2023.01.04 PRC Packet AGENDA
January 4, 2023
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. 2023 meeting dates and locations
b. 2022 and 2023 work plans
c. 2023 planning & project discussion
d. Parks and Recreation Department overview
7. Commission Open Forum (10 minutes)
8. Commission Reports (15 minutes)
a. City Council Report
b. Project/Maintenance Report
c. Program Report
d. Director Report
9. Community Reports (10 minutes)
a. Community Activity/Event Reports
• Crystal Frolics Report
• Crystal Fund Report
b. Citizen Contacts
c. Other Community News Items
10. Adjournment
Next meeting date: February 1, 2023 – Crystal Community Center
MEETING OVERVIEW
January 4, 2023
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 7, 2022
5. Chairperson’s Report
6. Commission Business / Discussion
John Elholm: Introduce Business Items
a. 2023 meeting dates and locations
b. 2022 and 2023 work plans
c. 2023 planning & project discussion
d. Parks and Recreation Department overview
7. Commission Open Forum
A time for commission members to share their thoughts and ideas about parks and
recreation in Crystal.
8. City Reports
TBD: City Council Report
Brad Fortin: Project/Maintenance Report
Scott Berggren: Program Report
John Elholm: Director Report
9. Community Reports
Tony Sumnicht / John Elholm: Crystal Frolics Report
Lynn Haney / John Elholm: Crystal Fund Report
Commission Members: Other community activities and events
10. Adjournment
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes
December 7, 2022
Crystal Community Center
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting was called to order at 7:03 pm by
Commission Chair Jesse McCaffrey.
Commission members in attendance: Jesse McCaffrey (Chair), Shaz Ahmadi (Secretary), Dave
Anderson, Joyce Cooper, Forest Eidbo, Lynn Haney, Erin Kolb, Taji Onesirosan, and Jen Zielinski.
Also present were David Cummings, Council Liaison; John Elholm, Brad Fortin, and Scott
Berggren from the City Staff.
Commission members not in attendance: Tony Sumnicht
There was no public comment.
Ms. Haney made a motion to approve the November Park and Recreation Commission minutes;
Ms. Ahmadi seconded the motion. The Park and Recreation Commission minutes for November
2 were approved as written.
Mr. McCaffrey gave the Chairperson’s report. He gave a brief presentation on equality, equity
and justice. He defined each and highlighted where the City of Crystal excels with equitable
parks and programming. He then encouraged dialogue with the commission members in
attendance.
Mr. Elholm recognized Ms. Kolb and Mr. Eidbo for their commitment to the Parks & Recreation
Advisory Commission. Both are moving on to other roles in our community. Ms. Kolb had
served on the park and recreation commission for nearly 10 years and Mr. Eidbo for over 1 ½
years. A certificate of appreciation was presented to each of them at the meeting. Much was
accomplished during their time on the commission.
Mr. Elholm gave an update on park planning efforts for 2023; including the Bassett Creek Park
bridge, dog park, and disc golf course; and the community center parking lot. The lights for the
Becker Park pickleball courts were ordered and will be installed over the winter to avoid
damaging the turf/courts. The commission reviewed and chose color options for the play area
at Broadway Park (#2 with plastic from #3 and blue surfacing), and Welcome Park (#3 with
posts from #2 and blue surfacing). Mr. Elholm engaged in additional public input sessions on
the Crystal Cove Aquatic Center. A meeting with the commission and city council is tentatively
scheduled for January 12; to discuss the aquatic center / Grogan Park campus further.
Mr. Elholm led the commission in a discussion of meeting dates for 2023. No issues were raised
on the proposed dates and locations presented by staff. The Commission will vote on a final
2023 schedule at their January meeting.
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 2 December 7, 2022
Commission members discussed items during the open forum, giving input, asking questions,
and commenting. One suggestion was to create an updated quick reference page for 2023 park
and facility projects.
Mr. Cummings presented the City Council report. The Council approved the 2023/24 budget
and the contract for the new City Manager, Adam Bell. Mr. Bell will begin working for the City
on January 17.
Mr. Fortin gave reports for park maintenance and Mr. Berggren for recreation programming.
Mr. Elholm gave a Director’s Report. Ms. Haney will receive the Park and Recreation
Board/Commission Award from MRPA at a luncheon on January 13. This award is given to one
member of a citizen’s advisory or policy-making board in the parks and recreation field.
Mr. Haney gave a Crystal Frolics report. Planning for the event in 2023 has begun.
Mr. Elholm gave a Friends of Crystal Parks Report. They are planning the Cheers to Crystal beer-
tasting event on March 10, 2023, and have secured a few breweries.
Ms. Kolb made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Mr. Eidbo seconded the motion.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:41 pm.
John Elholm
Recorder
Date Time Place Notes
January 4 7pm Community Center
February 1 7pm Community Center
March 1 7pm Community Center
April 5 6:45pm Community Center Tree Board @ 6:45; PRC @ 7
May 3 7pm Winnetka Hills Park Arbor Day Event @ 6pm
June 7 7pm Becker Park
June 21 TBD Start at Community Center PRC Tour of Various Parks
July 5 7pm Kentucky Park
August 2 7pm Bassett Creek Park
September 6 7pm Community Center PRC park clean-up before mtg.
October 4 7pm Community Center
November 1 7pm Community Center
December 6 7pm Community Center
All Meetings are on Wednesday Nights
Park and Recreation Commission
2023 Meeting Dates
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
Complete - Toured
Parks in Crystal
Planning Ongoing
Not Complete
High bid - rebidding
January, 2023
Not Complete
High bid - rebidding
January, 2023
Main Work Complete
Grand Opening 2023
Moved to 2024
Planning Complete
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
Complete
Complete
Complete
Complete
Complete
2022 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION WORK PLAN
Complete
PLANNING / DEVELOPMENT approved:
Item Process: Status
Becker Park Courts Project · Receive Progress Updates from Staff
2023 Grand Opening · Participate in Grand Opening Celebration
Bassett Creek Dog Park Project · Receive Progress Updates from Staff
2023 Construction · Provide Input on Project
2023 Grand Opening · Participate in Grand Opening Celebration
Welcome Park Improvements · Receive Progress Updates from Staff
2023 Construction · Provide Input on Project
2023 Grand Opening · Participate in Grand Opening Celebration
Broadway Park Improvements · Receive Progress Updates from Staff
2023 Construction · Provide Input on Project
Crystal Highlands Park Improvements · Receive Progress Updates from Staff
2023 Construction · Provide Input on Project
Bassett Creek Disc Golf Course Project · Receive Progress Updates from Staff
2023 Construction · Provide Input on Project
Community Center Parking Lot Project · Receive Progress Updates from Staff
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 - 2023 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION WORK PLAN
PROMOTION / COMMUNITY OUTREACH approved:
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 3: Winnetka Hills Park (Arbor Day)
June 7: Becker Park
July 5: Kentucky Park
August 2: Bassett Creek Park
Partnerships · Support other Community Groups & Events
Friends of Crystal Parks
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 - 2023 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION WORK PLAN
Year Project Project Cost Annual Total
Recreation 2022 New Park Name Signage 10,000$
Recreation 2022 ALL Pavement (Sidewalks @ Trails)100,000$
Recreation 2022 Dog Park & Parking - Bassett Creek 400,000$
Recreation 2022 Soccer Field - Fair School 50,000$
Recreation 2022 Hard Court Improvements - Becker 200,000$
Recreation 2022 Ped Bridge - Bassett Creek 200,000$
Recreation 2023 Large Play Area - Welcome (1997)350,000$
Recreation 2023 New Park Name Signage 12,000$
Recreation 2023 ALL Pavement (Sidewalks @ Trails)150,000$
Recreation 2023 Garbage Can Pads - Becker Park 25,000$
Recreation 2023 Court Lighting - Becker Park 75,000$
Recreation 2023 Basketball Court - Broadway 15,000$
Recreation 2023 Basketball Court - Crystal Highlands 15,000$
Recreation 2023 Picnic Shelter - Broadway 80,000$
Recreation 2023 Play Area - Broadway (1999)185,000$
Recreation 2023 Picnic Shelter - Crystal Highlands 80,000$
Recreation 2023 Disc Golf Course - Bassett Creek Park 150,000$
Recreation 2023 Fitness Equipment - Welcome 150,000$
Recreation 2023 Basketball Court - Welcome 25,000$
Recreation 2024 Tennis Improvements - Valley Place Park 400,000$
Recreation 2024 Basketball - Valley Place Park 50,000$
Recreation 2024 ALL Pavement (Sidewalks @ Trails)60,000$
Recreation 2024 New Park Name Signage 15,000$
Recreation 2024 Play Area Parking - Valley Place Park 400,000$
Recreation 2025 Basketball Court - Cavanagh 15,000$
Recreation 2025 New Park Signage 15,000$
Recreation 2025 ALL Pavement (Sidewalks @ Trails)75,000$
Recreation 2025 Picnic Shelter - Cavanagh 85,000$
Recreation 2025 Becker & Fair - Play Area PIP Surfacing 35,000$
Recreation 2025 Play Area - Cavanaugh (2001)185,000$
Recreation 2026 ALL Pavement (Sidewalks @ Trails)125,000$
Recreation 2026 Basketball - Bassett Creek Park 25,000$
Recreation 2026 Sm. Picnic Shelter - Twin Oak 85,000$
Recreation 2026 Park Building - Bassett Creek 1,500,000$
Recreation 2026 Fiber & Technology at Basset Creek Park Building 50,000$
Recreation 2026 Play Area - Twin Oak (2003)185,000$
Recreation 2027 Soccer Field & Lights - Bassett Creek 550,000$
Recreation 2027 Parking Lot at Basset Creek Building 550,000$
Recreation 2027 Play Area Sunnyview- (2000)185,000$
Recreation 2027 Play Area - Lee (2000)185,000$
Recreation 2027 Sm. Picnic Shelter - Lee 85,000$
Recreation 2027 ALL Pavement (Sidewalks @ Trails)75,000$
925,000$
410,000$
1,970,000$
1,630,000$
Park Improvement Fund Projects
960,000$
1,312,000$
Building Year Project Project Cost Annual Total
Community Center 2022 Refinish Crystal Room Floors 50,000$
Community Center 2022 Replace South Parking lot 85,000$
Community Center 2022 Replace gym windows 125,000$
Community Center 2022 Parking lot lighting 35,000$
Community Center 2022 Replace windows 220,000$
Bassett Creek Park 2022 Replace Parking lot 25,000$
North Lions Park 2022 Replace furnace/thermostat and chimney 15,000$
Community Center 2022 Replace Air Handler 45,000$
Bassett Creek Park 2023 Replace Parking Lot 350,000$
Community Center 2023 Replace flooring- Valley room 15,000$
Community Center 2023 Replace South Parking Lot 1,375,000$
Community Center 2023 South Parking Lot Cameras 10,000$
Welcome Park 2023 Replace Building Fascia and Soflits 25,000$
Valley Place Park 2023 Replace furnace / ac 18,000$
North Lions Park 2023 Replace Skylights 25,000$
Community Center 2024 ADA and security update Front desk 85,000$
Pool 2024 Grogan Park Improvements 3,500,000$
Community Center 2024 Replace floor scrubber 15,000$
Community Center 2024 Replace Refrigerator/freezer 12,000$
Community Center 2024 Building Automation updates 120,000$
North Lions Park 2024 Replace West Parking lot asphalt 320,000$
Pool 2025 Replace waterwalk pads (5 floats)22,000$
Aquatic building 2025 Fiberglass doors in chemical areas (3)30,000$
Pool 2025 Replaster Zero depth pool and replace play feature 325,000$
Pool 2025 Play feature pumps 40,000$
Pool 2025 Recoat Gutters / Drop Slide Stairs 25,000$
Pool 2025 Gel coat water slides and drop slide 150,000$
Community Center 2025 Re-key building 100,000$
Valley Place Park 2025 Replace parking lot (West)300,000$
Community Center 2025 Replace Volleyball Standards/ref stands 15,000$
Aquatic building 2025 Replace staff lockers/furnishings 20,000$
Community Center 2026 Replace Carpet 30,000$
Community Center 2026 Replace windows 30,000$
Aquatic Building 2026 Replace bathroom fixtures 30,000$
Aquatic Building 2026 Replace hand dryers 15,000$
Aquatic Building 2026 Replace security lighting & exit lights 20,000$
Becker Park 2026 Replace South Parking lot 400,000$
Community Center 2027 Divider Wall- gyms (replace)200,000$
Community Center 2027 Replace Refrigerator (double door)7,000$
Pool 2027 Replace cargo net 10,000$
Aquatic building 2027 Paint interior 20,000$
Aquatic building 2027 Replace furnaces (3)45,000$
1,818,000$
525,000$
1,027,000$
282,000$
4,052,000$
Buildings Fund Projects
600,000$
Park and Recreation Advisory Commission
Monthly Maintenance Report
December, 2022
Vandalism:
• Warming house break ins at valley Place and Welcome warming houses
Projects:
• Removal of Emerald Ash Borer infected trees
• City wide inspection of diseased trees
• Construct a new backstop at Fair School soccer area
• Ice rink maintenance
• EDA house clean-ups
• Snow removal (lots of snow this December)
• Playground inspections and repairs
• HVAC maintenance at city buildings
• Hang pictures and miscellaneous projects at new PD building
• Garbage pick-ups
• Coordinate 2023 park, building and forestry projects
• Street light maintenance
• Solicit elevator contract for City Hall and PD elevators
Future:
• Ash tree removals and tree trimming
• Ice rink maintenance
• Snow removal
• Playground inspections
• Interior building painting at Public Works
• Trash removal
• EDA house and property clean-ups
• Warming house maintenance
• Building maintenance
• Research 2023 equipment purchases
• Prep for 2023 parks and facility improvement projects
• Recertify pesticide applicators
• Re-key project at City Hall
• HVAC upgrades at Public Works
• Replace soffit and fascia at Welcome warming house building
• Solicit HVAC maintenance contract at new PD
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 3
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 the city.
Gym Floor Resurfacing
The gyms at the Crystal Community Center were recently
closed so the floors could be resurfaced. The gym floors
are resurfaced every other year to keep them in good
shape during rentals and programs.
Skating Rinks
Warming houses opened on December 27 at North
Lions, Welcome Park, and Valley Place Park. Rinks
will continue to be flooded and maintained as long
as weather permits.
Snow Removal
When the City gets snow, parks staff become part of the
Crystal snow removal team. Everyone helps in keeping
Crystal drivable and walkable. This includes keeping trails
cleared within parks.
Winter Walking
In addition to plowing streets and sidewalks, city staff also
clear trails within parks. The maintained trails at Bassett
Creek, Becker, North Lions, and Valley Place parks are a
great way to get some outdoor activity in the winter.
P R O G R A M S U M M A R Y
J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3
Below is a highlight of the programs offered by the Crystal
Recreation Department. Occasionally we will recap some
key special events we offer.
Warming Houses
As long as the weather cooperates, we will be staffing
three warming house locations this winter. Warming
locations are North Lions, Valley Place, and Welcome.
There will also be ice skating at Twin Oaks, but no staff.
Youth Basketball
Our cooperative youth basketball is back for another
year. Teams from Crystal, Golden Valley, Robbinsdale,
and St. Louis Park compete in leagues ranging from K-6
for both boys and girls.
This winter, we will offer three new types of yoga;
gentle, gratitude, and happy joints. These classes will
provide a local location to provide health and wellness
with a highly trained instructor.
The sled corral has returned to Valley Place Park. The
corral can be filled with shareable sleds to allow anyone
to experience the thrill of winter sledding. We will be
collecting sleds to stock the corral at Winterlude.
Yoga
Sled Share