Park Board

Park Board Meeting Agenda Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 5:30 PM Council Chambers Page 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL 3. ADOPTION OF AGENDA 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Minutes from February 25, 2026 2-3 Park Board - 25 Feb 2026 - Minutes 5. BUSINESS a. Freedom Park Sign 4-5 Memo: Freedom Park Sign b. Comprehensive Plan - Focused Parks: Dog Park, Fox Run Park, Paperjack 6 - 11 Park Memo: Comprehensive Plan - Focused Parks: Dog Park, Fox Run Park, Paperjack Park c. Relocation of Ice Skating Rink 12 Memo: Relocation of Ice Skating Rink d. Armed Services Memorial - Victoria Park 13 Memo: Armed Services Memorial - Victoria Park e. Recognition of Craig Kittel and Jim Zajkowski 14 Memo: Recognition of Craig Kittel and Jim Zajkowski 6. AGENDA TOPICS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS 7. ANNOUNCEMENTS 8. ADJOURNMENT  Park Board Meeting Minutes 5:30 PM - Wednesday, February 25, 2026 Council Chambers The Park Board of the City of New Richmond was called to order on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 5:30 PM, in the Council Chambers, with the following members present: PRESENT: Jim Zajkowski, Krista Miller, Jon Hailey (virtual), Craig Kittle, Dave Newman ABSENT: Anthony Howe, Megan Kliszcz OTHERS PeteVrieze, Scott Grady, Jeff Dionisopoulos, Jamie Larson PRESENT: CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL ADOPTION OF AGENDA Jim Zajkowski made a motion to adopt the agenda as presented. Jon Hailey seconded the motion. Carried unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Jim Zajkowski made a motion to approve the minutes from January 21, 2026. Krista Miller seconded the motion. Carried unanimously. BUSINESS PARK COMP PLAN FOCUSED PARKS- NORTHSIDE PARK, WHISPERING PRAIRIE PARK, MONETTE PARK, AND WOODLAND CREEK PARK Jeff Dionisopoulos presented the next group of parks identified for review: Woodland Creek Park, Whispering Prairie Park, Monette Park, and Northside Park. Woodland Creek Park and Whispering Prairie Park were classified as low priority, with staff indicating that ongoing maintenance is appropriate and no major enhancements are currently proposed. At Woodland Creek Park, discussion focused on the existing sports court, which was originally designed as a tennis court but has not functioned as intended. Dionisopoulos explained that staff is exploring visual enhancements to convert it into a functioning basketball court. There was also discussion regarding the potential to resurface the court for pickleball use. Members requested that staff obtain cost estimates for both converting the court to a basketball court and resurfacing it for pickleball. Park Board Meeting February 25, 2026 Dionisopoulos then reviewed Monette Park, which is classified as a neighborhood park and considered low priority for major enhancements. Staff reported potential visual improvements, including pavement painting and general maintenance enhancements. Dionisopoulos shared that staff are also exploring the possibility of incorporating native plantings on the hill to enhance visual appeal. Discussion included the existing ball field and concerns raised by residents and organizations, including limited parking, lack of restroom facilities, and visibility concerns that may contribute to vandalism. Discussion then moved to Northside Park, which is classified as a mini park and considered low priority. Staff highlighted recent playground improvements completed last summer. The majority of the discussion focused on the existing structure, which has sustained significant damage over the years. Staff indicated that the structure is not in suitable condition to be relocated and recommended demolition. Discussion continued. Members and staff expressed alignment with the proposed park classifications and priority levels as presented. No action needed, as this was for discussion purposes only. AGENDA TOPICS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS Mayor Zajkowksi shared that the City will be applying for an 80/20 grant that may be used for new trail development and trail maintenance projects with estimated costs under $100,000. City Administrator, Noah Wiedenfeld, is preparing the application, which is due March 1. Staff will provide an update on the status of the grant once an award determination has been made. ANNOUNCEMENTS Members expressed their appreciation to Jamie Larson for her service to the City, and specifically to the Park Board, and wished her well in her future endeavors. Her last day with the City will be March 5. ADJOURNMENT Jon Hailey made a motion to adjourn at 6:11 PM. Krista Miller seconded the motion. Carried unanimously. Park Board Meeting February 25, 2026  MEMO Prepared for: Park Board Staff Contact: Noah Wiedenfeld Meeting: Park Board - 18 Mar 2026 Subject: Freedom Park Sign BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The City of New Richmond owns a structure in Freedom Park, with visibility from Wall Street, which previously displayed a sign for what was once called the Hatfield Lake Regional Park. The Board for the Freedom Park Center has expressed an interest in displaying signage on the structure. Outside of our sign ordinance and sign permit application, there is no policy in place at this time regarding signage in this location on City-owned property, so staff would like direction from the City Council as to how to proceed. A few key points or questions which the City Council might want to discuss at the work session include:  Who will install and remove the proposed sign?  Does the City Council want to know what the proposed sign would look like or say?  When would the sign be installed, and when would it be removed?  Is the City Council open to other organizations (e.g. soccer, football, etc.) displaying signage in this location?  What is the long-term plan for this structure? For example, does the City Council envision permanent signage for Freedom Park being displayed here? The City Council discussed this item at their work session on February 23, 2026 and voted to refer this topic to both the Park Board and the Tourism Committee for their review and feedback. The structure is located on City-owned property in Freedom Park, and the Tourism Committee has previously discussed welcome signage, advertising for events, etc. so the City Council felt it was important for both boards to discuss. Page 2 of 2  MEMO Prepared for: Park Board Staff Contact: Jeff Dionisopoulos Meeting: Park Board - 18 Mar 2026 Subject: Comprehensive Plan - Focused Parks: Dog Park, Fox Run Park, Paperjack Park BACKGROUND INFORMATION: As previously discussed, staff will continue bringing forward individual parks for focused review as part of the Park Comprehensive Plan update. The next group of parks identified for review includes Dog Park, Fox Run Park, and Paperjack Park. For each of these parks, staff has prepared an overview outlining existing conditions, park classification, and preliminary considerations. Park Board members will be asked to review the attached materials and provide input by prioritizing each park based on the information presented. This feedback will continue to guide future planning, recommendations, and implementation efforts within the Comprehensive Plan. DOG PARK Location: 2202 185th Ave Park Size: 11.3 Acres History: The Dog Park was opened in July of 2013. The park site was previously a landfill before the City of New Richmond received permission from the Wisconsin DNR to develop the property as a park in 2013. A friends group was established to assist with the initial fundraising and development for the park. Classification:  Mini Park  Neighborhood Park  Community/Destination Park  Special Use Park  Natural Resource Area/Greenway Priority Ranking:  High  Medium  Low Staff Observations: No immediate concerns Suggestions: New benches FOX RUN PARK Location: PID 261-1296-07-998 Park Size: 4 Acres History: This parkland was dedicated to the City of New Richmond as part of a development agreement with the Fox Run residential subdivision development. An open house was held in the fall of 2017 to get input from the neighborhood about what type of recreation amenities they would like to see in the future in this park. Classification:  Mini Park  Neighborhood Park  Community/Destination Park  Special Use Park  Natural Resource Area/Greenway Priority Ranking:  High  Medium  Low Staff Observations: With a large amount of growth in this area, Park Board and staff should have further conversations in the future as to what this park could/should be. Suggestions: Look into identifying additional land for a larger park, potential park master plan PAPERJACK PARK Location: 524 East 11th Street Park Size: 6.4 Acres History: This park land was dedicated by Bill Derrick as part of the South View Addition residential development, and was developed in 1978 with playground equipment. In 2002, new playground equipment was installed and in 2005, a new picnic shelter, play equipment, and paved multi-use trail were added. New toddler playground equipment was added in 2019 and the restroom facilities were remodeled in 2020. A swing set and swinging bench were replaced in 2025. Classification:  Mini Park  Neighborhood Park  Community/Destination Park  Special Use Park  Natural Resource Area/Greenway Priority Ranking:  High  Medium  Low Staff Observations: Playground is aged and should be incorporated into a complete remodel in the coming years. Suggestions: Drinking fountain, future natural planting location ATTACHMENTS: Fox Run Development Park Map Previous CORP Page 2 of 6  Fox Run Development Park Page 3 of 6 RACCOON LN GOPHER WAY WAY ER OTT OTTER WAY S E WAY GROUS 3/11/2026, 10:43:48 AM 1:2,257 0 0.02 0.04 0.08 mi City_Boundary 0 0.03 0.06 0.12 km NR_Parcels_view Microsoft, Vantor City of New Richmond GIS Microsoft, Vantor | Dog Park Location: 2202 185th Avenue Classification: Special Use Facility Size: 11.3 acres History: The Dog Park was opened in July of 2013. The park site was previously a landfill before the City of New Richmond received permission from the Wisconsin DNR to develop the property as a park in 2013. A friends group was established to assist with the initial fundraising and development for the park. Existing Amenities: Small-dog and large-dog areas, shelter with picnic tables, perimeter fencing, gravel parking Opportunities: Water service, asphalt surface for parking lot 9|Page Page 4 of 6 Fox Run Development Park Location: PID 261-1296-07-998 Classification: Neighborhood Park Size: 1.462 acres History: This parkland was dedicated to the City of New Richmond as part of a development agreement with the Fox Run residential subdivision development. An open house was held in the fall of 2017 to get input from the neighborhood about what type of recreation amenities they would like to see in the future in this park. Existing Amenities: Undeveloped parkland as of 2018 Opportunities: School age playground, paved multi-use trails, swing set, benches, rock climbing wall, sand volleyball court, mowed trails, tree plantings, drinking fountain, baseball backstop, outdoor fire pit, disc golf course, shade structure, outdoor grill, toddler tunnel, climber 10 | P a g e Page 5 of 6 Paperjack Park Location: 524 East 11th Street Classification: Community Park Size: 6.4 acres History: This park land was dedicated from Bill Derrick as part of the South View Addition residential development, and was developed in 1978 with playground equipment. In 2002, new playground equipment was installed and in 2005, a new picnic shelter, play equipment, and paved multi-use trail were added. New toddler playground equipment was added in 2019 and the restroom facilities were remodeled in 2020. Existing Amenities: Playground equipment, toddler play equipment, basketball court, restrooms, picnic shelter, paved multi-use trail, open green space, benches Opportunities: Add three or four-hole disc golf course, grills, rededicate passive area near the creek or restore with native plantings 28 | P a g e Page 6 of 6  MEMO Prepared for: Park Board Staff Contact: Noah Wiedenfeld Meeting: Park Board - 18 Mar 2026 Subject: Relocation of Starr Elementary Ice Skating Rink BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The City of New Richmond has maintained a public ice skating rink on property owned by the School District of New Richmond, near the intersection of STH 65 and E 11th Street (near Starr Elementary School). City staff have flooded the rink and maintained the warming shelter for many years. The gravel pad on which the ice skating rink is located is used during the summer months as a parking lot for the adjacent athletic fields. With the opening of the New Richmond Community Library, there has been some discussion about the possibility of relocating the ice skating rink from its existing location to the southeast corner of the library property. This is a flat site, with adjacent asphalt parking, and it's within close proximity to some of the schools, the New Richmond Area Centre, and the Sports Center, and downtown businesses. Families could go inside the library to warm up, or get something to eat or drink at the Jewelltown Cafe. There are also some public libraries that actually offer ice skates to check out at no charge with a library card. Finally, it's possible that in the future, the School District may look to make improvements to the athletic facilities at Starr Elementary, which could require the relocation of the ice skating rink. Staff wanted to bring this topic forward to the Park Board for discussion and potential recommendation for next winter (2026-2027).  MEMO Prepared for: Park Board Staff Contact: Noah Wiedenfeld Meeting: Park Board - 18 Mar 2026 Subject: Armed Services Memorial - Victoria Park BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Victoria Park is home to the Armed Services Memorial, which was constructed in 2000 thanks to the efforts of a group of 14 local veterans and financial support from many local businesses and individuals. Granite memorial blocks were available for purchase, which were engraved with the names of local veterans who served in the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Merchant Marines, Navy, National Guard, and Military Reserve. Approximately 422 granite blocks were dedicated at the original dedication ceremony in 2000, and additional blocks were dedicated in subsequent years. The City of New Richmond maintains Victoria Park, and the group/committee of local veterans oversaw the sale of granite blocks and purchased new flags each year. A few years ago, the committee disbanded and the City assumed operations of the Armed Services Memorial. After over 25 years, some of the granite memorial blocks are showing their age and a financial investment is likely needed to restore the Armed Services Memorial, beyond routine cleaning. Staff will be gathering more information about potential costs associated with improving the memorial in the future. The continued sale of engraved granite blocks should also be reviewed, as the original cost ($200 per block) has not changed to reflect the actual costs associated with the brick and engraving, and a new vendor is needed to perform the engraving. This item of business is for informational purposes only at this time, to bring awareness.  MEMO Prepared for: Park Board Staff Contact: Noah Wiedenfeld Meeting: Park Board - 18 Mar 2026 Subject: Recognition of Craig Kittel and Jim Zajkowski BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Craig Kittel and Jim Zajkowski are not running for re-election in April for the positions of Alderperson and Mayor, respectively. Thus, their service on the Park Board will end in April following the end of the current legislative session. Craig and Jim have served on the Park Board for many years, and have been strong advocates for enhancing New Richmond's parks and trails system. We would like to take a moment towards the end of the March meeting to thank both of them for their service on the Park Board and their dedication to the community.