19-06 Approved Commission MinutesCrystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission - Neighborhood Meeting Minutes
June 5, 2019
Fair School Park
The Parks and Recreation Commission Neighborhood Meeting was called to order at
7:04 pm by Commission Chair Lori Merriam.
Commission members in attendance were: Lynn Haney, Lori Merriam, Meredith Torres-Walsh, Andy
Leipold, Dave Anderson, Jesse McCaffrey, and Erin Kolb. Also present were Nancy LaRoche, Council
Liaison; Anne Norris, John Elholm, Brad Fortin, Lt. Pete Underthun, and Scott Berggren from the City
Staff.
Introductions were made of the Commission members and City Staff.
Ms. Lynn Haney presented the Crystal Frolics button awards to the top three design winners.
Ms. Anne Norris provided information on current and upcoming city projects.
Lt. Pete Underthun made himself available for questions or concerns.
Mr. John Elholm presented information on upcoming park improvements. He also shared a drawing of
Fair Park (adjacent to Fair school) that highlighted potential new improvements – including a new play
area and improved soccer field. The principal at Fair School talked about their school model, and
explained how park improvements would benefit the school.
Mr. Brad Fortin highlighted recent and upcoming park projects and maintenance activities.
Mr. Berggren gave an update on programs and events in the Recreation Department. He highlighted
current and upcoming activities.
A resident received a Crystal Community Center activity gift certificate in a drawing.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:48 pm.
John Elholm
Recorder
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes
June 5, 2019
Fair School Park
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting was called to order at
7:55 pm by Commission Chair Lori Merriam.
Commission members in attendance were: Lynn Haney, Lori Merriam, Meredith Torres-Walsh, Andy
Leipold, Dave Anderson, Jesse McCaffrey, and Erin Kolb. Also present were Nancy LaRoche, Council
Liaison; Anne Norris, John Elholm, Brad Fortin and Scott Berggren from the City Staff.
Commission Member Terencio Safford was absent.
There was no public comment.
Ms. Haney made a motion to approve the May Park and Recreation Commission minutes as
written; Mr. Leipold seconded the motion. The Park and Recreation Commission minutes for
May were approved as written.
Ms. Merriam commented that it was fun seeing the frolics button design winners receive their
awards. She also congratulated the Recreation staff on their awards of excellence from MRPA.
Mr. Elholm gave an update on the Becker Park project. Soon site amenities such as benches,
bike racks and picnic tables will be ordered. Mr. Elholm discussed potential color scheme
options for these items. Each item (bench, table, etc.) have different color options, but they
don’t necessarily match each other well. The Commission liked the idea of matching some
amenity colors to those in the play area and shelter; with others being neutral – instead of
introducing additional colors into the park. Mr. Elholm also shared that the We-Go Round for
the Becker Park playground will be fully funded through donations. This was accomplished
after Chad Greenway’s Lead the Way Foundation donated $15,000.
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission were briefed on the 2019 park tour on June 19.
The tour will visit Schaper Park in Golden Valley as well as The Commons and Peavey Park in
Minneapolis. Recreation staff will send out a link to collect RSVP’s.
Ms. LaRoche gave the City Council Report. The Council approved fireworks and music to happen
at the 2019 Crystal Frolics. They also approved installation of service to the homes being built
near Iron Horse Park.
Mr. Elholm gave the Crystal Fund Report. The Crystal Fund Plant sale raised $1700. In total the
Crystal Fund will donate $5,000 towards the Becker Park playground. The Cheers to Crystal
event will be held on March 20, 2020.
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 2 June 5, 2019
Reports were given by Mr. Fortin for park maintenance, and Mr. Berggren for recreation
programming.
Mr. Elholm reported on the recent MRPA awards the Recreation Department received.
Ms. Haney gave a Crystal Frolics report. The committee has begun handing out prizes for those
who have registered their frolics buttons. An adjustment to the map had to be made to reflect
the new location of the beer tent. Mr. Fortin will look into portable bike racks to make available
for those who want to bike to the frolics.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 pm.
John Elholm
Recorder