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2025.09.03 PRC Packet AGENDA September 3, 2025 Crystal Community Center – 4800 Douglas Drive North, Crystal MN, 55429 7:00 pm Regular Meeting Agenda 1. Call the Meeting to Order / Introductions 2. Public Comments 3. Approval of Minutes 4. Chairperson’s Report 5. Commission Business / Discussion (45 minutes) a. 2025 Park Projects b. 2026 Park Planning 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 (10 minutes) a. Community Activity/Event Reports • Crystal Frolics Report • Friends of Crystal Parks Report b. Citizen Contacts c. Other Community News Items 9. Adjournment Next meeting date: October 1, 2025 – Crystal Community Center MEETING OVERVIEW September 3, 2025 Crystal Community Center – 4800 Douglas Drive North, Crystal MN, 55429 Contact John Elholm – john.elholm@crystalmn.gov or 763-531-1150 if you cannot attend. REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING – 7:00 PM 1. Call the Meeting to Order and Introductions Jesse McCaffrey will call the meeting to order 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. 3. Approval of Minutes – August 6, 2025 4. Chairperson’s Report 5. Commission Business / Discussion John Elholm: Introduce Business Items a. 2025 Park Projects b. 2026 Park Planning • Forest School Park • Woodland Park • North Lions Park 6. Commission Open Forum A time for commission members to share their thoughts and ideas about parks and recreation in Crystal. 7. City Reports John Budziszewski: City Council Report Brad Fortin: Project/Maintenance Report Michelle Margo: Program Report John Elholm: Director Report 8. Community Reports Michelle Margo: Crystal Frolics Report Lynn Haney: Friends of Crystal Parks Report Commission Members: Other community news and contacts 9. Adjournment Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission – Neighborhood Meeting Minutes August 6, 2025 Woodland Park The Parks and Recreation Commission Neighborhood Meeting was called to order at 6:31 pm by Commission Chair Jesse McCaffrey. Commission members in attendance: Jesse McCaffrey (Chair), Lynn Haney (Vice-Chair), Terri Schultz (Secretary), Dave Anderson, JD Moore, Deb Schaber and Angela Spores. Also present were John Budziszewski (Council Liaison), John Elholm, Brad Fortin, Michelle Margo, John Sutter and Deputy Chief Underthun from the city staff. Commission members absent: Joyce Cooper, Alex Popp and Kassidy Swanson. John Sutter, Community Development Director, gave an update on housing development and construction. He spoke about a development concept for the old Wells Fargo site and answered questions from residents on topics such as the old Walgreens property. Deputy Chief Underthun provided updates on summer activity. It has been relatively quiet regarding crime so efforts are being directed to quality of life/safety: crosswalks, parking citations and nuisance. Best defense is to call it in – 911. John Budziszewski gave an update on city council which included an recap of Night to Unite. He also shared information about the city budget and code enforcement. In addition, he answered questions from residents. John Elholm presented information on recent and upcoming park projects. He encouraged residents to visit the newly remodeled pool that has recently reopened. New facilities at Twin Oaks Park and a new basketball court in Welcome Park are also open. Improvements in 2026 include new play areas at Forest School Park and Woodland Park. Woodland Park will also receive a new picnic shelter and basketball court. Elholm answered questions from residents. Brad Fortin highlighted park maintenance and tree projects. A combination of Crystal Frolics and recent storms have kept park maintenance crews busy. Michelle Margo gave an update on recreation programs and events, including Crystal Frolics. She shared upcoming events including Vehicle Fair and answered questions from residents. A resident received a Crystal Recreation gift certificate in a drawing. The meeting was adjourned at 7:22 pm. Terri Schultz, Secretary Michelle Margo, Recreation Services Manager Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes August 6, 2025 Woodland Park The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting was called to order at 7:35 pm by Commission Chair Jesse McCaffrey. Commission members in attendance: Jesse McCaffrey (Chair), Lynn Haney (Vice-Chair), Terri Schultz (Secretary), Dave Anderson, JD Moore, Deb Schaber and Angela Spores. Also present were John Budziszewski (Council Liaison), John Elholm, Brad Fortin and Michelle Margo from the city staff. Commission members absent: Joyce Cooper, Alex Popp and Kassidy Swanson. Haney made a motion to approve the July Neighborhood minutes; McCaffrey seconded the motion. The Neighborhood minutes for July were approved as written. Schaber made a motion to amend the July minutes; to correct the statements where July minutes were referenced instead of June minutes. Schaber made a motion to approve the July Park and Recreation Commission minute as amended; Spores seconded the motion. The amended Park and Recreation Commission minutes for July were approved. Chair McCaffrey gave the chairperson's report. Jesse shared that he shadowed Brad Fortin for a day. Jesse has a greater appreciation for the maintenance staff and city services. Commission Open Forum discussed lights at Bassett Creek Park. Other topics included MAC Wildlife Area storm damage, tree fund donation, boulevard trees and gravel in the dog park. Traci Kamish (councilmember) shared information about a “destination park” for youth similar to Teddy Bear Park in Stillwater. Elholm will send a link to a local vendor that does this type of work following the meeting. Budziszewski provided an update on the city council, including the town center moratorium. He also referred to comments made during the neighborhood meeting. Fortin gave a report on park maintenance and highlighted the monthly maintenance and project reports. Tree inventory update is 20% complete. Margo gave a report on recreation programming and highlighted the program report. Elholm gave a director’s report. He provided an update on the Forest School meeting last month, where drawings were modified based on comments received. Shade and an area for kids age 2 - 5 were added, which resulted in the track ride being removed. The commission discussed having a track ride vs. balance circuit, and the consensus was to have the balance circuit. He also updated the commission on plans for a memorial at Twin Oaks Park. Crystal Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes – Page 2 August 6, 2025 Margo gave the Crystal Frolics report. It was a successful event with many participants. There were many positive comments on the new layout, and some food vendors sold out of food. The next Crystal Frolics meeting will be in September. Haney provided a Friends of Crystal Parks update. People enjoyed the trash picker activity at Crystal Frolics. The group will be purchasing 25 more trash pickers that residents can pick up for free at the community center. McCaffrey made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Haney seconded the motion. The commission adjourned the meeting at 8:45 pm Terri Schultz, Secretary Michelle Margo, Recreation Services Manager Forest School Redevelopment DRAFT Concepts Woodland Park Redevelopment DRAFT Concepts Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Monthly Maintenance Report August, 2025 Vandalism: • Vehicles spinning donuts at MAC south lot • Garbage dumped at MAC South lot Projects: • Ash tree removal, city wide tree inspections (special assessment removals) • Tree planting in various parks • Remove fencing and concrete at North lion’s ballfield (prep for 2026 soccer field) • Ballfield and soccer field maintenance • Storm damage clean-ups • Pool grounds maintenance • Water planters and trees • Turf maintenance (Lots) • Irrigation maintenance and repairs • Building maintenance • EDA house and property clean-ups • Playground inspections and repairs (Sunnyview vandalism repairs) • Trash removal Upcoming: • City wide diseased tree inspections, removals and notifications • Building maintenance (roofing and HVAC at old PW shop) • Water trees and planters • Shut down pool and pool building for season • Ballfield and soccer field maintenance • Grading, top dressing and seeding at Twin Oaks park (heavy rains washed out seed) • Turf maintenance (mowing, fertilizing, weed control, irrigation and seeding) • Disc golf course maintenance • Begin irrigation blowouts • Vehicle fair • Parking lot Mill and overlay at CCC north lot • Playground inspections and repairs • Trash removal 4800 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55429-3553 Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-0949 • www.crystalmn.gov PROJECT SUMMARYSEPTEMBER 2025 This is an overview of the upcoming park projects in the City of Crystal, which will take place at various parks and buildings across the city. North Lions Park Work has begun getting North Lions Park ready for a new rectangle field in 2026. The backstop and outfield fencing has been removed, and the infield will be removed in the coming weeks. Final design of the field for soccer, ultimate, flag football and other sports will occur over the winter. Crystal Community Center While likely not noticeable to the public, ductwork throughout the community center was recently cleaned. These ducts collect dust over time, so getting them professionally cleaned should keep community center visitors breathing easy! Crystal Cove Aquatic Center After a successful inaugural season, the pool is being shut- down for the winter. Water is being pumped out of the pool, filters are being cleaned and remaining construction punch list items are being completed. Preparations for the 2026 season will begin soon! Welcome Park The softball field here turns into soccer fields for youngsters this time of year. Maintenance crews brought in nets and have been lining the fields so they are just right! Teams have been practicing as games begin Saturday, Sept. 6! Badges and Bobbers - – Fishing Fun with Local Police! Kids ages 5 and up are invited to join us for a fun day of fishing alongside our local police officers! Whether you’re a first-time fisher or a pro angler, it’s the perfect chance to learn how to bait, cast, and reel. Saturday, Sept. 6 @ Crystal Lake Fishing Pier PROGRAM SUMMARYSEPTEMBER 2025 Below is an overview of the programs offered by the Crystal Recreation Department, along with occasional recaps of key special events we host. Bunny Yoga – Stretch, Relax & Cuddle! Experience the perfect fusion of yoga and the playful presence of adorable rabbits! During class, our yoga bunnies may hop around, snuggle up, or even join you on your belly or back during poses, bringing joy and connection to practice. Vehicle Fair - Come See the Big Trucks Bring your family to the Crystal Community Center for a morning of fun exploring the coolest vehicles in town! From big trucks to specialty cars, there will be plenty to explore and it’s the perfect photo opportunity! Saturday, Sept. 13 @ 9:30 AM Trick-or-Trot Glow Trail! Join us for a spook-tacular evening on the glowing trail, packed with spooky surprises, fun trinkets, music, food trucks, games, and more! Dress up for the costume contest, awards will be given! Stick around for the outdoor movie starting at 6:45 PM.