9.0 PRSR 08-10-2022 Memorandum
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director
Date: August 10, 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
We had a successful ribbon cutting/plaque dedication on a very hot day last Tuesday, August 2, 2022. The
Police Department Night to Unite event followed. The pavilion stone veneer and the pickleball court
fencing and surfacing work remains to be completed along with minor punch list items.
Splash pad and expanded beach users fill the parking lots on hot days. Unfortunately, the water pump
breakers trip sporadically, shutting it down and requiring maintenance to reset the system.
We have some spray head clogging issues, which requires daily maintenance, sometimes twice a day. The
wood chips around a splash pad was not a clever design idea. It has improved since we removed the
nozzle tips from the mist heads. We are currently collaborating with the vendor to get some type of a filter
screen on these lines to catch the smaller material prior to it reaching the spray heads.
Trott Brook Tennis Court
The Trott Brook tennis courts acrylic coating and striping was applied on Monday, August 1. Tennis
players were playing under the new LED lights later that day. The contractor will add a new acrylic
coating and striping to the park’s basketball court.
Rivers Edge Commons Park Dock
Installation was completed on Friday, July 29. It was popular during Elk RiverFest. Both anglers and
boaters are using it. We hope to have a dedication for the dock by the end of September.
WTRP Nature Play Area and Shelter Project
We have a follow up meeting scheduled with the general contractor. The general contractor and electrical
subcontractor are seeking a solution from the state electrical inspector.
Item: 9