8 PRSR 06-14-2023 Memorandum
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Manager
Date: June 14, 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.
Social Media Report
The Parks and Recreation Facebook page reached over 100,000 hits/views through social media. The May
report highlights the top three posts with the most people reached.
1. Woodland Trails Regional Park Water Feature (69,730)
2. Orono Park Splash Pad (32,796)
3. Farmers Market (12,159)
Athletic Facilities Master Plans
The Athletic Fields Study approved by the Commission in March was reviewed at the June 5 City Council Work
Session. Parks Commission Chair Dave Williams and staff presented the key findings and takeaways. A few key
findings discussed included the shortage of dedicated fields and that existing athletic fields are overused. The
project advisory committee includes city staff, Commissioners Dave Williams, Mike Brown and Ryan Holmgren.
Anticipated Project Timeline
June 2023 – HKGi presents the master plan draft to the project advisory committee.
July-September – HKGi and the project advisory committee refines the master plans.
October 2023 – HKGi presents the master plan to the Commission for consideration.
December 2023 – The Council considers the master plans as recommended by the Commission.
Lion John Weicht Park Disc Golf Course
The Lion John Weicht Park Disc Golf Course tee boxes will be built as parks maintenance staff time and
resources allow. Staff plans for completion in 2024. $22,000 from the park improvement fund will be used for
materials. Two holes were completed. City crews plan to complete more this year and finish next year to
complete the nine hole course.
Item: 8
Fireworks on Independence Day
Our Fireworks company, RES PRO, continues to shoot this year’s show on Independence Day. The fireworks
will be at the Oak Knoll Athletic Complex for the second consecutive year with a repeat of the same fireworks
display. RESS PRO is a premier vendor and provides fireworks displays for the Twins, Vikings, and Saints.
Farmers Market
The much-anticipated Farmers Market starts this Thursday, June 15th opening with City Council “Mingle at The
Market”. The Opening Day event includes the free giveaway of reusable bags with the artwork chosen by the
Park Commission. Only 500 bags will be given away (one per family), so you might want to arrive early to get
your own popular bag. The Market operates every Thursday until October 5th, opening at 3 pm. This year we
have 40 vendors with a wait list. This is an increase of three vendors from last year. The collaboration with the
Elk River Fire Foundation has made it possible to continue the Market’s popular token program.
2023 Riverfront Concert Series
The first concert of the series is on Thursday, June 15. The Bank of Elk River continues to sponsor this popular
event. The full band lineup is as follows:
@elkriverpr
Social Media | Official
Parks and Rec Accounts
100,746
people reached
436 2,568
949 242 +207
comments engagement
link clicks shares followers
Top 3 Posts with Most People Reached
Woodland Trails Water Feature
May 5, 2023 at 12:00 p.m.
Splash Pad is Open
May 16, 2023 at 3:44 p.m.
Farmers Market 2023 Vendors
May 23, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.
People Reached
Reactions
Comments
Shares
Total Engagement
Link Clicks
69,730
546
137
54
737
31
People Reached
Reactions
Comments
Shares
Total Engagement
Link Clicks
32,796
385
153
80
618
260
People Reached
Reactions
Comments
Shares
Total Engagement
Link Clicks
12,159
302
33
33
368
180
May 2023
1,890 total reactions