09-22-2026 PRC Agenda Packet
A.6:00 P.M. - CALL TO ORDER
A.1 Youth Commissioners Oath of Office
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 Special Work Session Meeting Minutes: July 23, 2026
F.2 Meeting Minutes: July 28, 2026
G.GENERAL BUSINESS
G.1 2027 Park Renovation Fund Priority Discussion
G.2 Halloween Party Preview
H.REPORTS
H.1 Recreation Center Quarterly Report
AGENDA
CHANHASSEN PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 7700 MARKET BOULEVARD
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H.2 Park Maintenance Quarterly Report
H.3 Senior Center Quarterly Report
I.COMMISSION MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS
J.COMMISSION MEMBER PRESENTATIONS
K.ADMINISTRATIVE PACKET
L.ADJOURNMENT
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Park & Recreation Commission Item
September 22, 2026
Subject Youth Commissioners Oath of Office
Section 6:00 P.M. - CALL TO ORDER
Prepared By Desiree Ruppert, Admin Support Specialist
On Monday, August 31, 2026, the City Council appointed Daniel Trifonov and Leo Allen to the Park &
Recreation Commission as Youth Commissioners for a one-year term ending August 31, 2027. City
staff will administer the oath of office to the appointees.
Per State Statute 358.05, the oath of office to be taken by members and officers of either branch of the
legislature shall be that prescribed by the Constitution of the State of Minnesota, Article IV, Section 8.
Every person elected or appointed to any other public office, including every official commissioner, or
member of any public board or body, before transacting any of the business or exercising any privilege
of such office, shall take and subscribe the oath defined in the Constitution of the State of Minnesota,
Article V, Section 6.
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Park & Recreation Commission Item
September 22, 2026
Item Special Work Session Meeting Minutes: July 23, 2026
Item No:F.1
Agenda Section APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Prepared By Desiree Ruppert, Admin Support Specialist
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve the Park & Recreation Commission special work session meeting minutes dated July 23,
2026.
SUMMARY
BACKGROUND
DISCUSSION
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the Park & Recreation Commission special work session meeting minutes dated July 23, 2026.
ATTACHMENTS
Special Work Session Meeting Minutes July 23, 2026
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CHANHASSEN PARK AND
RECREATION COMMISSION
SPECIAL WORK SESSION
MINUTES
JULY 23, 2026
MEMBERS PRESENT: Emily Nagel, Clara Christenson
MEMBERS ABSENT: N/A
STAFF PRESENT: Priya Wall, Recreation Manager
PUBLIC PRESENT:
SPECIAL MEETING TO DISCUSS CIVIC CAMPUS GRAND OPENING:
The sub-committee received an update that construction of the Civic Campus space continues to
experience delays, and no confirmed completion date has been established. Commissioners
discussed that as a result, the originally proposed August 24-28 dates for Grand Opening events
are no longer feasible. Additionally, without an accurate completion timeline available for the
space, the sub-committee discussed that it is not practical to propose alternative event dates at
this time.
Due to the uncertain project completion schedule and current inability to plan new dates, the sub-
committee recommends that all sub-committee activities, including meetings, be paused at this
time. Once a reliable anticipated completion date of all key amenities is available, sub-committee
recommends that the Parks and Recreation Commission re-evaluate whether to reconvene the
sub-committee.
Staff noted that in internal discussions of potential Grand Opening events, staff will utilize the
proposal developed by the sub-committee as a guiding resource.
The sub-committee discussed that if future Parks and Recreation Commission sub-committees
are established, having three (3) active Commissioners serve as sub-committee members would
be critical to sub-committee success. The sub-committee does not recommend establishing any
new sub-committees with less than three (3) active Commissioners.
Submitted by Jerry Ruegemer
Park and Recreation Director
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Park & Recreation Commission Item
September 22, 2026
Item Meeting Minutes: July 28, 2026
Item No:F.2
Agenda Section APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Prepared By Desiree Ruppert, Admin Support Specialist
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve the Park & Recreation Commission meeting minutes dated July 28, 2026.
SUMMARY
BACKGROUND
DISCUSSION
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the Park & Recreation Commission meeting minutes dated July 28, 2026.
ATTACHMENTS
Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes July 28, 2026
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CHANHASSEN PARK AND
RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
JULY 28, 2026
Vice Chair Morgan called the meeting to order at 6:12 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Sean Morgan; Kristin Fulkerson; Emily Nagel; Kurt Scheppmann;
Zach Wittl; Erick Hanson; Clara Christenson, youth.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Mike Leisen, Chair
STAFF PRESENT: Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director; Priya Wall, Recreation
Manager
PUBLIC PRESENT: None.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Commissioner Fulkerson moved, Youth Commissioner
Christenson 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: None.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS: None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1. Approve Park & Recreation Minutes dated June 23, 2026
Commissioner Wittl moved, Commissioner Scheppmann seconded to approve the minutes
as presented. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 7 to 0.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
1. 2027 Park Renovation Fund Priority Discussion
Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director, discussed the need to identify and prioritize
upcoming park projects. He reviewed the Park Renovation Fund outlook from 2026-2033 and
noted that the 2027 fund will include a dedicated allocation of $120,000. He also outlined
upcoming playground replacement timelines based on the equipment’s estimated 25-year
lifespan, stating that Bandimere Community Park is already past the recommended 2025
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Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – July 28, 2026
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replacement year, two parks are scheduled for replacement in 2029, and six parks will need
replacement in 2030. He then summarized the previously discussed renovation options below.
• Replace 3-5 50' x 50' aging basketball court pads (Bandimere Heights, Chan Hills, Stone
Creek, Riley Ridge)
• Repair/repaint the Roundhouse pickleball courts
• Replace or repair backstops in neighborhood parks (Rice Marsh, Meadow Green,
Pheasant Hills, Sunset Ridge, Chan Hills)
• Replace rubber mats with concrete tee box pads at Bandimere Disc Golf Course
• Reconstruct three ballfields at Bandimere Park
• Install shade umbrellas at Lake Ann Beach
• Replace fencing at the Olson Community Garden
• Replace the dock at South Lotus Boat Landing
• Extend the outfield fence height at Lake Ann ballfield #6
• Replace the outfield fence at Lake Ann Park
• Remodel the Lake Susan bathroom facility
• Replace playground equipment as needed
Commissioners expressed concern about the number of parks nearing end of life and the cost of
replacing aging playgrounds. Mr. Ruegemer clarified that although playgrounds have a
designated 25-year lifespan, replacement can be deferred depending on the condition of the
equipment for a short period of time. Commissioners discussed staggering playground
replacement schedules to balance annual costs, nothing that one replacement per year would be
ideal if conditions allow.
Commissioner Morgan asked whether all listed projects fall under the Park Renovation Fund or
if other funding sources are available. Mr. Ruegemer confirmed that all projects fall under the
Park Renovation Fund. Commissioner Morgan expressed concern about spending 2026/2027
dollars when 2029/2030 playground replacements are looming. He asked if deferring 2027
dollars towards future needs is an option and Mr. Ruegemer stated it is. Commissioner Hanson
asked whether projects could be moved forward due to need or extenuating circumstances and
Mr. Ruegemer responded that accelerating projects is much more difficult than deferring them.
Commissioner Wittl asked whether Park Dedication Fund money can be used for presented
maintenance items or new development only. Mr. Ruegemer clarified that Park Dedication Funds
may only be used for new development, not maintenance on existing equipment. He noted that
recent funds are being allocated to the Chanhassen Community Center project but there may be
available funds in the future for new development.
Commissioner Nagel requested two scenarios for 2027: one if excess dollars from the Lake Ann
Park Preserve project can be used for park renovation projects and one if excess dollars cannot
be used.
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Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – July 28, 2026
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Commissioner Fulkerson asked whether individual-year allocations could be saved for future
projects. For example, directing 2027 dollars towards a future lighting upgrade at Lake Ann Park
as she has heard significant feedback about the insufficiency of the existing lights.
Commissioners discussed their concern about aging infrastructure and limited funding.
Commissioner Scheppman asked whether this information has been presented to the City
Council and how funding levels might be increased. He recommended presenting an inventory
with images of aging assets to the City Council showing these amenities are at or near end of
life. Mr. Ruegemer stated that information has been presented to the City Council. Commissioner
Scheppman also asked whether special tax assessments have ever been used to fund
neighborhood playgrounds. Mr. Ruegemer clarified that they have not and noted that legislative
requirements may apply.
Commissioner Hanson recommended strategically timing projects around anticipated cost
increases. He also asked whether parks are ever upscaled or downscaled based on community
needs and whether resources exist such as maps, population data or housing density to compare
park needs at the time of construction versus today.
Commissioners discussed if it would be beneficial to gather additional feedback from the
community and staff regarding community priorities before making decisions. Since all
discussions will occur during regularly scheduled meetings, commissioners should bring their
completed priorities worksheets including any non-playground items to the next meeting.
Youth Commissioner Christenson asked whether refurbishing the permanent restrooms at Lake
Ann Park would fall under the Park Renovation Fund as they receive significant traffic.
REPORTS:
1. 2026 4th of July Celebration Evaluation
Priya Wall, Recreation Manager, provided a recap of the 2026 4th of July Celebration and related
events. It is estimated that more than 70,000 people enjoyed at least one aspect of this year’s
three-day celebration.
Activities included Movie in the Park (sponsored by Xfinity), the carnival, kiddie parade
decorating (sponsored by kiddywampus), magic show, face painting/wacky hair/tattoos, beer
garden (presented by the Rotary), Minnesota Twins youth baseball clinic (presented by the
Minnesota Twins), permanent jewelry, Business Expo (presented by SouthWest Metro Chamber
of Commerce), kiddie games, kiddie parade, Chalk-It-Up drawing contest, Taste of Chanhassen
(presented by the Rotary), adult and kids fishing contests, sand sculpture contest, medallion hunt,
face painting, classic car show (presented by the Rotary), bingo (presented by Commission on
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Park and Recreation Commission Minutes – July 28, 2026
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Aging), parade and historic plane flyover (produced by the Rotary), live music and the street
dance. Fireworks were delayed until July 23rd.
Event components in 2027 may be relocated, adjusted, retired or replaced with new activities to
fit within the new civic campus space.
COMMISSION MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS:
1. Civic Campus Sub-Committee Update
Commissioner Christenson provided an update that construction of the Civic Campus space
continues to experience delays and no confirmed completion date has been established. As a
result, the originally proposed August 24-28 dates for Grand Opening events are no longer
feasible. Additionally, without an accurate completion timeline available for the space, it is not
practical to propose alternative event dates at this time.
Due to the uncertain project completion schedule and current inability to plan new dates, the sub-
committee recommends that all sub-committee activities, including meetings, be paused at this
time. Once a reliable anticipated completion date of all key amenities is available, sub-committee
recommends that the Parks and Recreation Commission re-evaluate whether to reconvene the
sub-committee.
Staff noted that in internal discussions of potential Grand Opening events, staff will utilize the
proposal developed by the sub-committee as a guiding resource.
The sub-committee also recommends that future Parks and Recreation Commission sub-
committees have 3 active Commissioners serve as sub-committee members to ensure sub-
committee success. The sub-committee does not recommend establishing any new sub-
committees with less than 3 active Commissioners.
COMMISSION MEMBER PRESENTATIONS: None.
ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS: 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 7 to 0. The
Park and Recreation Commission meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Submitted by Jerry Ruegemer
Park and Recreation Director
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Park & Recreation Commission Item
September 22, 2026
Item 2027 Park Renovation Fund Priority Discussion
Item No:G.1
Agenda Section GENERAL BUSINESS
Prepared By Jerry Ruegemer, Park and Recreation Director
SUGGESTED ACTION
The Park & Recreation Commission discusses and formulates a recommendation for how the 2027
Park Renovation Fund will be used.
SUMMARY
The Park & Recreation Commission began discussing the Park Renovation Fund at the February 24
meeting. The city's Finance Director Kelly Grinnell outlined the fund's history, current budget and
projected fund balance over the next 3-5 years. The Park Renovation Fund for 2026 had an allocation of
$110,000, and the commission identified the Stone Creek Park Playground replacement and
supplementing the Carver Beach Playground equipment as priority projects for City Council approval.
Staff asked the commission to create a list of park priority projects for the next 1-10 years.
BACKGROUND
The 2027 Park Renovation fund will have a dedicated allocation of $120,000 for the commission to
consider as it identifies a list of potential projects.
• Backstops - Neighborhood Parks
• Repair/repaint Roundhouse Pickleball Courts
• Basketball Courts - Variety of 50' x 50' are showing signs of age
• Playground Replacements
DISCUSSION
The Park & Recreation Commission should review previously identified project priorities and discuss
whether there are new projects or ideas that have been raised or recommended by the community. A list
will be developed and eventually forwarded to City Council for consideration and approval.
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The commissioners revisited the list of projects presented by staff in July and expressed concern about
the number of neighborhood playgrounds identified as needing replacement within the next five years.
Given the anticipated cost of replacing playground equipment, commissioners questioned whether
continuing to allocate approximately $120,000 annually toward individual projects is the most effective
approach for addressing the city's larger, long-term capital needs. A significant part of the discussion
focused on whether the 2027 $120,000 allocation should be deferred rather than spent on the projects
currently identified. Commissioners discussed the possibility of allowing the funds to remain in the
Park Renovation Fund and building a larger fund balance. This approach could provide the city with
greater financial capacity to undertake a complete playground replacement when a neighborhood park
reaches the end of its useful life, rather than making smaller improvements that may not fully address
the park's needs.
The commission asked whether the Park Dedication Fund could be used as an additional funding source
for playground replacements. Staff clarified that Park Dedication Funds have specific restrictions and
can only be used for entirely new park projects or facilities. The funds cannot be used to replace
existing playground equipment. As a result, the Park Dedication Fund would not provide a funding
option for the city's existing neighborhood playground replacement needs.
The commission also questioned whether the remaining fund balance from the Lake Ann Park Preserve
project could potentially be used to help fund new playground equipment. The Lake Ann Park Preserve
Project is still active and accruing project expenses, so the reality of any significant budget dollars that
can be used to fund playground replacements is not likely.
The discussion ultimately centered on the need to look beyond the 2027 budget year and consider the
city's overall five-year playground replacement schedule and available funding. Concerns were
expressed that the current annual allocation may not keep pace with the city's anticipated playground
needs and discussed whether building the Park Renovation Fund balance now could put the city in a
stronger position to address multiple playground replacements in the future.
RECOMMENDATION
The Park & Recreation Commission discusses and formulates a recommendation for how the 2027 Park
Renovation Fund will be used.
ATTACHMENTS
2026-2036 Priority Projects
2027 Park Renovation Fund
2027 Park Renovation Fund allocation discussion Park & Rec Comm 7-28-26
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Park Renovation Fund (2026-2034)
2026 Priority Projects Amount
2027 Priority Projects Amount
2028 Priority Projects Amount
2029 Priority Projects Amount
2030 Priority Projects Amount
2031 Priority Projects Amount
2032 Priority Projects Amount
2033 Priority Projects Amount
2034 Priority Projects Amount
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2027 Park Renovation Fund Considerations
($120,000)
Bandimere Park Ballfield Reconstruction (3 Fields) $75,000
Backstops – Meadow Green, Rice Marsh Lake, Carver Beach $60,000
Lake Ann Beach Shade Umbrellas $20,000
Concrete Tee Box Pads Bandimere Disk Golf Course $25,000
Community Garden Fencing (Olson Garden) $30,000
Dock Replacement (South Lotus Boat Landing) $25,000
Lake Ann Ballfield #6 (Extend Outfield Fence Height) $50,000
Lake Ann Park (Outfield Fence Replacement) $50,000/Field
Lake Susan Bathroom Remodel $100,000
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Park Renovation Fund
Allocation Discussion 2027
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Strategic Plan Priorities
ASSET MANAGEMENT -Effective utilization of assets
OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE -Improved operational
effectiveness, satisfied community
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Playgrounds
Installed Replacement Year
Bandimere Park 2000 2025
Lake Ann Park 2004 2029
Meadow Green Park 2004 2029
Curry Farm Park 2005 2030
Lake Susan Park 2005 2030
Minnewashta Heights Park 2005 2030
North Lotus Lake Park 2005 2030
Rice Marsh Lake Park 2005 2030
Chanhassen Hills Park 2005 2030
25 Year Lifespan
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Basketball Courts
Basketball Pads –50’x 50’
3-5 Pads to replace
*Bandimere Heights, Chan Hills,
Stone Creek, Riley Ridge
$15K per pad. New pole, backboard?
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Pickleball
•Roundhouse Park –Built 2016
•Paint/Fix Cracks
•Cost Estimate -$20K
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Backstops
*Rice Marsh *Sunset Ridge
*Meadow Green(2) *Chan Hills
*Pheasant Hills
$20K Per Backstop
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Bandimere Disc Golf
Built in 2012
*9 hole course
*Replace rubber mats with
Concrete pads $25K
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Questions?
Other projects for considerations
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Park & Recreation Commission Item
September 22, 2026
Item Halloween Party Preview
Item No:G.2
Agenda Section GENERAL BUSINESS
Prepared By Priya Wall, Recreation Manager
SUGGESTED ACTION
SUMMARY
The 42nd annual Halloween Party will be held Saturday, October 24 at the Chanhassen Recreation
Center from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The Halloween Party is open to kids ages 12 and under and includes trick-
or-treating, carnival games, snacks, crafts, live entertainment 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 the event for
the third year in a row!
BACKGROUND
DISCUSSION
Halloween Party participants and their families are invited to join in a variety of activities including
trick-or-treating, carnival games, hayrides, refreshments, crafts, a spooky room, photo booth and
inflatables. So far, 10 local businesses have generously offered to hand out candy and trinkets to event
participants this year, and it is expected almost 70 high school volunteers will assist with the event.
Back for the second year is the introduction of the Sensory Safe Room. The city is partnering with
Reach for Resources to provide a calm, quiet room for children with sensory needs or that need to
regulate. The room will be hosted in the dance studio and will include a staff member and items such as
calming visuals, fidgets, sensory bins, noise reduction items and more.
The event cost is $6/child with accompanying adults and children one and under free. Pre-registration
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for the event is being offered online and registrations will be accepted at the door via cash, check or
debit/credit card.
The event is being advertised and promoted on the city's website, via social media with a Facebook
event and individual posts, and to local schools via the online newsletter PeachJar. Special thanks to
local Chanhassen business South Lake Agency Insurance for sponsoring this year's event!
RECOMMENDATION
ATTACHMENTS
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Park & Recreation Commission Item
September 22, 2026
Item Recreation Center Quarterly Report
Item No:H.1
Agenda Section REPORTS
Prepared By Jodi Sarles, Recreation Center Manager
SUGGESTED ACTION
SUMMARY
FACILITY UPDATES
The Recreation Center had two windows broken on July 10. Both an upper gym window
and a warming house window were vandalized after hours. A police report was filed.
The gymnasium and studio were closed for floor refinishing July 30-August 14. The
facility was deep cleaned August 17-21.
FACILITY RENTALS
The Recreation Center remains busy with facility reservations. From January through
September 15, we have supported 2,946 hours of City of Chanhassen indoor space and
1,942 hours of rentals. Due to local tournaments, 354 rental hours were blocked from use
to accommodate tournament needs.
PARK & RECREATION SOFTWARE
Following a year of research and demonstrations, Chanhassen Parks and Recreation are
transitioning to RecTrac software in January 2027. This customizable platform offers
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improved user experience, a brandable app that may be utilized across city departments
and lower fees. The system build-out is scheduled to begin in September.
PROGRAM UPDATES
Dance for Fun started their 2026-2027 dance season. A total of 24 classes were offered
with 175 participants. All new dancers in the program receive a Dance for Fun duffel bag
at their first class.
Rec Center Sports:
Small Fry Sports (ages 3-4) had 78 youngsters participate in T-ball+ and Soccer, and Lil’
Star Sports (ages 5-7) had 57 participants.
Upcoming Rec Sports programs include Girls' and Boys' Flag Football programs for ages
6-11. Kids Night returns on October 9.
The Rec Center partnered with Minnesota Pickleball to offer a state sanctioned ladder
league at the Rec Center outdoor courts. There are currently 25 players participating in the
league.
EVENTS:
Rain didn’t stop the fun at Community Day on August 15. Over 200 neighbors joined in a
day filled with activities including touch-a-truck, free trial classes, a shred-it station and
the Chanhassen Library Story Walk. The day also featured a Bubble Station, Community
Tree, Tae Kwon Do try-it classes and Rec Center sports stations. A special thanks goes to
CCHA for sponsoring the Slap Shot Speed Challenge, Minnesota Pickleball for providing
paddle demonstrations, Bach to Rock brought an instrument petting zoo, and to all the
staff and community organizations that made this event possible.
Bone Adventure, sponsored by Chuck & Don’s Pet Food & Supplies, will run from
September 18 to October 2. Ten colorful bones, decorated by Chanhassen Park & Rec
participants, will be hidden along Chanhassen’s 66 miles of trails. Snap a photo of your
pup with each bone you find, then head to Chuck & Don’s Chanhassen (7818 Market
Blvd.) to claim a treat for your dog and earn a chance to win a prize pack worth $100.
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Halloween Costume Swap: Re-Spook, Re-Scare, Re-wear!
If you have a gently used costume to rehome or are looking for a new-to-you costume,
come to the swap. Drop your clean, gently used costume at the Chan Rec Center October
13-16 until 12 p.m. The swap pickup is 2-6 p.m. on October 16. Remaining costumes are
donated to PROP.
Artisan Fair: Discover one-of-a-kind, handcrafted treasures from over 30 talented local
artisans. Enjoy free admission and support the community by bringing a non-perishable
food donation for the PROP Food Shelf. Join us on Saturday, November 7 from 10 a.m. to
2 p.m. at the Chan Rec Center.
Puzzle Palooza, an evening of fun and friendly rivalry, will be on November 13. Teams
race to complete a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle. A pizza dinner kicks off the night. The
winning team is awarded a Game Night Prize Pack.
Holiday Market will be Saturday, December 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Shop local for your
gifts. Over 30 vendors will have unique items for sale. Admission is free for shoppers. We
encourage guests to bring a non-perishable food item or donation for Bountiful Basket
Food Shelf.
BACKGROUND
DISCUSSION
RECOMMENDATION
ATTACHMENTS
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Park & Recreation Commission Item
September 22, 2026
Item Park Maintenance Quarterly Report
Item No:H.2
Agenda Section REPORTS
Prepared By Adam Beers, Park Superintendent
SUGGESTED ACTION
SUMMARY
Park and Trail Maintenance:
Maintenance crews will start fall fertilizing applications in the coming weeks. The primary focus
will be soccer and baseball/softball fields.
Irrigation shutdown will start in early October; this process typically takes 3-4 week. During
shutdown, staff will perform all maintenance checks and any necessary repairs for the following
season.
Staff will be starting fall/winter trail pruning in preparation for winter plowing and maintenance.
Maintenance staff are prepping to remove and install the new playground at Stone Creek Park.
Crews are planning for new snow removal operations at the new City Hall and Civic Campus.
With the outdoor facility season coming to an end, maintenance staff has been busy starting the
shutdown/closing process. This typically starts in mid-September and will be completed by early
November.
Each year we are fortunate to have a great group of seasonal employees that join our maintenance
team. This workforce is a critical part of our operational success and handles a majority of the
daily tasks, allowing full-time staff to focus on more complex projects. Thanks for a great season!
BACKGROUND
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DISCUSSION
RECOMMENDATION
ATTACHMENTS
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Park & Recreation Commission Item
September 22, 2026
Item Senior Center Quarterly Report
Item No:H.3
Agenda Section REPORTS
Prepared By Jackie Sorensen, Senior Center Coordinator
SUGGESTED ACTION
SUMMARY
Senior Center Quarterly Report
July 1-September 30, 2026
It’s been a great summer at the Senior Center with weekly programs continuing as usual as well as
several classes and special events. On a daily basis, there are folks stopping in to see the new space and
learn more about what the Senior Center has to offer.
We recorded 886 visits to the Senior Center in July, 1,037 in August and estimate 930 visits in
September. Senior Center attendance has historically been lower in the summer with many patrons
spending time at the lake, with family and traveling. Construction and parking concerns must also be
factored into attendance numbers.
SUMMER RECAP
The Senior Center partnered with the Commission on Aging to host the annual July 3 Expo table and the
July 4 Free Family Bingo Tent. We had well over 50 interactions with individuals at the Expo table to
discuss dementia awareness and resources.
The Bingo event saw over 500 participants of all ages. We are grateful for the many local businesses
who provided gift certificates and gift baskets for prizes at this event. Over $1,500 in prizes were given
away. Hosted once again by Dave Ryan and supported by the city’s teen volunteers, the event was filled
with laughter, competitiveness and fun! The time change and move to the “big tent” were both positive
changes and the professional sound system ensured all participants could hear well. In addition, the
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Commission on Aging partnered with Helping Paws Assistance Animals and raised just over $1,000 in
donations for the organization.
QUARTERLY HIGHLIGHTS
After July 4, we kicked off a partnership with the Normandale Center for Healing and Wholeness to
sponsor a “Matter of Balance” class, which quickly filled and a long waiting list was created. Due to the
success and interest of the class, we have plans to repeat the class in 2027. This partnership continued
with the Center providing “Powerful Tools for Caregivers” class starting in August. The real success
comes not only from the class itself, but seeing participants make genuine connections as they connect
after the class, sharing resources and support with each other as caregivers and as friends. August also
brought a partnership with Senior Planet as they presented a three-part series on artificial intelligence
(AI). Each class brought over 40 participants with a good number of folks who hadn’t been to any other
Senior Center program. We will continue to partner with Senior Planet to schedule tech-related
presentations in the future.
Summer trips took us to Al & Alma’s on Lake Minnetonka, the Minnesota Twins (we were there for the
walk-off grand slam!), Buddy Holly and Beatles tribute bands at the Paramount in St. Cloud and a trip
to Austin, MN is coming up on September 30.
This quarter also brought a lunch concert by Elvis impersonator Anthony Shore attended by 65 people.
We’re wrapping up the quarter by partying on the Senior Center porch. Our first party featured the
Chan-Jammers in-house senior band and root beer floats, and we welcomed 50 people to the event. The
next party will be September 25 and feature the Uke-A-Chans Ukulele group and we’re planning to
serve apple pie.
COMMISSION ON AGING
Commissioners were invaluable in collecting prizes for the 4th of July bingo event as well as assisting at
the event – handing out bingo cards, directing participants, etc.
The COA participated in a county-wide Commissioners meeting at Lake Waconia Regional Park on
September 10 where they were able to connect with commissioners from other communities and learn
more about Roundtable Rx, the Carver County Family Resource Center and the statewide Toward Zero
Deaths program. On September 23 the COA will be touring Carver Oaks, a senior living residence in
Carver, which is a CDA project.
LOOKING AHEAD
The next quarter will be filled with fun and helpful programs for our seniors. We are hosting several
Medicare help sessions as open enrollment approaches, flu shot clinic on October 6, monthly foot care
appointments, support groups, 55+ driver safety classes and more.
Special events include Town Talk with Mayor Ryan on October 5, Oktoberfest Celebration on October
9, Veteran’s Breakfast on November 12 and the Holiday Party on December 17. City Council Members
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and City Commissioners are invited to attend our events and meet patrons utilizing our services. Please
contact Jackie Sorensen, Senior Center Coordinator, for more information or to register for events as
our honored guest.
SENIOR CENTER SURVEY
A Senior Center survey has been distributed to those on the Senior Center email list, with paper copies
available. To date, there have been 95 submissions and the survey remains open.
A brief synopsis of the results:
50% of responders have not yet visited the Senior Center, 31% report visiting occasionally and
19% indicate they are regular users of the Senior Center.
When asked how they find out about Senior Center activities, the top responses were through
email (40%) and the Chanhassen Connections magazine (18%).
Top requests for programs included educational classes (14.5%), health and wellness classes
(14.25%) and arts and crafts (13%).
Responders indicated they are very interested in technology topics, local history, local resources,
and program topics and timing that work for folks in the 55-65 age range.
Jackie will continue to use these survey results as she makes programming decisions for the future. The
next Senior Expo will be held in 2027. Jackie and Priya are working together to solicit sponsorships
from community businesses to support the Senior Center and the Park and Rec programming on a
broader scale. We’re looking forward to the upcoming months in the Senior Center!
BACKGROUND
DISCUSSION
RECOMMENDATION
ATTACHMENTS
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