9 PRSR 08-11-2021 Memorandum
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director
Date: August 11, 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 & YAC
We found last week that the pickleball court at Orono Park was designed at a MnDOT standard and not
a competitive pickleball court standard. The court was designed with a 1.2% slope and pickleball courts
should slope in one plane at a minimum of 1” in 10’ (0.833%) and a maximum of 1%. We invited 21
pickleball players to test the courts. The Mayor, Cal Portner, Dave Anderson, and Dave Williams
attended the pickleball test.
Consensus of the players who tested the courts: “We know the slope is minimal, but it’s in the players
head and throws their game off and takes away the competitive edge of the game.” Many agreed with
the statement it’s not bad, but also commented don’t we want to do it right. Another comment was “the
city should run organized leagues and having a court with a greater slope will potentially hinder sign-ups
and we want Elk River to be known for having excellent courts.”
The Orono Skate Park forms are beginning to take shape and the 3,000-gallon underground storage tank
for the splash pad has been installed. The restroom/pavilion building foundation was installed last week
along with the splash pad foundation. We expect the skate park construction to be about eight weeks.
The building construction for the splash pad equipment room is delayed possibly taking this project into
October. Contract completion date is the end of October.
Riverfront Concert Series
The July 29 Riverfront Concert with “Outside Recess” had to go inside due to poor air quality. For the
first time Cornerstone Automotive Arena hosted as ERHS had an issue with their HVAC system. Over
300 people were mostly satisfied with the sound and location change.
Item: 9
Elk RiverFest and Fireworks
Staff discussed Elk RiverFest with the City Council seeking input for next year’s event. The Council
agreed to keep the fireworks on Independence Day and to move Elk RiverFest to the last Saturday in July.
They discussed moving family friendly activities to Orono Park during the day and holding an adults only
evening event with Sips on Main and other entertainment downtown and closing a smaller section of
Main Street. Staff is already planning the event for July 30, 2022.
Youth Park Race Series
The most recent Youth Park Race held at Woodland Trails Regional Park on August 3 had 28 kids
participate. Many parents made positive comments about the program and location. The Youth Park
Race Series consists of five running races for ages 4 through 14. Races are held Tuesdays in a
different park each week during the summer.
Senior Center Activity
After the announcement last month Senior Center memberships are increasing, staff is now noticing a
drop in attendance the past 10 days. Our total June attendance was 849 and July attendance was 807. We
have heard from a few seniors that some of their friends are concerned about the increasing COVID
cases. Some ore asking if masks are required based on the new CDC recommendations that even
vaccinated people should wear masks indoors. We are not planning to recommend wearing masks at this
time.
Proposed Work Session August 18
Staff is recommending a work session for Wednesday, August 18 to discuss a myriad of park projects and
funding sources. Major projects include Trott Brook Tennis Courts, Orono Park furnishings and Lion
John Weicht Park improvements. Park Improvement Fund and Park Dedication Fund balances will also
be discussed.