04-02-2007 PRCEMMINUTES
Parks, Recreation & Community Education Advisory Board
April 2, 2007
Members present were: Kirk Kosel, Kathy Kalenberg, Bill Arndt, Mike Cannon, Mike Retterath,
Deane Dietel and Bill Arndt. Also present were Dolf Moon and Karen McKay.
The meeting was called to order at 5:15 pm.
A motion was made by Mike Cannon and seconded by Mike Retterath to approve the minutes
dated March 5, 2007. The board unanimously agreed.
OLD BUSINESS
Follow-up on Presentations – The presentations allow the staff to review accomplishments and
present goals within their areas.
Annual Report - The year-end report was distributed to the School Board and the City Council.
NEW BUSINESS
Survey Results – The City Council commissioned a survey to be done regarding the quality of
leisure services in Hutchinson. 1,200 questionnaires were distributed with a 46% return rate.
There were several areas in which Hutchinson rated above the norm including city parks,
recreation programs or classes, and appearance and accessibility of parks and recreation
facilities. The survey gives staff a good indication of how they’re doing.
A student survey was conducted in two classes of each grade 3 to 11 assessing the need for
recreational programs and facilities. Most noticeable was that the age of the children dictated
which facilities and activities were most requested.
Half Penny Sales Tax – If voted on and implemented, a half penny sales tax could fund special
projects such as recreation facilities.
Summer Projects
Rolling Meadows East is located on approximately a half acre of land east of Montana Street.
A group of mothers, one of whom has a disabled child, has raised $13,000 as part of a
$25,000 project that will include a swing for a toddler and a companion. The equipment will
st
be ordered May 1 and installed in June after summer staff is back to work.
Driftrider Park is located on five acres of land along Otter Lake. A grant has been declined
twice for funding of a shelter, which would be constructed with the help of Driftrider
volunteers. A non-traditional play structure including manufactured boulders for climbing
and a walking path are planned.
Disc Golf is being installed in South Park. Contributions have been collected to buy discs for
Park Elementary and instructional classes are scheduled through Community Education.
MINUTES
PRCE Advisory Board
April 2, 2007
Page Two
Dam – The City Council gave authorization to develop a plan for the dam replacement. The
project is estimated to be approximately $1.5 million. The Department of Natural Resources
(DNR) has appropriated $500,000 for the project. Plans for the project will continue to move
ahead.
Harrington/Merrill House – The timber framers have begun to replace the fire-damaged
portion of the house. Native trees and square nails are being used to preserve the national
registry potential.
Firemen’s Park – Flagstone will replace the pavers surround the cupola in the park.
Hwy. 7 Underpass - The underpass planned for Highway 7 will move ahead despite
dissention. An overpass would not be practical because of the distance needed for the proper
grade needed on the ramp to the Luce Line Trail.
nd
May Registration – Early summer program registration is scheduled for Tuesday, May 2 from
6:00-7:30 pm in the Rec Center Gym. Dolf asked board members to volunteer as cashiers or to
help distribute registration slips.
BOARD MEMBER ITEMS
Luce Line Trail – A meeting was held in Silver Lake with 125-150 people in attendance
discussing the possible paving of the Luce Line Trail and how it could be financed.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:15 pm by a motion made by Deane Dietel, seconded by Bill
Arndt. The board unanimously agreed.
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