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Memorandum <br /> <br />To: Parks and Recreation Commission <br /> <br />From: Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Manager <br /> <br />Date: February 14, 2024 <br /> <br />Subject: Parks and Recreation Manager’s Report <br /> <br />This report is a monthly highlight of department activities related to recent collaborations, strategic planning, <br />staff changes/developments, and park operations. <br /> <br />“Play My Way” Playground Project <br />Dawn Larson, Sr. Administrative Assistant took the lead role in efforts focused on community engagement <br />regarding the playgrounds in Elk River with great success. Staff are calling the ongoing playground project “Play <br />My Way.” This project is primarily focused on gathering feedback from local youth that will help us choose the <br />best playground equipment to replace aging playgrounds as well as adding new ones to our growing community. <br />This will help the city to determine the best type of equipment, style, and playability to fit the community needs. <br />Details of this project will be presented to the Commission at the April 10 meeting. <br />Senior Activity Center <br />While Natalie Anderson continues to be on medical leave, I am at the Senior Activity Center each day <br />completing tasks. We now have 445 memberships for 2024 and are on par with trends last year around this time. <br />Kristin Gilbertson, the Senior Activity Center Assistant, is now working 28-hours per week as approved in the <br />2024 budget and she has been exceeding my expectations. <br />Athletic Facilities Master Plan Update <br />The city requested HKGi complete soil borings at the PT Complex (Plant & Things Recreation Complex) to <br />determine the soil's physical and chemical properties to assess the suitability of the site for the various new park <br />amenities. <br />The soil borings were completed this week and are being analyzed by HKGi. HKGi will present its findings, <br />including the updated concepts to the Commission at the March 13 Commission meeting. <br />Public Art Update <br />The city received six RFP registrations all for the Furniture and Things Community Event Center. None were <br />received for Orono Park. No further action is needed. Staff appreciates Commissioner Niziolek’s efforts <br />reviewing the RFP. <br />Item: 8