09-22-2025 OSRC Agenda - Canceled
MEETING CANCELLATION NOTICE
OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION COMMISSION
NOTICE:
The regular Open Space and Recreation Commission Meeting scheduled on September 22,
2025 has been cancelled.
THERESA SCHYMA
City Clerk
Posted: September 22, 2025
September 22, 2025 — 6:30 PM
Brookview Golden Valley
316 Brookview S Parkway
1.Call to Order
2.Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge and honor the Dakota nation, on whose ancestral land the City of Golden Valley
is built, and whose land resources we use. We commit to counteracting the erasure of the
cultural practices and presence of the Dakota people through education and by amplifying a wide
range of indigenous voices.
3.Approval of Agenda
3.A.Approval of Open Space & Recreation Commission September 22, 2025 Meeting Agenda
4.Approval of Meeting Minutes
4.A.Approval of July 28, 2025 Open Space & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes
5.Business
5.A.Park Project Community Engagement
5.B.Environmental Work in Parks and Recreation
5.C.City Strategic Directives in Parks and Recreation
5.D.Citywide Survey Questions Discussion
5.E.Commissioner Announcements
5.F.Staff Announcements
5.G.Council Liaison Announcements
6.Review of Commission Calendar
6.A.Review of Commission Calendar
OSRC MEETING AGENDA
Open Space & Recreation Commission (OSRC) meetings are conducted in a hybrid format with in-
person and remote options for attending. Members of the public may attend virtually via Microsoft
Teams, or by calling 1-872-256-4160 and then enter the meeting code listed on the agenda.
Meeting ID: 249 757 841 827 5
Passcode: tS2Cv2EF
Phone Conference ID: 485 517 880#
City of Golden Valley OSRC Meeting September 22, 2025 — 6:30 PM
1
7.Adjournment
City of Golden Valley OSRC Meeting September 22, 2025 — 6:30 PM
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Parks & Recreation
763-512-2345 / 763-512-2344 (fax)
Golden Valley Open Space & Recreation Commission Meeting
September 22, 2025
Agenda Item
3.A. Approval of Open Space & Recreation Commission September 22, 2025 Meeting Agenda
Prepared By
Jasy Vorachit, Administrative Assistant
Recommended Action
Motion to approve the Open Space & Recreation Commission September 22, 2025 Meeting Agenda
3
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Parks & Recreation
763-512-2345 / 763-512-2344 (fax)
Golden Valley Open Space & Recreation Commission Meeting
September 22, 2025
Agenda Item
4.A. Approval of July 28, 2025 Open Space & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes
Prepared By
Jasy Vorachit, Administrative Assistant
Recommended Action
Motion to approve the July 28, 2025 Open Space & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes
Supporting Documents
07-28-2025 Meeting Minutes.pdf
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REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
Chair Sanders called the meeting to order at 6:28 pm
Commissioners present: Roger Bergman, Bill Delaney, Matthew Sanders, Brian Wright, Scott Seys,
Matthew Olson
Commissioners absent: Jonas Courneya, Dawn Speltz
Staff present: Greg Simmons, Parks and Recreation Assistant Director; Jasy Vorachit,
Administrative Assistant; Kevin Martinez Del Arca, Recreation Coordinator;
Kong Moua, Recreation Supervisor
2. Land Acknowledgement Statement
3. Approval of July 28, 2025, Agenda
Chair Sanders added an update on the June parks tour.
MOTION by Commissioner Bergman, seconded by Commissioner Olson to approve the agenda
with the addition, and the motion carried.
4. Approval of June 23, 2025, Meeting Minutes
MOTION by Commissioner Bergman, seconded by Vice-Chair Wright to approve June 23, 2025,
meeting minutes as presented, and the motion carried.
5. Business
a. New Parks and Recreation Staff Introduction
New staff member, Jasy Vorachit, shared a brief introduction followed by introductions and warm
welcomes from Commissioners.
b. Parks and Recreation Junior Leader Volunteer Presentation
Recreation Supervisor Moua introduced an overview of the Junior Leader Volunteers Program.
They were assigned different tasks each week, assisted with summer staff, and helped organize
games and activities for five weeks. Junior Leaders gave a presentation of their experience,
aspects they’ve enjoyed, and suggestions for improvements to parks. They suggested a volleyball
net, field goal post, and to keep soccer goals out a bit longer.
July 28, 2025 – 6:30 pm
Brookview Valley Room
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City of Golden Valley Open Space & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
July 28, 2025 – 6:30 pm
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c. Recognition of Parks and Recreation Junior Leader Volunteers
Eight Junior Leader Volunteers were presented with certificates upon completion of the program.
They were applauded for their hard work throughout the summer.
d. Future Commission Planning Coordination
Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Simmons shared a few updates that will take place in the
near future which will require input from the Commission. The updates include:
• There are still discussions taking place about the golf storage building plan.
• Currently in phase one of the comprehensive and strategic plans, which is setting
groundwork and initial steps into why Parks and Recreation is operating the way it is.
• Civic Campus Planning is taking place with considerations based on Public Works, Public
Safety, and community needs.
All these updates are still developing, and staff are looking for guidance to see how
Commissioners will want to be involved. Whether it is holding full meetings with Commissioners
or splitting up into groups to take on a project, who will then bring it back to the full Commission.
Vice-Chair Wright was in favor of breaking up the information. Commissioner Olson requested
more information about projects ahead of time on a regular basis. Simmons agreed that as step
one it would be beneficial to send out email guidance on topics coming up, so Commissioners are
aware and can prepare.
e. Weather Impacts to Parks and Recreation Operations
Simmons discussed how wet weather has affected daily operations and revenue for recreational
activities such as league nights, lawn bowling, golf, and athletic fields.
• 10 league nights were rescheduled/canceled
• Lawn bowling was closed for 15 days
• The golf course was closed for two days, with modified play for almost two weeks
• Athletic fields were closed to users for about 10 days
• Park buildings are being utilized for summer programs
Simmons mentioned with the weather impact, it creates a conversation of long-term storm water
management of the golf course. Vice-Chair Wright shared how league players should be notified of
possible changes to maintain the course and complimented the golf course Superintendent.
Simmons expressed his understanding of making sure players are in the loop.
Commissioner Seys asked about the condition of athletic fields due to the weather. Simmons
responded that they’ve held up better than anticipated. He said it is difficult to drag the fields, but
the turf field is holding up well.
Vice-Chair Wright asked if there are concerns about the number of resources needed or if it is just
due to rainfall. Simmons responded that there have not been issues, and the equipment has been
working.
f. Commissioner Announcements
• Chair Sanders shared that the community gardens are going well.
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City of Golden Valley Open Space & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
July 28, 2025 – 6:30 pm
3
• Vice-Chair Wright shared the parks are keeping busy and suggested adding more
volleyball nets due to popular demand.
• Chair Sanders mentioned that June was a good time to do the parks tour due to daylight.
Commissioner Olson appreciated visiting Winnetka Hills during the parks tour.
g. Staff Announcements
Simmons shared updates which include:
• RFP for pickleball courts at Brookview is out and under budget with room to replace
windscreens. Project should be done before the end of October.
• Solar panels at Brookview are a project led by Community Development and should take
place before the end of the year. Vice-Chair Wright asked about building usage during
installation. Simmons responded that the impact will be minimal to users. Commissioner
Seys asked if this will cover Brookview’s electricity needs. Simmons responded that the
solar panels would support Brookview and be installed below the limit.
• Brookview parking lot has been overlaid by the Golden Valley Streets Team and awaiting
parking lot striping.
• Natchez Park play structure is still in the works due to the wet weather impact.
• Breck held a public meeting and shared conversations about feedback from Natchez Park
residents who expressed keeping the park in place.
Recreation Coordinator Martinez Del Arca shared updates which include:
• There are 350 participants for the playground programs.
• The team is fully staffed with 18 returners from last year. Five new staff have been hired
this year, two included Junior Staff Volunteers.
• Water Days had about 350-400 attendees and went well.
• Penny Carnival took place in the small Brookview pavilion with about 400 attendees.
• Medley Gardens had a small gathering with donuts and coffee to get connected to other
gardeners. Next event will be late August-early September with a speaker.
h. Council Liaison Announcements
There were no Council Liaison announcements.
6. Review of Commission Calendar
a. There will be no meeting in August. Next meeting will be Monday, September 22 at 6:30 pm.
7. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned by Chair Sanders at 7:25 pm
________________________________
Matthew Sanders, Chair
_________________________________
Jasy Vorachit, Administrative Assistant
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City of Golden Valley Open Space & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
July 28, 2025 – 6:30 pm
4
8
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Parks & Recreation
763-512-2345 / 763-512-2344 (fax)
Golden Valley Open Space & Recreation Commission Meeting
September 22, 2025
Agenda Item
5.A. Park Project Community Engagement
Prepared By
Greg Simmons, Parks and Recreation Assistant Director
Summary
Staff are beginning plans for engagement of the Stockman Park playground replacement, as well as
the Seeman Park playground and tennis court replacements. Staff are seeking input from the
Commission about the information to be collected through engagement set to take place prior to
soliciting proposals for the projects. A draft set of questions for playground replacements and tennis
court replacement are included for a starting discussion.
Supporting Documents
DRAFT Playground Replacement Survey Questions.pdf
DRAFT Seeman Park Tennis Court Replacement Questions.pdf
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Ground Experiences
o See Saws
o Spring Riders
o Spinners o Additional
________
Types of spinners?
o Seated
o Standing
o Single
o Multi-Person
o Additional
________
Types of Riders?
o Animals
o Vehicles
o Additional
________
Panels?
o Steering Wheels
o Musical
o Games/Play o Additional
________
Slides
o Doubles
o Spiral
o Wavy
o Roller
o Additional
________
Bridges
o Arched
o Pods
o Balance/Motion o Additional
________
Climbing
o Rock Walls
o Netting
o Climbing Bars
o Overhead Bars
o Additional
________
Shade/Covering
o Hard Roofs o Shade Sails
Colors
o Primary o Natural o Brights/Neon
Swings
o Standard
o Multi-Person
o Seat Swing
o Additional
________
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Seeman Tennis Court Replacement DRAFT Survey Questions
o Two tennis courts
o Tennis and pickleball hybrid courts
o Additional hard surface sport ________
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Parks & Recreation
763-512-2345 / 763-512-2344 (fax)
Golden Valley Open Space & Recreation Commission Meeting
September 22, 2025
Agenda Item
5.B. Environmental Work in Parks and Recreation
Prepared By
Greg Simmons, Parks and Recreation Assistant Director
Summary
There are several ongoing environmental efforts within Parks and Recreation that staff will provide
updates to. This work includes the following:
Solar panels at Brookview
Ice rink base materials
Catering at Brookview
Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program audit for Brookview Golf
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Parks & Recreation
763-512-2345 / 763-512-2344 (fax)
Golden Valley Open Space & Recreation Commission Meeting
September 22, 2025
Agenda Item
5.C. City Strategic Directives in Parks and Recreation
Prepared By
Greg Simmons, Parks and Recreation Assistant Director
Summary
Golden Valley’s 2030 Strategic Directives, set at a Jan 28, 2025 visioning session, outline the City
Council’s objectives for the future with the goal cultivating stronger communities and ensuring
sustainable growth while enhancing quality of life for residents and businesses.
Staff have begun action planning for the directives set and Parks and Recreation will be the lead or
responsible department on several items including those below. Late in 2025, a public-facing
dashboard will become available to report on the progress of these items.
Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan
Fire Station 2 & 3 Plans
Environmental Sustainability of Brookview Catering
Workplace Culture
Prioritization in Capital Improvement Plan Process
Supporting Documents
2030 Strategic Directives.pdf
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Strategic
(Re)Development
• Pursue vibrant, identifiable community nodes, including a “downtown,” with diverse housing
and retail options that attract and engage residents and visitors.
• Foster a healthy mix of housing stock that accommodates various price points and
life stages.
• Ensure transparency and inclusivity in (re)development decision-making by intentionally
partnering with residents, business owners, and visitors.
• Cultivate a reputation as a supportive partner in (re)development efforts.
• Retain and actively engage local businesses, recognizing their role as vital
community members.
• Prioritize the redevelopment of existing commercial and residential infrastructure to uphold
our commitment to thoughtful stewardship of land and natural resources.
Infrastructure Maintainance
& Enhancement
• Prioritize quality infrastructure designed to last, emphasizing environmental sustainability
and climate resiliency.
• Stay ahead of City infrastructure needs, prioritizing timely maintenance and replacement.
• Strategically use park land to offer diverse amenities that fulfill community needs while
advancing environmental goals.
• Improve responsiveness to emerging safety and maintenance issues such as crosswalks,
potholes, and curb cuts.
Effective Governance
& Management
• Maintain our local control and ability to represent our community’s values and priorities.
• Ensure effective City operations through strategic leadership and proactive planning that
addresses current needs while ensuring longterm sustainability.
• Enhance resident understanding about City projects and initiatives by clearly and regularly
communicating trade-offs and the rationale behind investments.
• Uphold transparency and accountability with the community, acknowledging mistakes and
promptly addressing them.
• Stay at the forefront of advancing equity and inclusivity by fostering strong, welcoming
relationships with community, maintaining a workplace that fosters belonging and
equitable outcomes, and embedding equity and inclusion into all City policies, initiatives,
plans, and projects.
• Create a workplace that attracts and retains talent by investing in staff development,
engagement, and morale while promoting accountability and focusing on solutions
to challenges.
Page 1 | 2030 Strategic Directives
2030 Strategic Directives
CITY OF GOLDEN VALLEY
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Page 2 | 2030 Strategic Directives
Financial Wellness • Increase the tax base to distribute the tax burden more evenly and better respond to
emerging community needs.
• Cultivate taxpayer confidence in our financial stewardship and the value of their investment
by providing high-quality services, actively seeking alternative funding sources (grants,
philanthropy, community partnerships), and transparently sharing our story.
• Address the immense needs within a limited budget by planning strategically for future
financial requirements and pursuing alternative funding sources.
• Foster partnerships with nearby jurisdictions to collaboratively tackle infrastructure
challenges affecting Golden Valley.
Community Affairs • Prioritize inclusivity and engagement with ALL Golden Valley populations, co-creating initia-
tives and regularly soliciting input.
• Treat taxpayers as valued customers, fostering a community-centric approach that responds
promptly to inquiries and keeps them up to date on progress.
• Strengthen community identity through a sharpened brand, more community gatherings, and
effective communication.
• Build community understanding about local government functions and roles to manage expec-
tations and help them effectively access the resources they need.
• Leverage City events and projects to reflect our environmental values (eg, zero-waste, ze-
ro-plastic community gatherings, etc).
2030 Strategic Directives
CITY OF GOLDEN VALLEY
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Parks & Recreation
763-512-2345 / 763-512-2344 (fax)
Golden Valley Open Space & Recreation Commission Meeting
September 22, 2025
Agenda Item
5.D. Citywide Survey Questions Discussion
Prepared By
Greg Simmons, Parks and Recreation Assistant Director
Summary
The City will be conducting an upcoming citywide survey. This is an initial review of the questions
previously asked including responses from 2016. Staff are seeking guidance on areas that the
Commission would like to gather information related to Parks and Recreation through the survey.
Supporting Documents
2016 Citywide Survey Questions and Responses - Parks and Recreation.pdf
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Parks, Trails, & Recreation
The Golden Valley park system is composed of larger community parks
and smaller neighborhood parks, trails, and community athletic
fields. Of these facilities, which have you or members of your
household used during the past twelve months?
YES NO DK.
88. Community and/or neighborhood parks? 67% 33% 0%
89. Summer concerts and special
events? 39% 61% 0%
90. Community athletic fields? 29% 71% 0%
91. Open spaces and natural areas? 67% 33% 0%
92. Outdoor ice rinks? 14% 86% 0%
93. Brookview Community Center? 23% 75% 2%
94. Davis Community Center at Meadowbrook
School? 21% 79% 1%
95. Brookview Park Picnic Shelters? 27% 74% 0%
96. Tennis courts? 13% 87% 0%
97. Brookview Golf Course and lawnbowling? 32% 68% 0%
For each of the following, please tell me if you or members of your
household use it.
YES NO DKR
98. City sidewalks and trails? 72% 28% 0%
99. On -street bike routes and shoulders? 28% 72% 0%
IF “YES” TO ANY QUESTIONS #98-#99, ASK: (n=301)
For each of the following activities, please tell me if you
use the trails, sidewalks and bicycle routes.
YES NO DKR
100. Walking or running? 95% 5% 0%
101. Recreational biking? 36% 64% 0%
102. Fitness training? 20% 80% 0%
103. Commuting? 18% 82% 0%
104. How would you rate the city’s
trails EXCELLENT.............14%
and sidewalks – excellent,
good, GOOD..................81%
only fair or poor? ONLY FAIR..............5%
POOR...................0
%
DON’T
KNOW/REFUSED.....1%
IF “ONLY FAIR” OR “POOR,” ASK: (n=20)
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Parks & Recreation
763-512-2345 / 763-512-2344 (fax)
Golden Valley Open Space & Recreation Commission Meeting
September 22, 2025
Agenda Item
5.E. Commissioner Announcements
Prepared By
Jasy Vorachit, Administrative Assistant
Summary
This is a standing agenda item that may be used for the Commissioners to share general
announcements or to share items as they see fit.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Parks & Recreation
763-512-2345 / 763-512-2344 (fax)
Golden Valley Open Space & Recreation Commission Meeting
September 22, 2025
Agenda Item
5.F. Staff Announcements
Prepared By
Jasy Vorachit, Administrative Assistant
Summary
This is a standing agenda item that may be used for Staff to share general announcements or to share
items as they see fit.
19
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Parks & Recreation
763-512-2345 / 763-512-2344 (fax)
Golden Valley Open Space & Recreation Commission Meeting
September 22, 2025
Agenda Item
5.G. Council Liaison Announcements
Prepared By
Jasy Vorachit, Administrative Assistant
Summary
This is a standing agenda item that may be used for the Council Liaison to share general
announcements or to share items as they see fit.
20
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Parks & Recreation
763-512-2345 / 763-512-2344 (fax)
Golden Valley Open Space & Recreation Commission Meeting
September 22, 2025
Agenda Item
6.A. Review of Commission Calendar
Prepared By
Jasy Vorachit, Administrative Assistant
Supporting Documents
Review of OSRC Calendar.pdf
21
2025
Event Time Location
September 22
Regular Meeting 6:30 p.m.Brookview Golden Valley
October 20 (Third Monday)
Regular Meeting 6:30 p.m.Brookview Golden Valley
November 24
Regular Meeting 6:30 p.m.Brookview Golden Valley
2026
Event Time Location
January 26
Regular Meeting 6:30 p.m.Brookview Golden Valley
February 23
Regular Meeting 6:30 p.m.Brookview Golden Valley
March 23
Regular Meeting 6:30 p.m.Brookview Golden Valley
April 27
Regular Meeting 6:30 p.m.Brookview Golden Valley
May 18 (Third Monday)
Regular Meeting 6:30 p.m.Brookview Golden Valley
June 22
Annual Parks Tour 5:30 p.m.Brookview Golden Valley
Review of OSRC Calendar
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