03-18-25 - PTRC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee – March 18, 2025 Page 4 Recreation Supervisor Johnson confirmed. That programming will continue. This is an additional offering. Committee Member Olson asked if there would be City Staff at each park. Recreation Supervisor Johnson said it will be staffed by Arden Hills and Mounds View employees. We have budgeted for two seasonal recreation assistants this year. This will allow us to give our regular activities and this program the attention they deserve. The Rec Assistants will help with the sports programs and scheduling activities. Council Liaison Rousseau said there can be some challenges with equity and a program like this allows all kids to participate, regardless of household income. She thinks this is a great opportunity for Arden Hills families. Recreation Supervisor Johnson said he is hoping to expand the program to include a couple of Saturdays in case some families have a barrier getting to the specified park during the week. He thinks there will be different themes and activities weekly. There may be some overlap with the same programming at different parks in a week, but it will be something new every week. Some kids don’t get that kind of structured play. Committee Member Johnson asked if this is only for summer. Recreation Supervisor Johnson confirmed. He said Mounds View has the truck and trailer so their investment is bigger. He said Staff will look for future grant opportunities that may allow Arden Hills to purchase a van. Committee Member Olson asked if there will be signs notifying residents of the program. Recreation Supervisor Johnson confirmed. There is a design for ground signs that include a QR code. The program will be promoted during other spring events to make parents and kids aware that it is happening. Committee Member Olson asked how the program is being funded. Recreation Supervisor Johnson said Staff wages and the general pot of money budgeted for Recreation programming. He said we don’t make a profit on many of our programs but there is room in the budget for a program like this. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Trail and Parks Projects Update Recreation Supervisor Johnson provided an update. There are several trail connections slated for 2026. Many of these are County or MNDOT projects that Staff are coordinating with and they have been funded either by budgeting, cost sharing or grants. More details will be provided as they are available.