11-07-2022
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MEETING
November 7, 2022
7:00 PM
Fridley Civic Campus, 7071 University Avenue N.E.
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Borman called the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT
EB Graham
Peter Borman
Ryan Gerhard
Shanna Larson
Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director
Scott Lund, Mayor
Skyler Ruetz, Recreation Specialist
Karen Blaska, Anoka County Parks Planner
APPROVE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA FOR NOVEMBER 7, 2022
MOTION by Commissioner Graham to APPROVE the November 7, 2022 meeting agenda. SECONDED
by Gerhard. The MOTION PASSED unanimously.
APPROVE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
2. Approve Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of October 3, 2022
MOTION by Commissioner Larson to APPROVE the October 3, 2022 meeting minutes. SECONDED
by Commissioner Graham. The MOTION PASSED unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS/ACTION ITEMS
3. Parks and Recreation – Staff Introductions Skyler Ruetz
Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director, introduced new staff member Sklyer Ruetz.
Sklyer Ruetz, Recreation Specialist, introduced herself to the Commission.
Parks and Recreation
Commission
11/07/2022
Minutes Page 2
4. Anoka County Parks Staff Presentation on Rice Creek West Regional Trail Corridor Engagement
Findings
Karen Blaska, Anoka County Parks Planner, provided a presentation on the Rice Creek West Regional
Trail Corridor engagement findings. She reviewed the things that people like about the park, barriers
to visiting, and safety concerns that were identified. She provided input received related to trails,
winter recreation, wayfinding and signage, the creek, the dog park, the playground, activities, and
mountain biking. She summarized the items that should be improved per the input received as well
as things that people find beneficial in the parks. She reviewed the demographics of the public input
and the results of the Metropolitan Council survey. She highlighted her next steps noting that she
will be developing a draft plan that she will share with stakeholders.
The Commission asked for verification on whether the survey included the parks or just the trail. Ms.
Blaska commented that the focus was on the trail even though it goes through parks.
A member of the Commission commented that it would be helpful to have a Rice Creek Trail 101 to
improve knowledge of the corridor. The Commission asked for input on the possible dissolution of
the JPA. Ms. Blaska replied that until that is official, they will remain as partners in the project. She
stated that if the park were returned to Fridley, they would still proceed with the trail project.
OTHER BUSINESS
Mayor Lund commented that he was present to hear the presentation from Anoka County. He noted
that the dissolution of the JPA has been considered by different commissions and will be formally
considered by the City Council at its meeting the following week. He summarized some of the
concerns the City has had with the partnership with Anoka County on the parks within the JPA. He
was glad to see the County develop a master plan but believed it still lacks attention in some areas
and a lack of actual partnership with the City.
A member of the Commission commented that perhaps this is too little, too late for the County and
it was noted that there was still a lack of attention to the other two parks within the JPA. The
Commission thanked Mayor Lund and Ms. Blaska for their presentations.
STAFF REPORTS
5. Springbrook Nature Center Report
Mr. Maher reviewed the report highlighted different programing opportunities that have occurred
with school children this past month. He noted that there was record attendance for Pumpkin Night
in the Park this year and provided a summary of the event details. He also highlighted upcoming
events. He provided some ideas on how they could stagger people entering the Pumpkin Night in
the Park event or limit attendance in future years as there were some long lines at times. He also
commented on the green roof project that has been completed.
6. Fridley Parks and Recreation Division Report
Mr. Maher highlighted recent programing events and participation for youth and adult programs.
He also noted a recent conference his department staff attended.
7. Park Maintenance and Construction Report
Mr. Maher summarized the work staff is doing to prepare for the transition to the winter months.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Larson made the MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 7:56 p.m., SECONDED by
Commissioner Graham. The MOTION PASSED unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Amanda Staple
Recording Secretary