2011.06.01 PRC Minutes
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
Minutes
June 1, 2011
Twin Oak Park
The Crystal Parks and Recreation Commission meeting was called to order at
7:00 pm by Chairperson Lynn Haney. Commission members in attendance
were: Ms. Merriam, Mr. Lehnertz, Ms. Sodd, Mr. Schuneman and Mr. Jungroth.
Also present were: Ms. Moore , City Council Liaison; Ms. Norris, City Manager;
Lieutenant Oyaas, Police Department; Mr. Mathisen, Mr. Rauen and Ms. Hackett
from the city staff. Also attending were several residents from the Twin Oak Park
and Lions Soo Line Park neighborhoods.
Introductions were made. Ms. Haney gave the purpose of the outdoor meetings.
Mr. Mathisen gave the city projects report including information from Public
Works and Community Development. Residents expressed gratitude that the 4-
plexes were removed.
Lieutenant Oyaas reviewed recent Police Department activity, Night To Unite
information and volunteer opportunities.
Ms. Haney informed the attendees about discussions held at the Park
Commission level on these topics:
Lions Soo Line Playground Equipment – discussion has concerned
removing rather than replacing the equipment when it is no longer safe. There
were no negative comments to this. Residents mentioned that they don’t see it
used very often and Twin Oak is close.
Lions Soo Line Community Garden Site – There is green space in the
park that is being considered for a future site for additional community garden
plots as needed. Residents were not opposed to this use.
Twin Oak Park Permanent Hockey Rink – This project would install
permanent hockey boards at the park. During the summer months it could be
used as an off leash area. The Commission had a concern that the residents
would not want the boards up all summer. The residents were in favor of this
project and thought having a close off leash area was a nice perk for the
neighborhood. There were some questions about re-opening the warming house
which at this time isn’t planned. One resident thought he would consider
volunteering some hours to have the building open and will work with the
Recreation Office.
Twin Oak Park POW-MIA Memorial – Future plans called for moving the
memorial to the north side of the pond. At this time the memorial will not be
moved. The VFW has purchased benches for around the pond.
Twin Oak Park Other Improvements – Asphalt work is planned and a
parking discussion was held. Residents appreciate the asphalt pathway so they
can walk to the rink. There was also discussion regarding doing landscape work
to provide some screening from Bass Lake Road. The residents were informed
of the upkeep projects that the VFW has performed in the park.
Ms. Hackett informed the residents of the Adopt a Park and Adopt a Rain Garden
programs as well as the Community Garden with Brooklyn Park.
The Twin Oak/Lions Soo Line residents made the following additional comments:
· Question about Chimney Swifts and mentioned the Audubon program.
The City is partnering with the Audubon Society on a Chimney Swift house
in Bassett Creek Park. The Twin Oak pond site could be considered at a
later date.
· Question about the depth of the pond and a fence. Mr. Mathisen replied
that the bottom tapers out slowly and at this time no fence is planed.
Signs regarding the ice/sliding were erected in the winter.
Residents were thanked for their comments. The neighborhood portion of the
meeting was adjourned at 7:50pm.
The Business meeting was called to order at 7:56pm.
Ms. Hackett updated the Commission on the dog park concerns (the animal
warden has been patrolling and has seen few violations) and the Purchase of
recreation service by Robbinsdale (another meeting is planned for later in June).
Additional discussion was held on the Twin Oak/Lions Soo Line items. The
permanent hockey rink seemed to have positive responses from the residents.
The asphalt work to re-route the parking would also be a positive project. A
small parking area near the building would be a good idea if the memorial stays
near the building. Some benches/tables could be installed along a pathway to
the rink for people to put on their skates. The memorial can stay near the building
if there is no burning desire to have it moved. The playground equipment at
Lions Soo Line should not be replaced at this time and would be removed as it
deteriorates to make green space. The open area for the garden would be an
asset. Mr. Rauen and Mr. Mathisen will further review these projects and make
the appropriate changes to the Long Range Plan.
Ms. Moore gave the City Council report.
Ms. Haney gave the Crystal Frolics report. Helpers are needed for various
events:
Run: Ms. Merriam, Mr. Schuneman, Ms. Sodd, and Mr. Lehnertz (?)
Splash Bash: Ms. Merriam, Ms. Sodd
Crystal Ball: Mr. Jungroth will coordinate clues
Classic Cars: Judges may be needed.
Skate Park: Mr. Jungroth will coordinate/Ms. Hackett to order trophies.
Ms. Haney asked members to spread the word about the “Patriotic Parade” in the
park. Youth groups are invited to march. She reminded everyone of the
fireworks to be shot off in the Highway 81 construction area.
Mr. Jungroth gave the Crystal Business Association report. He reviewed the last
meeting and reminded Commission members about the meeting at Becker Park
on July 20 th at 8:30am – the Frolics Committee is hosting.
The monthly reports were reviewed, highlighting major activities.
The minutes were approved as sent.
The next meeting is July 13 th at Yunker Park – the date is changed due to the
July 4 th holiday.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:29pm.
Gene Hackett
Recorder