PRM 09/08/2020
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Fridley Municipal Center
7071 University Ave NE, Fridley MN 55432
MINUTES
September 8, 2020
1. CALL TO ORDER
Vice Chair Larson called the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to order at
7:00 p.m.
Members Present: Shanna Larson, David Kondrick, EB Graham and Peter Borman
Members Absent: Mike Heintz and Ryan Gerhard
Others Present: Mike Maher, Springbrook Nature Center Director provided the staff
reports. Staff Liaison, Deborah Dahl, Director of Community Services and Employee
Resources was absent.
2. APPROVE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA FOR SEPTEMBER 8,
2020
MOTION by David Kondrick to APPROVE the September 8, 2020 meeting agenda.
SECONDED by Vice Chair Larson. The MOTION PASSED unanimously.
3. APPROVE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FOR AUGUST 3, 2020
MOTION by Mr. Kondrick to APPROVE the August 3, 2020 meeting minutes.
SECONDED by EB Graham. The MOTION PASSED unanimously.
4. NEW BUSINESS/ACTION ITEMS:
a. Summer Recap
Summer program enrollment was down due to COVID-19. A detailed report will be
emailed to commissioners after tonight’s meeting. Vice Chair Larson asked if due
to low enrollments if funds would be available to offer a summer program next year.
Mr. Maher replied that the largest programs that were cancelled were the SNC
summer camps and Summer Rocks programs. A number of smaller programs were
offered and for groups between 8-10 at a time, with some expanded up to 25.
Unfortunately, these programs didn’t create much revenue.
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b. Staff Survey on Field Use
Mr. Maher reported that staff went out to a Commons and Moore Lake Parks to do an
informal survey to document how many people were using the fields and courts and
to record the kinds of activities going on in the park. It appeared there were not a lot
of organized groups using the fields and space, rather mostly friends or informal
gatherings. Information will be attached to the minutes for review.
Commissioner Kondrick asked if the lights would be turned on sooner now that the
days are getting shorter. Mr. Maher wasn’t not familiar with the lighting control
systems. At the nature center the lights are automated.
c. Food Truck Licenses/Permits
Mr. Maher reported that the Community Development staff will be working on a policy
for food trucks, similar to the licenses and permits used for peddlers and tree trimming
vendors. Before it is finalized it will come back to the commission to provide an update
and review.
d. Locke Park Playground Update
Construction is slated to start soon on the Locke Park Playground, which is located on
the east side of the Civic Campus development in Locke Park. The commission will be
updated when it’s completed with a kick-off event to be held in the spring, once
construction, landscaping and paving is completed. A neighborhood meeting was held
earlier this summer and staff gathered feedback from about 30 community residents
who helped select a few of the features.
e. Parks Master Plan Update
A comprehensive update was provided the last meeting. Jeff Jensen is taking the lead
on reaching out to potential design consulting firms that would be able to advise and
assist throughout the plan development and offer funding options. They will also
finalize design plans, costs, and develop an effective community engagement process.
A formal interview process will take place in September. Staff will continue to update
the Commission as the plan progresses.
f. Anoka County Parks JPA Update
Staff are hoping to hold a joint meeting with Anoka County park maintenance staff in
October or November to address concerns and needs with a goal of updating the Joint
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Powers Agreement. Staff will also provide an update to Anoka County on the City’s
parks master plan to inform them of the vision and any possible impact to the County
parks. Staff will continue to keep the commission updated.
g. Pumpkin Nite In the Park Alternative Event
Staff had decided that due to public safety concerns with COVID-19, Pumpkin Nite in
the Park will not be held this year. As an alternative, staff are preparing an activity
called Pumpkin Pursuit in the Park, similar to a virtual scavenger hunt through a mobile
app. The app is called Goose Chase and people can register a team to participate. The
teams can work throughout the park system to participate in activities like taking a
photo of a sign to get points for an activity in the parks. The activities include a full
range of different challenges, trivia and other items as well. The event will occur over
3-4 days in mid-October and will have a Halloween/fall theme. Participants will be
encouraged to dress up in costume and to visit 7-8 other parks beyond Springbrook,
with a potential of choosing from hundreds of challenges or activities to do at the
parks. The event will be announced September 15 and there is a $25 fee to enroll and
prizes will be awarded for the top three teams.
h. Pavilion Project Recognition and Opening
Mr. Maher provided an update on the pavilion project. He stated a few small details
are still left to complete, but the building is pretty much ready and has already been
in use for Outdoor Adventures and recreation classes. The pavilion was available to
st
rent as of September 1 and 6-7 rentals have occurred in the last two weeks. Due to
COVID restrictions, the indoor gatherings are limited to 10 people inside and 25
outside. A grand opening event was initially planned, however, due to the pandemic,
it was decided to focus on an individualized donor recognition. Staff sent out a thank
you package with a plaque or, certificate as well as a credit for free rental of the space
and an invite to come out at their convenience for a tour.
i. Recreation Event Vehicle
Mr. Maher discussed the fire department rescue vehicle that was repurposed and
retrofitted to accommodate recreation equipment and supplies, it was re-painted, and
equipped with sound equipment. It has new graphics that will help it stand out and
will be used to create a focal point or backdrop for Recreation events as well as other
city events.
5. STAFF REPORTS
a. Springbrook Nature Center Update
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Mr. Maher reported that programs have been modified for COVID and the indoor
building capacity is limited to 20 or fewer. He mentioned that the new process is
working well so far.
He reported the popular Pollywogs program has started up and some changes were
made requiring pre-registration, in order to not exceed the gathering capacity. Three
Friday Night by Firelight Programs are scheduled this fall and will be held at the
pavilion and lawn area for groups up to five people.
Seven new members have been added on the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation
Board, making a total of 19 members from Fridley and surrounding communities. He
mentioned the Board wanted to increase representation from Fridley and 6-7 of the
new members are Fridley residents. Malcom Mitchell has been the chair for 30 years
and has stepped down. The new chair is Pushkar Viadya. Volunteerism is increasing
from Excel, Delta Dental, and Eagle Scout projects. Three Eagle Scout projects in the
works include replacing a deteriorated bridge, interpretative signs and installing a
ponding garden.
b. Staffing update
Mr. Maher reported that next Tuesday, the program staff from Springbrook Nature
Center, the Recreation division, and Alyssa Kruzel with Community Engagement will have
a workshop to discuss our vision and plan out future programming between the three
groups. He mentioned there is a renewed spirit of excitement and cooperation among
the group as they will work more closely together on joint events and projects.
c. Other
Commissioner Borman asked about adopt a park and how that was going. Mike
responded that six parks have been adopted by community groups which is good
response.
ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Kondrick made the MOTION to adjourn the meeting, SECONDED by
Commissioner Graham. The MOTION PASSED unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Krista Peterson, Recording Secretary
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