2025.07.02 PRC Packet AGENDA
July 2, 2025
Forest School Park – 7001 48th Avenue N., Crystal MN 55428
In case of inclement weather, the meeting will be held at the Crystal Community Center
6:30 p.m. Neighborhood Meeting Agenda
1. Call the Meeting to Order
2. Introduction of Commission and City Staff
3. Neighborhood Discussion
a. Citywide Project Updates
b. Public Safety Information
c. Parks and Recreation Updates
4. Drawing for Recreation Activity Gift Certificate
7:15 p.m. Commission Business Meeting Agenda
1. Call the Meeting to Order
2. Public Comments
3. Approval of Minutes
4. Chairperson’s Report
5. Commission Business / Discussion (20 minutes)
a. Bus Tour Recap
b. Project & Planning Updates
c. Air Quality Standards
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 (5 minutes)
a. Community Activity/Event Reports
• Crystal Frolics Report
• Friends of Crystal Parks Report
b. Citizen Contacts
c. Other Community News Items
9. Adjournment
END OF COMMUNITY MEETING (Community meetings have a one hour time limit). There will be a short break between the two meetings.
Residents are welcome to stay for the Business Meeting.
MEETING OVERVIEW
Contact John Elholm – john.elholm@crystalmn.gov or 763-531-1150 if you cannot attend
Forest School Park – 7001 48th Avenue N., Crystal MN 55428
July 2, 2025
NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING – 6:30 PM
Item 1. Call meeting to order
Jesse McCaffrey will provide information on the purpose of the meeting.
Item 2. Introductions of Commission and City Staff
Item 3. Neighborhood Business
John Sutter will provide information on current and upcoming development projects.
Jesse Struve will provide information on current and upcoming public works projects.
Lieutenant Tourville will provide information on public safety.
John Budziszewski will provide information from the city council.
John Elholm will provide information on park improvement and planning efforts.
Brad Fortin will provide highlights of recent and upcoming park projects.
Michelle Margo will provide information on recreation programs & events.
Residents will have an opportunity to ask questions/make comments during the meeting.
Item 4. Drawing for Recreation Activity Gift Certificate
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING – 7:15 PM
Item 1. Call the Meeting to Order
Jesse McCaffrey will call the meeting to order
Item 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.
Item 3. Approval of Minutes – June 4, 2025
a. Park and Recreation Commission Meeting
Item 4. Chairperson’s Report
Jesse McCaffrey: Chairperson’s Report
Item 5. Commission Business / Discussion
John Elholm: Introduce Business Items
a. Bus Tour Recap
b. Project & Planning Updates
c. Air Quality Standards
Item 6. Commission Open Forum (10 minutes)
Item 7. Commission Reports
John Budziszewski: City Council Report
Brad Fortin: Project/Maintenance Report
Michelle Margo: Program Report
John Elholm: Director Report
Item 8. Community Reports
John Elholm: Crystal Frolics Report
Lynn Haney: Friends of Crystal Parks Report
Commission members: Other community activities and events
Item 9. Adjournment
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Neighborhood Meeting Minutes
June 4, 2025
Fair School Park
The Park and Recreation Commission Neighborhood Meeting was called to order at 6:32 pm by
Commission Chair Jesse McCaffrey.
Commission members in attendance: Jesse McCaffrey (Chair), Lynn Haney (Vice-Chair), Terri
Schultz (Secretary), Dave Anderson, J.D. Moore II, Alex Popp, Deb Schaber, Angela Spores and
Kassidy Swanson. Also present were John Budziszewski (Council Liaison); John Elholm, Sgt.
Tourville, John Sutter, Brad Fortin, and Michelle Margo from the City Staff
Commission members absent: Joyce Cooper
Awards were presented to the winners of the 2025 Crystal Frolics Button Contest.
Community Development Director, John Sutter, informed residents of an upcoming townhome
project, and the city council approved an apartment building to replace an old office building.
He also shared that the city council is considering a zoning moratorium in the city center; to
assure no development occurs while a new approach is reviewed.
Sgt. Tourville informed residents of common issues in the Fair School neighborhood and
upcoming city events such as Junior Police Academy, Fall Police Academy and retirement party
for Chief Revering (Friday, June 27 from 3-5pm at City Hall). He also mentioned that a new
camera system is coming to certain roadways in Crystal.
John Elholm presented information on current park projects, including improvements at the
Crystal Cove Aquatic Center, Twin Oaks Park and Welcome Park. He also discussed projects
coming in 2026, including a play area at Forest School Park; and a new play area, shelter and
basketball court at Woodland Park.
He also shared that the Trust for Public Land (TPL) is working on a schoolyard project with Fair
School. He referenced design boards that had been provided by TPL.
Brad Fortin highlighted park maintenance and projects related to tree removal and
replacement.
Michelle Margo gave an update on spring recreation programs and events, including the
Friends of Crystal Parks Plant Sale and city-wide garage sale – where 90 households
participated. She also mentioned that the Young Mudder event would be held this weekend,
and the Crystal Farmers Market will begin on June 17. The city is still hiring lifeguards, and
lifeguard classes with discounted fees are being offered.
Crystal Park and Recreation Commission Neighborhood Mtg. Minutes – Page 2 June 4, 2025
Council member Budziszewski mentioned the mayor’s vision of keeping the city clean.
Residents can adopt a park and/or pick up free litter pickers at the community center. He also
shared that the council is reviewing ways to better communicate that Crystal is a great place to
live and has a lot to offer.
A resident received a Crystal Recreation gift certificate in a drawing.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 pm.
Terri Schultz, Secretary
Michelle Margo, Recreation Services Manager
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes
June 4, 2025
Fair School Park
The Parks and Recreation Commission Neighborhood Meeting was called to order at 7:15 pm
by Commission Chair Jesse McCaffrey.
Commission members in attendance: Jesse McCaffrey (Chair), Lynn Haney (Vice-Chair), Terri
Schultz (Secretary), Dave Anderson, Joyce Cooper, J.D. Moore II, Alex Popp, Deb Schaber,
Angela Spores and Kassidy Swanson. Also present were John Budziszewski (Council Liaison);
John Elholm, Sgt. Tourville, John Sutter, Brad Fortin, and Michelle Margo from the City Staff
Commission members absent: none
There was no public comment.
Moore II made a motion to approve the May Park and Recreation Commission neighborhood
meeting minutes; Spores seconded the motion. The Park and Recreation Commission
neighborhood meeting minutes for May were approved as written.
Moore II made a motion to approve the May Park and Recreation Commission minutes; Spores
seconded the motion. The Park and Recreation Commission minutes for May were approved as
written.
Commission member Debra Schaber was introduced as the new Ward 2 representative and
shared her experience as a resident who is excited to work with/for the community.
Chair McCaffrey shared information on Smart Parks. A handout was presented to commission
members to review various parks and what it means to be a smart park: motion sensor lights,
public wifi, safety cameras, sensor technology, and more.
Commission members reviewed the June 18 Park and Recreation Commission Bus Tour
schedule. The list of parks was solidified, and box dinner suggestions were provided.
John Elholm presented information on upcoming park projects, including 2025 improvements
at the Crystal Cove Aquatic Center, Twin Oaks Park and Welcome Park. He also reminded
commission members that the July commission meeting will be at Forest School Park where a
new play area is planned in 2026. The August commission meeting will be at Woodland Park,
where a new play area, shelter and basketball court are planned in 2026.
The topic of air quality related to outdoor meetings was brought up during open forum. A brief
discussion took place on what air quality level should meetings be brought indoors. Two
commission members will review the topic and bring suggestions to the July meeting.
Crystal Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 2 June 4, 2025
A discussion took place on vandalism at Sunnyview Park. A new part has been ordered, and will
be replaced when available. The long-term status of the play area here was also discussed.
Input will be sought from the community as decisions about this play area are reviewed.
Budziszewski presented the city council report. He shared information on a new vision for the
town center. He also mentioned that Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty recently
presented at a city council meeting, where she shared good information on restorative justice
and other topics. He noted that the presentation had more substance than updates the council
has received in the past.
Brad Fortin highlighted park maintenance and projects related to mowing, field striping and
forestry. He noted that Arbor Day went well, and that seasonal staffing is complete. They are
getting caught up on city ash trees, and are working with residents to address their ash trees.
Michelle Margo gave an update on recreation programs and events, including the many
upcoming summer programs that started, farmers market beginning on June 17 and citywide
garage sale. Many seasonal staff have been hired to implement and support shelter rentals,
programs and events.
Elholm referred to information shared during the neighborhood meeting for the director
report.
A resident received a Crystal Recreation gift certificate in a drawing.
Margo gave the Crystal Frolics report. The planning is in full swing and fireworks will only be on
one night in 2025. The next Crystal Frolics meeting will be on June 16.
Haney and Elholm gave the Friends of Crystal Parks report. They provided information on the
plant sale being a success. Their next meeting will be on June 5 at Memory Lane Natural Area.
McCaffrey made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Haney seconded the motion.
The commission adjourned the meeting at 8:50 p.m.
Terri Schultz, Secretary
Michelle Margo, Recreation Services Manager
Crystal Park and Recreation Commission Bus Tour
June 18, 2025
Schedule
5:30 pm Pre-Tour look at the Crystal Cove Aquatic Center (if interested)
4848 Douglas Drive, Crystal, MN 55429
•Head to the bus at 5:50 pm.
6:00 pm Depart from the Crystal Community Center – HERE WE GO!
4800 Douglas Drive, Crystal, MN 55429
•Board at North Entrance (pool parking lot).
6:10 pm Drive by Broadway Park
5911 W Broadway, Crystal, MN 55428
•View the play area, trail and shelter built in 2023.
6:20 pm Arrive at North Lions Park (stay for 35 minutes)
6100 Louisiana Ave N, Crystal, MN 55428
•Eat boxed dinners – discuss future park plans.
•Visit the park building and hockey rink.
•Leave the Park at 6:55 pm.
7:05 pm Drive by Twin Oaks Park
5116 Wilshire Blvd. Crystal, MN 55429
•View 2025 redevelopment project.
7:15 pm Arrive at Welcome Park (stay for 20 minutes)
5598 46th Avenue N, Crystal, MN 55422
•Visit the park building, play area and basketball court.
•Leave the park at 7:35 p.m.
7:45 pm Drive by Woodland Park
4510 35th Avenue N, Crystal, MN 55422
•View 2026 redevelopment project.
7:55 pm Arrive at Basset Creek Park (stay for 20 minutes)
3075 Welcome Avenue N, Crystal, MN 55422
•Visit the park building, picnic shelters and disc golf course.
•Leave the park at 8:15 p.m.
8:25 pm Arrive at Valley Place Park (stay for 20 minutes)
6822 32nd Ave. N, Crystal, MN 55427
•Visit the park building and playground.
•Leave the park at 8:45 p.m.
8:55 pm Drive by Forest School Park
7001 48th Avenue N, Crystal, MN 55429
•View 2026 play area project.
9:00 pm Return to the Crystal Community Center
4800 Douglas Drive N, Crystal, MN 55429
July 2 RECAP
Woodland Park Initial Concepts (2026 Project)
Concept #1
Concept #3
Concept #2
Proposed AQI Policy for City of Crystal’s Parks and Recreation
Commission Public Outdoor Meetings
Due to the rising frequency of air quality alerts, the following proposal provides guidance on how
to prepare and respond to adverse air quality events in the interest of protecting the health and
wellbeing of city staff, commission members, and members of the public who attend the City of
Crystal’s Parks and Recreation Commission and neighborhood meetings. No one should have
to risk their health to participate in public meetings in our city, thus our proposal attempts to
consider the needs and potential concerns of all community members in an effort to create an
inclusive and accessible environment.
The table below recommends actions for each tier of the air quality index:
Air
Quality
Index
Category*
Levels of
Concern*
Values
of
Index*
Description of Air
Quality
Recommended action for
outdoor public meetings
Green Good 0-50 Air quality is
satisfactory, and air
pollution poses little or
no risk.
No changes; proceed with
outdoor meeting as scheduled.
Yellow Moderate 51-100 Air quality is
acceptable. However,
there may be a risk for
some people,
particularly those who
are unusually sensitive
to air pollution.
No changes; proceed with
outdoor meeting as scheduled.
Orange Unhealthy
for
sensitive
groups
101-150 Members of sensitive
groups may experience
health effects. The
general public is less
likely to be affected.
Move the meeting to a suitable
indoor location.
Red Unhealthy 151-200 Some members of the
general public may
experience health
effects; members of
sensitive groups may
experience more
serious health effects.
Move the meeting to a suitable
indoor location.
Air
Quality
Index
Category*
Levels of
Concern*
Values
of
Index*
Description of Air
Quality
Recommended action for
outdoor public meetings
Purple Very
Unhealthy
201-300 Health alert: The risk of
health effects is
increased for everyone.
Move the meeting to a suitable
indoor location.
Maroon Hazardous 301+ Health warning of
emergency conditions:
everyone is more likely
to be affected.
Cancel or postpone the
meeting.
*Pulled from Air Now https://www.airnow.gov/aqi/aqi-basics/
Other considerations and recommendations:
● Trusted sources, such as the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), should be
used to determine the AQI forecast. Other sources, such as AirNow or sources that use
the same base data are also acceptable.
● In order to communicate changes to residents, an alternate location will be listed for
each outdoor meeting that informs residents of where they can expect to meet in the
event of poor air quality or inclement weather. Notices should also inform residents when
and how they will be notified of any location changes.
● When possible, a decision to move indoors should be made based on the AQI forecast
the day prior to the meeting or following city guidelines for notice regarding changes to
outdoor events/activities due to inclement weather.
● Alternate meeting locations should be indoors and provide adequate ventilation and
filtration.
Park and Recreation Advisory Commission
Monthly Maintenance Report
June, 2025
Vandalism:
• Graffiti and tree vandalism at Becker Park
• Turf damage from vehicles at Valley Place and Basset Creek parks
• Duct tape lines added to new court at Valley Place Park
Projects:
• Ash tree removal, city wide tree inspections (special assessment removals)
• Tree planting in various parks
• Twin Oaks and Welcome park site construction
• Ballfield and soccer field maintenance
• Pool construction and maintenance
• Fertilization, seeding and broadleaf control at various sites
• Streetscape maintenance
• Water planters and trees
• Turf maintenance
• Irrigation maintenance and repairs
• Building maintenance
• EDA house and property clean-ups
• Playground inspections and repairs
• Trash removal
Upcoming:
• City wide diseased tree inspections, removals and notifications
• Building maintenance
• Tree planting, watering and tree inventory operations
• Ballfield and soccer field maintenance
• Twin Oaks shelter and playground construction
• Prep for Crystal Frolics
• Turf maintenance (mowing, fertilizing, weed control, irrigation and seeding)
• Disc golf course maintenance
• Playground inspections and repairs
• Pool grounds maintenance
• Trash removal
• Playground inspections and repairs
4800 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55429-3553
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-0949 • www.crystalmn.gov
PROJECT SUMMARYJULY 2025
This is an overview of the upcoming projects in the City of Crystal,
which will take place at various parks and buildings across the city.
Crystal Cove Aquatic Center
The Crystal Cove Aquatic Center is now open! The newly
renovated facility has amenities such as flume slides,
jumping platforms, climbing wall, rope swing, floating snake,
updated lobby and more. Sections of the pool are shallower
to better accommodate younger youth. Many of the
improvement ideas came from a public engagement process,
which was instrumental as plans for the pool were
developed. Funding for the project was provided by the City
of Crystal, Hennepin County Youth Activities program and
State of Minnesota.
Twin Oaks Park
Redevelopment of Twin Oaks Park is going well! The paved
loop trail, basketball court and concrete patios are complete.
Flag poles, a new play area and picnic shelter will be
installed in July.
Welcome Park
A new basketball court has been installed in Welcome Park.
The new basketball court is smaller and includes lines for
foursquare and hopscotch. Its location near the play area will
provide options for families with varying age children.
PROGRAM SUMMARYJULY 2025
Below is an overview of the programs offered by the Crystal
Recreation Department, along with occasional recaps of key special
events we host.
Junior Police Academy
Thank you to all the participants who joined us for this year’s
Junior Police Academy! It was a fantastic week filled with
hands-on learning, team-building, and a behind-the-scenes
look at the important work our safety personel do every day.
Family Storytime Series
We had 200+ people attend the Kick-off to the Family
Storytime series on Wednesday, June 18. The next Family
Storytime is on Wednesday, July 9 at Becker Park featuring
Skye from Paw Patrol.
Young Mudder Event
The ultimate obstacle course for kids ages 6–12! 110 kids
and 23 adults conquered exciting challenges, raced through
muddy mayhem, and embraced the messiest, most thrilling
fun of the summer!
Crystal Frolics!
Mark your calendar for fun, food, music, and community
celebration at Becker & Welcome Parks! Enjoy family
festivities & free inflatables at Becker Park - head over to
Welcome Park for kickball, softball, volleyball & fireworks.
July is Park and Recreation Month
The services that park and recreation professionals provide
are essential to building thriving communities. We build and
maintain accessible, inclusive and sustainable parks and
programs that deliver powerful benefits to our communities