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Parks & Rec Commission – 3/19/2026 Meeting (Meets quarterly on the 4th Thursday.) * Attended the meeting virtually Page 1 of 6 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES March 19, 2026 Regular Meeting The meeting was called to order by Chair Ledin at 5:05 p.m. on March 19, 2026,at the Superior Fire Department Headquarters & virtually via Microsoft Teams. 1. ROLL CALL Members Present: Nick Ledin, Ruth Ludwig, Elizabeth Norén, Gene Rosburg City Staff Present: Kara Czapinski, Jodi Saylor, Bridgit Maruksa, Ryan Wintlend, Jess McCullough Others Present: Richard Kaufman, Bonnie Larson 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2.1. Parks & Recreation Commission (Meeting held January 22, 2026) MOTION by Rosburg, second by Ludwig, and carried to approve the minutes from January 22, 2026. 2.2. Parks & Recreation Commission (Meeting held March 12, 2026) MOTION by Ludwig, second by Rosburg, and carried to approve the minutes from March 12, 2026. 3. NEW BUSINESS 3.1. Update on Superior Trails/COGGS Process. Richard Kaufman announced that Superior Trails received a $25,000 grant from the Tourism Development Committee, which was initially intended to be matched by the International Mountain Bike Association; however, that matching grant was not secured. Superior Trails subsequently became part of COGGS, where Kaufman now serves as a board member in an at large seat. Barr Engineering was hired by COGGS to develop a concept plan for sustainable, multi-use, unpaved trails that will traverse unused green spaces on both public and private lands. The concept plan a step toward a full master trail plan. This concept plan is anticipated to be completed by June 1, 2026, and will be represented on a map to facilitate future implementation. The project aims to connect significant locations such as UWS, Heritage Park, Millennium Trail, and the new bridge, potentially establishing the largest continuous bike trail system in the United States if connected to Mont du Lac in the future. To identify landowners and ideal trail alignment, the team is utilizing GIS data, heat maps, and Strava usage overlays, with outreach efforts. Strategic communication will follow once parcel locations are confirmed, and alternative routes will be developed if landowners deny access. Director Maruska and Commissioners highlighted the necessity of public input through public meetings and community engagement. Parks & Rec Commission – 3/19/2026 Meeting (Meets quarterly on the 4th Thursday.) * Attended the meeting virtually Page 2 of 6 COGGS has allocated funds for Superior, and future funding will be earmarked for Superior projects through Wisconsin COGGS memberships. Richard Kaufman left the meeting at 5:30 p.m. 3.2. Update on Events. Jodi Saylor announced that the splash pad will officially open on May 23rd, followed by Arbor Day and the skate park opening on May 30th. The Arbor Day festivities are scheduled from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., while the skate park event will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.. Celebrations for the 4th of July will include a parade at 11:00 a.m. on Belknap, a car show from 12:00 p.m.to 7:00 p.m., and a Barkers Island event featuring fireworks from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.. New attractions for this year include a vendor fair, face painting, food trucks, and a barge for the fireworks display. The Bayside Sounds concert series will commence on July 8th at the Old Firehall and Police Museum, with additional concerts at Hammond Park and other familiar venues. Enhancements for children will include coloring activities and a bubble dance party. The average attendance of Bayside Sounds concerts is 225. Saylor emphasized the importance of preserving a neighborhood atmosphere for Bayside Sounds, ensuring that growth is accompanied by meaningful experiences. Contracts for musicians are currently being finalized to introduce new bands. 3.3. Update on Vendor Cottages. Saylor reported that four vendor cottages are nearing completion, with two awaiting window installation. Arrangements for power supply have been made, and the cottages will be positioned permanently on Barker's Island, while smaller units may be relocated for special events. A pricing structure has been established, differentiating between city and non-city events as well as varying building sizes, with rates comparable to those of pavilion rentals. In collaboration with the Health Department, guidelines and an application process are being formulated. Only city staff will manage the relocation of the cottages using specialized equipment, and a moving fee is under consideration for the smaller units. Rentals will operate on a first-come, first-served basis through online applications. Food vendors are permitted to sell pre-prepared items but are prohibited from cooking on-site due to licensing regulations. Power is accessible, and generators will be available for units that are moved. 3.4. Update on Pat Currie/Gene Rosberg Pavilion. The Commission conducted a review of the official naming policy, which stipulates the need for a biographical summary, proof of community service, and a 60-day public notice period prior to Council approval. There is a need for clarification regarding the timing of public comments in relation to the Council's review process. Members engaged in discussions about the placement, size, materials, and visibility of plaques, expressing a preference for durable materials such as bronze or metal with raised lettering. They also considered styles reminiscent of historical markers and suggested seeking input from local manufacturers. The Commission deliberated on whether the Parks & Rec Commission – 3/19/2026 Meeting (Meets quarterly on the 4th Thursday.) * Attended the meeting virtually Page 3 of 6 city should bear the costs of the plaques or adopt a model similar to the bench program, weighing the implications this might have for future naming precedents. Cost estimates and potential funding sources will be investigated, and the topic will be revisited for recommendations at the May 28th meeting, where further discussions on materials, costs, and adherence to policy will take place. Plans are in place to reach out to manufacturers for quotes and design options. Bonnie Larson left the meeting at 6:02 p.m. 3.5. Update on Twin Ports Rugby Land Lease. The Commission deliberated on whether the city should own and lease the shed or allow a land lease for rugby to take ownership, ultimately opting for the latter to minimize city obligations. This lease arrangement would mirror that of the paddle board shed. Discussions highlighted the increasing involvement of Twin Ports Rugby at Susen's Field, the potential future engagement of the Superior Soccer Association, and the necessity for maintaining flexibility for multi-sport usage and possible field reconfiguration. Members cited the community garden lease as a precedent, ensuring that rugby would be accountable for the shed's removal if the lease concludes or if the field layout changes. Additionally, considerations regarding color, branding, and sponsorship guidelines were addressed. A draft agreement is set to be prepared for review at the May 28th meeting, incorporating the Commission's feedback on contract specifics and community implications. Jess McCullough joined the meeting at 6:17 p.m. 3.6. Recommendation to approve the 2026 Recreational Grants and the Special Event Grants. Commissioners discussed grant amounts and made the following recommendations: Club Superior Volleyball: $2,499.00 Douglas County 4-H: $2,499.00 Douglas County Drug Coalition: $2,499.00 Lake Superior Squadron: $900.00 MicWicked Promotions: $1,200.00 Northern Lights Elementary School: $2,000.00 North Shore SUP: $9,281.00 PASS Foundation: $2,400.00 Senior Connections: $2,500.00 Siggy’s Musical Garden: $7,000.00 SMS-SHS Parent Teacher Student Association: $2,000.00 Superior Amateur Hockey Association: $25,000.00 Superior Basketball Association: $2,499.00 Superior Soccer Association: $2,499.00 Superior Wrestling Club: $3,500.00 Superior Youth Organization: $2,499.00 Parks & Rec Commission – 3/19/2026 Meeting (Meets quarterly on the 4th Thursday.) * Attended the meeting virtually Page 4 of 6 Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve: $2,400.00 Great Lakes Positive Behavior Intervention Supports: $2,000.00 SHS All Night Grad Party: $2,000.00 Trisha Hecimovich Events: $1,000.00 Twin Ports Gymnastics: $2,500.00 Twin Ports Rampage: $500.00 Twin Ports Rugby: $11,200.00 Pruitt Center for Mindfulness & Well-Being’s LiveWell Initiative: $1,400.00 St Louis River Alliance: $1,225.00 Grant Total: $95,000.00 MOTION by Norén, second by Rosburg, and carried to approve the 2026 Recreational Grants and the Special Event Grants. 3.7. Recommendation to approve the Benny Peterson CDBG funded Playground Replacement. The Benny Peterson playground will be upgraded with adaptive features sourced from Lee Recreation, funded through the Community Development Block Grant. Enhancements will also include new asphalt, basketball hoops, and park signage, with similar improvements planned for 18 Oakes Park playground for a funding total award of $200,000. MOTION by Ludwig, second by Norén, and carried to approve the Benny Peterson CDBG funded Playground Replacement. 3.8. Recommendation to approve the 44th Avenue East Design Contract Director Maruska announced that the contract with Stantec focuses on the conceptual design of the former 44th Ave E dock, supported by a $250,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency. Stantec was selected over ten other propposals unanmously by the selection committee. The Saint Louis River Alliance will spearhead outreach efforts to collect public input, prioritizing outreach in the Allouez community. Additionally, the Commission discussed the Army Corps of Engineers' lease on the site, which influences design options and underscores the importance of community feedback for future use. This lease covers about 6 acres at the site’s tip, mainly used for stockpiling rocks and boulders. The design contract is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with the overall planning project slated for completion in 2028, while community engagement and survey efforts will continue throughout the planning phase. MOTION by Ludwig, second by Rosburg, and carried to approve the 44th Avenue East Design Contract. Parks & Rec Commission – 3/19/2026 Meeting (Meets quarterly on the 4th Thursday.) * Attended the meeting virtually Page 5 of 6 4. OLD BUSINESS 5. RECURRING BUSINESS 5.1. Superintendent Update 5.1.1. The entire crew traveled to the Minnesota Shade Tree at the University of Bethel, where the experience was overall positive. 5.1.2. The Council has approved the construction of the Hammond playground, which will be carried out by an external contractor rather than as an internal project. This decision is expected to reduce the closure time to just two weeks. 5.1.3. A three-year grant from Essentia is supporting the renovation of arch signs and the development of future fitness signage, incorporating input from the Douglas County Leadership Group. 5.1.4. Five dead cottonwood trees have been removed due to safety concerns in Central Park. New trees have already been ordered. 5.2. Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Director’s Update 5.2.1. Since January, a total of 19 MyCivic requests have been recorded for Parks, Recreation, and Forestry, primarily concerning tree related issues. Fortunately, there have been no significant concerns that necessitate immediate action. 5.3. Museum’s Director Update 5.3.1. A proposal for a matching grant of $14,950 has been submitted to the Favrot Fund to aid in historic preservation initiatives. Repairs to the hull crack of the SS Meteor will aim to begin in the fall, pending the grant award announcement set for July 1st. 5.3.2. The Fairlawn Museum Grounds are set to undergo improvements aimed at enhancing public engagement and visitor satisfaction. The proposed improvements include the installation of interpretive materials, benches, and picnic tables, all designed to encourage greater use of the space. Additionally, considerations for food sales and vending options will be explored to further enrich the visitor experience. 5.3.3. A new conference room is being developed on the third floor of Fairlawn Museum, designed to host meetings and available for rent by local businesses. The project is anticipated to begin within the next month or two with completion in 2017. Commission meetings could be held there. 5.4. Future Agenda Items 5.4.1. Recommendation to approve the Pat Currie/Gene Rosberg Pavilion Plaque 5.4.2. Recommendation to approve the Twin Ports Rugby Land Lease Agreement 5.4.3. Lake Superior Disc Golf Presentation 5.5. Confirm the next meeting date as May 28, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in Room 204 of the Government Center. Parks & Rec Commission – 3/19/2026 Meeting (Meets quarterly on the 4th Thursday.) * Attended the meeting virtually Page 6 of 6 6. ADJOURNMENT Councilor Ledin announced the meeting adjourned at 6:56 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Kara Czapinski