10 PRSR 10-09-2019N:\Departments\Parks and Recreation\Commission\Packets\2019\10-09-2019 PRC Packet\10 Director's Report 10-09-
19.docx
Item: 10
Memorandum
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director
Date: October 9, 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 soil remediation is very intense as they shore up the supporting soils. An alternate ballfield
backstop technology will be utilized that will function better with improved soil base. Further, the
value engineering needed to keep the project costs in alignment has resulted in two separate shelters.
The recent rains the past week have been challenging in getting the new parking lot and Lions Park
road installed.
The flagpole discussion that started with the Commission last April has come to a final conclusion
with a new flag location to become part of a Veterans Memorial at Lions Park. This was discussed at
the recent Council meeting. We are having 292 Design Group add the TH10 veteran’s memorial
which we will move to LJWP. 292 is working on a new drawing after they get the dimensions. A full
review and update was discussed at the October 7 City Council meeting.
Active Elk River Construction
Active Elk River improvements to YAC and OKAC are underway. ERMU will soon begin electrical
system upgrades at YAC in preparation for the new field light installation the week of October 15.
At OKAC the new scoreboards will be installed on the two softball/baseball fields the last week in
October and staff will install batting cages and temporary fencing in mid-October in preparation for
the high school softball teams which will use this facility in 2020 and possibly in 2021.
The underground electric and plumbing for the new arena is currently underway. Walls are starting
to appear with precast installation expected late October. The footings and foundations for the new
arena should be completed by the end of October, weather permitting. Stay posted on all of the
construction progress by visiting www.ActiveElkRiver.com
N:\Departments\Parks and Recreation\Commission\Packets\2019\10-09-2019 PRC Packet\10 Director's Report 10-09-19.docx
Riverfront Concert Series
The Bank of Elk River has agreed to continue as the exclusive sponsor for three years – 2020 for
$18,500, 2021 for $19,000 and 2022 for $20,000. They previously sponsored the past three years at
$16,000/yr.
The bank also shared with staff results of an internal survey. Based on 30-employees who
volunteered for the concert series this past summer the results show their top three bands of the
series were 1. Fabulous Armadillos, 2. Arch Allies and 3. Whitesidewalls. Some of the comments
expressed include: Great PR for the community. Great location. Most awesome music venue on earth. The T-shirt
gun was a big hit – do it again. They typically go through about 25-30 cases of water for each concert.
The most raffle tickets given out were over 1,200 at the Fabulous Armadillos concert.