Parks and Recreation Board

Maple Grove Parks and Recreation Board Regular Meeting July 20, 2023 Regular Meeting The Regular Meeting was called to order by Chair, Bill Lewis at 7:00 p.m. Board Members Present Present in the Chambers were Chair Bill Lewis, Vice Chair John Ferm, Board Members Ken Helvey, Deb Syhre, Kelly Cunningham, Andy Mielke, Krista Kuhnly. Board Members Board Members absent were: none Absent Also Present Also present in the Chambers were: Council Representative Hanson; Chuck Stifter, Director; Ben Jaszewski, Parks and Planning Superintendent; Aimee Peterson, Assistant Parks and Recreation Director; Angie Dehn, Community Center Manager; and Tanya Huntley, Recreation Supervisor. Approval of Agenda Chair Lewis called for any changes to the agenda. Director Stifter replied there are none. Motion made by Vice Chair Ferm, seconded by Board Member Mielke to approve the agenda for the July 20, 2023 meeting as presented. Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were seven ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Public Comments No requests were received. Special Business Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Aimee Peterson explained a representative from the Minnesota Recreation and Minnesota Recreation and Parks Association (MRPA) was in attendance to present the city Parks Association – Award with an award for its Crokicurl rink. She explained the Crokicurl of Excellence Presentation rink was launched in January of 2022 and the rink continued in 2023. Stacy Chouinard, Minnesota Recreation and Parks Association representative, presented the city with the 2022 Award of Excellence for the city’s Crokicurl rink. She spoke of the MRPA Park Board Meeting July 20, 2023 Page 2 awards committee and explained this group works to acknowledge excellence in park and recreation services. She commended the city for its exemplary winning Crokicurl rink programming. A round of applause was offered by all in attendance. Tanya Huntley described how Crokicurl came to be in Maple Grove in Central Park. She reported this game was open to people of all ages and all abilities. Chair Lewis thanked Ms. Huntley for her innovative idea and for bringing this innovative game to the City of Maple Grove. He stated he appreciated the fact this was a multi-generational game the community could participate in. Board Member Cunningham thanked Ms. Huntley for bringing a game from her childhood into the community. Board Member Reports Board Member Syhre asked when the park behind the hospital would be construction. Mr. Jaszewski anticipated construction would begin in the spring of 2024. Board Member Cunningham requested a drinking fountain be considered near the Angel of Hope. Board Member Mielke thanked staff for all of their efforts at Weaver Lake Park. He stated the ballfields at this park were in excellent condition. Staff Reports Director’s Report: Director Stifter reviewed upcoming events with the Board and noted a joint worksession meeting with the Council was scheduled for Tuesday, September 5. He stated the September Park Board meeting will include the annual bus tour held on Thursday, September 21. Assistant Parks and Recreation Director’s Report: Aimee Peterson stated on Sunday, July 9, 47 kids participated in a skateboard competition. Ms. Peterson shared photos and explained Maple Grove Days was held Wednesday, July 12 through Sunday, July 16 this year. She stated Capture the Flag was well attended again this year Park Board Meeting July 20, 2023 Page 3 at Weaver Lake Park, along with the duct tape fashion show. Another event that was quite popular for children was a virtual art contest. She commented on a new event that was added this year, which featured a Maple Grove Days Amazing Race. Ms. Peterson reviewed the Best of Maple Grove 2023 Reader’s Choice winners for the best place for family activities, best outdoor skating or hockey rink, best swim school, best park or open space and best place to watch the Fourth of July fireworks. Ms. Peterson explained she has been receiving great feedback on the Sounds of Summer program which was being hosted at the Maple Grove Town Green. Ms. Peterson commented on the Best Buddies Friendship Walk that was held at Weaver Lake Park. Ms. Peterson stated the Third Annual Pride and Color Celebration would be held at Central Park on Thursday, July 20 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Ms. Peterson reported staff have been busy planning the fall brochure, noting registration for fall programming would begin on August 1. Ms. Peterson commented on the 2024 fee schedule. Board Member Cunningham asked if all programming numbers were back to pre-pandemic numbers. Ms. Peterson stated all program participation has returned to or exceeded pre- pandemic numbers, except for the adult programs. Parks and Planning Superintendent’s Report: Ben Jaszewski provided the Board with an update on the Gleason Fields project and reviewed several photos of the fields. Mr. Jaszewski discussed how the city was addressing Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). He commented on how draught conditions were further impacting the health of already stressed ash trees. He noted funds have been set aside to treat 500 ash trees throughout the park system. Park Board Meeting July 20, 2023 Page 4 Mr. Jaszewski stated the Lakeview Knolls project was delayed one week, but explained this project would go quickly once started. Chair Lewis asked if the city had a plan in place for ash tree removal/replacement. Director Stifter explained the city does not have a boulevard replacement program in place. He indicated the city was offering vouchers to residents who have had a boulevard tree removed. Further discussion ensued regarding the budget impact EAB could have on the community. Community Center Manager’s Report: Angie Dehn discussed the proposed Community Center rates for 2024. Ms. Dehn reviewed photos from the Maple Grove Days parade noting Crystal Anderson assisting with creating the parade float this year, which was themed “Grow With Us”. She commented further on the Maple Grove Business Expo. Ms. Dehn shared an image of the OMGHA hockey team photos that are displayed in the arena lobby. Council Liaison’s Report: Council Member Hanson provided the Board with an update from the City Council. She commented on the Gleason Fields ribbon cutting ceremony. She thanked Ms. Peterson for getting food donations from Hy- Vee for this event. She reported Maple Grove Days was phenomenal again this year. She thanked staff and all of the community partners that work to put on this event. She commented on the ribbon cutting ceremony that was held this week for the North Metro Regional Public Safety Training Facility. She reported National Night Out would be held on Tuesday, August 1. CONSENT BUSINESS Consent Business Motion made by Board Member Helvey, seconded by Board Member Syhre to approve the Consent Items as presented. A. Minutes – June 15, 2023 Regular Meeting Park Board Meeting July 20, 2023 Page 5 B. Approve Claims C. 2023 Second Quarter Community Center Participation Report D. 2023 Spring Recreation Participation Report E. 2024 Community Center Rental Fees F. 2024 Park Fees G. 2023 Catering Agreements H. Subdivision – Appaloosa Woods 10th Addition I. Subdivision – Dunkirk Square 5th Addition Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were seven ayes and no nays. Motion carried. OLD BUSINESS Old Business No items to present. NEW BUSINESS New Business No items to present. Adjournment Motion made by Vice Chair Ferm, seconded by Board Member Cunningham to adjourn. Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were seven ayes and no nays. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Chuck Stifter, Director Parks and Recreation Board City of Maple Grove