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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2-2-2026 Park Commission Meeting February 2, 2026 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 Jodi Rehlander Don Whalen Riley Auna (Ex-Officio) Absent Ken Schultz Melissa Luna Tim Kirk Also Present Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director Brice Richter, Recreation Coordinator Approve Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes for January 5, 2026 Motion by Commissioner Graham to approve the January 5, 2026, meeting minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Whalen. The motion passed unanimously. Approve Parks & Recreation Commission Agenda for February 2, 2026 Motion by Commissioner Rehlander to approve the February 2, 2026, meeting agenda. Seconded by Commissioner Graham. The motion passed unanimously. Open Forum No comments. New Business 1 Park Commission 2/2/2026 Minutes Page 2 1. Pickleball Program Guidelines Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director, stated that staff is preparing for the opening of Commons Park, which includes a six-court pickleball complex. Brice Richter, Recreation Coordinator, introduced himself and provided a background of pickleball programming in Fridley. He provided additional details on the proposed pickleball program types proposed for Commons Park, as well as structured open play and first-come, first- served play. He reviewed the information that would be available on the dedicated pickleball webpage. Commissioner Whalen commented on the high level of activity he noticed at the Edgewater Gardens pickleball court this last summer. He asked if there had been any issues with noise related to pickleball. Mr. Richter stated that he has not received any complaints from the existing courts, but noted that it is something they will monitor as this location will have six courts. Commissioner Rehlander asked if there would be a marketing plan for these courts. Mr. Richter explained that they will utilize the existing email list for leagues, word of mouth, and the overall marketing plan for Commons Park. Chair Borman recognized that there is nothing planned for Sundays and asked if the space could be reserved. Mr. Richter replied that the intent was to have one day open for first-come, first- served play. He noted that there are no plans at this time to allow reservations of the courts. 2. Election of Vice Chair Chair Borman opened the nominations for Vice Chair. Motion by Commissioner Graham to elect Jodi Rehlander as Vice Chair of the Parks Commission. Seconded by Commissioner Whalen. Commissioner Rehlander accepted the nomination. The motion passed unanimously. 3. Updated Park System Improvement Plan Implementation Schedule Mr. Maher provided background information on the Park System Improvement Plan (PSIP) implementation schedule, recognizing that costs have increased since the plan was developed and continue to increase each year. He stated that staff are proposing increased implementation of the remainder of the plan in order to avoid higher costs in the years to follow. He reviewed the construction and community engagement schedule. Park Commission 2/2/2026 Minutes Page 3 Chair Borman asked if there would be coordination between the Harris Lake Park project and the Mississippi road project. Mr. Maher was unsure if the Mississippi construct influenced the phasing, but recognized that at times, there is coordination between construction projects. Mr. Maher provided updates on the progress for Commons Park, Flanery Park, and Summit Square Park. He provided an overview of the parks and concepts proposed for 2027, which will go through the community engagement process in 2026. He briefly noted the parks proposed for 2028, with community engagement in 2027. Chair Borman referenced Innsbruck, which he commented is not really a park, and asked if there are any ideas or concepts for that area. Mr. Maher replied that the primary improvements would be to the parking areas and walking trails. He stated that while there are no traditional amenities, it is still a well-used park. Commissioner Auna asked for information on the marketing that would be done for community engagement. Mr. Maher provided information on that process, which includes online and in- person opportunities to provide input. He noted that once the accelerated plan is approved, they would also advertise the updated implementation plan through other City platforms such as social media and the City newsletter. He asked the Commission to spread the word through the community as well. Commissioner Rehlander asked if there would be a backout plan for the accelerated implementation if something happens, using the example that they run out of money. Mr. Maher provided additional information on the City budget process and noted that the plan would continue to be reviewed each year through the budgeting process. Motion by Commissioner Graham to approve the updated Park System Improvement Plan Implementation Schedule. Seconded by Commissioner Whalen. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Maher noted that on future agendas he would include a standing item for FYSA Report, but suggested that it take place here for tonight’s meeting. Ex-Officio Commissioner Auna provided updates for football, baseball, and soccer, noting upcoming registrations and information on the anticipated number of participants and percentages of Fridley residents. He noted a recent concern related to ICE and whether they would be allowed within the parks, and how they could protect those in the parks for sports programs. He provided information on a recent basketball clinic, which is the first of five clinics to be conducted. Commissioner Rehlander asked that an item be included on the next agenda to consider a policy recommendation for an amendment to the City’s current statement on immigration enforcement from 2017. She stated that she has proposed a draft of proposed language for the Commission to consider. She recognized the multi-million dollar investment the City is making in the parks and wants to ensure that community members can enjoy those amenities without fear. Park Commission 2/2/2026 Minutes Page 4 Old Business Staff Reports 4. Fridley Parks and Recreation Staff Report Mr. Maher reviewed his written report, highlighting information on after-school classes and the invasive species removal project at Innsbruck. He recognized the Fridley Lions, who will be raising funds for a new fishing pier at Moore Lake Park during their Winter Warmup event on February th 27. He noted the upcoming Winterfest, which will take place this Saturday at Springbrook Nature Center from noon to 3 p.m. He highlighted other upcoming events and noted upcoming registration dates. th Chair Borman encouraged residents to attend the Fridley Lions Winter Warmup on February 27. th He believed that this was the 18 year for the event and provided information on how to purchase tickets. Mr. Maher stated that in April, a contractor will come in to update the AV system in the Council Chambers, and therefore, they will look at alternative locations for that meeting. The Commission suggested meeting at Moore Lake if the building is available. Adjournment Commissioner Rehlander made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:24 p.m. Seconded by Commissioner Whalen. The motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Mike Maher, Staff Liaison