21:20A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the park survey, initially set to close on May 16th. The survey, funded by a $2,700 grant, aims to gather insights into community needs for Oronoco Park, River Park, and Riverwood Hills Park. Despite efforts, only a few surveys were returned, prompting discussions about extending the deadline to June. This extension is intended to increase participation, especially as the summer months approach when park usage typically rises. Concerns about paper surveys’ accessibility led to suggestions for an online version, which could streamline data collection and broaden reach.

15:22The survey feedback so far has highlighted issues such as parking shortages, limited handicapped access, and outdated playground equipment. Specifically, Riverwood Hills Park received criticism for insufficient parking and poor signage. The committee acknowledged past flooding challenges at River Park, affecting accessibility and maintenance. To address these concerns, the committee emphasized the need for a well-structured survey that accurately captures community needs, with a plan to present findings to the city council.

01:11:11In parallel, the committee explored potential upgrades to the pickleball courts at River Park. The current setup involves a tennis court with pickleball lines painted alongside, but the existing net does not meet pickleball standards and is in poor condition. Proposing a “bring your own net” policy for the interim, the committee discussed repainting lines to better accommodate pickleball play and considered investing in new, rollable nets like those in Pine Island.

The committee debated whether to repaint lines for dual-use or maintain the current setup, acknowledging potential confusion but trusting players’ familiarity with both sports. Concerns over theft and vandalism, particularly during floods, were also raised. The committee considered involving local pickleball enthusiasts in discussions to ensure the new layout meets community expectations.

51:46Further discussions touched on budget allocations, with a proposal to use grant funds for engineering assessments to pave trails at Riverwood Hills. The committee acknowledged liability issues that might arise from trail modifications and emphasized the importance of prioritizing projects based on cost and feasibility.

01:04:48In addition to these focal topics, the committee reviewed maintenance needs across various parks, including Alice Park and Riverwood Hills. The planned installation of a fence along Highway 52 to improve access to Lake J and addressing trail damage from flooding were highlighted as ongoing concerns. The committee also discussed the possibility of organizing a community cleanup effort targeting garlic mustard removal at Alice Park, emphasizing the importance of public involvement.