Council explores hosting veterans hunt modeled on Anoka program; neighbors and logistics to be consulted

A staff member proposed the city investigate hosting a veterans hunting opportunity modeled after a City of Anoka program the presenter referred to as "Waterfall for Warriors." He said the Anoka events fill quickly and that volunteers and nonprofit partners help run them; private landowners and businesses in the area indicated willingness to support or host parts of an event.

The presenter suggested a pond behind City Hall or private fields volunteered by residents could host blinds and that participants could convene at City Hall afterwards for food and social time. He named a local volunteer contact (John Zennel) and said firefighter Tyus Carlson and businesses such as Polaris had indicated support; Classic Construction and a local farm were also mentioned as possible partners for sites or logistical help.

Staff warned that nearby homes exist and that the city code currently bars guns in parks except by permit, so any event would need to be tightly controlled by permit and volunteer/park‑closure measures. Council members agreed the idea was worth pursuing, asked staff to engage surrounding neighbors for input, and to follow best practices used in the Anoka program for crowd control and safety.

Next steps: staff to continue research, consult neighbors, and return with recommended locations, permit proposals, and an operational plan. The transcript uses the program name as spoken by the presenter; appropriate program naming should be verified when planning.