--- ## title: Tagged PDF date: D:20260527211656+00'00' --- ## Parks and Recreation Commission ## Meeting June 1, 2026 at 7 p.m. ## Fridley Civic Campus 7071 University Avenue NE ## Agenda ## Call to Order ## Roll Call ## Approval of Meeting Minutes 1. Approval of April 6, 2026 Meeting Minutes ## Approval of Agenda The Commission will have the opportunity to review and approve the agenda from the previous month's meeting. ## Open Forum The Open Forum allows the public to address the Council on subjects that are not on the Regular Agenda. The Council may take action, reply, or give direction to staff. Please limit your comments to five minutes or less. ## New Business 2. Islands of Peace Park Property Transfer to Anoka County for Regional Park Operation ## 3. Commons Park Project Updates and Discussion ## 4. Proposed 2027 Parks Capital Investment Projects ## Old Business ## Reports - Staff Report and FYSA Report Reports from staff on Parks and Recreation programs, park maintenance and construction, Springbrook Nature Center and Fridley Youth Sports Association. ## 5. Staff Reports ## Adjournment ## Accessibility Notice: • If you need free interpretation or translation assistance, please contact City staff. • Si necesita ayuda de interpretación o traducción gratis, comuníquese con el personal de la ciudad. • Yog tias koj xav tau kev pab txhais lus los sis txhais ntaub ntawv dawb, ces thov tiv tauj rau Lub Nroog cove neeg ua hauj lwm. • Haddii aad u baahan tahay tarjumaad bilaash ah ama kaalmo tarjumaad, fadlan la xiriir shaqaalaha Page 1 of 32 Magaalada. Upon request, accommodation will be provided to allow individuals with disabilities to participate in any City of Fridley services, programs or activities. Hearing impaired persons who need an interpreter or other persons who require auxiliary aids should contact CityClerk@FridleyMN.gov or (763) 572-3450. Page 2 of 32 ## AGENDA REPORT ## Meeting Date: June 1, 2026 ## Meeting Type: Parks and Recreation Commission ## Submitted By: Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director ## Title: Approval of April 6, 2026 Meeting Minutes ## Background Minutes of the April 6, 2026 meeting are presented to the Commission for review and approval. No May meeting was held as the Commission participated in a City Council Conference Meeting held on May 11. ## Recommendation Staff recommends approval of hte April 6, 2026 minutes. ## Attachments and Other Resources 1. PK 04-06-2026 with FYSA Report ## Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly, and stable home for families and businesses. Page 3 of 32 1 ## Park Commission Meeting April 6, 2026 ## 7:00 PM ## Moore Lake Community Building, 5890 Central Ave. NE ## Minutes ## Call to Order Chair Borman called the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. ## Present ## Riley Auna ## Peter Borman ## EB Graham ## Tim Kirk ## Jodi Rehlander ## Ken Schultz ## Don Whalen ## Absent ## Melissa Luna ## Also Present ## Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director ## Jeff Perry, Park Director, Anoka County Parks ## Andy Soltvedt, Assistant Director, Anoka County Parks ## Karen Blaska, Park Planning Manager, Anoka County Parks ## Richard Walch, Fridley resident, presenting on Disc Golf 1. Approve Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes for March 2, 2026 Motion by Commissioner Kirk to approve the March 2, 2026, meeting minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Schultz. The motion passed unanimously. ## Approve Parks & Recreation Commission Agenda for April 6, 2026 Motion by Commissioner Whalen to approve the April 6, 2026, meeting agenda. Seconded by Commissioner Graham. The motion passed unanimously. ## Open Forum ## New Business Page 4 of 32 ## Park Commission 4/6/2026 Minutes Page 2 ## 2. Anoka County Parks - Islands of Peace Park Presentation Anoka County Parks Park Planning Manager Karen Blaska shared a presentation on Islands of Peace Park detailing the park property, history, management, and planning process. Ms. Blaska also shared that Anoka County Parks would like to potentially use the existing park building for maintenance and operational support, incorporate Islands of Peace Park into a trailhead supporting the Mississippi River Trail, and continue some programming at the site. Anoka County Parks would like to request the following from the City of Fridley: i. Fee title transfer of the City-owned 8.34 acres of the park to Anoka County. ii. Permission to extend the park building lease to the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association to December 31, 2026 iii. Support Anoka County’s plans to transition the park building to operational and program support functions beginning in 2027. The Commission asked questions of Anoka County staff: i. Is the park underutilized? A: Yes, but overall usage data for Riverfront Regional Park are strong. ii. How are trail conditions on the Mississippi River Trail? A: Some sections are in poor condition. A National Park Service grant has been applied for to improve the trail. iii. How are Anoka County Parks programs promoted? A: Activity guide. Looking for additional partnerships with City recreation programs. iv. Have kayak rental stations been explored? A: Yes, other agencies are currently operating along the river in this area. v. Who owns the land on the north end of Chase’s Island? A: Unknown, we are investigating. vi. Where is the MRPA organization moving? A: Possibly to Bunker Hills Park vii. What is the status of the Banfill building? Transition to trailhead building. Some improvements currently out for bid. viii. Status of property acquired by Metropolitan Council along the Mississippi River in Fridley for a lift station? Both Anoka County Parks and City of Fridley have discussed options to use portion of the land as parkland. The Commission did not take formal action on this item. ## 3. Resident Presentation on Disc Golf and Locke Park Fridley Resident Richard Walch shared a presentation on Disc Golf and a concept to develop a small 9-hole course at Locke Park in Fridley. Page 5 of 32 ## Park Commission 4/6/2026 Minutes Page 3 Mr. Walch shared that: • Smaller courses like the proposed are accessible and can have a smaller footprint • Course development can be low cost • Most city-operated 9-hole courses are free to use and can be installed for about $12,000 • Disc golf can accommodate high usage per acre of course • Disc golf play is up 85 percent since 2020 • There are currently up to 17,000 courses worldwide • The Minneapolis/St. Paul area is a top-five area for the sport in the nation • Some clubs and grant programs could help fund course development • Trees are part of many courses and so minimal tree removal would be required • Two holes can exist in one acre The Commission asked the following questions: i. What is the length of an average disc golf hole? A: Around 200 feet ii. Are the tee pads generally dirt, gravel, or concrete? A: Concrete iii. Has a layout analysis been done at Locke Park? A: No but I have a contact that designs courses may be willing to help. ## Old Business ## Staff Reports ## 4. Fridley Parks and Recreation Staff Report Mr. Maher provided an overview of his written report, highlighting project updates, recent events, and upcoming events and activities. ## FYSA Report Riley Auna shared an update on the Fridley Youth Sports Association: ## Baseball Tryouts are complete for the season and the group would love to be able to use the new field at Commons Park this season if possible. ## Football FYSA Football will be grades 2-6 for this season. Practices will start in July with games to begin in August. ## Soccer Practices scheduled to start May18 with games to start in June. This year is the 50 th anniversary of FYSA soccer and the group is asking for photos of past seasons to celebrate and gather history – submissions can be sent to fhsoccerclub@gmail.com. Page 6 of 32 ## Park Commission 4/6/2026 Minutes Page 4 ## Basketball The 2025-2026 season is complete. Jake Sisterman is stepping down as the president of the basketball program and a new leader will be taking over soon. ## Adjournment Commissioner Kirk made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Seconded by Commissioner Graham. The motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, ## Mike Maher, Staff Liaison Page 7 of 32 ## AGENDA REPORT ## Meeting Date: June 1, 2026 ## Meeting Type: Parks and Recreation Commission ## Submitted By: Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director Title: Islands of Peace Park Property Transfer to Anoka County for Regional Park ## Operation ## Background Islands of Peace Park has been operated under a joint powers agreement between the City of Fridley and Anoka County since the early 1980's. Anoka County Parks has been operating, improving and maintaining the park, which includes properties owned by the City of Fridley and Anoka County, as part of the larger Riverfront Regional Park. As a regional park implementing agency, Anoka County is eligible to receive regional park funding that the City is not eligible for. In light of Anoka County's financial and operational oversight of the park property for decades, staff recommends transferring the City-owned property to Anoka County. The Parks and Recreation Commission visited this topic with background information and a presentation from Anoka County Parks at their March and April 2026 meetings. A presentation detailing Anoka County's proposed operation of the park is attached. ## Recommendation Staff recommends that the Commission consider a motion to recommend and endorse transfer of the City-owned parcels of Islands of Peace park to Anoka County and that legal and administrative fees be the responsibility of Anoka County and that Anoka County work in partnership with the City of Fridley on future development and program plans for regional parks located within the City. ## Attachments and Other Resources 1. IOP presentation ## Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly, and stable home for families and businesses. Page 8 of 32 ## ISLANDS OF PEACE ## Anoka County 03/25/20261 Page 9 of 32 ## AGENDA 1.Overview of Park 2.Existing Plans/Documents 3.Future plans for park 03/25/20262 Page 10 of 32 ## PARK OVERVIEW ## Islands There are three islands that make up Islands of Peace. 1.Durnham - the largest island accessible only by boat 2.Gil Hodges – a narrow island north of Durnham, accessible only by boat 3.Chases – accessible via a pedestrian bridge and trails. ## Park ## Edward T. Wilmes, a Navy veteran paralyzed in WWII, came back to his hometown and wanted to create a natural space for people with disabilities. The Park was opened in 1973, run by the foundation he set up. 03/25/20263 Page 11 of 32 ## PARK OVERVIEW The terraced switchback trail was very progressive at the time as this was years before the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed. 03/25/20264 Page 12 of 32 ## EXISTING ## PLANS/DOCUMENTS ## 1.1980 Master Plan ## 2.Existing Joint Powers Agreement ## 3.Anoka County Plans (Riverfront Regional Park Long ## Range Plan) ## 4.City of Fridley Comprehensive Plan ## 03/25/2026Sample Footer Text5 Page 13 of 32 ## EXISTING ## PLANS/DOCUMENTS ## 1.1980 Master Plan ## 2.Existing Joint Powers Agreement ## 3.Anoka County Plans (Riverfront Regional Park Long ## Range Plan) ## 4.City of Fridley Comprehensive Plan ## 03/25/2026Sample Footer Text6 Page 14 of 32 ## EXISTING ## PLANS/DOCUMENTS ## 1.Anoka County Plans (Riverfront Regional Park ## Long Range Plan) ## 03/25/2026Sample Footer Text7 Page 15 of 32 ## POTENTIAL FUTURE PLANS FOR IOP ## Long Range Plan: ## Change from part of Riverfront Regional Park to trailhead facility along Mississippi River Trail ## Park: Remains as a regional park and open space Educational and recreational programs Transfer fee title of City parcels to Anoka ## County ## Buildings: ## Operations Support Facility ## Equipment Storage 03/25/2026 8 Page 16 of 32 ## QUESTIONS? 03/25/20269 Page 17 of 32 ## AGENDA REPORT ## Meeting Date: June 1, 2026 ## Meeting Type: Parks and Recreation Commission ## Submitted By: Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director ## Title: Commons Park Project Updates and Discussion ## Background Commons Park has been reimagined as the centerpiece of Fridley's park system and has been planned and developed with extensive input from community stakeholders. Construction has been ongoing since July of 2025 and is scheduled to be completed in June of 2026. A soft- opening of park features is being prepared for mid-June and a grand opening celebration of the park will be held on Saturday, July 18th as part of the City of Fridley's 49er Days Festival. Most park features will be fully constructed and ready for community use in mid-June including the inclusive playground, splash pad, parking, park building, picnic areas, pickleball courts, basketball court, hammock grove, and restroom building. Several park areas will be monitored and opened when park staff determine they are ready for public use. This is primarily areas where newly-planted turf grass is being established including event lawns, open play spaces, and baseball fields. Allowing grass to establish ground cover and a healthy root system is essential to create areas that will be resilient for long-term use. The public art installation is scheduled to be completed in early July prior to the grand opening. Attached aerial photos are from 5-27-2026, except for the ballfield photo, which is the most current available and was taken 5-15-2026. ## Recommendation None. ## Attachments and Other Resources ## 1. Commons Park Construction Update Photos ## Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly, and stable home for families and businesses. Page 18 of 32 ## Commons Park Construction 5-27-2026 Page 19 of 32 ## Commons Park Construction 5-27-2026 Page 20 of 32 Commons Park Baseball Field 5-15-2026 (most recent available) Page 21 of 32 ## Commons Park Construction 5-27-2026 Page 22 of 32 ## Commons Park Construction 5-27-2026 Page 23 of 32 ## AGENDA REPORT ## Meeting Date: June 1, 2026 ## Meeting Type: Parks and Recreation Commission ## Submitted By: Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director ## Title: Proposed 2027 Parks Capital Investment Projects ## Background Annually, the Parks and Recreation Commission is asked to recommend a list of Capital Investment Projects (CIP) related to the park system. A slate of proposed 2027 projects is attached for the Commission to review. The City plans five years ahead, using the CIP as a budgeting and planning tool for future improvements. Items listed for future years in the CIP are not finalized until they are adopted in an annual budget. ## Recommendation Staff recommends that the Commission recommend the presented slate of CIP items to the City Council for adoption in the 2027 budget. ## Attachments and Other Resources ## 1. Proposed 2027 Parks CIP FINAL ## Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly, and stable home for families and businesses. Page 24 of 32 Proposed 2027 ## Parks CIP Planning proposal for 2027 Parks ## Capital Investment Program Page 25 of 32 ## Proposed CIP 2027 1 ## Proposed 2027 Parks CIP ## Parks Capital Project 2027 Budget Notes Briardale Park Improvements $360,000 Total budget of $440,000 ## Commons Park Vehicle and ## Equipment Storage $500,000 Total budget $530,000 ## Community Park Soccer ## Complex Total budget of $300,000 originally budgeted for 2026 and likely to partially carry over to 2027 ## General Park System ## Maintenance $30,000 Budgeted annually for repairs and replacements ## Hackmann Circle Park ## Improvements $310,000 Total budget of $340,000 ## Harris Lake Park Improvements $385,000 Total budget of $425,000 ## Locke Park Development Plan ## Consulting $20,000 New Locke Park Improvements $450,000 budgeted from 2026 to 2028 Madsen Park Improvements $2,617000 Total budget of $2,917,000 Moore Lake Park Fishing Pier $35,000 New – Pending donation from ## Fridley Lions ## Park Improvement Grant ## Matching $50,000 Budgeted annually ## Ruth Circle Park Improvements $1,190,000 Total budget of $1,250,000 ## Springbrook Nature Center ## Trail Resurfacing $100,000 Need clarification on impact to this line item from other projects ## Springbrook Nature Center ## Reception/Office Security ## Upgrade $20,000 Eliminate pass-through gate at reception desk for safety and security – new ## Springbrook Nature Center AV ## System Upgrades – Phase II $71,000 Proposed move from provisional projects Page 26 of 32 ## AGENDA REPORT ## Meeting Date: June 1, 2026 ## Meeting Type: Parks and Recreation Commission ## Submitted By: Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director ## Title: Staff Reports ## Background Staff reports are attached from the Parks and Recreation Manager and Springbrook Nature Center Manager. FYSA representative Riley Auna will also have an opportunity at the meeting to share an update and bring forth concerns or needs on behalf of the Fridley Youth Sports Association. ## Recommendation ## None ## Attachments and Other Resources 1. Staff Report.AprMay 2026 ## 2. May 2026 Park and Rec Report SNC ## Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly, and stable home for families and businesses. Page 27 of 32 ## STAFF REPORT ## Recreation Division: April and May 2026 ## Spring Programs Below is a list of programs and participation numbers for those that took place in February. Ages 15+ ## Immersive Soundbath: Apr 16 13 ## Preschool: Ages 3-5 Soccer (6 sessions): Apr-May 13 ## Elementary – Middle School: Grades K-6 Bounce and Dodge (6 sessions): Apr-May 10 ## Tae Kwon Do (6 sessions): Apr-May 25 Painting (6 sessions): Apr-May 18 ## Adult Fitness and Athletics Zumba (6 sessions): Apr-May 24 ## 55+ Golf League: May – Aug 20 ## Pickleball for Beginners: Apr-May ## F=4, SLP=4 8 ## Pickleball Skills and Drills: Apr-May ## F=6, SLP=6 12 ## Pickleball Ladder League All Ages: Apr-May ## F=22, SLP=20 42 ## Pickleball Ladder League Ages 20-40: Apr-May ## F=18, SLP=3 21 ## Volleyball Coed Rec: Apr-May* 10 teams ## Volleyball Coed Comp: Apr-May* 10 teams ## Volleyball Women’s Comp: Apr-May* 10 teams *North Metro Leagues are offered in cooperation with Mounds View, New Brighton, and Spring Lake Park. ## Parks and Recreation Activity Guide The content for the July/August edition of the Activity Guide is complete and the designer is working on the document. We’ll be editing the draft in early June and the guide will be mailed to residents during the week of June 29. Page 28 of 32 ## April - May Facility Rentals ## Facility Reservations ## Moore Lake Community Building 42 ## Picnic Shelters 7 ## Baseball/Softball Fields 98 ## Soccer Fields 48 ## Environmental Fun Fair ## The Environmental Fun Fair was on Saturday, ## May 2 at the Springbrook Nature Center. It was a great day to enjoy nature, and the event hosted a crowd of 500 guests! This event is coordinated by the Fridley Parks and Recreation ## Department and Springbrook Nature Center with partnership from Fridley Environmental Planning. The event had a variety of exhibitors from the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota area meet to share information through activities for all ages. Participants were given a map and event passport when they arrived. The event passport encouraged them to visit different exhibitors to get “stamps” on their passport that entered them in to win prizes. KCM Eggroll Food Truck was at the event to provide food and beverages. A great addition to this event was the free toy library where kids were able to pick out donated toys to bring home. Exhibitor list: ## • All Energy Solar • Anoka County 4-H ## • Anoka County Master Gardeners ## • Anoka County Recycling & Resource ## Solutions • Association for Nonsmokers - MN ## • Bee Squad/Pollinator Ambassadors ## • Birch Tree Care ## • Bluebird Program of Minnesota ## • Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science ## Reserve ## • CenterPoint Energy ## • City of Fridley Street Sweeper ## • Coon Creek Watershed District ## • Creative Flow Art Center ## • Fridley & Columbia Height Rotary ## Club • Friends of the Boundary Waters ## • Geological Society of Minnesota ## (GSM) ## • Great River Greening ## • International Wolf Center • MAISRC (Phelps/Smanski Lab) ## • Metropolitan Mosquito Control ## District ## • Minnesota Mycological Society ## • Minnesota Student Network for ## Amphibian Pathogen Surveillance ## (MN SNAPS) ## • Mississippi Watershed Management ## Organization ## • MN Herpetological Society ## • MN Toy Library ## • Minnesota Ornithologists Union ## • Republic Services ## • University of Minnesota Turfgrass ## Science ## • We All Need Food and Water ## • Window Nation Page 29 of 32 Summer hiring update Hiring has been the focus over the last months. Here are the highlights: • Summer Recreation Internship - 26 applicants, 9 interviewed, 1 hired • Seasonal Recreation Instructors - 49 applicants, 37 interviewed, 22 hired • ROCKS Coordinators - 8 applicants, 4 interviewed, 2 hired • Commons Park Facility Monitor - 19 applicants, 14 interviewed, 6 hired ## Pickleball Leagues Two spring pickleball leagues wrapped up in May. This will be the last pickleball program to take place in the gym before we move to Commons Park for the summer and fall. ## After-School Programs The 2025-26 after school program has come to an end. The classes we offered for April-May were Painting, Tae Kwon Do, and Bounce & Dodge. Both staff and kids had a lot of fun using their imagination, trying new things, and making memories. Parents complimented our program saying that their child loved the staff and classes, and are looking forward to coming back next year. ## Upcoming Events and Programs ## • June 1-5: Summer Staff Training • June 15 – August 14: Summer ROCKS Program at Commons Park • June 8, 22, 29, July 6, 20, 27: Music in Our Parks with the City of Fridley Band at various ## City Parks • June 15, July 13, August 3 & 17: Nights with Northeast Orchestra Chamber Players at ## Moore Lake Park • June 23, July 7, July 28, August 18: Summer Community Concerts at Civic Campus and ## Springbrook Nature Center ## • July 16-18: Fridley 49er Days Festival ## • July 18-19: Volleyball and Pickleball Tournaments • July 30, August 13, August 27: Our Leaders Are Readers • August 5: Frozen Jr, The Musical kid's performance at Commons Park ## • August 18: Touch-A-Truck & Concert at Civic Campus Page 30 of 32 ## Park & Rec Commission Report ## Springbrook Nature Center – May 2026 ## May Teaching Number of Participants Taught: 1,362 Number of Hours Teaching: 2,224 ## Rentals & Birthday Parties Number of Birthday Parties: 4 Number of Indoor Room Rentals: 9 ## Number of Shelter/PAC Rentals: 6 ## Grants A small grant has been submitted to the Rice Creek Watershed District for a variety of teaching materials for pond and stream programming. Examples include dip nets, fish printing supplies, and long handled “D” Nets. ## Park & Building Maintenance The bike trail project was presented and approved by the City Council at the May 11 meeting. We expect long lead times on drawings and materials and hope for a late summer or early fall start. The Cliff Rider play piece in the Nature Play area was reinstalled so that it is better aligned with the center pivot. ## Upcoming Events ## Summer Staff Training Summer staff training will start on May 27. This year we welcome both new and returning staff: Jenni Dauer, Emily Dresbach, Joe Foster, Jenny Gustafson, and Sarah Genet. ## Adult Volunteer Trainings Keep your eyes open for upcoming adult volunteer training sessions on Community Science activities at Springbrook. Bluebird House Monitoring and Buckthorn Removal projects will be the focus. Page 31 of 32 ## Notable News at SNC A pair of Ospreys have taken up residence on the Osprey Tower. I first noticed them on April 22 (how appropriate to see them on Earth Day). I am hopeful they will be successful in their nesting. It has been fun to show our many onsite field trip groups the progress. Having the tower in its location has made watching them from a reasonable distance easy! Page 32 of 32