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63 City of Elk River - Parks and Recreation Master Plan Chapter 5: How We Get There <br />Initiative 5 Provide Engaging Recreational <br />Programming for the Entire Community <br />Just as residents may associate emotionally with their neighborhood park, favorite <br />hiking spot, or frequent bike ride, they are just as attached to their classes, farmers <br />market, concerts, sports teams, and recreation program instructors. <br />Elk River provides a wide selection of offerings to community members ranging <br />from youth and adult athletics, to one-time events, classes, and facility rentals. <br />Recommendations <br />1. Provide high quality, diverse recreation program offerings for all ages <br />Strategies: <br />• Provide high quality early childhood recreation programs. <br />• Hold multi-age recreation programs so siblings can attend programs at the <br />same time and location. <br />• Provide for families with events, drop-in activities, and intergenerational <br />activities. <br />• Focus adult programs on fitness and wellness. <br />• Increase focus on teen activities. Consider: <br /> ▶Developing a volunteer program where teens are offered natural resource <br />based learning experiences which foster land stewardship. <br /> ▶Holding an annual special event for grades 9-12 with music and games. <br /> ▶Engaging youth in the teen program design to ensure it is relevant, well <br />attended, and high quality. <br /> ▶Recruiting a teen to participate on the Parks and Recreation Commission <br />as an advisor or creating a Teen Advisory Board. <br /> ▶Foster relationship with baby-boomers and collaborate on activities. <br /> ▶Feature youth artists in a concert series. <br />2. Expand senior programming as the baby-boomers age. <br />Strategies: <br />• Provide low impact opportunities for fitness, health, and wellness. <br />• Evaluate need for expansion of programming at the Activity Center (55+). <br />• Continue to evaluate Activity Center (55+) financial and use needs to <br />ensure sustainable operation. <br />• Develop events and clubs such as bike groups, volunteer opportunities, <br />photography clubs, and social opportunities. <br />• Foster relationships with teens and collaborate on activities. <br />3. Ensure equitable financial access to recreation programs. <br />Strategies: <br />• Continue scholarships for low income residents. <br />• Subsidize equipment rentals, where applicable. <br />Page 131 of 240