Loading...
PRA 01/06/2020 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Fridley Municipal Center 7071 University Ave NE, Fridley MN 55432 AGENDA – Jan. 6, 2020 DATE: Jan. 6, 2020 – 7:00 p.m. LOCATION: Fridley Civic Campus – 7071 University Ave NE, Fridley, MN 55432 – (Banfill Conference Room - upper level next to Council Chambers). CALL TO ORDER APPROVE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA FOR JAN. 6, 2020 APPROVE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FOR NOV. 4, 2019 NEW BUSINESS/ACTION ITEMS: Active Transportation Plan and Report (Rachel Workin) Community Engagement Update (Alyssa Kruzel) 2020 Meeting Schedule Joint Commission Meeting with EQEC and Tour 2020 Commission Member and Staff Roster Meeting Minutes Changes – Recording Secretary To Be Added Sports Association Survey Other STAFF REPORTS: Springbrook Nature Center Pavilion Update Winterfest – 1/18/2020 from 12 noon to 3 p.m. Springbrook Nature Center Parks Master Plan Update Staffing Update Other UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Other ADJOURNMENT Next Meeting: Feb. , 2020 at the Fridley Civic Campus – 7 p.m. Attachments: Nov. 4 Meeting Minutes, Active Transportation Plan, Recreation Division Highlights, Springbrook Nature Center Report, 2020 Meeting Calendar PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Fridley Municipal Center 7071 University Ave NE, Fridley MN 55432 MINUTES November 4, 2019 1. CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Heintz called the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to order at 6:59 p.m. and asked those in the meeting to introduce themselves. Members present: Mike Heintz, Pete Borman, Ryan Gerhard, and Dave Kondrick Members absent: EB Graham and Shannon Larson Others Present: Stephen Eggert (Councilmember, Ward 2), Mike Maher, Springbrook Nature Center Director, Jeff Jensen, Public Works Operations Manager, and Deborah Dahl, (Director of Community Services and Employee Resources) 2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA: Chairperson Heintz called for a motion to adopt the agenda for the November 4, 2019 meeting agenda. Mr. Kondrick made the MOTION to adopt the agenda, SECONDED by Mr. Borman. The MOTION PASSED unanimously. 3. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Chairperson Heintz called for a motion to adopt the minutes from the October. 7, 2019 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting. Mr. Kondrick made the MOTION to approve the minutes as submitted. Mr. Borman SECONDED the motion. The MOTION PASSED unanimously. 4. NEW BUSINESS/ACTION ITEMS: a. Field Utilization Report Ms. Dahl showed a report staff compiled on field utilization in 2019 and that they are continuing to study, which will assist with the Parks Master Planning Process. They indicated they used the new registration system to compile the data. The report broke down frequency of use and who used the facility, field or shelter and included a summary of the users, such as individuals, the Fridley Recreation Department, High School Groups, and Soccer FYSA, etc. J:\\Recreation\\Rec\\P&RCOMM\\Jan 2020 Packet\\Nov.4.2019.rev.docx 1 The summary of users is as follows: The Fridley Recreation Department as the largest user (204) Fridley Youth Sports Associations (168) Individual requests (47) Fridley High School Athletics/Community Education (38) times Spring Lake Park High School Softball (32) Staff will continue to analyze the reports along with revenue data to show trends, operational expenses as well, as to determine where the City’s rental/reservation fees line up as compared to other cities. This will also give a better idea of where the demand is and if any adjustments are needed to be made. It is mentioned that it is important to note that some fields are not designated for certain uses and are used for a variety of sports and while many are reserved, many fields and facilities are used by groups by just walking on. The Parks Maintenance team also blocks off fields for maintenance, repairs and upgrades and will be tracked in the future. The new registration software will help to track all of these uses more accurately. Chairperson Heintz questioned the Little League numbers and asked staff to review that information. Ms. Dahl said staff will continue to review the information with staff and work to improve the reports. b. GIS Interactive Map (Demonstration) Ms. Dahl demonstrated the draft of new interactive mapping system prepared by the City’s Engineering and GIS division that will be available on the City’s website and allow users to view what amenities are available in each park. It will be a good way-finding tool for people that want to find a specific amenity like tennis courts they can use. Ms. Dahl explained what each icon meant and said that the map will eventually have updated trails, walking paths with the park amenities and will be linked to the department’s registration page. The project is a work in progress but should be launched online in the coming months. Ms. Dahl mentioned that the City’s Environmental Planner, Rachel Workin, will meet with the Commission next month and will talk about the active transportation plan recommendations, which will tie to this mapping system as well. Staff feels this is a simple application that will be nice for the residents and website users, with the hope of improving it and linking photos or other information as well. c. Joint Powers Agreement for Locke Park (Under Review) Ms. Dahl reported that when the Civic Campus was built, there was a trail realignment and adjustments made to accommodate the campus development. She reported that the Parks staff from Anoka County reached out to the City and wanted to review the Joint Powers J:\\Recreation\\Rec\\P&RCOMM\\Jan 2020 Packet\\Nov.4.2019.rev.docx 2 agreement that deals with the whole property and Locke Park, since the original agreement has not been updated since 1980 and should be updated. Staff will be meeting with County to review and will bring responses or recommendations for change (if needed) back through to the Commission and then City Council. d. Other Nothing else was reported. 5. Staff Reports a. Springbrook Nature Center Report Mr. Maher gave a summary of the Springbrook Nature Center report. He said Pumpkin Night in the Park a major event in October with 3,800 people that either participated or volunteered and the weather was great. He was grateful for the support from the public works, police and fire departments, stating there were no safety incidents and with closing th , it made for a much safer road crossing for thousands of pedestrians either parking or 85 taking shuttle busses. Mr. Maher plans to continue to discuss the safety plan at upcoming meetings to determine the impact the closure had what kind of a hurdle it may be to do that in future years. Another change to this year’s event was offering a shuttle bus from Spring Lake Park High School, which was well-received and successful. He thought there was just under 1000 people that took the shuttle. Mr. Maher said the event generates about $30,000 in revenue and costs about $8,000 to $10,000 in expenses, noting attendance and revenue largely contingent upon the weather. Mr. Kondrick asked what percentage of the event was prepaid. Mr. Maher the presale tickets are available through a third-party vendor called Eventbrite and that 900 tickets were purchased in advance. Mr. Maher reported another big item was that Nature Center added a new team member. Dina Cyrus is the new full-time Naturalist on staff, who replaced Mary Morris. She originally was a seasonal employee for several years and is a welcome addition to their team. b. SNC Pavilion/Activity Center Update The new pavilion at SNC was the next topic and Mr. Maher showed pictures of the pavilion to show the Commission. Mr. Maher also took the time to thank Mr. Jensen and all the help and organization for the new pavilion. Mr. Jensen reported there are some finishes on the exterior of the building that need to be completed in the spring. There were also several upgrades that were needed for code J:\\Recreation\\Rec\\P&RCOMM\\Jan 2020 Packet\\Nov.4.2019.rev.docx 3 which did add to the cost. Frost footings were necessary for the sidewalk to not raise, as well as preparing the foundation for a future fireplace for the outside. He said that both the interior and the exterior are wood and are an extremely nice finish. What is left is the electrical (going in soon) then insulation and gas lines and then interior walls, stating that the center will be very energy efficient. Mr. Maher commented that the initial plan was not to have heat and would be a three-season building, however, the plan did grow in scope and in the long run, making the upgrades will allow it to get a lot of use for rentals and a diverse variety of program use all season long. Budget estimates were distributed to Commission members with costs identified to-date for construction. Mr. Maher explained the general costs, commented that some things that came up along the way and many new donors came forward. The biggest cost was for building materials from Cedar Forrest Products, which was $230,000. He said there were some very nice community contributions to the project that came from the parks crew and the public works department performed that we normally would have contractors perform. One of the big gifts or contributions is from Parsons Electric which is estimated to be about $20,000-$25,000 for electrical installation performed in kind. Park Construction did grading and a installed a sewer line, and provided $10,000 of in-kind services so they did $25,000 worth of work for $15,000. The second biggest cost outside of the materials themselves was the concrete foundation that was put in and that was $95,000. Mr. Maher mentioned City staff will be doing some things in-house like the trail installation and some smaller things, like painting, adding a water fountain, performing concrete inspections, etc. Public Works staff will continue to work on a number of items throughout the course of the winter months, like drywall and maintenance either in the fall or spring for staining or treatment to the exterior of the building to keep it protected. Some information has not been finalized, like the costs for plumbing, final permits and sewer costs. Another donation that came in for the project was from a company called Total Air. They are donating all their labor to install a furnace. The City will purchase the equipment but they will do all the installation at no cost. So there is a total of $400,000 in construction costs. There is still some furnishings and finishes to be completed yet. Vision Woodworking has committed to make cabinetry for the building like they did for the Interpretive Center and that will end up being a $10,000- $15,000 contribution. J:\\Recreation\\Rec\\P&RCOMM\\Jan 2020 Packet\\Nov.4.2019.rev.docx 4 Mr. Maher thanked Mr. Heintz for working with some of his contacts to arrange for some preparation of the floor and an epoxy finish. He said it will be a really nice addition to the project. He said that tables and chairs and other things are still needed to make it a functional classroom space. Combined construction and furnishings costs make this about a $425,000 project. The funds have come from a grant that Mr. Jensen found through the DNR for $150,000. The Grant requires a full match. When it was accepted, the Nature Center Foundation (the Friends Group) agreed to contribute $50,000, the city was able to find $100,000 in the budget for some other things and so that matches the grant and gives us $300,000. Mr. Maher thanked the Lions who continue to be very generous to Springbrook both, in the past and on this project so they made one gift already of $25,000. He thanked McGough Construction, who did the construction on the Civic Campus and did give a very nice donation of $25,000. Mr. Maher mentioned there is a short fall of about $50,000. There are some potential options for funding within the city parks CIP i.e. projects that aren’t necessary or will not be completed this year that can provide additional funding. The Springbrook Nature Center Foundation is continuing to raise money for the project as well. It was estimated that the project will be short about $50,000 is what is needed to complete the pavilion project. The Parks Commission members discussed the shortage made a recommendation to the City ensure getting funds to complete the pavilion project. Mr. Kondrick made the MOTION that if the funds become available can be spent out the CIP on the finishing of the pavilion at Springbrook. Mr. Borman SECONDED THE MOTION. The motion was PASSED unanimously. Mr. Borman asked if plumbing is needed. Mr. Jensen said he is still working on it but that all the interior utilities should be completed in November. Some interior construction is still about two weeks behind and said once the floor is installed it will be another two weeks. The entire interior should be done by mid-December. Ms. Dahl said there is a temporary sign posted that recognizes the donors up currently but eventually have a permanent sign inside the pavilion to recognize the donors. Benches and picnic tables can also be purchased to support the project. Ms. Dahl mentioned that at the last Spring Foundation Development Committee meeting, Malcolm Mitchell passed out a chart of all of the donors since the Spring Project was initially launched in 2014. She said that there was $1.2 million in corporate donors and $500,000 in individual donors who donated to the SPRING Project. She said that the list needs to be finalized but commented how much has been done in a short amount of time to support the facility. J:\\Recreation\\Rec\\P&RCOMM\\Jan 2020 Packet\\Nov.4.2019.rev.docx 5 Ms. Dahl went on to say that staff is putting together a mini documentary or a feature story of the Nature Center’s SPRING Project and it will have some interviews that will capture why SNC is such a special place and its recent changes. The hope is to launch that in early spring with the unveiling of the pavilion and used as a kind of a kickoff event this spring. Ms. Dahl said that when it’s available, she can get an updated list to the Commission. c. Park Maintenance Mr. Jensen reported this is a slower part of the year as far as athletic fields. He said they have picked up and cleaned up from summer, picking up branches and mulching leaves, and prepping for winter. Safety fences are up, boards are up, benches and hockey nets getting repainted. The park staff are helping street department catch up as well. d. Winterfest Ms. Dahl New location to be at the Springbrook Nature Center and will be held on January 18, 2020 from 12 noon 3 p.m. Mr. Borman asked about bon fires and Mr. Maher responded that there are portable bonfire pits, which will be used. Ms. Dahl mentioned the Medallion Hunt will be a bit different as a result of location change, but is a very popular element to the event. Mr. Kondrick mentioned more people are becoming aware of the Nature Center and was happy it is getting good press and money well-spent. Mr. Heintz suggested that the medallion be hidden a little bit earlier and clues sent out earlier to spark interest in the event. Staff will consider the idea. Ms. Dahl said that plans are still being finalized. The hope is that the pavilion will be ready for able to be used in some capacity. There are usually about 300-500 people who usually attend Winterfest. Efforts are going out to spread the word about Winterfest at SNC this year. Ms. Dahls asked for volunteers and are much appreciated. e. 49ers Days Update Mr. Dahl and Ryan Gerhard (the 49’ers Chairperson) met with Dan (the tournament organizer) from USA Softball and Twin City Gateway to discuss a softball tournament for 49ers Day. There is a strong interest to have a softball tournament return for 49ers Day. The pre-parade family activities are planned for Commons Park on Thursday (the night of nd the parade). There is a possibility of having the 2 day (Friday) moved to Community Park with car show, the bands, concessions and the softball tournament. J:\\Recreation\\Rec\\P&RCOMM\\Jan 2020 Packet\\Nov.4.2019.rev.docx 6 Nothing is committed yet and meetings with the 49ers group are still underway. There are also some opportunities to bring in youth softball tournaments in as well. Ms. Dahl said there is a need for many volunteers for concessions, traffic, signage, providing help, etc. A possible idea for an art show on the Civic Campus that same weekend as well. More discussion needs to be held with who will be able to help and take over certain tasks (beer sales, field cleaning, etc.). The Marketing Manager, Luke Cardona, is also working with Twin City Gateway to promote more of these tournaments and groups to come to the city. Fridley is a premier spot, and is underutilized, but one of the nicer facilities with lit fields, a press box, and good parking. No action taken. f. Status of Deer Permit Application Mr. Maher updated the Commission members on the plan discussed in the previous meeting in August. The deer management plan did go before the City Council in September and was approved along with the resolution. Mr. Maher received the application last week, so he is working through the plan with the DNR and is on track to get the application completed and get work lined up for the optimal time (possibly December through end of February.) Mr. Heintz asked how many deer would be taken. Mr. Maher said we can apply for a certain number of tags with a limit of up to 30 tags, but may not be needed. Mr. Maher will work with the contractors to coordinate the removal. Mr. Jensen asked how many deer have been spotted. According to an aerial survey of SNC was done last winter, Mr. Maher believed there were approximately 19 deer spotted right along the Rice Creek corridor. Mr. Maher’s contact at the DNR thought that amount can be doubled to get a truer estimate of the number of deer. Mr. Maher said that there has been feedback from a number of residents that the deer have been problematic in their neighborhoods, so the plan will be considering that input as well. g. OTHER Parks Master Plan Update - Ms. Dahl updated the Commission about the Parks Master Plan, stating staff has hired HKGI (the design firm that worked on the Moore Lake plans) to do some initial conceptual plans, ballpark estimates and options. She said that they are a great firm that is familiar to the City. A report will be completed with the priorities of Moore Lake, Community Park and Commons Park and how to improve those parks as well. J:\\Recreation\\Rec\\P&RCOMM\\Jan 2020 Packet\\Nov.4.2019.rev.docx 7 November Highlight - Ms. Dahl handed out the November Highlights report to commission members for their review. Mr. Heintz asked how the new resident open house event went. Ms. Dahl said that the weather deterred some, but there was a decent turn out (approximately 15) and the ones who came really enjoyed the information and meeting representatives from community organizations. Staff was pleased to see a significant number of attendees signed up for the energy audits, and City staff appreciated seeing the new residents and making connections as well. Staff will be reviewing the event and hope offer it again. 6. Other Business No other business was considered. ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Kondrick made the MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 8:22 p.m., SECONDED by Mr. Borman. The MOTION PASSED unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Deborah Dahl, Director Community Services and Employee Resources J:\\Recreation\\Rec\\P&RCOMM\\Jan 2020 Packet\\Nov.4.2019.rev.docx 8 Memorandum DATE: January 2, 2020 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission members FROM: James Kosluchar, Director of Public Works and Engineering Scott Hickock, Director of Community Development Stacy Stromberg, City Planner Brandon Brodhag, Civil Engineer Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner SUBJECT: Active Transportation Plan Background In 2013, the City adopted an Active Transportation Plan. This plan set the City’s vision for providing safe transportation opportunities for all citizens of Fridley and established strategies for increasing multi- modal transportation options. The plan also identified winter maintenance activities, streets designated for trails and sidewalks, and priority roads for sidewalks and trails. Since the original plan was adopted 7 years ago, many of the priority trails have now been completed th (Main Street, West Moore Lake) or funded (7 Street). City staff and the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission have collaborated to revise the plan for consistency with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan and to incorporate resident feedback gathered through the Finding Your Fun in Fridley campaign. nd The 2 edition of the plan identifies remaining gaps in the sidewalk and trail network, develops a Living Streets worksheet, identifies maintenance and winter maintenance activities, and provides an implementation plan. The Active Transportation Plan does not discuss trails and sidewalks internal to city parks or wayfinding, which will be covered by the Parks Master Plan. This plan will guide budgeting within the City’s capital investment program as well as staff’s pursuit of grant funding for trail projects. Recommendation nd Staff recommends that the Parks and Recreation Commission review the Active Transportation Plan- 2 edition and provide a motion of support if applicable. A summary page is included with this packet; the full plan can find online at www.FridleyMN.gov/ActiveTransportation. Active Transportation Plan Vision The vision for this plan is that Fridley residents and visitors of all ages and abilities will feel safe and comfortable using the city’s active transportation infrastructure to walk, bike and roll for transportation and outdoor recreation. Goals • Improve the connectivity of the city by constructing active transportation infrastructure • Design active transportation infrastructure to provide a comfortable experience for users of all ages and abilities • Integrate living streets concepts into reconstruction and development projects • Maintain trails and sidewalks to allow for satisfactory, year-round use Focus Areas roadways. (See Appendix A, Figure 4) Sidewalks adjacent to high density residential or employment areas. (See Appendix A, Figure 5, 6 and 7) destinations of interest. Sidewalks within the Transit-Overlay District. (See page 11 of Active Transportation Plan) Active Transportation Plan (continued) Implementation • Install active transportation infrastructure in conformance with the plan’s goals - Provide funding through the Capital Investment Program - Pursue grant funding to support the construction of active transportation infrastructure • Evaluate zoning code language to ensure conformity with the plan • Implement Living Streets policy within street reconstruction projects • Develop and fund pavement maintenance plan to program trail and sidewalk maintenance • Perform winter maintenance of trails and sidewalks in conformance with the goals outlined in the plan • Conduct education, outreach and engagement to pedestrians, cyclists and drivers related to active transportation and safety Community Development Department | Public Works Department View or download the full Active Transportation Plan at FridleyMN.gov/ActiveTransportation. Questions? Call the City of Fridley at 763-572-3594. Fridley Civic Campus 7071 University Ave N.E. Fridley, MN 55432 763-571-3450 | FAX: 763-571-1287 | FridleyMN.gov 2020 DRAFT Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Schedule nd All Meetings at 7 p.m. and located in Banfill Conference Room (2 floor) January 6, 2020 February 3, 2020 March 2, 2020 April 6, 2020 April 20, 2020 - Commission Appreciation Event (Time TBD) April 25, 2020 – Fridley Town Hall Meeting (Time TBD) May 4, 2020 June 1, 2020 – Joint Meeting with EQEC and Parks Tour (5 pm) July 6, 2020 – NO MEETING August 3, 2020 September 8, 2020 – MEETING MOVED TO TUESDAY DUE TO LABOR DAY October 5, 2020 November 2, 2020 December 7, 2020 Springbrook Nature Center Monthy Report January 2020 The Pavilion Activity Center project is moving forward with MN DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant Program funding in the amount of $150,000. A required match from existing park CIP and Springbrook Nature Center Foundation funds. o Construction of the pavilion is nearly complete. As of 12/30, the building has been sealed and interior work is wrapping up to install plumbing, electrical and HVAC. Over the coming months, additional work will include floor finishes and cabinetry. Tables and chairs have been purchased. A spring 2020 opening is being planned. o An additional gift of $25,000 has been received from the Fridley Lions, totaling $50,000 for this project and total giving of $300,000 to the SPRING Project. o A $10,000 grant for the project has been received from BNSF Railway Foundation. o The Springbrook Foundation Development Committee continues to meet to discuss fundraising and opportunities to secure in-kind donations for the project. School programming continues with our Adams Elementary, Fridley Public Schools and Columbia Heights Encore Programming partnerships. We have been awarded two grants for habitat improvements at Springbrook Nature Center, with some work to be completed at Moore Lake Sand Dunes Natural Area. The grants are in the amounts of $37,000 and $51,450. The work will remove invasive buckthorn and include prescribed burns. Landbridge Ecological and Prairie Restoration, Inc. have been selected as the contractors and about 50 acres has been cleared of buckthorn. Staff is working hard to complete a new exhibit featuring two large microscopes with digital displays that will explore the concept of biomimicry, which is design inspired by nature. The microscopes and displays are available for use and the finishing touches are being put on the interpretive panels. 150 guests enjoyed two Brunch with Nature Santa events in December. Springbrook staff is busy planning Winterfest, which has a new home at Springbrook. HIGHLIGHTS Parks and Recreation Division- January 2020 Happy New Year! More than 3,000 People Registered for Programs in 2019 2019 was a very busy year! More than 3,000 families/clients were registered into the division’s software system called PerfectMind. While it will still take time to learn and maximize all of its capabilities, the software system (just one year in) is proving to be very helpful in allowing for easy on-line registrations, point of sale transactions, reducing administrative burdens, tracking program attendance, and in communicating with registrants. It has not disappointed in that it has been extremely beneficial in promoting programs and activities as well, particularly in this day of social media and internet. Behind the scenes, it has been extremely helpful in interacting with the City’s financial system, analyzing participation, coordinating credit card payments, and assisting with tracking shelter and facility reservations and coordinating with public works park maintenance staff. It has been well-worth the investment and will only get better! Fee Assistance and Program Scholarships During the school term year of 2018-2019, more than 31 families benefited from the Fee Assistance and Scholarship Program. The City’s long-standing practice of supporting families in need providing a reduction in fees of $3,168.50 to those who qualify, averaging $102.21 per family. Winter Activities Programming planning has been in full swing as we have been finalizing winter and spring activities, as well as getting summer programs scheduled. We look forward to trying some new winter events and hosting a snowman contest. Check out our latest brochure for information distributed to residents now. Promotion for these events will be continue to push out to our social media systems, too. Winter Break Field Trips This winter’s were a popular success! Children in grades K-5 joined the Recreation Staff for five outings: Mon, Dec 23 Ï MN Wild Woods Water Park Ï 24 participants (9 Fridley, 15 SLP) Fri, Dec 27 Ï Green Acres Snow Tubing Ï 24 participants (12 Fridley, 12 SLP) Mon, Dec 30 Ï Pump It Up & Sidekick Theatre Ï 24 participants (17 Fridley, 7 SLP) Thu, Jan 2 Ï Chuck E. CheeseÔs & The Works Museum Ï 20 participants (Fridley only) Fri, Jan 3 Ï Zero Gravity & Action-Packed Games - 23 participants (Fridley only) Winterfest 2020 Winterfest plans are being finalized with the popular event returning to the Springbrook Nature Center once again on Sat. Jan. 18 from 12 noon to 3 p.m. The event is free and open to the public and will bring back many of the same activities for all ages, both indoors and outdoors! Volunteers are still needed! If you’d like to volunteer, please e-mail Community Engagement Specialist Alyssa Kruzel at: alyssa.kruzel@fridleymn.gov. Staffing Update The Recreation Division is staffed up and ready for 2020! On Jan. 6, we’ll welcome our newest staffer, Jen Graham as the new full-time Program Coordinator for the Division. Jen comes to us from the City of Rogers, where she worked as a Senior Program and Facility Coordinator. Prior to that position she worked as a Recreation Coordinator in the City of Inver Grove Heights for 18 years. Jen has a wide variety of experience with programming for all ages from Pre-school to Seniors (programs included: family special events, preschool classes, warming houses, preschool instructional sports, adult sport leagues, summer full-day childcare, non-school day programs/field trips, parent/child activities, seniors, and youth sports leagues). In addition, she worked with facility rentals at the Inver Grove Heights Community Center. Jen graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a degree in Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services. She has served on the Park & Recreation Commission there as well. Jen is passionate about community recreation and is very interested in being a part of the new and exciting changes that are unfolding in Fridley. We feel very fortunate to have Jen on our team! We are also excited to announce that our Recreation Interns, Matt Mraz and Brice Richter, will be staying on in 2020 as Program Specialists. We have been very impressed with their work over the past six months and look forward to increasing their responsibilities this year. Both have really been enjoying there work here and are incredibly excited about this opportunity. Mikey Oman joined us in late November as our new full-time Customer Service Representative. Mikey has an extensive background in working with youth and families in child care operations, most recently serving as a Director of the Learning Lodge in Ramsey for six years, a Director with Creative Kids Academy in Anoka for five years and two years as a Lead Teacher with Creative Kids Child Care Center. Along with her leadership skills, she brings a diverse knowledge of small business operations and administration, working with staff, and assisting with promotions, which will be a perfect fit for the Recreation Division. In addition to her primary role, Mikey will be co-staffing the front desk operations at the new Civic Campus and assist in supporting activities the broader department of Community Services and Employee Resources. It’s been a whirlwind of changes for the Recreation Division in the last two years and is exciting to be working with such talented, enthusiastic and creative people who will make great contributions to our city! ###