23-11 Approved Commission MinutesCrystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes
November 1, 2023
Crystal Community Center
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. by
Commission Vice-Chair Jesse McCaffrey.
Commission members in attendance: Jesse McCaffrey (Vice-Chair), Jennifer Zielinski (Secretary),
Joyce Cooper, Lynn Haney and Dave Anderson. Also present were Traci Kamish, Council Liaison;
John Elholm, Brad Fortin and Scott Berggren from the City Staff.
Commission members absent: Tony Sumnicht (Chair)
Jan Jorgens made a public comment encouraging youth program opportunities for disc golf. She
appreciates the inclusive nature of the sport and the fact that it encourages kids to go outdoors
and engage in physical activity.
Ms. Haney made a motion to approve the October Park and Recreation Commission minutes;
Ms. Zelinski seconded the motion. The Park and Recreation Commission minutes for October
were approved as written.
Mr. McCaffrey gave the chairperson’s report. November is a time to be thankful because many
good things are happening in the City of Crystal. As the year ends, it's important to remember
the City's support for projects and programs. He thanked the other Commission members for
being there and participating.
Mr. Berggren presented entries for the 2023 Capture Crystal Contest. The commission voted on
the best user-submitted photograph in four categories: people, places, wildlife and nature and
youth (photos captured by youth 18 or younger). The recreation department will notify the
winners. The winning photos will also be considered for a People's Choice Award through a
separate voting process.
Mr. Elholm talked about several projects completed in 2023, including Crystal Highlands Park,
Broadway Park and the South parking lot at the Crystal Community Center. The Welcome Park
play area has also been finished, with the final walk-through with the play area installer
happening soon. Modifications are in the works for the Bassett Creek Dog Park to improve the
fencing and prevent smaller dogs from escaping.
Mr. Elholm discussed a presentation about upgrading the Crystal Cove Aquatic Center that was
recently presented to the City Council. He talked about plans for improving the pool layout,
making it more attractive for guests; to include changes like moving the plunge slide, adding
jumping platforms, a climbing wall, a rope swing and better shade options. He also discussed
the maintenance work needed at the facility, like fixing outdoor pumps, pool grates and
resurfacing the zero-depth pool, that are in the 2025 capital plan. The funding available,
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 2 November 1, 2023
totaling around $5.6 million, comes from a combination of city funds and a state legislative
appropriation. In addition, the recreation department recently applied for a $300,000 grant
focusing on amenities to enhance the guest experience at the pool.
The presentation also included designs to make the pool building more usable for staff and
accessible for visitors. The information included replacing worn out siding around the pool
building. The total estimated cost was approximately $700,000. The City Council was favorable
to the package for the pool and building that was presented.
Mr. Elholm presented potential enhancements to the Crystal Community Center's front desk,
aiming to create a more accessible and inclusive design that benefits employees and customers.
Mr. Elholm also shared an overview of other projects scheduled for 2024. This includes
renovating the parking lots at North Lions and Valley Place Park and addressing much-needed
maintenance. Additionally, there are plans to enhance the tennis and basketball courts at Valley
Place Park, possibly enclosing all the courts within the same fencing.
Commission members discussed items during the open forum, giving input, asking questions
and commenting.
Ms. Kamish provided the Council report. She mentioned that Mr. Elholm gave a presentation
about the Crystal Cove Aquatic Center. The information about the pool was well received. They
plan to talk about the budget in the upcoming meetings.
Mr. Fortin gave reports on park maintenance, and Mr. Berggren gave reports on recreation
programming.
Mr. Elholm gave his Director’s Report. He pointed out that the Department seeks grants to
support projects and expand services. Specifically, they secured an additional $260,000 for
Broadway Park through a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).
Mr. Berggren gave a Crystal Frolics report. The kick-off meeting for the 2024 Crystal Frolics was
held on October 16.
Mr. Elholm gave the Friends of Crystal Parks report. They are in the process of preparing for the
Cheers to Crystal event. This includes promoting the event and seeking sponsors and breweries
to participate. They are also exploring having food trucks or involving a civic organization to
provide food at the event.
Ms. Haney made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Ms. Zelinski seconded the motion.
The commission adjourned the meeting at 8:58 p.m.
John Elholm, Recorder