HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks and Recreation - 08/04/2025APPROVED MINUTES
PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, AUGUST 4, 2025 7:00 p.m. Eden Prairie Community Center, Cambria Room 16700 Valley View Road
PRNR COMMISSION MEMBERS: Patrice Erickson, Chair; Pedro Curry, Vice Chair; Cecilia Cervantes, Duane Hookom, Annie Klodd, Jennifer Meyer, Kirk Spresser, Shanti Shah, Sana Elassar, Lisa Nichols, Giridhar Kuppili
PRNR STUDENT REPRES.: N/A CITY STAFF: Amy Markle, Parks & Recreation Director
Jana Graczyk, Recreation Services Manager
Matt Bourne, Parks & Natural Resources Manager Gamiel Hall, Community Center Manager Nick Remmes, Aquatics Supervisor
RECORDING SECRETARY: Sarah Resemius Commissioner Elassar noted that there are not sufficient Commissioners present for a quorum. Director Markle introduced Jana Graczyk, the new Recreation Services Manager. Commissioner Spresser called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM. Chair Erickson, Vice Chair Curry, Commissioner Cervantes, Commissioner Klodd, Commissioner Meyer, and Commissioner Kuppili were absent. I. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion: Commissioner Nichols moved, seconded by Commissioner Hookom, to approve the agenda with no amendments. Motion carried 5-0. II. APPROVAL OF PRNR MINUTES – June 2, 2025 Due to a lack of quorum present, the approval of the June 2, 2025 PRNR Minutes has been moved to the September 8, 2025 meeting. III. REPORT OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION
Director Markle shared that the City Council met once in July, as the City Council meets once per
month in the summer. There was a proclamation read related to PeopleFest. A presentation was also given by Nick Remmes, Aquatics Supervisor. Eden Prairie received an award from the Red Cross to recognize the good work being done by Remmes and his team. The award is in recognition of the quantity and quality of aquatics and other trainings Eden Prairie offers. This includes training for lifeguards, wilderness survival and first aid, and babysitting. Commissioner Hookom asked if this is the first time we have received this recognition. Supervisor Remmes responded that this is the third year in a row Eden Prairie has received this award. IV. REPORT OF PLANNING COMMISSION
Manager Bourne shared that Minnesota Watershed District purchased 4 acres of land along the Minnesota River where they will be doing a restoration project. It will be rezoned to parks and open space. Commissioner Spresser asked if there is anything non-parks related that the Commissioners may be interested in as citizens of Eden Prairie. Manager Bourne responded that there will be a new restaurant and hotel near Valley View Road and Interstate 494. will be a few other developments. Commissioner Hookom asked if the large developments are subject to parkland dedication fees. Bourne responded that the developments are subject to the fees.
Commissioner Shah shared that they have noticed new housing being built, and that it appears they are almost finished. Manager Bourne responded that the development has been approved. Commissioner Spresser shared that when new land is developed, this results in revenue for the City.
V. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATION N/A VI. NEW BUSINESS
N/A VII. OLD BUSINESS N/A VIII. REPORTS OF COMMISSION & STAFF
A. City Manager/Parks and Recreation Director 1. New Commissioner and Student Orientation
Director Markle shared that the Commission will have a record number of Student Commissioners joining in September. At the end of August, the new Student Commissioners will be going through orientation. Student Commissioners will be required to attend 2 events as a volunteer.
Director Markle reminded the group that, due to open meeting laws, when Commissioners meet we must meet as a full group accessible to the public with notes taken of the meeting. Any emails, text messages, or meetings between Commissioners are considered public data. Director Markle stated that any time we are discussing the Commission, we need to make sure the information is accessible to the public. Markle stated that this information will be shared with the Student Commissioners as well. Commissioner Nichols asked if the City Attorney can clarify if
communication between any two individuals on the Commission is considered public information. Director Markle responded that if there is a meeting between two Commissioners, it must be conducted in a public setting with a recording secretary taking notes. Director Markle stated that they will reach out to the City Attorney for clarification and respond to all Commissioners the clarification via email.
Commissioner Nichols asked at what point in the agenda Commissioners get to bring forward questions. Commissioner Spresser responded that this is typically done in the Parks & Recreation Experiences section of the meeting. Director Markle also shared that if Commissioners have a point of conversation they would like to discuss, they can reach out to Markle in advance to get that item on the agenda. Commissioner Elassar asked if, in the future, it would be possible to add a section to the agenda for Student Commissioners to share their experiences at events. Director Markle shared that Commissioners are strongly recommended to come to PRNR events, and that they will continue to encourage participation at these events. Commissioner Spresser suggested that, at the September PRNR meeting, this be a topic of conversation on the agenda for further discussion. Commissioner Spresser asked if it would be helpful to pair a Student Commissioner with a Commissioner, for their learning and a greater connection to the Commission. Commissioner Nichols asked if there are learning objectives for Student Commissioners, and volunteered to be involved in planning learning objectives for Student Commissioners in the future. Commissioner Hookom shared that they like these ideas.
B. Recreation Services Manager 1. N/A
C. Community Center Manager
1. Aquatics Overview and Tour Director Markle introduced Aquatics Supervisor Nick Remmes. Remmes oversees a large aquatics program here in Eden Prairie. Tonight, Supervisor Remmes is going to walk us through
our aquatics program. Markle shared that we are the third-largest aquatics destination in the state, second only to the University of Minnesota and Rochester. Supervisor Remmes shared that this is their third year as Aquatics Supervisor. They started out working as a lifeguard at age 15. During college, Remmes worked at the University of Iowa’s
aquatics center. a. Aquatics Center
i. Lap Pool: 8 lanes, 25-yard pool, primarily used for lap swim and swim team practices ii. Dive Pool: 8 lanes, 25-yard pool, very versatile use consisting of lap swim, water walking, fitness classes, swim lessons, swim team, dive team and more. iii. Recreation Pool: Zero-depth entry with play features, basketball hoop, and small 4 lanes, 18-yard pool, mainly used for swim lessons, recreational swimming, and water walking iv. Water Slide: Located in the recreation pool area, only available when lifeguard are on duty v. Hot Tub: Available during most open hours, with a few exceptions b. Programs
i. Swim Lessons • American Red Cross Swim Lessons
• Lessons occur in 5 sessions throughout the year • Lessons for participants 6 months old through adults, and a pre-competitive swim program • Typically have around 1000 participants each year in almost 200 class offerings o Supervisor Remmes shared that this level of class offerings and participants puts the City of Eden Prairie in the Red Cross’s Gold Tier of swimming lesson providers • Private swim lessons are also available, and we typically have about 100 participants each year in private lessons • IN 2024, we started offering “drop-in” small group lessons to increase opportunities for busy families o Commissioner Spresser asked how families can find out about these specific lessons. Supervisor Remmes answered that information is available on the online registration portal. o Commissioner Hookom asked if individuals and families can pre-register for “drop-in” classes. Supervisor Remmes shared that it is possible to either pre-register, or drop in and pay at the front desk. Both options are available to families. o Director Markle asked Supervisor Remmes to explain how registration has been recently re-structured. Remmes responded that the aquatics team did research on participation in aquatics programs. They found that 40% of the percentage of participants in swim lessons were not residents of Eden Prairie, while most of the wait list for swim lessons were made up of Eden Prairie residents. In collaboration with Lori Brink, the aquatics program created a 1-week priority registration period for residents of Eden Prairie only. During this 1-week window, only Eden Prairie residents and non-resident aquatics center members will be able to register for swim lessons and other aquatics programs. This priority registration window begins August 13th, 2025. Supervisor Remmes stated that Eden Prairie Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources’ top priority is to serve Eden Prairie’s residents. o Commissioner Spresser asked what percentage of aquatics center members are non-residents. Director Markle responded that most aquatics center members are non-residents.
o Commissioner Elassar asked if there is a punch card for “drop-in” lessons available. Supervisor Remmes answered that there is not currently, but this is something that could be explored. o Commissioner Nichols asked about the demographic makeup of aquatics program participants. Supervisor Remmes answered that the largest demographic of participants is children ages 5-9. Many families stop coming after their children pass Level 3, as that is the “water competent” level. If families do not desire to go on to competitive swimming or utilizing swimming as a fitness practice, they will oftentimes discontinue swimming lessons after Level 3. ii. Safety Education • Classes offered include: Lifeguarding, Lifeguard Instructor, Water Safety Instructor, Wilderness First Aid, Babysitters Training, CPR and First Aid • In 2024 we certified 564 people in our safety education program including over 130 new lifeguards and recertified lifeguards, 125 community members in CPR, and 108 parks and recreation staff • So far in 2025 we have had 507 participants, with more offerings to come o Commissioner Elassar asked if we have any classes for people new to Minnesota on surviving in winter conditions (for example, in the wilderness survival courses). Supervisor Remmes responded that the focus is typically more on camping, traveling to the Boundary Waters, and other types of outdoor recreation. Commissioner Elassar shared that winter survival courses would be helpful for immigrants and other people new to Minnesota. o Commissioner Nichols asked how the information shared in this presentation is distributed to the public. Supervisor Remmes answered that the information is available on the City website and the RecTrac portal, as well as the Red Cross list of aquatics classes offered in the area. • 3 years in a row being recognized as a “Top Training Provider” in the United States by the American Red Cross iii. Inclusive Programs • Women Only Swim o Offered 2-3 times per month on Sunday evenings
All windows are covered and staff is entirely female o Open swim and drop in swim lessons for women only o This program has been very popular among Eden Prairie’s Muslim community, as well as with other women in the community • Adaptive Private Swim Lessons o Taught by specially trained instructors to work with kids who have a variety of special needs o In 2025, we have had about 25 participants in this program so far o Participants include children with autism and other disabilities • Sensory-Friendly Open Swim o Offered 2 times per month
o No water features or music on during this time, and lifeguards only use whistles in an emergency o We have been operating this program for 2 years o The program has been very well-received among families who participate • Commissioner Elassar asked if there is a sheet of information we can provide to groups ahead of time so that people know what to expect, such as whether to shower before or after, and other questions. Supervisor Remmes shared that we do have information on proper swim attire. Swim hijabs are available for those who want or need them. We do not currently have one sheet with all of this information on it. Commissioner Elassar asked if there has been a need for this. Supervisor Remmes responded that the City has shared information with women involved in Women Only Swim, and that the information has been shared via word of mouth. Commissioner Spresser asked if there is specific information on what to wear, what to expect, and what to bring on the Eden Prairie website. Spresser shared that increasing availability of this information may increase satisfaction with these programs even further. Director Markle shared that the City has done some targeted marketing to Eden Prairie’s Muslim community. Markle shared that there has been feedback from the Somali community that the most helpful way to share information with their community is via WhatsApp. Additionally, the City presented at a local mosque in order to share information about Eden Prairie’s aquatics programs. Supervisor Remmes shared that they have worked with social workers at Eden Prairie schools to get word out about these programs. • Commissioner Nichols asked if there is an ideal level of participation in order to maintain appropriate staffing and funding. Supervisor Remmes answered that there is not a specific level set; however, that they do monitor attendance. • Commissioner Elassar asked what percentage of these programs are made up of residents versus non-residents. Supervisor Remmes answered that Women Only Swim is about 50/50 residents versus non-residents, almost all of the Adaptive Private Swim Lessons participants are Eden Prairie residents, and it is difficult to track resident versus non-resident attendance at Sensory-Friendly Open Swim as it is drop-in. iv. Open Programs and Special Events • Open rec swim and tot swim offered multiple times each week- 25,000+ visits so far this year • Inflatable Obstacle Course offered 2 times per year • Themed events around holidays: Pumpkin Splash, Gobble Games, Swim with Santa, Swim for Gold, Floating Egg Hunt • Dive In Movies – The Little Mermaid was shown in January • These events are highly anticipated each year with very high participation numbers c. Partners and Rental Groups i. EPHS Swim and Dive ii. Foxjets Swim Club iii. Special Olympics Minnesota and the Western Wings Delegation
iv. Minnesota Masters Swimming v. We host about 25 swim meets each year, including a 10 and under state swim meet vi. SCUBA instructor vii. True Friends Camp viii. AKA Sports Camp d. Beaches i. Round Lake • Unguarded beach, swim at your own risk • 2nd year with no lifeguards at Round Lake o This decision was made based on water quality issues at Round Lake, in addition to the fact that the splash pad is the main attraction at this location. • Director Markle shared that Round Lake is checked twice per week by Hennepin County, and that E. coli levels frequently exceed safe levels. ii. Lake Riley
• Open with lifeguards from 10 AM – 7 PM daily (weather permitting)
• 9,000+ visits so far this summer
• Watercraft checkout available for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards, available 12 PM – 6 PM daily
• 2nd year of this offering • Director Markle said that a new issue at Lake Riley is harmful algae blooms. Scientists from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) shared that because ice melted so early in the year, sun is able to penetrate the water column in a way that activates algae blooms. Increased rainfall due to climate change also contributes to this problem. There are only 2-3 labs in the state that are able to test for harmful algae blooms. The level of algae bloom that was found in one instance during the summer would be lethal to a dog. We learned from experts at the MPCA and the Department of Health. Algae levels can also be at their most harmful immediately after the algae has visibly dissipated. As a result, the City tests immediately after the algae clears. It can be anywhere from 10-14 days after a harmful algae bloom that a beach can be re-opened safely to the public. Director Markle shared that Supervisor Remmes created a helpful ID chart for City staff where they check for algae before opening the beach for the day. Director Markle shared that we have also put out signage for Lake Riley users to monitor visually themselves early in the year, before City staff starts to monitor algae blooms for the season. Director Markle shared that the only city in the state with a more robust program is the City of Minneapolis. The City of Minneapolis has funding from the Department of Health for weekly tests for harmful algae blooms. The City of Eden Prairie does not have this funding, and each test costs $700. The Department of Health will provide this funding to the City of Eden Prairie in 2026. With that funding, we will be able to do regular testing in 2026. Commissioner Spresser asked what happens to the pay of City staff when a beach has to be closed for 2 weeks. Supervisor Remmes answered that the City tries to move employees around as much as possible, including assisting with swim lessons, in order to reduce the instance of reduction of working hours to
employees. However, even with these efforts, staff’s working hours may be reduced. Supervisor Remmes shared that an epidemiologist from the Department of Health informed the City of Eden Prairie that even being near water experiencing a harmful algae bloom can cause problematic health symptoms. Commissioner Nichols asked if this is a climate-related issue, and if so whether the City has any long-term plans to change how, for example, Round Lake is used. Supervisor Remmes answered that climate plays a role, especially in harmful algae blooms. Similarly, E. coli proliferates in the increasingly warm weather. Supervisor Remmes shared that Lake Riley is slightly less prone to harmful algae blooms, as there is an inflow and outflow of water. Round Lake is more stagnant, as a result is more prone to harmful algae blooms. Manager Bourne shared that this was the inspiration behind the addition of the splash pad to Round Lake. Commissioners Nichols and Spresser expressed interest in alternative uses for Round Lake, if it continues to not be swimmable. Commissioner Elassar asked if there is currently any outreach to notify residents of harmful algae or E. coli levels in Eden Prairie’s lakes. Manager Bourne and Director Markle stated that the Watershed District utilizes a Water Resource Specialist who notifies residents who live nearby to an affected lake. Markle shared that this has brought on early discussion for what the City’s appetite would be for outdoor aquatic recreation, such as an outdoor pool. As outdoor beaches become less reliable as methods for residents to cool down, outdoor aquatic recreation is something the City will likely explore in the future. Commissioner Nichols asked about sand-bottom pools and how we can increase information on how to access this amenity for residents. Commissioner Hookom shared that they were the first manager of Eden Prairie’s sand-bottom pool. Commissioner Hookom asked if any of the other lakes are tested for E. coli or harmful algae blooms. Supervisor Remmes shared that Lake Bryant is the only other lake tested, in addition to Round Lake and Lake Riley. e. Staffing i. 115 part-time staff in summer of 2025, most but not all working as lifeguards, the rest focus solely on swim lessons ii. We offer free certifications for our staff and reimbursements of course fees if participants in our courses come work at EPCC iii. Many are recruited either from the EPHS swim and dive team or Foxjets iv. In 2023 we were awarded a grant from Hennepin County to support lifeguard recruitment and retention efforts. This allowed us to nearly double our staff. v. This increase has allowed us to offer more programs and opportunities for our members and the community
D. Parks and Natural Resources Manager 1. Homeward Hills Playground Renovation a. Director Markle shared that, on July 2025’s PRNR Bus Tour, one of the sites visited was Homeward Hills Park. At the Bus Tour, Commissioners received plans (at approximately 50% completion) for the redevelopment of Homeward Hills Playground. At that time, City staff
requested the feedback and input of PRNR Commissioners on the plans. Afterwards, City staff brought that feedback to the playground designers. The designers added in concepts from the feedback of City staff and PRNR Commissioners, and the plans are now approximately 90% complete. On August 5th, 2025 City staff will be meeting with the playground designers in order to provide last comments and feedback for any more edits or changes the City would like. b. Manager Bourne shared that the new play structure will include 2 slides, a splash pad, seating areas, a younger children’s play structure, an older children’s play structure, nine square in the air, a gaga ball pit, sound-making play, a kid’s stage, and an adaptive slide. Commissioner Spresser asked what will happen with the currently existing volleyball courts on the site. Bourne responded that improvements will be made to one of the courts by adding fencing and other methods. Commissioner Spresser shared that there are certain colors that fit with the farm theme, where other colors do not, like dark red or gray to match the barn. Director Markle shared that re-siding the barn is upcoming, so the color of the barn can be changed imminently. Commissioner Nichols asked if the nine square in the air play structure is durable enough to handle the possibility of children climbing on it. Manager Bourne answered that the play structure is metal, so it could be durable enough. Bourne also shared that they are still in discussion on the material to make the tables and seating areas out of. Camp counselors prefer metal, as metal allows for arts and crafts to be done on the tables. Commissioner Spresser asked about the heat level of metal tables and other structures. Manager Bourne shared that all of the surfaces will be located under shade structures to reduce heat. Commissioner Nichols asked if the space is commonly rented for parties. If so, it may be helpful to have longer tables. Commissioner Spresser asked about the timeframe for the completion of the playground renovation. Manager Bourne shared that they are hopeful that bid opening will begin in early September, begin construction in mid-September, and that it will be complete by spring. Commissioner Hookom shared that the opinions of part-time recreation staff will likely be helpful in planning the playground, as they are directly involved with City programming.
E. Parks & Recreation Experiences Share your experiences of past events, park/building visits, news articles, etc.
Commissioner Spresser asked for a review of usage on hockey and ice skating rinks during the
winter at a future meeting, given our warming winters. Commissioner Hookom shared that the picnic on the farm has been rescheduled to the evening of Wednesday, August 20th. At the picnic there will be food trucks and music. It is an opportunity
to participate in City events.
Commissioner Hookom shared that they kayaked at Mitchell Lake and Red Rock with their grandson.
Hookom went on to congratulate City staff on the new pickleball courts. Commissioner Spresser
shared that they have 2 friends who are pickleball players, and both were complimentary of the pickleball courts at Miller Park. Commissioner Hookom shared that the people utilizing the pickleball courts were a very diverse group, in terms of background and age.
Director Markle shared that Arts in the Park is upcoming at 10 AM on August 16th at Purgatory
Creek Park. There will be live music, food, and art vendors from across the region. There will be
parking available across the street. Additionally, we have our 2nd pop-up splash pad on August 19th at Forest Hills Park. Police, Fire, and City Council are usually in attendance.
Commissioner Nichols shared that Friends of Eden Prairie Parks is sending out a mailer to 3,000 residents nearby to Round Lake Park, Staring Lake Park and Edenbrook Conservation Area about invasive species removal in order to generate new volunteers. Our goal is to recruit 30 new volunteers.
IX. NEXT MEETING PRNR: September 8, Heritage Rooms at City Center, TBD
X. ADJOURNMENT Motion: Commissioner Shah moved, seconded by Commissioner Hookom, to adjourn. Motion carried 5-0.
PRNR Commission Purpose Statement:
PRNR COMMISSION PURPOSE STATEMENT Act in an advisory capacity to the City on matters of leisure services, recreation programming, and development and use of parks and recreation facilities supported by the general public.
• Enlist the support of organizations and individuals in providing City parks and recreation facilities and activities.
• Provide input to staff in the promotion of awareness and use of recreation facilities and activities by community organizations and individuals.
• Provide input to staff on park plans including the site development and facility modifications and/or improvement program.
• Provide input to staff on park and recreation facility use.
• Provide input to staff on leisure programs and activities.
• Provide input to staff to ensure the inventory, preservation, and management of natural resources.
•