10 PRSR 02-10-2021 Memorandum
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director
Date: February 10, 2021
Subject: Director’s Report
This report is a monthly highlight of department activities related to recent collaborations, strategic
planning, staff changes/developments, and park operations.
Active Elk River - Orono Park
Orono Park will be closed this spring through October 2021 for construction. Details on the construction schedule
will be coming out after the bids are approved. We have already received a few inquiries about Orono Park for
events. Some of the events such as the Thumbs Up 5K are looking at alternatives.
Riverfront Concert Series
We were able to recognize the Bank of Elk River at the February 1 Council meeting for sponsoring
the 2021 Riverfront Concert Series.
June 17 Country Roads: A Tribute to John Denver
June 24 Rockin’ Hollywood’s
July 8 Maiden Dixie
July 15 Buddy Holly and the Winter Dance Party
July 22 Mick Sterling: The Perfect Songs of Barry Gibb and The Bee Gees
July 29 Outside Recess
August 5 1950’s and 60’s Revue
August 12 Junk FM
August 19 Fabulous Armadillos
All the concerts are held at Rivers Edge Commons Park at 7 p.m. on Thursday evenings.
Outdoor Ice Rinks
The Spectrum ice rink has been open to the public for the past several week form 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. M-F
and 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. on weekends. There are benches and a porta-potty adjacent to the rink.
Item: 10
Woodland Trails Regional Park
We continue to receive donations in the Woodland Trails Regional Park donation box. Recently, some
of the donations have been more generous than past year probably due to the increased usage in the
park. We received a $500 donation check from Bill and Laura Hjort. They will be recognized by staff
and approved by City Council through consent. In 2020, we received $1,642 in total donations which
was more than double the previous year and now 2021 YTD it is $1,225, which includes the $500 check.
Commission Attendance Leave Extension
Because we are still under state executive orders for the Covid-19 pandemic, City Council was asked to
consider an extension to the suspension of the Commission Attendance Policy. City Council approved
January 20 the suspension of the attendance policy retroactive from July 2020 and to run until the end of
July 2021.