23-04 Approved Commission MinutesCrystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes
April 5, 2023
Crystal Community Center
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. by
Commission Secretary Taji Onesirosan.
Commission members in attendance: Jesse McCaffrey (Vice-Chair) (arrived late), Taji
Onesirosan (Secretary), Shaz Ahmadi, Dave Anderson, Lynn Haney, and Jennifer Zielinski. Also
present were Traci Kamish, Council Liaison; John Elholm, Brad Fortin, and Scott Berggren from
the City Staff.
Commission members absent: Tony Sumnicht (Chair) and Joyce Cooper
Member of the public present: Alex Popp, Crystal resident.
Mr. Popp talked about his interest in food forests.
Ms. Haney made a motion to approve the March Park and Recreation Commission minutes; Ms.
Zielinski seconded the motion. The Park and Recreation Commission minutes for March were
approved as written.
There was no Chairperson’s report.
Mr. Elholm led the commission in a discussion regarding a bus tour for June 21, 2023. They
expressed interest in visiting newer park buildings in neighboring cities to gather information
and ideas for future park buildings in Crystal.
Mr. Elholm provided an update on park fund projects scheduled for 2023. The Becker Park
pickleball court lighting will be fully complete in the coming weeks. Reconstruction of the south
parking lot at the Crystal Community Center will begin on May 1. The drop box for utility bills
will be removed until the project is complete. The Bassett Creek pedestrian bridge and dog park
projects will also begin soon. The city council approved agreements last month for the
purchase and installation of a play area and fitness pod for Welcome Park. The city recently
submitted a playground grant through Hennepin County Youth Sports, requesting $50,000 for
the Welcome Park playground. Quotes have been received for paving and bituminous work at
Broadway, Crystal Highlands and Welcome Parks. The costs are within budget, however, the
proposed additional trail to make a loop at Broadway Park will not be paved. Eliminating the
loop trail allows the backstop to remain and offers park users more green space – in addition to
reducing cost. Approval of these agreement will be reviewed by the city council for approval in
the coming weeks. Staff is currently working on final agreements for installation of the disc golf
course in Bassett Creek Park. In addition to park projects, building fund projects have been
completed at the Crystal Community Center (flooring), North Lions Park building (skylights) and
Valley Place Park building (HVAC).
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 2 April 5, 2023
Mr. Elholm gave an update on the Crystal Cove Aquatic Center. Funds for improvements to
Crystal Cove are being reviewed for possible inclusion in a state bonding bill. The request is for
an additional $2.35 million to improve the facility. The city is also seeking additional financial
support through a grant from the Minnesota DNR.
Ms. Haney made a motion to support the city’s request for state bonding; to make
improvements at the Crystal Cove Aquatic Center. Mr. Onesirosan seconded the motion. The
motion passed.
Mr. Onesirosan passed the gavel to Mr. McCaffrey (Vice-Chair) at 7:40 pm to run the remainder
of the meeting.
Commission members discussed items during the open forum, giving input, asking questions,
and commenting. Ms. Haney asked if the city could store Christmas lights purchased by the
Light of Crystal, a defunct social fundraising group. Mr. Fortin will work with the volunteers to
find storage for the lights. Mr. McCaffrey expressed interest in presenting on multi-generational
recreation at an upcoming meeting.
Ms. Kamish presented the council report. The city completed interviews for Ms. Laroche’s
opening on the city council.
Mr. Fortin gave a report for park maintenance. Mr. Berggren gave a report for recreation
programming, including information on email campaigns and data from spring/summer
registrations and history of the preschool open gym program.
Mr. Elholm gave the Director’s report. The recreation department is working to hire seasonal
staff. Mr. Elholm will present with Michelle Margo (affiliated with Minnesota State Mankato) at
the Robbinsdale School District parent and student university on April 15. They will talk to
students about parks and recreation as a profession.
Mr. Sumnicht gave a Crystal Frolics report. The Crystal Frolics Committee is working on event
advertising, and has new information on the website. They are also looking for additional
volunteers.
Mr. Elholm gave the Friends of Crystal Parks report. They are planning for their annual plant
sale on May 20.
Mr. McCaffrey made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Ms. Haney seconded the motion.
The commission adjourned the meeting at 8:32 pm.
John Elholm, Recorder