02-03-2025 PRCEM Parks, Recreation &Community Education Advisory Board
Meeting Minutes
February 3, 2025
Members present were Liz Stearns, Margo Kaping, Chad Czmowski, Erin Knudtson, Eric Thovson, and
Ann Lamecker. Staff present Lynn Neumann.
The meeting was held at the Hutchinson Senior Center and called to order at 5:23 pm.
Erin Knudtson moved to approve the January 6, 2025, meeting minutes. Chad Czmowski seconded the
motion.The minutes were approved.
Erin Knudtson was welcomed back to the PRCE Advisory Board.Thank you to Sara Pollman for all your
input and dedication to the PRCE Advisory Board in 2024.
Old Business
No old business was presented.
New Business
Safe Routes to School Plan Update
• A Steering Committee has been established to revise the 2016 Safe Routes to School Plan.The
committee comprises Lynn Neumann, Mike Stifter, Sara Witte, Blake Barnard, Mike McDowell,
Justin Teneyck, and Jennifer Mahan-Deitte.
• The Kick-Off Meeting is set for Thursday, February 27th.
• Lynn will email a copy of the 2016 plan for the board's review.
• The board will receive updates and information as the plan progresses, and the PRCE board will
be encouraged to provide feedback.
Kimberly Park Trail
• Hutchinson Utilities will be conducting work on their substation,which will necessitate the
closure of a section of the Luce Line Trail. During this closure,trail users will be routed through
Kimberly Park. In light of this, staff have proposed the construction of a permanent trail to
better accommodate trail users.
• PRCE staff are collaborating with HUC and Public Works to develop a plan that minimizes
disruption to the trail. Additionally, signage will be provided to guide trail users effectively.
• The proposed trail plans were presented to the board.
Bike Fleet Additions
• SHIP has provided funding for the addition of inclusive trikes to the Hutchinson Community Bike
Fleet through PRCE.
• PRCE staff collaborated with Outdoor Motion to acquire three trikes.
• Photos of the purchased trikes were shared with the board.
• The trikes are scheduled to be available for use in the Bike Fleet starting in spring 2025.
Summer 2025
• Summer Brochure
o PRCE staff are working on the Summer 2025 Brochure.
o The PRCE brochure will be in mailboxes on March 31st.
o Registration will open April 9t"at 9:00am.
• Planning and Hiring Updates for 2025
o We are currently hiring for all PRCE summer seasonal positions. Positions include
lifeguards, swim lesson instructors, park maintenance staff, concession attendants, and
pool admissions staff.
• 2025 Project List
o Finalize VMF Grandstand Project -Grandstand renovation, landscaping-turf install, new
walk gate, backstop netting reconfigured
o Roberts Park Complex Lighting Project (hopefully in 2025)
o Continue with Prairie Restorations -$50,000 DNR Grant
o "Goats on the Go"—Miller Woods, Riverside, Roberts
o Oddfellows Playground Installation
o East Rink Sound System Upgrades
o Bunch Arena—Update Electronic Sign
o Recreation Center Exterior Painting
o Finalize Kiwanis Park Project
o AFS Park Signage Project
o 2nd phase of the Irrigation Project—School Campus Fields
o Trail lighting behind the Sanctuary
o Chamber Small Group Leadership— Harrington Merrill Reinstallation of Outdoor
Classroom/Site Improvements
o Chamber Leadership Group— Library Square Park Improvements
Board Member Items
• Ann highlighted the availability of swim lessons throughout the year.The feasibility of offering
swim lessons is often challenged by pool availability and staffing constraints.This matter is
frequently addressed with the PRCE staff, as there are ongoing efforts to provide more lessons
in the future.
• Ann also brought up gymnastics programming in Hutchinson.The board discussed gymnastics,
noting that the program's primary limiting factors are funding and adequate space availability.
• Erin referenced the section of the Luce Line Trail located west of Sioux Hills Road.
Adjournment
• Next meeting is Monday, March 3rd-Location TBD
Erin Knudtson moved to adjourn, and Ann Lamecker seconded the motion.The meeting adjourned at
6:25 pm.