10 PRSR 04-12-2023Fdver
Memorandum
Item: 9
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Michael Hecker, Recreation Manager
Date: April 12, 2023
Subject: Parks and Recreation Manager'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 Pickleball Courts
The wind screens and nets for the pickleball courts were installed today. The courts are ready for 2023.
MRPA Awards of Excellence
The MRPA Awards Committee informed us that we received two Awards of Excellence —1) the Orono Park
project and 2) Rivers Edge Commons Park Dock. The MRPA Awards Committee will present both awards to
the City Council later this summer.
Camp Cozy Park
The Friends of the Mississippi River (FMT) informed us we were awarded the Sherburne County grant that will
help us move forward in partnership with the FMR to write a Natural Resources Management Plan (NRMP) for
Camp Cozy. Once the NRMP is completed by the end of this year, we will be eligible to access state grant funds
for the restoration of Camp Cozy Park. The city's partnership obligations include staff reviews of the plan, public
input meetings and approval from the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Great Northern Trail MOU Revision
The original MOU was approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council in November 2020.
The primary objectives of the MOU were to develop a master plan for the 30 -mile GNT corridor and apply for
Regional Trail Designation through the MN Regional Parks & Trail Commission (GMRPTC). The original MOU
was for only one year. The GMRPTC requested an updated MOU that addresses longevity, implementation, and
maintenance. Details on the MOU process are attached in a memo from Sherburne County Parks Coordinator
Gina Hugo.
A draft of this updated MOU is attached and was reviewed by our City Attorney. We expect the updated MOU
will make us eligible for Legacy funding to extend the trail along its full extent to end in Milaca. The final MOU
draft will be presented to the City Council on May 1.
Parks and Recreation Program Guide
Programs registrations opened on Monday, April 3. The registrations have gone well with our new electronic
program guide and Civic Rec software. Registrations numbers have not been this good since pre -pandemic levels
in spring 2019.
SHERBURNE 13880 Business Center Drive NW I Ste. 100 1 Elk River, MN 55330 1763-765-3308
COUNTY
PARKS
RECREATION
MEMO
To: Elk River Park Commission
From: Gina Hugo, Parks Coordinator
CC: Michael Hecker, Director of Parks and Recreation, City of Elk River
Date: April 11, 2023
Re: Great Northern Trail Partnership Committee — MOU Revision
In early 2021, we formalized a partnership committee through a memorandum of understanding (MOU),
signed by Sherburne & Mille Lacs Counties and the Cities of Elk River, Zimmerman, and Princeton. The
primary objectives of the committee, codified in the MOU, were to develop a master plan and apply for
Regional Designation through the MN Regional Parks & Trails Commission (GMRPTC).
Over the past three years staff from each partner agency have worked together to develop a master
plan for the 30 -mile Great Northern Trail (GNT) corridor. This planning process included a robust public
engagement element that involved the entire spectrum of stakeholders from townships, youth, ATV and
snowmobile groups, active seniors, and adjacent landowners. The plan was approved and by the
respective Boards and Councils of all partner and stakeholder agencies. The plan is available online:
https://www.co.sherburne.mn.us/Facilities/Facility/Details/
Upon approval, we proceeded to apply for Regional Designation through the GMRPTC. Once Regionally
Designated, partner agencies will be eligible to apply for Legacy funding to extend the trail along its full
extent to end in Milaca.
Our application has been reviewed by the staff of the GMRPTC and was very well received! The GMRPC
has requested an updated MOU that addresses longevity or a renewal provision, defines participants,
and clarifies implementation strategy and maintenance. With an updated MOU, our application can
move forward to the full Commission for final consideration.
The staff from each partner agencies reviewed the original MOU and drafted a version that meets the
GMRPTC's standards. Attorney review is underway by each partner agency. We respectfully request
your continued support to further develop and manage the GNT through your recommendations to City
Council.
Kind Regards,
Gina M Hugo
The Sherburne County Parks Mission is to positively affect the community by providing outdoor recreational opportunities
while protecting and preserving the environment.
Great Northern Trail Partners MOU
Sherburne and Mille Lacs Counties, Cities of Elk River, Zimmerman and Princeton (collectively
known as "Parties") hereby enter into this Memorandum of Understanding:
The Parties agree to work together on the development and management of the Great Northern Trail
(GNT), consistent with the Great Northern Trail Master Plan in order to enhance recreational
opportunities for residents of the eastern Sherburne County and Mille Lacs County region. The Parties
will continue the GNT Committee previously established and consisting of staff representatives from
each of the Parties.
Through the Committee and the implementation of the MOU; the Parties will seek to define the roles
and responsibilities of each governing entity to include to include grant solicitation, refining trail corridor
to improve local connections, defining allowable trail uses and managing operations and maintenance.
The Parties understand that any decision-making lies with each respective Board or Council (collectively
referred to as "Boards") of the respective parties that have ownership of the trail corridor. The
Committee will:
1. Include key staff from the Parties to provide recommendations to be considered by their
respective Boards;
2. Include townships and cities that are bisected by the trail corridor in discussions and seek
feedback on decisions impacting their respective jurisdictions;
3. Schedule meetings as needed with regular communication through emails;
4. Work together to maximize grant opportunities for construction and maintenance of the trail
segments and trail heads as prioritized in the master plan;
5. Pursue grant funding according to the prioritization strategy set forth in the master plan, with
Sherburne County applying for funding to complete the south half of corridor first;
6. Allow for individual Parties to assume leadership on grant solicitations that apply to only their
respective segments of trail;
7. Allow for individual Parties to administer construction projects for their respective segment(s) of
trail independent of the other Parties;
8. Recommend to the Parties' respective boards a cost sharing model per project or a cost
allocation of professional services that benefit the entire trail;
9. Develop a GNT specific special event permitting process that is consistent along the entire
regional corridor;
10. Recommend to each Party, based on Party -specific circumstances, guidelines for Trail Closure(s)
(such as hunting season, etc.);
11. Establish minimum base trail conditions and establish a trail maintenance schedule to assist
Parties in coordinating such activities for maximum cost effectiveness;
12. Fund maintenance of their respective segments of trail independently of other Parties and;
13. Make recommendations on the acquisition of easements and fee title interest in real property
for each Party's Board consideration.
Party Responsibilities:
1. Each Party is responsible for maintaining the portion of the trail corridor in their ownership.
2. Each Party shall participate in the GNT Partnership Committee Meetings.
3. Each Party shall assume leadership for grant and construction administration for work on
portions of trail corridor in their ownership.
Each party agrees to designate a person(s) to work with the committee.
This memorandum of understanding will automatically renew annually, unless affirmative action is
taken by a Party wishing to opt out. A Party desiring to opt out must do so in writing with six (6) months
notice.
Sherburne County Mille Lacs County
By:
By:
Name:
Name:
Title:
Title:
Date:
Date:
City of Elk River
City of Zimmerman
By:
By:
Name:
Name:
Title:
Title:
Date: Date:
City of Princeton
By:
Name:
Title:
Date:
_ Parks and Recreation
Elk
River PROGRAM GUIDE
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EIkRiverMN.gov/ParksAndRec
As the school year winds down, we are looking forward to a summer filled
with new and exciting programs and events.
We will continue to offer favorite programs like youth baseball and soccer
leagues, tennis, skate camp, basketball, track and field, safety camp, and
Eager Elks. In addition, we have added new programs and camps such as
Wild about Nature, Playground Quest, Robotics, youth basketball league,
pickleball, floor hockey, disc golf, and more!
We look forward to seeing you this summer!
Elk River Paries and Recm thn Staff
. . . - Our new online registration system:
HOW TO CREATE AN ACCOUNT AND REGISTER FOR A PROGRAM/ACTIVITY
1. Select Log In/Create Account in the upper left comer, then select Create Your
Elk River Parks and Rec Account.
2. On mobile devices, select Account in the upper right comer and click Sign Up.
3. Fill out the required Information.
4. To receive tent alerts (i.e. class cancellations, facility closings), indicate your
mobile carrier next to your cell number.
S. To receive important notifications, opt -in to receive all communication types
(courtesy notifications, critical announcements, upcoming events).
6. Additional household members (spouse, children, etc,) may be adders at any
time in your Account Settings. Keep your entire household on one account
7 Browse our catalog for the program/activity you are interested in and select R.
a. Select the catalog tab ATI Activities or catalog tab associated with the type
of program/activity you would like to register for.
8. Once all the programs/activities have been added to your cart, click checkout to
finish your transaction.
a. A series of promptsiwalvers will follow that need to be answered
and signed.
b. Checkout process must be completed for successful registration.
Elk River Parks ,and Recreation
13055 Orono Parkway
Elk River, MN 55330
Recreation#ElkRiverMN.gov
763.635.1150
Playground [west
Ages 5-81 Mondays & Wednesdays 11:30-3:30 p.m.
Orono Park I June 12-28 $501 July 10-26 $50
Register online at ElkRiverMN.gov/Catalog
REGISTER FOR BOTH & GET A $24 DSWUNT
Horne to a new destination playground, beach, and
splashpad, Orono Park is a family friendly 28 -acre
park located on the west shore of Lake Orono.
In this all-new camp, come discover fun, games,
crafts, unique activities, and of course free -play with
your new friends at the park, playground and
splashpad! Program participants will be supervised
by enthusiastic, fun and trained staff.
Wild About Nature
Ages 5-81 Tuesdays & Thursdays 13:00-4:30 p.m.
Woodland Trails Regional Park
June 13-29 $501 July 13-27 $45
Register online at ElkRiverMN.gov/Catalog
REGISTER FOR BOTH +& GET A $20 DISCOUNT
Woodland Trails Regional Park is a 427 -acre park
with dense woods, prairies, and wetlands. Join us for
the Wild About Nature camp this summer! This camp
will be broken down into monthly sessions where
kids will be engaged and entertained with hands-on
activities, games, art projects, new friends, and more
all while learning about nature and the environment!
School of Fish
Ages 8+ (one adult is invited to attend with a child
at no additional charge) I Monday 16:00-8:30 p.m.
May 8 $551 Location TBD
Register online at ElkRiverMN.gov/Catalog
School of Fish is a 21/2 hour class taught by pro
angler and fishing TV host Mike Frisch. Participants
will learn about lakes, finding fish in those lakes, and
how to catch them. Participants will also learn how to
tie a fishing knot, rig, and use a slip -bobber setup.
Included with your registration are the following
items: rod and reel, School of Fish hat, tacklebox,
tackle, and full-color workbook. Graduates will leave
class with the knowledge, skills, and equipment to go
fishing!
Safety Camp
Grades 2-41 Tuesday 1800 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
July 11 $25 1 Elk River Fire Station #2
Register online at ElkRiverMN.gov/Catalog
Join the City of Elk River and ISD 728 Community
Education for a full day of fun and learning, Camp
includes lunch and two snacks. All campers will
receive a water bottle and bag of goodies from the
different presenting groups.
Robotics Camp
Grades 4.81 Monday -Tuesday 110:00 a.mA2:00 p.m.
August 7-8 $701 Location TBD
Register online at ElkRiverMN.gov/Catalog
We have partnered with NW Metro Robotics to
provide a fun, and all-new robotics camp! Students
will learn how to program LEGO SKIPE robots by
navigating different mazes and challenges with
robots. Students will practice STEM and problem
solving skills, while learning and using robots!
Sports Program Bundle
Ages 6-121 Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:30-2:30 p.m.
Floor Hockey I June 13-29 $401 FT Center
Disc Golf I July 13-17 $351 Lion John Weicht Park
Register online at ElkRiverMN.gov/Catalog
REGISTER FOR SMH S GET A $220 OMWUNT
Our all-new sport bundle this summer will feature
floor hockey in June and disc golf in July.
Participants separated by age group for a better
experience and more personalized fun.
'a �.�-int's Camp
Both sessions offered June 12-15 or July 31 -August 3
Ages 5-71 Monday -Thursday 19:00-10:00 a.m. $58
Ages 8-121 Monday -Thursday 110:00-11:30 a.m. $68
Elk River High School Tennis Courts
Register online at ElkRiverMN.gov/Catalog
Join Coach Del as he teaches kids the fundamentals
of the game of tennis. No previous experience
necessary! Instruction will progress players through
basic shot techniques to shot placement and basic
terminology. Bring your own equipment or use ours.
Track and Field Camp
Ages 8-131 Monday -Wednesday 16:00-7:30 p.m.
June 12-28 $501 Elk River High School Track
Register online at ElkRiverMN.gov/Catalog
Elk River Parks and Recreation is partnering with Elk
River High School coaches and athletes to provide a
camp to learn and compete in track and field events!
Events to be included are running the 50M to 800M,
hurdles, long jump, high jump, shot put, discus, and
4X100 relay. Registration includes a t -shirt.
*Wednesday track meet location and times will vary.
See full class description online for more information.
N"
Basketball
Ages 6-121 Monday -Thursday I YMCA Gym
July 31 -August 3111:00 a.m:12:00 p.m. $25
August 71012:30-3:30 p.m. $25
Register online at ElkRiverMN.gov/Catalog
REGISTER FOR BOTH 4 GET A $10 DISCOUNT
Jump into one of our most popular camps! Whether
your child wants more gym time from playing in our
youth summer basketball league, or just wants to brush
up on their skills, this camp is for them! It will give
participants a chance to learn to dribble, shoot and
pass just like their favorite stars!
Pickleball
Ages 8-121 Monday -Thursday I Orono Pickleball Courts
July 31 -August 319:30-10:30 a.m. $25
August 7-1014:00-5:00 p.m. $25
Register online at ElkRiverMN.gov/Catalog
Participants will love learning about the nation's
fastest-growing sport during this week long class.
Combining elements of tennis, badminton, and ping
pong, pickleball is easy to learn and fun to play! This
class will teach the basics of pickleball, and fun
drill/games by the end of the week. We will provide
paddles and balls, please bring a water bottle and wear
tennis shoes to each class.
Eager Elks
Ages 3-41 Mondays or Wednesdays 14:15-5:00 p.m.
June 12 -July 31 or June 14 -August 2 $45
Dave Anderson Athletic Complex
Register online at ElkRiverMN.gov/Catalog
A positive introductory experience to sports designed
for young children. Boys .and girls learn basic skills and
rules with low-key games that allow the children to
have fun, be active, socialize and learn sportmanship.
We use safe, soft, age-appropriate equipment so your
child can learn without fear of getting hurt Sports may
include basketball, floor hockey, soccer, t -ball, track
and field and more!
3rd Lair Skatecamp
Ages 6471 Monday Wednesday 19:0041:00 a.m.
July 31 -August 2 $1401 Orono Skatepark
_ Register online at ElkRiverMN.gov/Catalog
,* We are thrilled to partner with 3rd Lair Skatepark to
bring skate camps to the Elk River Skatepark! This
three-day camp will have both group instruction and
individual skill development 3rd Lair will provide a
skateboard and all safety equipment to those
participants who do not have their own gear.
*Make-up will be Thursday/Friday if necessary.
L VV, 3 vs 3 Basketball
Ages 10.121 Monday -Thursday 112:45-2:00 p.m.
July 31 -August 10 $251 YMCA Gym
Register online at ElkRiverMN.gov/Catalog
The objective of this program is to promote
sportsmanship and teamwork in a fun and positive
setting. Participants, both boys and girls, will register
as an individual and be placed on a different team
each day. Space is limited. Please bring a water
bottle and proper gym attire.
Youth Baseball League
Ages 3-4 or 5.61 Mondays & Wednesdays 15:30-6:75 p.m.
June 12 - July 19 $551 Dave Anderson Athletic Complex
Register online at ElkRiverMN.gov/Catalog
Grab your hat and glove and join us on the ball field
this summer! The Youth Baseball League is designed
for boys and girls 3-6 years old. This program
emphasizes fun, participation, and teamwork, while
still learning skills and trying fun drills. Bring your
glove and water bottle.
Youth Basketball League
Ages 5-71 Mondays & Wednesdays 17:00-7:45 p.m.
June 12 -July 19 $551 YMCA Gym
Register online at ElkRiverMN.gov/Catalog
This program emphasizes fun, participation, and
teamwork, while still learning skills and participating
in fun drills! Participants are guaranteed playing time.
Just ensure you are wearing tennis shoes and bring
a water bottle. Team t -shirts are included.
Youth Soccer League
Ages 5-61 Tuesdays & Thursdays 15:30-6:15 p.m. $55
Ages 7-81 Tuesdays & Thursdays 16:30-7:30 p.m. $59
June 13 -July 201 Oak Knoll Athletic Complex
Register online at ElkRiverMN.gov/Catalog
This program emphasizes fun, participation, and
teamwork, while still learning skills and participating
in fun drills! The program is in a relaxed atmosphere
perfect for sharpening skills and learning more about
the game of soccer. Bring a water bottle. Team
t -shirts are included.
Your Help is Needed
Our Youth Leagues are facilitated by parent -volunteer coaches, and we need your
help. No experience necessary! We have a practice and game plan all set for you each
night Rosters are kept small to ensure maximum participation. Anyone interested in
helping should indicate that on the registration. All coaches/volunteers will go through
a background check.
Pickleball
Age 18+ 1 Monday or Wednesday
9:30-11:00 a.m. or 6:00-7:30 p.m. I May 22 or 24 $15
Orono Pickleball Courts
Register online at ElkRiverMN.gov/Catalog
Participants will love leaming about the nation's
fastest-growing sport during this week long class.
Combining elements of tennis, badminton, and ping
pong, pickleball is easy to learn and fun to play! This
class will teach the basics of pickleball, and fun
drill/games by the end of the week. We will provide
paddles and balls, please bring a water bottle and wear
tennis shoes to each class.
Mens Summer softball
Age 18+ 1 Tuesdays I Games start at 6:25 P.M.
April 18 - July 181$950
Dave Anderson Athletic Complex
Register online at ElkRiverMN.gov/Catalog
Registration is first come - first serve. Games are
played at the Dave Anderson Athletic Complex
located near Orono Park. Fee includes: balls,
umpires, 11 weeks of play, two games per night, 22
league games, generally double headers, and staff
on-site. General League information online.
Elk RiverFest Mens softball
Tournament
Age 18+ 1 Saturday I July 291 Games start at 9:00 a.m.
$250/Team I Dave Anderson Athletic Complex
Register online at ElkRiverMN.gov/Catalog
Join us for the 1st Annual Elk RiverFest Softball
Tournament. 1st place wins $500, 2nd place wins
$250. Double elimination with a 3 game guarantee.
View the full details online at ElkRiverMN.gov/Catalog
3R0 LAIR
2023
sumMER SERIES
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Looking for some free fun this summer?
COMMUNITY EVENTS
DOG DAYS OF SUMMER
Second Tuc scj,-q of ,Itis Month
May -August 2023 6.30.7.30 p.rn.
C)rono Perk
Pring your pup to the dog park at Orono Park for some socialization
and exercise
ENTERTAINMENT IN THE PARK
Fvery ThL.JSCl,!y JUVit 15-AOiLJst 10. 2023 10.30 a.m.
Vvuodlc"alyd Trails Regional Pa,,k
JOHI tyre firlr-r thiS strn-,,mr=r! Each Thuf5da.y brings a nev., show (45 minutes) anc:
it's (+ (l tri all- Pica,,o tiring a ch,-* or ba ank t for Scating. Entertainment takE
prase near thie po,lilion.
RIVERFRONT CONCERT SERIES
ThurSdayS r4o Jiv,n _-AticList, 2.023 7-00 p.m.
Pry rs Edge Conirrcns Pcirk
Sponsored by Tne. of Elk. River, this wildly popular concert series is hosted
at River's Edge Commons Paris rn Downtown Elk kNer. Grab some dinner at one
of our local cesta-.iia its trier, stick around for tl'iE: fre=e show
ELK RIVER FARMERS MARKET
Thursdays - Jure it-Auq 31 trom 3 00-7.00 p.rn Sept 7 -Qct. 5 3.00-6:00 p m
Park Pia-Za on Main Eik Ritter
The Paimeis t&ark:et has live music as well as specicil guests and promotions
throughout the season.
POPSICLES WITH PUBLIC SAFETY IN THE PARKS
Wednesdays J 5 00-8 CIC P.m.
JLtne 21 at Orono Pcirk, juy 19 at 'tsott Brook Dark. August 16 at Lions John GNercht Park
Jin the Elle R>vef Po;ice and Five Department fof Popsicles �wtl; Put)frc Safely!
Kits %vill havE! tie opportilmity to Imeet K-9 C)alke. have a Child Sofa ID kit done.
explore the vehicles, and talk to the police and fire departments. Fiee popsicles
will be provided -
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