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08-26-2025 PRC Agenda Packet A.6:00 P.M. - CALL TO ORDER B.ROLL CALL C.APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioners may postpone or remove items at this time. Commissioners may discuss adding items to a future agenda during Commissioner Member Presentations. D.PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS E.VISITOR PRESENTATIONS Commission Procedures allow for presentations from the audience at this time. If a motion is required, the item will be forwarded to the next available agenda to allow for publication and review prior to consideration. F.APPROVAL OF MINUTES F.1 Meeting Minutes: July 22, 2025 G.GENERAL BUSINESS G.1 Park Renovation Fund & Chanhassen Estates Mini Park Discussion G.2 Civic Campus Programming Discussion H.REPORTS I.COMMISSION MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS J.COMMISSION MEMBER PRESENTATIONS K.ADMINISTRATIVE PACKET AGENDA CHANHASSEN PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2025 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 7700 MARKET BOULEVARD 1 L.ADJOURNMENT 2 Park & Recreation Commission Item August 26, 2025 Item Meeting Minutes: July 22, 2025 Item No:F.1 Agenda Section APPROVAL OF MINUTES Prepared By Kate Vogt, Admin Support Specialist SUGGESTED ACTION Approve the Park & Recreation Commission meeting minutes dated July 22, 2025. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DISCUSSION RECOMMENDATION Approve the Park & Recreation Commission meeting minutes dated July 22, 2025. ATTACHMENTS July 22, 2025 Park and Recreation Commission Minutes.pdf 3 CHANHASSEN PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JULY 22, 2025 Chair Leisen called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Rob Swanson; Michael Leisen; Sean Morgan; Emily Nagel; Kurt Scheppmann; Clara Christenson, youth; Aayan Shrestha, youth. MEMBERS ABSENT: Kristin Fulkerson, Nora Nashawaty. STAFF PRESENT: Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director; and Priya Wall, Recreation Manager. PUBLIC PRESENT: None. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Commissioner Swanson moved, Commissioner Scheppman seconded to approve the agenda as presented. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 7 to 0. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS: None. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS: None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1. Approve Park & Recreation Minutes dated June 24, 2025 Commissioner Swanson moved, Commissioner Scheppman seconded to approve the minutes of the Park and Recreation Commission meeting dated June 24, 2025, as presented. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 7 to 0. GENERAL BUSINESS: 1. North Lotus Lake Park Storm Water Project – Riley Purgatory Creek Watershed District Terry Jeffery, District Administrator with the Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District (RPBCWD), provided an overview of the stormwater project located at North Lotus Lake Park. He summarized the focused goals of the watershed district and explained the background of the project. He reviewed the background information about selecting Lotus Lake. He described 4 Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – July 22, 2025 2 finding opportunities to implement best management practices as difficult, but they would like to work closely with the residents and the city. He reviewed three different concept plans to improve water quality flowing into Lotus Lake. He noted that the infiltration features would be dependent on the soil borings. He stated that the water district would pay for the design and installation of the project, but they would work with the City to ensure that maintenance would not be burdensome. He stated that the city would pay a prorated price for the portion of the stormwater treatment that they would need. He discussed the possibility of a boardwalk near the project. Marcie stated that a part of the goal of the boardwalk was to provide a connection to the lake. She stated that there were lotus plants in the portion of the water, so they are trying to determine if they can nestle it into the space with the water lilies and the lotus. Mr. Jeffery stated that a representative was looking at durable artwork that could improve as it weathers. He discussed the overlook and how it could be best utilized, and the different materials, accessibility, and elevation possible with the boardwalk. He stated that it can be difficult to receive public feedback. He summarized the takeaways from June 8th and noted that residents emphasized the desire to have a connection with the lake. He stated that an infiltration basin was a trap for mosquitoes. He discussed the next steps for the project and encouraged an opportunity to answer questions. Chair Leisen thanked them for the changes they made. He asked about the general timeline. Mr. Jeffery answered that they would like to finish the engineering of the project in 2026 and start the construction in 2027 or 2028. He stated that they would agree with the city to encourage them to move forward with the projects, knowing that the credits would be there. Commissioner Morgan asked about the connection with the road process and requested information about the city's dynamics. Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director, answered that Pleasant View Road is a corridor between 101 and Powers Boulevard, and through that area, there are challenges with the steepness of driveways and retaining walls. He discussed that they were limited as a city with what they could do to design a connector without acquiring a lot of right-of-ways. He stated that the desire was to have a bike component, whether an off-street or on-street trail. He said that the project was a heavy lift, and they were applying for some grants to help with the funding sources. He said that there was a question of approving the water quality throughout the hard surfaces, which was perfect timing with the redevelopment of the streets in the neighborhoods. He said that the city could work on the project with the Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District. Mr. Jeffery said that when the Fox Hollow road project is completed, there is a catch basin on the north side of the road next to a driveway. They would adjust the road's geometry and drain it accordingly. He said that they could address some of the Fox Hollow drainage and treat the 5 Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – July 22, 2025 3 Pleasant View road at the North Lotus Lake Park treatment system. He stated that they would work with engineering throughout the design to make sure that the engineering would work. Mr. Ruegemer said that this is a unique project and not a lot had been done before, so it was an exciting project for both partners to embrace for the betterment of the lake quality and the residents. Commissioner Scheppman asked if there would be any ongoing maintenance costs. Mr. Jeffrey answered that there would be, and they hoped to set aside funding specifically for the maintenance costs or hiring staff to do it. The watershed did not want to push the burden onto the City, but the general maintenance would be completed by the City’s Parks Department. Mr. Ruegemer answered that this would not be different than a trail project along a road corridor. Often, the City partners with Carver County, which will fund a large percentage of the road improvement. Often, it is built by other agencies or organizations, but there is cost-sharing or long-term maintenance provided by the City. He said if there are long-term capital needs, there often is a cost-share associated, and this project would not be different. Youth Commissioner Christenson asked if they would do any more outreach. Mr. Jeffery answered that they would be happy to do targeted outreach. Youth Commissioner Christenson said that there was a Lotus Lake Facebook group that might be interested in specific outreach. Chair Leisen thanked him for the information. 2. Review Draft – Park and Recreation Commission Strategic Planning Chair Leisen introduced the Strategic Planning document and asked Commissioner Morgan to share additional information. Commissioner Morgan discussed the previous conversations about park improvements, policy, community events, recreation programming, and operations. He stated that the goal was to identify the higher-order objectives to have a strategic planning framework to guide the upcoming activities. He stated that the document would be anchored in their statutory authority so they can provide added value for city staff. He reviewed the document and discussed the strategic objectives that align with existing city priorities. One idea was to make downtown a magnet for community building, another idea was to provide inclusive recreation, and the final idea was to enhance community assets. He requested feedback about the next steps on the first page, especially about the substance and utility of the framework of the strategic objectives. Commissioner Nagel clarified that the intent was to make sure everyone was aligned and there should be one or two initiatives for each of the objectives. Commissioner Morgan answered that 6 Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – July 22, 2025 4 it identifies a finite number of areas where the Commission’s focused support would be beneficial. He said it was also to support volunteerism around specific events. Commissioner Nagel thought it was helpful to focus on things that were achievable and create meaningful work. Youth Commissioner Christenson appreciated the opportunity to focus on things that they would do. Commissioner Scheppman appreciated the framework to help them better the community, the commission, and the City staff. He said making downtown a magnet for community building stood out to him. He asked Mr. Ruegemer about the best ways to support the city staff over the next three years. Mr. Ruegemer answered that the ask had not been as robust previously, but the city staff can look at ways to engage commissioners. He stated it was an exciting time to explore different avenues. He said it would be great to do a buckthorn removal event with the commission this fall. He said that they were open to ideas and could put them into practical application. Commissioner Swanson asked if this would take over the handbook or would serve as a supporting document. Commissioner Morgan answered that this was narrowly specific to the current commission. He stated that the city code required that the commission produce an annual report with recommendations. Mr. Ruegemer answered that Priya Wall was the lead staff member in the annual report, and it is completed every year. Commissioner Morgan thought that in the City code, the annual report requirement for the department was separate from the commission report. Mr. Ruegemer answered that they had been merged historically. Chair Leisen said that it was a living document to help them determine the priorities. He stated that they could form subcommittees about various topics in addition to volunteering. Commissioner Morgan asked about the preferred process to receive written feedback in a public process. Mr. Ruegemer answered that they were taking notes and they could provide the information in a preferred format. He wanted to make sure they were collecting information as a group, rather than individually, so that everyone would have an equal opportunity. Commissioner Morgan suggested an opportunity to provide written feedback on the document so they can have additional, nuanced feedback, but he would defer to the city on the preferred process. REPORTS: 7 Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – July 22, 2025 5 1. 2025 4th of July Celebration Evaluation Priya Wall, Recreation Manager, estimated that there were at least 70,000 people who enjoyed one component of the event throughout the weekend. She stated that they ran programming on July 1st because of the large partnership with Xfinity. She said that there were 400 people in attendance at the outdoor movie night. She said the licensing for the movie was approximately $1200, and the rental for the screen would be over the $1500 price point, so the city staff could consider purchasing a screen if they wanted to do the event in the future. Chair Leisen asked if they planned to do the event on the 4th of July in the future. Ms. Wall answered that people enjoyed the event, but they did not know where it exactly fit in the future. Commissioner Scheppman clarified the funds provided by Xfinity. Ms. Wall responded that they contributed $15,000 in financial sponsorship and paid for the licensing, and provided an LED screen for the movie. They also provided free candy, but the City provided staff logistics. Commissioner Scheppman voiced support for doing the event at different times throughout the year and voiced appreciation of Xfinity’s support. He said it would be a good community- building event downtown. Chair Leisen said that there were few events for teenagers, so he liked the idea of hosting a similar event again. Ms. Wall said that the usual night of the event was on July 2nd, to provide a quiet and calm atmosphere with fewer crowds. She stated that they had good attendance, and they added youth artist performances, which received positive feedback. She said that they provided the mobile family care center, and it was well-received. She reviewed the Taste of Chanhassen and street dance activities on July 3rd. She said that the parade and fireworks were the big activities on July 4th, and the medallion hunt was well done. She stated that bingo raised almost $1000 for senior tech services. She said that the 4th of July parade had a new route, since it was under construction last year. They tried a new route to see if there were benefits and to see what the public would think. She stated that they partner with the Rotary Club for the parade. They received minimal feedback on the new route, and it was mixed. She stated that the 2026 route had not yet been determined. She estimated that approximately 30,000 viewed the fireworks show. She said that there would be future discussion about which event components should stay, which should be retired, or which should change location. She said they had to have conversations about how to combat extreme heat at the event, and there were instances of heat stroke and heat exhaustion this year. They added a misting fan last year, but wanted to figure out ways to provide additional cooling stations. She said that the Xfinity sponsorship does not happen every year, but the City’s second-highest level of sponsorship is through reimbursements. She said that the highest cost is the fireworks, followed by equipment rentals, then entertainment and promotions. 8 Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – July 22, 2025 6 Chair Leisen congratulated them on a great event. He asked if Xfinity was happy with the sponsorship and if they would book Johnny Holmes again next year. Ms. Wall answered that Johnny Holmes reached out and said they would put a tentative hold on July 3rd for next year, so the city staff would have to decide. She stated that Xfinity seemed happy with the sponsorship and noted that they brought two assets, which were large assets. She said that Xfinity was happy that the assets fit in with the event, and they were happy with the movie in the park. She commented that they were low on the number of individuals that went into the retail pod, but she did not know if that was a huge con. She said that Xfinity wanted to do an interactive activity, but it did not work out, so they might want to do something similar in the future. Commissioner Swanson said it was a nice event, and the Xfinity section was slightly climate- controlled. He said that the fireworks show was top-notch. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS: Chair Leisen requested an update on the recreation center. Mr. Ruegemer said that the city staff and the architects had met at least seven times to review the schematic design and the layout of the building to consider the functionality. He said that they had met before the July 14th City Council meeting. They presented the cost estimates for the community center, which were over the identified budget. Before the July 14th meeting, they completed slimming exercises to reduce the overall construction budget. He said that they were trying to consider different architectural options, such as the roof and the wall systems. They presented options during a City Council work session to decrease the cost estimate. He said that there was a reduction in the size of the field house, the mezzanine around the hockey rinks, to eliminate the restaurant, and to eliminate a sheet of ice. He said that with the removal of those options, it got down to the original cost estimate, but the City Council challenged the architect and construction manager to re-examine the construction costs and estimates to see if there are other identifying areas that they can reduce so as to not lose the components. He provided an example of the Shakopee Community Center, which was constructed for $35 million. It was not that different than the proposed Chan Bluff Community Center, but other construction costs have gotten more expensive. He said that the City staff was looking for ways to reduce costs without losing the program elements. He said the goal was not to be a huge burden to the taxpayers beyond the sales tax. Commissioner Morgan asked when the working session would take place. Mr. Ruegemer said that it was a meeting with the city staff that would take place on Thursday. Commissioner Morgan asked if the working session was open to the public. Mr. Ruegemer confirmed this information. Chair Leisen encouraged people to attend Music in the Park on Thursday. 9 Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – July 22, 2025 7 COMMISSION MEMBER PRESENTATIONS: None. ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS: Mr. Ruegemer stated that this was Youth Commissioner Shrestha’s last meeting before he leaves for college. Youth Commissioner Shrestha thanked everyone for the great experience. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Swanson moved, Commissioner Morgan seconded to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 7 to 0. The Park and Recreation Commission meeting was adjourned at 6:23 p.m. Submitted by Jerry Ruegemer Park and Recreation Director 10 Park & Recreation Commission Item August 26, 2025 Item Park Renovation Fund & Chanhassen Estates Mini Park Discussion Item No:G.1 Agenda Section GENERAL BUSINESS Prepared By Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director SUGGESTED ACTION Discussion SUMMARY BACKGROUND The City of Chanhassen maintains a Park Renovation Fund, which is used for the replacement or repair of major park equipment and infrastructure (e.g., playgrounds, picnic shelters, hockey rinks, bridges, fences, court resurfacing, etc.). This fund is now supported by a dedicated property tax levy, which began in 2025 at $100,000 per year, with the intent to accumulate funds for ongoing maintenance and replacement of park amenities. Prior to this, the fund relied on transfers from the General Fund as available and that generally totaled $180,000 to $250,000 annually. DISCUSSION The Chanhassen Estates mini park has been in our park system for more than 40 years and became a park because of a remnant water and sewer utility parcel. It's classified as a neighborhood park and is located at 55 Lake Drive East. This 1.78-acre park is located in Chanhassen Estates south of McDonald's. The park contains an open field, playground, and a half-court basketball pad. This is one of the few parks we have within our park system that doesn't have a dedicated parking lot, and "No Parking" signs are posted along Lake Drive, making it illegal to park on the street. The current playground was installed in 1994 and was scheduled for replacement in 2019. The replacement has been postponed due to other more pressing priorities, and to step back and ask some questions and analyze the reinvestment back into the park. 11 Analysis Condition of Facilities: Playground equipment/border require reinvestment Usage Trends: Park counts and observations indicate lower usage compared to nearby parks Proximity to Other Amenities: Rice Marsh Lake Park 1/2 mile away and provides alternative recreational opportunities for residents Financial Considerations: Estimated renovation costs $80,000 - $100,000 new playground/concrete border Discussion At this time, staff is not seeking formal action but is requesting Park and Recreation Commission feedback on the following questions: Should the city continue to maintain Chan Estates Park despite replacement costs and limited use? Should the city explore partial or full decommissioning, including removal of aging amenities and transition to open green space? Should alternative long-term uses for the site be studied? What level of additional community engagement would the Park and Recreation Commission like staff to pursue before bringing back a recommendation? RECOMMENDATION ATTACHMENTS 12 Park & Recreation Commission Item August 26, 2025 Item Civic Campus Programming Discussion Item No:G.2 Agenda Section GENERAL BUSINESS Prepared By Priya Wall, Recreation Manager SUGGESTED ACTION SUMMARY Phase 2 of the Civic Campus Project is scheduled for completion during Summer 2026. As part of this project, new destination park amenities will be incorporated into the Civic Campus space in downtown Chanhassen, including a covered performance pavilion, 4-season park building, playground, splash fountain, pickleball courts, green space, and a resurfaced skate park, in addition to the new City Hall and Senior Center building. At their May 27, 2025, and July 22, 2025, meetings, the Park & Recreation Commission expressed a desire to focus on three strategic objectives. The first objective reflects the Commission's goal to make the Civic Campus a vibrant space for the community. 1. Make Downtown a Magnet for Community Building: Support efforts to create energy, draw people in, and make downtown Chanhassen and the Civic Campus a central gathering space through activation, placemaking, and events. 2. Foster Belonging and Inclusive Recreation: Champion programs, policies, and development of spaces, including the Chanhassen Bluffs Recreation Center, that are accessible and beneficial to all of Chanhassen's population. 3. Steward and Enhance Community Assets: Support the development of city parks, facilities, and trails that are well-maintained, thoughtfully expanded, and future-ready. At their July 22, 2025, meeting, the Commission highlighted three areas of interest when working towards strategic objectives. 1. Infrastructure Development 2. Policy Matters 3. Programming 13 Staff would like to engage the Commission to have a discussion regarding specific matters of interest relating to the downtown Civic Campus space, with an emphasis on programming. Based on the discussion and Commission direction, staff will research and present additional information on specific programs at a future Park & Recreation Commission meeting. BACKGROUND DISCUSSION Strategic Objective #1: Make Downtown a Magnet for Community Building. Support efforts to create energy, draw people in, and make downtown Chanhassen and the Civic Campus a central gathering space through activation, placemaking, and events. Today's discussion will focus on the three Commission focus areas as they relate to Strategic Objective #1, with an emphasis on focus area #3, programming. Examples from Commissioners under each focus area are listed below: 1. Infrastructure Development (community art, murals, painted benches, story walks, shaded seating, flexible furniture, temporary play installations) 2. Policy Matters (food truck policy) 3. Programming (pop-up events, music events, chalk walks, family art nights, all-ages fall event) As of August 2025, no budget has been established for infrastructure development or programming in the new Civic Campus space. Topics addressed today will be incorporated into the 2026 budget discussions, and staff will provide an update at a future Park & Recreation Commission meeting. The goal is for the Commission to identify 3-5 specific infrastructure developments, policy matters, or programs for further research and consideration by the Commission. RECOMMENDATION ATTACHMENTS Chanhassen Parks & Recreation Commission Strategic Planning Framework 2025-2026 5.27 Brainstorming Session Notes 14 DRAFT/PRE-DECISIONAL/NOT OFFICIAL CITY POLICY Guidance and Next Steps for Commissioners This strategic planning framework is intended to be a living, working document—a tool to help the Parks & Recreation Commission think strategically, operate collaboratively, and provide greater value in our advisory role to the department and City of Chanhassen. This framework will evolve. It’s meant to guide—not rigidly define—how we operate. This is not a call to generate a flood of ideas for the city to implement. Rather, it’s a way to harness the collective insight, experience, and creativity of this commission to help the Parks & Recreation Department think through opportunities they may not currently have the time or capacity to fully explore. The Commission’s role is not primarily one of execution, but focused support—helping identify where our collective brainpower can meaningfully inform or shape upcoming projects, policies, or programs consistent with the City Council’s existing strategic direction. When necessary or appropriate, the Commission may also contribute to the proactive development execution of identified initiatives through volunteerism. Next steps/considerations: ● Provide feedback on the substance and utility of this framework: Do you agree with framing of the Commission's role and opportunities in the Executive Summary? Do you agree with the scope of the Strategic Objectives, or would you recommend refining or adding to them? ● Personally review and reflect on this framework: Where do you feel your voice, your interests, or your observations from the community could add value? ● Add brainstorm ideas and help prioritize: We’re not trying to do everything—just to do a few things well. The goal is to focus on 1–2 tactical initiatives per strategic objective this year that feel both achievable and impactful. ● Consider subcommittee value: If deemed appropriate, we may propose small working groups for further ideation on high impact areas (e.g. Civic Campus activation, underserved demographic engagement, recreation center planning input, etc). ● Ensure groundedness in city policy and statutory responsibility: When proposing new ideas, keep in mind the City of Chanhassen 2021–2024 Strategic Plan, Chapter 14: Parks and Recreation Ordinances and the scope of the Commission’s statutory responsibilities. As defined by City Code § 2-46.05: the Commission is authorized to: ● Advise the City Council on matters related to parks and recreation. ● Maintain and recommend updates to the Park & Recreation System Plan. ● Produce an annual written report, not later than March 31 of each calendar year, containing the commission's recommendations for the ensuing year. 15 DRAFT/PRE-DECISIONAL/NOT OFFICIAL CITY POLICY Parks & Recreation Commission: Strategic Planning Framework 2025-2026 Executive Summary The Parks and Recreation Commission plays a vital advisory role in shaping Chanhassen’s parks, trails, community events, and recreation programming. This strategic planning framework is intended to help define the Commission’s priorities and key activities for 2025-2026 in supporting the city. This framework is grounded in the City of Chanhassen 2021–2024 Strategic Plan, the Commission's statutory responsibilities as defined in the PRC Handbook and City Code § 2-46.05, and the Parks & Recreation Department mission: Parks & Recreation Mission: “The City of Chanhassen emphasizes parks, open space, trails, and recreation. The Parks & Recreation department strives to maintain and enhance the quality of life for Chanhassen residents through quality recreation programs, community events, trails, and facilities in the community. Chanhassen is a community for life, providing for today and planning for tomorrow.” This strategic planning framework also recognizes the transformative moment Chanhassen is in with respect to recreational development, including several large infrastructure projects: ● Phase 1 of the Civic Campus (Senior Center and City Council Chambers) nearing completion in late summer 2025; ● Phase 2 of the Civic Campus (amphitheater and numerous recreational amenities) opening in summer 2026; ● Chanhassen Bluffs Recreation Center undergoing design and development with a plan for completion in 2027/2028. Given these developments, the Commission has an opportunity—and responsibility—to help shape how these spaces are used, embraced, and sustained. Towards that end, this strategic planning framework helps structure and refine ongoing Commission brainstorming efforts into a multi-tier framework, including: ● Commission Strategic Objectives (Downtown Community Building, Foster Belonging, Steward and Enhance Community Assets) ● Commission Focus Areas (Infrastructure, Policy, Programming) ● Tactical Initiatives (Brainstormed ideas to explore or execute on in 2025-2026) Commission Strategic Objectives Through the course of Commission discussions, a number of shared aspirations emerged that can serve as overarching strategic objectives to focus the Commission’s direction and activities. 16 DRAFT/PRE-DECISIONAL/NOT OFFICIAL CITY POLICY 1. Make Downtown a Magnet for Community Building: Support efforts to create energy, draw people in, and make downtown Chanhassen and the Civic Campus, a central gathering space through activation, placemaking, and events. 2. Foster Belonging and Inclusive Recreation: Champion programs, policies, and development of spaces, including the Chanhassen Bluffs Recreation Center, that are accessible and beneficial to all of Chanhassen’s population. 3. Steward and Enhance Community Assets: Support the development of city parks, facilities, and trails that are well-maintained, thoughtfully expanded, and future-ready. Commission Focus Areas For each strategic objective, the Commission can generate ideas across Infrastructure Development, Policy Matters, and Programming. 1. Make Downtown a Magnet for Community Building ● Infrastructure Development: Design downtown public spaces to foster gathering, vibrancy, and community engagement ● Policy Matters: Enable downtown events and engagement through flexible, supportive policy and ordinances ● Programming: Build recurring and signature programming to bring residents downtown Tactical Initiatives/ Brainstorm ● Introduce community art like murals, painted benches, story walks (Infrastructure) ● Prioritize shaded seating, flexible furniture, or temporary play installations (Infrastructure) ● Evaluate food truck policy for more flexibility outside of major events (Policy) ● Consider new seasonal programming for downtown space (e.g., fall fest revival) (Programming) ● More pop-up events like music, chalk walks, art night for families (Programming) ● Promote parks via Instagram: weekly spotlights, stories, reels ● Insert Additional Brainstorm ideas here 17 DRAFT/PRE-DECISIONAL/NOT OFFICIAL CITY POLICY 2. Foster Belonging and Inclusive Recreation ● Infrastructure Development: Ensure parks and amenities are inclusive, accessible, and welcoming to all ● Policy Matters: Strengthen representation across city recreation policies and community input mechanisms ● Programming: Offer programming that reflects the diversity and needs of the full community Tactical Initiatives/ Brainstorm ● Community idea challenge to grow community buy-in for new Chanhassen Bluffs Recreation Center (Infrastructure and Policy) ● Install elements that reflect diverse community values (e.g., little free libraries, murals) (Infrastructure) ● Partner with Communities of Belonging for meditation hikes (Programming) ● Launch intergenerational programs: walking clubs, adaptive recreation, teen volunteerism (Programming) ● Insert Additional Brainstorm ideas here 3. Steward and Enhance Community Assets ● Infrastructure Development: Sustain and enhance the long-term health and utility of the park and recreation system ● Policy Matters: Use policy to manage resources, partnerships, and operational sustainability ● Programming: Make effective, creative use of city facilities and calendar year-round Tactical Initiatives/ Brainstorm ● Support design and rollout of Chanhassen Bluffs Recreation Center (Infrastructure and Programming) ● Evaluate Parks and Recreations ordinances (Chapter 14 of the City Code) to evaluate the need for any changes (Policy) ● Thoughtful expansion of Movies in the Park, rotating to showcase range of Park spaces (Programming) ● Insert Additional Brainstorm ideas here 18 Clara Christenson (Youth) • Suggested communication & connection as a bucket • Increase focus on Instagram for younger demographics • Ideas: o Include more park amenities in Chan-check in o Weekly park feature on Instagram, maybe via stories o 5k o Walking club. Good for all ages, especially seniors o Expanded group fitness at Chan Bluffs Nora Nashawaty • Focus on partnerships with community organizations. Leverage connections around the city rather than focus on solely in-house programming o Examples: communities of belonging, library, local yoga teachers • Chan Bluffs – not everyone has buy-in. Focus on getting community ownership of project. Ideas: o Innovation challenge – challenge community to come up with ways to enhance surroundings, building. Murals, little free libraries, get community to come up with ideas they want. o Invite everyone to be part of a big art project. Everyone puts a thumb print down and then an artist paints them. Give people agency, ownership over this thing that they have a part in. • Inclusivity & human rights. Add events that are open to all religions, or incorporate wider variety of programming into big events like 4th of July. Easter is very focused on Christianity. • Ideas: o Storytime in the park (partner with library) o Chalk the walk once/summer, open a given location up to anyone to chalk designs o Outdoor community game night o Art in the park nights o Recycling/sustainability workshops o Bench/picnic table painting events o Parks & Rec involvement with National Night Out o Communities of belonging guided hikes/walks 19 Kristin Fulkerson • Interested in presentation from communications on social media engagement. Who is engaging on what posts, and how? Similar to what communications presented to the Environmental Commission. • Wants to lead subcommittee on finding a figure skating school for Chan Bluffs • Ideas: o Parks & Rec academy, like Environmental Commission’s environmental academy o Greater Commissioner involvement in Arbor Day Sean Morgan (Vice Chair) • Suggested a time each meeting for Commissioners to feel comfortable raising new issue items • Issue areas: o Infrastructure developments: Chan Bluffs, Civic Campus, Lake Ann Park Preserve, revitalizing existing park amenities o Community: keystone events, community building initiatives o Programmatic offerings o Policy and strategic initiatives: Pickleball court policies, E-bikes. Wants Commissioners issue-spotting and helping in deliberative process • Commission focus on issues that would eventually elevate to City Council, so Council has PRC perspective/recommendation Mike Leisen (Chair) • Compartmentalize our ideas into buckets, then develop goals & specific action items from those buckets • Interested in communications presentation from Patrick • Asked staff: what role does PRC play in infrastructure projects? • Increased Commissioner involvement. Asked staff to tell exactly what you need: we need X Commissioners for FebFest, for example. • Ideas: o Partner with other Commissions – Senior, Environmental o Birdhouse building for 55+ o Food truck nights in the park o Pickleball activities for young, active seniors 20 Rob Swanson • Keep up the short Instagram videos Emily Nagel • Keep Rec Center Sports program running at Chan Bluffs • Ideas: o Movie in the Park series. Geared towards different ages, genres Kurt Sheppmann • Ideas: o Something to commemorate Prince during the 10 year anniversary of his passing o Commissioner/Council engagement with National Night Out o Summer Medallion Hunt, so kids can participate out of school o Fall all-ages event not just geared towards kids. Suggested Oktoberfest, not specific to any religious denomination General notes • Future meeting ideas o Follow-up discussions on brainstorming session: narrow down each time. Brainstorming, then themes, then goals, then pick specific items to focus on o Communications presentation from Patrick, Drew, Sarah 21