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<br /> <br />Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes <br />January 14, 2026 <br />--------- <br />Page 3 of 6 <br />the kids with or without a playground. He is concerned that when this project was initiated, he <br />specifically asked when the shades would be removed and put back up, and he was told that it would be <br />done yearly. Commissioner Loidolt questioned if the current issues could have been prevented if they <br />were taken down. Mr. Shelby said he is not sure why they were not taken down. He clarified that the <br />new ones are nets vs. shades and should not have the same problem. He also confirmed that he has <br />discussed with parks maintenance that the nets would be put up and taken down each year. <br /> <br />Commissioner Loidolt asked about the possibility of improving the aesthetic versus just having nets. He <br />said he liked the look of the shade structures. Mr. Shelby said the proposals presented tonight were the <br />two options that Mr. Baas was able to get quickly but they could look for more options if that is what <br />the Commission wanted. Commissioner Loidolt asked if they could look at options for color choices. <br />Mr. Stremcha said they are powder coated black according to the quote. The Commissioner’s all agreed <br />black was a good option. <br /> <br />Commissioner Loidolt said he talked to Dave Lodermeier, the president of Elk River Youth Baseball and <br />from what he had heard from the user groups moving the playground would be foolish. The parents <br />want to be able to watch their kids play while being at the field. Commissioner Loidolt said it would not <br />be a good idea to move the playground, and he thinks if they take care of the nets, they could get ten <br />years out of them. <br /> <br />Chair Anderson said he likes the Duluth net proposal. Commissioner Niziolek asked when they would <br />pull the nets. Mr. Shelby said the beginning of October. <br /> <br />Commissioner Loidolt asked where the black net was within the Duluth quote. Mr. Stremcha said it’s <br />not in that one, but it is in the SMI quote so he assumes that Mr. Baas would have gotten comparable <br />quotes, but staff could confirm that the Duluth quote would also be black. <br /> <br />Chair Anderson asked if the netting would have sides and a top or just a top. Mr. Shelby said he isn’t <br />sure, but the quote says cover, so he said it looks like just a top. Commissioner Stewart asked if they <br />could do some more checking and still get them this spring. Mr. Shelby said he is not sure what the lead <br />time is, but they can check. Mr. Stremcha said if the commission wants black nets, then they can make a <br />recommendation to council, and staff can make sure they have two quotes. Commissioner Loidolt said <br />just having a top cover is sufficient for him. <br /> <br />Moved by Commissioner Loidolt and seconded by Commissioner Niziolek to recommend <br />that City Council approve option A adding protective netting to the PT Complex <br />playground to improve playground safety at the PT Complex with black netting. Motion <br />carried 6-0. <br />7. DISCUSSION ITEMS <br /> <br /> 7.1 Ridgewood Basketball Court - CIP <br /> Mr. Shelby presented his report. Commissioner Niziolek asked for Mr. Shelby to pull up Sherburne <br />County beacon so they can see the location and proximity of the two venues, Ridgewood East <br />basketball court, and Salk Junior High School basketball court. He said the Salk location has walls, so <br />when you are shooting you don’t lose your ball. He thinks that is part of what makes the Salk basketball <br />court a superior amenity. <br /> <br />Commissioner Goodwin mentioned the Facebook post about the kid who slid into the basketball hoop