21-11 Approved Commission MinutesCrystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes
November 3, 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), Tony Sumnicht (Vice Chair), Dave
Anderson, Joyce Cooper, Forest Eidbo, 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: Shaz Ahmadi (Secretary)
There was no public comment.
Ms. Haney made a motion to approve the October Park and Recreation Commission minutes;
Mr. Sumnicht seconded the motion. The Park and Recreation Commission minutes for October
were approved as written.
Mr. McCaffrey gave the Chairperson’s report. He briefly shared a conversation he had with the
mindfulness walk coordinator from Five Rivers Metro Parks. He created a folder online with
resources for other commission members to reference. The commission expressed interest in
having John Sutter attend an upcoming meeting to discuss Crystal’s changing demographics.
Potential questions to have John Sutter prepare for should be sent to John Elholm prior to the
December Park and Recreation Commission meeting.
Mr. Elholm shared information on current and future park projects. Most projects that were
planned for 2021 have been completed. Looking ahead to 2022, an additional section of
boardwalk will be added at MAC Wildlife Area, which is phase 2 of a multi-phase project. The
new Bassett Creek dog park continues to be planned. Mr. Eidbo and Mr. Sumnicht expressed
interest in adding a second entrance to the proposed large dog area. There is still desire to have
eight pickleball courts at Becker Park, when the facility is redone. In addition to pickleball, a
third goal will be added to the basketball court. Designs are being worked on for an updated
south parking lot at the Crystal Community Center.
Mr. Elholm previewed the upcoming winter season. Skating rinks will be groomed at five Crystal
parks. This includes Becker Park, which will have a mobile warming house for the season. We
are currently in the process of hiring ice rink attendants. Winterfest will be moved to an
outdoor event in February of 2022.
Mr. Cummings presented the City Council Report. The council continues their process to
update the city charter, for the first time since 1989. They also approved bids for updates to the
Gaulke pond site that will address flood mitigation. Crystal Vision Clinic broke ground on a new
building.
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 2 November 3, 2021
Reports were given by Mr. Fortin for park maintenance and Mr. Berggren for recreation
programming.
Mr. Elholm reported on the recent presentation he gave with Mr. Berggren at the MRPA State
Conference. He also discussed preliminary plans the recreation department has been working
on around mindfulness walks. Mr. Elholm mentioned that the Crystal Cove Aquatic Center has
been losing water in recent years, and replacing the portion of the pool built in 1968 is
proposed in 2023. This is the portion of pool not replaced in 2005 when other improvements
were made.
Ms. Haney gave a Crystal Frolics report. The Crystal Frolics Committee is working on
sponsorships and fundraising information for 2022. Mr. Elholm mentioned that OMNI Brewing
will be back in 2022; selling their craft beer at Becker Park.
Crystal Fund Report: Mr. Elholm said the Crystal Fund is reviewing options for potentially
changing their name to make it more in-line with the work they do.
Ms. Haney made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Mr. Sumnicht seconded the motion.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:18 pm.
John Elholm
Recorder