7 PRSR 04-10-2019N:\Departments\Parks and Recreation\Commission\Packets\2019\04-10-2019 PRC Pakcet\7 Director's Report 4-10-
19.docx
Item: 9
Memorandum
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director
Date: April 10, 2019
Subject: Director’s Report
_______________________________________________________________________
This report is a monthly highlight of department activities related to collaborations, strategic
planning, staff changes/developments, and park operations.
Korean War Memorial
Staff met with Dave and Jan Fesenmaier to discuss their maintenance efforts of the Korean War
Memorial at Lion John Weicht Park. After many hours of work since 2008, they decided to spend
more time with grandchildren and travel instead of the memorial.
Tidying Up William H. Houlton Conservation Area
You’re invited to spend a beautiful spring evening at William H. Houlton Conservation Area on
Wednesday, May 15 alongside staff and volunteers from Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR)
doing some targeted spring cleaning. Volunteers will be shown how to identity and pull invasive
plants that choke out native species. Depending on weather, fence removal, trash cleanup, and other
restoration tasks may also be completed. RSVP by emailing FMR Volunteer Coordinator at
akilgore@fmr.org, or by calling 651.222.2193 ext. 31.
Woodland Trails Regional Park Grant Committee
The next Woodland Trails Regional Park Grant Committee meeting is scheduled for 5 pm
Wednesday May 8.
Riverfront Concert Series 2019
The school district confirmed Zabee Theater can be used for rain outs during the Riverfront
Concert Series on Thursday nights. The first concert is on June 20.
Great Northern Trail Connection
Sherburne County has applied for a grant as part of their plans to connect Elk River to Princeton
and eventually to Mille Lacs County, per the Sherburne County Active Living Plan. We exepct that
the Great Northern Trail will become a regional trail providing recreation and transportation
alternatives for our region.
N:\Departments\Parks and Recreation\Commission\Packets\2019\04-10-2019 PRC Pakcet\7 Director's Report 4-10-19.docx
Rivers Edge Commons Park Dock
Staff had a follow up meeting for a dock concept at Rivers Edge Commons Park. It was attended
by two DNR representatives, city residents Randy Tesdahl and Shannon Tatro, and a dock
equipment company representative. They reviewed a new concept, including ADA accessibility,
prepared by Marine Dock & Lift in Center City , MN, which needs further refinement. A boundary
survey needs to be completed if the project moves forward. Also, funding options will continue to
be explored through the DNR and private donations. The DNR is reviewing permitting
requirements. Randy and Shannon plan to approach local businesses for interest to fund the dock.
Westwood Subdivision Cleanup
The Westwood subdivision clean-up efforts were completed on March 26. This was originally an
Eagle Scout cleanup project recommended by the Commission and approved by Council over two
years ago. Two of the neighbors have again left personal items (a trailer and pontoon boat) on the
city’s ROW.
Two Upcoming Special Meetings
Monday, April 15 will be a special joint meeting with City Council to discuss standardized
community picnic shelters. With large picnic pavilions intended for Lion John Weicht Park and
Woodland Trails Regional Park, staff is looking for council and commission direction as the LJWP
plan is under a tight timeline. It will be a City Council work session.
As we discussed at our March work session, we plan to have a special meeting at 7 pm on
Wednesday, May 1 at City Hall. This will be a combined meeting with the youth sports
organizations to discuss athletic field fees.