22-03 Approved Commission MinutesCrystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes
March 2, 2022
Crystal Community Center
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting was called to order at 7:00 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, and Lynn Haney. Also present
were David Cummings, Council Liaison; John Elholm, Brad Fortin, and Scott Berggren from the
City Staff.
Commission members absent: Erin Kolb
Guests in attendance: Taji Onesirosan– Applicant for the Parks and Recreation Advisory Comm.
There was no public comment.
Mr. Sumnicht made a motion to approve the February Park and Recreation Commission
minutes; Ms. Haney seconded the motion. The Park and Recreation Commission minutes for
February were approved as written.
There was no chairperson’s report.
The Commission Members reviewed and voted on the Neighbors Recognizing Neighbors Award
nominations. Ten neighbors were nominated for the award – names and addresses were
redacted during the selection process, so names are not included in the motion. Award winners
will be recognized at an upcoming Crystal City Council Meeting.
Mr. McCaffrey made a motion to approve four neighbors as winners of the Neighbors
Recognizing Neighbors Award; Mr. Sumnicht seconded the motion. The Neighbors Recognizing
Neighbors Award winners were approved as voted on.
Mr. Eidbo gave the commission a presentation on trails in Crystal. He discussed the benefits of
trails, identified types of trail infrastructure available and showed current trail plans from
various agencies. Mr. Eidbo also showed where the plans identified the same future trail
alignments; as well as traffic volumes near these trails. A discussion on trails followed.
Commission members expressed interest in receiving a copy of this presentation, which will be
sent prior to the next commission meeting.
Mr. McCaffrey led a roundtable discussion where everyone shared their passion for parks and
recreation. They also stated a few topics they would like to discuss in 2022. Common themes
included equitable park access, engaging youth, connecting with nature, health and fitness, and
senior programming. Interest was expressed in fitness equipment, nature play opportunities,
and trails.
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 2 March 2, 2022
Mr. Elholm provided an update on park projects for 2022. The contractor has started installing
the helical piles in the MAC Wildlife Area for the new boardwalk section. This year we will be
working with Great River Greening to do prairie restoration at Bassett Creek Park. Bid packets
are being prepared for a project bundle that includes the construction of a Bassett Creek dog
park, two parking lots at Bassett Creek, and the south parking lot at the Crystal Community
Center. Updates for all park projects are documented on the City of Crystal website.
Mr. Cummings gave the Council report. There is a newly proposed apartment building that will
contain over 50 units. The location of the apartment will be along West Broadway. The council
was able to view two different proposals regarding the Blue Line light rail project. The proposals
addressed designs that would move traffic and pedestrians near Bottineau Boulevard and Bass
Lake Road. The Council also received a memo with the park and recreation commission’s
recommendation regarding the Crystal Cove Aquatic Center. No other discussion has been had
on this topic amongst the Council.
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. He gave a brief update on 2023 park projects. The
projects will begin in the coming months to allow public engagement this summer. A survey is
being developed to determine public support for making repairs at the Crystal Cove Aquatic
Center. Registration for swim lessons began last week; with 153 lesson spots already taken and
11 swim lesson classes already full.
Ms. Haney gave a Crystal Frolics report. Welcome Park will remain open until 10:30 pm on
Friday and Saturday night of the event. The Frolics Committee is seeking a new beverage
distributor for Welcome Park. WMFRD Firefighters Relief Association is working on this.
Mr. Elholm gave a Crystal Fund report. March 3 will be the next date for the Crystal fund
meeting.
Ms. Haney made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Mr. McCaffrey seconded the motion.
The commission adjourned the meeting at 9:11 pm.
John Elholm, Recorder