Parks and Recreation Commission Packet 06-12-2024 (3)
Parks and Recreation Commission
Regular Meeting
&
Work Session
Agenda
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
6:30 PM
Elk River City Hall
▪ Regular meeting in Council Chambers
▪ Work Session meeting in Upper Town Conference Room immediately following regular meeting
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. CONSIDER AGENDA
4. CONSIDER MINUTES
4.1 Minutes
5. OPEN FORUM
An opportunity to provide comments and feedback regarding items not on the agenda. Information provided in Open Forum
will not be discussed at this meeting; rather, the information will be referred to staff and/or scheduled for discussion at a
future meeting.
6. ACTION ITEMS
6.1 Just for Kix Walkathon
6.2 Hillside Beginner's Trail
6.3 Park Dedication - Briggs Estates
6.4 Scout Island Park
7. DISCUSSION ITEMS
7.1 Disc Golf Course Open House Recap
8. ASSISTANT CITY ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE
9. ANNOUNCEMENTS
10. MOTION TO ADJOURN REGULAR MEETING
11. WORK SESSION – UPPER TOWN CONFERENCE ROOM
Work Sessions are less formal meetings to encourage dialog. Official action or votes are not typically taken. At the
conclusion of a discussion, a simple consensus provides staff direction for execution of the item. This portion of the agenda
is audio recorded but not video recorded or broadcast. Work Sessions are open to the public; however, visitors who wish
to provide input must be invited by the presiding officer, assume a seat at the discussion table and provide their full name
and address for the official record.
Page 1 of 27
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community
engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
11.1 Great Northern Trail Amenities Grant Opportunity
11.2 PT Complex Welcome Plaza
12. MOTION TO ADJOURN
Page 2 of 27
Meeting of the Elk River
Parks and Recreation Commission
Held at the Elk River City Hall
May 8, 2024
Members Present: Chair Dave Anderson, Commissioners Greg Loidolt, Mike Niziolek, Hal Stewart
Members Absent: Ryan Holmgren, Joy Goodwin, Jill Varty
Council Liaison: Councilmember Mike Beyer
Staff Present: Assistant City Administrator/Business Services Director Joe Stremcha, Senior
Administrative Assistant Dawn Larson
1. Call Meeting to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Parks and Recreation
Commission was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair Anderson.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Consider Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Loidolt and seconded by Commissioner Niziolek to approve the
May 8, 2024, agenda. Motion carried 4-0.
4. Consider Minutes
Moved by Commissioner Stewart and seconded by Commissioner Niziolek to approve the
April 10, 2024, Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes. Motion carried 4-0.
5. Open Forum
6 Presentations, Awards, and Recognition
7.1 Healing is Possible 5K
Jonna Phillips, 519 Old Hwy 35 S Hudson, Wisconsin, is the Executive Director of a nonprofit called
the Veteran Resilience Project. She is also a current serving military member. Mrs. Phillips shared that
the organization provides free trauma therapy called EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and
Reprocessing) to Minnesota Veterans, service members, and spouses. They have about 60 therapists
serving people around the state. They have a board member and a couple of therapists that live in the
Elk River area.
They are trying to get further out into rural areas, so they want to partner with different regions to do
outreach. This is their first 5k fundraising walk. They will follow the pre-established route that City of
Elk River staff provided that other 5ks have done such as the Thumbs Up 5k.
The Commission did not have any questions and agreed to allow the event to take place. Chair
Anderson asked her to come back and give an update after the event.
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Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Page 2
May 8, 2024
Moved by Commissioner Loidolt and seconded by Commissioner Niziolek to approve the
Healing is Possible 5K walk at Orono Park. Motion carried 4-0
8.1 Hillside Beginners Area Proposal
Derek Burchill, 14481 Iodine Street in Ramsey, is the MORC (Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists) trail
steward for Hillside Park. MORC would like to put in a beginner’s area at Hillside for younger and
inexperienced riders to gain experience and confidence to feel out mountain biking before getting out
on the trails in the woods.
Mr. Burchill shared that mountain biking can be intimidating if never done before. Beginner’s areas
are rare in Twin Cities areas so it would be nice to have one in the northern metro area. The area right
off the parking lot near the picnic table and bench is grassy and not very viable for parking or adding
onto an existing trail. Total trail mileage would be about a mile and the kids would be visible for the
entire loop allowing parents to watch from their car or a bench.
The trail design includes an outer loop that is easier and an inner loop that would progress to more
difficult. The trail would be built with volunteer labor and possibly some dirt and lumber from the
City of Elk River. Mr. Stremcha asked for clarification for the Commission on the parking lot
boundary and how the new trail would affect that. Mr. Churchill pointed out that the boulders along
the side of the parking lot would be the boundary.
Chair Anderson expressed that he would like to see a budget for the project. He said the
commissioners ideally plan things a year in advance. Mr. Stremcha said that a dollar amount could be
put together within the next month for the project and that Mr. Churchill is collaborating with staff
on the project.
Mr. Churchill said he would not need much from the city this year to get the initial trail in. Mr.
Stremcha explained that a new paved parking lot is included in the 2025 capital outlay plan. Chair
Anderson said he would like this trail plan laid over the parking lot plan for the next meeting.
The commission asked if Mr. Churchill believed the parking lot would need to be bigger. He said he
did not think so and that right now as just a dirt circle it is rarely full. Mr. Stremcha said he believes it
would be finished as a rectangle.
Mr. Churchill explained that he designed the trail to go around the kiosk. They discussed the trail
going further into the forest, but Mr. Churchill said moving the existing trail in the woods is not a
good option.
Chair Anderson asked if there is a current trail map. Mr. Churchill shared that the blue lined trail map
off Trailforks website is current but not the one on the kiosk. Mr. Stremcha said moving forward with
the trail now would be a suitable time to update the trail maps on everything.
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Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Page 3
May 8, 2024
Chair Anderson asked if the plan is to bring this forward to next month’s meeting as an action item
and if so, Chair Anderson would like to visit the site and see it staked out. Mr. Churchill explained
that he did have it painted out, but the rain washed it out, but he can get it marked out again.
He could design the course to just stay in the grassy area, but he would like to bring riders up into the
woods a bit. Chair Anderson asked when the new trail could get up and running. Mr. Churchill said
they could get it up and running with dirt work and rocks this year. If he could get a dump truck or
two of black dirt work that would help, and all the extra things could wait.
Mr. Stremcha referenced the Hillside Park master plan amenities and how they would fit into this
plan. Mr. Churchill said he had not seen the master plan before. Commissioner Niziolek said that it is
imperative that Mr. Churchill review the master plan before they move forward. Chair Anderson
questioned how the trail could hinder future development if it were built now.
Mr. Churchill will review the master plan so all these concerns can be addressed when it is presented
as an action item at the next meeting. Mr. Stremcha shared that the master plan is available via the
City of Elk River website and that there is just a wish list of amenities for the park based on user
input. The commission would like the master plan link sent to them to review before the next
meeting.
8.2 Sherburne County Collaboration: Great Northern Regional Trail
Gina Hugo, Sherburne County Parks Director, presented her report and slide show of the Great
Northern Regional Trail Partnership and legacy grant funding proposal.
Mrs. Hugo explained that the GNT is a recreational resource shared between five agencies. The GNT
corridor affects many stakeholders over a span of 30 miles from Elk River to Milaca. During the first
year of the partnership, in 2020, a Memorandum of Understanding between an initial four agencies
was set up to create the framework for the future. In 2023 the MOU was updated, and a master plan
has been created. Now, in 2024 the focus is on the legacy grant proposal.
Mrs. Hugo explained that the current trail head begins in Elk River at County Rd 1. Commissioner
Niziolek suggested shifting this spot to the access coming out of Meadowvale Rd. where most trail
users park and hop onto the trail from there. Mrs. Hugo explained that there would be additional
public engagement to gather input on these types of things. Chair Anderson suggested including the
school district with the public engagement piece as well. Chair Anderson said that feature three would
have concerns for ski trail groomers in the winter to have space to turn around and make that loop.
Commissioner Niziolek pointed out there could be issues with power lines in that area as far as the
structures are concerned and they may have to go further north or south.
Features three and four in Mrs. Hugos presentation would include limiter gates which would serve the
importance of creating physical barriers to make cyclists to slow down before approaching roads and
to keep motorized vehicles off the trail. Commissioner Niziolek asked about the proximity of the road
to the limiter gates. Mrs. Hugo was not sure of the distance yet but that would be determined further
into the design process. Commissioner Niziolek shared concerns about the grade separation between
the trail and the road. Mrs. Hugo said that concern could be addressed.
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Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Page 4
May 8, 2024
Mrs. Hugo shared that feature five is an interpretive sign about the landfill and the last feature within
the City of Elk River boundaries. Its purpose is to inform users about the landfill as they ride past it.
Mrs. Hugo reiterated the design process and public engagement will cover details as the project moves
on and this is just a proposal. Mrs. Hugo then reviewed the portions of the trail that go into other
cities and reviewed the City of Elk River’s cost participation of features one through five. Payment
would be paid to Sherburne County and occur at the end of construction in 2027.
Mrs. Hugo explained that the purpose for the presentation tonight is for the commission to consider
the information and to provide a resolution of support for the grant proposal. Chair Anderson
suggested that this item should come back as an action item for the June Parks and Recreation
Commission meeting.
Mr. Stremcha asked if the trail head signage is the priority or if other shade structures such as one at
Watson Street are more of a priority. Mr. Stremcha questioned if it is more beneficial to have different
features than those already proposed and to examine the priorities for project funding. Chair
Anderson asked how the timeline for the resolution and grants would be affected if the plan were
changed and if the monetary amounts would change. Mrs. Hugo confirmed that any changes would
affect the monetary amounts but that there is still time for changes to meet the grant deadline at the
end of July.
Commissioner Niziolek suggested there should be a mini work session to consider things the
commission could do to enhance this proposal. Councilmember Beyer agreed that they have the June
and July meetings yet to meet the grant deadline and they should also include the two commissioners
that are missing tonight in making these decisions.
Mrs. Hugo confirmed that if they had a work session in June costs could be estimated by July 31st but
the latest they could create a resolution of support would be at the July meeting. Commissioner
Niziolek asked if during the application of the grant they are bound to any rules and regulations. Mrs.
Hugo said not compared to how it is used now. Commissioner Niziolek is concerned about E-bike
usage and/or when the GNT is closed during Nordic skiing and the possibility that the Park Stewards
would be forced to plow the trail preventing skiers. Mrs. Hugo said she can check on that. Mrs. Hugo
said if the Commission can put together a list of their questions, she can ask the grant coordinator
about this.
Chair Anderson expressed that he would like Mrs. Hugo to participate in the June work session. Mr.
Stremcha asked Chair Anderson if there should be an agenda for the work session or if it should be a
blank slate. Chair Anderson confirmed to keep the agenda a blank slate. Mrs. Hugo said she believed
she would be able to attend.
Commissioner Niziolek asked about the landfill and if the City of Elk River has the potential for
future ownership. Mr. Stremcha said that landfill could extend into Livonia township or close entirely
and if it closes the city gains ownership.
8.3 Scout Island - Scout Service Project
Mr. Stremcha presented his report and slideshow. Commissioner Niziolek said it would be difficult to
create a crossing to the peninsula. Mr. Stremcha clarified that the DNR will not allow the current
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Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Page 5
May 8, 2024
feature to be improved or moved. If a trail is created on either side of the water, the DNR sees it as
encouraging the public to attempt an unsafe access to the island.
Commissioner Niziolek said that the island is very cool and that a significant effort should be made to
make a way to get to the island. Mr. Stremcha said that the only option would be to pivot and create a
path and bench on the same side and not cross over to the island. He clarified that as the situation
stands right now, the answer is no to the project proposal. Chair Anderson said he has no idea when
the culverts were put there. Commissioner Niziolek is asked if there is signage identifying the park
boundary. Chair Anderson said he already has the signs for the park land boundaries, and they could
go up at any time.
Chair Anderson said that this agenda discussion highlights the importance of this vetting process as
frustrating as it may be. This project may need to be saved for another scout and Chair Anderson will
have to produce a new project for the scout that was part of this proposal. It was clarified that no
action is needed tonight, the item was just a discussion.
9. Division Manager Updates
9.1 Assistant City Administrator Update -May 8, 2024
Mr. Stremcha presented his report.
10. Announcements
11. Adjourn Regular Meeting
Moved by Commissioner Loidolt and seconded by Commissioner Niziolek to adjourn the
regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission at 7:45 p.m. Motion carried 4-0.
12. Work Session
The work session meeting of the Elk River Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at
7:54pm by Chair Anderson.
12.1 Athletic Facilities Master Plan
The Commission reviewed the existing version of the potential athletic facilities master plan. Mr.
Stremcha shared changes that had already been discussed at the previous meeting. Some of these
changes included different viewing options such as berms at the PT Complex and the redesign of Oak
Knoll with more of a pinwheel concept with parking on the outside. Mr. Stremcha explained that this
meeting was to gather any additional change requests to send to HKGi before they create the final
version.
Commissioner Niziolek says that he sees the trend drifting away from neighborhood fields vs.
regional complexes. Mr. Stremcha explained this is happening similarly with park/playground
locations and park amenities as well. Commissioner Niziolek said he does not think it is for the same
reasons and that regional playgrounds are becoming popular due to lower usage in neighborhood
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Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Page 6
May 8, 2024
ones but not the same with complexes. He shared that he thinks the athletic complexes are not
providing the neighborhood feeling and usage and driving economy when they are so far out.
Commissioner Loidolt said that satellite fields like Oak Knoll were hard to staff when he used to
schedule them. He thinks that fields are better when they are regionalized because they are compact
with everything needed in one place and kids of different ages can all play together.
Mr. Stremcha shared that the Blaine complex location experienced buildup around the location due to
the usage. He shared that in our case the HWY 10 corridor just needs to be built up in general and
that would support users of the PT Complex. Mr. Stremcha appreciates the work that HKGi has done
so far, and it is time to move forward with a plan. He pointed out that the master plan is a
conceptional plan to be used as a guide, creating a framework focusing on priorities until it is built and
budgeted for, nothing is set in stone. Changes could be made as each phase is done if necessary.
Commissioner Niziolek asked how the school district figures into the plan regarding Oak Knoll. Mr.
Stremcha shared that the plan is for the Tech Center and Ivan Sands school to be demolished by
2026. The school district is already on board with this plan. The current phasing set up in the athletic
fields master plan fits all the needs of each current complex, any interested parties and project plans.
Commissioner Niziolek asked if the compost site by Public Works will remain in the same location.
He shared concerns about the smell that he feels should be addressed. Mr. Stremcha confirmed that
the compost site will remain in the same location.
Commissioner Loidolt asked about creating screening or a sound block of some kind along the train
tracks. Commissioner Niziolek suggested that they collaborate with the school district to start planting
trees along the train tracks as soon as possible so they have time to start growing.
Chair Anderson said that for 50 million dollars we would be better off starting with a new piece of
land and starting from scratch. Chair Anderson shared concerns about how close the fields are to each
other at Oak knoll already and that it is being redesigned to be put back together just as tight. Chair
Anderson shared concerns that for 50 million dollars if the goal is to build better quality, the fields are
still spread out and all the amenities appear jammed together.
Chair Anderson mentioned that there was some discussion in the past about adding a miracle field,
but they decided not to do it. He questioned if that is something the commission would be interested
in doing now. Mr. Stremcha said he does not think it hurts to include it even if it moves the timeline
out since all the projects would be subject to funding anyway. This project would be funded by bonds
and potentially a local option sales tax.
Commissioner Niziolek mentioned that the two ball fields at Lion John Weicht Park would still be
sitting in the middle of nowhere while the other fields are all out everywhere else.
Commissioner Niziolek asked why the City of Elk River cannot create a mini version of the City of
Blaine complex. He shared that the gravel pits could create a larger landscape to work with if it were
possible to take those over.
Commissioner Loidolt said that the design for the fields in Oak Knoll is very comparable to the
current pinwheel at PT Complex. He also shared that flying balls come flying from all directions and
the only way to prevent getting hit is to raise the fences higher.
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Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Page 7
May 8, 2024
Commissioner Niziolek asked about the potential for using the space the compost site is on at Oak
Knoll. Mr. Stremcha said it would also be just as easy to acquire the houses along Proctor for more
room. He reiterated that these concepts are a moving target.
Commissioner Stewart asked if this proposal could be redone, and Mr. Stremcha explained that we are
maxed out on the budget for this project. Chair Anderson shared that he feels the plan should start
over with the current commissioners partially because no one that was on the original subcommittee
for the project is still on the board.
Commissioner Niziolek pointed out that what youth are doing in 10 years could change. Mr. Stremcha
said that is why the project is phased out. Things can be changed as the project moves forward. Mr.
Stremcha said it is good to have a concept, but we still need to fund all of this, and that could take 20
years.
Commissioner Niziolek asked if staff had the trending numbers for field projection. Mr. Stremcha
confirmed that about a year ago HKGi presented the trending numbers and that trends can continue
to change all the way up until the buildout of each phase.
Chair Anderson asked about seating at the PT Complex. Mr. Stremcha reminded the commission that
at the last meeting it was brought up to add berms around the fields for viewing. Chair Anderson
asked why they would not want to add bleachers. Mr. Stremcha said the idea was to create a blanketed
feel and less cost and that we could leave space for bleachers. Mr. Stremcha said another option
would be to berm one side and put bleachers on the other. Also, if the intention is to have yard chairs,
then it would be best not to have berms.
Chair Anderson said that he would feel more comfortable with a “conceptional plan” vs. a master
plan. Mr. Stremcha reiterated that at the end of the day the commission can change things in a master
plan all the way up until the time amenities and features are built out. A master plan or concept plan is
what staff, professional consultants and the commission have planned out, but those items can change
as projects come up in the timeline.
Commissioner Niziolek asked if there was a budget plan for the athletic fields master plan. Mr.
Stremcha confirmed that funding would come from bonding and park dedication cash for the
beginning in 2026. Chair Anderson asked about dimensions on the fields due to concerns about
seating and space for kids to walk in between the fields.
Commissioner Loidolt pointed out that currently the city does not have additional land anywhere to
dedicate as a blank slate for fields and the youth in this community new updated fields now.
He believes that the commission should act now and pivot if the city comes across more land later.
Chair Anderson said that he wants to look at other options for land and not just jam stuff into the
field areas that currently exist.
Commissioner Loidolt asked Mr. Stremcha if HKGi could give the Commission the scale of
measurements for the distance between fields. Chair Anderson would then like to go over the
concepts with all seven commissioners.
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Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Page 8
May 8, 2024
Chair Anderson would like to see the version of Oak Knoll and potentially vote on this in July. Chair
Anderson asked if Warren Ellingworth, the Parks and Recreation Sports Coordinator, could be to at
the next work session for the Athletic Facilities Master Plan discussion. Chair Anderson would also
like the HKGi dimensions for the concepts and then commissioners would walk it out before the
meeting. Commissioner Niziolek said he thinks that there should be two separate work sessions for
this project.
11. Adjournment
There being no further business, moved by Commissioner Loidolt and seconded by
Commissioner Stewart to adjourn the Parks and Recreation Commission work session at 9:04
p.m. Motion carried 4-0.
Minutes prepared by Dawn Larson.
___________________
Dave Anderson, Chair
___________________
Tina Allard, City Clerk
Page 10 of 27
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community
engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
Request for Action
To
Parks and Recreation Commission
Item Number
6.1
Meeting Date
June 12, 2024
Prepared By
Karen Wingard, Farmer's Market/Event Coordinator
Item Description
Just for Kix Walkathon
Reviewed by:
Joe Stremcha
Cal Portner
Action Requested
Approve, by motion the Just for Kix Walkathon at Woodland Trails Regional Park on Saturday, July 13,
2024.
Background/Discussion
Karissa Leistico, Just for Kix Representative, will present her proposal to hold the Just for Kix Walkathon at
Woodland Trails Regional Park on Saturday, July 13, 2024.
Financial Impact
None.
Mission/Policy/Goal
Work with citizens to achieve goals.
Attachments
1. Elk River - Just For Kix
Page 11 of 27
Just For Kix - Elk River FUNDRAISERPage 12 of 27
What our
dancers will
get to
experience:
Page 13 of 27
Thank you for your time and consideration!
Page 14 of 27
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community
engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
Request for Action
To
Parks and Recreation Commission
Item Number
6.2
Meeting Date
June 12, 2024
Prepared By
Karen Wingard, Farmer's Market/Event Coordinator
Item Description
Hillside Beginner's Trail
Reviewed by:
Joe Stremcha
Cal Portner
Action Requested
Approve, by motion, the Hillside Beginner's Trail construction.
Background/Discussion
Hillside Park Steward and MORC member Derek Burchill, will present final design plans for the construction
of the Beginner's Trail at Hillside Park.
Financial Impact
Project costs will be presented at the meeting.
Mission/Policy/Goal
Work with citizens to achieve goals
Attachments
1. Hillside Beginner Map Overlay
Page 15 of 27
Page 16 of 27
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community
engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
Request for Action
To
Parks and Recreation Commission
Item Number
6.3
Meeting Date
June 12, 2024
Prepared By
Joe Stremcha, Business Services Director/Assistant
City Administrator
Item Description
Park Dedication - Briggs Estates
Reviewed by:
Joe Stremcha
Cal Portner
Action Requested
Recommend, by motion, a Park Dedication Fee for Briggs Estates to be paid in cash, at the applicable rate for
the final platted acres, at the time of recording.
Background/Discussion
The property is zoned as a Focused Area Study - Subzone D (FAST) with a minimum lot size of 11,000 square
feet. The applicant is requesting a simple plat to subdivide their 6.8-acre property into two parcels (Briggs
Estates). Lot one will be approximately 6.00 acres in size and Lot two, which contains the house, will be
approximately 1.25 acres, with the remainder as right-of-way. Access to the site will be from 175th Avenue.
Financial Impact
None.
Mission/Policy/Goal
Opportunity to live, work, and play.
Attachments
1. Master Trail Plan
2. P 24-05 Location Map
3. Plat
Page 17 of 27
Page 18 of 27
Page 19 of 27
Lot 1Block 1175th Avenue NWLot 2Δ
ΔSherburne County, MNVICINITY MAPSec. 2, Twp. 32, Rng. 262SITEPage 20 of 27
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community
engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
Request for Action
To
Parks and Recreation Commission
Item Number
6.4
Meeting Date
June 12, 2024
Prepared By
Joe Stremcha, Business Services Director/Assistant
City Administrator
Item Description
Scout Island Park
Reviewed by:
Joe Stremcha
Cal Portner
Action Requested
Approve, by motion, a recommendation to the City Council that parcel: 75-00132-2125 be recognized as an
open space/undeveloped park and named "Scout Island Park."
Background/Discussion
This parcel is owned by the city and the land was acquired through various quitclaim deeds and conveyance of
forfeited lands in 1945, 1963, and 1988. This property has a long-standing history of utilization as undeveloped
parkland by the Scouts. The Scouts are interested in developing this area as a service project in the future.
Their future project may include the following:
• Construction of a new access path (shown in red on the attachment).
• Clean up the historical trail (shown in blue) by removing debris.
• Install boundary signs along the common boundary with parcel 75-00934-0125.
• Installing a rustic sign “Scout Island” (near the south of the blue line).
• A rustic picnic table will be built near the northern end of the peninsula (near the north end of the
blue line).
• Improve access to the island by removing (or mitigating to DNR standards) the existing concrete
culverts and replacing them with a dock or bridge crossing through grant funding opportunities.
The new access trail may be a rustic path involving the removal of buckthorn. No dirt work or seeding is
included in the concept. The trail is necessary because of the adjacent land redevelopment and acquiring a
new access easement for access.
Financial Impact
None.
Mission/Policy/Goal
Explain how this meets the city's mission, current policies and/or council goals
Page 21 of 27
Attachments
1. Scout Island
Page 22 of 27
Page 23 of 27
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community
engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
Request for Action
To
Parks and Recreation Commission
Item Number
7.1
Meeting Date
June 12, 2024
Prepared By
Joe Stremcha, Business Services Director/Assistant
City Administrator
Item Description
Disc Golf Course Open House Recap
Reviewed by:
Joe Stremcha
Cal Portner
Action Requested
Discuss the disc golf open house key takeaways and provide staff with direction based on user group
feedback.
Background/Discussion
Staff facilitated a community open house to solicit feedback from user groups. Key takeaways from the open
house were categorized within the following themes:
• Current Site Concerns
• Desired Topography/Locations
• User Needs/Amenities
• Size/Scope
• Course References
• Other
A summary of the key takeaways is included in the packet.
Financial Impact
None
Mission/Policy/Goal
Work with citizens to achieve goals
Attachments
1. Disc Golf Open House - Key Takeaways (April 10, 2024)
Page 24 of 27
Disc Golf Open House
Key Takeaways – April 10, 2024
Attendees: Russ Langer, David Anderson, Tony McCauley, Larry Collins, Hal Stewart, Zach
Ruprecht, Katie Ellsworth, Mike Niziolek, Tim Schreder, and Joe Stremcha.
Current Site Concerns
▪Cement Tee boxes and baskets are in
poor condition and sinking
▪Stinging nettles and wet/bog
landscape
▪Lack of Signage
▪Too small and overlapping holes
▪Course is too beginner friendly
▪Afterthought location based on
landscape, park focus
Desired Topography/Locations
▪Size for 18 independent holes
▪Topography changes/variety
o Water/creeks
o Forest
o Open fields
▪Quiet and secluded in the county vibe
User Needs/Amenities
▪Quality signage
o QR code with map
o Course Rules
o Hole layout/Par length
▪Benches every 3-4 holes
▪Park exterior walking trails (grass or
paved)
▪Porta potty restrooms
▪Pet waste stations
▪20 stall parking
o 100 yards or less from
start/end
o Gravel acceptable, pave if
possible
Size/Scope
▪Mix of difficulties
o Some beginners 4-5
o Most Intermediate 9-10
o Some Experienced 4-5
▪Dual tee pads, long/short
(men’s/women’s)
▪18 independent holes
▪Varying hole lengths
Course References
▪*#1* Montissippi (Monticello)
▪White Bear Lake
▪Becker
▪Barsness (Glenwood)
▪Breezy Point
▪Plymouth Creek Woods
▪Kit Carsen Park
▪Coon Rapids
Other
▪Planned maintenance/volunteer
course cleanups
▪Potential large or undeveloped parks
o #18 – Ridgewood East Park
o #27 – Birch Meadow Park
o #28 – Burr Oak Park
o #29 – Camp Cozy
o #31 – Harris Island Park
o #38 – Sedge Meadow Park
▪Organized leagues/programing
events.
▪Practice hole
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The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community
engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
Request for Action
To
Parks and Recreation Commission
Item Number
11.1
Meeting Date
June 12, 2024
Prepared By
Joe Stremcha, Business Services Director/Assistant
City Administrator
Item Description
Great Northern Trail Amenities Grant Opportunity
Reviewed by:
Joe Stremcha
Cal Portner
Action Requested
Discuss a variety of Great Northern Trail amenities to be included in a grant application.
Background/Discussion
Sherburne County Parks Director Gina Hugo presented background information on the Great Northern
Regional Trail and the status of the 2024 GMRPTC Legacy Grant application. Staff will have an "ala carte" list
of opportunities to discuss which are priorities for inclusion within the grant opportunity. The grant
application will then be presented as an action item in July.
Financial Impact
If awarded for the grant, CIP funding in 2027 will be necessary based on the projects identified.
Mission/Policy/Goal
Help, not hinder citizen quality of life
Attachments
None
Page 26 of 27
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community
engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
Request for Action
To
Parks and Recreation Commission
Item Number
11.2
Meeting Date
June 12, 2024
Prepared By
Joe Stremcha, Business Services Director/Assistant
City Administrator
Item Description
PT Complex Welcome Plaza
Reviewed by:
Joe Stremcha
Cal Portner
Action Requested
Discuss concepts and features to be included in the Plants and Things Recreation Complex (PT Complex)
Welcome Plaza.
Background/Discussion
Plants and Things, USA has a naming rights sponsorship for the recreation complex formerly known as YAC.
The sponsorship agreement (valued at $350,000 over 10-years) includes timely development of a welcome
plaza and improved safety features located at the South Entrance of the pinwheel.
Financial Impact
To be determined based on features and amenities included in the plans.
Mission/Policy/Goal
Responsible for every dollar - good stewards.
Attachments
None
Page 27 of 27