Parks & Natural Resources Commission
Regular MeetingWoodbury, MN · October 5, 2021
Minutes
City of Woodbury
Woodbury City Hall
8301 Valley Creek Road
Woodbury, MN 55125
651-714-3583
Minutes of
Parks and Natural Resources Commission Regular Meeting
Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021
Commission Members Present: Greta Bjerkness (Chair), Timothy Brewington, II, Karin
Freymann, Bruce Montgomery, Deborah Musser,
Rachel Nelson, Benjamin Sayers
Commission Member(s) Absent: Commissioners Arin Kurttila, Isaac Eikenberry
Commission Member Virtual: None
Councilmember Absent: Councilmember Steve Morris
Staff Present: Michelle Okada, Parks and Recreation Director
Josh Kinney, Parks Planner
Belinda Reed, Administrative Assistant
Kristin Seaman, Environmental Resources Specialist
Reed Smidt, Recreation Manager
Staff Virtual: Robert James, ICT Director
Jodi Sauro, Parks and Recreation Coordinator
Ben Strobach, IT Manager
Call to Order
Chair Bjerkness called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Open Forum
Mr. Joe Ward, 7817 Somerset Circle, Woodbury, Minnesota 55125, provided the Commission with a
handout entitled “Environmental Stewardship: A renewed focus for Woodbury Parks and Natural
Resources Commission.” Mr. Ward provided information, suggestions and ideas on a renewed
focus on the environment and suggested an Environmental Stewardship Initiative be set as an
agenda item for the PNRC and subsequently as a Council strategic initiative.
Mr. Wallace Wadd, 2530 Queensport Road, Woodbury, Minnesota 55125, accompanied Mr. Ward.
Mr. Jeff Wilford, 4434 Dorchester Drive, Woodbury, Minnesota 55129, addressed the Commission
regarding the Highcroft Park plan, noting he had no objections to the plan at all; however, Mr.
Wilford is not in favor of the construction of a trail/path going through the park that would connect
to Dorchester Drive. Mr. Wilford noted he will be providing a list signed by other Salem Meadows
residents, also concerned and opposed to the trail/path connection and bringing extra traffic into
the neighborhood.
Action Items
A. August 10, 2021, Parks and Natural Resources Commission Meeting Minutes
Parks and Natural Resources Commission Minutes
October 5, 2021
Page 2
Chair Bjerkness asked for the approval of the Minutes of the August 10, 2021, meeting of the Parks
and Natural Resources Commission.
Motion: Moved by Commissioner Montgomery, seconded by Commissioner Freymann, to
approve the August 10, 2021, Parks and Natural Resources Commission Minutes.
Vote: In favor All In-person and/or Virtual
Against None
Absent Commissioners Kurttila, Eikenberry
B. Park Naming - Memorandum No. 21 - 23
Ms. Okada provided background on the Procedure for Assigning Names to Park Lands and
Recreation Facilities Council Directive noting that recently, the Park Lands and Recreational
Facilities Naming Advisory Committee (PLRFNAC) convened to review and consider names for four
new parks in the Phase II development area. After deliberation, there was a consensus on names for
two of the four parks: Highcroft Park and Harvest Park.
With regard to the remaining two park names under consideration: Briarcroft and Arbor Ridge, the
PLRFNAC asked staff for additional research on the park at Arbor Ridge, and reaching out to the
public for naming suggestions for Briarcroft, to be brought back to the PLRFNAC for further
consideration.
Ms. Okada asked the PNRC for their review of the two proposed park names recommended by the
PLRFNAC: Highcroft Park and Harvest Park, to be followed by a formal action that will then go to
the City Council for final approval.
It was noted that a few city parks have been named according to the development agreement,
executed between the land seller and the developer purchasing the land.
A discussion took place as to the location of the access to the parks. Harvest Park is located not only
adjacent to Harvest View and Harvest View Commons developments, but also near the recently
approved Orville Commons apartment complex. The importance of having signage designating the
park as a public park and not a private park, was emphasized.
Chair Bjerkness asked for the approval of the following park names, located in the Phase II area:
Highcroft Park and Harvest Park, as recommended by the Park Lands and Recreational
Facilities Naming Advisory Committee and outlined in – Memorandum No. 21 – 23.
Motion: Moved by Commissioner Musser, seconded by Commissioner Brewington, to
approve the following park names, located in the Phase II area: Highcroft Park and
Harvest Park, as recommended by the Park Lands and Recreational Facilities
Naming Advisory Committee and outlined in – Memorandum No. 21 – 23.
Vote: In favor All In-person and/or Virtual
Against None
Absent Commissioners Kurttila, Eikenberry
C. Discussion Items
Parks and Natural Resources Commission Minutes
October 5, 2021
Page 3
Aside from the projects highlighted in the Monthly Update, Ms. Okada noted that Parks Planner,
Josh Kinney will continue to provide brief updates on the various projects.
Mr. Kinney provided the following updates:
Briarcroft Park – Concept reflected the change in orientation of softball field, based on
Commission suggestion, resulting in the soccer fields being moved to the west and the playground is
now one large container. The plan includes mounding on the southern end of the site for visual and
play opportunity.
A discussion took place as to locations, close to the new park, where tennis courts are available. It
was noted that dual use nets adjust for both tennis and pickleball. The demand for additional
pickleball courts in the city was discussed.
With regard to onsite visit and PNRC discussions, the Commissioners were asked if they concur
with moving forward with a dedicated pickleball court, if budget does not allow both tennis and
pickleball. There was Commission consensus to move forward with a dedicated pickleball court
should the budget not allow both tennis and pickleball.
It was noted that the tennis courts at East Ridge High School, are currently wired so that should the
school district decide to set-up for lights at those courts, the court usage could be extended in the
spring and fall.
Central Park – Ms. Okada noted that there was no major update. The Request for Proposal was
sent for design service and construction management with favorable responses received. Staff will
begin drafting the contracts. There have been some scope changes as it relates to our partners, so
the team is working on dialing in the scope before we execute contracts. The next step will be for
staff to execute those contracts and prepare for bonding tours being scheduled in November.
Fair Haven Park – Construction began a month ago and is moving along very quickly for the
installation of the basketball court, dual lined tennis/pickleball court, playground and open field.
Topsoil has been moved around and the elements have been shaped. Playground installation is
scheduled for next week with an anticipated project completion in October.
Highcroft Park – This park is located in the Highcroft neighborhood with a nice interface with
Bailey Lake and room for a playground. Nice trees have been incorporated for shading the
playground and buffering for neighbors both to the south and north. There are future potential trail
connections that are identified as high priority, moving forward for the city in years to come.
Ms. Okada noted that since the inception of the Salem Meadows development, the city has owned
the land on the park concept plan, shown as a future road connection. When Highcroft area was
developed it was determined that the city-owned land would better serve as a pedestrian connection
and would be implemented as part of the road rehab project. Further, as part of the city’s
Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan, existing and future connections are identified, which affect not only
current residents/developments, but future residents/developments, for overall community
connectivity. During the planning of potential connections, as it relates to the park and trail system,
the city considers future road rehabilitation projects for adding or adjusting these connections. Staff
is aware of the resistance to the trail connection from some of the residents on Dorchester Drive and
will continue to evaluate that as part of the future road rehabilitation project.
Ms. Okada noted that internally, staff is working to do a better job of taking into account all of the
city projects including parks, transportation and environmental, in order to synthesize all that
Parks and Natural Resources Commission Minutes
October 5, 2021
Page 4
information into a cohesive park presentation, as noted by potential future trails being included on
the park concept plan.
In response to the Commission’s request for clarification, it was noted that both Dorchester Drive
and Iron Horse Road are public roadways.
Summerlin Park – This park was bid in tandem with Fair Haven Park. The playground is
scheduled for installation next week.
Valley Creek Park – The project is progressing nicely with substantial completion on the majority
of the site work. Currently, staff is waiting to move some other equipment from the barn project
around for stabilization with 90 percent of the park project completed.
The Miller Barn project continues to move forward with a recent donation of recycled, 100 year old
antique lumber siding received for the barn. Completion of the barn is slated for around November
15.
While it was noted that the majority of the siding may be repurposed into another site, a suggestion
was made to retain some of the historic and agricultural history of the park by reusing some of the
barn siding creatively. An example might be to provide siding to a local group, such as the Boy
Scouts, to use to build birdhouses.
Ms. Okada noted that staff is working with the consultant to design and bid out the phase II portion
of the park project, with construction to start in April 2022, timeframe, with a possible completion
date to coincide with a grand opening sometime in August 2022, in coordination with the
Woodbury Heritage Society, with event details to come.
Ms. Okada noted that the phase II plan is very similar to the original concept plans the PNRC had
previously approved; however, the plans will be brought back for a final review by the PNRC.
Mr. Kinney noted that the Wedgewood Heights park installation has been delayed due to some
supply chain issues and manufacturing delays.
D. Monthly Update – Memorandum No. 21 – 24
Ms. Okada highlighted the photos in the report of the Zombie Apocalypse Chase as well as noting
that Eagle Valley Golf Course reached 40,000 golf rounds, exceeding last year.
Mr. Smidt noted that a large cricket tournament will be held at the HealthEast Sports Center the
following weekend and encouraged anyone interested to stop by and take in a match.
Council Report – Councilmember Morris
None
Announcements/Miscellaneous
Ms. Okada highlighted the current tree sale going on through the Parks and Forestry Division with
information available on the home page of the city’s website: woodburymn.gov/
A discussion took place as it relates to the presentation by Mr. Ward. Staff shared that Council
directed staff to draft a report summarizing a comprehensive list of the past and present city
Parks and Natural Resources Commission Minutes
October 5, 2021
Page 5
initiatives related to Environmental Stewardship. That is currently being developed and due at the
end of this year. The Environmental Specialists will have a greater presence and consult with PNRC
to determine what, if any, strategic initiative should be presented to Council for consideration in
2022. Additionally, the Environmental staff within the Engineering Department will continue to
work with Mr. Ward and others interested in supporting an environmental stewardship plan.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Belinda Reed
________________________________
Belinda Reed
Administrative Assistant
Approved by the Parks and Natural Resources Commission on November 3, 2021.
Agenda
Parks and Natural Resources Commission Meeting
Agenda
October 5, 2021 | 7 p.m.
Ash North/South Conference Rooms
City Hall, 8301 Valley Creek Road
Please note: Due to COVID-19, the October 5, Parks and Natural Resources Commission
Meeting is taking place virtually and at City Hall in the Ash North and South Conference
Rooms. Members of the public may attend the meeting, but will be required to comply
with social distancing parameters as determined by the City. Members of the public may
also join the meeting using a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device.
Public comments will be accepted during the meeting by using the link to the virtual
meeting to join the meeting and then submit your questions via the online Q&A feature
within the meeting.
* Please note that all agenda times are estimates.
7:00* 1. Call to Order
7:05 2. Open Forum
7:10 3. Approval of the Minutes – August 10, 2021
7:15 4. Park Naming – Memorandum No. 21 – 23
7:45 5. Discussion Items – (Identify/Discuss any Recent Changes)
A. Current Projects
• Central Park
• Briarcroft Park
• Fair Haven Park
• Highcroft Park
• Summerlin Park
• Valley Creek Park
8:15 6. Monthly Update – Memorandum No. 21 - 24
8:20 7. Council Report – Councilmember Morris
8:25 8. Announcements/Miscellaneous
8:30 9. Adjourn
If a Commission member cannot attend this meeting, please contact Belinda Reed
at 651-714-3584 by Monday, Oct. 4, 2021. Thank you.
The City of Woodbury is subject to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which
prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by public entities. The City is committed to full
implementation of the Act to our services, programs, and activities. Information regarding the
provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act is available from the City Administrator's office
at 651-714-3500. Auxiliary aids for disabled persons are available upon request at least 72 hours
in advance of an event. Please call the ADA Coordinator, at 651-714-3500 (TDD 651-714-3568)
to make arrangements.
City of Woodbury
Woodbury City Hall
8301 Valley Creek Road
Woodbury, MN 55125
651-714-3583
Minutes of
Parks and Natural Resources Commission Regular Meeting
Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021
Commission Members Present: Greta Bjerkness (Chair), Isaac Eikenberry, Karin
Freymann, Arin Kurttila (Co-chair), Bruce
Montgomery, Deborah Musser, Rachel Nelson,
Commission Member(s) Absent: Commissioner Benjamin Sayers
Commission Member Virtual: Commissioner Timothy Brewington, II
Councilmember Present: Councilmember Kimberly Wilson
Staff Present: Michelle Okada, Parks and Recreation Director
Belinda Reed, Administrative Assistant
Reed Smidt, Recreation Manager
Josh Kinney, Parks Planner
Staff Virtual: Jodi Sauro, Parks and Recreation Coordinator
Robert James, ICT Director
Ben Strobach, IT Manager
Call to Order
Chair Bjerkness called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Ms. Okada noted that a member of the South Washington County Cable telecommunications group
was present at the meeting for the purpose of shooting promotional video to help with the
recruitment of commissioners for the city’s advisory commissions.
Open Forum
None
Action Items
A. July 13, 2021, Parks and Natural Resources Commission Meeting Minutes
Chair Bjerkness asked for the approval of the Minutes of the July 13, 2021, meeting of the Parks and
Natural Resources Commission.
Motion: Moved by Commissioner Montgomery, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to
approve the July 13, 2021, Parks and Natural Resources Commission Minutes.
Vote: In favor All In-person and/or Virtual
Against None
Absent Commissioner Sayers
Parks and Natural Resources Commission Minutes
August 10, 2021
Page 2
B. Adopt-a-Park Transition to Park Clean-up - Memorandum No. 21 - 20
Ms. Okada introduced Parks and Recreation Coordinator, Jodi Sauro. Ms. Sauro noted that since
the Adopt-a-Park presentation made to the PNRC in April of 2019, and after seeing quite a bit of
drop off in volunteer program participation, staff members from the Recreation and Parks and
Forestry Divisions, have been looking at ways to reenergize the program. As part of this process, a
survey was mailed to approximately 45 past and current program participants. The survey results
indicated that respondents were hesitant to commit to a long-term or ongoing program; rather,
most preferred to have the opportunity to still make a difference in the community, by participating
in a one-time event. It was noted that in the last few years, staff have also received many inquiries
from community groups, families and companies, expressing an interest in participating in one of
the parks for a one-time event, whether that be a clean-up, trash pick-up, planting trees, spreading
mulch or grooming flower beds.
The Park Clean-up program will allow individuals and groups the opportunity to choose a park to
clean-up, on a first come, first served basis, without a long-term commitment.
At the conclusion of the program review, Commissioners agreed it was in good interest to transition
the Adopt-a-Park program to a Park Clean-up program, which will address the changing needs of
the community and provide a fun, meaningful opportunity for volunteers. Staff will reach out to
those individuals that currently have a park adopted or are volunteering on a more regular basis,
and provide continued support for their efforts.
It was noted that the city’s annual recognition week will continue to recognize all volunteers;
however, the current practice of posting names/organizations on signage in the parks will be
discontinued.
A discussion took place with regard to efforts to advertise the new program including the city’s
social media platforms, and newsletters.
C. Review YTD Divisional Financials – Memorandum No. 21 - 21
Ms. Sauro noted that the reduced revenues in the early months of 2021, were a result of the COVID-
19 restrictions in place. Throughout the year, staff has been mindful of reducing expenses to
compensate for the reduced revenues and that revenues for the Recreation Division and HealthEast
Sports Center have come back nicely, while the Eagle Valley Golf Course has exceeded its 2020
performance to date.
It was noted that the large majority of expenditures, represent full-time staff expenses.
The golf course was highlighted as doing exceptionally well again this year as people are enjoying
being outdoors during the warmer months, with an increase in revenues of 31 percent when
compared to the same period of time in 2020.
A discussion took place with regard to the challenges with the shortage of part-time staff, which
then affects the number of programs and sessions the Recreation team is in a position to offer.
Ms. Okada noted that staff continues to diligently follow the Center for Disease Control and adjust
and evaluate as conditions change.
D. Discussion Items
Parks and Natural Resources Commission Minutes
August 10, 2021
Page 3
Aside from the projects highlighted in the Monthly Update, Ms. Okada noted that Parks Planner,
Josh Kinney will continue to provide brief updates on the various projects.
Mr. Kinney provided the following updates:
Briarcroft Park – Working on cost estimates for the project and the concept plan, which will be
brought back to the PNRC in October.
Central Park – The Request for Quote (RFQ) for a design consultant is currently out for bid.
A discussion took place with what the Central Park project improvements will entail. Ms. Okada
described the Option A concept as a base level option that identifies the necessary improvements,
including mechanical, electrical, engineering, flooring, ADA accessibility, safety and security,
parking lot, replacement of Lookout Ridge playground and enclosure of the amphitheater for better
use and functionality.
Option B includes the addition of the multi-purpose, dividable space with a mezzanine second floor
above the multi-purpose space.
The City Council provided direction to move through the schematic process which will take the
concept, refine it into a schematic design and then costing out the project.
Overall the project touches most parts of the building in some capacity and includes the Early
Childhood Family Education (ECFE) suite and the Washington County Library. The facility
partners are involved with the common area level of improvements and any improvements made
outside of the common areas will be the responsibility of the individual partner.
Fair Haven Park – Bids were received, the contract approved, and the first construction meeting
has been scheduled for August 12. A playground structure is included in the plan.
Highcroft Park – Project currently on hold with additional public engagement being planned.
Ms. Okada noted that the purpose of the PNRC park tour in July was to acquaint the Commissioners
with the site with potential park elements in mind.
With the ancillary projects surrounding the park development, including road rehabilitation in the
Salem Meadows neighborhood, the Parks and Recreation staff are reaching out to the other teams in
the Community Development and Engineering departments, to determine how the other projects
may overlap in terms of connections, timelines and the project as a whole. It was noted that the
project timeline remains the same, with the approval and bid process scheduled in early 2022,
followed by construction of the park elements to take place in 2022.
Summerlin Park – Bids have been received and the contracts have been approved with a pre-
construction meeting scheduled for August 12, with construction beginning August 19, well
underway for completion in late September/early October. A playground structure is included in
the plan.
Valley Creek Park – Work has been taking place on site work and stormwater management,
parking lot, some trails and also the Miller Barn project. Site contingency on the project work is 50
percent complete. All stormwater infrastructure is in place and restoration activities are scheduled
for completion this week.
Parks and Natural Resources Commission Minutes
August 10, 2021
Page 4
The Miller Barn project kickoff is scheduled for next week.
Ms. Okada noted that the strategy and timeline of Phase II of the project will be reviewed at an
upcoming PNRC meeting.
E. Monthly Update – Memorandum No. 21 – 21
Ms. Okada noted that the department is in summer month full swing.
Council Report – Councilmember Wilson
Ms. Wilson noted that Fair Haven and Summerlin park projects were approved at the July 28, City
Council meeting. Upcoming City Council meetings were listed: 7:30 p.m. July 11, with the Parks
and Trails Replacement Plan Fund Franchise Fee approval on the agenda, followed by a workshop,
and another workshop scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 25.
Announcements/Miscellaneous
Ms. Okada shared that staff continues to be diligent with regard to masking recommendations made
by Washington County and the State of Minnesota health resources.
It was decided that there would be no park tour scheduled prior to the September 7, PNRC meeting.
Mr. Smidt highlighted Big Truck Day, Saturday, Sept. 25, 9 a.m.-noon. Staff is interested in anyone
that might have a monster truck or farm combine.
Mr. Smidt noted that fall program registration begins Wednesday, Aug. 11.
Councilmember Wilson noted this would be her final meeting as the third quarter Council Liaison to
the PNRC, with Councilmember Morris representing the Council for the final quarter of 2021.
Ms. Okada noted Woodbury Days, is scheduled for August 20-22. The Commissioners were
encouraged to volunteer should they be interested in working a shift or two, during the event at
Ojibway Park. Ms. Okada noted that the event is city-supported, but not a function of the city.
Additional information is available on the Woodbury Days Council website: woodburydays.com.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________________
Belinda Reed
Administrative Assistant
Approved by the Parks and Natural Resources Commission on October 5, 2021.
City of Woodbury
Parks and Recreation Department
Parks and Natural Resources Commission Memorandum 21 - 23 October 5, 2021
Parks and Natural Resources Commission Members:
Subject: Park Naming-Highcroft Park and Harvest Park
Background
The City of Woodbury has either purchased or received dedicated properties over the years for
the purpose of our parks and open spaces. Some of the parcels have not yet been assigned
official names by the City Council. In order to formally establish names for new park lands or
recreational facility holdings, a Council Directive was adopted by resolution on January 12, 2011,
(CD-PKREC-7.4, Procedure for Assigning Names to Park Lands and Recreational Facilities), to
guide the city’s activities in this regard. This committee is comprised of Council members, City
staff, Planning and PNRC representatives and a member of the Woodbury Heritage Society.
On September 28, 2021, the Park Lands and Recreational Facilities Naming Advisory
Committee was reconvened to provide input on assigning names to the following Phase II
development area park land spaces, which spaces are currently referred to using the
development name.
The Park Lands and Recreational Facilities Naming Advisory Committee recommended the
following Phase II park names:
Phase II Park Lands Current Referred to
by Use of Development Names Recommended Park Names
• Highcroft • Highcroft Park
• Orville Commons /Dominium Project • Harvest Park
Highcroft Park – Named after the development adjacent to the south and east of this
park land, which is also where park users would access the main trailhead entrance to
the park. The practice of naming a park after the development it resides is a common
practice in Woodbury and serves as a wayfinding guide for access to the space.
Harvest Park – This park is located on what was once cultivated farmland. Harvest Park
is adjacent to the Harvest View and Harvest View Commons developments and near the
recently approved Orville Commons apartment complex.
Attached is the Park Naming Policy, which gives greater detail on the priorities when selecting a
name of a park land or facility.
Public Process
9/28/21 Park Lands and Recreational Facilities Naming Advisory Committee convened at
3:30 p.m.
10/5/21 Park Lands and Recreational Facilities Naming Advisory Committee
recommendations will go to the Parks and Natural Resources Commission for
approval.
Parks and Natural Resources Commission
Memorandum 21 – 23
October 5, 2021
Page | 2
10/13/21 Staff will bring all recommended park names to City Council for formal adoption
by resolution.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Parks and Natural Resource Commission provide input and a
recommendation on the Park Lands and Recreational Facilities Naming Advisory Committee
proposed park names.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/
Michelle Okada
Parks and Recreation Director
Attachment: Council Directive Park Naming Policy
City of Woodbury
Parks and Recreation Department
Parks and Natural Resources Commission Memorandum 21 – 24 October 5, 2021
Eagle Valley Golf Course (EVGC) – Dan Moris
August gave Eagle Valley some much-needed rain and a dose of reality with regards to rounds played.
The golf course received over nine inches of rain throughout August, which ended eleven consecutive
(golf) months with increases in rounds played. Eagle Valley is currently about 10 percent ahead of
2020, in rounds played, putting the total just under 34,000 YTD. In addition, the corresponding golf
course revenue is up over 18 percent. Staff is looking forward to a great fall season with hopes of
continued positive results.
All of our programing have wrapped up for the year. Both the women and men competed for our Club
Championships earlier in August. All of our playing programs, including Women’s Open Golf, Junior
League and our Tuesday Men’s League, have finished their respective seasons.
Our maintenance staff finished the process of aerofying the tees in August, and completed the green’s
aerification process right after Labor Day. The process includes removing and cleaning cores off the
greens, dragging sand to fill the holes, and finally watering the greens to push the sand into the
aerification holes. This process will help relieve compaction in the greens and provide for better
airflow and water penetration.
HealthEast Sports Center (HSC) – Katie Ryden
HSC wrapped up all the summer hockey camps and youth hockey tournaments. Preseason camps,
tryouts, and practices started for our youth hockey association and figure skating club. The high
school hockey teams are holding captain's practices through early October, with the regular season
scheduled to be in November.
HSC will host the Community Expo on Saturday, Oct. 2. It will be a great event and way to showcase
the sports center and the variety of city businesses and programs available in our community.
Additional events held at HSC in October are the Navratri cultural celebration on October 15 and 16,
and a craft show will wrap up the last weekend in October.
We welcomed a new full-time staff member, Nathan Christensen, in August. Nathan is the second
HSC Building Maintenance Technician and will work a rotating schedule with the other HSC Building
Maintenance Technician. Nathan has worked part-time for the City of Woodbury at HealthEast
Sports Center for 11-years, and was previously employed full-time at the City of South St. Paul at Doug
Woog Arena.
Staffing is still an ongoing challenge and priority as we are working on getting our team in place for
the peak winter season. We are actively recruiting Zamboni drivers and Customer Service staff.
Recreation Division – Reed Smidt
Recreation staff had a very successful summer season and are now in full swing with fall recreation
programs and special events. Below are a few highlights from the past couple of months.
An exciting new special event called the Zombie Apocalypse Chase, took place Thursday, Aug. 12, at
Carver Lake Park. For this event, participants dressed up as zombies and seasonal team members
dressed up as mad scientists. The zombies’ goal was to collect as many plutonium rocks (yellow and
orange plastic eggs from the spring egg hunts), from the mad scientists’ home base. The mad
scientists’ goal was to tag the zombies before the zombie made it back to their treasure chest. This
Parks and Natural Resources Commission
Memorandum 21 – 24
October 5, 2021 Page 2 of 3
event was a partnership between Woodbury and Cottage Grove’s recreation divisions. Over 70
participants enjoyed this fun, unique and exhausting game of chase!
Camp Carver had record attendance in 2021, with over 560 kids participating in the summer day
camp program at Carver Lake Park.
Recreation team members coordinated five kids’ activities at Woodbury Days this year. Activities
included: Fluff-n-Stuff, Coin Hunt, Lego Build, the Woodbury Days Challenge and a Pearler Bead craft
Parks and Natural Resources Commission
Memorandum 21 – 24
October 5, 2021 Page 3 of 3
project. All five of these activities were very well received, reaching over 990 people through the
weekend.
The 11th Annual Big Truck Day took place Saturday, Sept. 25, at Central Park. Over 20 vehicles filled
the parking lot and over 2,700 people attended! The recreation staff is grateful for the support Public
Works and Public Safety provides by bringing vehicles and team members to the event.
Central Park – Polly Blom
Bridge wedding ceremonies continue to be popular at Central Park with two in August, and three in
September. Other facility rentals are still down as compared to previous years.
We are glad to have our adult programming back in a modified capacity hosting 55+ Adult games:
Bridge, 500 cards, and Mahjong groups are having fun and there are 90 people registered and playing
regularly throughout the week. Staff is working on reviving and adding programs to include art and
crafts, educational and trip opportunities for later this fall and winter.
Lookout Ridge attendance is slower with the start of school in late August and September.
In anticipation of cooler weather and school-out days, we are promoting hours for parties and private
rentals, punch pass sales, as well as expanding our Friday and Saturday hours.
Lookout Ridge Open Play Hours:
Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (private rentals: Thursdays 5:30-7:30 p.m.)
Friday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (private rentals: 2:30-4:30 p.m.)
Saturday 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Sunday Closed (private rentals: 2:30-4:30 p.m.)
Facility and Project Updates - Josh Kinney
• Highcroft and Briarcroft Parks - Park concept designs are being fine-tuned for both park
locations. Additional community engagement is in progress for Highcroft Park. The Briarcroft
concept plan is still being reviewed, with the final concept plan scheduled for approval in
November.
• Fair Haven/Summerlin Parks - Construction is underway at both locations with anticipation
of completion yet this fall.
• Park Monument and Wayfinding – Park maps, rules, and wayfinding signage for the
Tamarack Nature Preserve, Ojibway Park, and Carver Lake Park are nearing completion, with
installation scheduled for this fall. New wayfinding signage was installed at the Carver Lake Park
Off-road Cycling Trail and the Bike Park playground. Park monument signs are slightly delayed
due to supply chain challenges with metal materials.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/
Michelle Okada
Parks and Recreation Director
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