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2026.03.04 PRC Packet (2) AGENDA March 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. Approval of Agenda 3. Approval of Minutes 4. Public Comments 5. Regular Agenda (50 minutes) a. Neighbors Recognizing Neighbors Awards b. 2026 Project Discussion c. 2027 Planning Discussion 6. Commission Open Forum (10 minutes) • Sharing information on Crystal’s Inclusion and Diversity Commission 7. Reports (20 minutes) a. City Council Report b. Chairperson Report • Sharing information on Bassett Creek Watershed Commission: https://www.bassettcreekwmo.org/ c. Maintenance and Projects Report d. Programs and Events Report e. 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 March 4, 2026 7:00 p.m. Location: Crystal Community Center, 4800 Douglas Drive North, Crystal, MN 55429 1. Call the Meeting to Order / Introductions Terri Schultz will call the meeting to order 2. Approval of Agenda 3. Approval of Minutes - February 4, 2026 4. 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. 5. Regular Agenda John Elholm: Introduce Business Items a. Neighbors Recognizing Neighbors Awards b. 2026 Project Discussion c. 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 Terri Schultz: Commission Chair Report Brad Fortin: Maintenance and Projects Report Michelle Margo: Programs and Events 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: April 1 at the Crystal Community Center Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes February 4, 2026 Crystal Community Center The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Vice Chair JD Moore II. Commission members in attendance: JD Moore II (Vice-Chair), Dave Anderson, Sonja Roby, Deb Schaber and Angela Spores. Jesse McCaffrey arrived at 8:05. Also present were John Budziszewski from the City Council and John Elholm, Brad Fortin, and Michelle Margo from the City Staff. Commission member absent: Joyce Cooper and Terri Schultz Public Comments There was no public comment. Meeting Minutes Haney noted that the minutes incorrectly referenced Terri Schultz as president instead of chair at the bottom of the minutes. Haney made a motion to approve the January 7, 2026 minutes with the position title corrected. Spores seconded the motion. The Parks and Recreation Commission meeting minutes for January were approved as amended. Chairperson’s Report Chairperson Schultz was absent and Vice Chair JD Moore II did not have a report. Commission Business / Discussion An updated version of the commission bylaws was reviewed by the city attorney and included in the commission packet. Proposed changes were reviewed to assure thoughts from previous meetings had been recorded correctly. No additional comments were received. Haney made a motion to recommend approval of the updated Parks and Recreation Commission bylaws. Moore II seconded the motion. The Parks and Recreation Commission bylaws were recommended for approval. Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 2 February 4, 2026 Elholm presented updates for North Lions Park, Forest School Park and Woodland Park improvement projects. Improvement plans for the North Lions Park ‘rectangle’ field are nearly complete. Authorization for bidding will be sought in the coming month. Improvement plans for Forest School and Woodland Parks are also nearly complete. Authorization to seek quotes for these projects will be sought in the coming month. The purchase of play areas and picnic shelters for Forest School and Woodland Parks were approved by the city council, however, final grant documents have not yet been signed by all parties. Once these grant documents are signed, the equipment will be ordered. Plans are also underway for the south parking lot in Valley Place Park. This project is being led by the Public Works Department. Elholm presented information about planning for the Valley Place Park girls fastpitch field in 2027. Staff recently met with the Armstrong Cooper Fastpitch Association and WSB to review the vision for the project. There is a significant shortage of this size field, so they would like to help with fundraising to support the field upgrades. Staff will be preparing a DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant application for this project. The deadline to submit a draft for review is February 27, with the application deadline being March 31. Commission Open Forum Commission members had an opportunity to discuss items during the commission open forum. Haney shared she had been contacted by a resident who had a warming house rental, and who had difficulty contacting staff when the need arose. Staff is aware of the situation and will work to remedy this in the future. Commission Reports Budziszewski gave the council report. He shared there will be an upcoming work session to discuss policies related to ICE. There is a Legislative Breakfast which is an opportunity to discuss issues at city level to forward on to state level. Vision planning for downtown Crystal had great community input. The vision plan will help guide future ordinances related to development. Fortin gave a park maintenance report. He provided information and answered questions on current maintenance activities. He noted that President's Day weekend is the last weekend warming houses will be open. Plants have been ordered for the city planters as well as trees for the Arbor Day event. The approved tree lists for Crystal were provided and discussed. A forestry grant was recently applied for, with notification expected in the coming months. Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 3 February 4, 2026 Margo presented the recreation program report and answered questions. She promoted the Valentine's Luminary Walk - 5:30 - 7:30 on Feb 13th around Bassett Creek Pond which will have approximately 400 lanterns. Garden Plots have been reserved quickly, with a majority being filled by Crystal residents. She discussed the option of the plots at Soo Line for the waitlist. Crystal Frolics will have events and specials during the summer to promote the legendary softball tournament. Elholm provided a director’s report. He shared city received all of the grant reimbursement from the state related to the pool, and we recently learned about approval of federal funding for the MAC Wildlife Area boardwalk. The funding will support phase 3 of the boardwalk project. Community Reports Margo reported the Crystal Frolics Committee is working on plans for the Welcome Park activities and softball tournament scheduled in late July. The Recreation Department will host additional Crystal Frolics events and specials throughout the summer that will promote Crystal Frolics weekend. The next Crystal Frolics committee meeting will be held on March 9 (second Monday) via Zoom. Haney provided the Friends of Crystal Parks Report. The Friend’s group will be meeting again on February 19 (third Thursday) to begin planning their plant sale. Haney made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Schaber seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m. Angela Spores, Secretary Michelle Margo, Recreation Services Manager John Elholm, Recreation Director 2026 Neighbors Recognizing Neighbors Award Nominees (6) Nominee Initials Nominee Address Essay J & K 4619 Brunswick Ave. N. J & K have been a true blessing to us during one of the most difficult years of our lives. After the heartbreaking loss of our son in Indiana, my wife and I had to make multiple trips to honor his memory and settle his affairs. During this time, J & K went out of their way to support us, snow blowing our driveway every time it snowed, collecting our mail and deliveries, and ensuring our home remained safe and secure. Their kindness lifted a tremendous weight off our shoulders in a moment of deep grief. This wasn’t the first time they showed up for us. When we got married last year, they did the same, making sure our home was cared for while we celebrated our new chapter. J & K embody what it means to be wonderful neighbors. Their kindness, generosity, and selflessness extend beyond moments of crisis - they are genuinely good-hearted people who make our community better every day. We wholeheartedly believe they deserve to be recognized for the incredible neighbors they are! JJ 5261 Idaho Ave. N. JJ’s whole yard is a garden. Not only does he share with his neighbors, he also donates to local food banks to provide fresh produce to Crystal/New Hope area. What I love most about JJ is how much he helps his neighbors out. If he sees the snowplow has gone by after you've cleaned your drive, he will do a quick swoop with his plow. He also will push snow further to provide more space in your drive if you need it. He is an amazing neighbor. AP 4342 Adair Ave. N. AP is a phenomenal neighbor. Not only is he kind, personable, and always willing to help others, he has taken it upon himself to ensure his elderly neighbor to the north is cared for. He wants her to be able to stay safely in her home for as long as possible, so he does all the yard/snow maintenance, takes out her trash, and anything else she needs. He also will snow blow my driveway when he has time. He is the best neighbor to have, and I'm so grateful he's here. PP/CK 5608 Twin Lake Terr / 5630 Twin Lake Terr Due to my health and age I found That I am unable to clear my driveway of snow this winter. Luckily, I have a couple of Neighbors that asked if I could use a little help. PP and CK have been keeping the driveway and walk clear all winter. My wife went out to thank them while they worked and the response was “don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.” Six small words; but words that mean so very much to my wife and I. C & Y 3828 Hampshire Ave. N. C & Y exude intentionality and kindness to every person they meet. They try to go on walks but it takes them a long time because they stop and connect with each person they pass. They care deeply for their neighbors and are so welcoming to all. VV 6509 N. 42nd Ave. After every snowstorm, before most of us have poured our first cup of coffee, VV is already outside, plowing driveways unprompted. When summer arrives, he mows not only his own lawn but those of many surrounding neighbors, asking nothing in return. His kindness is not occasional...it is habitual. VV is generous with more than his time and labor. He shares food from his harvest, offers thoughtful, timely advice, and brings a depth of agricultural knowledge that benefits everyone fortunate enough to know him. Whether you need guidance on planting, repairing, or simply navigating life’s challenges, he listens first and speaks with wisdom. Perhaps most remarkably, VV bridges gaps between ethnicities and cultures. He brings people together through conversation, shared meals, and mutual respect, reminding us that community is built through everyday acts of care. VV doesn’t seek recognition. He simply shows up—reliably, humbly, wholeheartedly. Our neighborhood is warmer in winter, greener in summer, and stronger year-round because of him! Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Monthly Maintenance Report February, 2026 Vandalism: • Trash dumped at Bassett Creek dead end (27th cul-de-sac) Projects: • Ash tree removal, city wide tree inspections (special assessment removals) • Snow removal operations • Ice rink maintenance and flooding (successful ice season) • Order Arbor Day and gravel bed nursery tree stock • Order annual flowers for city planters and beds • Work on 2026 Parks, forestry and Facilities CIP projects • Native plant sale coordination • Order 2026 equipment • Building maintenance • Install auxiliary heat to Public work mechanics bay • EDA house and property clean-ups • Playground inspections and repairs • Trash removal Upcoming: • Ash tree removal/tree trimming for mowing season • 2026 park, building, fleet and forestry project preparations • Generator upgrade project at City Hall • Coordinate operations with Little league organization • Shelter removal at Woodland Park • Building maintenance (Pw office expansion for Forestry and Blue line staff) • Storm pond vegetation management • Snow removal operations • Playground inspections and repairs • Trash removal • Coordinate spring prairie burn at Bassett Creek Park • Hire seasonal staff • Tree School (6 certified tree inspectors) • Pesticide applicators (re-certification) 4800 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55429-3553 Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-0949 • www.crystalmn.gov 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. Project Summary - March 2026 New Mower A new mower has been purchased to keep our parks looking great in 2026 and beyond! It is 16 feet wide for large area mowing. It is capable of mowing 17 acres per hour! The park building, originally constructed over 60 years ago to serve a wading pool, is scheduled for removal this April. The project will make way for a new picnic shelter to be built this summer. Forest School Park Crystal Room Refresh: New Chairs Coming Soon The Crystal Community Center is a popular gathering space, with the Crystal Room serving as its premier venue for birthday parties, baby showers, and celebrations. New chairs will be added soon to give the room a fresh look and improve cleanliness. The picnic shelter, built over 45 years ago as the park’s centerpiece, will be removed along with the play area and other features. New park amenities are coming this summer. Woodland Park Below is an overview of the programs offered by the Crystal Recreation Department, along with occasional recaps of key special events we host. Program Summary - March 2026 Spring & Summer Registration Underway The Spring and Summer Recreation Brochure is now available, featuring new layout and spotlight programs inside cover. Registration opens March 2 and popular offerings will fill quickly. When school is out, Recreation is in! Staff are preparing for spring break with science, sports, and theater camps for youth ages 4–12. Youth Open Gym is also available on Wednesdays through March 25. Schools Out - Recreation is In Valentine Luminary Event Success The Valentine Luminary event was a success, featuring warm weather, glowing luminary bags, and a beautiful starlit night. Participants enjoyed strolling the pond and connecting with nature. Feedback was positive with interest for similar future events. The MN Room continues to be a vibrant space for seniors to socialize, stay active, and engage in programs. To better understand and support this growth, Recreation is tracking key metrics including new and renewed memberships, volunteer hours, card event participation, and overall attendance. MN Room Participation & Growth Tracking Winter Warming House Highlights A snowy and cold season created great conditions for ice rinks, sledding hills, and warming houses. Recreation staff kept the lights on almost all season, supporting steady park use and group rentals until the final stretch of melting.