The election of new officers was a focal point of the meeting, as the commission considered maintaining the current officers but ultimately decided on change. Laura Greenlee Karp was elected as chair and Sarah Zahradka as vice chair, following a divided vote. This decision set the stage for a fresh approach to managing the commission’s activities in the coming term.

Following the elections, the commission turned its attention to the planning of events for 2025, emphasizing the need for commissioner involvement and volunteer support. Members were encouraged to be present at events and contribute ideas, with expectations set for participation in at least two events per year. The event schedule, shared during the meeting, included a variety of activities such as the “Fire and Ice” event at Casey Lake, where hot chocolate would be served to skaters, and the introduction of a new spring 5K, music events, yoga and Zumba sessions, movie nights, and the “Holly Jolly Night” holiday event.

The commission underscored the necessity of teamwork and collaboration in managing these community events, citing past instances where insufficient support led to challenges. For example, a previous movie night was difficult to manage single-handedly, prompting a request for at least one backup person to ensure safety and smooth operation. The commission also considered logistical aspects, such as avoiding scheduling conflicts with other local organizations and using tools like Google forms to better organize volunteer efforts.

In a related discussion, the commission addressed the “Music in the Parks” program. Plans included children’s entertainers and diverse musical acts such as steel drum bands and bluegrass groups, with a focus on enhancing community engagement through themed events. The need for regular participation and communication among commissioners was emphasized to ensure the success of these initiatives.

The meeting also delved into park maintenance and improvement projects, particularly concerning Southwood Park and the McKnight Athletic Complex. A commissioner raised concerns about storm-damaged trees and the potential for grant writing assistance to address these issues. The discussion also touched on the Southwood task force’s effectiveness, with calls for improved communication and clarity on the task force’s role.

A landscape architect from HGA Architects and Engineers presented a conceptual design and planning report for three parks, developed through community engagement. The report outlined proposed features for each site, such as colorful swings, nature play areas, and flexible fields for various sports. The importance of considering materials for park renovations, particularly the pros and cons of artificial turf, was debated. The commission recognized the need for strategic planning and budgeting to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of park improvements.

Further updates included extending lighting hours at local hockey rinks to accommodate community feedback and discussing the potential revival of meet-and-greets in the parks to foster resident engagement. The meeting concluded with plans to finalize a community-serving plan and explore new initiatives like the Polar Explorers pop-up park program.