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Park & Recreation Commission Minutes March 13, 2002 Page 3 . . Approximately 800 tree stumps will multiply into thousands and become more of a nUlsance. If the stumps are not removed, the success of the prairie restoration will be short lived. And, if the City were to hire a tree removal service to remove the stumps, there would be an insurmountable amount of damage done to the established prairie land and wild flowers, versus using a small bobcat to cut and remove the stumps. . . Mr. Anderson presented an issue relating to the Woodland Trails Park. He stated that for the past 2~ weeks the ski trail usage has significantly increased. This past weekend saw 43 cars, which has been the busiest ever for a non-event on a Sunday. The skiing conditions have been excellent. Woodland Trails is getting very good coverage on Twin Cities websites, which are updated daily. An out-of-town skier created a website link asking for contributions. One contribution has been sent from that gentleman and another sent from a family in Wisconsin, along with a "thank you" letter. 8.B.1. City Recreation Update: Michele Bergh . Ms. Bergh stated that City Recreation has been working very hard to get the summer planning schedule up and running. There are several new classes being offered this year. The program brochure was sent to the printers on March 13. The brochure includes 12 pages of programming, along with an insert for YMCA classes. There will be two co- sponsored programs by the YMCA and City Recreation: Summer Power, geared for elementary school-aged children and Summer Uproar, geared toward the junior high students. To date, City Recreation has brought in over $60,000, including arena programming. Much of the money earned is due to non-resident fees. Lions Park Center is now open. Response has been very positive about the new facility, and over 498 hours has been reserved for use so far in the new facility including senior dance classes, support group meetings, brownie troop meetings, Chamber luncheons, Operation ER meetings, and even a wedding. Most of the use has been for local, non-profit groups; they are still seeing some uses coming through that include a fee, which is needed to cover the operational expenses. City Recreation is now fully staffed. Ms. Lana Huberty started with the Recreation Department on March 6th and they are now staffing for summer programs. The warming house at Lions Park has been open 36 days so far this year and the total number of users has been roughly 1,100 with the average use per day at approximately 31. The warming house at Handke Park has also been open 36 days with a total number of users at roughly 1,400 and the average use per day at approximately 40. 8.A.1. Community Events: Mississippi Oaks Neighborhood Meeting - Park Development Update . Michele McPherson, Director of Planning, presented the Mississippi Oaks Park Development Update and stated that a letter had been sent to the residents of Mississippi Oaks inviting them to attend this evening's meeting regarding the playground and proposed schedule for installation.