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12-09-2025 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: November 25, 2025 G.GENERAL BUSINESS G.1 Park Maintenance Quarterly Update G.2 2025 Year in Review Presentation H.REPORTS H.1 Senior Center Quarterly Report H.2 Recreation Center Quarterly Report H.3 Tree Lighting Ceremony Review AGENDA CHANHASSEN PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2025 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 7700 MARKET BOULEVARD 1 I.COMMISSION MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS J.COMMISSION MEMBER PRESENTATIONS K.ADMINISTRATIVE PACKET L.ADJOURNMENT 2 Park & Recreation Commission Item December 9, 2025 Item Meeting Minutes: November 25, 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 November 25, 2025. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DISCUSSION RECOMMENDATION Approve the Park & Recreation Commission meeting minutes dated November 25, 2025. ATTACHMENTS Park & Recreation Commission Minutes dated November 25, 2025 3 CHANHASSEN PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES NOVEMBER 25, 2025 Chair Leisen called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Rob Swanson; Kristin Fulkerson; Michael Leisen; Sean Morgan; Emily Nagel; Kurt Scheppmann; Nora Nashawaty; and Clara Christenson, youth. MEMBERS ABSENT: None. STAFF PRESENT: Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director; Priya Wall, Recreation Manager; Drew Zoromski, Digital Communication Specialist; and Patrick Gavin, Communications Manager. PUBLIC PRESENT: None. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Commissioner Swanson 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: None. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS: None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1. Approve Park & Recreation Minutes dated October 28, 2025 Commissioner Scheppmann asked about the rink maintenance cost. Ms. Wall answered that they could provide more insight at the next meeting. She said the maintenance that was already completed at the rinks was now captured in the budget. She stated that Cartegraph helped them quantify the time used, so the total cost showed an increase. She said that the current year was the most accurate number, but they will look for a comparison to see where the dollars were previously captured. Commissioner Fulkerson moved, Commissioner Scheppmann seconded to approve the minutes of the Park and Recreation Commission meeting dated October 28, 2025, 2025 as presented. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 8 to 0. GENERAL BUSINESS: 4 Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – November 25, 2025 2 1. Lake Ann Park Preserve Update This item was addressed after Item G.2. 2. Presentation of How Social Media Works to Promote the Park and Recreation Department Jerry Ruegemer, Parks and Recreation Director, introduced Drew Zoromski and Patrick Gavin to discuss social media promotion of the Park and Recreation Department. Drew Zoromski, Digital Communication Specialist, reviewed how social media pushed residents to the website for Park and Recreation activities. He summarized the statistics for the Park and Recreation social media page. He commented that when they boost a post for approximately $20, they garner 20,000 views. For the 4th of July, they received 47,000 views and spent $100 boosting the post. He provided a summary of the average views of videos on Instagram. He reviewed the age statistics for YouTube users and stated that he hopes to engage with parties who are not engaging on Instagram or Facebook. Commissioner Nashawaty stated that the videos get shared in Chanhassen Facebook groups. Mr. Zoromski said that the Instagram followers and views have trended up. Youth Commissioner Christenson asked if they had any new techniques. Mr. Zoromski answered that they were looking to get the Park and Recreation staff on video more often. Commissioner Swanson asked if, when they boost a post, there is a correlation in attendance at events. Priya Wall, Recreation Manager, answered that it was hard to tell, but they were trying to do surveys to ask where people see the event advertised. They do not get enough data. Mr. Zoromski said that social media was a top way to promote the events are promoted. Chair Leisen asked about the follower count for a city this size. Mr. Zoromski answered that they were on par, but he would have to look for more information. Chair Leisen asked if they could give event sponsors publicity. Mr. Zoromski responded that all the social media posts include the sponsor’s logos, but they can consider more ways to promote. Youth Commissioner Christenson suggested adding QR codes for the social media pages at events. 1. Lake Ann Park Preserve Update 5 Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – November 25, 2025 3 Mr. Ruegemer provided a project update for Lake Ann Park Preserve now that Phase I and II reports have been submitted and reviewed by the State Historical Preservation Office. He reviewed a project timeline to explain how the project will advance moving forward. Chair Leisen asked about a timeline to hear back from the State Historical Preservation Office. Mr. Ruegemer answered that he hoped to hear back within a couple of weeks, but he could not provide a definitive timeline. Mr. Ruegemer said if they had favorable news on Site 21CRO188, they were hoping they could get it done with the next wave of projects. He stated that they had great bids for other projects, so they hoped they would see similar results for this project. He said that they may need to do a separate bid for Phase Three because of the tree-clearing window. Commissioner Nashawaty asked about the percentage of the proposed new grade. Mr. Ruegemer answered that the grade had to be under five percent. Chair Leisen asked about benches. Mr. Ruegemer responded that there were no budgeted plans for bench installation alongside the trail system. He said that they had requests for memorial benches within the park system, so he thought they could offer this area as an option. Commissioner Nagel asked about an interpretive sign or information on trails for artifacts found, and if there were additional funds in the budget. Mr. Ruegemer answered that the City Council would determine how any extra funds would be allocated. He said that there were often compromises in Phase Three. REPORTS: 1. Tree Lighting Ceremony & Holiday Events Preview Ms. Wall reviewed the variety of holiday events hosted by Chanhassen during December. These events include Santa’s Workshop and Letters to Santa Mailbox, Gingerbread House Decorating Contest, Holiday Market, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Tour of Lights, and Toys for Tots and Food Collections. Chair Leisen asked if they needed volunteers for any of the activities. Ms. Wall answered that she would send out an email to the Park and Recreation Commission with the Tree Lighting Ceremony. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS: Commissioner Morgan reviewed the strategic planning framework and how it would provide guidance for future conversation items. He discussed the opportunities to have small committees for specific items that interest Park and Recreation Commission members. He suggested starting 6 Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – November 25, 2025 4 with one or two committees focused on issues. He invited feedback on the overall concept and any specific committee issues, such as the Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center. Chair Leisen said he liked the idea of keeping the strategy packet alive. He invited Mr. Ruegemer to give some feedback. Mr. Ruegemer said that the Chanhassen Bluffs Community Center was in the infant stages, so there would not be a snapshot into it right now. He stated that the Park and Recreation Commission could discuss any feedback from residents. He said that they could look at best practices for the park maintenance division or community events. Commissioner Nashawaty asked if there was room for ideas at the new City Hall, such as how to get buy-in from the community or memorial bricks. COMMISSION MEMBER PRESENTATIONS: None. ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS: Mr. Ruegemer stated that the next meeting was moved up to December 9th due to the Holiday Season. He said that they would have a holiday celebration after the meeting. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Nagel moved, Commissioner Swanson seconded to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 8 to 0. The Park and Recreation Commission meeting was adjourned at 7:24 p.m. Submitted by Jerry Ruegemer Park and Recreation Director 7 Park & Recreation Commission Item December 9, 2025 Item Park Maintenance Quarterly Update Item No:G.1 Agenda Section GENERAL BUSINESS Prepared By Adam Beers, Park Superintendent SUGGESTED ACTION SUMMARY Facility Shutdown All rental facilities at Lake Ann and Lake Susan are now closed for the season. The water has been shut down and drained, all seasonal drinking fountains have been removed, and the buildings have been winterized. The recreational docks, fishing piers, and paddle boats have been removed and brought into the shop for annual maintenance and repairs. Trail Maintenance All trails were flail-mowed one last time in preparation for winter snowplowing. All high-priority tree work along trails has been completed to provide safe travel for plowing equipment. Staff will continue to move through the trail system throughout the winter, pruning sections that have become overgrown. Skating Rinks As weather conditions continue to improve, staff are ready to start making ice. Flooding will occur on a 24-hour rotating schedule until sufficient ice has been made and rinks are ready for use. Temporary warming houses are on standby for delivery when the season is ready to begin. 8 Staff update The park maintenance team has an open position. We received 41 applicants and are currently scheduling first-round interviews. On behalf of the park maintenance division, I would like to wish everyone a happy holidays! BACKGROUND DISCUSSION RECOMMENDATION ATTACHMENTS 9 Park & Recreation Commission Item December 9, 2025 Item 2025 Year in Review Presentation Item No:G.2 Agenda Section GENERAL BUSINESS Prepared By Priya Wall, Recreation Manager SUGGESTED ACTION SUMMARY Staff will present the 2025 Parks & Recreation Year in Review Slideshow. BACKGROUND DISCUSSION RECOMMENDATION ATTACHMENTS 10 Park & Recreation Commission Item December 9, 2025 Item Senior Center Quarterly Report Item No:H.1 Agenda Section REPORTS Prepared By Mary Blazanin, Senior Center Coordinator SUGGESTED ACTION SUMMARY Senior Center programs remained at the Recreation Center through the month of October as construction teams worked hard to complete the new Center at City Hall. The Senior Center officially opened its doors to the public at the new City Hall on November 1st with a Housewarming Celebration and Open House event. An estimated 150-170 community members and Senior Center patrons showed up for music, cake, coffee, and tours. We saw many new faces, along with familiar regular attenders. People were excited to see the space as well as to be able to start using it. During the first week of October, the Center recognized Active Aging Week with an initiative called Live Vibrantly: Explore, Engage, Thrive! Each day offered a program or event with this focus, including a lunch with the Mayor, Health and Wellness Resource Expo, and a Presentation on State Parks with Doug Ohman. Almost 300 people participated in the weeklong events, along with more than resource organizations at the Expo. Park and Rec staff cooked sausage and pancakes for 84 guests at the annual Veteran's and Friends Pancake Breakfast at the new Senior Center on November 6. It included a presentation on the Statue of Liberty by local historian David Jones. Mayor Ryan also took time to help serve and thank our veterans for their service. This event is generously sponsored by Chanhassen American Legion and its Auxiliary, who also set up, served and helped with clean up. Two other events of note include: Annual Octoberfest Luncheon, with polka band and traditional German meal which served 86 guests. 11 A Be Safe from Frauds and Scams presentation by Nicolet Bank and the MN Commerce Department, had 45 participants. The Annual Holiday Celebration Luncheon is scheduled for Friday, December 12, and is sponsored by Nicolet Bank and Landmark Tours. We typically serve 100-120 patrons at this fun event. Wrap up: Summary of October - December programs and participation: 3193 total patrons participated in Senior Center programs during October, November, and early December. This includes cumulative group gatherings and games, help and wellness services, day trips and special programs. 256 participants for special speakers and classes, including Mah Jongg 101, Medicare Updates, Driver Safety, SW Prime Info Session, and Chanhassen Historical Society presentations. 249 participants in five individual trips to local plays, music, and holiday shows 470 participants in special events and speaker programs 284 participants in Help and Wellness services such as caregiver support, vision loss support, Medicare help, Meals on Wheels, foot care, and tech help 1920 cumulative participation in weekly game and arts groups Each day we welcome new people into our new space, and the regular game groups are expanding and growing. We are seeing more walk in traffic, and more interest in participating and look forward to serving more 55+ patrons in 2026! To allow time to recoup, the Senior Center will be closed between Christmas Eve and New Years to prepare and plan for new creative programming and participation in 2026. BACKGROUND DISCUSSION RECOMMENDATION ATTACHMENTS Celebrate the Season 2025 12 Chanhassen’s 55+ community invites you to Annual Holiday Celebration Friday, December 12 | 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Chanhassen Recreation Center An Open Invitation to ages 55 and Forward! $15 residents/$17 nonresidents Celebrate the holiday season with great food, friendship, music and fun. Cost includes food and entertainment. Celebratethe Season Register at ChanhassenMN.gov/seniors or (952) 227-1424 Generously sponsored by Nicolet Bank and Landmark Tours S E NIO R C E NTERNE S SAHNAHCFOYTIC 13 Park & Recreation Commission Item December 9, 2025 Item Recreation Center Quarterly Report Item No:H.2 Agenda Section REPORTS Prepared By Jodi Sarles, Recreation Center Manager SUGGESTED ACTION SUMMARY FACILITY RENTALS The Recreation Center continues to be busy. From January through November, the Rec Center supported 6,872 hours of City of Chanhassen use and an additional 2,141 hours of community rentals. FACILITY UPDATES In November, the evening Open Gym sessions experienced behavioral incidents requiring intervention from the Carver County Sheriff’s Department. As a result, evening gym sessions (after 5 pm) were suspended for two weeks, and updated entry and capacity procedures were implemented. Current evening open gym capacity is set at 24 participants, with 10 spaces reserved for Chanhassen residents. RECREATION CENTER EVENTS The Artisan Fair was held on November 8 in the gymnasium, featuring 35 vendors across 44 tables. 14 Attendance was estimated at 900. Donations collected for PROP totaled 580 pounds of food and $313 in cash, marking 2025 as the largest year for contributions. Participant survey results are attached. Puzzlepalooza continues to be a well-attended community event. November’s competition featured 11 teams and 41 participants working on a “Parks and Recreation” themed puzzle. The Jigsaw Juggernauts claimed first place in under 40 minutes. Student volunteers from the Chanhassen and Chaska High School Key Clubs assisted with food service and event management. Holiday Market was on December 6. Forty-five tables registered to take part in this event. Food and cash donations were collected for Bountiful Basket Food Shelf. PROGRAM INFORMATION Dance for Fun Winter session began on December 1 with twenty-two classes and 136 dancers enrolled. The Winter Dance Showcase will be held on December 14 in the Rec Center Gymnasium, where dancers will share their progress with family and friends. Adult Fitness The Recreation Center offers a variety of fitness classes on a registration basis as well as a flexible drop-in option. Classes include Fit for Life, Tai Chi, Zumba, Line Dancing, Fusion, Gentle Flow Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, and Mat Pilates. In 2025, 265 people registered for full sessions of classes and an additional 1,182 participated on a drop-in basis. Personal Training The Chanhassen Community has kept our Personal Trainer, Juli, busy this year. In 2025, she sold a total of 265 1-hour sessions. Attached, you will find the survey results from participants. Rec Center Sports Small Fry Sports (ages 3-4) – Two hundred sixty-six children have participated in sessions of sports this year. 15 Lil’ Star Sports (ages 5-6) –Two hundred ten children have participated in sessions of sports this year. Upcoming sessions include sport sampler and basketball for both programs. All-Star Day Off – This new program offered a non-school full-day activity for kids. On October 16, ten youth participated. Upcoming activities include Kids Night on Fridays, December 12 and January 9, and a new season of Basketball starts in January. REC CENTER PUNCH CARD SALE The annual December Punch Card Sale is underway. Buy a 40-punch card and receive a 10-punch card free; this is a $35 value. UPCOMING EVENTS Royal Ball - Friday, January 30, at 5:30-7:30 pm at the Lions Park Pavilion in Victoria. Anna and Elsa have cordially requested your attendance at a Royal Ball where you will have an enchanted evening of fun, including crafts, a photo booth, food, music, and storytelling. Fit for Life Free Trial Class – Tuesday, February 10, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Superhero Party – Saturday, February 25, 3:00-4:30 p.m. at Victoria Recreation Center. Come dressed as your favorite superhero. There will be bounce houses, an inflatable obstacle course, and a dance party! BACKGROUND DISCUSSION RECOMMENDATION 16 ATTACHMENTS 2025 Personal Training Participant Survey Results 2025 Artisan Fair Participant Survey Kids Night 17 December 2, 2025 Recreation Center Personal Training Survey Results 18 19 20 What did you enjoy most about your training experience? • Not only the progress in conditioning, but the learning and the nuances of observing positioning of the body during specific exercises. • Always learning something new. It keeps me vital and active. • Trainer listened to me and understood my needs. What could be improved? • It's pretty excellent as is. • Rec Center fitness room is full to the brim with equipment. Technically there is enough space to work out, but the room feels so crowded as to be almost claustrophobic. Additional comments or suggestions: • Best training experience I've ever had - and I will continue on a regular basis with the trainer. She is so darn good at what she does. I've never had an experience with previous trainers where I actually learned something while training. Previous experiences were just going through motions. I'm really satisfied. 21 • The staff at the Rec Center is great. All are friendly, attentive and extremely helpful. The trainer is so encouraging and upbeat as well as full of great fitness tips. I appreciate all of you! 22 2025 Artisan Fair Participant Survey 23 Comments on your sales: • We always come into new events with a very open mind, and realistic expectation - This event was just a delightful surprise in how engaged the community was and how well people enjoyed what we do! • Wonderful Customer Base - I made a lot of new connections! • many people looked at what I was selling by did not buy anything • fewer than expected; probably not worth the time and travel • I did a decent amount of sales, kinda bummed there were 3 pottery people at a small event tho Do you have any recommendations or changes you would like to see for future events? • Not at this time...You made this a very smooth and enjoyable experience! • Thanks Jodi for putting on such a well organized event ! • It was a great event this year! Thanks! 24 • 1.) Other fairs go to 4:00 pm -- we always have additional sales between 2:00 and 4:00. Go to 4:00 pm. 2.) Allow us to unload/load through the double outside side doors in the gym. The front door with center column is horrible. The door openers close the doors far too quickly, causing dumping of our carts and two -wheelers. Arts and crafts dumped on the sidewalk. 25 December 12 | 5:30-8:30 PM A fun evening of gym games, crafts, a movie and a pizza dinner for kids ages 4-10 | $28 per child Register by Dec. 12 & Jan. 7 Register your child today! chanhassen.info/kidsnightout Kids, leave your parents at home! Kids’ Night Out January 9 | 5:30-8:30 PM 26 Park & Recreation Commission Item December 9, 2025 Item Tree Lighting Ceremony Review Item No:H.3 Agenda Section REPORTS Prepared By Priya Wall, Recreation Manager SUGGESTED ACTION SUMMARY Staff will provide a review and evaluation of the 2025 Tree Lighting Ceremony. The Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Saturday, December 6 from 5-6 p.m. at the Chanhassen Recreation Center. City Council Member Haley Schubert will flip the ceremonial switch, illuminating the holiday lights at the Rec Center. December 6 shows a high temperature of 20 degrees, and staff expect a turnout of approximately 300 people. The Tree Lighting Ceremony is a popular holiday celebration that many people enjoy each year. BACKGROUND DISCUSSION Refreshments Local community group BuyChanhassen will coordinate food and beverage donations from the local business community. Thank you to Cub Foods and Lunds & Byerlys Chanhassen for donating cookies and hot cocoa for the event! S'mores The SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce will coordinate and provide s'mores for attendees to roast over small bonfires. This is always a very popular aspect of the tree lighting ceremony. Bonfires The Park Maintenance staff set up warm bonfires for all to enjoy. The fires are an excellent component 27 of the event and provide an option for attendees to warm up. Santa Claus The Mustard Seed Landscaping and Garden Center will arrange for a special visit by Santa Claus. Santa will appear out of his workshop, which was built by the Park Maintenance department. He will visit with the crowd, pass out candy canes, and pose for photos. Live Reindeer Two live reindeer from Kendallville Farm in Excelsior will make their appearance at the Tree Lighting. There will be a photo station for attendees to visit the reindeer and get family photos. Each year, many families enjoy the live reindeer at the event. Carolers Thank you to Living Christ Lutheran Church in Chanhassen for providing a group of 20 carolers for the tree lighting. Bountiful Basket Food Shelf Donation Trolley SouthWest Transit will bring its festive trolley to the event, which will serve as a station for Bountiful Basket Food Shelf donations. Thank you to SouthWest Transit for coordinating these donations. Tour of Lights Thirteen homes registered for this year's Tour of Lights. The interactive map will be live on the City website beginning December 6, allowing residents to tour the light displays on their schedule throughout the holiday season. RECOMMENDATION ATTACHMENTS 28