02-12-19 WTRGC MinutesMeeting of the Woodland Trails Regional
Park Grant Committee
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Wednesday, February 12, 2019
Members Present: Chair Anderson, Commission member Niziolek, Hal Stewart, Jill Varty,
Lynda Bouley, and Darlene Nickols, Council member Wagner
Members Absent: Commission member Rathbun, Sarah Fischer, Julie Kallemeyn, Ron
Nierenhausen, and Zachary Varty
WSB & Associates Candace Amberg and Eva
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 5:31 p.m. by Chair Anderson.
2. Nature Playground and Shelter Concept Plan
Ms. Amberg reviewed the updated plan.
3. Discussion of Location of Shelter
Chair Anderson asked if the shelter could be moved closer to the parking lot.
Ms. Amberg shared that it would land on a hill and was trying to avoid putting a trail in the
area of the ski area.
Chair Anderson stated to move the shelter a location more south as the Chief of Police
would like a better sight line when the park in monitored by the police.
Moved by Commissioner Niziolek and seconded by member Nickols to move shelter
further south from location a and consider the trail to run from the existing trail to go
north. Motion carried 6-0.
4. Discussion of playground elements
Ms. Amberg shared the proposed playground.
Chair Anderson suggested that the retaining wall could be a climbing wall and would like to
see a larger rock scrambling area on west side and would like to see less woodchip area.
Committee discussed water and sand play area and adding an area for digging up geotags.
Commissioner Niziolek asked to create a scrambling rock wall that could be used by children
and adults from the lowest to highest elevation, maximize elevation.
Member Bouley asked if a swing bridge can be incorporated either near the boulder climbing
area or challenge balance beam area.
3. Adjournment
There being no further business Chair Anderson adjourned the meeting of the Woodland
Trails Regional Park Grant Committee meeting at 7:07 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Tonya Love.