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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRNR Commission - 12/01/2025Agenda Eden Prairie Parks and Natural Resources Commission Meeting 7 p.m. Monday, December 1, 2025 City Center Heritage Rooms 8080 Mitchell Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344 ATTENDEES Commission Members: Patrice Erickson, Chair; Pedro Curry, Vice Chair; Cecilia Cervantes, Duane Hookom, Jennifer Meyer, Kirk Spresser, Sana Elassar, Lisa Nichols, Giridhar Kuppili Student Representatives: Jack Dennison, Seth Gilligan, Everett Gilligan, Simone Kauna, Allison Schuessler, Daniel Siegert, Ani Dirks, Rose Wicks, Affan Syed, Gwendolyn Glasrud, Ella Brazil City Staff: Amy Markle, Parks and & Recreation Director; Jana Graczyk, Recreation Services Manager; Matt Bourne, Parks & Natural Resources Manager; Gamiel Hall, Community Center Manager; Kristen Twitchell, Recreation Supervisor – Arts & Events Recording Secretary: Sarah Resemius MEETING AGENDA I. Call the Meeting to Order II. Approval of Agenda III. Minutes A. Approval of the minutes for the Parks and Natural Resources Commission meeting held Monday, November 3, 2025 IV. Report of City Council Action V. Report of Planning Commission VI. Petitions, Requests and Communications VII. Reports of Commission and Staff A. Parks and Recreation Director 1. 2026 Commission Topics (draft) B. Recreation Services Manager 1. Community Theater – Eden Prairie Players and Community Band C. Communication Center Manager D. Parks and Natural Resources Manager E. Parks and Recreation Experiences 1. Share your experiences of events, park/building visits, news articles, etc. VIII. Other Business IX. Next Meeting 1. January 5, 2026 Staring Lake Building (14800 Pioneer Trail) X. Adjournment 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. UNAPPROVED MINUTES PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2025 7:00 p.m. Eden Prairie City Center, Heritage Rooms 8080 Mitchell Road PRNR COMMISSION MEMBERS: Patrice Erickson, Chair; Pedro Curry, Vice Chair; Cecilia Cervantes, Duane Hookom, Jennifer Meyer, Kirk Spresser, Shanti Shah, Sana Elassar, Lisa Nichols, Giridhar Kuppili PRNR STUDENT REPRES.: Jack Dennison, Seth Gilligan, Simone Kauna, Allison Schuessler, Daniel Siegert, Everett Gilligan, Ani Dirks, Rose Wicks, Affan Syed, Gwendolyn Glasrud, Ella Brazil CITY STAFF: Amy Markle, Parks & Recreation Director Jana Graczyk, Recreation Services Manager Matt Bourne, Parks & Natural Resources Manager Gamiel Hall, Community Center Manager RECORDING SECRETARY: Sarah Resemius Chair Erickson called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM. Commissioner Cervantes was absent. Student Representative Kaura and Student Representative Syed were absent. I. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion: Commissioner Hookom moved to approve the agenda with no amendments. Commissioner Meyer seconded. Motion carried 10-0. II. APPROVAL OF PRNR MINUTES – October 6, 2025 Motion: Commissioner Spresser moved to approve October 6, 2025 minutes. Commissioner Elassar seconded. Motion carried 10-0. III. REPORT OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION Director Markle shared that October has been a busy month for the City Council. As is typical during the fall, the City has been in the process of securing contracts for the upcoming year. These contracts include contracts such as vendors for the Fourth of July event, as well as construction projects for the coming year. On October 7th, the Eden Prairie Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources department reported to the City Council all the donations it has received from the community this financial quarter. This report to the City Council on donations received occurs on a quarterly basis. Much of the time, these donations go towards reducing the cost of recreation programming for participants, as well as enhancing the variety and quality of programming offered. Additionally, at this meeting, the Eden Prairie Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources department gave a joint presentation with the Lions’ Club on two AED Safe Stations provided through a $14,000 donation from the Lions’ Club. The City currently has one AED Safe Station at Miller Park, and with the donation two additional AED Safe Stations have been ordered for Riley Lake Park and Staring Lake Park. In November, the Lions’ Club will be returning to the City Council to donate a further three AED Safe Stations, for a total of six in Eden Prairie’s parks. The Lions’ Club will also be donating $10,000 for the purpose of turf conversions in Eden Prairie’s parks over the next few years. Turf conversions are when lesser-used turf spaces in parks are converted to pollinator gardens. The Eden Prairie Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources department is very grateful to the Lions’ Club for their generosity. One of the contracts discussed at the October 7th City Council meeting included the pyrotechnics vendors for Eden Prairie’s 2026 Fourth of July celebration. We have a contract for the management of invasive species at twelve different City sites. There is also a contract for the installation of new equipment at the Homeward Hills Park playground. This equipment includes a splash pad and project management. On the recent Parks tour in July 2025, Commissioners visited the RTA site, where Phase One of the project entails reducing and preventing further erosion around the steps. Land Bridge Ecological Survey will be helping with Phase Two of the project. The City Council met again on October 21st. At this meeting, the City’s drone contracts were discussed. Eden Prairie will be contracting with a drone company out of Branson, Missouri called SkyGlow. SkyGlow will be making a site visit at Eden Prairie, where we will be able to discuss logistics and details. As a result of this collaboration, Eden Prairie will double the number of drones it has available from one hundred to two hundred. With this many drones, the City of Eden Prairie will be able to thank event sponsors by showing their logo made up of lights from the drones. In November, the City Council will only meet once (on November 18th). IV. REPORT OF PLANNING COMMISSION N/A V. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATION N/A VI. NEW BUSINESS N/A VII. OLD BUSINESS Commissioner Spresser inquired about the status of a dog park also utilized for cross country skiing. Director Markle explained that the dual use of the park as a dog park and cross country skiing location will likely continue for the foreseeable future. Director Markle elaborated on the context of the situation. The City has a longstanding agreement with the Nordic Ski Club in which, each winter when the snow cover reaches a given depth, the dog park effectively closes and becomes an area where community members can come to ski. This has been challenging, as there are multiple groups of community members vying to use the same space for different purposes. As a result of the situation, Manager Bourne and Director Markle have collaborated to identify a different City property that can be used as an alternative winter location for the dog park. Commissioner Spresser asked if Director Markle could add the dog park issue to the 2026 meeting agenda. Director Markle responded that, while this issue is still in the process of being resolved, it can be added to the 2026 meeting agenda. Commissioner Kuppili asked if this is the dog park at Staring Lake Park. Director Markle answered that it is. Commissioner Nichols asked if Friends of Eden Prairie Parks (FEPP) would be able to present at the Eden Prairie Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission meeting to share what they have been working on. Director Markle shared that FEPP did attend and present at a Commission meeting in 2024. Commissioner Nichols asked if there is a possibility to sell Eden Prairie Parks & Recreation merchandise. Director Markle responded that they like the idea of Eden Prairie Parks merchandise, and that it is something that could be explored in the future. Commissioner Meyer asked that, if Eden Prairie’s dog parks are brought up at a future Commission meeting, that it be a more in-depth conversation exploring rules, regulations, and the state of equipment at Eden Prairie’s dog parks. Commissioner Meyer shared that some of the issues they feel need to be explored regarding the dog parks include equipment needing repair, a necessary review of rules regarding dog waste, and off-leash dogs at local dog parks. Director Markle responded that this is something that could be explored in the future, perhaps spreading out the topics to multiple Commission meetings. Commissioner Meyer also added that they would be interested in how Eden Prairie compares to other nearby cities’ Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources systems. Director Markle responded that this is a discussion that can be explored by the Commission in the future. Student Representative Siegert expressed that they would like to explore the topic of the Homeward Hills park during the current Student Representatives’ tenure on the Commission. Director Markle shared that, in December 2025, the Commission will host the Eden Prairie Players and the Community Band. That will be the focus of December 2025’s Commission meeting. VIII. REPORTS OF COMMISSION & STAFF A. Parks and Recreation Director i. 2026 Commission Topics • Bike Park • Homeward Hills • Public Art • Therapeutic Recreation • Facility Rentals • EPCC Staffing • EP Walks Program • EP Bikes Program • Commission Banquet • Summer Parks Tour • Recreation App Update • Cricket B. Recreation Services Manager 1. N/A C. Community Center Manager 1. N/A D. Parks and Natural Resources Manager i. Historical Properties • Manager Bourne gave a presentation on Eden Prairie’s historical properties. Commissioner Hookom also contributed during the presentation as a member of Eden Prairie’s Historical Society. • Cummins-Phipps-Grill House o Established in 1856 by John and Mattie Cummins. o Sold the farm to Edwin and Harriet Phipps in 1908. o Harriet planted the peony garden around 1920 which still remains today. o Daughter Mildred and her husband Martin Grill owned the farm from 1934 until 1976. o The house is currently owned by the City of Eden Prairie and leased to the Eden Prairie Historical Society. o John Cummins was a leading horticulturist in the area. o Commissioner Hookom shared that the Eden Prairie Historical Society is made up of 14 all-volunteer board members. As a result, the Eden Prairie Historical Society relies heavily on support from other agencies. In the building we are currently meeting in, the Eden Prairie Historical Society operates a museum on local history. Commissioner Hookom stated that the Cummins-Phipps-Grill house was made out of locally sourced Chaska brick. Commissioner Hookom said that many of the properties managed by the Historical Society, including the Cummins-Phipps-Grill house, can be rented out by local nonprofits. Commissioner Hookom shared that the Cummins-Phipps-Grill House was the location a short horror film called The Doll was filmed. Commissioner Hookom also shared that their mother may have been the individual that interviewed Mildred Grill for the Eden Prairie Historical Society. • Riley-Jacques Farmstead o Established by Matthew Riley in 1854. o Many of the original structures built by the families including the house, barn, garage, and granary remain on the site. o The home is leased while the barn hosts many City and private events. o Commissioner Meyer asked if there are special requirements of the family who lives on the property. Manager Bourne answered that the family that leases the house is responsible for basic maintenance of the property. City staff is available for help with any major issues that may occur with the property. • Geisler-Dorenkemper House o Francis Geisler built the house with his brother in the 1860s on a nearby farm established by Geisler around 1854. o The house was moved from the nearby farm to its current location in 2002, and restored to its circa 1870s appearance. o Council recently approved a lease for the house to be turned into a bookstore in the spring of 2026. o Commissioner Hookom shared that there currently is not plumbing or electricity in the property, so there is some work that needs to be done before the opening of the bookstore. Commissioner Hookom said that the Geisler-Dorenkemper house is an example of a hewn log structure. Commissioner Hookom also shared that the property is home to community events, such as the Picnic on the Farm and Harvest to Halloween. Harvest to Halloween can draw 1,000 to 2,000 attendees on a year where the weather is good. During these events, Ginny Dorenkemper, who is still alive, frequently attends to share the history of the property. • Smith-Douglas-More House o The home was built in 1877 and was originally a boarding house for train passengers from the nearby Eden Prairie station along the Minneapolis – St. Louis Railroad. o The City restored the home in 2001 and added the rear addition and now leases the property to Smith Coffee. o The Minnesota Hosta Society has plants located around the grounds. o Commissioner Hookom shared that the Eden Prairie Historical Society has worked to get the Smith-Douglas-More House on the National Register of Historic Places, but there has been difficulty meeting the stringent requirements of the National Register of Historic Places. • Glen Lake Children’s Camp o The Glen Lake Sanatorium operated the Glen Lake Children’s Camp from 1925 to 1950 for young victims of tuberculosis. o The camp is now leased to True Friends, an organization who runs Camp Eden Wood, offering a wide variety of programs for children and adults with disabilities.  Director Markle shared that True Friends is currently in the process of attempting to secure funding from the state to restore Birch Hall, a historic structure on the property, which needs to be updated in order to be accessible for camp participants with disabilities. Such restorations can be costly. o This historical site is located near Birch Island Lake. o Commissioner Hookom shared that this is one of two camps that remain in the country. There is one in Maine, and this one here in Eden Prairie. There was recently a celebration of the site’s one-hundred-year anniversary at the location. o Commissioner Meyer asked if it is possible for community members to go walk around the property, or if there are additional steps that need to be taken in order to access the site. Manager Bourne responded that it is possible to visit when True Friends camp programming is not taking place. During True Friends camp programming is occurring, the site is kept secure for camp participants. o Director Markle shared that there are currently talks with the City of Minnetonka. The City of Minnetonka will be redirecting some wetlands near Highway 62, which may result in a change in water levels around the Glen Lake Children’s Camp. Because this may cause a change in water levels near the property, the City of Eden Prairie is waiting to make significant investments in developing a property that may need to be moved or lifted up. o Commissioner Hookom shared that, adjacent to the Glen Lake Children’s Camp, there was a red rock sacred to local Native communities. • Staring Lake Outdoor Center o The original cabin was built in 1935 as part of the State Transient Camp Number One in Savage. o Moved to its current location in 1946 by Clarence C. Bush as a summer home. o The City acquired the property in 1973 and the cabin opened in 1979 as the Senior Center. o When the Senior Center moved to the City Hall, the building at Staring Lake became the Outdoor Center. The Outdoor Center is surrounded by a variety of trails. o Commissioner Hookom shared that Northrop King held much of their fieldwork at the location of the Staring Lake Outdoor Center, prior it to it being owned by the City of Eden Prairie. o Commissioner Nichols shared that the interpretive materials available for the historical sites are very helpful. Manager Bourne responded that the City has many helpful interpretive materials available at its historical sites. • Fredrick-Miller Spring o The spring was an important resource for early Native Americans. o William Fredrick, with help from his neighbors, first redirected the water from the spring to its current location and made the water available to the public in 1890. o The property surrounding the spring was purchased by the Miller family, who later deeded the spring and about a tenth of an acre to the City in 1968. o Manager Bourne shared that the spring is popular with local homebrewers and distillers, as the water is not treated with the same chemicals as the City’s regular water supply. o Commissioner Nichols asked if the influx of invasive buckthorn has impacted the water quality of the spring. Manager Bourne shared that it has not; the water quality from the spring is tested monthly and there have not yet been any issues. • Lookout Park Wayside o Built as part of the National Youth Administration in 1938 and 1939. o The original park included trees, shrubs, three fireplaces and six picnic tables. o The site is currently off-limits due to its proximity to the Flying Cloud Airport runway. o Manager Bourne shared that the original signage on the site was stolen, and its whereabouts are unfortunately unknown at this time. o Commissioner Hookom shared that the location of the Battle of Shakopee fought between the Dakota and Ojibwe tribes was visible from the overlook. Accounts of settlers reflected that they could hear and see the events of the battle from their location on the overlook. o Chair Erickson asked if it is possible to access the historic town of Hennepin, located within James Brown Conservation Area. Manager Bourne shared that it is possible to access the site, but there is very little remaining in terms of existing structures. Commissioner Hookom shared that some of the wood from a historic hotel formerly located on the Minnesota River was harvested when the hotel was shut down, and is now located at many sites around the City of Eden Prairie. o Commissioner Spresser shared that they would appreciate, on the Commission’s annual spring tour, if the Commission could visit at least one of these historical sites. o Commissioner Hookom shared that the Historical Preservation Commission has commissioned a team of authors to write a book on the history of Native American people around the region of Eden Prairie. • Commissioner Nichols asked if there has been any interest from Eden Prairie schools on touring historical sites, or possibly exploring historical reenactors. Commissioner Hookom answered that, earlier in fall of 2025, a group from Oak Point school came to Eden Prairie’s Outdoor Center. Commissioner Hookom went on to say that they try to encourage people to come and engage with historical sites, while also experiencing the limitations of being a volunteer-run organization made up of only 14 people. E. Parks & Recreation Experiences Chair Erickson shared that the Star Tribune recently published an article on quirky local landmarks, and that Eden Prairie’s flying red horse was featured. Commissioner Spresser shared that they attended the Art Fair, and that it was an excellent experience, although parking was somewhat of an issue. Commissioner Spresser shared that amongst the people they know, Eden Prairie is known as having the best pickleball facilities in this area of the metro. Commissioner Hookom shared that they saw a great article on trail usage, encouraging users to stay on the trail and why that is important. Chair Erickson asked about the Harvest to Halloween event. Director Markle shared that it was a perfect fall day, and had attendance of around 2,000 people. Director Markle also shared that the City received feedback on ease of transportation to the event. In the future, it is possible the City will invest in one or more additional buses to assist with ease of transport of community members to the event. Commissioner Hookom asked about the status of Commissioners being required to attend and/or volunteer at City events. Director Markle shared that the Commission voted on this topic, and starting in 2026 there will be a requirement for Commissioners to attend two City events per year and provide their feedback to the Commission. IX. NEXT MEETING PRNR: December 1, Community Theater- Eden Prairie Players and Community Band Heritage Rooms at City Center X. ADJOURNMENT Motion: Commissioner Spresser moved to adjourn at 8:10 PM. Commissioner Shah seconded. Motion passed 10-0.