9.0 PRSR 05-10-2023 Memorandum
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Manager
Date: May 10, 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.
Park Restroom Buildings
There were a few broken pipes found during the seasonal opening of the Lion John Weicht Park restroom
building last week. Facilities staff worked late into the weekend to make the necessary repairs and make sure the
water quality was good. Their work paid off with the building opening on Monday. The Orono Park Restrooms
were open to the public on May 1.
The ERHS softball boosters have voiced concerns about the bathrooms not being open in time for the start of
their season in April and requested the building be open earlier going forward. This would require building
modifications to ensure earlier charging of the water system since the building is currently not insulated or
heated. We will evaluate options and continue discussions with the high school. This may come to a future City
Council Work Session for discussion and direction.
Custodian Contracts
City Council approved the custodial services contract for the park restrooms and city buildings. This is
specifically for the daily cleaning of the Elk River Library, and weekend cleanings of the Lion John Weicht Park
restrooms and servery, Trott Brook Barn, Youth Athletic Complex restrooms and Orono Park restrooms. The
city provides a full-time custodian for the daily cleaning of the park buildings during the week.
River’s Edge Commons Park Dock
Portions of the Rivers Edge Commons Park Dock decking were forced out of place last week during the height
of the Mississippi River crest. Parks maintenance picked them up to prevent them from floating away in the
current. The dock company is aware of it and will inspect the dock when the river fully recedes. The dock should
be installed within the next six weeks, depending on the water levels.
Item: 9
Athletic Fields and Tournaments
The athletic fields were ready for use by late April and were in decent shape as we headed into the Icebreaker
Tournament May 5-7. The Icebreaker Tournament is full at 70 teams using all our athletic complexes. The Swing
into Spring Softball Tournament is Mother’s Day weekend.
WTRP Nature Play Area Water Feature
Great News! The water feature was turned on May 3 and is fully operational. WSB and Odessa II completed the
demo and poured the concrete for the water feature at Woodland Trails Regional Park at the end of April. All
permits required for this project have been submitted.
Athletic Facilities Master Plan Project Schedule
The project schedule for the Athletic Facilities Master Plan (YAC, DAAC, OKAC) is attached to this report. The
first meeting for the project advisory group is Monday, June 19 at 2 p.m. at City Hall. A second meeting is
planned for Thursday, August 10. A draft will then be presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission at the
September 13 meeting. Recommendations will be presented to the City Council for approval on October 2,
2023.