23-02 Approved Commission MinutesCrystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes
February 1, 2023
Crystal Community Center
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by
Commission Chair Tony Sumnicht.
Commission members in attendance: Tony Sumnicht (Chair), Jesse McCaffrey (Vice-Chair), Shaz
Ahmadi, Dave Anderson, Joyce Cooper, Lynn Haney, and Jennifer Zielinski. Also present were
John Elholm, Brad Fortin, and Scott Berggren from the City Staff.
Commission members absent: Taji Onesirosan (Secretary).
Member of the public present: Jan Jorgens, Crystal resident.
Ms. Jorgens provided information regarding prairie plants not doing well, and black walnut
trees that may be part of the issue, in Memory Lane Natural Area.
Mr. Anderson made a motion to approve the January Park and Recreation Commission minutes;
Ms. Zielinski seconded the motion. The Park and Recreation Commission minutes for January
were approved as written.
Mr. Sumnicht gave the chairperson’s report. He would like each commission member to bring
three things related to parks and recreation that they are passionate about to the next meeting.
Mr. Elholm provided an update on park projects scheduled for 2023. New lighting for the
Becker Park courts have been ordered and will be installed over the winter. Bids for the Bassett
Creek Park pedestrian bridge, Bassett Creek dog park and Grogan Park parking lot were opened
and reviewed on January 31. City council approval of contracts for these projects will be sought
on February 7. Also, city council approval of contracts for the purchase and installation of the
play area for Broadway Park, picnic shelter for Broadway Park and picnic shelter for Crystal
Highlands Park will be sought on February 7. Near final plans for trails, sidewalks, patios, etc.
for Welcome Park, Crystal Highlands Park and Broadway Park were reviewed by the
commission. There was some discussion on the layout for Broadway Park, and whether the
trail should loop around the park or just along one side. Both options would connect all new
park features. The commission’s preference was for the loop trail, if possible. Design work also
continues for improvements at the disc golf course in Bassett Creek Park.
Mr. Elholm provided an update on the future of the Crystal Cove Aquatic Center. Staff received
a proposal from WSB to build on public engagement received to date; by moving on to concept
planning for the aquatic center. This agreement will be brought to the city council on February
7 for review and potential approval.
There was no open forum discussion.
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 2 February 1, 2023
There was no council report.
Mr. Fortin gave reports for park maintenance and Mr. Berggren for recreation programming.
Mr. Elholm gave the Director’s report. Ms. Haney received the Park and Recreation
Board/Commission Award from MRPA at a luncheon on January 13.
Mr. Elholm gave the Friends of Crystal Parks report. The Cheers to Crystal event for 2023 was
canceled. Plans are underway for the plant sale on May 20.
Mr. Sumnicht gave a Crystal Frolics report. The Crystal Frolics Committee seeks a secretary and
additional volunteers to help with this year’s event.
Ms. Haney made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Ms. Zielinski seconded the motion.
The commission adjourned the meeting at 8:24 pm.
John Elholm, Recorder