23-10 Approved Commission MinutesCrystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes
October 4, 2023
Crystal Community Center
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by
Commission Vice-Chair Jesse McCaffrey.
Commission members in attendance: Jesse McCaffrey (Vice-Chair), Jennifer Zielinski (Secretary),
and Dave Anderson. Lynn Haney attended via Zoom. Also present were John Elholm, Brad
Fortin, and Scott Berggren from the City Staff.
Commission members absent: Joyce Cooper & Tony Sumnicht.
Shaz Ahmadi made a public comment. She is moving out of the city so can no longer serve on
the commission. She shared some of her key moments and achievements during her time on
the commission.
Mr. Elholm recognized Shaz Ahmadi for her service on the Parks and Recreation Commission.
She is leaving the commission after serving for 3.5 years.
Ms. Zielinski made a motion to approve the September Park and Recreation Commission
minutes; Mr. Anderson seconded the motion. The Park and Recreation Commission minutes for
September were approved as written.
Mr. McCaffrey gave the chairperson’s report ; he is excited about the projects completed in
2023. His family is particularly excited about the new play area at Welcome Park.
Mr. Elholm provided an update on the 2023 park projects. The improvements at Crystal
Highlands are almost done, with only the basketball court lines left to be completed. The
Broadway Park improvements are complete. The project received partial funding from
Hennepin County (CDBG) and the county may contribute additional grant funding for the
project. The projects at Bassett Creek Park are also complete. A grand opening for the new dog
park was recently held during a Bark in the Park event on September 13. At Grogan Park, trees
and shrubs have been planted in the south parking lot area and the second layer of pavement
will be applied soon. Parking lot lines will follow. Finally, work is in progress at Welcome Park
to create a unique park space; that includes a new playground, fitness equipment and patio.
Mr. Elholm discussed 2024 projects; including enhancing pool facilities, constructing tennis
courts at Valley Place Park, and improving two surface parking lots; one at Valley Place Park and
one at North Lions Park.
The city hired US Aquatics to lead design of pool improvements. The project team began by
developing goals for the project; which include replacing the main pool container, completing
some needed maintenance items and including input from the public engagement process.
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 2 October 4, 2023
Some of the maintenance items include repairing or possibly replacing a 33-year-old waterslide,
refinishing the 18-year-old surface of the zero-depth pool, and replacing failing PVC grates in
the zero-depth pool. There was also a focus on improving outdoor pumps for easier repairs and
making them more accessible at ground level. All these maintenance needs will be evaluated to
see if they fit within the project's budget.
Mr. Elholm discussed adding features requested during the public engagement process. As a
revenue generating facility, including things the public is interested in should increase use and
revenue. New features shown were a climbing wall, a jumping platform, and an element that
floats for multi-person play. Other improvements included relocating the drop slide, adding
different shade structures, and upgrading lifeguard stands. It was noted that getting the water
depth right would be important to attract young teenagers and to add make sure there is
sufficient depth under some of the features for safety. The pool edge may also be modified
slightly to accommodate fall zones for some of the features.
The City hired HCM Architects to design aquatic center building improvements. Mr. Elholm
shared plans with the commission. The plans would update the desk, lobby, and outside facade
to improve staff safety, pool access, and create a welcoming atmosphere. The goal is to give the
facility a more modern look.
The commission supported these plans, believing we are moving in the right direction. Mr.
Elholm mentioned that a similar presentation would be given to the Council on October 17th.
Mr. Elholm also talked about the proposal to enhance the front desk area at the Crystal
Community Center. These modifications would streamline staff operations and improve
accessibility for visitors. The Commission supported this idea as it would create a more inviting
environment at the center.
2024 park projects will occur at North Lions and Valley Place Parks. Both parks will have parking
lots updated. At Valley Place Park, the tennis courts will be rebuilt. Mr. Elholm showed two
design possibilities for the tennis courts. The commission liked the design that moved
basketball into the same fencing outline as tennis. This would be a similar layout to Becker Park.
There was a brief discussion on adding pickleball lines to the tennis courts at Valley Place Park.
Several commission members thought it would be important to keep these courts just for
tennis and not add pickleball – similar to how Becker Park is just for pickleball.
Commission members discussed items during the open forum, giving input, asking questions,
and commenting.
There was no City Council Report.
Mr. Fortin gave reports on park maintenance and Mr. Berggren on recreation programming.
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 3 October 4, 2023
Mr. Elholm gave the Director’s Report. He mentioned that the Environmental Quality
Commission only has a few members. Since much of their work relates to habitat restoration in
the parks, one idea that came up was potentially having the remaining members join the Parks
and Recreation Commission. This is just an idea at this point, as additional discussion needs to
take place before any changes are made. Additionally, it was mentioned that the City of Crystal
was well represented at the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association Conference held in
Plymouth this year. Staff attended many great speakers and presentations.
Mr. Elholm gave a Crystal Frolics report. The Crystal Frolics Committee had their wrap-up
meeting in September. They will meet again on October 16. Crystal Frolics is looking for a
treasurer and a secretary.
Mr. Elholm gave the Friends of Crystal Parks report. They are working on the Cheers to Crystal
event scheduled for March 15. Their next meeting will be October 19.
Ms. Zelinski made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Mr. Anderson seconded the motion.
The commission adjourned the meeting at 8:44 p.m.
John Elholm, Recorder