03-24-26 - PTRC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee – March 24, 2026 Page 2 property. The Dayton EDA purchased a property along the river. They moved the home off the property then sold the land to Three Rivers Park System. It was interesting to see their strategic planning. One of their goals was strengthening the quality of life within the city by enhancing recreational opportunities. She said the park and recreation component can build into the ecosystem. They were talking about identifying opportunities and projects that highlight family friendly activities, activities for young professionals and ethnic groups related to activities to promote a healthy and active lifestyle. They are preparing a quality of life brochure to provide lifestyle opportunities and benefits for businesses and workers to relocate to that area. Council Liaison Rousseau said Council has received the final draft of the Public Works Maintenance Plan. She noted over 7,000 hours, or 44% of all Public Works hours for the year are allocated for parks. Council Liaison Rousseau said she will be meeting with Rotary Club to discuss their Adopt-A- Park. It appears they need some support with volunteers. She asked if Committee Member Loosbrock could work with them on that. She said the Adopt-A-Park program isn’t ready for the next newsletter. Shoreview is posting their parks that are available for adoption. B. Parks and Recreation Report Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky said the Adopt-A-Park framework and application packet are ready to go. We are waiting until Council gives its official approval on April 27 before promoting the program. We need direction on if this will be advertised or simply have it available for people who seek out the opportunity. The Rotary is having trouble getting volunteers for the first park. We don’t want to create a program that doesn’t have the volunteer pool to help the groups that adopt the parks. We have to find the balance. It is the adopting group’s responsibility to find volunteers. That will all be part of the discussion in April. This program will include Adopt- A-Park, Adopt-A-Spot, Adopt-A-Garden, etc. Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky said the Great River Greening Natural Resources Management Plan for Chatham, Floral and Hazelnut are about 95% done. She believes the plan will be ready to present to the PTRC at the next meeting. Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky said Council directed Public Works to move forward with the 2027 Park Improvement projects at Sampson, Perry and Ingerson Parks. There will be a significant amount of work at Perry, especially on the trail, the failing retaining walls and the grading needed. Additional suggestions like dog park improvements and grading were not in the plan but Council did support moving forward with the work. Council was supportive of a temporary warming house at Ingerson. The final scope hasn’t been decided. Final plans will be made when the engineering consultant can identify costs of the additional proposed work. She anticipates a consultant will be on board by May 2026. Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky said the recreation registration system has been overhauled. It will make it easier for residents to sign up for programs. Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky said the Tree Trust tree pick up will be on June 6, 2026. Tree sales open on April 1, 2026. It will be open through May 22, 2026. It is expected that the trees will sell out.