HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-02 Parks & Recreation SummaryKENAI PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION — REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 2, 2026 — 6:00 P.M.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
210 FIDALGO AVE., KENAI, AK 99611
CHAIR T. GRANT WISNIEWSKI, PRESIDING
MINIITFS
A. CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was held on April 2, 2026, in the Kenai City
Council Chambers, Kenai, AK. Chair Wisniewski called the meeting to order at approximately 6:00 p.m.
1. Pledge of Allegiance
Chair Wisniewski led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Roll Call
There were present:
Grant Wisniewski, Chair Sharon Fischer, Vice Chair
Autumn Carlson Michael Bernard
Marti Pepper Maeve Spiegler
A quorum was present.
Also in attendance were:
Tyler Best, Parks and Recreation Director
Jenna Brown, Assistant Parks and Recreation Director
Bridget Grieme, City Council Liaison
Kevin Buettner, Planning and Zoning Director
Xiling Tanner, Student Representative
3. Agenda Approval
MOTION:
Commissioner Carlson MOVED to approve the agenda. Commissioner Bernard SECONDED the motion.
VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED.
B. SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS
1. Corvus Design - Presentation of Draft Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Chris Mertl, PLA, Project Manager at Corvus Design, presented the draft of the 20-year Parks Master
Plan, including project background, inventory and analysis of parks and facilities, and recommended
strategies and priorities for implementation.
C. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS - None.
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. February 5, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes
MOTION:
Commissioner Carlson MOVED to approve the February 5, 2026 Parks and Recreation Commission
minutes. Commissioner Bernard SECONDED the motion.
VOTE: There being no objection; SO ORDERED.
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E. UNFINISHED BUSINESS -
Discussion - Draft Parks and Recreation Masterplan
There was discussion regarding evaluations of Parks and Recreation places and facilities; partnerships;
consolidation strategies; maintenance and resource constraints; public input and engagement; revenue
opportunities; and increasing signage.
2. Approval of 2025 Workplan Annual Report for the Kenai Parks and Recreation Commission
MOTION:
Commissioner Pepper MOVED to approve the 2025 Workplan Annual Report for the Kenai Parks and
Recreation Commission. Commissioner Carlson SECONDED the motion.
The Commission reviewed the Workplan Report and acknowledged prior actions, including adoption of
new Kenai Recreation Center hours and review of proposed changes to the Leif Hansen Memorial policy.
3. Recommendation of 2026 Workplan Goal 1
Director Best summarized the purpose of the work plan goals and noted members should raise
questions and request agenda items as needed.
4. Discussion - Review of Parks and Recreation Commission Code
Director Best noted Kenai Municipal Code defines the Commission's advisory role -to the City Council
and Administration on Parks and Recreation matters, including input on development of a master plan.
F. NEW BUSINESS - None.
G. REPORTS
Parks and Recreation Director - Director Best reported on the following:
Winter conditions have remained cold, allowing continued skiing on trails; trails are still
being groomed but are expected to close as temperatures rise.
Continued skating on Daubenspeck Pond, with strong community use due to favorable
conditions.
Winter activities, including free skate events.
Community Easter egg hunt is scheduled for April 4, 2026.
Summer job postings are open.
Hiring eligibility now includes 17-year-olds with some limitations, expanding opportunities for
youth employment.
Next clean up day is scheduled for April 25.
2. Commission Chair - Chair Wisniewski reported that City league basketball season is wrapping
up.
3. City Council Liaison - Council Member Grieme reported on recent actions of the City Council.
H. ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENTS
Alex Koch addressed the Commission regarding the Spur Highway project timeline.
NEXT MEETING ATTENDANCE NOTIFICATION - May 7, 2026
J. COMMISSION QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS - None.
K. ADJOURNMENT
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L. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS - None.
There being no further business before the Parks and Recreation Commission, the meeting was
adjourned at 7:19 p.m.
I certify the above represents accurate minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting of April
2, 2026.
L gan Parks, Deputy City Clerk
The student representative may cast advisory votes on all matters except those subject to executive
session discussion. Advisory votes will not affect the outcome of the official council vote. Advisory votes
will be recorded in the minutes. A student representative may not move or second items during a council
meeting.
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