2022.02.02 PRC Commission Packet AGENDA
February 2, 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. Public Comments
3. Approval of Minutes
4. Chairperson’s Report
5. Commission Business / Discussion (60 minutes)
a. CP Rail Regional Trail – Danny McCullough and Kelly Grissman;
Three Rivers Park District
b. Crystal Cove Aquatic Center Discussion
c. Project Updates
6. Commission Reports (15 minutes)
a. City Council Report
b. Project/Maintenance Report
c. Program Report
d. Director Report
7. Community Reports (10 minutes)
a. Community Activity/Event Reports
• Crystal Frolics Report
• Crystal Fund Report
b. Citizen Contacts
c. Other Community News Items
8. Adjournment
Next meeting date: March 2, 2022 – Crystal Community Center
MEETING OVERVIEW
February 2, 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 – January 5, 2022
5. Chairperson’s Report
6. Commission Business / Discussion
John Elholm: Introduce Business Items
a. CP Rail Regional Trail – Danny McCullough and Kelly Grissman; Three Rivers
Park District
b. Crystal Cove Aquatic Center Discussion
c. 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
January 5, 2022
Crystal Community Center
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: 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.
The election of officers for 2022 took place.
Ms. Haney made a motion to nominate Mr. McCaffrey as the commission chair. Mr. McCaffrey
accepted the nomination. No other nominations were made.
Mr. McCaffrey was elected as the 2022 Park and Recreation Commission Chair.
Mr. McCaffrey made a motion to nominate Mr. Sumnicht as the commission vice-chair. Mr.
Sumnicht accepted the nomination. No other nominations were made.
Mr. Sumnicht was elected as the 2022 Park and Recreation Commission Vice-Chair.
Ms. Haney made a motion to nominate Ms. Ahmadi as the commission secretary. Ms. Ahmadi
accepted the nomination. No other nominations were made.
Ms. Ahmadi was elected as the 2022 Park and Recreation Commission Secretary.
There was no public comment.
Ms. Kolb made a motion to approve the December Park and Recreation Commission minutes;
Mr. Sumnicht seconded the motion. The Park and Recreation Commission minutes for
December were approved as written.
Mr. McCaffrey gave the chairperson’s report. He is looking forward to the joint work session
with the City Council on January 19 to discuss the Crystal Cove Aquatic Center. Mr. McCaffrey
also encouraged the Commission members to reflect on what they would like to accomplish
personally and as a group in 2022.
Mr. Elholm reviewed the 2021 Work Plan. The Crystal Parks and Recreation Commission
accomplished many great things in 2021, even though all the planned grand opening events still
had to be canceled due to COVID-19. Commission members did self-guided tours of area dog
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 2 January 5, 2022
parks and picked the winners for the Crystal Frolics button contest and the Neighbors
Recognizing Neighbors award.
The Park & Recreation Advisory Commission reviewed the 2022 meeting calendar, including
four outdoor meetings between May and August. The commission would like to add a park
clean-up of Grogan Park (their adopted park) before their meeting in September.
May 4 Bass Lake (Arbor Day Event)
June 1 Forest
July 6 Crystal Highlands
August 3 Broadway
September 7 Park Clean-up: Grogan Park
Mr. McCaffrey made a motion to approve the 2022 meeting calendar; Mr. Eidbo seconded the
motion. The Park and Recreation Commission meeting calendar for 2022 was approved as
presented, including a clean-up event.
Mr. Elholm presented a 2022 Work Plan draft.
Mr. McCaffrey made a motion to approve the 2022 work plan; Ms. Kolb seconded the motion.
The Park and Recreation Commission work plan for 2022 was approved as presented.
Mr. Elholm presented information on the Crystal Cove Aquatic Center and the upcoming
maintenance needs. The estimated cost is $3.5 million. The presentation covered the benefits
of having a pool, including employment of young people and access to water safety instruction
for the community. He also showed the pool revenue and expenses over the last six years.
Members of the Commission had a discussion as they prepared to meet with the City Council
on January 19.
Mr. Elholm provided an update on park projects for 2022. Regarding the MAC Wildlife project,
the parks maintenance staff is removing the old boardwalk sections. Mr. Elholm presented new
designs for the pickleball courts at Becker Park and the south parking lot at the Crystal
Community Center.
Mr. Cummings presented the council report. The City Council heard public comment on and
approved the annual levy. On January 7, the Blue Line will be seeking input on two possible
designs for the light rail stop in Crystal. The Council approved the purchase of a pedestrian
bridge for the trail within Bassett Creek Park.
Mr. Fortin gave reports for park maintenance and Mr. Berggren for recreation
programming. They both referred to the information presented in the commission packet.
Mr. Elholm gave the Director’s report. Three Rivers Park District seeks additional input on the
French Park Master Plan. Three Rivers Park District is also working on the CP Rail Regional Trail
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 3 January 5, 2022
segment that would run from Becker Park to the edge of Golden Valley. Mr. Elholm also shared
the timeline for the Neighbors Recognizing Neighbors awards.
Ms. Haney gave a Crystal Frolics report. At the last meeting, the committee discussed
sponsorship levels.
Mr. Elholm gave a Crystal Fund report. January 7 will be the next date for the Crystal fund
meeting. They will be discussing rebranding and the plant sale.
Ms. Kolb made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Mr. Sumnicht seconded the motion.
The commission adjourned the meeting at 9:02 pm.
John Elholm, Recorder
PLANNING / DEVELOPMENT approved 01/05/2022
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
2022 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION WORK PLAN
PROMOTION / COMMUNITY OUTREACH approved 01/05/2022
Item Process: Status
Community Events and Programs.· PRC Representation at Major P&R Events
· Assist with Crystal Frolics Activities
· Promote P&R at Non-City Activities
Recognition · Select Neighbors Rec. Neighbors Awards
· Select Crystal Frolics Button Design 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
2022 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION WORK PLAN
CP Rail Regional Trail: Golden Valley/New Hope/Crystal
Luce Line RT to Crystal Lake RT Segment (Segments E and F)
Introductory Information
Golden Valley: City Council Work Session February 8th
New Hope: Citizen Advisory Commission – February 8; City Council Work Session - January 18, 2022
Crystal: Crystal Park and Recreation Commission – February 2, 2022; City Council - TBD
Three Rivers Park District Co-Project Managers
Kelly Grissman, Director of Planning
Kelly.Grissman@threeriversparks.org
Danny McCullough, Regional Trail System Manager
Danny.McCullough@threeriversparks.org
Project Introduction
The CP Rail Regional Trail is envisioned as a north-south multi-use,
non-motorized recreational corridor spanning from the
Minnesota Valley State Trail in Bloomington to Crystal Lake
Regional Trail in Crystal at Becker Park. The regional trail will be
planned in segments to allow for thoughtful community
engagement and detailed route analysis. This phase will focus on
Segments E and F through Golden Valley, New Hope and Crystal
between the Luce Line and Crystal Lake Regional Trails.
The regional trail corridor was originally centered along the CP
Rail line; however, this is not feasible for the majority of the
corridor. Alternative routes will need to be identified and studied
to determine which option best balances feasibility, cost, private
property impacts, and safety.
Initial Questions:
1) Any concerns with proceeding with master planning at
this time?
2) Any local priorities/goals to consider/incorporate into the
planning process?
3) Any routes/destinations to consider/avoid?
4) Any projects/opportunities to try to collaborate with?
5) What are the City’s community engagement expectations/ideas?
Tentative Schedule/Process:
Project Phase Timeframe Park/Rec/Open Space/Etc.
Commission Check-in
City Council Check-in
Kick Off Jan-Feb 2022 Yes
Route Identification March-April 2022 Yes – will help identify
routes/destinations
Yes – will approve routes for
study/engagement
Route Assessment/Public
Engagement
June-July 2022 No official check-in, but will be kept informed of
opportunities/public sentiment
Route Review/Approval Aug-Sept 2022 Yes
30-day Comment Period Fall 2022 N/A
Master Plan Adoption Winter 2022-23 Yes – Resolution of Support will be requested
1/28/22, 12:35 PM December 2021 - Parks & Recreation
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/december-2021/index.php#/p/50 1/1
Park and Recreation Advisory Commission
Monthly Maintenance Report
January, 2022
Vandalism:
• Graffiti at MAC Park
Projects:
• Ice rink maintenance
• Snow removal
• MAC boardwalk removals
• Removal of Emerald Ash Borer infected trees
• Auction off Bassett Creek bridge and old MAC boardwalk sections ($15k)
• Work on Bassett Creek bridge replacement project
• Playground inspections and repairs
• EDA house clean-ups
• HVAC maintenance at city buildings
• Stormwater pond maintenance
• Creek dredging at Valley Place Park flowage
• Purchase mowers and trailer for 2022 season
• Bid and award city forestry contract for 2022-23 (Nick’s tree Service)
Future:
• Ash tree removals
• Ice rink maintenance (weather pending)
• Snow removal
• Playground inspections
• Bridge removal at Bassett Creek Park
• Removal of sold boardwalk sections at MAC Park
• Trash removal
• Work with contractors to begin construction of new boardwalk at MAC Park
• EDA house and property clean-ups
• Prep Twin oaks building for demolition this March
• Forestry work at proposed dog park sites
• Creek dredging at Valley Place park flowage
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
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 2
Below is 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.
Updated Flooring
The Crystal Room, which accommodates up to 100
people, had new flooring installed. The new flooring
gives the room a warm and inviting look. The
installation process only took 1.5 days.
Ice Rink Maintenance
Park Maintenance staff is working hard on keeping rinks
flooded and in good shape at Becker, North Lions,
Welcome, and Valley Place Parks. Warming houses will
be open until February 21, weather permitting.
Bassett Creek Bridge Update
The City Council recently approved the purchase of a new
bridge to span the creek within Bassett Creek Park. The
current bridge will be sold on an auction site and
repurposed.
MAC Wildlife Boardwalk
Park maintenance staff have finished removing an old
section of boardwalk at the MAC Wildlife Area. The
contractors will begin the installation this month. The
ground must be frozen for construction.
P R O G R A M S U M M A R Y
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 2
Below is a highlight of the programs offered by the Crystal
Recreation Department. Occasionally we will recap some
key special events we offer.
Winterlude
We are looking forward to hosting Winterlude for the
first time at Valley Place Park on February 5. The event
will allow participants to pause from life and enjoy
some great outdoor activities and entertainment.
African Migration to Minnesota
February is Black History Month, and this month's Donut
Make You Wonder topic will be the migration of the
African American community to Minnesota. Discover
how this impacted Minneapolis then and now.
Celebrate valentine's day with friends and loved ones
while safely social distancing at the New Hope Golf
Course. The Sweet Taste of Itay will provide the meal for
this event. The luncheon is for adults age 55+.
We want to extend a big congratulations to our
competition jazz dance team for their first-place finish at
the recent AmeriCup Competition. The group performed
to "The Greatest Show." Way to go, ladies!
Valentine Luncheon
Competition Dance Achievement