10-28-2025 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: September 23, 2025
G.GENERAL BUSINESS
G.1 2025-2026 Ice Skating Rink Location Recommendations
G.2 2025 Picnic Season Evaluation
G.3 Establish 2026 Picnic Reservation Fees
H.REPORTS
H.1 Halloween Party Evaluation
I.COMMISSION MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS
AGENDA
CHANHASSEN PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2025
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 7700 MARKET BOULEVARD
1
J.COMMISSION MEMBER PRESENTATIONS
K.ADMINISTRATIVE PACKET
L.ADJOURNMENT
2
Park & Recreation Commission Item
October 28, 2025
Item Meeting Minutes: September 23, 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 September 23, 2025.
SUMMARY
BACKGROUND
DISCUSSION
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the Park & Recreation Commission meeting minutes dated September 23, 2025.
ATTACHMENTS
September 23, 2025 Park and Recreation Commission Minutes
3
CHANHASSEN PARK AND
RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 23, 2025
Chair Leisen called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Rob Swanson; Kristin Fulkerson; Michael Leisen; Emily Nagel; Kurt
Scheppmann; Nora Nashawaty; Clara Christenson, youth.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Sean Morgan
STAFF PRESENT: Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director; Priya Wall, Recreation
Manager; Luke Kegley, Recreation Supervisor; and Jodi Sarles, Rec Center Manager.
PUBLIC PRESENT: None.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Commissioner Scheppmann moved, Commissioner Fulkerson
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:
Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director, stated that the Homecoming Parade was on
September 26th at 4 p.m. Some local roads would be closed at 3:30 p.m.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS: None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1. Approve Park & Recreation Minutes dated August 26, 2025
Commissioner Swanson moved, Commissioner Nagel seconded to approve the minutes of
the Park and Recreation Commission meeting dated August 26, 2025, as presented. All
voted in favor, and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 7 to 0.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
1. Chanhassen Estates Mini Park Discussion
Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director, discussed whether the Chanhassen Estates Mini
Park was worth re-investing in since it had reached the lifespan. He discussed the potential to
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Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – September 23, 2025
2
keep it as a nature area. He stated that they would invite the neighborhood in to provide input
about the park.
Chair Leisen asked how they typically get the neighbors involved. Mr. Ruegemer answered that
he would invite the whole neighborhood south of Highway 5. He stated that they could go all the
way down to Rice Marsh and include that neighborhood in the comment. He thought that the
park reach was not very wide.
Chair Leisen suggested the Park and Recreation Commission could provide feedback for the
neighbors to ask. He asked if they could provide concept pictures of a pollinator garden to
provide for residents. Mr. Ruegemer answered that they could contact a consultant, get concept
pictures, and discuss them before including the neighborhoods.
Commissioner Nashawaty said she talked with community members who expressed excitement
about a community garden. Mr. Ruegemer responded that they likely would not install a
community garden since there is no parking.
Commissioner Nashawaty agreed.
Commissioner Scheppmann said that there was no crosswalk or parking, so there was no access
to the park. He asked how people would benefit from the park. He suggested that they could
continue to maintain it and not replace the playground equipment and basketball court.
Mr. Ruegemer stated that the playground and basketball court are at the end of their lifespan. He
suggested developing it into a little office complex or selling the property to abutting property
owners.
Commissioner Scheppmann commented that he had been by the park, and he never saw anyone
utilizing the structure.
Youth Commissioner Christenson expressed the importance of prioritizing projects that help
more of the community. She suggested leaving it as a space that did not require a lot of
maintenance or upkeep, so they could allocate funds to projects that are more widespread.
Chair Leisen said that they all agreed to remove the aging playground and basketball court and
either have a green space or a botanical garden.
REPORTS:
1. 2025 Lake Ann Park Concession & Watercraft Rental Evaluation
Luke Kegley, Recreation Supervisor, provided an overview of the 2025 Lake Ann Park
Concession and Watercraft Rental Evaluation. He said they had a strong year for concessions
and watercraft rentals, and they maintained their partnership with Gray Duck Water Rentals. He
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Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – September 23, 2025
3
said that paddle boat and paddle board rentals decreased, but other watercraft rentals decreased.
He reviewed concession improvements, including menu items and updated signage. He
summarized the payment process and the benefits of the Square Reader card reader. He stated
that they had low turnout for the paddleboard yoga classes, but they want to continue with the
partnership to allow time to get the word out. He commented that they would be numbering the
lottery canoe and kayaks to make sure the heavier watercrafts stay at the bottom. He reviewed
the concession stand pricing and said he would look at surrounding cities to make sure the
pricing is appropriate. He thanked the concession stand manager for all his work.
Commissioner Scheppmann asked if they offer yoga in the park, or if it is just a paddleboard
option. Mr. Kegley responded that it was only a paddleboard, but he could look into other
options.
Commissioner Scheppmann said that the watercraft rentals were trending down. Mr. Kegley said
they could get to the above point, so they are not just breaking even if they continue to advertise
the watercraft rentals.
Mr. Ruegemer responded that there was a large increase in programming post-COVID. He also
said the costs for services and labor have increased, so he thought they could increase revenue.
Commissioner Scheppmann asked about signage for boat rentals and concessions in the park.
Mr. Kegley answered that there was room for additional signage.
Commissioner Nagel asked about the concession stand on the hill. Mr. Kegley responded that the
concession stand was for the associations.
Chair Leisen encouraged the need to increase awareness. He suggested introducing
paddleboarding so people can try it once, so they know how to do it.
Youth Commissioner Christenson said she would do the introduction to paddleboarding classes.
She suggested providing spaces for people to rent for their personal watercraft rentals. Mr.
Kegley answered that they had a 24-spot lottery system for people to use, and 34 people signed
up last year. They can look to expand this option.
Commissioner Nashawaty suggested advertising the paddleboard yoga at the recreation center.
Commissioner Swanson asked if concession sales have dipped because they do not have
lifeguards after 2024.
Mr. Ruegemer stated that they received initial concerns when they did not have lifeguards, but
they did not receive a lot of comments.
2. Recreation Center Quarterly Report
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Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – September 23, 2025
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Jodi Sarles, Rec Center Manager, reviewed the new equipment purchases for the recreation
center. She said they had plenty of facility usage for Chanhassen events and rentals. She said
they started the Dance for Fun Season. She said they hosted sports programs and were hosting
Girls Flag Football and an All-Star Day Off. Kid’s Night will be hosted in November. They
hosted successful e-bike rides. She reviewed the different events at community day. She
reviewed the Barnyard Boogie event. She stated that they had ten colorful bones in Chanhassen.
She said that the Halloween Costume Swap and Artisan Fair was coming up. She stated that
Puzzle Palooza was coming in November.
Chair Leisen asked if they got a lot of questions about the new recreation center. Ms. Sarles
answered that people were excited. She said there was an information station in the lobby of the
recreation center, which included information and the Mayor’s letters.
Commissioner Swanson said that the Barnyard Boogie was the same night as the Bluff Creek
Birthday, which made the parking difficult. Ms. Sarles said that they would work with Bluff
Creek School to talk about future events and coordinate.
Commissioner Scheppmann asked about the sign-up for Girls’ Flag Football. Ms. Sarles said the
sign-up was not as strong as they were hoping, but they were hoping to do some small leagues
indoors in the winter.
Commissioner Scheppmann asked if the ages were included in the flyer. Ms. Sarles answered
that she would make sure the ages were added.
3. Halloween Party Preview
Priya Wall, Recreation Manager, reviewed the Halloween Party event. She thanked South Lake
Legacy Insurance for their title partnership for the event. She said they had a large attendance
after COVID, but the numbers have lowered slightly. She said the volunteers help with the event.
She stated that they would have a sensory safe room this year, which would be staffed by an
occupational therapist. She reviewed the different advertising options for the event.
Commissioner Fulkerson expressed gratitude for the sensory safe room.
Chair Leisen asked if they wanted more pre-registration. Ms. Wall said she would like to see pre-
registration, but they do not offer refunds for the larger events.
Chair Leisen said it was great to hear that South Lake Legacy Insurance wanted to come back to
sponsor the event and wanted to make sure they received a good highlight.
4. Park Maintenance Quarterly Report
Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director, said that they were starting fall fertilization and
cleaning up the fields for the fall. He stated that they would be buying a roller to improve the
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Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – September 23, 2025
5
playing surfaces of the athletic fields. He said they were starting to go through the irrigation
systems to winterize them. He stated that they worked on the dugouts and provided storage sheds
to help with the efficiency of the Chanhassen Athletic Association. He discussed trail
maintenance in the winter to provide safe passage for the users. He discussed the new
playground equipment at Carver Beach Park. He discussed the snow removal around the new
Chanhassen Civic Campus. He said that the new Holiday Tree would be planted soon, and they
had a specific area it had to be planted to avoid the Fiber Optics. He commented that they had a
great summer park maintenance crew.
Commissioner Fulkerson voiced appreciation for the sign painting at a park.
Chair Leisen asked about the robot painting lines. Mr. Ruegemer said it was fully operational.
5. Senior Center Quarterly Report
Jodi Sarles, Rec Center Management, discussed the excitement for the senior center to move to
the new location. She discussed programming for seniors on October 6-10. She reviewed the
summer programs at the senior center and noted that they slow down. She discussed the different
events, such as tours, an Elvis-infused performance, coffee, cops, and cones, and games and
gathering groups. She reviewed attendance for the summer events. She said there were two open
houses for the Civic Campus, including one specifically for the senior center.
COMMISSION MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS: None.
COMMISSION MEMBER PRESENTATIONS: None.
ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS: None.
ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Swanson moved, Commissioner Nashawaty 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 7:18 p.m.
Submitted by Jerry Ruegemer
Park and Recreation Director
8
Park & Recreation Commission Item
October 28, 2025
Item 2025-2026 Ice Skating Rink Location Recommendations
Item No:G.1
Agenda Section GENERAL BUSINESS
Prepared By Luke Kegley, Recreation Supervisor
SUGGESTED ACTION
The Park and Recreation Commission approves the following ice skating rink locations and warming
house hours be maintained for the 2025-2026 season.
SUMMARY
For the 2025–2026 skating season, staff recommends flooding nine ice rinks at five locations and
staffing three warming houses. This is a reduction from the 2024–2025 season, which included eleven
ice rinks at six locations and four staffed warming houses. The change is due to Phase 2 of construction
at the Civic Campus.
This two-rink reduction includes one family rink and one hockey rink. The reduction is temporary, as
the new family rink at City Center Park is expected to open for the 2026–2027 skating season and will
be located over the green space north of the Performance Pavilion. The hockey rink will not be
replaced, resulting in a temporary decrease in the number of hockey rinks from 2025 through 2028,
prior to the opening of the Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center, where youth hockey associations will
have the opportunity to rent ice time on full refrigerated rinks.
While staff will not staff or maintain the warming houses at Roundhouse Park and Pioneer Pass Park
this season, we believe it remains beneficial to flood and maintain family rinks at both parks to support
community recreation and outdoor activity opportunities.
Locations
9
Bandimere Park
1 - Family Rink
1 - Hockey Rink
Chanhassen Rec Center
1 - Family Rink
2 - Hockey Rinks
North Lotus
1 - Family Rink
1 - Hockey Rink
Pioneer Pass Park
1 - Family Rink *no warming house
Roundhouse Park
1 - Family Rink *no warming house
Warming House Hours
City Center Park , Chanhassen Rec Center, North Lotus Park, and Bandimere Park
Weekdays 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturdays 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sundays 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
No School Days 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
December 24 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
10
December 25 Closed
December 31 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
January 1 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
BACKGROUND
2024-2025 Recorded Participants
Month December January February March Rink Totals
Bandimere Park 140 696 179 0 1,015
Chanhassen Recreation Center 433 1,405 581 0 2,419
City Center Park 125 596 213 0 934
North Lotus Lake Park 190 358 211 0 759
Totals 888 3,055 1,184 0 5,127
2024-2025
A total of 14 rink attendants were hired on a part-time/seasonal basis to staff the warming houses. Rink attendant
wages totaled $19,529.40 with a total of 1,396.25 hours worked.
Closures
Opened Friday, December 20
Closed Sunday, February 23
Open 59 days
Expenses: Amount:
Temporary and Seasonal Wages: $19,529.40
Warming House Rentals: $6,542.67
Rink Maintenance: $70,976.00
TOTAL: $97,048.07
DISCUSSION
11
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Park and Recreation Commission approve the following ice-skating rink
locations and warming house hours be maintained for the 2025-2026 season.
ATTACHMENTS
Ice Skating Rink History
12
Year Open Close
Days
Closed
Days
Open
Seasonal
Wages
Warming
House
Rentals
Maintenance
Cost Total Cost Cost/Day
1982-83 Dec. 17, 1982 Feb. 16, 1983 n/a 62
1983-84 Dec. 22, 1983 Feb. 21, 1984 n/a 62
1984-85 Dec. 25, 1984 Feb. 19, 1985 n/a 57
1985-86 Dec. 20, 1985 Feb. 18, 1986 n/a 61
1986-87 Dec. 18, 1986 Feb. 7, 1987 n/a 52
1987-88 Dec. 19, 1987 Feb. 15, 1988 n/a 59
1988-89 Dec. 9, 1988 March 8, 1989 n/a 90
1989-90 Dec. 16, 1989 Feb. 8, 1990 n/a 55
1990-91 Dec. 21, 1990 Feb. 2, 1991 n/a 44
1991-92 Dec. 21, 1991 Jan. 29, 1992 n/a 40
Ice Skating Rink History
13
Year Open Close
Days
Closed
Days
Open
Seasonal
Wages
Warming
House
Rentals
Maintenance
Cost Total Cost Cost/Day
1992-93 Dec. 19, 1992 Feb. 12, 1993 n/a 56
1993-94 Dec. 27, 1993 Feb. 18, 1994 n/a 54
1994-95 Dec. 16, 1994 Feb. 17, 1995 n/a 64
1995-95 Dec. 16, 1995 Feb. 19, 1996 n/a 66
1996-97 Dec. 23, 1996 Feb. 19, 1997 n/a 59
1997-98 Jan. 12, 1998 Feb. 9, 1998 n/a 29
1998-99 Dec. 26, 1998 Feb. 10, 1999 n/a 47 n/a n/a $18,212.27 $18,212.27 $387.50
1999-00 Dec. 23, 1999 Feb. 20, 2000 n/a 60 n/a n/a $27,914.63 $27,914.63 $465.24
2000-01 Dec. 15, 2000 March 6, 2001 n/a 82 $15,143.05 n/a $34,743.16 $49,886.21 $608.37
2001-02 Dec. 29, 2001 Feb. 13, 2002 n/a 47 $5,519.25 n/a $16,814.30 $22,333.55 $475.18
2002-03 Jan. 12, 2003 March 12, 2003 n/a 60 $11,534.90 n/a $23,409.47 $34,944.37 $582.41
14
Year Open Close
Days
Closed
Days
Open
Seasonal
Wages
Warming
House
Rentals
Maintenance
Cost Total Cost Cost/Day
2003-04 Jan. 1, 2004 Feb. 19, 2004 n/a 50 n/a n/a $18,382.01 $18,382.01 $367.64
2004-05 Dec. 24, 2004 Feb. 14, 2005 n/a 53 $6,333.13 n/a $22,818.55 $29,151.68 $550.03
2005-06 Dec. 16, 2005 Feb. 27, 2006 18 54 $10,572.64 $2,797.77 $32,501.45 $45,871.86 $849.48
2006-07 Jan. 15, 2007 Feb. 22, 2007 5 34 $6,325.33 $2,390.52 $26,109.76 $34,825.61 $1,024.28
2007-08 Dec. 14, 2007 March 11, 2008 7 83 $15,422.69 $3,283.41 $40,461.09 $59,167.19 $712.86
2008-09 Dec. 18, 2008 March 2, 2009 12 62 $12,818.75 $1,685.22 $39,710.38 $54,214.35 $874.43
2009-10 Dec. 18, 2009 Feb. 28, 2010 5 67 $11,842.63 $2,840.57 $38,359.02 $53,042.22 $791.67
2010-11 Dec. 17, 2010 Feb. 21, 2011 17 50 $8,963.94 $2,991.07 $32,256.99 $44,212.00 $884.24
2011-12 Dec. 24, 2011 Feb. 15, 2012 27 28 $5,015.88 $3,028.76 $12,092.00 $20,136.64 $719.17
2012-13 Dec. 24, 2012 Feb. 28, 2013 8 59 $9,843.69 $2,897.75 $32,113.76 $44,855.20 $760.26
2013-14 Dec. 13, 2013 Feb. 20, 2014 8 60 $11,394.56 $3,461.78 $30,420.03 $45,276.37 $754.61
15
Year Open Close
Days
Closed
Days
Open
Seasonal
Wages
Warming
House
Rentals
Maintenance
Cost Total Cost Cost/Day
2014-15 Jan. 1, 2015 March 3, 2015 5 62 $9,900.00 $3,526.00 $29,212.86 $42,638.86 $687.72
2015-16 Jan. 6, 2016 Feb. 19, 2016 4 40 $8,053.75 $3,452.00 $19,076.56 $30,592.31 $764.81
2016-17 Dec. 20, 2015 Feb. 13 2017 8 47 $11,624.51 $5,358.00 $13,449.58 $30,432.08 $647.49
2017-18 Dec. 22, 2017 Mar. 1, 2018 9 61 $17,904.88 $6,019.45 $19,118.00 $43,043.33 $705.61
2018-19 Dec. 14, 2018 Mar. 9, 2019 19 67 $19,203.50 $8,557.78 $18,087.50 $45,848.78 $684.21
2019-20 Dec. 17, 2019 Feb. 22, 2020 6 62 $19,719.69 $6,060.88 $18,000.72 $43,781.29 $706.15
2020-21 Jan. 11, 2021 Mar. 1, 2021 5 45 $1,135.03 $0.00 $9,335.20 $10,470.23 $232.67
2021-22 Dec. 30, 2021 Feb. 28, 2022 4 58 $16,676.13 $5,760.00 $22,921.36 $45,357.49 $782.03
2022-23 Dec. 27, 2022 Feb. 21, 2023 7 50 $17,065.56 $6,321.00 $13,862.85 $37,249.41 $744.99
2023-24 Jan. 17, 2024 Jan. 26, 2024 0 9 $2,278.51 $1,890.00 $6,908.99 $11,077.50 $1,230.83
2024-25 Dec. 20, 2024 Feb. 24, 2025 6 59 $19,529.40 $6,542.67 $70,976.00 $97,048.07 $1,644.88
16
Park & Recreation Commission Item
October 28, 2025
Item 2025 Picnic Season Evaluation
Item No:G.2
Agenda Section GENERAL BUSINESS
Prepared By Luke Kegley, Recreation Supervisor
SUGGESTED ACTION
SUMMARY
The 2025 picnic reservation season was another success, with a total of 145 bookings across our
facilities. Picnic sites hosted a wide variety of events, including graduation parties, birthday
celebrations, quilt club gatherings, memorials, and more.
This season, Klingelhutz Pavilion at Lake Ann led with 59 reservations, followed by Lakeside Pavilion
at Lake Ann with 47 reservations, and the Picnic Shelter at Lake Susan with 39 reservations.
Collectively, these bookings generated $17,317.19 in revenue. In addition to formal reservations, many
groups utilize the picnic sites on a weekly basis without making advance bookings. It is encouraging to
see the community actively engaging with these facilities for programs, special events, camps, and
casual gatherings.
Online reservations continued to be the most popular method for booking, with 111 requests submitted
through the ActiveNet portal, accounting for approximately 76% of all reservations. Additional
reservation methods included 9 phone requests, 21 email requests, and 4 in-person requests, reflecting a
clear community preference for the convenience of online booking.
Following each picnic, staff distributes evaluation forms via email within one week to gather feedback
from park users. Responses received indicate a high level of satisfaction, with many positive comments
regarding facility processes, fees, and staff service. All feedback is carefully reviewed, and staff
collaborates to address any concerns or suggestions raised by users.
To ensure adequate parking and accessibility, the Lakeside and Klingelhutz Pavilions are not scheduled
during June and July when large athletic tournaments take place at Lake Ann Park. These events, while
placing additional demands on the park’s infrastructure, bring significant benefits to the community and
17
support local businesses. Similarly, the Lake Susan Park Picnic Shelter remains unscheduled on
Sundays when Adult Liga Latina De Beisbol games occur. Staff is always available to assist with
rescheduling due to weather, though many groups plan for rainout dates in advance.
Overall, the 2025 picnic reservation season was highly successful, with most guests reporting positive
experiences. Staff values the commission’s input and welcomes suggestions for enhancing procedures
and facilities, ensuring that visitors continue to enjoy their time at our parks and look forward to
returning.
BACKGROUND
DISCUSSION
RECOMMENDATION
ATTACHMENTS
2025 Picnic Reservation Survey Results
2025 Picnic Shelters Report
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2025 Picnic Reservation Survey Results
Key Findings:
Overall, customer feedback indicates a high level of satisfaction
with our facilities, the pavilion reservation process, and
associated fees. A total of 28 survey responses were collected
this season, with surveys sent via email approximately one week
after each reservation. Reminders were also sent mid-season
and at the end of the season to encourage additional feedback.
Suggestions for improvement included offering shorter
reservation time windows at a lower price, as some customers
felt current fees were too high unless they were using the
pavilion for the entire day.
Common concerns among respondents involved public restroom
facilities needing updates and debris from birds and insects
impacting pavilion areas.
Lakeside Pavilion
Klingelhutz PavilionLake Susan Picnic Shelter
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
The City of Chanhassen offers 23 picnic shelters, including three rentable shelters located in community parks
and 20 neighborhood shelters available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Lakeside Pavilion and Klingelhutz
Pavilion are situated at Lake Ann Park, while the Lake Susan Picnic Shelter is located at Lake Susan Park. Both
community and neighborhood shelters serve as venues for city programs and special events.
RE
N
T
A
L
R
E
V
E
N
U
E
Klingelhutz Pavilion - 59
Lakeside Pavilion - 47 Lake Susan Pavilion - 39
2025 Pavilion Reservations
145 Total Reservations
0
$5,000
$10,000
$15,000
$20,000
2015
$17,317
$15,200
$16,600 $16,400
$3,080
$15,445
$19,357
$15,200
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
$19,456
2024
$16,335
2025
$18,161
at a glance
2025SEASON
145 RENTALS
This season, the Klingelhutz Pavilion at Lake Ann led
with 59 reservations, followed by the Lakeside Pavilion
at Lake Ann with 47 reservations and the Picnic Shelter
at Lake Susan with 39 reservations.
$17,317.19
PICNIC SHELTERS
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Park & Recreation Commission Item
October 28, 2025
Item Establish 2026 Picnic Reservation Fees
Item No:G.3
Agenda Section GENERAL BUSINESS
Prepared By Luke Kegley, Recreation Supervisor
SUGGESTED ACTION
The Park and Recreation Commission recommends that the City Council approve the 2026 picnic
reservation fees for group picnics.
Approval requires a simple majority vote of members present.
SUMMARY
BACKGROUND
Each year, the Park and Recreation Commission reviews various aspects of group picnic reservations,
including total revenue, reservation methods, event types, and other related factors.
In previous years, a large group fee was introduced for gatherings of 100 or more to help cover the
additional costs associated with hosting larger groups. This fee has been well-received without any
opposition and should remain in place. A comparison of reservation fees with nearby communities
shows that Chanhassen's rates are competitive, and most customers consider the fees to be fair and
reasonable.
While some customers have expressed interest in hourly or half-day rentals, our current staffing
capacity does not allow for the quick turnaround needed to accommodate multiple reservations in a
single day. Therefore, we recommend continuing with the existing full-day rental rates.
The City of Chanhassen's picnic reservation fees were last increased in 2020, and staff recommends not
increasing the group picnic reservation fees for 2026.
DISCUSSION
29
RECOMMENDATION
The Park and Recreation Commission recommends that the City Council approve the 2026 picnic
reservation fees for group picnics.
ATTACHMENTS
2025 Picnic Reservation Fee Question Survey Results
2026 Chanhassen Picnic Information.pdf
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2025 Picnic Reservation Survey
Fee Question Results
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CHANHASSEN PICNIC INFORMATION
City of Chanhassen, 7700 Market Blvd., P.O. Box 147,
Chanhassen, MN 55317
952-227-1421
LAKE SUSAN PARK SHELTER
• Available April 20-October 2
• Accommodates 50-200
• Group receives exclusive use of the shelter area. All other park facilities are subject to use by the general
public.
Amenities
25’ x 45’ covered shelter has lights, electrical outlet, water spigot, bathrooms, picnic tables, trash receptacles, play
area, sand volleyball court, ball field, basketball court, tennis courts, fishing pier and boat access.
LAKE ANN PARK LAKESIDE PAVILION
• Available April 20-October 2
• Accommodates 25-175
• Group receives exclusive use of the shelter area. All other park facilities are subject to use by the general
public.
Amenities
40’ x 40’ covered shelter has lights, electrical outlets, access to water, bathrooms, ball fields, play areas, grills, trash
receptacles, swimming beach, boat access, fishing pier, boat rentals, concessions, tennis court, and birds eye view of
Lake Ann.
AL KLINGELHUTZ MEMORIAL PAVILION
• Available April 20-October 2
• Accommodates 100-400
• Group receives exclusive use of the shelter area. All other park facilities are subject to use by the general
public.
Amenities
50’ x 100’ covered shelter with lights, electricity, picnic tables, grills, trash receptacles, portable restrooms, water
spigot, ball fields, play areas, swimming beach, fishing pier, boat access, boat rentals, concessions, and tennis court.
Group Reservation Rates (Including Tax)
Group Type Monday - Thursday Friday - Sunday
Resident - groups less than 100 $125.00 $150.00
Resident - groups of 100 or more $175.00 $225.00
Non-Resident - groups less than 100 $225.00 $275.00
Non-Resident - groups of 100 or more $325.00 $375.00
School Districts 112 & 276 $45.00 $50.00
All other school districts $100.00 $150.00
Non-Profit/Senior Group Discount 25% 25%
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Park & Recreation Commission Item
October 28, 2025
Item Halloween Party Evaluation
Item No:H.1
Agenda Section REPORTS
Prepared By Priya Wall, Recreation Manager
SUGGESTED ACTION
SUMMARY
Staff will provide a review and evaluation of the 2025 Halloween party.
The 41st annual Halloween Party will be held Saturday, October 25 at the Chanhassen Recreation
Center from 5:30-7:30pm. The Halloween party is open to kids ages 12 & under and includes trick-or-
treating, carnival games, snacks, crafts, and more. Typically, around 400 kids attend the Halloween
party, with approximately 800 attendees total including family members.
Special thanks to local Chanhassen business South Lake Agency Insurance for sponsoring this year's
event!
BACKGROUND
DISCUSSION
Trick-or-Treating
Student volunteers and local businesses will provide trick-or-treating for registrants. This will be the
sixth year sponsors have attended the Halloween Party, and 16 fantastic area businesses have
volunteered to help. This is fun for both the kids and parents and adds a nice community feel as well.
Carnival Games
The Bluff Creek Elementary School gym will be used for the carnival games, which are always very
popular. The games will be staffed by student volunteers.
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Hayrides
Hayrides will be contracted and provided to participants. This event component is very popular,
especially with younger children.
Snacks
Cookies and beverage refreshments will be provided for participants. Fruit snacks will be provided as
an allergen-friendly option for participants and are always well-received.
Crafts
This will be the fifth year crafts will be provided at the event.
Spooky Room
Community Room #1 will be transformed into a spooky, dark cemetery room. The room is a great
feature for some of the older children to enjoy and provides variety for participants. The room is
designed with all children in mind, to not truly scare any participant. Special thanks to our Park
Maintenance team for their help and dedication to setting up this room.
Inflatable Obstacle Course
An large, inflatable obstacle course will replace the live magic show at this year's event. The change
addresses a goal from last year to keep the event entertainment fresh and engaging for repeat
participants, as well as provide more entertainment for older attendees.
Sensory Safe Spot
Through a partnership with Reach for Resources, a calm, quiet room for children with sensory needs
will be provided and will include an occupational therapist staff member, calming visuals, fidgets,
sensory bins, noise reduction items and more.
Title Sponsor
Local Chanhassen business South Lake Agency Inc. will return as this year's title sponsor. South Lake
Agency has generously donated $1,500 towards event costs, will provide trick-or-treating, and will run
two photo booths for event participants.
Volunteers
We have over 95 tremendous volunteers currently registered from the community. Special thanks to the
Chanhassen, Chaska, and Eden Prairie Key Clubs, and the Chanhassen National Honor Society for
assisting with all aspects of the event. We could not hold this event without the support of our local
volunteer organizations.
Post-Event Survey
2025 will be the third year a post-event survey was conducted. The survey will be sent to all parents &
guardians who pre-registered online and will be advertised at the event. The purpose of the survey is to
provide information staff can use to improve future events and to provide insight into marketing and
how attendees are hearing about our events. Staff will provide an analysis of this year's survey results.
General Comments
Staff will provide an update on general comments at the 10/28 meeting.
Special thanks to our business sponsors who will help support this year's event:
South Lake Agency, Inc.
The Mustard Seed Landscaping & Garden Center
Mathnasium of Chanhassen West
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New Horizon Academy
Kiddie Academy of Chanhassen
Chanhassen Chiropractic
Chick-fil-A Chanhassen & Eden Prairie
GVT Tire & Auto - Chanhassen
Sora Therapy
Traci Preciado, Engel & Volkers Real Estate
Automotive Unlimited
Americana Community Bank
SunnyDays Therapy
Best Brains Eden Prairie
Backed Chiropractic
Park Nicollet Clinic
RECOMMENDATION
ATTACHMENTS
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