04-13-2016 PR MIN WORK SESSION • iik
ity Work Session Meeting of the Elk River
Parks and Recreation Commission
River Held at the Elk River City Hall
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Members Present: Chair Anderson, Commission members Ahlness,Holmgren,
Kallemeyn,Niziolek, Nystrom, and Sagan
Council Liaison: Ms. Wagner
Staff Present: Parks and Recreation Director,Michael Hecker, Recreation Manager,
Steve Benoit,Recreation Coordinator,Tonya Love,Parks
Maintenance Supervisor,Tim Sevcik, and Recreation Coordinator,
Tim Dalton
I. Call Meeting to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the work session meeting of the Elk River
Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:13 p.m. by Chair
Anderson.
2. Hillside City Park
• Mr. Hecker shared information regarding Hillside City Park,Minnesota off Road
Cyclists (MORC) group and other cities that have mountain bike parks and that most
are managed by MORC.
Hillside has catered to "Freeriders",which are expert and advanced riders. Hillside is
a very challenging course,a single track and questioning the sustainability of the
trails.
Risk management in mountain biking goals is to manage the risks on the trails and
minimize the threat and losses from lawsuits.
International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) recommends creating a
diverse trail network with a variety of trail styles for all skill levels.
Commission discussed what's next for the park.What kind of a park,mountain
biking, should volunteers take care of it? How much sustainability,regional or local
park.
Mr. Hecker shared that the meeting with MORC went well;the group would like to
keep the character of Hillside along with sharing a sustainable trail plan, designing
for less maintenance in the future.
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Parks&Recreation Commission Work session Minutes Page 2
April 13,2016
Mr. Hecker shared MORC's recommendation to close trail sections 2 and 3 in the
Fall 2016, and keep trail sections 1 and 4 open, that they would recruit and train
volunteers, and new trail steward and dirt boss. MORC also recommends no fees to
enter the park to provide full public access.
Mr. Hecker stated that the$30,000 that was allotted for the park in the Park
Improvement Fund could be used in the fall for reconstruction.
Commission members shared their ideas regarding the park and ideas for future trail
management.
4. Adjournment
There being no further business, Chair Anderson adjourned the work session
meeting of the Elk River Parks and Recreation Commission at 9:50 p.m.
Minut-- prepa ed ► 'onya Love.
Dave Anderson, Chair
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Tina Allard, City Clerk
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