21-12 Approved Commission MinutesCrystal 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