HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-02 Regular Meeting Minutes City of Apple Valley
April 2, 2026, Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee Regular Meeting
Minutes
Minutes of the regular meeting of the City of Apple Valley Parks& Recreation Advisory Committee
held April 2, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., at the Apple Valley Municipal Center.
Present: Committee Chair Schori; Committee Members Bailey, Freed, Long, Hammill,
Merchant, and Raab
Absent: None
City staff members present were: Parks& Recreation Director Carlson, Parks Superintendent
Rother, Recreation Superintendent Rosa, Recreation Facilities Manager Christianson, Natural
Resources Coordinator Samantha Berger, and Assistant City Engineer Evan Acosta
1. Call to Order and Pledge
Committee Chair Schori called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Everyone took part in the Pledge of
Allegiance.
2.Approval of the Agenda
Motion: of Long, seconded by Freed, approving the agenda for tonight's meeting as
presented. Ayes-7-Nays-0.
3.Audience
Committee Chair Schori asked if anyone was present to address the Committee, at this time, on
any item not on this meeting's agenda. No one was present to speak.
4.Approval of the March 2026 Minutes
Committee Chair Schori asked if any committee members had changes to the March 2026 meeting
minutes. No changes were requested.
Motion: of Freed, seconded by Long, approving the March 2026 minutes as presented. Ayes
-7- Nays-0.
5.Agenda Items
A. Update on Apple Valley Additions Stormwater Projects
Natural Resources Coordinator Samantha Berger and Assistant City Engineer updated the
Committee on the status of projects at Duchess, Greening, and Pennock Parks associated with the
Apple Valley Additions Stormwater Projects. Coordinator Berger highlighted the amenities being
improved at each park as well as the stormwater improvements planned for each park, and she
also briefly touched on stormwater improvements coming later in 2026 for Whitney Pond at Keller
Park.Assistant City Engineer Evan Acosta shared that the playground at Greening Park will likely
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also be paid for by the MPCA grant as well as the Duchess and Pennock Parks due to bids coming in
lower than anticipated.
Committee Chair Schori asked about the maintenance plan for Pennock Park's large stormwater
basin, and staff shared that they are exploring a maintenance contract for a few years to reduce the
burden on Parks Maintenance staff and ensure native plantings are adapting well. Committee
Members Long and Merchant expressed gratitude for the exciting work to come for these parks.
A brief discussion about progress at Alimagnet Park also occurred.
B.Approve monument signs for Kelley, Redwood, Hayes, and Johnny Cake Ridge East and
West Parks
Parks&Recreation Director Eric Carlson presented two different options for monument signs at
Kelley, Redwood, Hayes,Johnny Cake Ridge East and West Parks.Staff are recommending
horizontal signs at Hayes,Johnny Cake East and West Parks and vertical signs at Johnny Cake Ridge
East, Kelley, and Redwood Parks with specific amenities listed on each sign.
Motion: of Freed, seconded by Raab, recommending City Council approve monument signs
as proposed. Ayes-7- Nays -O.
C.Consider renaming Johnny Cake Ridge Park East and Johnny Cake Ridge Park West
The Committee had expressed interest in renaming Johnny Cake Ridge Parks East and West to
reduce confusion for parkgoers.After extensive discussion at the informal meeting, Committee
members felt that dropping"Ridge"from the park names and leaving them as Johnny Cake Park
East and Johnny Cake Park West would be sufficient and appropriate.
Motion: of Merchant, seconded by Hammill, recommending City Council change the names
of Johnny Cake Ridge Park East and Johnny Cake Ridge Park West to Johnny Cake Park East and
Johnny Cake Park West respectively. Ayes-7- Nays-0.
D.Approve changes to Johnny Cake Ridge Park East Field C
Director Carlson shared the City's plans to change Johnny Cake Ridge Park East Field C(also known
as the Stadium Soccer Field),which would entail removing some fencing,the bleachers,the press
box, and the score board. Director Carlson explained that this field was used for high school varsity
soccer games but hasn't been used by the high schools since turf fields were installed at both
schools a few years ago.A public open house was held in March to address any concerns from the
public,the school district, and the athletic associations, and no one raised concerns.
Motion: of Freed, seconded by Long, recommending City Council approve the proposed
changes to Johnny Cake Ridge Park East Field C. Ayes-7- Nays-0.
6. Committee/Staff Discussion Items
No additional items were discussed.
7. Input from Committee Members on Future Agendas
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Committee Chair Schori clarified an earlier request of his to evaluate the outdoor skating situation
in Apple Valley. No additional items were requested.
8.Adjourn
Motion: of Freed, seconded by Hammitt,to adjourn. Ayes-7- Nays-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:53 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kayla Hechsel, Parks &Recreation Administrative Coordinator
Approved b Parks&Recreation Advisory Committee on May 7, 2026.
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