10.28.2025 PRC MinutesCHANHASSEN 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.
Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – October 28, 2025
2
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.
Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – October 28, 2025
3
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