10 PRSR 09-11-19N:\Departments\Parks and Recreation\Commission\Packets\2019\09-11-2019 PRC Packet\10 Director's Report 9-11-
19.docx
Item: 10
Memorandum
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director
Date: September 11, 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.
Lion John Weicht Park Construction
The northern section of Lion John Weicht Park is now closed until the spring of 2020. Demolition
of the Lions Park Center was completed two weeks ago. The storm water work under School Street
was completed in time for school to start on September 3. A majority of the grading at the park
should be done next week. Construction of the new softball fields will start in a few weeks.
Active Elk River Construction
All of the demolition work of the Ice Arena Barn is complete. Footings for the new facility have
started. A time-lapse video of the demolition is available on the Active Elk River site. Stay posted on
all of the construction progress by visiting www.ActiveElkRiver.com
City Wayfinding Program
The “Welcome to Elk River” monument signs have been installed. The electric to the signature
park signs has been completed. Staff has received positive comments on the signs, especially when
they are lit up.
Oak Knoll Fields
The Oak Knoll ball fields will be used in 2020 and possibly 2021 by ERHS varsity and JV softball
and are undergoing their temporary transition to fast pitch. The new Lions Park field turf must be
established this growing season to allow play in 2021.
Riverfront Concert Series 2020
Staff is currently negotiating with the Bank of Elk River for the sponsorship of the Riverfront
Concert Series.
N:\Departments\Parks and Recreation\Commission\Packets\2019\09-11-2019 PRC Packet\10 Director's Report 9-11-19.docx
Trott Brook Farms Park Tennis Courts
The Trott Brook HOA expressed concerns with the condition of the tennis courts at Trott Brook
Farms Park. They were recently resurfaced and the large cracks are reappearing. Unfortunately, the
subsoils were not properly corrected when the courts were installed. To correct the issue they will
have to be rebuilt after a major soil correction, which will be a relatively expensive improvement.
This will be reviewed by the Commission on September 18 as part of the overall Park Improvement
Fund.
Pickleball and Volleyball August Open Forum Follow-up
Staff will be meeting with the school district soon to discuss pickleball court lines. The pickleball
courts planned for Orono Park scheduled with that projects planned construction in 2021.
The volleyball nets requested by the Volleyball Association at the Commission Open Forum in
August will be reviewed at the Special work session on September 18.
Special Work Session September 18 at 5:30 p.m.
A special work session for the Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, September 18 to begin at
5:30 p.m. The agenda items include Trails Master Plan connectivity and Park Improvement Fund
projects. Dinner will be served.