David Call from the Brainerd Lions Club presented the vision for the pickleball courts, which would likely be situated along the park’s front. Despite the excitement surrounding the project, there were concerns about ensuring accessibility, especially for individuals with disabilities. Plans for the pickleball complex stressed the importance of integrating paved pathways to facilitate access. The board discussed the overlap of the planned playground’s location with the proposed pickleball site, urging careful planning to prevent conflicts. The need for a master plan revision was recognized to align the new amenities with the city’s future vision, with participants agreeing to explore this more thoroughly in upcoming workshops.

In addition to the pickleball project, the board addressed other park facilities and events. Registration for the pickleball league opened recently, with activities scheduled at Memorial Park. The board also celebrated the success of recent community events, including Easter egg hunts and a dog ball hunt. Positive feedback highlighted the effective organization and high turnout, prompting suggestions for future improvements, such as obtaining a sound system to enhance communication during events.

Another topic involved the credit card processing system at park concession stands. The board reviewed the current fee structure, which imposes a minimum charge for transactions, potentially deterring customer use. The cost and logistics of expanding credit card reader capability were also discussed. The board considered maintaining cash payments for the time being, while exploring new processing options for the next season to balance customer service and operational costs.

The meeting also touched on the rebranding of local recreational offerings. There was a desire to market these programs as a “farm system” for the travel league, rekindling community involvement among youth. This discussion led to reminiscing about the parks’ vibrant past, contrasting with modern trends where children may prefer indoor activities.

Further, the board deliberated on concession stand operations, focusing on reducing inventory from 200 items to a more manageable selection and introducing a standardized pricing approach with Coca-Cola’s support. This initiative aims to manage resources and ensure fiscal responsibility.

In addition to the pickleball and concession discussions, the board addressed a variety of permits for upcoming community events. Noteworthy among these was the approval of the Two Paddles Kayak Race, which raised questions about public access to the beach and pavilion usage during the event. The board emphasized the importance of maintaining public access while accommodating event needs.

Also discussed was the Sethane Sheridan Foundation walk, planned from Gregory to Lum Park. The event, aimed at raising addiction awareness, required careful planning to avoid road closures. The board approved the use of park facilities for this event, underscoring its community impact.

Lastly, the board scheduled a workshop for May 6 to review priorities and alignment among team members, particularly in light of personnel changes. The workshop aims to consolidate planning efforts and ensure cohesive project management, with a focus on the pickleball complex and other park developments.