3B. Special Matters: Resolution of Appreciation to Amy Gurski

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-22; A RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO AMY GURSKI UPON HER RETIREMENT FROM THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT.

Background:

Amy Gurski joined Three Rivers on January 22, 2001, as a Civil Engineer. She was promoted to Senior Manager of Engineering in 2003, and in 2012 became the Director of Design.

As the new Civil Engineer, one of Amy’s first projects was to update all of the old pit toilets in the parks to the sweet-smelling CXT versions we all know and love. Luckily Amy was soon given more engaging projects such as Gale Woods Farm development, redevelopment of the Elm Creek swim pond and buildings, and the creation of the Park District’s Pavement Management Program – an innovative system that inventories all pavement surfaces, establishes lifecycle maintenance schedules, and enables long-term forecasting and informed decision making.

As Director of Design, Amy has led a team of engineers, architects and landscape architects in designing and building many of the iconic fixtures of the Park District, including Mississippi Gateway, Hyland Hills Chalet, Hyland Nordic Ski, the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail and the creative play areas at French and at Baker. Amy and her team also have designed and built numerous federally funded regional trail construction projects and hundreds of stewardship projects.

Amy brought design engagement to new levels as exemplified by her leadership on the French Creative Play Area. She brought in a task force of third-graders to help design the play area and to have an on-going learning experience about the design/construction process, as well as learning about working in the parks and recreation field.

Amy is so proud of her staff, describing them as “Rock Stars” of the development world. As a Director, she has invested in their career growth, and aligned their drivers with their work environment, project types, talents, interests, and values.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Amy is known for her expertise in the St. Paul Winter Carnival Medallion Hunt, her advocacy for equity, her fierce sense of humor, and the wisdom that stems from being an engineer. Her motto is “Live your life in the present. Appreciate it. Have no regrets.”

Amy is a respected leader, a trusted colleague, and a cherished friend who will be deeply missed by all who have had the privilege of working with her. Amy’s last day of work will be November 19, 2025.

The attached Resolution of Appreciation is presented for Board consideration, recognizing Amy’s service to the Park District.

Relationship to the System Plan:

The Request for Action supports the following goal(s) of the System Plan:

Goal 1: You Belong Here

Goal 2: Parks Matter

Goal 3: Lead by Example

Attachments:

Amy Gurski Resolution of Appreciation.pdf