11-25-2025 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: October 28, 2025
G.GENERAL BUSINESS
G.1 Lake Ann Park Preserve Update
G.2 Presentation of How Social Media Works To Promote the Park and Recreation Department
H.REPORTS
H.1 Tree Lighting Ceremony & Holiday Events Preview
I.COMMISSION MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS
J.COMMISSION MEMBER PRESENTATIONS
AGENDA
CHANHASSEN PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2025
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 7700 MARKET BOULEVARD
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K.ADMINISTRATIVE PACKET
L.ADJOURNMENT
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Park & Recreation Commission Item
November 25, 2025
Item Meeting Minutes: October 28, 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 October 28, 2025.
SUMMARY
BACKGROUND
DISCUSSION
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the Park & Recreation Commission meeting minutes dated October 28, 2025.
ATTACHMENTS
October 28, 2025 Park and Recreation Commission Minutes
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CHANHASSEN PARK AND
RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 28, 2025
Vice Chair Morgan called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Kristin Fulkerson; Sean Morgan; Emily Nagel; Kurt Scheppmann;
Nora Nashawaty; and Clara Christenson, youth.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Rob Swanson and Mike Leisen.
STAFF PRESENT: Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director; Wall, Recreation Manager;
Luke Kegley, Recreation Supervisor.
PUBLIC PRESENT: None.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Commissioner Nagel moved, Commissioner Fulkerson
seconded to approve the agenda as presented. All voted in favor and the motion carried
unanimously with a vote of 6 to 0.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Jerry Ruegemer, Parks and Recreation Director, invited members of the Park & Recreation
Commission to the City Hall Open House on November 1, 2025. Commissioner Nashawaty
asked if there was an advertising post to share. Mr. Ruegemer answered that there was a social
media post to share.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS: None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1. Approve Park & Recreation Minutes dated September 23, 2025
Commissioner Scheppmann moved, Commissioner Nashawaty seconded to approve the
minutes of the Park and Recreation Commission meeting dated September 23, 2025 as
presented. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 6 to 0.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
1. 2025-2026 Ice Skating Rink Recommendation
Luke Kegley, Recreation Supervisor, presented the staff recommendation for Ice-Skating Rink
locations and Warming House hours for the 2025–2026 season.
Commissioner Nashawaty noted that last season was shorter due to weather and asked if costs
would change. Mr. Kegley said costs would be adjusted daily.
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Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – October 28, 2025
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Commissioner Nagel confirmed there would be no warming house at City Center Park.
Commissioner Scheppmann asked about increased maintenance costs and if they would stay
similar. Mr. Kegley said they would.
Mr. Ruegemer added that while tracked costs remain consistent, water and labor expenses rise
during longer seasons.
Commissioner Nagel asked if QR codes are used to track attendance at unstaffed rinks. Mr.
Kegley said they could implement them.
Commissioner Morgan asked if outdoor hockey rinks are scheduled. Mr. Kegley said two youth
hockey associations have permits and scheduled times.
Youth Commissioner Christenson asked if reserved hours are posted online. Mr. Kegley said
additional signage would be added at the facilities.
Commissioner Fulkerson moved, Commissioner Nagel seconded to approve the Park and
Recreation Commission Staff’s recommendation to the City Council to approve the Ice-
Skating Locations and Warming House hours as detailed in the staff report. All voted in
favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 6 to 0.
2. 2025 Picnic Season Evaluation
Mr. Kegley reviewed the 2025 picnic reservations at various parks in Chanhassen.
Youth Commissioner Christenson asked if signage would be expanded to clarify reservations.
Mr. Kegley said picnic reservation boards display reservations, but he would consider adding
more signage.
Commissioner Scheppmann asked about restroom upgrades. Mr. Ruegemer said the restrooms
have been repaired but not fully replaced, and staff are aware of their condition.
Commissioner Nashawaty asked if pre-rental packets include guidance on handling shared-use
requests. Mr. Kegley said renters should use their permits to confirm reservations. He added that
restrooms are cleaned before each rental, but weekend cleaning is done daily during the picnic
season.
Commissioner Fulkerson asked if groups can schedule online. Mr. Kegley said they can, though
it requires additional steps.
3. Establish 2026 Picnic Reservation Fees
Mr. Kegley summarized the 2026 picnic reservation fees for group picnics.
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Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – October 28, 2025
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Commissioner Nashawaty asked about offering half-day reservations. Ms. Wall said staff
considered it in 2023 but found most picnics ran from late morning through evening, limiting
additional bookings. She said they would continue to review the option.
Commissioner Nagel asked if rentable pavilions are planned. Mr. Ruegemer said they hope to
include rentable space in the Civic Campus.
Commissioner Nashawaty asked what percentage of weekend days went unrented. Ms. Wall said
most were booked except during tournaments.
Youth Commissioner Christenson asked how often groups couldn’t find a date. Mr. Ruegemer
said most requests occur during graduation season, when capacity is limited.
Commissioner Nashawaty moved, Commissioner Scheppmann seconded to approve the
Park and Recreation Commission Staff’s recommendation to the City Council to approve
the 2026 picnic reservation fees for group picnics. All voted in favor and the motion
carried unanimously with a vote of 6 to 0.
OLD BUSINESS: None.
REPORTS:
1. Halloween Party Evaluation
Ms. Wall gave an overview of the Halloween Party.
Commissioner Nagel suggested extending the event time to reduce crowding.
Commissioner Nashawaty asked about pre-registrations versus day-of registrations. Ms. Wall
said most are day-of, which is typical. Staff considered an early registration discount but did not
move forward with it.
COMMISSION MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS: None.
COMMISSION MEMBER PRESENTATIONS: None.
ADMINISTRATIVE PACKET None.
ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Scheppmann moved, Commissioner Fulkerson seconded to adjourn the
meeting. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 6 to 0. The
Park and Recreation Commission meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
Submitted by Jerry Ruegemer
Park and Recreation Director
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Park & Recreation Commission Item
November 25, 2025
Item Lake Ann Park Preserve Update
Item No:G.1
Agenda Section GENERAL BUSINESS
Prepared By Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director
SUGGESTED ACTION
Update
SUMMARY
Staff will provide a Lake Ann Park Preserve project update now that the Phase I and II reports have
been submitted and reviewed by the State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO). A project timeline
will be shared as to how the project will advance.
BACKGROUND
DISCUSSION
RECOMMENDATION
ATTACHMENTS
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Park & Recreation Commission Item
November 25, 2025
Item Presentation of How Social Media Works To Promote the Park and
Recreation Department
Item No:G.2
Agenda Section GENERAL BUSINESS
Prepared By Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director
SUGGESTED ACTION
Update
SUMMARY
The Park and Recreation Commission has expressed interest in learning more about how the city
develops and tracks our social media platforms when creating exciting content for recreation programs,
community events, facilities, etc. Staff is excited to inform you that Drew Zoromski, the City's Digital
Communication Specialist, will give a presentation related to our park and recreation department's
approach to social media.
BACKGROUND
DISCUSSION
RECOMMENDATION
ATTACHMENTS
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Park & Recreation Commission Item
November 25, 2025
Item Tree Lighting Ceremony & Holiday Events Preview
Item No:H.1
Agenda Section REPORTS
Prepared By Priya Wall, Recreation Manager
SUGGESTED ACTION
SUMMARY
Each year, the City of Chanhassen hosts a variety of holiday events throughout the season, including the
Holiday Market (formerly Holiday Boutique), Tree Lighting Ceremony, Tour of Lights, and
Gingerbread House Decorating Contest. More information on holiday programs can be found on the
City's website at chanhassenmn.gov/holiday.
Santa's Workshop & Letters to Santa Mailbox: November 27-December 24
The Santa's Workshop house, along with a 'letters to Santa' mailbox, will be present at the Chanhassen
Recreation Center from November 27 through December 24. Santa's Workshop is a popular photo
location for families, and the mailbox is a popular drop-off spot for kids' letters to Santa Claus
throughout the holiday season. Santa's workshop and mailbox is typically set up at City Center Park, but
will be located at the Rec Center this year due to Civic Campus Project construction.
Gingerbread House Decorating Contest: December 2-4
The all-ages gingerbread house decorating contest will be accepting submissions from Tuesday,
December 2 - Thursday, December 4. Submissions cost $5 per entry and prizes will be awarded for the
most difficult and most creative houses. All gingerbread houses will be displayed at the December 6
Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Holiday Market: December 6
Taking place at the Chanhassen Recreation Center from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 6, the
Holiday Market (formerly named the Holiday Boutique) features a variety of commercial and
handcrafted arts & crafts, jewelry, collectibles, food items, home decor, toys, and trinkets available for
purchase. This free event is a great time to find unique and special gifts for the holidays, as well as
support local artisans and businesses. All attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item
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or donation to Bountiful Basket Food Shelf.
Tree Lighting Ceremony: December 6
This year's annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held on Saturday, December 6 at 5:00 p.m. at the
Chanhassen Recreation Center. Due to Civic Campus Project construction, the event will be temporarily
hosted at the Rec Center, moving back to the new Civic Campus space in 2026. The holiday light
display will also be moved to the Rec Center, and trees around the building and the hockey rink area
will be decorated with holiday lights. The display will remain lit at night through mid-January.
The Tree Lighting event will run for approximately one hour with the park holiday lights being lit
around 5:10 p.m. The event is free and open to all ages. Activities included in this year's event are
refreshments, bonfires, s'mores, caroling, gingerbread house displays, live reindeer, and a visit from
Santa Claus. If able, attendees are encouraged to bring a food item or cash donation to support the
Bountiful Basket Food Shelf in Chaska.
This annual event is expected to draw 300-500 attendees. Special thanks to BuyChanhassen, the
SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce, The Mustard Seed Landscaping and Garden Center, and
SouthWest Transit for sponsoring this event. Also, thanks to our Park Maintenance department for
stringing the multitude of holiday lights that will decorate City Center Park throughout the season!
Tour of Lights: December 6-31
For the sixth year, residents of Chanhassen will be able to register their home holiday light displays to
help create a beautiful driving tour of residential holiday lights throughout our city. The tour will last
December 6-31, with displays being lit from 5-9 p.m. An interactive map will be available on the
website beginning December 6 of the home light displays, and the community can use the map to
design a personalized driving tour of the displays. Registration is free, and each home that registers will
be entered to win a holiday prize pack.
Toys for Tots and Food Collections
The Chanhassen Fire Department will again be collecting new toys for Toys for Tots. Drop-offs will be
available November 17 through December 12 at the Chanhassen Fire Station, City Hall, and Recreation
Center. Additionally, City Hall will be collecting food donations for PROP in Eden Prairie and
Bountiful Basket in Chaska through the holiday season.
BACKGROUND
DISCUSSION
RECOMMENDATION
ATTACHMENTS
December 6 Holiday Events
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ChanhassenMN.gov/Holiday
If you are able, please bring a non-perishable food item or cash donation
to these events to help support Bountiful Basket Food Shelf. Visit
bountifulbasketfoodshelf.org for a list of Bountiful Basket’s current needs.
CHANHASSEN RECREATION CENTER
Shop local artists and businesses
for your holiday gift needs! Vendors
feature crafts, jewelry, collectibles,
food items, home décor, toys, trinkets
and more.
10 AM-2 PM | FREE
HOLIDAY EVENTS
Saturday, December 6
Enjoy bonfires, treats, s’mores,
carolers, live reindeer, a
special visit from Santa
and the annual lighting of
Chanhassen’s holiday lights!
5 PM | FREE
952.445.6555
Holiday Market
Tree Lighting Ceremony
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