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31 City of Elk River - Parks and Recreation Master Plan Chapter 3: The System Today <br />Programs <br />The city offers a diverse range of programs for residents, and care is taken to <br />provide programs that appeal to people of all ages. Programs are conducted in <br />city parks as well as at the Lion’s Park Center, the Y, the Elk River Library, the <br />Activity Center (55+), athletic complexes, and Elk River school facilities. <br />The Activity Center (55+) has made its home in the former library since 2008. <br />The building functions, but additional space may be required in the future as <br />demand increases. The center is open weekdays during typical business hours and <br />hosts a fitness center, classes, computers, pool tables, small and medium gathering <br />rooms, and a coffee shop. However, the building needs upgrades, to continue as <br />a successful Activity Center (55+). The restrooms are not ADA accessible, the <br />heating system needs updating, and the parking lot is undersized and needs safety <br />enhancements to improve navigation. <br />The Lions Park Center, which is located at Lion John Weicht Park, is heavily <br />utilized by the community but is in need of significant upgrades, replacement, <br />or relocation because many of the building’s components have reached or are <br />reaching the end of their functional life span. There is a desire for larger and <br />more flexible space that could support recreation programming as well as events, <br />banquets, and meetings. <br />The construction of the Y was accomplished through a partnership between the <br />Y and the city. A key component of this agreement is access to the Y by Elk River <br />residents, which includes discounted family passes and gym use for recreation <br />programs. It is vital that the Parks and Recreation Department continually <br />maximizes the access to the Y by Elk River Residents. The Y facility provides a <br />great opportunity to offer healthy, active programs for the community. <br />Maintenance <br />Parks and Facilities <br />In the community survey, 83% of residents said that they are satisfied with the <br />maintenance of the parks. Maintenance was also recognized as the second highest <br />priority for the future. Residents believe that clean and welcoming parks are <br />important for the community. <br />In order to protect the investments that have been made in the park facilities and to <br />continue to provide clean and welcoming parks, the city should allocate sufficient <br />financial and staff resources to keep up with maintenance needs. Furthermore, as <br />the city grows and develops more parks, maintenance needs must continue to be <br />supported.