10-03-2011 PRCEMMINUTES
Parks, Recreation & Community Education Advisory Board
October 3, 2011
Members present were Jim Waldron, Elizabeth Hanninen, Mike Retterath, Eric Opland, Mary
Christensen and John Rodeberg. Also present were Dolf Moon, and Karen McKay.
The meeting was called to order at 5:15 pm.
A motion was made by Mary Christensen and seconded by Eric Opland to approve the minutes
dated August 1, 2011. The board unanimously agreed.
OLD BUSINESS
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Church Purchase - The former Episcopal Church located at 105 2 Avenue SE has been
purchased by the City of Hutchinson. The building official will be in to assess the facility.
Activities have been scheduled already. The Railroad Club has been involved in a facility
rent/lease agreement for use of the basement in exchange for cleaning.
Public Art - The Commission met in September to discuss what direction to go now since the
River Horse proposal was rejected. Edina and Sioux Falls have walkways where public art is
displayed.
Summer Projects
- The new fence is in at Northwoods Park on the second ball field.
- Storm damaged trees have been removed in Miller's Woods.
- The second retaining wall has been installed at Veterans Memorial Field. The sod will be in
the first week in October.
- Jet Black has sealed the walking path around Linden Park.
- Many trees have been planted at 3M
School Campus Projects - The athletic fields at the schools have been seeded and need some
rain.
NEW BUSINESS
Park & Trails Council Presentation - A 35 minute presentation was developed promoting the
Luce Line Trail paving project from Winsted to Cosmos. There has been no commitment for
bonding from the legislature. Other trail projects being considered haven't acquired the land yet.
Letters of support need to written to representatives in support of this project.
Park Funding
*3M Î Donated $15,000 enhance the oak savannah in Miller's Woods. High School science
students volunteered with planting the prairie plugs.
MINUTES
PRCE Advisory Board
August 1, 2011
Page two
*SWCD (Soil Water Conservation District) - Funds were provided for prairie plantings in
Roberts Park.
*Crow River - Boy Scouts helped plant $3,700 worth of native plants at Cedar Park.
*Kwik Trip - Donated $1,000 which will be applied toward playground equipment replacement
in Elks Park.
*Jaycees - Donated $5,000 for two to three years for playground equipment in Riverside Park.
Jaycee volunteers helped install the tot sized equipment this fall.
Fall Program Update - The Board reviewed fall program registration numbers. Many more
registrations will be received closer to program start dates. There has been a slight reduction in
adult sports and enrichment programs as adults invest time and money in their children's
programming.
The High Tides swim club is in transition since the head swim coach, RJ Greseth has taken a full
time position in Peoria, Illinois.
BOARD MEMBER ITEMS
Mike Retterath asked about availability of potential leadership projects. The three umbrellas at
the Recreation Center Pool were a great addition.
Jim Waldron has been trying to start discussions with Daron VanderHeiden, School
Superintendent regarding the greenhouse project.
John Rodeberg told the Board that the RiverSong Festival spent $6,000 on the stage that was
installed this year and that fundraising will take place for the 2012 festival.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:05 pm by a motion made by Mike Retterath and seconded by
Jim Waldron. The Board unanimously agreed.