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Park & Recreation Board hears budget update, pickleball site survey, trailhead coordination and schedules follow-ups
Summary
The board reviewed the Park & Rec budget (recommendation deferred to May), heard a pickleball-site survey is underway, clarified Trailhead governance with the Heritage Preservation Committee, and set follow-ups including Mesabi Trail message-board input by May 15 and an August Trailhead Gathering.
At its April 8 meeting, the Ely City Park and Recreation Board received several administrative updates and set follow-up tasks for upcoming meetings. Planning and Zoning Administrator Scott Kochendorfer presented the current Park and Recreation budget and said employee-cost allocations are included because Park & Rec has no separately designated full‑time employees; the board will continue review and provide a recommendation at the May meeting.
On recreation facilities, Kochendorfer reported brushing at the proposed pickleball site is complete and the city will obtain a site survey to inform construction options; he encouraged members to visit the site. The board left Pillow Rock discussion for the next meeting.
On Trailhead coordination, Council Rep Adam Bisbee said the City Council expects Park & Rec to manage rules and regulations for building use while the Heritage Preservation Committee (HPC) will advise on interior décor and materials; Bisbee and Kochendorfer will represent Park & Rec in intergroup meetings with a target completion in June. The Mesabi Trail Association asked for input on message-board content by May 15 for kiosks and the Trailhead; Kochendorfer requested ideas be submitted by that date.
Board members Eva Sebesta and Kristen Anthony will continue planning the annual Trailhead Gathering for August 2026 and report back. The meeting adjourned at 6:28 PM; the board’s next meeting is May 13, 2026 at 5 PM at Ely City Hall.
