9 PRSR 12-08-2021 Memorandum
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director
Date: December 8, 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
Orono Park has basically been winterized for the season. Some work may continue the park pavilion.
Both the splash pad and skate park are 95% completed. Most of the work remaining for YAC is interior
work on the concessions building which should be completed by the end of this year. The YAC
restroom building, and landscaping will be completed spring 2022.
Orono Park is only open for skate boarders (with no snow or ice on the skate park) and access to the
lake through the parking lot for snowmobilers. The Park and parking lots next to the playground need
to stay closed until New Look has completed their work spring 2022. Only the new outside trail will be
cleared of snow by city maintenance for the new Hwy 10 and city Orono Lake loop trail.
Christmas Special Events
Santa in the Park is Saturday, December 4, 2 – 5 pm at Rivers Edge Commons Park. Tree lighting will
follow. It has been two years since Santa and Mrs. Claus have visited Elk River (It’s a new Santa this year
since the one from two years ago retired). The event includes a petting zoo, kids craft stations and a
goodie bag. The actual bags might not be big enough as we received a record number of donations from
local businesses.
On the same day, Dec. 4, the FT Center will host their first large event in the fieldhouse- Holiday Makers
Market from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the Elk River High School Boys will host their first home hockey
game.
Item: 9