02-03-2025 1
Park Commission Meeting
February 3, 2025
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 EB Graham Peter Borman Luke Cardona (arrived at 7:08 p.m.) Ken Schultz Don Whalen Absent Melissa Luna Tim Kirk Also Present Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director
Approve Parks & Recreation Commission Agenda for February 3, 2025
Motion by Commissioner Schultz to approve the February 3, 2025 meeting agenda. Seconded by
Commissioner Graham. The motion passed unanimously.
Approve Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes for January 6, 2025
Motion by Commissioner Graham to approve the January 6, 2025 meeting minutes. Seconded by
Commissioner Whalen. The motion passed unanimously.
Open Forum
No comments. New Business 1. Commons Park Playground Final Design Review
Park Commission 2/3/2025 Minutes Page 2
Parks and Recreation Director Mike Maher provided background information on the design process for Commons Park. He provided more information on the elements proposed within the playground design and the orientation of the playground on the site plan. Commissioner Whalen asked if dogs would need to be leashed. Mr. Maher replied that dogs would be allowed within the park but would need to be leashed. He stated that perhaps it would be a good rule to not allow dogs within the playground area.
Commissioner Schultz asked if the color scheme shown is the color scheme proposed. Mr. Maher
confirmed that is the proposed color scheme but noted that additional personalization could be
added if that is desired.
Mr. Maher continued to review details of the proposed design, noting that features were updated
based on the community feedback that was obtained. He reviewed the proposed cost and noted
the grant funds that were received for the project. He also highlighted elements that would
prevent kids from climbing up the slides.
Commissioner Cardona arrived.
Motion by Commissioner Graham to endorse the provided design and budget for the inclusive playground at Commons Park. Seconded by Commissioner Schultz. The motion passed unanimously. 2. Commons Park Splash Pad Final Design Review Mr. Maher presented details of the proposed splash pad design including features, zones, layout, and size. He provided details on the cost and grant funds received. He noted that the colors shown have not been finalized and would complement the playground colors. Commissioner Schultz asked if the City has considered how a drought or watering bans could impact the splash pad. Mr. Maher stated that has not been considered but noted that because the City manages the water system, it can make determinations as needed. He noted that this is a small portion of water use when looking across the city.
Commissioner Cardona asked if there would be impacts to long periods of exposure to the
nontreated water and whether temperature would be controlled. Mr. Maher replied that the
water would be cooler than a treated system as it would not be heated in any way.
Chair Borman asked if the water used would go through the storm sewer or wastewater, where it
would be treated. Mr. Maher replied that he believed the water would go into the sanitary system.
Commissioner Whalen acknowledged that the features would be push button activated and
asked if the splash pad would be deactivated at a certain time in the evening. Mr. Maher replied
that the City would set a time when the splash pad would turn off for the evening.
Park Commission 2/3/2025 Minutes Page 3
Motion by Commissioner Cardona to endorse the splash pad design and budget. Seconded by Commissioner Graham. The motion passed unanimously. 3. Election of Vice Chair Chair Borman opened the floor for nominations for the position of Vice Chair.
The Commission
Motion by Commissioner Cardona to elect EB Graham as Vice Chair of the Park Commission for
2025. Seconded by Commissioner Schultz. The motion passed unanimously.
Old Business
Staff Reports
4. Springbrook Nature Center Report
Mr. Maher provided an overview of his written report highlighting educational programming, events, activities, and staffing. Additional details were provided on the upcoming fundraising event to be held on April 12th. Commissioner Schultz asked if Springbrook only uses paid employees now or whether volunteers are also used. Mr. Maher replied that today volunteers are used for events and some educational programming whereas staff are used for maintenance and other operational duties. Mr. Maher recognized the Fridley Lions and other event sponsors who assisted with making Winterfest a success. 5. Park Maintenance and Construction Report Mr. Maher provided an update on the recent maintenance activity of parks staff and highlighted
the design work staff continues to do for Commons Park.
6. Fridley Parks and Recreation Division Report
Mr. Maher reviewed details of the written report highlighting recent events and adult and youth
programming. He stated that park shelter rentals are now available online for the season. He
stated that the Public Art Commission is interested in placing a piece at Commons Park and noted
that he has been working with that group to find a suitable location.
Commissioner Shultz noted the upcoming Fridley Lions Winter Warm Up event which will take
place on Friday, February 21st.
Park Commission 2/3/2025 Minutes Page 4
Unfinished Business None. Adjournment
Commissioner Cardona made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 p.m. Seconded by
Commissioner Schultz. The motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Mike Maher, Staff Liaison