Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Agenda and Packet

Community Development Department 222 Lewis Street River Falls, WI 54022 715.425.0900 www.rfcity.org PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD AGENDA May 20, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Minutes of the April 15, 2026 meeting PUBLIC COMMENTS ACTION ITEMS 2. Bee City Demonstration Gardens at DeSanctis Park DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. River Falls Youth Softball – Presentation by Elizabeth Rohl 4. Grow to Share Status Update – Presentation by Tonya Schmitt 5. Kinni Corridor Project National Park Service Branding and Logo Project Update STAFF REPORTS 6. Public Works Maintenance Staff Report 7. Conservation and Parks Staff Report CALENDAR The next Park and Recreation Advisory Board meeting will be 06/17/2026 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. ADJOURNMENT Council members may be in attendance for informational purposes only. No official Council action will be taken. NOTE: Any person who has a qualifying disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act that requires the meeting or materials to be in an accessible location or format may contact City Clerk Amy White at (715) 426-3408 or in person at 222 Lewis Street for accommodations. Requests for accommodations should be made at least three (3) business days in advance of the meeting. Every effort will be made to arrange accommodations. Post: City Hall and City website 05/15/2026 Community Development Department 222 Lewis Street River Falls, WI 54022 715.425.0900 www.rfcity.org PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES April 15, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER Meeting convened at 5:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Members Present: Matt Janquart (Chair), Jeff Bjork (Council Rep), Mei Mei Abdouch, Phil Galli, Brenda Gaulke, Melissa Pedrini, and Natasha Schaefer. Members Absent: None Staff Present: Brooks Ostendorf-Conservation and Parks Manager, Kyle Mackey- Recreation Coordinator , Levi Myers -Natural Resources Coordinator, and Brenda Rundle-Customer Service Representative. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. MSC Gaulke/Abdouch approve the minutes of the March 18 , 2026 Park and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) meeting. Unanimous. PUBLIC COMMENTS William Hansen of the Town of River Falls reminded the board about Earth Month, International Dark Sky Week, and the local Earth Fest event on April 25 at UWRF. Patricia La Rue thanked Jeff Bjork for his service on the board. Brooks also thanked Jeff Bjork for his service and congratulated Mei Mei for her place on City Council. He said that Eli Guthrie was appointed to PRAB. ACTION ITEMS DISCUSSION ITEMS STAFF REPORTS 2. Brooks told PRAB about the May 21 Summer Starts in the Parks event at Glen Park. He also told PRAB that the City has granted a request from Our Neighbor’s Place (ONP) to allow their patrons to get a daily pass and a code to use the shower at the Hoffman Park Octagon for no charge. There will likely only be one shower per day. Shelly Smith of ONP thanked the City for the partnership. The Campground opened for the season and is sold out for the weekend due to the Bluegrass festival. Reservations are made online at riverfalls.activityreg.com. The City has had applications for Tree City USA and Bird City USA approved. CALENDAR The next Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting will be Wednesday 5/20/2026 at 5:30 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers. ADJOURNMENT MSC Gaulke/Galli to adjourn the meeting at 5:42 p.m. Unanimous. Respectfully submitted, Brenda Rundle, Customer Service Representative MEMORANDUM TO: Park and Recreation Advisory Board FROM: Brooks Ostendorf, Conservation and Parks Manager DATE: May 20, 2026 TITLE: Bee City Demonstration Gardens at DeSanctis Park RECOMMENDED ACTION Approve the proposed master plan of Bee City demonstration gardens and installation of the first phase at DeSanctis Park. BACKGROUND In 2022 River Falls became a Bee City to make a commitment to help conserve native pollinators and their habitats. Actions to meet this commitment include increasing the abundance of native plants, providing nest sites, and reducing the use of pesticides. DeSanctis Park was deemed the official Bee City Park due to its passive nature, prairie landscape, and sustainable maintenance practices. In 2025, Staff successfully installed the first Bee City Project following Park and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) approval: a 10,000 square foot bee lawn installation adjacent to the parking lot at DeSanctis Park. In May 2025, PRAB also improved installation of a demonstration garden in the location identified in Figure 1. Upon further discussion, the Bee City Committee has recommended a master plan for the demonstration gardens, including the previously identified location. Figure 1: Previously approved demonstration garden location 2 Memorandum to Park and Recreation Advisory Board May 20, 2026 Page 2 DISCUSSION In coordination with Staff, the Bee City Committee has created a master plan that identifies 10 unique demonstration gardens, located around the stormwater pond at DeSanctis Park. The gardens include the following typologies: 1. Native Bee Garden 2. Sensory Garden 3. Hummingbird Garden 4. Sunflower Garden 5. Monarch/Butterfly Garden 6. Savanna Garden 7. Woodland Garden 8. Sedges and Grasses Garden 9. Bird Garden 10. Western Prairie Garden Figure 2: Bee City Demonstration Garden Master Plan The demonstration garden s will provide a protected area to display pollinator plants for the purpose of educating the public on the planning, design, and installation of native plants. The intent is to implement the demonstration garden s in phases, dependent on available funding: existing turf will be removed and replaced with container plants, then signage will be incorporated to describe the overall garden and individual species. The first phase will include installation of the Native Bee, Sensory, Hummingbird, and Sunflower Gardens, which will be located around the Glover Station School House and in the triangular area previously identified (Numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 shown in Figure 2). FISCAL IMPACT Staff will procure 689 plants, comprised of a mix of plug and container plants, from local nurseries to plant out the initial four gardens. This will be funded out of the Parks 2027 Operating Budget. Memorandum to Park and Recreation Advisory Board May 20, 2026 Page 3 Sources Uses Parks Operating Budget - 2027 $2,500 Bee City Demonstration Gardens $2,500 Total all Sources $2,500 Total all Uses $2,500 CONCLUSION The proposed Bee City Demonstration Garden Master Plan advances the City’s ongoing commitment to pollinator conservation, environmental stewardship, and public education. By establishing a phased network of themed native plant gardens at DeSanctis Park, the project will create meaningful opportunities for residents to learn about pollinator -friendly landscaping practices while enhancing the ecological value and visual character of the park. Approval of the master plan and initial installation phase will allow Staff and the Bee City Committee to continue implementing Bee City initiatives in a thoughtful, coordinated, and fiscally responsible manner. MEMORANDUM TO: Parks and Recreation Advisory Board FROM: Levi Myers, Natural Resources Coordinator DATE: May 20, 2026 TITLE: Kinni Corridor Project National Park Service (NPS) Branding and Logo Project Update BACKGROUND In 2016, the Kinni Corridor Project began as a community-driven effort to examine whether the Junction Falls and Powell Falls Dams should be removed or relicensed. The Kinni Corridor Committee, made up of community members, helped guide this process of public input and collaboration, culminating in the Kinni Corridor Plan, which was adopted in 2019. In 2018, the City Council adopted a resolution directing a free-flowing Kinni, establishing target removal timelines for both dams, directing that no tax levy funds be used, and supporting the expanded use of renewable energy sources. While the Kinni Corridor Plan envisioned the creation of a public-private partnership the Kinni Corridor Collaborative (KCC) served in that role until December 2025. In 2022, the City began exploring the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Continuing Authorities Program (CAP) Section 206. In 2023, the City entered into an agreement with the USACE to conduct a feasibility study for a USACE project designed to restore degraded aquatic ecosystems to a more natural condition. This feasibility study was completed in April 2026. During the period in which the USACE conducted the feasibility study, the City was awarded a technical assistance grant from the National Park Service (NPS) Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program (RTCA) to create a Greenway Recreation Plan. This plan outlines concepts for developing recreational opportunities throughout the river corridor. The greenway plan was completed in 2025 and presented at an open house in June 2025. As staff continued this work, the concept of a blue-green ribbon of river and greenway that runs through the center of the community continued to expand and take shape throughout the planning process. Subsequently, City staff continued work with the NPS RTCA team in 2026 on branding, communications, and funding strategies related to both the USACE dam removal effort and the Greenway Plan components of the Kinni Corridor Project. The funding portion of this work identified potential funding opportunities for the project. The communications component examined project stakeholders and engagement strategies for various groups and residents. The branding component focused on establishing a future name for the physical project area 5 Memorandum to Park and Recreation Advisory Board May 20, 2026 Page 2 and developing a cohesive branding strategy and logo with assistance from a graphic designer. The following section provides information regarding the process for selecting the name, logo design, and its intended use. BRANDING AND LOGO DEVELOPMENT Overview City staff worked closely with the NPS team and a graphic designer to create a logo and branding strategy to support the Kinni Corridor Project and future implementation efforts. The logo may be used for project updates, publications, digital media, funding proposals, and physical signage throughout the corridor. Additionally, it could be used by partner organizations that align with the vision of the project at the discretion of the City. This branding effort is intended to support regional recognition and placemaking throughout the Kinni River Corridor. Establishing a cohesive and recognizable identity will help build awareness, promote tourism opportunities, and reinforce community identity. Name Development The NPS RTCA team and their graphic design contractor worked with City staff to build an identity for the physical project area and the recreational and ecological corridor surrounding the Kinnickinnic River. Early in the process, it became apparent that an important component of the branding effort would be establishing a recognizable name for the physical area. Through this process, “Kinni Riverway” was identified as the name for the corridor and future project area. The name “Kinni Riverway” was selected because it reflects both the ecological importance of the Kinnickinnic River and the broader network of trails, parks, gathering spaces, and recreational opportunities connected throughout the corridor. The name also supports placemaking and community identity by creating a recognizable identity that can be consistently used across project signage, publications, outreach materials, grant applications, and future amenities. Because residents and visitors already commonly refer to the river as “the Kinni,” the name is familiar and closely connected to the community’s existing identity and sense of place. “Kinni Greenway” was also considered during the branding process. However, “Kinni Riverway” was ultimately selected because it provides a stronger connection to the river itself and more clearly communicates the river-centered identity of both the project and the community. Additionally, staff believes the term “riverway” is more intuitive and recognizable to the public than the term “greenway.” Logo Development As part of this branding effort, a team of City staff from the Community Development and Administration Departments worked closely with the NPS RTCA team and their contractor to develop a logo representative of the project and the vision established in the Kinni Corridor Plan. Early in the design process, staff identified several key criteria for the logo, including that it should be simple in design, align with the City’s existing branding and style guide, maintain a strong river-focused identity, and be easily recognizable to community members. Staff also shared examples of comparable regional river and greenway projects to help guide the design process. Six initial concepts were generated, and City staff reviewed the concepts narrowing the selection to two preferred concepts. Additional feedback was provided with requested revisions Memorandum to Park and Recreation Advisory Board May 20, 2026 Page 3 to further align the designs with the project and branding goals. After revisions were completed, the updated concepts were shared again with staff for further review and minor adjustments were made. Following review of the final concepts, staff selected the logo design below for the Kinni Riverway. The selected logo is intended to serve as a long-term branding element for the corridor and future implementation efforts. It may be used for project updates and publications, funding proposals, public engagement materials, wayfinding and interpretive signage, and future recreational amenities throughout the corridor. Establishing a cohesive and recognizable identity for the Kinni Riverway will help strengthen community identity, support tourism and economic development opportunities, and reinforce the river’s role as a defining feature of River Falls. Key Considerations This logo’s abstract shape represents the Kinni River and the surrounding landscape. The integrated nature of the design reflects the idea of the land and water moving together and fitting together like puzzle pieces. The focus on the river further reinforces River Falls’ connection to the river as a central part of the community’s identity. By emphasizing the river, the logo connects with the various groups and stakeholders who interact with and value the river in different ways. The logo is simple in design and lends itself well to a variety of digital and printed formats. Importantly, it complements the City’s existing logo and branding through its ovular shape and color scheme. Finally, staff believes the logo reflects the broader vision of the Kinni Corridor Project, which includes not only the USACE dam removal and restoration efforts, but also expanded access to parks, trails, public spaces, and recreation opportunities that support community vitality and are outlined in the 2025 NPS Greenway Plan. CONCLUSION The development of the Kinni Riverway name and logo are an important step in establishing a cohesive identity for the future of the Kinnickinnic River corridor. Through collaboration with the NPS RTCA team and their contractor, City staff worked to create a brand that reflects the ecological, recreational, and community-oriented vision of the project. The Kinni Corridor Project furthers the City’s vision of “A distinct, vibrant, and safe community with an abundance of nature and easy access to metropolitan amenities. A place where families, students, and businesses flourish” by investing in the ecological health of the river and surrounding corridor, promoting community vitality, and fostering connection through access to public spaces throughout the corridor. The Kinni Riverway branding will support future communication, fundraising, placemaking, and implementation efforts while strengthening recognition of the corridor as a defining feature of the River Falls community. MEMORANDUM TO: Parks and Recreation Advisory Board FROM: Erica Ellefson, Public Works Manager DATE: May 20, 2026 TITLE: Public Works Maintenance Staff Report This staff report is specific to the Public Works Maintenance Department. I) Glen Park Pool a. The Glen Park Pool had phase 1 of the pool repairs completed in April. The concrete slabs on the west side of the pool between the pool and filter house were removed and the PVC pipes exposed. Multiple cracks in the PVC pipes were found. All the PVC piping on the West side of the pool have been replaced. The area has been backfilled, and concrete slabs poured so the pool can be filled starting Friday May 15. Given the cracks in the PVC where each weir connected on the West side, it is anticipated that each weir has cracked around the remainder perimeter of the pool. Water usage will be reviewed this Summer, and the remainder of the PVC piping and weirs may be replaced in Fall 2026 or Spring 2027 before the pool is re-opened in 2027. 6 II) Two New Parks Maintenance Workers a. Two new employees were hired in Public Works for Parks Maintenance that replaces Eric Viessmann, who moved to a position with Facilities, and Irv Peskar, who is retiring in 2026. Laura Berkhoel, a seasonal employee since May 2025, started on Monday May 4 and Tyrrell Halvorson, who previously worked for US Fish and Wildlife, started on Monday May 11. Both employees will spend the summer learning park, pool, and splash pad operations and take classes to become Certified Pool Operators. MEMORANDUM TO: Parks and Recreation Advisory Board FROM: Brooks Ostendorf, Conservation and Parks Manager DATE: May 20, 2026 TITLE: Conservation and Parks Staff Report This staff report is specific to the Conservation and Parks Division. I) Summer Starts in the Park a. Our annual event will be taking place on Thursday, May 21st, from 5-7PM. II) Contract with The Prairie Enthusiasts a. The City has signed a contract with The Prairie Enthusiasts for in -kind financial and logistical support for invasive species management and habitat restoration within River Hills Park and associated natural areas. The contract is for 2027-2028. 7 Community Development Department: April 2026 Page 1 of 3 Introduction This report is provided monthly to update the Plan Commission, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and other interested parties on Community Development efforts of the past month as it relates to the City’s Strategic Initiatives and the Department work plan. 2026 Community Development Major Projects *Denotes a Council Strategic Initiative CONNECTED COMMUNITY Kinnickinnic River Corridor Plan Phase I * o USACE Feasibility Study is approved! Safe Streets Action Plan* o The Safety Action Plan Draft will be reviewed for adoption recommendation at the May 5th Plan Commission Meeting and to Council for Adoption at it’s May 12th meeting. o City staff is preparing a Safe Streets for All Implementation Grant application, contingent on Council adoption of the Safety Action Plan, due May 23rd to the Federal Department of Transporation. Glen Park Phase II* o Staff is working to determine next steps for implementing Phase 2 of the Glen Park Master Plan. Locust Street design o Preliminary roadway design is complete. Staff is preparing a recommendation to proceed with the project, including proposed sources and uses based on the engineering estimate. Mapping o Map of available sites for development ECONOMIC VITALITY Downtown Project* o Staff is working with Merchant McIntyre on a grant submittal for Safe Streets for All Implementation funding for safety improvements in the downtown area. Continued Infill in Corporate Parks/Innovation Center Expansion* o Work with the Economic Development Administration (EDA) continues on the grant to expand the Innovation Center. o February 24th the City Council approved the sale of Lot C in the Sterling Ponds Corporate Park. Ensure sustained (re)development of the City from the prospect stage through construction o Brookgreen – Occupancy granted for Buildings 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 and Clubhouse. Buildings 6-10 are under construction. o Oak Hill – 4 permits issued, 3 COs issued. o Construction for the Sycamore Two senior housing and 4 duplexes project has begun. o The Preserve – permits issued, 3 Cos issued o Thompson Heights – 4 permits issued, 2 Cos issued o An application has been received to rezone a parcel in the Sterling Ponds Corporate Park to facilitate development of an industrial building. The rezoning was reviewed at the April 8, 2026 Plan Commission meeting and had a first reading at City Council on April 28, 2026. An application for site plan review has also been submitted for the project. o A Planned Unit Development General Development Plan application has been submitted for The Creamery at Cedar, a brewery, taproom, and event center at River Street and W. Cedar Street. The request was reviewed by Plan Commission on April 8, 2026 and approved by C ouncil on April 28, 2026. o A site plan application has been submitted for a n 86,108 square foot industrial building in the Sterling Ponds Corporate Park on the parcel east of the S t. Croix Valley Business Innovation Community Development Department: April 2026 Page 2 of 3 Center. The site will be home to J -Mark Industrial who specializes in manufacturing, assembly, and plastic injection molding. o A site plan application has been submitted for a new facility for Our Neighbor’s Place at 122 W. Johnson Street. FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY Examine Impact Fees* o Finance Dept is working with a consultant to examine impact fees for development Economic Development o The Economic Development Manager is a member of RFEDC, WEDA, River Falls Chamber, and St. Croix Valley Innovation Center Management Committee. QUALITY MUNICIPAL SERVICES Library Remodel* o Phase II of the library remodel is substantially complete. Phase III, which is mostly work in the lower level is ongoing and expected to be finalized in May. Fire Station Remodel* o Fire Station demolition began the week of February 9 th and is ongoing. Concrete footings and foundations are currently being placed. Vertical pre -cast concrete walls are expected to be installed in late April or early May and will include short term roadway closures on Second Street and Elm Street. Hoffman Basin Study o The consultant provided a final copy of the Hoffman Basin Study. Division Street crosswalks o The Safe Streets for All Action Plan is expected to include a concept plan for an improved pedestrian crossing at East Division and Wasson Lane. WiDNR Urban Non-Point Source Pollution grant o MSA Professional Services is completing a City-wide phosphorus model to document compliance with our stormwater MS4 Permit. Stewardship of Public Infrastructure o The 2026 Mill and Overlay project was awarded to Lepke Trucking and Excavating. Work will occur starting in July and will occur on Paulson Road. City staff prepared a grant application and anticipates receiving a Wisconsin Local Roads Improvement Grant for $50,000 to support this project. Conservation and Parks Division o Staff celebrated Arbor Day by hosting volunteer tree planting with the Lions Club at Wells Park. Staff also celebrated Earth Day by tabling at Earth Fest at UWRF. o Repair work at the Glen Park Pool was completed by Ryan Mechanical, ensuring that the pool and splash pad will open on schedule. o The City will host the 3rd Annual Summer Starts in the Park event on Thursday, May 21st from 5PM-7PM at Glen Park Pavilion. The event will include the opening of the splash pad and will feature games and food trucks. BUILDING PERMITS ISSUED Permit Type April YTD Permit Value April Permit Value YTD Building Permits 17 71 $2,016,665 $8,313,570 New Home Permits 8 26 $1,903,000 $6,761,000 Community Development Department: April 2026 Page 3 of 3 The Community Development Department oversees the Plan Commission, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Business Improvement District Board , Historic Preservation Commission , City Board of Appeals , Downtown Design Review Committee , Extraterritorial Zoning Committee (ETZ), Extra Territorial Board of Appeals, and River Falls Economic Development Corporation.