04. 09.14.2026 PRC Minutes DRAFTCity of Scandia Parks and Recreation Committee Monday, September 14, 2026
A meeting of the Parks & Recreation Committee was held on the above date at the Community Center and on
Zoom. Present: Dustin Hegland (Vice -Chair), Patti Ray, Amy Shattuck, and L aura Weber. Absent: Greg Zauner
(Chair). Also Present: Kirstin Libby (Council Representative) and Charles Fischer (Public Works Director).
Hegland called the meeting to order at 6:03 pm. A quorum was present.
PUBLIC FORUM
None
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Shattuck requested adding Pickleball Tourney Recap to Old Business and Fireflies S'mores Truck to the Winter
Recreation Events agenda item. Hegland motioned to approve the agenda as amended; Shattuck seconded.
Motion carried unanimously.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Hegland called for any additions or corrections to the August 3, 2026, 2026, minutes. No additions or corrections
were submitted. The minutes stand approved as documented.
REPORTS
Chair Report
Zauner provided a written report. Weber recommended going to Wind in the Pines instead of Tomteskogen as
the site visit on October 5t". All present consented.
PW Report — Wayne Erickson Maintenance Update
Fischer provided a written report adding the Warming House is scheduled to have automatic lock/unlock doors
installed in time for the skating season in connection with the current push button system for the rink lights.
OLD BUSINESS
Vinterfest Planning
Hegland presented Zauner's ideas of possible kid/parent competitions for Vinterfest including a popsicle-stick
bridge -building competition judged on strength and creativity, a coloring contest depicting what participants
want Scandia to look like in 2050, and a project -cost guessing game using photographs of City projects.
Winter Recreation Events
Hegland facilitated discussion to provide additional winter recreation opportunities outside of Vinterfest. Ideas
included a community skate event, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and other winter activities. Weber
suggested hosting a community skating event, with refreshments provided. A Firefly S'mores truck was discussed
as a possible vendor. The Committee agreed hold this event on January 16 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. The Firefly
S'mores truck would provide s'mores, coffee, and hot chocolate. Shattuck suggested offering refreshments free
to the first 100 participants. The estimated City contribution is $550, with Ray seeking matching support from
the Lions Club. The vendor will be contacted to confirm availability. The Committee discussed promoting the
event through Facebook, the City website, the Country Messenger, school communications, and flyers.
Master Plan Capital Plan Project Discussion
The Committee continued discussion of priorities identified during the park tours. Weber questioned if
investment in the Wayne Erickson Park playground is warranted given its current condition and limited observed
use. Members consented to directing future funds toward other park improvements and preparing plans and
specifications for projects so the City is prepared to apply for grant funding when opportunities become
available. Potential improvements including a pavilion, replacement of the storage building, indoor restrooms,
parking, and improvements at other City parks. Discussion continued regarding changes at Tomteskogen Park
September 14, 2026
Scandia Parks and Recreation Committee
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on Bone Lake and improvements, suggesting a bicycle repair station and bicycle rack at Hay Lake Park trail
markings and limited trail maintenance at Wind in the Pines. Weber suggested promoting City parks through the
City website and social media. Ray suggested highlighting individual parks, trails, and recreational opportunities
to increase public awareness.
National Night Out & Scandia Community Fun Day — Recap
The Committee discussed the recent National Night Out event. Attendance was reported as lower than in
previous years, and members noted that neighborhood -based National Night Out events have become more
common. The Committee discussed the need for better promotion if the City continues to participate in a
community -wide event.
The Committee also discussed Midco Community Fun Day. Approximately 625 people attended the Farmers'
Market, with many more attending the concert. Story voting was successful, with more than 500 votes. The
Committee noted that Midco intends to continue Midco Days in Scandia.
PRC Operational Calendar
The Committee discussed possible winter recreation programs, including a community skate, Kubb,
snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and winter hiking. Members discussed seeking community input for people
interested in hosting or leading winter activities and using the City website and social media to solicit ideas.
NEW BUSINESS
Pickleball Tournament and Multi -Use Courts Feedback
Shattuck reported a surprising number of Pickleball Tournament participants stated they would not attend Taco
Daze, except for this tournament. They brought their own 'fan clubs,' thus drawing more guests to the
community event. The wind forced the tournament to rotate positions teams played on the courts; committee
members discussed wind breaks like Forest Lake's courts use and the natural tree line break at Scandia's courts
and expenses associated with considering changes. Shattuck asked if bleachers or other seating will be
considered. Fischer gave the history of the playground construction with the court's renovation. Seating can be
discussed as a future improvement investment.
Wind in the Pines Park Tour Discussion
Site visit canceled due to the weather. Rescheduled October 5tn
AGENDA FOR NEXT MEETING
The proposed agenda for Monday, October 5, 2026:
1. Cleanup at Lilleskogen Park
2. Vinterfest Planning
3. Winter Recreation Program Discussion
4. Park Tour at Wind in the Pines Park at 5:00 pm
5. Operational Calendar
ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn the meeting by Ray, seconded by Weber. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting
adjourned at 7:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda 'Bee" Stignani, City Clerk