21-02 Approved Commission MinutesCrystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes
February 3, 2021
Virtual Zoom Meeting
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. by
Commission Chair Jesse McCaffrey.
Commission members in attendance were: Jesse McCaffrey - Chair, Tony Sumnicht – Vice Chair,
Shaz Ahmadi - Secretary, Dave Anderson, Lynn Haney and Erin Kolb. Also present were David
Cummings, Council Liaison; John Elholm, Brad Fortin and Scott Berggren from the City Staff.
Commission members not in attendance were: Joyce Cooper and Meredith Torres-Walsh
There was no public comment
Ms. Haney made a motion to approve the January Park and Recreation Commission minutes;
Mr. Sumnicht seconded the motion. The Park and Recreation Commission minutes for January
were approved as written.
Mr. McCaffrey gave the Chairperson’s report. He talked about the importance of parks being
accessible and making sure visitors feel welcome.
Mr. Elholm reviewed proposed code changes that will better allow recreation staff to provide
clear and accurate information to the public. The first reading of the City ordinance happened
at the City Council meeting on February 2, 2021. The second reading is scheduled for February
16. The code defines what activities require a permit in the parks and creates an opportunity to
rent smaller shelters or spaces in the parks. It also adds consistency to park hours and clarifies
rules on fires and food trucks.
Mr. Elholm lead a discussion on the selection of play area colors for Yunkers and Valley Place
Parks. For the Yunkers play area the Commission preferred the color palette identified by the
code AH. When choosing the colors for the Valley Place play area they recommended color
code AB, although changing the purple color to navy blue to better match the colors of the City.
Additionally, a general conversation was had on play area equipment, including workout style
equipment and nature play.
Mr. Elholm provided an update on park projects. Surveying will begin at Bass Lake Park and
Valley Place Park to aid in trail design at these locations. Park maintenance staff is doing
significant work on the Valley Place Park building, in an effort to make it more ADA compliant
and appealing for rentals. Site work will soon begin at Yunkers Park, which will include a new
play area and basketball court.
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 2 February 3, 2021
Mr. McCaffrey lead a roundtable discussion where everyone shared their passion around parks
and recreation. They also stated what project from the Parks System Master Plan they were
most excited about. Common themes from the discussion included being intentional about
bringing people together, building a sense of community, connecting with nature, health and
fitness, and senior programming. As for facilities, there was interest expressed in new
community park buildings, farmer’s market, fitness equipment and nature play opportunities.
Mr. Cummings presented the Council report. The new county commissioner, Jeff Lunde,
attended the last council meeting to introduce himself. The Council also rejected bids for the
new police station. The project will be re-bid to better meet the requirements of recent state
funding. The project will be delayed 2-3 weeks, but is still on track for construction.
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 mentioned the master planning Three Rivers Park
District is doing for French Regional Park, and encouraged people to get involved with the
process. He also updated the Commission on the upcoming Crystal Farmers Market beginning
in June 2021.
Mr. Elholm gave a Crystal Fund report. The Crystal Fund will donate funds to buy trees to be
given away for Arbor Day. They are also planning to hold their annual plant sale on May 22.
Ms. Haney gave a Crystal Frolics report. Jesse McCaffrey was named the new Vice President of
the Crystal Frolics. The dates for this years’ festival will be July 22-25. Planning for the festival is
underway.
Under community contacts, Mr. McCaffrey mentioned the upcoming virtual conversations with
Three Rivers Park District related to senior programming. Stacy Chouinard, our new recreation
program supervisor, will be assisting with the program.
Ms. Kolb made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Mr. Sumnicht seconded the motion.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:46 pm.
John Elholm, Recorder