7.0. PRSR 11-14-2018 Item: 7
ElkMemorandum
River
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director
Date: November 14, 2018
Subject: Director's Report
This report is a monthly highlight of department activities related to collaborations, strategic
planning, staff changes/developments, and park operations.
Sales Tax Referendum Plan Authorized on Election Day
Elk River residents overwhelmingly authorized a half-cent sales tax on Election Day to pay for$35
million of park and recreational facility improvements. Voters cast 6,830 votes or 65%in favor of
the Active Elk River plan,while 3,702 votes or 35%voted against it.
The organized effort"Vote Yes! For an Active Elk River" assisted as an advocacy group to get
citizens and sports organizations to understand the benefits of supporting the referendum. The
neighborhood canvassing and yard signs, and various promotions ensured strong support.
The city's communication effort included ActiveElkRiver.com microsite,printed materials, a
citywide mailing, social media and presentations to inform the public to help voters understand the
referendum and city's ballot question. We will continue using ActiveElkRiver.com to provide
updates on the projects as they come to fruition.
The next step is for the state legislature to approve the referendum. This has to happen before city
staff can begin work. As a reminder, the Active Elk River Plan includes the following:
• Multipurpose Facility and Lion John Weicht Park $26 Million
• Senior Facility $1.5 Million
• Lake Orono Dredging $1 Million
• Trails $2 Million
• Orono Park $2.5 Million
• YAC $2 Million
PONEREO Rr
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Elk RiverFest July 6,2019
A City Council work session was held on October 15 to discuss staffs proposal for 2019. Mark
your calendars for Saturday,July 6, 2019. The event will be expanded to include Jackson Avenue.
Both Jackson Avenue and Main Street will be the place to be from 2-9:00 p.m.with activities for the
entire family! Let the little ones loose in the Kids Fun Zone,browse vendor booths,enjoy food,
drinks,live music, and an amazing fireworks show!
First National Bank of Elk River will again be the signature sponsor for$5,000. Staff is connoting
to work on vendors and sponsorships. We already have a list of vendors and food trucks for the
event.
2019 Riverfront Concert Series
The 2019 Riverfront Concert Series lineup is complete with nine concert dates. Early scheduling
was possible because the bands were fine with matching the fees from the previous performance
year.The concerts will begin on June 20 and finish on August 22. Returning are The Whitesidewalls,
Ladies of the 80's,The Jimmy's, Fabulous Armadillos, and the Arch Allies. Run Like Hell,a Pink
Floyd tribute band is new next year.
Bailey Point Nature Preserve Restoration Project
We are planning a public open house at City Hall from 4:30—6:00 p.m. on Thurs.,Nov. 15 to learn
about the upcoming habitat restoration project at Bailey Point Nature Preserve. Thanks to a grant
from the State of Minnesota, Friends of the Mississippi River will continue to work with the city
over the next three years at Bailey Point. Residents will learn how the site will change benefitting
habitat,wildlife,and water quality. The work is outlined in the Natural Resources Management Plan
the Council approved in January of 2015 for both the WHHCA and the BPNP. Over 50 invitation
post cards were sent to neighbors of BPNP.
Woodland Trails Regional Park Committee
The Woodland Trails Regional Park Committee has already had two field trips in the past month.
The first one on October 24 was to look at nature play areas and the second one on November 15
will look at picnic shelters. This most recent visits were to Bunker Hills Regional Park and Coon
Rapids Dam Regional Park where they saw different styles of quality picnic shelters. The first
committee meeting is Wednesday,November 14 is at 5:30 p.m. prior to the Commission meeting.
Staff will make a presentation on nature play areas.
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