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03-04-2024 Park Commission Meeting March 4, 2024 7:00 PM Fridley City Hall, 7071 University Avenue NE Minutes Call to Order Chair Borman called the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present Luke Cardona Peter Borman Tim Kirk Suad Maow (arrived at 7:07 p.m.) Ken Schultz Don Whalen Absent EB Graham Also Present Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director Approve Parks & Recreation Commission Agenda for March 4, 2024 Motion by Commissioner Cardona to approve the March 4, 2024 meeting agenda. Seconded by Commissioner Schultz. The motion passed unanimously. Approve Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes for February 5, 2024 Motion by Commissioner Schultz to approve the February 5, 2024 meeting minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Whalen. The motion passed unanimously. New Business 1. Election of Vice Chair Chair Borman commented that he has spoken with Commissioner Graham, and she is willing to continue to serve as Vice Chair. Park Commission 3/4/2024 Minutes Page 2 Motion by Commissioner Cardona to elect EB Graham as Vice Chair of the Park Commission for 2024. Seconded by Commissioner Schultz. The motion passed unanimously. 2. Fridley Parks and Recreation Mission Statement Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director, commented that this was discussed at the last meeting and after additional work by staff, he wanted to bring a final draft back to the Commission for review. Motion by Commissioner Whalen to approve the updated Parks and Recreation Mission and Vision Statement. Seconded by Commissioner Kirk. The motion passed unanimously. 3. Updated Neighborhood Park Playground Design for Sylvan Hills Park Mr. Maher presented the 2024 neighborhood park playground concept design for Sylvan Hills which incorporates the input from the community and the theme. Commissioner Maow arrived during the staff presentation. Commissioner Maow asked for details on whether there would be any improvements to the areas outside the playground, such as the basketball court and tennis court areas. Mr. Maher replied that there is an updated site design for Sylvan Hills, but that is still being worked out with the stormwater management details. Commissioner Cardona asked and received confirmation that the plans fit within the proposed budget. Motion by Commissioner Schultz to endorse the playground design for Sylvan Hills Park. Seconded by Commissioner Maow. The motion passed unanimously. 4. Parks and Recreation Commission 2024 Goals and Workplan Review Mr. Maher presented the draft 2024 goals and workplan. He confirmed that this is a working document. Old Business Chair Borman referenced Innsbruck Nature Center, which was previously discussed and asked if there has been any progress on a potential name change. Mr. Maher replied that the discussion ended with a desire for community input, which staff has not had time to complete as of yet. He stated that the park is scheduled for park improvements in 2028 or 2029, therefore that process will occur before that time. Staff Reports 5. Springbrook Nature Center Report Mr. Maher provided an overview on the written report noting that the Nature Center staff has been busy working with the local public schools, holding the nature preschool club, as well as holding birthday parties. He stated that the lantern light hike attracted over 100 participants. He noted that the summer day camps have been opened for registration. 6. Fridley Parks and Recreation Division Report Mr. Maher provided an update on recently held activities and programs including the Valentine’s Day part, afterschool programming, lantern light hike, and north metro athletic leagues. He reported that the Summer Rocks programing registration begins later this week. He noted that with the warmer temperatures staff has begun to install nets for tennis and pickleball. 7. Park Maintenance and Construction Report Mr. Maher provided an overview of the written report and recent activities of park maintenance staff. Commissioner Cardona commented that while there may not be grand opening/ribbon cutting ceremonies for all the neighborhood parks, perhaps there could be something in the newsletter listing the updates playgrounds and parks. Unfinished Business None Adjournment Commissioner Kirk made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:51 p.m. Seconded by Commissioner Whalen. The motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Mike Maher, Staff Liaison