May 20, 2026 · 6:00 PM

Advisory Recreation Board

The Advisory Recreation Board spent most of its May 20 meeting on two big-picture ideas: a new “adventure” triathlon-style fundraiser for 2027 and a longer-term rethink of how the city manages cemetery landscaping to cut costs. They also got a sobering storm damage update: more than 200 trees lost and repairs expected to top $100,000.

Key Decisions

Parks staff reported the May 17 storm likely wiped out 200+ trees across parks and city properties, with facility damage expected to exceed $100,000—real money that will compete with other park needs this year.

The board discussed applying for a no-match grant to plan major cemetery changes—less turf grass, more trees and native plant areas, and added walking paths. It’s still just a concept, but it signals a shift toward treating parts of the cemetery as a low-maintenance green space, which will raise practical questions about upkeep and storage areas.

Board members talked through a 2027 “Adventure Tri-Athlon” idea (bike/run/kayak) as a fee-based fundraiser with relatively light staffing needs, and expressed general support for exploring it further.

Public Input · 4 speakers

Marilee Hirvela

Praised Parks & Rec for storm cleanup and appreciated the cemetery geranium planting, but raised concerns about the Central Park perennial pilot (sun/shade placement, who is choosing plants, and the maintenance burden). She also asked what a possible Lakeshore Community Foundation role would mean for the Perpetual Care Flower Program, including whether the city could opt out later and what fees might apply.

Rusty Walesh

Said he’d heard the perpetual care flower program might be discontinued and wanted to hear more. Later, he shared that their volleyball tournament has been successful and credited the Community House facilities as part of that success.

Paige Gerroll

Gave the Recreation Director a list of deer-resistant perennials and recommendations for what would work best in the cemetery.

Shawntel Hoffman

Questioned whether perennials will bloom long enough and pointed out that geraniums are hardy and bloom for an extended period.

Agenda Items

Discussion of 2027 Adventure Tri-Athlon Idea

The board discussed a proposed “fun” multi-sport race (bike, trail run, and kayak) as a way to promote Two Rivers and raise money for Parks & Rec operations through entry fees. Staff said water safety help would come from NEWP and they hope to partner with another volunteer group, with the expectation that staffing needs would be minimal. Members generally supported continuing to explore the idea, but it’s still in the early concept stage—no date, route, or operational plan was approved.

📄 See in official document: Page 1

Discussion of Cemetery Perennial Flower Trial

Staff clarified that no ordinance changes are being proposed and that the 2026 perpetual flower program will continue as planned. They also said City Council has not decided whether to work with the Lakeshore Community Foundation, pushing that conversation off for later. The department described a small test plot in Cemetery Section G (a sunny area with no graves) to see how perennials perform and what mowing/maintenance will actually take—an important reality check given resident concerns about plant selection and long-term upkeep.

📄 See in official document: Page 2

Discussion of cemetery tree planting and turf grass reduction idea

The department discussed pursuing a grant that would cover planning work (no city match required) to explore reducing turf grass and adding native plant zones, trees, and walking paths in the cemetery. Board members raised a key skepticism point: “cost-saving” landscape changes can backfire if maintenance gets more complex, and they also questioned where existing mulch/tree/snow piles would go if turf areas change. Even so, members showed interest in exploring the concept further since the planning would be grant-funded—meaning the next real decision point will be whether the city commits to any physical changes after the plan is developed.

📄 See in official document: Page 2

Parks and Facilities Updates

Staff reported major storm impacts from May 17, including an estimated loss of more than 200 trees across parks and properties and damage to multiple facilities and fences. The total repair costs were estimated to exceed $100,000, with some items still to be determined. This matters because storm recovery can quietly reshape what gets fixed, delayed, or cut in the parks budget—especially when damage spans both trees and built facilities.

📄 See in official document: Page 2

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