21-10 Approved Commission MinutesCrystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes
October 6, 2021
Crystal Community Center
The Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Commission
Chair Jesse McCaffrey.
Commission members in attendance: Jesse McCaffrey (Chair), Shaz Ahmadi (Secretary), Dave
Anderson, Joyce Cooper, 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 absent: Tony Sumnicht (Vice Chair) & Forest Eidbo
There was no public comment.
Ms. Kolb made a motion to approve the September Park and Recreation Commission minutes;
Ms. Ahmadi seconded the motion. The Park and Recreation Commission minutes for September
were approved as written.
Mr. McCaffrey gave the Chairperson’s report. He shared information about a new movement
from the National Parks and Recreation Association called Resilient Park Access. Mr. McCaffrey
led a discussion about how to make Crystal Parks more resilient, including ways to promote our
resiliency.
Mr. Elholm shared information on future park projects. SRF Consulting provided an initial
design for the new dog park. Some key elements included a separate dog park for small and
large dogs. The design also shows the two separate areas split by Brunswick Avenue, allowing
the dog park to be close to 4 acres. Public input has begun for the pickleball courts at Becker
Park. The initial input would like to see the space be maximized with eight pickleball courts.
Staff will be working on securing additional grant funds to help with the construction of a new
soccer field at Fair School Park.
Mr. Cummings presented the City Council Report. The council is working with the Charter
Commission to update the City of Crystal Charter. He also gave an update on the Blue Line LRT
planning. Metro transit presented new plans for Bottineau Blvd, that would not reduce traffic
lanes.
Reports were given by Mr. Fortin for park maintenance and Mr. Berggren for recreation
programming.
Mr. Elholm reported the new park signs will be arriving soon. This includes the sign for the
newly named Winnetka Hills Park. Recreation department staff will be attending the MRPA
Conference the week of October 13.
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 2 October 6, 2021
Ms. Haney gave a Crystal Frolics report. The Crystal Frolics Committee is seeking new
volunteers to help with planning of the 2022 event.
Crystal Fund Report: Mr. Elholm said the Crystal Fund is seeing more volunteers. They may
consider re-branding their name to assist with this. The March 2022 Cheers to Crystal event will
be postponed to a later date, but the 2022 plant sale is still in their plans.
Commission members gave details for upcoming community events.
Ms. Haney made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Ms. Kolb seconded the motion.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:29 pm.
John Elholm
Recorder