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Memorandum <br /> <br />To: Parks and Recreation Commission <br /> <br />From: Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Manager <br /> <br />Date: November 8, 2023 <br /> <br />Subject: Parks and Recreation Manager’s Report <br /> <br />This report is a monthly highlight of department activities related to recent collaborations, strategic planning, <br />staff changes/developments, and park operations. <br /> <br />Athletic Facilities Master Plans <br />HKGi met with city staff October 30 to present the latest athletic field layouts for Oak Knoll (OKAC), Dave <br />Anderson Athletic Complex (DAAC) and the Plants and Things Recreation Complex (PT Complex). We were <br />satisfied with the concepts presented for DAAC and PT Complex. OKAC concept needed additional design <br />work. It will have an elevated central plaza design to overlook all the ballfields, including the premier baseball <br />field. This is similar in design to the athletic complexes staff visited in North Mankato and Maple Grove. <br />ISD 728 Administration recently informed city staff that the school facilities on School Street adjacent to OKAC <br />will be moved/demolished soon. This will allow for additional parking and a safer primary entry into OKAC. <br />HKGi will incorporate these recent changes into the next design concepts. <br />An updated timeline includes presenting the latest concepts to the Project Advisory Group in late November. <br />Finalized plans and cost estimates will be presented to the Commission and City Council in early 2024. <br />Orono Park Solar Picnic Table <br />The solar picnic table at Orono Park will be delivered/installed in the coming week. EnerFusion will provide an <br />educational component for the boy scouts and any other participants. Staff will coordinate a ribbon cutting <br />event. <br />Neighborhood Park Playground Replacements <br />Staff presented to the Commission at the July 2023 meeting the need to replace twelve playgrounds between <br />2024 and 2033. This might seem like a daunting task considering one playground replacement will cost over <br />$125,000. So, instead of just doing a survey, staff are working on a comprehensive playground project to <br />determine priorities for parks and playgrounds. We are planning to use the latest evaluation techniques and <br />engagement practices to effectively assess and address the community needs of our parks and playground. This <br />would include recreational courts, playgrounds, and other park amenities. The plan is to make final <br />Item: 9