08-13-2025 Parks and Recreation Commission Packet (1)

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DRAFT Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes July 9, 2025 --------- Page 3 of 9 maintain every playground. She thinks that if they can communicate that well, the City of Elk River can get support from the community. She thinks they have an opportunity to reframe what parks mean to people in this community. Commissioner Niziolek said that they should change the title to a Regional Park Survey. He said that without having the Orono Park information, they cannot move forward with making good decisions. Chair Anderson said he wants to see the difference of a survey example between neighborhood parks and Orono. He said that if most users say they use Orono, that will show the information they need to know the value of a neighborhood park versus a destination park. Councilmember Grupa pointed out that everyone already knows that Orono Park is a destination park, so no matter what survey it is on, people are going to select it. Commissioner Niziolek shared that he talked to parents that chose to leave Orono because it was so busy, they went to another park, and he felt that it is important to know as well. Commissioner Loidolt asked if they should explain to those participating in the survey that they are part of a certain region, for example one of four, and then do the whole City at the same time. That way, one region won’t think it is just their parks being changed. Chair Anderson said they are only surveying region one right now. Commissioner Goodwin said there is urgency with these three parks right now because they are next on the list for playground replacement. She said that they need to focus on them because they need to solve the immediate issue of how they distribute finances for this region and these three parks. She asked staff if the survey would be conducted in just this region, and Mr. Stremcha and Mr. Shelby confirmed it would be limited to this area. Commissioner Fermoyle asked if the goal is to prioritize these three parks right now and decide what to do with them based on the money they have. She asked if they could close all three parks. Chair Anderson said that they would not be closing them but eliminating or reducing amenities. Commissioner Niziolek said they want to phrase it differently and say they are removing recreational facilities or changing them within the park. Mr. Stremcha explained how the reported park usage would be reflected in the survey results. For example, high park usage would make the park a high priority for the budget and low park usage would make it a low priority. Commissioner Goodwin shared that she goes to destination parks with her kids, primarily Orono Park because of the amenities. Commissioner Stewart feels like the survey isn’t going to tell them anything they don’t already know as far as the fact that the three parks mentioned in the survey aren’t being used. Commissioner Goodwin asked what everyone thought the response rate would be to the survey. She wants to know how many responses they need to help them make the decisions they need to make. Councilmember Grupa said that she is making a good point and doesn’t believe the residents around Fresno Park will give much feedback. He thinks Country Crossing and Mississippi Oaks will have more feedback but regardless, if they are torn down, they will hear comments about it. Secretary Larson explained in more detail how the Trott Brook Park Playground survey was dispersed to the public, the return on investment, and how the marketing team was able to accurately respond to social media when comments were made about the specific pieces of equipment. Mr. Stremcha shared that questions 3 and 4 need to be under each individual park, include a map for context to show the location of the park, and show the regions that are being surveyed. Page 5 of 44