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2026.02.04 PRC Packet AGENDA February 4, 2026 7:00 p.m. Location: Crystal Community Center, 4800 Douglas Drive North, Crystal, MN 55429 Regular Meeting Agenda – 7:00 p.m. 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. Bylaw Discussion / Recommendation b. 2026 Planning and Project Discussion c. 2027 Planning Discussion 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 MEETING OVERVIEW February 4, 2026 7:00 p.m. Location: Crystal Community Center, 4800 Douglas Drive North, Crystal, MN 55429 1. Call the Meeting to Order and Introductions J.D. Moore II (vice chair) 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 – January 7, 2026 4. Chairperson’s Report 5. Commission Business / Discussion John Elholm: Introduce Business Items • Bylaw Discussion / Recommendation • 2026 Planning and Project Discussion • 2027 Planning Discussion 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 Next meeting date: March 4 at the Crystal Community Center Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes January 7, 2026 Crystal Community Center The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting was called to order at 7:00 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, Deb Schaber and Angela Spores. Also present were John Budziszewski from the City Council and John Elholm and Brad Fortin from the City Staff. Commission member absent: Sonja Roby. Elections The election of officers for 2026 took place. Haney made a motion to nominate Schultz as the commission chair. Schultz accepted the nomination. Terri Schultz was elected as the 2026 Parks and Recreation Commission Chair. Haney made a motion to nominate Spores as the commission vice chair. Spores declined the nomination. Haney made a motion to nominate Moore as the commission vice chair. Moore accepted the nomination. J. D. Moore II was elected as the 2026 Parks and Recreation Commission Vice Chair. McCaffrey made a motion to nominate Schaber as secretary. Schaber declined the nomination. Haney made a motion to nominate Spores as secretary. Spores accepted the nomination. Angela Spores was elected as the 2026 Parks and Recreation Commission Secretary. Public Comments There was no public comment. Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 2 January 7, 2026 Meeting Minutes McCaffrey made a motion to approve the December, 2025 commission meeting minutes; Haney seconded the motion. The Parks and Recreation Commission meeting minutes for December were approved as written. Chairperson’s Report Chair Schultz did not have a chair report. Commission Business / Discussion The Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission reviewed the 2026 draft meeting calendar, that includes four outdoor meetings between May and August. The summer neighborhood meetings will begin at 6:30 p.m., with the summer dates as follows: May 6 Twin Oaks Park (Arbor Day Event at 5:30 p.m.) June 3 Valley Place Park (2027 Project) June 17 Commission Bus Tour July 1 Iron Horse Park (2027 Project) August 5 Cavanagh Park (2027 Project) In addition, discussion took place on potentially moving the September meeting date from the 2nd to the 9th; so the meeting could be held after Labor Day. Schaber made a motion to approve the draft 2026 meeting schedule; that includes a 6:30 p.m. start time for summer neighborhood meetings and moving the September meeting to September 9. Spores seconded the motion. The Parks and Recreation Commission meeting schedule for 2026 as amended was approved, with McCaffrey and Haney abstaining. Elholm reviewed the 2025 Work Plan. The Crystal Parks and Recreation Commission accomplished many great things last year. Highlights included completion of and a ribbon cutting for the updated Crystal Cove Aquatic Center in June and completion of a new play area, picnic shelter and basketball court in Twin Oaks Park during the summer. In addition, the commission held meetings with neighbors to discuss 2026 projects; including improvements in Woodland and Forest School Parks. The commission also provided input on rectangle field improvements in North Lions Park. The commission went on a bus tour of parks in Crystal in June and picked winners for the Neighbors Recognizing Neighbors Awards, Crystal Frolics Button Design and Capture Crystal photo contest. Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 3 January 7, 2026 Elholm presented a draft of the 2026 Parks and Recreation Commission Work Plan. The work plan includes ribbon cutting ceremonies for the Twin Oaks and Forest School Park projects. It also includes providing input on 2027 planning projects; including those at Valley Place, Cavanagh and Iron Horse Parks. In the partnerships section, a recommendation was made to remove items on edible landscapes and sustainability and replace them with an item on encouraging collaboration with other city commissions. Spores made a motion to approve the 2026 workplan, that includes removing items on edible landscapes and sustainability, and replacing them with an item on encouraging collaboration with other city commissions. McCaffrey seconded the motion. The Parks and Recreation Commission work plan for 2026 was approved as amended. Elholm led a discussion on the Parks and Recreation Commission Bylaws. Input received at the last meeting was incorporated into the latest revision. The updated draft was reviewed, with additional comments being received during the discussion. Proposed changes included adding items to the functions section (1.3) that include supporting inclusive recreation, encouraging partnerships and assisting with public engagement; slight modifications to the role of the secretary section (3.1), and a slight clarification to section (4.2). Recreation staff will take comments received during the discussion and develop another draft – to be sent out with the February meeting packet. Elholm led a review of projects coming in 2026. Construction documents are being prepared for North Lions Park, Forest School Park and Woodland Park. Preliminary construction layout plans were shared with the commission. Commission members were also reminded that the North Lions Park and Forest School Park projects will each receive a $200,000 grant. Play area colors for Woodland and Forest School Parks were voted on at Winterfest, with preferred colors being shared at the meeting. The commission liked the preferred colors and did not recommend any changes. An updated concept plan for the south parking lot in Valley Place Park was also shared. The plan included several changes recommended by the commission at their last meeting. Commission Open Forum Commission members had an opportunity to discuss items during the commission open forum. Spores shared information on Edina’s tree nomination program and Fortin discussed the city’s shade tree list. This list will be provided to commission members at their next meeting. Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 4 January 7, 2026 Commission Reports Budziszewski gave the council report. He shared that the Lions Club awarded the Crystal Sparkles award and will do the contest again next year. He also mentioned that there was a proposal for the vacant Wells Fargo site. The council will be meeting tomorrow night on their legislative priorities. Fortin gave a park maintenance report. He provided information and answered questions on current maintenance activities; including ice rink maintenance, plowing snow, building and equipment maintenance and how city staff is assisting with park improvement projects. He also noted that warming houses will be open through February 14, but maintenance may continue a little longer if conditions warrant. Elholm presented the recreation program report and answered questions. He discussed the program summary, successful Winterfest event, summer program/event planning, brochure development and hiring for summer. Elholm provided a director report. He shared information on the upcoming pool season; including that the season will run from June 6 through August 23 – which is one week longer than usual. New opportunities, like sensory swim times, will also be offered. During these specific times the music and water features/slides will be off to better accommodate individuals who may be sensitive to noise or stimulation. Community Reports Haney reported Crystal Frolics Committee had new leadership; and now has a president, vice president and treasurer. The Becker Park activities will be held on June 13 with the Welcome Park activities being held in July. Additional Crystal Frolics events will be held throughout the summer. The next committee meeting will be held on January 12 (second Monday) via Zoom. Haney provided the Friends of Crystal Parks Report. The Friend’s group will be meeting again on January 15 (third Thursday) to begin planning their plant sale. Haney made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Spores seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 9:11 pm Terri Schultz, President John Elholm, Recreation Director Approved: 1/7/2026 Date Time Place Notes January 7 7 p.m.Community Center February 4 7 p.m.Community Center March 4 7 p.m.Community Center April 1 6:45pm Community Center Tree Board @ 6:45; PRC @ 7 May 6 6:30 p.m.Twin Oaks Park Arbor Day @ 5:30 June 3 6:30 p.m.Valley Place Park 2027 Improvements June 17 TBD Start at Community Center PRC Tour of Various Parks July 1 6:30 p.m.Iron Horse Park 2027 Improvements August 5 6:30 p.m.Cavanagh Park 2027 Improvements September 9 7 p.m.Community Center moved after Labor Day October 7 7 p.m.Community Center November 4 7 p.m.Community Center December 2 7 p.m.Community Center All Meetings are on Wednesday Nights Parks and Recreation Commission 2026 Meeting Dates & Locations PLANNING / DEVELOPMENT Approved: 1/7/2026 Item Process: Status Twin Oaks Park Project (2025) Spring 2026 Ribbon Cutting Forest School Park Project · Receive Progress Updates from Staff 2026 Construction · Provide Input on Project Fall 2026 Ribbon Cutting · Participate in Grand Opening Celebration Woodland Park Project · Receive Progress Updates from Staff 2026 Construction · Provide Input on Project North Lions Park Soccer Field Project · Receive Progress Updates from Staff 2026 Construction · Provide Input on Project Valley Place Park Parking Lot Project · Receive Planning Updates from Staff 2026 Construction · Provide Input as Plans are Developed Other Capital Improvement Projects · Receive Project Updates from Staff 2026 Construction · Provide Input on Projects Planning for Valley Place Park Project · Receive Planning Updates from Staff 2027 Construction · Provide Input as Plans are Developed Planning for Cavanagh Park Project · Receive Project Updates from Staff 2027 Construction · Provide Input on Projects Planning for Iron Horse Park Project · Receive Planning Updates from Staff 2027 Construction · Provide Input as Plans are Developed Park Tour · Visit sites for project and program ideas Locations TBD · Discuss ideas and provide input 2026 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION WORK PLAN · Participate in Grand Opening Celebration PROMOTION / COMMUNITY OUTREACH Approved: 1/7/2026 Item Process: Status Community Events and Programs · PRC Representation at Major P&R Events · Assist with Crystal Frolics Activities · Promote P&R at Non-City Activities Recognition · Select Neighbors Recog. Neighbors Awards · Select Crystal Frolics Button Design Awards · Select Capture Crystal Photo Contest Recreation · Provide Input on Programs Being Offered · Provide Feedback on Programs Attended Summer Meetings · Encourage Citizen Participation at Meetings 4 Neighborhood Meetings May: Twin Oaks Park (Arbor Day) June: Valley Place Park July: Iron Horse Park August: Cavanagh Park Partnerships · Support other Community Groups & Events Friends of Crystal Parks Crystal Frolics Committee, Inc. · Encourage Collaborative Fundraising · Encourage Collaboration Between PRC and other city commissions Marketing · Promote P&R through Social Networks · Take Photos in Parks and at Events · Monitor Web Site, etc. for Corrections · Encourage Links to P&R Web Site 2026 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION WORK PLAN 1 FINAL DRAFT CITY OF CRYSTAL PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION BYLAWS AND OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES Article I MISSION AND DUTIES 1.1 Mission. The Crystal City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2016-08 (“Ordinance”) on February 25, 2017 to establish the Parks and Recreation Commission (“Commission”). The Commission may also be referred to as the “PRC.” The Ordinance is attached to and made part of these Bylaws and Operational Procedures (“Bylaws”). The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission is established to promote the systematic, comprehensive development of the park facilities and recreational activities necessary for the physical, mental, emotional and well-being of the residents and visitors of the City of Crystal. 1.2 Duties. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission shall advise and make recommendations to the City Council in all matters pertaining to Park and Recreation facilities and programs in the City. The Commission also acts as the Tree Board and shall advise and make recommendations to the City Council in all matters pertaining to Forestry programs in the City. The Commission is advisory to the City Council, and its duties are set out in the Ordinance. The Commission must conduct its business in accordance with Section 305 of the Crystal City Code and other applicable laws. 1.3 Functions (may include but not limited to). A. Promote the understanding of park and recreation philosophy and events. B. Promote events and recreation activities through social media channels and word-of-mouth. C. Support inclusive recreation by assisting to identify barriers for seniors, youth, people with disabilities and underrepresented communities. D. Recommend improvements, planning and construction of facilities. Assist with public engagement during the planning process. E. Adopt recommendations for long-range plans. F. Recommend activity plans and standards as submitted to the Commissions by the director. G. Recommend various park rules and regulations to the City Council. H. Establish sub committees from time to time to address specific topics and/or act as liaison to other Commissions within the City. 2 I. Attend city council meetings and work sessions to advise and make recommendations on all matters pertaining to Park and Recreation programs in the city. 1.4 Commission Member Functions (Members are encouraged to do the following): A. Volunteer at park and recreation programs and events. Examples include neighborhood events, community events, summer festival, park facility dedications, etc. B. Follow city procedures to interpret community needs, conduct surveys, support referendums, encourage partnerships (with schools, non-profits, community groups, etc.), prepare materials interpreting parks and recreation and evaluate park and recreation needs in the community. ARTICLE II MEMBERS AND TERMS 2.1 Appointment of Members. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission shall consist of ten members. One member shall be appointed from each of the respective wards in the City, and six members shall be appointed from the City at large. The City Council evaluates potential members using the application and interview process established by the City Council. All members of the Commission shall be residents of the City of Crystal and cannot be City employees. The appointed members serve at the pleasure of the City Council, are volunteers (not City employees), and are not entitled to any compensation, but may be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses if funds for that purpose are identified in the adopted city budget. Only members personally present at a meeting may vote; no proxies or alternate members are allowed. 2.2 Terms. Members of the Commission shall be appointed for such terms as will provide that the terms of three of the members expire in each of the first two years thereafter, and the terms of four of the members expire in the third year thereafter. ARTICLE III OFFICERS 3.1 Officers. The Commission shall elect a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Secretary from among its members during the January meeting each year. Members may only serve two consecutive years as the Chair, Vice-Chair or Secretary. After two years in one of these roles, members may serve in a different officer role if chosen in the following year’s election. Should the office of Chair, Vice-Chair, or Secretary become vacant, the Commission shall elect a successor from its membership at the next regular meeting and such election shall be for the unexpired term of said office. Officers may also delegate duties of their position to other Commissioners as deemed appropriate by the Commission. 3 (a) Chair Responsibilities. The Chair is responsible for the following: (1) Working with staff liaisons to develop meeting agendas; (2) Conducting and presiding at all meetings; (3) Ensuring the Commission conducts its activities within the stated mission and bylaws of the Commission; (4) Monitoring and ensuring the progress of the Commission; and (5) Reporting to the City Council. (b) Vice-Chair Responsibilities. The Vice-Chair is responsible for the following: (1) Performing the duties of the Chair in the absence or incapacity of the Chair. (2) Serving as chair of the Tree Board. (3) Performing all other duties as prescribed by the Commission. (c) Secretary Responsibilities. The Secretary is responsible for the following: (1) May take notes at Commission meetings. (2) If Commission meeting notes are taken, forward to the staff liaison, to aid staff in preparing the meeting minutes. (3) Performing all other duties as prescribed by the Commission. ARTICLE IV MEETINGS 4.1 Meetings. All meetings of the Commission shall be conducted in accordance with the Minnesota Open Meeting Law and City Code. This means all discussion of Commission business among a quorum of members must occur at a meeting which has been posted and is open to the public. The presence of a majority of all members currently appointed to the Commission shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting its business and exercising its powers and for all other purposes. In the event a quorum is not reached, a smaller number of members may meet to have informal discussion; however, formal action shall not be taken and must be reserved for such time as when a quorum of the Commission is reached. A quorum of members should not discuss Commission business by email, forms of social media, telephone, or informal meetings. Commission meetings may be canceled by the staff liaison if there are no items on the agenda for discussion. 4 4.2 Regular Meeting. The regular meeting of the Commission shall be held on the first Wednesday of every month at the Crystal Community Center at 7:00 pm. During May, June, July and August, meetings will be held in a park, potentially at an earlier time, and such locations and times will be properly noticed. The Commission may, by a majority vote, change its regular meeting dates or times for any reason provided proper public notice of the change is provided. 4.3 Special Meetings. A special meeting of the Commission may be called by the Chair, two members, or by the City Council for the purpose of transacting any business designated in the meeting notice. The notice for all special meetings shall be posted in compliance with the Minnesota Open Meeting Law. The staff liaison shall notify Commissioners at least three days prior to the meeting of the date, time, place and purpose of the special meeting. 4.4 Agenda. The agenda for regular and special meetings of the Commission shall be prepared by the staff liaison. Items to be placed on the agenda may be proposed by the Chair, a Commission member, the staff liaison, or at the request of the City Council. Other interested parties may contact the staff liaison to request that an item be placed on the agenda for consideration. All agenda topics presented by the City Council will be placed on the agenda for consideration. Agenda topics requested by other parties will be placed on an appropriate future agenda at the discretion of the staff liaison. The agenda shall be approved at each meeting prior to discussion of any items on the agenda. At the time of agenda approval, items may be removed, and the order of business may be modified by a majority vote of members present at the meeting. No item shall be added to the agenda during a meeting unless deemed urgent by the staff liaison. 4.5 Recordkeeping. All minutes and resolutions shall be in writing and shall be kept in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and City procedures. A city staff secretary is responsible for taking and preparing minutes during Commission meetings. 4.6 Reports. Commission reports, conclusions, and recommendations shall be made from time to time to the City Council, as requested by the Council or as the Commission deems appropriate in light of the matter being considered. 4.7 Work Plan. The Commission will draft an annual work plan that details proposed activities and projected timelines for the upcoming year. The Commission shall submit the work plan to the City Council for review and approval. The Commission shall annually report to the City Council on its progress completing the items identified in the approved work plan. 5 ARTICLE V PERFORMANCE 5.1 Performance of Duties. Commission Members are expected to adequately prepare for and attend meetings. Commission Members unable to complete an assigned task should notify the Commission Chair as soon as possible. After consultation with Commission officers, the Commission staff liaison may ask the City Council to review a Commission Member’s appointment based upon their assessment of significant lack of performance. 5.2 Meeting Attendance. Members are expected to attend all meetings. If a member is unable to attend a meeting, they should contact the staff liaison and Chair. The staff liaison will track attendance at each meeting. The City Council may remove a Commission Member who fails to attend three consecutive meetings of the Commission without being excused by the Chair or staff liaison. ARTICLE VI ADVISORY 6.1 Advisory. The Commission is advisory to the City Council and to the City Manager, (and to appropriate department heads). The Commission has no other official status or independent authority other than to gather, discuss, and make recommendations to the City Council and to the City Manager, (and to appropriate department heads). ARTICLE VII AMENDMENTS AND REVISIONS 7.1 Amendments and Revisions. Commission members may present recommendations for changes and amendments. These bylaws can be altered or amended by any regular monthly Commission meeting with a majority of members present, provided that notice of proposed changes and amendments is provided to each member at least 10 business days before the meeting. The Council must review and approve any changes to, and has final authority regarding, these bylaws. Adopted on the _____ day of _____________, 20xx. Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Monthly Maintenance Report January, 2026 Vandalism: • Trash dumped at Streetscape Projects: • Ash tree removal, city wide tree inspections (special assessment removals) • Snow removal operations • Pool building shutdown • Ice rink maintenance and flooding • Work on 2026 Parks, forestry and Facilities CIP projects • Order 2026 equipment • Prep Forest Park building for spring demolition • Building maintenance (HVAC issues all buildings) • Install auxiliary heat to Public work mechanics bay • EDA house and property clean-ups • Playground inspections and repairs • Trash removal Upcoming: • Ash tree removal • 2026 park, building, fleet and forestry project preparations • Order 2026 maintenance supplies • Order Arbor Day bare root stock • Order annual flowers for city wide planters • Coordinate first ever native plant sale • Coordinate first ever prescribed prairie burn at Bassett Creek park • Generator upgrade project at City Hall • Shelter removal at Woodland Park • Building maintenance (Pw office expansion for forestry and Blue line staff) • Rink flooding (warming houses close 2/15) • Storm pond vegetation management • Snow removal operations • 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 Approved Tree List At its discretion the city may approve cultivars similar to the trees on this list. The most road salt tolerant trees are marked with an * Common Name Botanical Name Common Name Botanical Name Accolade Elm Ulmus ‘Accolade’ Japanese Tree Lilac* Syringa reticulata American Hophornbeam (aka Ironwood) Ostrya virginiana Katsura Tree Cerdidiphyllum japonicum American Larch Larix laricina Kentucky Coffeetree Gymnocladus dioicus American Linden Tilia Americana Large-leaved Linden Tilia platphyllos American Sycamore Platanus occidentalis Liberty Elm Ulmus Americana ‘Liberty’ Amur Chokeberry Prunus maackia Littleleaf Linden Tilia cordata Amur Cork Tree Phellodendron amurense Mugo Pine Pinus mugo Amur Maackia Maackia amurensis Northern Catalpa Catalpa speciosa Asian White Birch Betula playphylla Norway Spruce Picea abies Austrian Pine* Pinus nigra Ohio Buckeye Aesculus glabra Autumn Splendor Buckeye* Aesculus ‘Autumn Splendor’ Prairie Dream Paper Birch Betula papyrifera ‘Varen’ Balsam Fir Abies balsamea Prairie Expedition Elm Ulmus Americana ‘Lewis & Clark’ Black Hills Spruce* Picea glauca Princeton Elm* Ulmus Americana ‘Princeton’ Black Tupelo Nyssa sylvatica Quaking Aspen Populus tremuloides Blue Beech (aka Musclewood) Carpinus caroliniana Red Buckeye* Aesculus pavia Bottlebrush Buckeye Aesculus parviflora Red Oak* Quercus rubra Bur Oak Quercus macrocarpa Red Pine Pinus resinosa Cathedral Elm* Ulmus ‘cathedral’ River Birch Betula nigra Common Hackberry Celtis occidentalis St. Croix Elm Ulmus Americana ‘St Croix’ Common Horsechestnut* Aesculus hippocastanatum Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris Crabapple Malus spp. (disease-resistant spp.) Silver Linden Tilia tomentosa Cucumber Tree Magnolia acuminata Speckled Alder Alnus rugosa Douglas Fir Pseudotsuga menziensii Swamp White Oak Quercus bicolor Downy Serviceberry (tree form) Amelanchier arborea (tree form) Sweet Birch Betula lenta Dwarf Korean Lilac (tree form) Syringa Meyeri Palibin Thornless Honeylocust* Gleditsia triacanthus inermis Eastern Hemlock Tsuga Canadensis Triumph Elm Ulmus ‘Morton Glossy’ Eastern Redbud (northern strain) Cercis Canadensis Turkish Hazel Corylus colurna European Hornbeam Carpinus betulus Valley Forge Elm Ulmus Americana ‘Valley Forge’ Gingko* (aka Maidenhair Tree) Ginkgo biloba (male tree only) White Oak* Quercus alba Harvest Gold Mongolian Linden Tilia mongolica ‘Harvest Gold’ White Pine Pinus strobus Hawthorn Crataegus monogynaser Yellow Birch Betula alleghaniensis Hybrid Serviceberry (tree form) A. arborea x grandiflora (tree form) Yellow Buckeye* Aesculus flava Jack Pine* Pinus banksiana Yellowhorn Xanthoceras sorbifolium Yellowwood Cladrastus kentukea Amended September 6, 2022 City of Crystal Deciduous Replacement tree list • Kentucky Coffee tree (Expresso, Stately manor are mostly seedless) Decaf and True North are totally seedless • Hybrid Elm (Accolade, Triumph, Prairie Expedition, Jefferson, Discovery) Young trees require pruning for a couple years • Buckeye (Autumn Splendor, Yellow has no fruit & yellow to orange fall color) • Hackberry • Crab Apple • Japanese Tree Lilac (Ivory Pillar) • Gingko • Yellowwood • White Oaks (Bur, Swamp White, Prairie stature(red fall color), various hybrids) • Red Oaks (susceptible to oak wilt) Majestic Skies variety • River Birch (Prairie Dream, Whitespire) • Northern Catalpa • American basswood • Shagbark Hickory • Linden (Susceptible to Japanese Beetles) • Northern Redbud (MN Strain) • American Sycamore • Black gum or Tupelo “Autumn blaze” red fall color • American Hornbeam (Aka; Ironwood, Musclewood, Blue Beech) Native Flame or Autumn Treasure cultivar • Honeylocust (Northern Acclaim) • Peach tree “Contender” • Apple tree “Haralson” and Patriot” • Pear tree “Mount royal” 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. P r o j e c t S u m m a r y - F e b r u a r y 2 0 2 6 Seasonal Equipment Winter is when most equipment purchases are made in preparation for the upcoming season. Recent investments to support park maintenance include a new lawn mower and loader. Additional winter purchases include improvements to play areas and picnic shelters. The City Council recently approved investments in new play areas and picnic shelters at Forest School and Woodland Parks. In addition, construction documents are currently being finalized for upcoming sidewalk improvements and related amenities Park Improvements Below is an overview of the programs offered by the Crystal Recreation Department, along with occasional recaps of key special events we host. P r o g r a m S u m m a r y - F e b r u a r y 2 0 2 6 Staff are creating ice luminary lanterns and preparing luminary bags to light the trail around Bassett Creek Pond. This new event is part of Crystal’s free community opportunities to get outside and explore the city. Valentine Luminary Walk Community garden plots at Southbrook Park are filling quickly, and all resident plots are now full. A lottery will be used to assign the remaining available plots for gardeners interested in growing during the upcoming season. Garden Plots in High Demand Upcoming Community Connections program in our Minnesota Room will host Doug Ohman. He photographs historic cemeteries and uncovers long-forgotten stories, including the burial site of the only Revolutionary War soldier to die in Minnesota. Donuts, coffee and community connections are Co-sponsored by the cities of Crystal, Brooklyn Center, New Hope, Robbinsdale, and Robbinsdale Community Education. Uncovering and Saving History In 2026, the recreation team will launch the summer season with an all-new Crystal Frolics Kick Off to Summer Celebration, Saturday, June 13 from 11am-2pm. This marks the official start of Crystal Frolics’ summer events & specials! A New Tradition Begins - Save the Date!