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Parks & Rec Commission – 5/28/2026 Meeting (Meets quarterly on the 4th Thursday.) * Attended the meeting virtually Page 1 of 5 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES May 28, 2026 Regular Meeting The meeting was called to order by Chair Ledin at 5:00 p.m. on May 28, 2026, in Government Center Room 204 & virtually via Microsoft Teams. 1. ROLL CALL Members Present: Nick Ledin, Ruth Ludwig, Elizabeth Norén, Gene Rosburg, David Kroll, Joe Radtke* City Staff Present: Bridgit Maruksa, Kara Czapinski, Jodi Saylor*, Ryan Wintlend, Jess McCullough Others Present: Shelley Nelson, Richard Kaufman, Tyler Masseth, Kyle Carlson, Jared Allen*, John Ramos* 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2.1. Parks & Recreation Commission (Meeting held March 19, 2026) Ruth Ludwig identified corrections to the previous meeting's minutes, including changing 'Tourism Development Committee' to 'Commission' and updating a project completion date from 2017 to 2027. MOTION by Ludwig, second by Rosburg, and carried to approve the minutes from March 19, 2026. 3. NEW BUSINESS 3.1. Election of Officers 3.1.1. Election of Chair MOTION by Ludwig, second by Radtke and carried to nominate Nick Ledin as Chair. 3.1.2. Election of Vice-Chair MOTION by Rosburg, second by Norén and carried to nominate Ruth Ludwig as Vice-Chair. 3.2. Lake Superior Disc Golf Presentation Tyler Masseth logged 140 hours of volunteer service over the past year, concentrating on tasks such as brush cleanup, removing downed trees, and garbage collection. The organization hosts two major volunteer events annually, alongside weekly league play that welcomes all participants without the need for reservations. Recently, a significant act of vandalism occurred at the tee pad of hole one, where it was presumed copper wire casing was burned off. Although the pad remains usable, there are suggestions for future fundraising efforts to facilitate its replacement. Additionally, the persistent spread of burdock, particularly near the parking lot and ski trails, was discussed, with current Parks & Rec Commission – 5/28/2026 Meeting (Meets quarterly on the 4th Thursday.) * Attended the meeting virtually Page 2 of 5 management strategies including mowing and targeted weed whacking. The group is considering enhancing volunteer initiatives to better control this invasive plant. Over the past five years, the course has recorded 16,269 rounds through the UDisc App, averaging 200 to 300 users monthly. The leagues and tournaments continue to draw strong participation, attracting visitors from outside the region. Masseth proposed utilizing old baskets from Central Park as alternative pin locations to minimize wear and add variety to the course. Concerns regarding uniformity and signage were raised, leading to a suggestion for a comprehensive signage plan and a system for relocating baskets, with the Disc Golf Association overseeing these changes. Donations for the course are estimated at around $200, supplemented by tournament reservation fees. The group emphasized the importance of maintaining free access to the course while exploring sponsorships and fundraising to cover ongoing expenses. Additionally, there was discussion about introducing disc golf baskets into local school playground programs to engage children in the sport, using portable equipment. Concerns about informal paths created by users at Central Park, which contribute to erosion and watershed issues were also addressed, with potential solutions including signage and ropes to guide users and protect sensitive areas. John Ramos joined the meeting virtually at 5:24 p.m. Tyler Masseth & Kyle Carlson left the meeting at 5:30 p.m. 3.3. Ice Skating Rink Report Jodi Saylor indicated that the Ice Skating Program transitioned from employing two staff members per rink to one, a decision influenced by feedback from both employees and the public. This adjustment was considered more efficient, resulting in the hiring and retention of 16 staff members throughout the season, predominantly consisting of returning employees. The rinks opened on December 22, 2025, and closed on February 29, 2026, with an average operational period of 41 days. Priority was given to opening rinks based on their usage and the ease of flooding, as explained by Superintendent Wintlend, who also highlighted the challenges faced at certain locations. Although various events were organized at the rinks, overall participation remained low, with notable exceptions during the kickoff and ice festival nights. To enhance engagement, initiatives such as introducing board games, coloring sheets, and refreshments were implemented, particularly during periods of poor ice conditions. The Red Barn rink experienced a boost in attendance following lighting upgrades. Discussions among the commission revealed a need for future enhancements to the boards and subgrades at several rinks, with Red Barn, Patterson, Wade Bowl, and Allouez identified as key priorities. Additionally, the possibility of repurposing underutilized or challenging rinks, like Allouez, for summer roller hockey or other recreational activities was considered, taking into account the difficulties associated with flooding and maintenance. The surface of the rink at Allouez is especially difficult to flood. Parks & Rec Commission – 5/28/2026 Meeting (Meets quarterly on the 4th Thursday.) * Attended the meeting virtually Page 3 of 5 Jodi Saylor left the meeting virtually at 5:48 p.m. 3.4. Cross Country Ski Trail Report Kara Czapinski reported that the total revenue for the 2025–2026 cross country skiing season reached $20,686.70, with around 1,655 passes sold. Sales were distributed among residents, non-residents, seniors, and daily users. The city transitioned from Civic Plus to Square for online pass sales, enhancing user experience and introducing a cash box for day passes, which improved accessibility. Superintendent Wintlend noted that new lighting was installed on the trails, with half completed before winter and the remainder scheduled for the fall, receiving positive feedback from users regarding trail conditions and lighting. Director Maruska mentioned that the city will be collaborating with the local cross country ski club (DXC) to expand programming and engage more children, contingent on DXC finding a coordinator for SMF programming. Commission members requested year-over-year comparisons of revenue, participation, and expenses to guide decisions on rates and investments in the future, to which Ryan Wintlend agreed to provide grooming hours and cost data, emphasizing that while the program does not break even, it aims to promote recreational activities. 4. OLD BUSINESS 4.1. Recommendation to approve the Twin Ports Rugby Land Lease Agreement Director Maruska announced a five-year lease agreement at an annual rate of $20, with Twin Ports Rugby responsible for their own equipment shed. The Duluth Rugby Boosters, a nonprofit organization, will manage the lease and insurance, thereby supporting the Twin Ports Rugby Football Club. Jared Allen noted that since the program's relaunch, there have been 80 youth participants, with expectations of over 60 kids at future events. This field is the only public rugby pitch within a 150-mile radius, drawing participants from various towns. The lease includes provisions for liability insurance and a 30-day termination clause. MOTION by Ludwig, second by Ledin and carried to approve the Twin Ports Rugby Land Lease Agreement. Jared Allen left the meeting virtually at 6:05 p.m. 4.2. Update on COGGS – Cross City Trail Draft Plan Review Richard Kaufman stated that the proposed trail spans 3.3 miles and is designed as a 4- foot wide natural surface path intended for multiple uses, featuring five trailheads that connect significant areas such as Central Park, the Upper West Side, and the Millennium Trail. COGGS has provided preliminary cost estimates and expressed a commitment to fundraising and collaborating with the city, including offering in-kind contributions. Currently, the project is in the conceptual phase, requiring further development and adherence to city processes. COGGS will oversee trail maintenance, similar to other city Parks & Rec Commission – 5/28/2026 Meeting (Meets quarterly on the 4th Thursday.) * Attended the meeting virtually Page 4 of 5 trails, with support from city staff. Discussions addressed concerns regarding oversight, signage, and neighborhood integration, with request for public input and city review. The commission has decided to establish a working group to refine the proposal, align with city processes, and report back at the meeting scheduled for September 24, 2026. Richard Kaufman left the meeting at 6:34 p.m. 4.3. Recommendation to approve the Pat Currie/Gene Rosberg Pavilion Naming Director Maruska indicated that the mock-ups from the previous meeting would feature a plaque explaining the significance of the names and a larger sign displaying "Pat Currie and Gene Rosberg Pavilion" positioned within the pavilion's eave. The public comment period is set to conclude on June 15th, and as of now, no comments have been submitted. This will be presented at the council meeting scheduled for June 16th. MOTION by Ledin, second by Norén and carried to approve the Pat Currie/Gene Rosberg Pavilion Naming. 4.4. Update on 44th Avenue East Dock Project. Director Maruska announced that contracts have been established for public engagement sessions and concept design, with the first formalized public engagement session set for June 18th at 5:00PM. The city, which owns the site, will evaluate the feedback from public engagement and an online survey. 5. RECURRING BUSINESS 5.1. My Civic Reports – Received and filed Director Maruska and commission members discussed the inclusion of illegal dumping data in My Civic Reports, the challenges of enforcement, and possible strategies for tracking and reducing dumping in park areas. 5.2. Superintendent Update 5.2.1. The lighting installation at the skate park is nearing completion, while kiosks have been successfully set up at Loon’s Foot Landing. Additionally, enhancements to playgrounds and courts are currently in progress. Seasonal staffing levels are approaching full capacity, which will facilitate ongoing maintenance and project initiatives. 5.3. Director’s Update 5.3.1. The city is organizing several events, including Arbor Day, a meet-and-greet with goats at Billings Park, and a 5K/10K race in collaboration with Earth Rider and Birkebeiner. Additionally, preparations are underway for a cultural path at Wisconsin Point. Pickle Pond ongoing maintenance will need to be shifted from WDNR oversight to City oversight. Parks & Rec Commission – 5/28/2026 Meeting (Meets quarterly on the 4th Thursday.) * Attended the meeting virtually Page 5 of 5 5.4. Museum’s Director Update 5.4.1. The Meteor engaged in six days of volunteer efforts, leading to the enhancement of its paint and exhibits. Fairlawn inaugurated the America 250 exhibit, while the Old Firehouse and Police Museum introduced new displays and interactive elements. 5.4.2. The annual ice cream social at Fairlawn is set for July 18th, featuring new initiatives aimed at boosting fundraising through vendor fees and raffles. Attendees can look forward to complimentary ice cream, engaging activities, and a special dedication to Babe Ruth. 5.5. Future Agenda Items 5.5.1. Update on COGGS 5.6. Confirm the next meeting date as September 24, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in Room 204 of the Government Center. 6. ADJOURNMENT Councilor Ledin announced the meeting adjourned at 7:28 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Kara Czapinski