24-02 Approved Commission MinutesCrystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes
February 7, 2024
Crystal Community Center
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by
Commission Chair Jesse McCaffrey.
Commission members in attendance: Jesse McCaffrey (Chair), Lynn Haney (Vice-Chair), Jennifer
Zielinski (Secretary), Dave Anderson, Alex Popp and Kassidy Swanson. Also present were John
Elholm, Brad Fortin and Scott Berggren from the City Staff.
Commission members absent: Joyce Cooper & Terri Schultz.
Members of the public present: JD Moore and Angela Spores
There was no public comment.
Ms. Swanson made a motion to approve the January Park and Recreation Commission minutes;
Ms. Zielinski seconded the motion. The Park and Recreation Commission minutes for January
were approved as written.
There was no chairperson's report.
Mr. McCaffrey led a roundtable discussion where everyone shared their passion for parks and
recreation and what they would like to learn this year. Common themes from the discussion
included equity in parks, accessibility, programming to meet needs and food forests. Learning
objectives for the year focused on understanding recreation programming, the financial aspects
of parks and recreation, and finding ways to contribute and help.
Mr. Berggren gave a presentation on the Recreation Department's inclusion efforts. The efforts
center around promoting health and wellness, connecting the community, and creating
welcoming and inclusive experiences. External funding, like grants through Hennepin County,
has allowed them to create opportunities focused on improving inclusion and diversity. The
Recreation Department is actively looking for other ways to collaborate with the community, to
better understand their diverse needs.
Mr. Elholm gave a project update. The City is collaborating with Kraus-Anderson for
enhancements to the Crystal Cove Aquatic Center. The design phase of the Crystal Cove pool is
nearing completion at around 90%, with budgeting currently in progress. Plans are set to seek
bids for pool construction by the end of February. Meanwhile, improvements for the Crystal
Cove building are complete, aside from discussing material colors with architects. Progress on
the Valley Place Park tennis and basketball court project has reached 50%. Similarly, the North
Lions Parking Lot project is also at 50%, with attention being paid to water management. Both
projects will be combined into one bid packet. During the discussion, Mr. Elholm highlighted
potential enhancements outlined in the park system master plan for North Lions Park and
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 2 February 7, 2024
Welcome Park. For North Lions Park, the proposed changes involve converting the baseball
field into a soccer field to address the demand for rectangular fields. For Welcome Park, the
plan includes relocating the basketball court beyond the outfield fence of the softball field.
These adjustments also align with the feedback received from the community.
Mr. Elholm also discussed the various restoration projects at Bassett Creek Park, including how
they are funded. Great River Greening (non-profit) is leading both the prairie restoration
project and the woodland restoration project. The prairie was dormant seeded late last fall,
and the buckthorn was mechanically removed from the woodland this winter – which has
greatly improved visibility. Funding for these projects comes through programs specifically
created for habitat improvement. This includes funds from the Environment and Natural
Resources Trust Fund (lottery proceeds) and the Outdoor Heritage Fund (state sales tax
proceeds). These funds cover 88% of the prairie project and 92% of the woodland project.
Commission members discussed items during the open forum, giving input, asking questions,
and commenting.
There was no council report.
Mr. Fortin gave reports for park maintenance and Mr. Berggren for recreation programming.
Mr. Elholm gave the Director’s report. He discussed two grants the Recreation Department
recently received. The grants focus on food access and reducing youth sports fees.
Mr. Elholm gave the Friends of Crystal Parks report. The Cheers to Crystal event for 2024 was
canceled. The group is exploring other ways to fundraise. Plans are underway for the plant sale
on May 18.
Mr. Berggren gave a Crystal Frolics report. The Crystal Frolics Committee and the Crystal
Recreation Department are making plans for the 2024 Crystal Frolics.
Ms. Haney made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Mr. Popp seconded the motion.
The commission adjourned the meeting at 9:09 p.m.
John Elholm, Recorder