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Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Page 3 <br /> July 10,2024 <br /> scheme,referendum, sales tax, or pay as you go are all options and the Commission can make <br /> recommendations. <br /> Chair Anderson asked Mr. Ellingworth if he would like to share how important this is and his <br /> involvement in the process. <br /> Mr. Ellingworth shared that the youth associations are very excited to have this concept plan in place. <br /> The data was gathered from surveys that were taken by the youth sports associations.They had a high <br /> participation rate because the associations are very passionate about getting their people involved so <br /> their voices can be heard.This plan reflects the majority of what they are asking and looking for. Long <br /> term,we do not have enough fields to let them rest and allow the grass to grow back so they are in <br /> good quality playing condition. Adding more rectangular fields will be vital to the associations and the <br /> community. Looking at other changes, the Dave Anderson Athletic Complex is a great location that is <br /> used for internal programming, such as soccer and youth baseball.At the Oak Knoll Athletic <br /> Complex,it would be beneficial to move the rectangular fields to the Plants and Things Recreation <br /> Complex so they are all in one spot,and then make Oak Knoll a baseball/softball complex.Adding a <br /> miracle field would be an awesome opportunity for individuals with disabilities.The addition of <br /> soccer/football/lacrosse fields at the PT Complex would provide associations their own home space. <br /> Fields 1-4 can be used for baseball and softball, fields 5 and 6 are only for baseball. The addition of <br /> four fields neat the windmill would add more fields for softball and younger baseball. One of the <br /> biggest points of feedback we received from the associations is they really liked having a home space <br /> and designated spot they can play without being split up,especially for tournaments.We have a lot of <br /> local tournaments,but we are getting more requests to do tournaments from associations outside of <br /> Elk River.This project would be very important to the community because it has the impact to bring <br /> more people to the city if we can have more tournaments. He stated he receives compliments and <br /> emails from people that have attended tournaments so if we can continue to use this as our building <br /> block,Elk River would be very fortunate to have something like that and he believes the community, <br /> overall,would support that.This concept addressed the majority of what the associations are asking <br /> for.The biggest thing for two of the largest organizations,baseball,and softball,is they like the <br /> concept of having eight fields in one location for tournaments,which will allow them to have longer <br /> tournaments with more teams,which brings more people into the community. He shared the outline <br /> of the project is over ten years, and he thinks this would address the needs of the community and <br /> allow us to rest the fields. Our Parks Maintenance staff takes a lot of pride in taking care of the <br /> facilities and he knows that will continue. <br /> Commissioner Niziolek asked if we have specific numbers that shows how many people that go to <br /> Plants and Things Recreation Complex then make it into downtown Elk River. Mr. Stremcha shared <br /> our Economic Development Authority has data from Placer Ai and we can ask them to provide that. <br /> He shared that he has referenced it when utili7ing it as a sponsorship incentive to reiterate this is the <br /> economic impact,we have in the area based on the user experience and cell phone data. <br /> Councilmember Beyer shared it is a very powerful tool and we were able to see the top spots that <br /> people went to before and after the section hockey games,which had thousands of people. <br /> Mr. Ellingworth shared people are staying at the fields longer and spending their money at the <br /> concession stand,which supports the youth organizations which they put the money right back into <br /> renting fields and field house, so it is a win,win.They may not go to a local restaurant,but they are <br /> supporting local youth organizations,which circulates back through the city. <br /> POVEBLI IT <br /> NATURE <br />