from anion as well as other rivers and is excellent Council passed a resolu- the Houlton River property,a Elk and Mississippi fie- downtown Elk River headlines he made in habitat for a variety of that that the property ere into a conservation area Top newsmaker to 7 wildlife, particularly Form to na 9 law Top newsmaker from page 1:Hockey day was most rewarding; Houlton deal biggest Wbetween,the Big Lain Softball complex leadership and ad a ) often works alongside Township anti he has Elk River's pork system Andersen to eontpkt S tttr ''+ s,„ V been d,onen by the Star Anderson sLar col play pan grown from hand volunteer projects.lit's 5'1• • News As the top news ing softball in Elk Rive- ful of perks c•cwen sg leas mt a wall•tit planner ii r". maker of the year In 1979..A friend or his then 50 Nat:10 a coo t{Io.n he mks,on a job " 1 sx "4."Lets make a bell prehe, se and diverse t fah bore eFs »- WorksforCretex te7he"1'e"'nthheei did e, systen comprised of 41 Rtrkhn says he h , �s. kiln s did net have 11 a 3re4t Starks 1 000 i lus acres of knack for getting per r r ei " g ' Anderson works park land and 41 m i l e s of pie m,ot,col and when eT St A s r- w for Crete', Concrete reputation Ande, n pared trail meter ays you rant 1 fit@ Products, hick nisei- am°he and a re other 'Ito vision and devotion do something Anderson 4 s) t&' -t netrcd the drainage s>. gays Like Charlie I lonle h inspired hundreds shoofly replies-lb you V IM v Ica used to drain the pit Rolf An I coon I of volunteers t commit a ran" ,r y ey; 4 in:11.0 the 19"20s and Kevin Hsdfle arrlu_trcn thousands of hours t "fix always a a. ,ierAlH' 74 O helped build Elk River's "emlp an I took over rna n t lark'Hecker lu r &ckh J. Pave jut }•b d' a first arena.Andersen is the 1 league. aid. Bee ant a t find 11 • i _ S.. the dtrrelor of connote Ev en 11y the oh t Stn consider 1 lent and support in V quality guys faded to lI blek And too aggn n eke hiss ay" I The evwhpany also has gourd nod And eon He said he was find from Anderson said he has n i' a long history nfsharing began, the load rg"" the Sherborne C ty learned that the word l Anderson with the cone 'liner Li xis Ohio given Park Co u rsirn for Yeti t t s ally' a speed C`I mr nit.to make his vets the arse's sofl1011 want ng ten many narks boom } unteer efforts ppooasddhle league t ran_ and irons Flus residency "Steel man it means r ! Anderson chain the "So whal sorted eat in Big Lake I u ship von asked too sown. '. Q park con mission that is as see jest tinting to la. al been stick- he said 'Sometimes t ,,;aa` in the midst of work on Play nail lama a to me nog port f some in Elk means you didn't finer ' a master park plan to ems nog all the bags River who have kught enough to the table.And ,.'S. w. i w guide the city for years Anderson said n jinn honk the sonetnes'no does mean to come. At is punk, t-•re park and nervation em 'nn'" `de' Anderson made more each 94 t Playing n kswh' news in 2014 when dad k a3 g861 I have only bee Team effort the Elk Hirer Softball adult tea n M d,ys slop.;t I on N 5(1 rote Dave Anderson is most ronlortabie,rdIL a cow,,„ was mooed throng) Thurwd,y s Hie ants sore 1087 Fe said. AnArrwpn,tfa•rosunr rest played on Sumim-s. mat•planner who pre- motivator sow,t vt unt Also n grew OrgAto dr troe after him,and he Iporanu• 'Tlarrr hare lxaah xa- mohvalor of volumeers and rs wilting to do the Inr first rnlunlrrr ue Ire Theo of it)•nfI ,pool n.. ten io nprra,r a drain- oral 3-2 rules and planning a takes to accomplish protect aver maned Ic the talk ll f twat mail tl lines 1 Intl, erns rampargns to get u, Nap t {son ark, High School }fall of the kn.'he a vtleiTtl, X114 paper need.while oak project Fane. Anderson said teak t s god city ing plans said it was it is so fpm when a nor "Von roukni t do t1 s t a d n ty ns ag•rs an mooring team •euri Dave Anderson bio mat note::,,who has rho- lodes.' Anderson end. wit to 1 •hell hhgrd. that puller!Hockey IMy ern tosserve is reeagnired "P"Pin had man' nun bin a lot don't like to off without A glitch. not for a particular prof- hack',here" iwnage•challenge*. 'The people wain Occupation:Director of Concrete Duality,Cietex eel but fora lifetime of When them wrn salt "They' lake ton gee ITinail t were salable Concrete Pratucts,Elk River,MN servitor,"Anderson said troll t aannnlO host- actnlm,How s:Ix aid, oil art rc r g thing..l'n, Earthly:marred,wife,Eileen Stontaugh d t ',ekemh, tents - toil sue thhey'eves kuru' daughters Laura,37.and son Itfol really fun when a "1111 nut a,Mahn+Row. Children,34 ewe gear 38, oii lifetime is notify over to w'tulA he rented and Elk Riven Mayor.lobo they could ilex"Arulerxa, Mary 36,seven grarxJtdhiidren look at how did you get reel no people coon' Diets appreciates all that said.'Everybody deleted Schooling: Graduated from Elk Ritter High here' get non of the son ''r Anderson does for Elk fart fir'tix•mschrs anal 9 rain wen,jst>u{err School cm 1970.Received a BA in Chemist with River Then the w'tni.la really -wheat a coiner. to 'They were there front Computer Science mina 1974 from SI.Cloud �� � began turnip in 1981 D •I I could not Isom x parks s h e io a 1 klie Day Stara Andrrswt raid Y was That's s •Mrs Anderson .n,rk.r"Du•ix sad 'Hr goo out and pirkad ,+ Personal varsity sports history at the age of I2 that the led the drsigti and can mover does anything half- better team° High school tennis: 1965-1970. Lettered first seed was planted. struclroh n the (hone a if Dare is imotaal Superintendent Mark 1 w'S' 1988,1909 and 1970 and was team captain in tie Loved to play apart., Softball Complex with gran kn a will get Anne B rek said Anderson and so he organized a a city r•o,IrlIe and of Het, as the perfect tit In 1970, hall leagni only$3 oKl. Ile and his fit"Attention to detail lead the facilities team. High school hockey.Played 1967-1970 Lettered He admits- it was an actively engaged vulun' ran dire stone crony, "lie was exactly tithe 1969-1970 season. entirely selfish art teen spent countless Diets sad,hat tea his wlmt we needed to get Collage too,*:Saint Cloud Slate,NCAA Divisbn •l did it browse 1 want- hours b,oilding dust soled "na,tienknu sty, that ■Handkr,ready','Beach BI,1971,1972 and 1973 NIC Champions 1971114- ed to play:"he said 'I 'tinng financial and tie gets thinks done right." said "That was true of Oland 1972.Lettered 1971,1972 and 1973 didtil w•r,it am•other ki ui do room to rOi n• Anderson said he m,r whole leadership no v, but alt the other alms,dm complex" •ppreciates rho City of teas'Illey All took their kids got to play,tom" Andersen,said that he Elk Rivera support of role a persmliy and they' Contributions to Elk River High School spoils \4'W II veteran Lynn learned when you go rolunte•rrism. each took it to another fiend youth lender programs)history: Lowe helped him orgy into C:ty Hall with some -j dcm 1 k w boa, h 'l Nordic skiing,varsity boys and girls, tier the ball league. nosy in your herd you usm.other plaits the Ail d Hockey War and ski techhnician.1989-2003 During these "And then we got bane a,ot own•somas Janet 1 nand have done Du? Minm.naa 2914 m g t ! years the lays and girls Mantis were frequent oxh- to cll and built a Hall He devised s 1plav It wiat 1 hare Jwpt•' he 1O nr d hl n npor)' Terence and section than ions aril in 1994 the fed" Pmt a loan from the fa) wad. Thos is o doom„ he A111 Carr) With hill Later in life, Louis mat to pay it heck in tit, that„elrm,er•sod forever Hr call:it has girls were the Gels Nordic Skiing Stale Chant ion- Belanger, the head se"t'v,yranni supports volunteers. most rewording value. ship team. of the gnxutda for the The f»rilily is new vat • iii sore there are ,eer Ono In his lile. This was the test-ever team championship in school district,found out died at over$1 million. thee places that do,but Rut in the grad aehesto' Elk River sports history My daughter Laura was Anderson was taking and it as rtanwd after how t ,plates eats a of things, l,e said, hr on that team,The boys relay team was toe Slate ore of the see ink in Anderson early i 2(114. ivre of au sdjmnioe ketoses 11se agoras... 2smnerahan,flooding it Anderson is pnid of mwnship walk to am of the Hanlon Farm CFhanWkpn relay team that year as well.My son and shoveling it. the at:mutant that they a lean w'th a promise property and staking it SAIL was at tfhai lean,. get Ile told Anderson,•if net few field maintenatice" to pa it back"- a eonsenatior, area is Latta was ndividural Nadi.Slowly Stale Chart- you're doing that, we dial is still being foi- Anderson, soul Elk roe-n a bigger deal than pion n 1996.Voumgest daughter Wary was free• might as well pay you" lowed tdoy. Wa t luck River led boldly then Hockey'lid?' style skiing Nordic State Champion in 2000.The What that did,however, when e very' to. 1 ad andit eannumes t footer 'lima,se o h all th erne r- last pair of skis I waxed to the ERNS was those war pat A ndersai on the tt sign r p far her roluutv,,, II it d m. )'that end into florke of Nichol)Olson,2003 freest k State Cham Iwfk nor just for when he sire pep a,lw it ty tag trn',hot hop wood'and )ay, d tl IncrKtith, y' ' and his fiends want d hma fixing irng nun, Trai I Park M.tla h day 1 It's hard t+' Toad beef a vg at Wv fed odlands.leers 1988-present.Co- to pha,r bon when,eery show fog din, p wing rear,tt L's col nten -c H lu s is t gger,' ordk,ated and supervised volunteers construction twdv wattad io play. eotrnte' that 1 ttpd dee etop a hr d."Inn that a of 1SWn 19.3aclesl of trails it Woodland Trails park "Son le took non to a "Dave's velunleee.' biathlon range in one da,y rue d:ry This is Innrer`` that are the home cou se toe ERRS Nordic Ski plate j st like Lynn 'tat,and cvmtnulmerat.x and Is-gin using it f Anderson, lot lt:t, Teats;fra ironing and tw:nog,The Cros.S-CCtYdry Bowe did, organiat r nparsleled in the city ron{xi+nur liar follrwring b-eu ron the Elk River miming learns use the same treAS br beifutg 0s i,ng titre kvsghsrs,that and likely the enlitx- is lie d.Andenoa pulls Park and Res ect - well.The trials are also heavil used ere k. 1 uldn i hair Kane if Stat of Minnesnad peopk tok tier,and pa,. Coto ssion setts 19F7 Y byt pdtl hr didn i lead me there,' Elk }b°er parks and Ile tin rip t,lielp him :ltd h -se rvrd 17 wean Trail mewing,nhacitersanee and winter ski and Anderson said. Re ealion I)rector "fleokw+a lot a times so cha a idl,"This it Ile walkig tra,l grooming a1 Woodlands.1995•pres- Michael Hecker id. said Wayne tleekT h nmx, t h p..ortan!., atyoi eel Co ordinate volunteer waiter and surtvner Lander his oohmteer - 00Nn, ,n the history of maintenance of 15km of skL•'walkirg tail and 5km parks and a e't+rnlinn 11rr d wade(walkir s, shoe nail.The all-volunteer the dry- g' Kav Aodt,„e„ sod the WoodDnd Trails Crew'typically vokhnteers n ex, l lords. property hail cess d 2000 hours per year. been a,the radar of rho" Hockey.boys youth coach,1972-1974 A Celebration of EMiteEnterprising- rrmmission ler toe Soccer,boys and gals youth coach,TRSA1981- than two decades 1991 The n was troy Volleyball,girls yaslh coach,1988-1919 hxeded BBB 1 °roll when Bailey Point, in A a y ni r d N bolt, 5 partnership with grants. ka9 Late yeas- Aw,.ar 1 s pnnhaseel i 2d01z Football.boys youth,field set up aril line paint• (u\ This pristine, historic ng at Orono Complex.1987-1997,waked with a d nic property has youth football leaders to establish playing field at sore oft t the tniflu- the lk,}hted Ororkr Corn ttea far Ethics f tl a Mississippi and Elk rivers. Serving Youtlt in the Community: 2014-2015 Winner 'Five hundred year, £roar now p ople,will>a, C )SCan Den Leader and Assistant Pack Lead- e had v soo acyuir- el fa ER Pack 111,1984.1987 Assistant Scout log these n prop'rtes' Master tot Troop 99,1987-1990 Work to Learn Pro- Anderson said grarn site,xnodinala,1997-2001 Anderwu was a geed Eagle Scan mentor,1992-present.Has waked by lbeank is proud to be a recipient of a Torch Award foe Ethics chnicr to u-et its afore at by the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota the State(Mien'Building with 21 Eagkcanddates,l8 d which have earned rn the-110011 r Yana as their Eagle Rank. The Torch Awards recognize businnesses in the community that hr.ern speak about the. Elk River Biathlon Range,Startig in 1993 Or- demonstrate the highest standards of conducting business. groat oolootri-r corps Elk ganized a grot•'p od vokmleers that waked with Rirrr par helped ass tn- Minnesota Biathlon and thre LISBA to build what hie he it Ito one nor at the tine was ape of only Map Biathkm ranges r ,,sS�• Whc'wlland Trails Park n Minnesota.Since then we have continued to K/einB A the nor f r f'ille'r„ Part. maim annual emends to rot e.A consider- nr lhr tine fi,T Tans ark In,pxov rg THE FAMILY BANK Minnesota able volunteer eforl was pd silo tree removal,site Anders n is on the cone preparation,destgning and construction of env'• 41s t. n titter that wainl work ronrnentaily friendly"lead catching target boxes, through the Idnaatug large,nslaRYtion,trail building,naming and Land- process that will nnmape seersg.We have bean very proud ho see ou b- Ben KCEIWIU ()sego the prapny. Itivnba•rk.ewr, ety take © And r tie thdrir cal athletes competing fa spots on the 2002,2000 peal I -n sr-to the and 2010 US Olympic Biathlon Teams.Two have rh:dlui,r made the team. MEDIA COVERAGE CITY NAMES ATHLETIC COMPLEX AFTER'UNPARALLELED'VOLUNTEER Star News newspaper article by Joni Astrup, Associate Editor, January 9, 2014 http://erstarnews.com/2014/01/09/city-names-athletic-complex-after-unparalleled-volunteer/ Excerpts from article: For the past three decades, Dave Anderson has spent countless hours improving Elk River's park and recreation system. His volunteer efforts were recognized Monday when the Elk River City Council voted to rename the Orono Athletic Complex,the Dave Anderson Athletic Complex. Anderson said the next day that it is an honor to have a park named after him. Then he joked"It's quite an honor just to be considered, let alone have a park named after you when you're not dead" Elk River Parks and Recreation Director Michael Hecker described Anderson's contributions as "tremendous and unparalleled." Hecker said Anderson has spent the past 30 years volunteering thousands of hours creating, improving and maintaining Elk River's park system. Anderson's volunteers resume is nine pages long. Anderson has been instrumental in many things, including the development of the Orono Athletic Complex that now bears his name, Hecker said. That work stretched over 17 years, beginning in 1985 and continuing until 2002 • 1 y " " pig 4 ft 'S■ • III Dave Anderson 0 AO- LeMIN.Hjiiir taitt-7 t. Athletic i• t1 Complex Trott Brook Farms Park Kliever Lake Fields Handke Stadium W erstarnews.com http://erstarnews.com/2014/01/09/city-names-athletic-complex-after-unparalleled-volunteer/ CC City names athletic complex after `unparalleled' volunteer > By Joni Astrup O U by Joni Astrup Q Associate Editor W For the past three decades, Dave Anderson has spent countless hours improving Elk River's park and recreation G C system. His volunteer efforts were recognized Monday, when the Elk River City Council voted to rename the Orono Athletic Complex the Dave Anderson Athletic Complex. Anderson said the next day that it is an honor to have a park named after him. Then he joked: "It's quite an honor just to be considered, let alone have a park named after you when you're not dead." The 12-acre athletic complex is located at 13300 Business Center Dr., near Orono Park, and has four lighted softball/baseball fields. The renaming came out of the blue for Anderson. Mayor T John Dietz had requested that the athletic complex be �... renamed after Anderson. Dietz said he would be hard- r . pressed to find a person who has volunteered more hours for the city. } Asked what has driven his years of volunteerism,Anderson �' said "It's really who you are and where you came from." He said he watched his grandparents and his parents all take an active role in the community. Dave Anderson,speaking at the opening of Bailey Point Nature After Anderson began working on park and recreation Preserve in Elk River last year.Also pictured is Mayor John Dietz. projects, he said it turned into a passion, fueled by a desire Star News file photo to leave something for the future. "Our community is full of volunteers, and we all put our efforts into where our passions lie," he said. "Mine have gone from running ball leagues and coaching youth sports to doing adult softball to now, more sedate things like (restoring) prairies and trail building and cross-country skiing." He said he likes making the community better and has found that it's a lot of fun. Elk River Parks and Recreation Director Michael Hecker described Anderson's contributions as "tremendous and unparalleled." Hecker said Anderson has spent the past 30 years volunteering thousands of hours creating, improving and maintaining Elk River's park system.Anderson's volunteer resume is nine pages long. Anderson has been instrumental in many things, including the development of the Orono Athletic Complex that now w Ur- bears his name, Hecker said. That work stretched over 17 years, beginning in 1985 and continuing until 2002. Q Renaming passes 4-1 I-11 The renaming of the athletic complex passed the City Council on a 4-1 vote, with Council Member Paul Motin voting no. 0 Motin acknowledged that the renaming meets the requirements of the city's parks and < facilities naming policy.And, he said, if anyone deserves to have an Elk River park _ named after them,Anderson does. But, Motin said, he has a problem naming a facility 0 after a local person doing things of local significance. He'd rather name things after Day Anderson w state or national figures. Motin also said he'd prefer to name a facility after someone who has completed their service, noting that Anderson is the current chair of the Elk River Parks and Recreation Commission. Dietz pointed out that other places in Elk River bear the names of local people, including Handke Stadium and Salk Middle School. He doesn't think the fact that Anderson is a local leader, rather than state or national, is a valid reason not to name the athletic complex after him. But Motin said while Handke and Salk both did a lot locally in years past, younger people or those who haven't lived in Elk River for years have no idea who they were. "Those names stick and nobody knows who they are (in future years)," Motin said, saying that's the problem he has with naming permanent fixtures after local leaders. Council Member Stewart Wilson said he understands Matins point, but people like Handke and Salk were very credible leaders and people should make an effort to find out who they were. "Those names aren't just given out willy nilly,"Wilson said. "These were important people who made valid contributions to our community." Naming buildings or parks for people really does mean something and is a way to recognize people like Anderson who have been valuable contributors to the community, Wilson said. Voting to rename the athletic complex for Anderson were Dietz, Wilson and Council Members Barb Burandt and Matt Westgaard. Dave Anderson's volunteer resume Here is a summary of Dave Anderson's volunteer work in Elk River. •Elk River Park and Recreation Commission, 1987 to present. •Sherburne County Park Commission, 1992 to 2002. •Coached a variety of youth athletic teams, 1972 to 1997. •Served as a Scout leader and assistant Scout master. Works with Eagle Scout candidates to identify potential projects and assists in the work on them. •Founded adult women's tennis league and adult co-ed soccer league and served as league president of adult men's and women's softball, adult men's tennis, adult women's tennis and adult men's volleyball. •Developed Orono Softball Complex, 1985 to 2002.Also managed the complex and concessions and did tournament w Ur scheduling. -Woodland Trails Park volunteer, 1988 to present.Among the projects have been building and maintaining cross- = country ski and winter walking trails and restoring native vegetation. •Starting in 1993, organized volunteers who worked with organizations to build what at the time was one of only two biathlon ranges in Minnesota. V Q -Has restored and reconstructed native prairies in Elk River since the mid-1990s. 0 -Coordinates supplies and volunteers at Bailey Point Nature Preserve, the city's newest park that opened in 2013. cW -Is facilities co-chair for the upcoming Minnesota Hockey Day in Elk River. CORPORATE LIMIT yirlik /-------V_ • e v __.........._... ... 2211 AVE \ __ i 8 8 _ ' Lc I t 4 s'es r ( 1 p --/ 0. *CBAM 95 (Nczty.N..... . Irt 1/ /— r A-♦ -:\ s S s >9� MAO BIM — i-.., ,,,L,, * 1— St-I HIGH lord y -` •. , phi o _� t - ecHOO� er of 4 .inn r� IltN o $ J �w conono 0 I— `` COID14 ;_: y. 1 i fi 0 /.- I 7 % oI WOODLAND TRAILS ¢ \ � _ > 17k AVE PARK SYSTEM 196TH AVE At J -'46 \ I MkIL. A River ,yu 1i