12.09.2025 PRC MinutesCHANHASSEN PARK AND
RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
DECEMBER 13, 2025
Chair Leisen called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mike Leisen; Emily Nagel; Kurt Scheppmann; Nora Nashawaty; and
Clara Christenson, youth.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Rob Swanson; Kristin Fulkerson; and Sean Morgan.
STAFF PRESENT: Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director; Adam Beers, Park
Superintendent; Priya Wall, Recreation Manager; Jodi Sarles, Rec Center Manager; Mary
Blazanin, Senior Center Coordinator; and Jenny Potter, City Clerk.
PUBLIC PRESENT: None.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Commissioner Scheppmann moved, Commissioner Nagel
seconded to approve the agenda as presented. All voted in favor and the motion carried
unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS: None.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS: None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1. Approve Park & Recreation Minutes dated November 25, 2025
Commissioner Nagel moved, Commissioner Nashawaty seconded to approve the minutes of
the Park and Recreation Commission meeting dated November 25, 2025 as presented. All
voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
1. Park Maintenance Quarterly Update
Adam Beers, Park Superintendent, reviewed the park maintenance, including the facility
shutdown, trail maintenance, and skating rinks. He stated that they had an open position and
received 41 applicants. They will start the first round of interviews soon.
Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – December 9, 2025
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Commissioner Nashawaty thanked the Park Maintenance team for thoroughly clearing snow.
2. 2025 Year in Review Presentation
Priya Wall, Recreation Manager, presented a 2025 Parks and Recreation Year in Review video.
Youth Commissioner Christenson thanked the Parks and Recreation Department for their work.
Commissioner Nashawaty suggested showing the video to the public.
Chair Leisen thanked everyone for their hard work.
REPORTS:
1. Senior Center Quarterly Report
Mary Blazanin, Senior Center Coordinator, stated that the Senior Center opened the door on
November 1st. The Center also recognized an Active Aging Week, where they offered different
programs. They hosted a Veterans’ and Friends Pancake Breakfast on November 6th. They also
hosted an annual Oktoberfest Luncheon, a Be Safe from Frauds and Scams presentation, and an
Annual Holiday Celebration Luncheon. There were a total of 31,931 patrons who participated in
programming.
Commissioner Scheppmann asked if they had already outgrown the new space. Ms. Blazanin
answered that Wednesdays were very busy days.
Chair Leisen asked if they could still partner with the Recreation Center. Ms. Blazanin responded
that they would still consider how to collaborate.
2. Recreation Center Quarterly Report
Jodi Sarles, Recreation Center Manager, stated that the city had used the Recreation Center for
6,872 hours, and the community rented the space for 2,141 hours. She noted that they had some
behavioral issues in the open gym sessions that required intervention from the Carver County
Sheriff’s Department. They suspended the open gym for two weeks and have now implemented
capacity procedures. She reviewed the Recreation Center events, including the Artisan Fair,
Puzzlepalooza, and Holiday Market. She summarized program information for Dance for Fun,
Adult Fitness, Personal Training, and Recreation Center Sports. She provided an overview of the
upcoming events, including the Royal Ball, Fit for Life Free Trial Class, and the Superhero
Party.
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Commissioner Nashawaty asked how they pick the vendors for the Artisan Fair. Ms. Sarles
answered that 30 to 40 percent of the vendors are Chanhassen residents. The word spread about
the Artisan Fair, so it continues to grow.
Chair Leisen asked if she received questions about the new recreation center. Ms. Sarles
answered that they have information at a table in the lobby. She thought they would have more
information for the public after this week.
3. Tree Lighting Ceremony Review
Ms. Wall stated that the Tree Lighting Ceremony was hosted on December 6th. She thanked the
different volunteers who participated in the event and the other businesses in Chanhassen for
providing refreshments, s’mores, Santa Claus, and carolers. They collected donations for the
Bountiful Basket Food Shelf Donation Trolley.
Youth Commissioner Christenson asked if they would continue the lights at the recreation center.
Ms. Wall answered that she did not think there would be lights there next year.
Chair Leisen said that they would form subcommittees in the new year to help.
COMMISSION MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Chair Leisen stated that Mr. Ruegemer sent out information about the Recreation Center.
Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director, stated that the amenities were still at the
Recreation Center at different scales to get the project close to the $80 million budget. He said
that the City Council was happy with the schematic designs but encouraged them to find
additional ways to reduce the budget. They were moving forward with bid documents.
Chair Leisen noted that the City Council emphasized staying in the budget. There were still
many decisions about the designs. He offered his help however possible.
COMMISSION MEMBER PRESENTATIONS: None.
ADMINISTRATIVE PACKET: None.
ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Scheppmann moved, Youth Commissioner Christenson seconded to adjourn
the meeting. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 5 to 0.
The Park and Recreation Commission meeting was adjourned at 6:47 p.m.
Submitted by Jerry Ruegemer
Park and Recreation Director