7.0. PRSR 12-13-2017 /
15-('''
Item: 7
ilkMemorandum
River
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Michael Hecker,Parks and Recreation Director
Date: December 13,2017
Subject: Director's Report
This report is a monthly highlight of department activities related to collaborations, strategic
planning, staff changes/developments, and park operations.
Elk Rivers Ice Arena and Lion John Weicht Park Facilities Design
The design group continues the schematic design phase reviewing the program areas for both the ice
arena design and Lion John Weicht Park. City Council approved on November 20 RJM to oversee
the planning, design and construction of the project. RJM has the greatest expenience working with
ice arena projects. They came up with an idea for the ice arena that will re-shape the ice arena
design and keep the current olympic east rink shell that could be used for sports turf.
The Lions Club had a meeting on Monday,December 4 with City Council to discuss their
opposition to the repurposing of Lions Park Center and the park being used for organized sports.
Since 1983 when the park was first acquired through a gift known as the "Houlton Gift" the Lions
Club has been intimately involved in the development of the park and in Lions Park Center.
From the time development discussions were first talked about in 1980-83, the Lions Club made it
clear they did not want organized sports at the park. The City Council agreed with this goal and
when it was revisited in 1995 the Council again stated there would not be athletic fields on the park
grounds 'at this time.' On multiple occasions over the past few years,the club was made aware of
possible changes to the park and center as city facilities were analyzed.
Staff and the city attorney have completed extensive research into discussions and decisions between
the Lions Club and the city and found there is no official agreement signed by any party restricting
the use of lion John Weicht Park. By state law, one city council cannot encumber another council
without a formally executed legal agreement or covenant.
The Lions Club will be meeting on Monday,December 11 with design group representatives to
further discuss their concerns and interests and what is in the best interest for residents and
taxpayers.
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Woodland Trails Regional Park
Renae Mattson of the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission informed us our
grant application for Woodland Trails Regional Park was successful and has been recommended for
full funding of$362,000. This still needs legislative approval, however we have made it over the first
hurdle and are now on our way to adding a picnic shelter and a nature-based play area. Other
amenities include buckthorn removal and wayfinding. We budgeted$125,000 for the required
match for a total project amount of$487,000.
William H. Houlton Conservation Area
The seeding at the William H. Houlton Conservation Area,was completed three weeks ago. 50%is
broadcast seeding and 50%is drill seeding.All of the objectives of the restoration work continue to
follow the WHHCA Natural Resource Management Plan.
Hillside City Park
We just received an Award of Excellence from MORC (Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists) for
recogniztion of the 2017 Land Manager of the Year. This is a significant award since only one city
in Minnesota may receive the award annually.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
N:\Departments\Parks and Recreation\Commission\Packets\2017\12-13-17 PRC Packet\Director's Report 12-13-17.docx