10-06-2025 PRCEMParks, Recreation & Community Education Advisory Board
Meeting Minutes
October 6, 2025
Members present were Liz Stearns, Margo Kaping, Steve Kropp, Eric Thovson, Ann Lamecker, Chad
Czmowski and Josh Kamrath. Staff present Lynn Neumann and Leslie Alberts.
Lynn Neumann called the meeting to order at 5:15 pm.
Eric Thovson moved to approve August 18, 2025, meeting minutes. Liz Stearns seconded the motion.
The minutes were approved.
Old Business
Robot Naming Contest — "Frank the Tank"
• Can do lines, logos, graphics with software upgrade
• Upgrade: $16,000 vs $11,000 current lease
• Current lease includes paint, software updates, warranty
New Business
PRCE Project Updates
• Roberts Park Lighting Project
o Pre -construction meeting: October 20
o Construction & installation: October 27
o SLA (Sports Lighting Authority) & Starry Electric will complete the install
• Oddfellows Park
o Park is opened, hasn't been officially announced
o Waiting on installation of swings and Barney
o Swings should be arriving on October 7 and installation will happen ASAP
o Cost: roughly $86,000 and equipment should last about 25-30 years
• 2026 Park Elementary Equipment Replacement
o Swings and rock features will stay in place
o Modular system will be replaced
o Colors: black and yellow
• Library Square
o Fountain is operational
o New brick needed to be ordered to match
o Pumphouse was added and will be completed before winter
• 2026 Campground Host
o A host will be added to the Masonic West River Campground
o They will occupy site #1 and remain for the duration of the campground season
o Free -site accommodation with light work as needed at the campground
o 10-15 hours per week will get paid for their time
• City of Hutchinson Strategic Plan
o Approved per City Council 2 weeks ago
o Lynn sent this out for all to look at
o It's a 5 -year plan of where we're at and where we're going
o Big maintenance projects so the budget has been closely looked at
o Campground expansion has been postponed at this time to assist with budget
• Park Fees
o Fee Schedule: most, if not all, items for parks have increased
o Parkland Development will be discussed at the next meeting
Board Member Items
• 5/6t" grade football: Super Saturday — asked to not hold over MEA break or on a non -school day.
Was asked to advertise in the PRCE brochure for communication.
• Bunch Arena -west rink: Would like to have more seating that is closer to the ice/glass. If risers
are any taller, we would need railings on them. Currently we do not have anything to
use/replace current risers.
• Fountain in the river: Citizens Bank donated $150,000 for a contracted company to install,
winterize, and clean. Not up and running now as they were missing a part to stay functional.
Part has been ordered.
• Trail at Girl Scout Park: there will be a trail installed adjacent to Girl Scout Park running in front
of The Landing at Cedar Park connecting properties.
• Jorgenson Hotel: Chad Czmowski gave a brief update on hotel status
• Pickleball Group: disbanded and handed money back to donors. Unable to raise enough funds.
Lynn & Gary Forcier to look at pickleball courts in Glencoe & Litchfield Friday, October 10.
Adjournment
• Next meeting is November 3 - Location TBD
Ann Lamecker moved to adjourn, and Josh Kamrath seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at
6:15pm.