[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6056569,"mediaKeyId","3309548-0ea2ebf5d423c69530011701065c0aec","parentId",3309548,"title","Votes at a glance: consent calendar, banner templates, temporary fence, agreements and event approvals","audioSeconds",594,"startMs",3598000,"endMs",4192000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3309548-0ea2ebf5d423c69530011701065c0aec&start=3598&end=4192","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3309548-0ea2ebf5d423c69530011701065c0aec/thumbnail_3598000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6056569/Brainerd-City/Crow-Wing-County/Minnesota/Votes-at-a-glance-consent-calendar-banner-templates-temporary-fence-agreements-and-event-approvals","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6056569-1836dcc0249d24c6510c4eb2d63559ba/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186692&Signature=T2pv6wpdtM7VwkC5yCR9BgZfW2sKVzFi57~OdoV9b4H0r0Rl~X6kEOtM-KHVtK9wuFb1IeEkvYuMurc2vI6AInGHbzHeF907527K3PRs~WbIYc1U0Gs0OS6ZYgRnCHuE~XxPwITbqMxc-5tEdp8EpAcjqS-VUGnhPhJNI87MTIoq5A7foKpkk1soWywg7HzzmLcaZLmdK4JSy~qGE2qGSR-zs8RirA8EQCkr0TyWeH5ODjmJtQcbvsLTVYq4VMreLerYVM-qQl2AXJLIMZl3dGvgugZ4kQ~~~vLYYZjdBfy03tFCr9H9eTWoGHPbczTvnVM7LWo3jVq3ocV2wr9~yg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Of Council Brainerd, MN","date","2025-03-26T10:46:53Z","article","The Brainerd Parks and Recreation Board took the following actions at its meeting. All actions below reflect motions recorded in the meeting transcript and the outcomes the board announced.

Consent calendar: The board approved the consent calendar, which included minutes and disbursements. A roll call was taken: Miller (yes), Sandy (yes), Schaefer (yes), Burns (yes). Motion passed.

Banner templates and vendor direction (agenda item 7b): The board directed staff to contact banner vendors and request simple PDF mock-ups/templates for 4x4 and 4x6 banners that use the city's color and typography standards and to verify procurement/finance compliance. Motion passed (recorded as unanimous 'aye').

Approval to host grand-opening events (agenda item 8b): The board approved grand-opening/re-opening events for JC's and Lumb Park, with the caveat that Lumb Park's beach cleanup follow state DNR guidance and that canopies and beach readiness be confirmed before scheduling; the board accepted staff's suggestion to consider moving a grand-opening to the fall or next year if turf establishment at JC's remains incomplete. Motion passed.

Temporary fence at Buffalo Hills (agenda item 8c): The board approved the installation of a temporary outfield fence to accommodate Brainerd High School girls softball regulations, with the condition that the school install and remove the fence on the agreed schedule so city maintenance can mow and service the field. Motion passed.

Revised agreement with Community Education (agenda item 8d): The board approved a revised agreement that includes the City of Brainerd logo on Community Education printed materials for this year, with a contingency to revisit contract terms next year. Motion passed.

Community empowerment grant (agenda item 8e): The board authorized staff to pursue a community empowerment grant to support the parks \"Movies in the Park\" program; staff indicated the award amount referenced on the public page appeared to be up to $2,500. Motion passed.

Dangerous Thrilling Halloween event (agenda item 8f): The board approved the Dangerous Thrilling Halloween event at Gregory Park with conditions: a start-time restriction (moved later — board specified a condition to adjust the start time and require coordination with parks staff to ensure safe trailer/vehicle access and to minimize park damage). Staff and event organizers agreed to coordinate loading/unloading logistics and to remove any vehicle after setup; the board recorded the motion as approved.

Votes summary (tallies): For motions without a recorded roll-call the transcript records unanimous \"aye\" and no opposition. Where the consent calendar was explicitly roll-called, the votes were recorded as Miller yes, Sandy yes, Schaefer yes, Burns yes.

Notes: Several agenda items discussed at length (Gregory Park tennis/pickleball, banner program, concession stand POS and fees) resulted in direction to staff rather than budget or ordinance changes. Where staff was asked to check finance or procurement compliance, the board required staff to return with vendor-compliant materials before awarding contracts.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Brainerd - Park Board - 3/25/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Brainerd Parks and Recreation Board approved multiple routine and event-related items, directed staff on vendor templates for a banner program, and authorized several park permits and agreements.","taxTitle","Brainerd City, Crow Wing County, Minnesota","taxId",70865,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6056574,"Parks staff recommends no immediate rule changes for men's adult softball; suggests monitoring and possible MS3 division in 2026",620,2381000,3001000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3309548-0ea2ebf5d423c69530011701065c0aec&start=2381&end=3001","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3309548-0ea2ebf5d423c69530011701065c0aec/thumbnail_2381000.jpg","/articles/6056574/Brainerd-City/Crow-Wing-County/Minnesota/Parks-staff-recommends-no-immediate-rule-changes-for-mens-adult-softball-suggests-monitoring-and-possible-MS3-division-in-2026","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6056574-6a1a11f1ceed520dfcd087f12ad65734/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186692&Signature=iggTdPPzeoBFRZaXoPm279JI1zPB6devRQ0-fUp4OczHqz8uT5tPDgVmO6TfPG5KfwZRs9uaPLWz~Yc6FKzFxtUVLHpcCuYlnGODG0HGtjXnbdK9uOL2oM1fUVv1qhEXTrSArSxvhqP2tKCwvJpHpVa9Q5LIarmmWJLKkSygDDoSu4MQGKKzJ7DyL97zEURNMnz0l-3tB08BHo538ig9q993XRovXxezQq7Fjv3qZUqexmOednKgnyKZ2ZF-M8YXQ~iliFFgjeXYHsXcoIzSbjkbjlx8MRn0nKX~ypcaWroF-eZpm2Ol9j6sgV4JMCt9aoR42pOOtv9hQ2kJtzFkTw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Brainerd Parks and Recreation staff briefed the board on proposed operating rules for the upcoming men's adult softball season and recommended maintaining the existing rules adopted under Minnesota USA Softball sanctioning. Staff said the current MS1/MS2 structure and subbing rules are designed to keep teams balanced while enabling enough roster flexibility to field full teams.

Kayla (parks staff) explained that Brainerd's leagues are sanctioned through Minnesota USA Softball and will follow that rulebook. She told the board that staff's recommendation is to keep the rules as written for the coming season. As a limited tightening option, staff said the board could decide to prohibit A-ranked players from playing on MS2 teams; that is the only specific rule change staff identified if the board wants stricter competitive balance.

Staff also proposed evaluating a third, recreational level (MS3) for 2026 to provide beginner, intermediate and advanced tiers and reduce mismatches. Board members discussed past operational problems from the previous season and agreed with staff that improving league administration and addressing operational issues (scheduling, rakes/field care and complaint handling) should take priority before making rule changes.

Outcome: The board did not change rules at this meeting. Staff will continue to operate under Minnesota USA Softball sanctioning and may return with recommendations if competitive balance or operational problems persist.","Staff said Brainerd's adult softball will continue to follow Minnesota USA Softball rules; staff recommended no immediate changes but suggested prohibiting top-ranked (A) players from playing in the MS2 division if the board wants tighter competitive balance, and proposed exploring an additional MS3 recreational tier for 2026.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6056579,"Board directs staff to get banner templates and standard vendor proposals for city program",1080,1280000,2360000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3309548-0ea2ebf5d423c69530011701065c0aec&start=1280&end=2360","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3309548-0ea2ebf5d423c69530011701065c0aec/thumbnail_1280000.jpg","/articles/6056579/Brainerd-City/Crow-Wing-County/Minnesota/Board-directs-staff-to-get-banner-templates-and-standard-vendor-proposals-for-city-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6056579-b10e7a87b33d15cf261d7453e5197576/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186692&Signature=I85bEMK~HoArQhuDrqroV~97nJTg1XB8fLbbJzOcbHLxtwrO1i-RcF72tMcPQ8B4M~khW77uljpmqljWna48ZOrQEtqQMdn~PNMPJfDIjuisJM7k~N3qyFOKKDaQfEVHFrOV8m2KMnPp5C3nVeb54GS6Nkvvd4GAETg3hkrWdQ9L1Zn7q79Uf98BOK-XucilQbJ-79LEFbJzW3C65pqGcy8J6P9OjrP46y0olprvRUTVfm2T8CXHH5lo0XypGcaPFjqZ6yZVLz~SbWiYJz7yUWLXNLffRlWq73VLefq6fLfTkSJUh5QA~SZNGMdw4Y0IPtlJgVRKV24pgGdxmWZyvA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Brainerd Parks and Recreation staff presented vendor quotes for a proposed city banner program and the board voted to direct staff to ask interested vendors to produce simple reproducible PDF templates for 4-by-4 and 4-by-6 banners that follow the city's color and typography standards.

Why it matters: The board is creating a standard process for memorial and sponsored banners across park amenities and wants an apples-to-apples comparison of unit material costs and reproducible design templates so private sponsors and the city can consistently produce and display banners.

What staff presented: Kayla (parks staff) said staff solicited quotes from six local printing companies for outdoor banners and recommended materials in the 13- to 18-ounce range. She said one vendor, Illusion Graphics, offered to match other companies and included setup fees in the unit price. Staff also described a draft banner template that follows existing park design standards and said the program would mirror the city's memorial bench and tree-memorial processes.

Board discussion: Board members debated whether the city should pay for vendor design work or require applicants to supply print-ready files. Several board members, including Andrew (board member) and Kara (board member), argued for a simple, reproducible template and suggested vendors provide a PDF mock-up using the vendor's logo and the city's standards rather than printing a physical sample. Nick (board member) and others recommended reissuing a more explicit request for proposals so vendors submit consistent, comparable bids rather than offering to \"match\" competitor prices.

Vote and direction: The board approved a motion directing staff to contact the vendors and request simple PDF banner templates (4x4 and 4x6) that apply the city's color and typography standards and show how a sponsor's logo would be reproduced. The board also asked staff to confirm compliance with procurement and finance rules before finalizing any multi-year vendor commitments.

Next steps: Staff will request reproducible PDF mock-ups and clarified unit-cost bids (material cost separate from optional design fees), check procurement compliance with the finance department and return to the board with a recommended vendor approach and pricing for implementation.","Board voted to direct staff to ask vendors for simple, reproducible 4x4 and 4x6 banner templates that follow Brainerd's design standards; staff will return with standardized proposals and vendor-supplied PDFs to support a city banner program.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6056584,"Pickleball group withdraws request to convert Gregory Park tennis courts after neighborhood pushback",831,223000,1054000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3309548-0ea2ebf5d423c69530011701065c0aec&start=223&end=1054","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3309548-0ea2ebf5d423c69530011701065c0aec/thumbnail_223000.jpg","/articles/6056584/Brainerd-City/Crow-Wing-County/Minnesota/Pickleball-group-withdraws-request-to-convert-Gregory-Park-tennis-courts-after-neighborhood-pushback","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6056584-37859646de0955e53d994cca133b0b99/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186692&Signature=ZQF8rqBeY7dAtUPohCef9iThBR9fQyaGP0vf7A4QT69I~X4-C3Uzk8c0ir5Q4A~9U6vIq4OCPhMk~YkMT6MUF7~1JgIWI2HzQgJSjT~EDDU8o3Lgk7l1Rgw91oSG6YRRl2Hv00XN8g8vmJKtGukjmyGC-AUvWdVERHaANxG-Za6w0QgCjMqfkH--cmeLdgUuQCksaQk7t3f0y1wU676Aq8-5jiYJ6o6Tbfuhj9cxYKplz53i2xlHvsSKBRv4-jJwd1~NBNg5FS3hyFFA~Q~KSf3bZaqevhV85N8OO0qQa7nxakJS-ekSXpE-N~4tXLJtaCGunM9l3xpLw1eTwe3aAA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Brainerd Parks and Recreation staff told the board that the Brainerd Area Pickleball Association has withdrawn a formal request to convert the three-court section of Gregory Park to permanent pickleball courts, after residents and local tennis players raised concerns about neighborhood impacts and current court usage.

The withdrawal came during agenda item Gregory Park Tennis Court Usage and later in the pickleball-agreement discussion. Kayla (parks staff) opened the pickleball item with a formal apology to the Northside neighborhood for not doing earlier public outreach; she said that, working with the association and other groups, the association has decided to pull its request for a permanent conversion at Gregory Park and will focus on fundraising for a separate complex. Kayla also said the group is still interested in a limited presence at Gregory Park through temporary courts and banners following the city's banner guidelines.

Why it matters: Gregory Park sits in a residential neighborhood and currently hosts a mix of organized school and community uses. Several speakers said the park's existing tennis courts are well-used by local youth, school programs and senior players and should be retained rather than permanently converted.

Residents and tennis players who spoke at the public forum and during the Gregory Park item urged the board not to remove tennis courts. Krista Soukup, president of the Brainerd Northside Neighbors Association, said many neighborhood children walk or bike to Gregory Park courts and called for preserving them. A public commenter who identified himself as Mr. Kellerman presented usage data from 2024 and argued the courts are not used to full capacity but nevertheless provide consistent community benefits. Kellerman and others emphasized that District 181 schools and community education programs use the courts for classes and tournaments and urged the board to seek a separate site for a larger, US Pickleball Association-standard complex.

Supporters of retaining tennis cited several practical points raised in the meeting: the three-court portion at Gregory Park measures approximately 125 by 148 feet, which speakers said is substantially smaller than the roughly 240 by 480 feet often needed for an eight-court sanctioned pickleball complex. Kellerman cited local cost comparisons: he said constructing an eight-court complex typically ranges from about $150,000 to $200,000 and referenced a nearby six-court project that cost about $175,000. Kellerman also stated a resurfacing figure for the Gregory Park courts, reporting a resurfacing cost of $3,040,000 as presented in his materials; staff did not provide a separate, city-verified cost breakdown during the discussion.

Board and staff direction: The board accepted the update and no formal action was taken to change the courts. Staff indicated they will work with the Pickleball Association and Northside neighbors on possible temporary courts, banner fundraising per the banner program standards, and longer-term planning for a new complex elsewhere in Brainerd.

Community reaction and next steps: With the association withdrawing its conversion request, the most immediate outcome is preservation of the existing tennis layout at Gregory Park. Staff said the Pickleball Association will keep fundraising for a separate complex and may request a limited temporary presence at Gregory Park in the future; any such arrangement would follow city banner and temporary-use policies and return to the board if it requires a formal agreement or permit.

The board did not vote on any ordinance or funding related to Gregory Park during this meeting; the issue remains a planning and community-engagement matter for staff and the association.","Park staff said the Brainerd Area Pickleball Association withdrew its formal request to convert Gregory Park's three-court tennis section; staff apologized for lack of earlier outreach and said the association may pursue temporary courts and fundraising instead.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: consent calendar, banner templates, temporary fence, agreements and event approvals

Parks staff recommends no immediate rule changes for men's adult softball; suggests monitoring and possible MS3 division in 2026

Board directs staff to get banner templates and standard vendor proposals for city program

Pickleball group withdraws request to convert Gregory Park tennis courts after neighborhood pushback