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2026.07.01 PRC Packet AGENDA July 1, 2026 6:30 p.m. Location: Iron Horse Park, 5180 Kentucky Ave N, Crystal, MN 55428 In case of inclement weather, the meeting will be held at the Crystal Community Center Neighborhood Meeting Agenda (6:30 p.m.) 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 Regular Meeting Agenda (7:15 p.m.) 1. Call the Meeting to Order 2. Approval of Agenda 3. Approval of Minutes 4. Public Comments 5. Regular Agenda (30 minutes) a. Crystal Frolics Button Contest b. Bus Tour Recap c. Project and Planning Updates 6. Commission Open Forum (10 minutes) 7. Reports (20 minutes) a. City Council Report b. Chairperson Report 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 Next meeting date: August 5, 2026 – 6:30 p.m. at Cavanagh Park END OF COMMUNITY MEETING (Community meetings have a one-hour time limit). There will be a short break between the two meetings. NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING OVERVIEW July 1, 2026 6:30 p.m. Location: Iron Horse Park, 5180 Kentucky Ave N, Crystal, MN 55428 1. Call meeting to order Terri Schultz will provide information on the purpose of the meeting. 2. Introductions of Commission and City Staff 3. Neighborhood Business John Sutter will provide information on current and upcoming development projects. Chief Brian Hubbard will provide information on public safety. 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. 4. Drawing for Recreation Activity Gift Certificate COMMISSION MEETING OVERVIEW July 1, 2026 7:15 p.m. Location: Iron Horse Park, 5180 Kentucky Ave N, Crystal, MN 55428 1. Call the Meeting to Order / Introductions Terri Schultz will call the meeting to order 2. Approval of Agenda 3. Approval of Minutes – June 3, 2026 - Neighborhood Meeting June 3, 2026 - Commission Meeting 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. Crystal Frolics Button Contest b. Bus Tour Recap c. Project and Planning Updates 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 Lynn Haney / 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 Minutes – Neighborhood Meeting Minutes June 3, 2026 Valley Place Park The Park and Recreation Commission Neighborhood Meeting was called to order at 6:37 pm by Commission Chair Terri Schultz. Commission members in attendance: Terri Schultz (Chair), Angela Spores (Secretary), J.D. Moore II (Vice-Chair), Dave Anderson, Lynn Haney, Lili Henthorne, Jesse McCaffrey, and Mary Serie. Also present were, John Sutter, Lieutenant Justin Tourville, John Elholm, Brad Fortin, and Michelle Margo from the city staff. Commission members absent: Joyce Cooper and Sonja Roby. Community Development Director, John Sutter, informed residents of a four story 44-unit affordable building coming to Crystal along with construction on a Market Rate Apartment building starting in July at the old Wells Fargo site. Five Guys restaurant is new to the area replacing the old Noodles & Company. Lieutenant Tourville informed residents about takeover events at Becker Park and how they are increasing patrol and foot patrols. They have been using Facebook to deter the large groups. The police have increased traffic safety and traffic enforcement. Remember to call 911 if you need an officer – calling 911 is most important – non-emergency goes to the same dispatch. John Elholm presented information on current park projects, including improvements at Woodland Park, Forest School Park and North Lions Park. He also discussed projects coming in 2027, including renovating the softball field at Valley Place Park with a new girls fastpitch field. He asked residents to vote on a preferred picnic shelter location - for when the old Valley Place Park shelter is replaced in the future. Brad Fortin highlighted park maintenance and projects related to the park mowing schedule and a tree grant. He also shared how multiple departments cooperate to provide services for our residents. Michelle Margo gave an update on spring recreation programs and events, including the Friends of Crystal Parks Plant Sale, city-wide garage sale, and spring dance recital. She also mentioned that the Young Mudder event would be held this weekend, and the Crystal Farmers Market will begin on June 16. Crystal Park and Recreation Commission Neighborhood Mtg. Minutes – Page 2 June 3, 2026 A resident received a Crystal Recreation gift certificate in a drawing. The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 pm. Michelle Margo, Recreation Services Manager John Elholm, Recreation Director Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes June 3, 2026 Valley Place Park The Parks and Recreation Commission Neighborhood Meeting was called to order at 7:25 pm by Commission Chair Terri Schultz. Commission members in attendance: Terri Schultz (Chair), Angela Spores (Secretary), J.D. Moore II (Vice-Chair), Dave Anderson, Lynn Haney, Lili Henthorne, Jesse McCaffrey, and Mary Serie. Also present were John Elholm, Brad Fortin, and Michelle Margo from the city staff. Commission members absent: Joyce Cooper and Sonja Roby. Approval of Agenda McCaffrey made a motion to approve the meeting agenda for May 6, Spores seconded the motion. The agenda was approved as presented. Approval of Minutes Spores made a motion to approve the May Parks and Recreation Commission neighborhood meeting minutes; Serie seconded the motion. The Parks and Recreation Commission neighborhood meeting minutes for May were approved as written. Serie made a motion to approve the May Parks and Recreation Commission minutes; Spores seconded the motion. The Parks and Recreation Commission minutes for May were approved as written. Public Comments There were no public comments. Regular Agenda Commission member Lili Henthorne was introduced as the newest member of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Commission members introduced themselves as well. Commission members reviewed the June 18 Park and Recreation Commission Bus Tour schedule. The list of parks has not been finalized yet, but it will include a look at park shelters that have restrooms and food preparation areas in other cities. Box dinner suggestions were provided. John Elholm recapped information on current park projects that was presented at the neighborhood meeting. He also discussed projects coming in 2027, including improvements at Iron Horse and Cavanagh Parks. Early concepts for each of these parks were briefly reviewed, Crystal Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 2 June 3, 2026 but a more thorough discussion will occur at upcoming meetings with neighbors. The July commission meeting will be at Iron Horse Park, where a new play area and basketball court are planned, along with potential removal of the parking lots. Commission Reports There was no council report. Chair Schultz reported that she was happy to see many people using the parks. 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. Michelle Margo gave an update on recreation programs and events, including the many upcoming summer programs that started, farmers market beginning on June 16 and citywide garage sale. She shared information on the Young Mudder on June 6 and the new Kick Off to Summer Celebration on June 13. Elholm referred to information shared during the neighborhood meeting for the director report. Community Reports Haney and Margo gave the Crystal Frolics report. The planning is in full swing and fireworks will be on Saturday night. The Family Festival has been funded, and the Crystal Ball will happen with assistance from the commission. The next Crystal Frolics meeting will be on June 8. Haney and Elholm gave the Friends of Crystal Parks report. They provided information on the plant sale being a success. They will be at the Kickoff to Summer event. Their next meeting will be in the fall. Adjournment Haney made a motion to adjourn the meeting; McCaffrey seconded the motion. The commission adjourned the meeting at 8:42 p.m. Michelle Margo, Recreation Services Manager John Elholm, Recreation Director Neighborhoo Meeting Iron Horse Park July 11 2026 6:00 pm - Park Improvement Review Help choose a new park layout and playground design for Iron Horse Park! 6:30 pm - Neighborhood Meeting Learn about upcoming recreation programs, future park development, and the latest city updates. Help Shape the Future of Crystal Rec CRYSTAL RECREATION 4800 Douglas Drive N Crystal, MN 55429 Crystal Parks and Recreation Commission Bus Tour June 17, 2026 Schedule 5:45 pm Gather at the Crystal Community Center – North Doors 4800 Douglas Drive, Crystal, MN 55429 • Start Boarding the bus at 5:50 pm. 6:00 pm Depart from the Crystal Community Center – HERE WE GO! 4800 Douglas Drive, Crystal, MN 55429 6:05 pm Arrive at Forest School Park, Crystal 7001 48th Avenue North, Crystal, MN 55428 • View the new play area and picnic shelter from the bus. 6:15 pm Arrive at North Lions Park, Crystal 6100 Louisiana Ave N, Crystal, MN 55428 • View the new soccer (rectangle) field from the bus. • Each lunch on the drive to the next stop. 6:45 pm Arrive at Spooner Park, Little Canada (stay for 15 minutes) 350 Eli Rd, Little Canada, MN 55117 • Visit the Upper Shelter. • Leave the park at 7:00 p.m. 7:10 pm Arrive at Central Park Victoria West, Roseville (stay for 5 minutes) 2495 Victoria St N, Roseville, MN 55113 • View the Foundation Shelter from the bus. • Leave the park at 7:15 p.m. 7:20 pm Arrive at Lexington Park, Roseville (stay for 5 minutes) 2131 Lexington Ave N, Roseville, MN 55113 • View the Lexington Park Building from the bus. • Leave the park at 7:25 p.m. 7:40 pm Arrive at Shoreview Commons Park, Shoreview (stay for 25 minutes) 4580 Victoria St N, Shoreview, MN 55126 • Visit Shelter #2 and #3. • Leave the park at 8:05 p.m. 8:15 pm Arrive at Sunny Square Park, New Brighton (stay for 15 minutes) 2200 Sunnyside Terrace, New Brighton, MN 55112 • Visit the Large Pavilion. • Leave the park at 8:30 p.m. 8:40 pm Arrive at Moore Lake Park, Fridley (stay for 5 minutes) 5890 Central Ave NE, Fridley, MN 55432 • View the Community Building from the bus. • Leave the park at 8:45 p.m. 9:00 pm Return to the Crystal Community Center 4800 Douglas Drive N, Crystal, MN 55429 C: \ A C C \ A C C D o c s \ W S B \ R - 0 3 6 4 0 6 - 0 0 0 \ P r o j e c t F i l e s \ 0 5 _ D i s c i p l i n e \ L a n d s c a p e \ G r a p h i c s \ I r o n H o r s e P a r k \ 3 6 4 0 6 - 0 0 0 I r o n H o r s e C o n c e p t s Scale in Feet 100’0’50’Crystal, Minnesota May 27, 2026 | WSB Project number: 036406-000 Iron Horse Park | Concept 1 NEW 3/4 BASKETBALL COURT NEW PLAYGROUND AREA (±4,300 SF) EXISTING PICNIC PATIO EXISTING TRAIL PROPOSED TRAIL 52ND AVE N KE N T U C K Y A V E N JE R S E Y A V E N REMOVE PARKING, TRAIL CONNECTION TO KENTUCKY AVE N REMOVE PARKING, TRAIL CONNECTION TO JERSEY AVE N C: \ A C C \ A C C D o c s \ W S B \ R - 0 3 6 4 0 6 - 0 0 0 \ P r o j e c t F i l e s \ 0 5 _ D i s c i p l i n e \ L a n d s c a p e \ G r a p h i c s \ I r o n H o r s e P a r k \ 3 6 4 0 6 - 0 0 0 I r o n H o r s e C o n c e p t s Scale in Feet 100’0’50’Crystal, Minnesota May 27, 2026 | WSB Project number: 036406-000 Iron Horse Park | Concept 2 NEW 3/4 BASKETBALL COURT NEW PLAYGROUND AREA (±4,300 SF) EXISTING TRAIL PICNIC PATIO PROPOSED TRAIL 52ND AVE N KE N T U C K Y A V E N JE R S E Y A V E N REMOVE PARKING, TRAIL CONNECTION TO KENTUCKY AVE N REMOVE PARKING, TRAIL CONNECTION TO JERSEY AVE N 0 116 2-_ -- V0— IL �!' 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Project Summary - July 2026 Forest School Park Improvements at this neighborhood park are making great progress. Concrete sidewalks and the patio beneath the new picnic shelter are nearing completion. The existing play area has been removed to make way for installation of the new playground equipment and picnic shelter in the next few weeks. Improvements at this park are nearing completion. Concrete work is finished, and both the new picnic shelter and playground equipment have been installed. The safety surfacing for the play area is expected soon. Upcoming project elements include paving of the basketball court and trail connections. Woodland Park North Lions Park Work on the new rectangular field continues to move forward. The addition of new soil for the soccer, ultimate frisbee, and multi- purpose field is complete. Installation of the irrigation system and fencing along the end lines is underway, with grass seeding scheduled as the next phase. Anticipated play in late 2027. The parking lot near the play is nearly complete. Curbs have been modified to reconfigure the driveway and move parking stalls farther from the sliding hill. The lot was recently paved, with striping coming soon. Valley Place Park 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. Program Summary - July 2026 In July 2026, Park and Recreation Month highlights "The Power Of" parks and recreation and the people who make it all possible. Parks and recreation brings us together, strengthens our health and well- being, and builds more resilient, connected communities. Thank you to all the participants and safety personnel 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 personnel do every day. Junior Police Academy July is Park and Recreation Month We had 200+ people attend the Kick-off to the Family Storytime series on Wednesday, June 17. The next Family Storytime is on Wednesday, July 8 at Becker Park as Princess Party Pals read Dinosaur Adventure. Family Storytime Series . Mark your calendar for fun, food, music, and community celebration at Welcome Park! Enjoy family festivities & free inflatables, food trucks, kickball, softball, vendors, beer tent with pull tabs, bingo and fabulous fireworks! July 24-26, 2026. The success of the inaugural Kick Off to Summer Celebration was made possible by the collaboration of staff, volunteers, community partners, vendors, and entertainers. Together, we kicked off summer in a spectacular way! It was estimated that over 2500 people attended the 3-hour event with food trucks selling out.