Parks and Recreation Commission Staff Report (June 12, 2024) - Copy Memorandum
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Joe Stremcha, Business Services Director/Assistant City Administrator
Date: June 12, 2024
Subject: Parks and Recreation Staff Report
This report is a monthly highlight of department activities related to recent collaborations, strategic planning,
staff changes/developments, and park operations.
Park and Recreation Manager Vacancy
Three finalists will be interviewed for the position on Thursday, June 13. City Council will act on staff’s
recommendation for hire on Monday, June 17.
Summer Staff Training and Programs
Summer staff training was completed on Saturday, June 1. We have 13 amazing team members to work at all our
upcoming summer programs, camps, and events! Summer programs, camps, and events began on Monday, June
10. We have a busy summer ahead of us and look forward to welcoming all participants each day!
Farmers Market
Farmers Market is set to open on Thursday, June 13th. It will be amazing as our list of quality vendors continues
to grow as well as the awesome community support. We are fortunate to have all the returning staff for the
market table that provide great friendly customer service and represent the market well.
Senior Center
Currently we have 536 members. We had a great turn out at our concert on Friday, May 31 with several positive
comments from the members. Our next big event is a Wildlife Show on Monday, June 17. Sustainable Safari will
bring several different animals and give a detailed natural history for each animal. Staff partnered with the Rum
River Art Center and obtained a grant to support offering a free acryclic painting class (4-week long course).
Summer Concert Series – Indoor Backup Site
The Furniture and Things Community Event Center’s Cornerstone arena will host concerts this summer in the
event of inclement weather. The venue has a functional 31 x 25 ft. portable ice deck surface. The ice deck allows
bands to perform on the ice surface while spectators sit in the Cornerstone arena stands. Utilizing the stands for
seating eliminates the need for patrons to bring their own chairs. This quick-change capability can be completely
installed for an event in about one-hour and is placed over the existing ice sheet at center ice. Envision a “Disney
on Ice” experience should the event be moved indoors.
Item: 8
PT Complex
Pedestrian gates will be installed the week of June 10 (weather permitting) on the East/West Entrances to the
complex. This will improve accessibility, safety, and an overall better fan experience.
Lynx Solar Picnic Table in Orono Park
On Wednesday, May 22, the city recognized Eagle Scout Candidate Brycen Jones for his dedication, research,
and assistance with helping to obtain and install the Lynx Solar Picnic Table in Orono Park.