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Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Page 2 <br /> March 13,2024 <br /> skate park and Woodland Trails. He is an avid skateboarder, skier, and hiker. He has concerns about <br /> the length of time the trails have been closed this spring at Woodland Trails. He has some suggestions <br /> about how to keep the trails open year-round for all to use. He suggested mulch in hilly areas to help <br /> keep dirt from moving around. He said the Superior Hiking Trail uses short footbridges that help to <br /> get around muddy areas. He is interested in volunteering in the parks. <br /> At the skate park,he would like to see the lights set on an automatic timer from sundown to 10:00 <br /> pm. He considers the current system to be dangerous due to the lights just shutting off causing a <br /> safety hazard since many riders are still in the air. <br /> Mr. Galinski also pointed out that the hackberry loop at Woodland Trails Regional Park was open <br /> while he was hiking the previous day,and the golf course was open as well. He said it was scary to not <br /> have a warning sign. <br /> Chair Anderson said the Commission will discuss the concerns and invite Mr. Galinski back for an <br /> update. <br /> Vern Iverson,14415 145th Court Elk River,MN. He thanked the commission for their time. He is <br /> on the City of Elk River Energy City Commission. <br /> Mr. Iverson shared that when he joined the Energy City Commission four years ago,he became aware <br /> of a solar picnic table project initially started by St.Thomas engineers.The original picnic table for <br /> that project was in the basement of City Hall but did not fit the needs of the project any longer. An <br /> Eagle Scout picked up the project and chose to use a manufactured table like the one in the City of <br /> Buffalo.The cost of the project was $16,950. <br /> The Energy City Commission is now interested in placing another solar picnic table in one of the <br /> parks.They see it as an educational station that provides a clean energy solution. The tables are wi-fi <br /> capable and handicap accessible. He explained that Suzanne Fischer, City of Elk River Environmental <br /> Services and Special Projects Director is applying for a DNR Grant that would help with half of the <br /> cost of the new table and that the Energy City Commission would look for donations for the second <br /> half. <br /> Cory Grupa, Elk River City Council Member spoke in support of Mr. Iverson. He explained that if <br /> the City of Elk River has "Powered by Nature" on its water towers and part of its slogan,the City <br /> should be doing things to support that goal. Mr. Grupa is also on the Energy City Commission and <br /> would like the Parks and Recreation Commission's input before bringing the subject to the City <br /> Council. <br /> Chair Anderson confirmed with Mr. Iverson and Mr. Grupa that what they wanted from the <br /> Commission was confirmation of interest,location,and the funding source if there was a shortfall. <br /> Mr. Stremcha pointed out that the grant is due at the end of March so if the group could discuss again <br /> and produce a decision during the Managers report at the end of the meeting that would be <br /> appreciated. <br /> P1111111 11 <br /> NATURE <br />