10 PRSR 03-13-2024 Memorandum
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Manager
Date: March 13, 2024
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.
Rivers Edge Commons Park Stone Seating
The City Council directed staff at the September 5, 2023, Regular Meeting Work Session to research options to
address the deteriorating stone seating at Rivers Edge Commons Park. This park was constructed in 2007 and
expanded in 2017. About 40% of the stone seating has significant deterioration due to erosion.
HKGi President Paul Paige presented three options at the City Council meeting on March 4 (attached to this
report). The City Council preferred option two – the direction is for HKGi to get a total cost to replace all
seating stone, and not just the main seating, with concrete block and improved drainage.
Senior Activity Center
We are happy to report Natalie Anderson is back at work 20-hours per week at the senior center. After a two-
month absence she is glad to be back at work. Many of the seniors were glad to see her back. She will start full-
time on March 18.
Lion John Weicht Park Playground
We are expecting demolition and preparation of the playground at Lions Park to begin in early April. Weather
dependent, the equipment will arrive to be installed in mid-April. We will keep the Commission posted on a
grand opening date.
Public Art Update
The Beautification and Public Art Committee of the EDA received two proposals to place art on city property
through its recent solicitation process. They were reviewed and scored at the committee’s Feb. 20th meeting.
Proposal One focused on placement at the FT Center. Proposal Two focused on both a project at the FT Center
and adding artwork to trash receptacles in Orono Park. The committee selected the first proposal and will be
working with the FT Center on that project. Parks Commissioner Mike Niziolek attended the committee
meetings on behalf of the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Item: 10
Registrations Begins April 1 for Recreation Programs
Advertising for our summer programs begins this month with online registration beginning April 1. I will
provide the Commission with a sample of the program offerings using Civic Rec. Here is a link to review our
offerings via the City’s website. https://secure.rec1.com/MN/elk-river-parks-rec-mn/
Staff Retreat- City Core Values, Mission, and Vision
Parks and Recreation Staff are planning to be out of office on March 12 & 19 from 12:30 – 4:30 pm to discuss
how we can implement aspects of the city’s core values, mission and vision into our program, events, and
facilities.
Civic Plus
The City Council, Boards and Commissions will soon be receiving training to use CivicPlus®. It provides an
end-to-end solution that enables municipal clerks and city staff to easily manage agendas, minutes, and public
meetings, while providing the public with unparalleled transparency and access to the meeting process. This
means that the Commission packets will become paperless by May 2024. All commissioners will have the ability
to use their personal devices or city provided Chrome books to access the Commission agendas and reports.
“Play My Way” Playground Project
Dawn Larson, Sr. Administrative Assistant took the lead role in creating a community engagement project to
gather youth input on playground features, style, and overall design. The project is called “Play My Way” to help
create a sense of investment and ownership by Elk River Youth. The feedback gathered will help us choose the
best playground equipment to replace aging playgrounds as well as adding new ones to our growing community.
Staff will present more details about the project at the April 10 Commission meeting.