HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-06-24 PKS MIN216 4th Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082
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The Birthplace of Minnesota
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
June 24, 2024
REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M.
Chairman Macswain called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Chairman Macswain, Commissioners Haveles, Larson, Lehmann, Quie,
Councilmember Polehna (arrived at 7:30)
Absent: Commissioners Hanson and Yetman
Staff: Parks Superintendent Rogness
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Possible approval of minutes of May 20, 2024 meeting
Motion by Commissioner Lehmann, seconded by Commissioner Larson, to approve the May 20,
2024 meeting minutes. All in favor.
OPEN FORUM
There were no public comments.
NEW BUSINESS
Northland Park - Pickleball Group Reservation Hours
Parks Superintendent Rogness stated that the Stillwater Pickleball Group has requested to
extend the pickleball hours at the Northland Pickleball Courts. Currently they use the courts 9
am-12 pm Monday through Saturday and 6-9 pm Monday through Thursday. They would like
to use the courts from 8 am-1 pm Monday through Saturday and keep the evening hours. The
group's membership has grown from 400 members to over 800, resulting in a higher demand
for court time. The City has pickleball courts at Staples and Lily Lake Park that are not part of
their reservations. There are a total of 8 pickleball courts and 2 tennis courts at these locations.
Commissioner Quie voiced concern about taking court time away from members of the public
who want to play together.
Chair Macswain noted he gets nervous about granting exclusive use by a club. He feels the
courts should be open to the public at least half the time.
Commissioner Larson said it's great that people want to utilize the courts but she wondered if
more court time is added now, will another request come in the future for yet more time?
Commissioner Haveles said he has heard tennis players ask where to go to play tennis. At
Northland there should be signage about where tennis players can go to play. It should also be
on the City web site, along with contact info for the pickleball group and its hours.
The consensus of the Commission was to allow the pickleball group to use the courts at
Northland from 8 am-12 pm as well as the current evening hours.
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
June 24, 2024
Motion by Commissioner Larson, seconded by Commissioner Haveles, to approve extending the
reserved hours at Northland Park to 8 am -12 pm for the Stillwater Pickleball Group, and to add
signage explaining the availability of the courts and other options for the public to use, as well as
how to contact the group that has it from 8 am - 12 pm. All in favor.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Skateboard Park Location
Mr. Rogness said he discussed this with Public Works Director Sanders and a lot of the places
considered earlier have already been ruled out, for instance Northland Park and the dog park
area. The former City dump area is not a good option as the front section is the only place the
City has to haul snow. He and Mr. Sanders came up with two ideas: 1) downtown across
Second Street from Teddy Bear Park. Maybe a mural could be placed there as well; 2) the hill
area at Benson Park. He would like to get a recommendation from the Commission.
Councilmember Polehna said he called the professional skateboarder whom the City consulted
in the past, Nicole Hause. She will be back in the area soon and is willing to meet with the
Commission and relook at locations.
Mr. Rogness suggested all the Commissioners visit the two possible locations, and he will
explore what the next step should be, to gather input from the Commission, Nicole Hause, and
possibly have a neighborhood meeting.
Motion by Commissioner Lehmann, seconded by Commissioner Quie, to ask all the Commissioners
to visit the two locations before the next meeting. All in favor.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Commission Member Updates
Councilmember Polehna reported that the City Council approved a referendum for the
November ballot about a local sales tax. The funds raised by the tax, if approved by the voters,
will be added to the $6 million from the State to complete the waterfront projects including
Lumberjack Landing, riverbank stabilization, shoddy mill, gazebo, public dock and boat launch.
Staff Updates
Mr. Rogness stated that a flood wall has been built downtown and jersey barriers have been
placed. The City is working with the Lumberjack Days organizer to move the event out of
Lowell Park. He gave park updates and stated 291 diseased trees are being replaced.
Commissioners Larson and Haveles asked that Mr. Rogness confirm that all permanent
bathrooms have changing tables.
Councilmember Polehna asked about repairs to the bandshell at Pioneer Park, and Mr. Rogness
said the project is set for next year or the year after. For now, cosmetic repairs are being done.
Mr. Rogness described a recent commemoration ceremony involving two families who
donated for tree replacement downtown in memory of loved ones.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Commissioner Quie, seconded by Commissioner Larson to adjourn. All in favor. The
meeting was adjourned at 8:13 p.m.
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Parks and Recreation Commission Meetin June 24, 2024
D n Macswain, Chair
ATTEST- i
Chad Rogness, Parks Superintendent
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