2023.09.06 PRC Packet AGENDA
September 6, 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. Public Comments
3. Approval of Minutes
4. Chairperson’s Report
5. Commission Business / Discussion (45 minutes)
a. 2023 Park Projects
b. 2024 Park Planning
c. Bark in the Park Event
6. Commission Open Forum (10 minutes)
7. Commission Reports (15 minutes)
a. City Council Report
b. Project/Maintenance Report
c. Program Report
d. Director Report
8. Community Reports (10 minutes)
a. Community Activity/Event Reports
• Crystal Frolics Report
• Crystal Fund Report
b. Citizen Contacts
c. Other Community News Items
9. Adjournment
Next meeting date: October 4, 2023 – Crystal Community Center
MEETING OVERVIEW
September 6, 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
Tony Sumnicht will call the meeting to order
2. 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.
3. Approval of Minutes – August 2, 2023
4. Chairperson’s Report
5. Commission Business / Discussion
John Elholm: Introduce Business Items
a. 2023 Park Projects
b. 2024 Park Planning
c. Bark in the Park Event
6. Commission Open Forum
A time for commission members to share their thoughts and ideas about parks and
recreation in Crystal.
7. City Reports
Traci Kamish: City Council Report
Brad Fortin: Project/Maintenance Report
Scott Berggren: Program Report
John Elholm: Director Report
8. Community Reports
Tony Sumnicht / John Elholm: Crystal Frolics Report
Lynn Haney / John Elholm: Crystal Fund Report
Commission Members: Other community activities and events
9. Adjournment
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission - Neighborhood Meeting Minutes
August 2, 2023
Bassett Creek Park
The Parks and Recreation Commission Neighborhood 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),
Jennifer Zielinski (Secretary), Shaz Ahmadi, Dave Anderson, Joyce Cooper and Lynn Haney. Also
present were Traci Kamish, Council Liaison; Adam Bell, John Elholm, John Sutter, Stephanie
Revering, Brad Fortin, and Scott Berggren from the City Staff.
Park and Recreation Commission members and City staff made introductions.
John Sutter provided information on current and upcoming city projects.
Stephanie Revering informed residents of how the department is supporting the community.
John Elholm presented information on upcoming park projects.
Brad Fortin highlighted recent and upcoming park maintenance activities.
Scott Berggren gave an update on programs and events in the Recreation Department.
A resident received a recreation department activity gift certificate in a drawing.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:57 p.m.
John Elholm
Recorder
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes
August 2, 2023
Bassett Creek Park
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting was called to order at 8:02 p.m. by
Commission Chair Tony Sumnicht.
Commission members in attendance: Tony Sumnicht (Chair), Jesse McCaffrey (Vice-Chair),
Jennifer Zielinski (Secretary), Shaz Ahmadi, Dave Anderson, Joyce Cooper and Lynn Haney. Also
present were Traci Kamish, Council Liaison; John Elholm, Brad Fortin, and Scott Berggren from
the City Staff.
There was no public comment.
Ms. Haney made a motion to approve the July Neighborhood minutes; Ms. Zielinski seconded
the motion. The Neighborhood minutes for July were approved as written.
Mr. McCaffrey made a motion to approve the July Park and Recreation Commission minutes;
Ms. Haney seconded the motion. The Park and Recreation Commission minutes for July were
approved as written.
Mr. Sumnicht gave the chairperson’s report, thanking those who helped at the table during the
Crystal Frolics Family Festival.
Mr. Elholm led the commission's discussion about a map/rules sign intended for the Bassett
Creek Disc Golf Course. The feedback on the initial sign layout was quite positive. The
commission preferred displaying the rules using pictograms rather than solely relying on words.
Mr. Elholm provided an update in regard to the Crystal Cove Aquatic Center. The state
legislature authorized a $2.3 million state appropriation for the project earlier this year. At the
July 18 meeting, the council provided authorization to enter into agreements with the state to
implement the aquatic center project. The council also approved professional services
agreements with USAquatics for the pool design and HCM Architects for the building design.
Staff has submitted a special appropriation application to the state as a first step in the state
funding process.
There was no open forum discussion.
Ms. Kamish presented the Council report. Approval was granted by the council for the contracts
of both a designer and an architect for the Crystal Cove Aquatic Center. The initiation of the
budget process has also been announced. Additionally, preliminary discussions have
commenced concerning cannabis use within parks.
Mr. Fortin gave reports for park maintenance and Mr. Berggren for recreation programming.
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 2 August 2, 2023
Mr. Elholm referenced information provided at the neighborhood meeting for the Director
Report.
Mr. Sumnicht gave a Crystal Frolics report. The Crystal Frolics wrap-up meeting will be in
September.
Mr. Elholm gave the Friends of Crystal Parks report. They will begin meeting again in
September.
Ms. Haney made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Ms. Zielinski seconded the motion.
The commission adjourned the meeting at 8:43 p.m.
John Elholm, Recorder
IN THE
You’re invited to the NEW Bassett Creek Dog Park for
Bark in the Park!
Meet Ace, the Crystal Police K9, and browse dog-specific vendors selling
products and services. Groove to DJ Caiked Up's beats, grab delicious bites
from the food truck and enjoy a tail-wagging event for all. Dogs must be on
a leash outside the designated dog park area. Take advantage of this
opportunity to pamper your furry friends and connect with fellow dog
lovers. Bark in the Park promises to be filled with joy, laughter, and
wagging tails. See you there!
BARK
PARK
BASSETT CREEK DOG PARK
WEDNESDAY
SEPTEMBER 13
5 - 7 P.M.
Park and Recreation Advisory Commission
Monthly Maintenance Report
July, 2023
Vandalism:
• Graffiti at skate park
Projects:
• Backfill, grading and seeding at Broadway and Crystal Highlands Parks
• Fence installation at Bassett Creek dog park
• Install new basketball standards at Broadway Park
• Trail installation at Broadway and Crystal Highlands Parks
• Hagemeister boardwalk repairs
• Ballfield and playground demo at Welcome Park
• Layout and stripe soccer fields for the season
• Pool maintenance
• Irrigation repairs
• Turf maintenance
• Athletic field maintenance
• Playground inspections and repairs (order parts)
• Trash removal
• Water trees and planters
Future:
• Detail new dog parks at Bassett Creek Park
• Basketball standard installation at Crystal Highlands
• Trash removal
• City wide diseased tree inspections and notifications
• Stripe athletic fields
• EDA house and property clean-ups
• Building maintenance
• Turf maintenance
• Install signage in parks, disc golf and dog park
• Apply for DNR forestry grant
• Install bike racks at various parks
• Backfill, Grading and seeding at Welcome Park
• Prep for upcoming Vehicle Fair and Dog Park open House
• Fall seeding and fertilization
4800 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55429-3553
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-0949 • www.crystalmn.gov
P R O J E C T S U M M A R Y
S E P T E M B E R 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.
Broadway Park
The renovations at Broadway Park are complete, adding
a newly constructed shelter and play area. In addition,
various site amenities, including benches, picnic tables
and bike racks have been integrated into the park.
Welcome Park
Welcome Park is gearing up to install a new play area and
fitness station. This new play area will take the spot of a
former ballfield. The old backstop was recycled, and we are
repurposing ag-lime for trail maintenance.
Orchard Addition
A grant from Hennepin County has been awarded to
enhance food accessibility in the City of Crystal. A portion
of the grant will be allocated to establish an orchard in the
Hagemeister Pond Natural Area.
Tree Inspections
Our Public Works Department will inspect trees and
remove those affected by emerald ash borer. If a tree is
removed from the boulevard in front of someone's home, a
tree may be available to plant in their yard.
P R O G R A M S U M M A R Y
S E P T E M B E R 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.
Door County Trip
A group of adults is embarking on an extended journey
to Door County to witness the vibrant fall foliage. The
itinerary covers accommodations, meals, and a special
visit to Green Bay's Lambeau Field.
Bark in the Park
The Crystal Recreation dance program begins this
September! Our program provides budget-friendly dance
options for ages 3.5 to 18. Embrace the art of tap, ballet,
and jazz, with classes tailored to all skill levels.
Celebrate the new dog park at Bassett Creek Park on
September 13, 5-7 pm. Meet Ace, the Crystal Police K9,
explore dog vendors, enjoy a DJ, and savor treats from a
food truck.
Here is your chance to get up close to the vehicles you see
traveling around our city. The Vehicle Fair will be on
September 16 (10 am-Noon) at the Crystal Community
Center. It is a great family event, with food trucks on-site.
Youth Dance
Vehicle Fair