9.0 PRSR 07-13-2022 Memorandum
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director
Date: July 13, 2022
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.
Orono Park
Orono Park, including the beach and restrooms, were open for the Independence Day weekend. The
Minnesota Department of Health were scheduled to inspect the splash pad on July 8. The contractor had
to order missing parts for the volleyball nets. The stone veneer used for our wayfinding was discontinued
by the manufacturer and the pavilion contractor is working on a substitute. The concrete ribbon for the
pickleball courts is poured and failed parking lot curbing was replaced. We have opened the city website to
promote and reserve the three Orono Park shelters and new pavilion.
A ribbon cutting/plaque dedication is planned for Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at 5:30 pm. Park
Commissioners and City Council are encouraged to attend. We plan to have food trucks at the event. This
is the same night as the Police Departments Night to Unite event. The police are planning to host their
annual event in three parks – Orono, Lion John Weicht and Trott Brook.
Orono Park Pickleball Court
New Look removed the Orono Park pickleball court bituminous and concrete ribbon and regraded the
site. Bituminous replacement is expected within the next two weeks. The final bituminous lift needs 30
days to cure before the final acrylic and lines are installed.
Trott Brook Tennis Court
This project is nearly complete and as with the pickleball courts, we have a 30-day wait for the acrylic
coating and striping. We will not install the nets until the entire process is completed around August 1.
Item: 9
Unmanned aircraft in city parks
Michael spoke with the farmer of the Rice Lake Park agricultural field who continues to farm the land. As
per the Quit Claim Deed, the property shall be used for public park purposes only, upon the termination
of the lifetime right of Richard Thompson to use it for agricultural crop purposes. Based on the June
discussion with the Commission, YAC is not an option for drones. Michael was in contact with the
Northwest Radio Control Club President informing him that park sites are not an option currently. It was
recommended the Club pursue the county fairgrounds or private property.
Property for sale adjacent to Camp Cozy
At the May meeting, the Commission discussed the potential property for sale adjacent to Camp Cozy.
The Commission requested more information. As staff reviewed the property, it was discovered the
property is no longer for sale.
Country Crossings Basketball Court
The basketball court is complete and ready for play.
YAC
Based on the results of our turf test plots at YAC, we are preparing to reseed the areas killed off by the
herbicide. We have consulted with a seeding expert to formalize a reseeding and fertilizing plan that is
expected to maximize the regrowth. Our goal is to have the three fields looking green by August and fully
ready for use by the spring of 2023.
Rivers Edge Commons Park Dock
The tree removal was completed in late June to prepare for the dock installation. The dock installation will
begin on July 11, and it will be a 2–3-day process.
WTRP Nature Play Area and Shelter Project
Staff met with the state electrical inspector at Woodland Trails. This is an abject failure by Killmer
Electric. We will continue to push them for an expedient resolution while the inspector turns the case
over to state enforcement. Unfortunately, this means the water feature is inoperable and in violation of the
state-adopted electrical code. It will continue to be closed until further notice