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Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 4 <br />August 11, 2021 <br />----------------------------- <br /> <br /> <br />8.2 Paid Parking at Woodland Trails Regional Park <br /> <br />Mr. Hecker shared that the Police Chief suggested looking into paid parking for <br />Woodland Trails Regional Park. The Quarry Park in St. Cloud made $226,000.00 in <br />total revenue in 2020. The City of Big Lake Park made $73,000.00 for their highest <br />year. The parking machines cost around $10,000.00. The revenue could be used for <br />the park. <br /> <br />Mr. Hecker shared that when Big Lake has their weekly concerts in the park they do <br />not charge for parking. <br /> <br />Commissioner Rathbun asked if Woodland Trails Regional Park was suggested for <br />paid parking since it’s the highest revenue generator? <br /> <br />Mr. Hecker said that it’s because it’s a regional park and that it also gets year-round <br />use and has revenue potential. <br /> <br />Commissioner Rathbun asked since it’s a regional park would we have any <br />obligations or restrictions related to the regional designation and the grant money <br />that’s been awarded? <br /> <br />Mr. Hecker will look into it and make sure it doesn’t affect our recreational <br />immunity. <br /> <br />Commissioner Anderson wouldn’t want to discourage people coming to Woodland <br />Trails Regional Park or any park because of paid parking. Woodland Trails Regional <br />Park is nothing like The Quarry or Big Lake because we don’t have a lake or venue. <br /> <br />Commissioner Loidolt shared he doesn’t agree with paying for parking. <br /> <br />Commissioner Niziolek shared we don’t charge for skiing because the organization <br />wanted it open to the community. He doesn’t want to change our philosophy and <br />believes the parks should be open for everyone without paying. <br /> <br /> <br />9. Parks and Recreation Director Update <br /> <br />Mr. Hecker shared his staff report. <br /> <br />Mr. Hecker suggested having a Special Meeting on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at <br />5:00pm.