23-09 Approved Commission Minutes
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes
September 6, 2023
Crystal Community Center
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. by
Commission Chair Tony Sumnicht.
Commission members in attendance: Tony Sumnicht (Chair), Jesse McCaffrey (Vice-Chair),
Jennifer Zielinski (Secretary), 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.
Commission members absent: Shaz Ahmadi.
There was no public comment.
Mr. McCaffrey made a motion to approve the August Neighborhood minutes; Ms. Zielinski
seconded the motion. The Neighborhood minutes for August were approved as written.
Ms. Zielinski made a motion to approve the August Park and Recreation Commission minutes;
Ms. Haney seconded the motion. The Park and Recreation Commission minutes for August were
approved as written.
Mr. Sumnicht gave the chairperson’s report; he will be gone during the November meeting, so
Mr. McCaffrey will chair the meeting. Ms. Ahmadi is moving out of Crystal, so she will be
resigning from the commission. There will then be four vacancies. Spread the word if you know
anyone who may want to apply.
Mr. Elholm shared an update on the 2023 park projects. The improvements at Crystal Highlands
and Broadway Parks are nearly complete. Shelters, paved trails, and other amenities have been
added at both parks. The play area at Broadway Park is also now complete. Both parks have
been seeded and are waiting for rain to help the grass grow.
Hennepin County is working with city staff on a potential increase to the existing Broadway Park
grant. One amenity that will be replaced is the backstop; which creates an opportunity for a
future loop trail that goes behind the new backstop.
The Bassett Creek dog park is nearly ready to go, with the fence being recently installed. Mr.
Fortin is working with volunteers to clean up the area before the dog park opens on September
13. Staff is also working on signs for the disc golf course, including one with the rules and other
signs to help people find their way around.
The Grogan Park south parking lot is nearing completion, with the concrete work already
poured around the area. It should be mostly finished in time for the annual Vehicle Fair event,
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 2 September 6, 2023
scheduled for September 16. At Welcome Park, concrete is being poured in preparation for
installing a new play area and fitness pod.
Mr. Elholm provided an overview of the projects slated for 2024. The building fund contains
improvements at Grogan Park; including enhancements to the pool, pool building, and the front
desk area within the Crystal Community Center. Additionally, there are plans to construct new
parking lots at North Lions and Valley Place Park. The parks fund contains improvements to the
tennis and basketball courts at Valley Place Park.
Mr. Elholm provided additional information on the Crystal Cove Aquatic Center. The budget for
the project includes $2.35 million through a legislative appropriation. The original city
commitment of $3 million has been reduced to $2.75 million in state grant documents; to
create a $5.1 million budget. The estimated costs are approximately $4 million for construction
and a little over $1 million for construction contingency and professional services (design). The
construction estimate includes replacing the main pool container, possibly including upcoming
maintenance items, and potentially adding items from the public engagement process (climbing
walls, ziplines, and shade structures).
Information was also provided on improvements to the lobby and front desk area of the pool
building. The design primarily addresses improvements to the staff work area; including adding
a lockable door to the work space, bumping the counter out so staff can see down the hallways,
and adding windows in the front so staff can see people approaching the building. The design
also improves pedestrian flow into the building. The commission gave some general feedback
on the first draft, including thoughts on the front façade.
Improvements are also proposed to the front desk area at the Crystal Community Center. Initial
concepts for these improvements were shared with the commission. The goal is to create a
better space for customers, as the current design lacks ADA accessibility. These enhancements
will also result in a more efficient workspace for staff.
Mr. Elholm also talked about some initial plans for improving the west parking lot at North
Lions Park and west parking lot at Valley Place Park. He also discussed improvements to the
tennis and basketball courts at Valley Place Park. In addition, concept plans for the north
parking lot at the Crystal Community Center have been prepared, which largely looked at
making it easier for people to walk to amenities in the area. This is a master planning concept at
this point. Staff is working to include this project in the long-term plan – several years out.
Mr. Berggren informed the commission about the Bark in the Park event on September 13 from
5-7 p.m. The event will be the official opening of the new Bassett Creek Dog Park. There will be
music, vendors, and food on-site. There will be a ribbon cutting at 6 p.m.
There was no open forum discussion.
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Ms. Kamish provided the Council report, which largely revolved around budget discussions. She
mentioned plans to increase the city’s fund balance in the future. The preliminary levy has also
been approved. Additionally, a moratorium has been enacted regarding high-potency THC
products. Licensing has been approved for selling low-potency items, like liquor sales. The
Council also passed contingencies stipulating that THC must not be within 500 feet of schools,
parks, and public buildings.
Mr. Fortin gave reports on park maintenance and Mr. Berggren on recreation programming.
Mr. Elholm referenced a great and busy summer for the Director Report. Staff will attend the
Minnesota Park and Recreation Conference in Plymouth at the end of the month.
Mr. Sumnicht gave a Crystal Frolics report. The Crystal Frolics wrap-up meeting will be on
September 18. The Frolics is looking for a treasurer and a secretary.
Ms. Haney gave the Friends of Crystal Parks report. They will begin meeting again on
September 7. One of the main topics will be discussing the Cheers to Crystal event.
Commission members shared citizen contacts. World Clean-up Day is September 16.
Mr. McCaffrey made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Ms. Haney seconded the motion.
The commission adjourned the meeting at 8:57 p.m.
John Elholm, Recorder