20-05 Approved Commission MinutesCrystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes
May 6, 2020
Zoom Online Meeting
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by
Commission Chair Lynn Haney.
Commission members in attendance were: Lynn Haney, Lori Merriam, Andy Leipold, Tony
Sumnicht, Erin Kolb, Jesse McCaffrey, Meredith Torres-Walsh and Dave Anderson. Also present
were John Elholm, Brad Fortin and Scott Berggren from the City Staff.
Commission Members not in attendance were: Joyce Cooper, Shaz Ahmadi
There was no public comment
Ms. Kolb made a motion to approve the April Tree Board Park and Recreation Commission
minutes, with the addition of Ms. Torres-Walsh being added to the list of members not
attending the Tree Board meeting; Ms. Merriam seconded the motion. The Tree Board and Park
and Recreation Commission minutes for April were approved with additions.
Ms. Kolb made a motion to approve the April Park and Recreation Commission minutes; Ms.
Merriam seconded the motion. The Park and Recreation Commission minutes for April were
approved as written.
Ms. Haney thanked everyone for making the zoom meeting. She sent her well wishes to all
members hoping they were staying healthy and safe.
The Commission Members voted on the Crystal Frolics Button nominations. Each member
ranked their top three nominations. A tally was kept by City staff to rank the winners. Award
winners will be sent gift certificates, as well as 10 buttons of their specific design.
Three buttons receiving the award based on votes are:
• 1st Place: #12
• 2nd Place: #6
• 3rd Place: #21
Mr. Elholm provided an update on the changes the Parks and Recreation Department are
making due to the continually evolving COVID-19 situation. Staff is reviewing information from
many sources to make decisions on the opening and closing of facilities, as well as ways to
access programs. In-person recreation programs are canceled through at least May 31. New
park COVID-19 signs were ordered and installed, using suggestions from the Park and
Recreation Commission. There was some dialogue based around what Commission members
have seen out in the parks. The City has not closed any park amenities, and will continue to use
signs to notify and educate visitors. Five portable bathrooms will be placed in the parks
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 2 May 6, 2020
The Crystal Community Center will have a sneeze guard installed on the front counter for
protection of staff and customers. Community Center staff will have access to PPE’s when
needed, and will be put on a rotation to limit exposure when they start returning to the office.
All facility rentals have been canceled through June 1. The opening of the Crystal Cove Aquatic
Center has been postponed to July 6. Staff is reviewing recommendations from the CDC and
others on operating changes to be made if the pool does open. Some current considerations
include lowering capacity and requiring facemasks. Swim lessons would be difficult due to
social distancing requirements.
Mr. Elholm gave a status update on current park projects that are still happening.
• North Lions Park – upgrades will occur later this summer.
• Iron Horse Park - the hockey rink has been removed and the shelter is on order. Plans
are being developed for the paved trail.
• Fair School Playground – a grant application will be submitted by the May 11 due date.
There was a discussion about incorporating nature play areas into Crystal. Nature play has
become very popular, and needs to be planned following national standards. Considerations for
play area locations were discussed. While it is currently not a high priority, nature play was
addressed in the Parks System Master Plan in 2017.
The commission also discussed the importance for COVID-19 signs to stay up at the Bassett
Creek Dog Park. The dog park is often busy, with few visitors complying with social distancing.
Mr. Elholm gave the City Council report. The Council approved LED lighting upgrades at the
Crystal Community Center and the Crystal Cove Aquatic Center. The addition of these upgrades
could create energy savings nearing $20,000.
Reports were given by Mr. Fortin for park maintenance and Mr. Berggren for recreation
programming. They both made reference to information presented in the commission packet.
Mr. Elholm gave the Director’s report. He shared an email of appreciation from a resident
regarding our efforts to create an inclusive playground at Becker Park.
Mr. Elholm and Ms. Haney gave a Crystal Frolics report. The Crystal Frolics has been canceled
for 2020. The family festival may still happen in conjunction with a fall Becker Park celebration.
Omni Beer has kept their financial commitment for the 2021 event by not receiving a refund.
Mr. Elholm gave a Crystal Fund report. The Crystal Fund is looking to move the Cheers to
Crystal event to November 6.
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 3 May 6, 2020
Ms. Merriam made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Mr. McCaffrey seconded the motion.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:24 pm.
John Elholm, Recorder