8.0 PRSR 12-13-2023 Memorandum
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Manager
Date: December 13, 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.
Trott Brook Farms Park playground
Staff continues to work with Flagship Recreation on playground concepts for Trott Brook Farms Park. The new
playground will fit into the container of the current playground. We plan to present three concepts to the
Commission at the January 14 meeting. The 2024 PIF has $125,000 to install this new playground.
Orono Park DNR Grant
We received the final payment from the DNR for the Orono Park Outdoor Recreation Area Grant. The total
grant is $250,000 which is applied toward the Active Elk River Orono Park project.
Athletic Facilities
Staff will meet with the Commission Project Group after the Commission meeting December 13 to review the
latest concepts for Oak Knoll (OKAC), Dave Anderson Athletic Complex (DAAC) and the Plants and Things
Recreation Complex (PT Complex). The new OKAC concept allows for additional parking and a safer primary
entry into OKAC. Finalized plans and cost estimates will be presented to the Commission and City Council in
early 2024.
Spectrum Ice Rink
The ice rink agreement between the City of Elk River and Spectrum is a three-year agreement approved in 2019
with an annual renewal following the initial three years. Staff had some concerns this past season about the
condition of the rink and considered not renewing the agreement. Fortunately, Spectrum did excavate and level
the rink to a flat grade ideal for flooding which staff approved of.
Item: 8