01-22-19 WTRGC Minutes
Meeting of the Woodland Trails Regional
Park Grant Committee
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
Members Present: Chair Anderson, Commission members, Niziolek, , Hal Stewart, Ron
Nierenhausen, Jill Varty, Lynda Bouley, and Darlene Nickols,
Members Absent: Commission member Rathbun, Julie Kallemeyn, Sarah Fischer, and Zachary
Varty
Staff Present: Parks and Recreation Director, Michael Hecker, Recreation Manager Steve
Benoit, and Recreation Coordinator Tonya Love
1. Call Meeting to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Parks and Recreation
Commission was called to order at 5:35 p.m. by Chair Anderson.
2. Discuss Preferred Location of the Nature Center and Nature-based
Playground
Mr. Hecker shared that he confirmed that the DNR and Greater Minnesota Regional Parks
and Trails Commission, stated that the Woodland Trails Regional Park Master Plan can be
amended without impacting the grant funding. Adding that if the cost of the project is more
than the grant then the city will have to pay that portion. If committee changes the location
than the Parks and Recreation Commission will need to approve it and then be approved by
City Council.
Mr. Hecker shared maps from the WSB consultant stating that with the updated location the
lighting would have to be moved to make access for the ADA trail entrance and would be an
additional cost.
Chair Anderson stated that it would be a good location to incorporate ADA portable toilet
nicely with the new plan.
Mr. Hecker stated that the new layout map is based on the true topographical mappings.
Chair Anderson suggested the map should show the areas as a cloud for each location.
Stating he would like to see the cloud for the playground to extend southeast, down to the
953 elevation mark and towards the eastern trail to be a part of the playground area.
Chair Anderson added that the picnic shelter should be a cloud extending south to the
starting trail for ski races.
Commissioner Niziolek stated he would like to preserve one side of the nature center to be a
quiet zone, and concurs with Chair Anderson’s layout.
Chair Anderson stated he would like to keep the trails on the east side of the nature center.
Commissioner Niziolek stated he would like to look at adding a quarter mile trail for the
seniors in the master plan to connect to all the pieces of the nature center and playground.
Mr. Steward agrees to having the playground cloud down to the 953 elevation mark.
Ms. Bouley concurs and likes access to the trail.
Ms. Varty concurs with the group.
Ms. Nickols agreed.
Mr. Nierenhausen asked what will be proposed for lighting at the Nature Center for safety?
Chair Anderson stated that will be decided later.
Mr. Hecker stated that this is not in the project scope. The picnic shelter is in the project
scope to include lighting.
Mr. Nierenhausen is concerned about lighting for shelter and that the location closer to the
trail on north is a blind area due to curve in the trail and would prefer to move shelter south.
Moved by Commissioner Niziolek and seconded by member Jill Varty to recommend to the
Parks and Recreation Commission to move the location of the Nature Center, picnic shelter,
and Nature-based playground to the west for the following reasons.
1. Safety with golf balls coming from the golf course hitting range
2. Aesthetics with a pleasing view point of surrounding nature
3. Proximity to the trail head
4. Accessibility
5. Creates a future opportunity to add solar heating
Motion carried 7-0.
Committee discussed and drew cloud locations to pass onto WSB consultants.
There being no further business Chair Anderson adjourned the meeting of the Woodland
Trails Regional Park Grant Committee meeting at 6:05 p.m.