2022.01.05 PRC Commission Packet AGENDA
January 5, 2022
Crystal Community Center – 4800 Douglas Drive North, Crystal MN, 55429
7:00 pm Regular Meeting Agenda
1. Call the Meeting to Order / Introductions
2. Election of Officers
3. Public Comments
4. Approval of Minutes
5. Chairperson’s Report
6. Commission Business / Discussion (45 minutes)
a. 2021 and 2022 work plan
b. 2022 meeting calendar discussion
c. Crystal Cove Aquatic Center discussion
d. Project updates
7. Commission Reports (15 minutes)
a. City Council Report
b. Project/Maintenance Report
c. Program Report
d. Director Report
8. Community Reports (10 minutes)
a. Community Activity/Event Reports
• Crystal Frolics Report
• Crystal Fund Report
b. Citizen Contacts
c. Other Community News Items
9. Adjournment
Next meeting date: February 2, 2022 – Crystal Community Center
MEETING OVERVIEW
January 5, 2022
Crystal Community Center – 4800 Douglas Drive North, Crystal MN, 55429
Contact John Elholm – john.elholm@crystalmn.gov or 763-531-1150 if you cannot attend
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING – 7:00 PM
1. Call the Meeting to Order and Introductions
Jesse McCaffrey will call the meeting to order
2. Election of Officers
3. Public Comments
Citizens may bring items of concern related to parks and recreation to the attention of
the commission. Speaking time may be limited and no action will be taken.
4. Approval of Minutes – December 1, 2021
5. Chairperson’s Report
6. Commission Business / Discussion
John Elholm: Introduce Business Items
a. 2021 and 2022 work plan
b. 2022 meeting calendar discussion
c. Crystal Cove Aquatic Center discussion
d. Project updates
7. City Reports
David Cummings: City Council Report
Brad Fortin: Project/Maintenance Report
Scott Berggren: Program Report
John Elholm: Director Report
8. Community Reports
Lynn Haney / John Elholm: Crystal Frolics Report
John Elholm: Crystal Fund Report
Commission Members: Other community activities and events
9. Adjournment
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes
December 1, 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), Shaz
Ahmadi (Secretary), 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: none
There was no public comment.
Ms. Kolb made a motion to approve the November Park and Recreation Commission minutes;
Mr. Sumnicht seconded the motion. The Park and Recreation Commission minutes for
November were approved as written.
Mr. McCaffrey gave the Chairperson’s report. He shared comments he made during his Park
and Recreation Commission interview with City Council. He also led a brief discussion on
meeting formats moving forward, and whether a hybrid model would help with resident
involvement. Mr. McCaffrey also introduced a discussion on the role of the commission, where
Mr. Elholm provided additional information.
Mr. Elholm shared updates on future park projects. Phase 2 of the MAC Wildlife Area
boardwalk expansion is moving forward, with the boardwalk being replaced over the winter.
The project is being led by Three Rivers Park District. An updated design was shown and
discussed for the new Bassett Creek dog park. The design added a second entrance to the large
dog park area. A second entrance was added based on discussion from the November meeting.
We are continuing to collect input on the proposed addition of pickleball courts at Becker Park.
The commission also talked about the draft design for the redevelopment of the south parking
lot at the Crystal Community Center. Some potential improvements related to traffic flow were
pointed out.
Mr. Elholm gave a presentation on the Crystal Cove Aquatic Center. The pool was initially
installed in 1968, with the zero-depth pool, pool under the slides and the mechanicals for both
pools being replaced in 2005. These recent improvements are still in very good condition.
However, several improvements identified in 2005, but omitted from the final project then,
need replacement now. These proposed Phase 2 improvements were discussed further at the
meeting. The commission was also informed about a work session on this topic scheduled with
the city council on December 2.
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 2 December 1, 2021
Mr. Elholm facilitated a follow-up discussion about the changing demographics of Crystal. He
presented the commission with links and resources that are used within the Recreation
Department when looking for demographic information. This data is important when
determining services that we offer, as well as for when we are seeking grant funding.
Mr. Berggren also talked to the Commission about organizations we are working with, like
HACER and ACER, that help us connect with underserved members of our community.
Mr. Elholm led the commission in a discussion on their outdoor meeting locations for 2022. A
sample schedule was presented, followed by a brief discussion. The commission will discuss the
schedule further at their January meeting.
Mr. Cummings presented the City Council Report. The council recently conducted interviews
for Parks and Recreation Commission members who are renewing their commitment to remain
on the commission. Council is also looking into the costs associated with fixing the Crystal Cove
Aquatic Center.
Reports were given by Mr. Fortin for park maintenance and Mr. Berggren for recreation
programming.
Mr. Elholm reported on our Awards of Excellence that were recently written up in the MRPA
magazine. We received awards for the Becker Park redevelopment project and our Storybook
Trail program.
Ms. Haney gave a Crystal Frolics report. The Crystal Frolics Committee is working on
sponsorships and fundraising information for 2022. The next Crystal Frolics meeting will be
December 13, via Zoom.
Crystal Fund Report: Mr. Elholm said the Crystal Fund next meeting will be in January of 2022.
Ms. Haney made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Mr. Sumnicht seconded the motion.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 pm.
John Elholm
Recorder
PLANNING / DEVELOPMENT approved 01/06/21
Item Process: Status
Bass Lake Park Project · Receive Progress Updates from Staff
2021 Construction · Provide Input on Project
2021 Grand Opening · Participate in Grand Opening Celebration
Valley Place Park Project · Receive Progress Updates from Staff
2021 Construction · Provide Input on Project
2021 Grand Opening · Participate in Grand Opening Celebration
Yunkers Park Project · Receive Progress Updates from Staff
2021 Construction · Provide Input on Project
2021 Grand Opening · Participate in Grand Opening Celebration
Bassett Creek Dog Park · Receive Progress Updates from Staff
2021 Planning · Attend Public Meetings
2022 Construction · Provide Input on Project
Other Capital Improvement Projects · Receive Project Updates from Staff
Pool and Community Center · Provide Input on Capital Improvement Items
Park Tour · Visit sites for project and program ideas
Locations TBD · Discuss ideas and provide input
2021 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION WORK PLAN
Individual Tours of
Dog Parks Complete
Complete
Construction
Complete
No Grand Opening
Construction
Complete
No Grand Opening
Construction
Complete
No Grand Opening
Planning
Underway
PROMOTION / COMMUNITY OUTREACH approved 01/06/21
Item Process: Status
Community Events and Programs.· PRC Representation at Major P&R Events
· Assist with Crystal Frolics Family Festival
· Promote P&R at Non-City Activities
Recognition · Select Neighbors Rec. Neighbors Awards
· Select Crystal Frolics Button Awards
Recreation · Provide Input on Programs Being Offered
· Provide Feedback on Programs Attended
Summer Meetings · Encourage Citizen Participation at Meetings
4 Neighborhood Meetings May 5: Iron Horse Park (Arbor Day)
June 2: Lee Park
July 7: Cavanagh Park
August 4: North Lions Park
Partnerships · Support other Community Groups & Events
Crystal Business Association
Crystal Fund
Crystal Frolics Committee, Inc.
· Encourage Collaborative Fundraising
Marketing · Promote P&R through Social Networks
· Take Photos in Parks and at Events
· Monitor Web Site, etc. for Corrections
· Encourage Links to P&R Web Site
Complete
Complete
Complete
Complete
Complete
2021 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION WORK PLAN
Complete
PLANNING / DEVELOPMENT approved:
Item Process: Status
Bassett Creek Dog Park Project · Receive Progress Updates from Staff
2022 Construction · Provide Input on Project
2022 Grand Opening · Participate in Grand Opening Celebration
Becker Park Pickleball Courts Project · Receive Progress Updates from Staff
2022 Construction · Provide Input on Project
2022 Grand Opening · Participate in Grand Opening Celebration
Community Center Parking Lot Project · Receive Progress Updates from Staff
2022 Construction · Provide Input on Project
2022 Grand Opening · Participate in Grand Opening Celebration
Welcome Park Play Area Project · Receive Progress Updates from Staff
2022 Planning · Attend Public Meetings
2023 Construction · Provide Input on Project
Valley Place Tennis Courts Project · Receive Progress Updates from Staff
2022 Planning · Attend Public Meetings
2023 Construction · Provide Input on Project
Other Capital Improvement Projects · Receive Project Updates from Staff
Pool and Community Center · Provide Input on Capital Improvement Items
Park Tour · Visit sites for project and program ideas
Locations TBD · Discuss ideas and provide input
DRAFT 2022 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION WORK PLAN DRAFT
PROMOTION / COMMUNITY OUTREACH approved:
Item Process: Status
Community Events and Programs.· PRC Representation at Major P&R Events
· Assist with Crystal Frolics Family Festival
· Promote P&R at Non-City Activities
Recognition · Select Neighbors Rec. Neighbors Awards
· Select Crystal Frolics Button Awards
Recreation · Provide Input on Programs Being Offered
· Provide Feedback on Programs Attended
Summer Meetings · Encourage Citizen Participation at Meetings
4 Neighborhood Meetings May 4: Bass Lake Park (Arbor Day)
June 1: Forest School Park
July 6: Crystal Highlands Park
August 3: Broadway Park
Partnerships · Support other Community Groups & Events
Crystal Business Association
Crystal Fund
Crystal Frolics Committee, Inc.
· Encourage Collaborative Fundraising
Marketing · Promote P&R through Social Networks
· Take Photos in Parks and at Events
· Monitor Web Site, etc. for Corrections
· Encourage Links to P&R Web Site
DRAFT 2022 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION WORK PLAN DRAFT
Date Time Place Notes
January 5 7pm Community Center
February 2 7pm Community Center
March 2 7pm Community Center
April 6 6:30pm Community Center Tree Board @ 6:30; PRC @ 7
May 4 7pm Bass Lake Park Arbor Day Event @ 6pm
June 1 7pm Forest School Park
June 15 TBD Start at Community Center PRC Tour of Various Parks
July 6 7pm Crystal Highlands Park
August 3 7pm Broadway Park
September 7 7pm Community Center
October 5 7pm Community Center
November 2 7pm Community Center
December 7 7pm Community Center
All Meetings are on Wednesday Nights
Park and Recreation Commission
DRAFT 2022 Meeting Dates
Park and Recreation Advisory Commission
Monthly Maintenance Report
December, 2021
Vandalism:
• None to report
Projects:
• Trash removal
• Boulevard tree Removal
• Ice rink maintenance
• Installation of warming house at Becker Park
• Seasonal streetscape lighting on Bass Lake road
• Street light maintenance and replacements to L.E.D lighting
• Snow removal
• Hockey net repairs
• Playground inspections and repairs
• EDA house clean-ups
• HVAC upgrades at City Hall
• Building repairs and warming house maintenance
• Ice bocce and sledding hill rack construction
• Haul brush to Golden Valley tub grinder
Future:
• Ash tree removals
• Boulevard tree trimming
• Ice rink maintenance
• Snow removal
• Flooding for winter skating season
• Snow removal
• Playground inspections
• Planning and preparation for bridge replacement and new dog park at Bassett Creek Park
• Trash removal
• EDA house and property clean-ups
• Seasonal streetscape lighting om Bass Lake Road
• MAC boardwalk removals
• Bassett Creek bridge replacement project
• Tree removal for future dog park
4800 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55429-3553
Tel: (763) 531-0052 • Fax: (763) 531-0949 • www.crystalmn.gov
P R O J E C T S U M M A R Y
J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2
Below are a highlight of the projects that will be happening
in the City of Crystal. These projects will be taking place at
numerous parks and buildings throughout Crystal.
Sled Share
A member of our talented parks staff has built a sled
corral that has been installed at Valley Place Park. The
corral can be filled with shareable sleds to allow
anyone to experience the thrill of winter sledding.
MAC Boardwalk Removal
To prepare for phase 2 of the MAC Wildlife boardwalk
project, park maintenance staff will be removing the old
section of boardwalk in January. This project is a
partnership with Three Rivers Park District.
Making Ice
As cold as the Minnesota winters can get, making ice can be
challenging. Between warm spells, snow and rain, park
maintenance staff do a great job getting rinks skateable for
the community.
New Flooring in CCC Rooms
Two Community Center meeting rooms will receive new
flooring in 2022. Luxury vinyl will be installed in the
Crystal room this winter. Similar flooring will be installed
in the Valley room later this year.
P R O G R A M S U M M A R Y
J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2
Below are a highlight of the programs that will be offered by
the Crystal Recreation Department. Occasionally we will
recap some key special events we offer.
1000 Hours Outside
We are challenging everyone in our community to
spend 1000 hours outside in 2022. We have 26 parks
and natural areas, plus countless programs and events
to help you meet this goal. Register your family today!
Youth Basketball
Basketball is back after a year break at the Crystal
Community Center. Teams from Crystal, Golden
Valley, Robbinsdale and St. Louis Park compete in
leagues ranging from grades 2-6 for both boys and girls.
Patrick “Packy” Mader will present Minnesota’s rich
sports history at the Olympics. His books, Minnesota
Gold and More Minnesota Gold, highlight the stories of
more than 100 living Minnesota olympic athletes.
As long as the weather continues to cooperate, we will
be staffing four warming house locations this winter.
Warming locatons are located at Becker, North Lions,
Valley Place and Welcome.
Donut Talk - MN Gold
Warming Houses Opening
More plan information can be found here:
https://www.letstalkthreerivers.org/french-regional-park-master-plan
French Regional Park
Master Plan Update
December 2021
How can the public provide input on the recommendations?
Why are improvements being considered and what
changes can we expect?
Three Rivers wants to ensure that French Regional Park remains relevant to future generations of park guests. We hope
that by remaining relevant, we will continue a high level of service to our existing park guests while encouraging new
visitors to try us and learn new experiences. It is our hope that French Regional Park may even inspire visitors to expand
their nature experience beyond the park boundaries.
‘Light-touch’ improvements that you may notice over time could include new wayfinding signage, trail network updates,
winter enhancements, beach area updates including seating options and landscaping, and additional opportunities to
better explore the nature play area.
The plan has entered the final phase of comment solicitation and it is important to know if we got it
right. There are five (5) individual focus areas of the park that have imagery and recommendations.
Survey responses will be open until January 31, 2022. Scan the QR code with your phone’s camera
to start your feedback responses.
Scan Here
What planning has been done since the last update?
Throughout 2020 and 2021, over 1,200 people have been
engaged across French Park’s service area. Preliminary
recommendations for improvements have been introduced,
reviewed by the Park District Board of Commissioners and are
now being presented back to the public for comment.
Questions or comments:
Ann Rexine, Principal Planner - Three Rivers Park District - ann.rexine@threeriversparks.org - 763-694-1103