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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-08-28 PRC Packet_I waIvter- THE BIRTHPLACE OF M I N N E S OTA NOTICE OF CHANGE OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING TIME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the regularly scheduled meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission is for Monday, August 28, 2023 at Stillwater City Hall Council Chambers, 216 4t" Street N, Stillwater, MN will begin at 6pm, rather than the usual 7pm. Date: August 24, 2023 Signed: Beth Wolf, City Clerk I hereby declare this Notice was posted on the City of Stillwater's principal bulletin board and electronically sent via email to those requesting notices on: Date Posted: -2 1 2 L4 12 3 Date Email: Q 12q 123 Signed: — Je Schmid SubscriVd and sw n to before me this 2023. BETH LYNN WOLF NOTARY RA= - MINNESOM MY COMWN EVhl JW. 31, 2= Cday of 101591 om 216 4th Street N., Stillwater, MN 55082-651-430-8800 - www.ci.stillwater.mn.us 1wa ter _1 i f' F 6 A I M^. A � E 0� M I N N f 0 l A Stillwater Parks and Recreation Commission meetings are streamed live on the city website and available to view on Channel 16. Public can participate in the meeting by attending in person at City Hall. AGENDA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION August 28, 2023 @ 6 PM I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. July 24, 2023 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes IV. OPEN FORUM — the open forum allows the public to address the commission on subjects which are not a part of the meeting. Commission may take action, reply, orgive direction to staff. Please limityour comments to S minutes or less. V. NEW BUSINESS VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS VII. DISCUSSION ITEMS (no packet materials) 2. Staff Updates 3. Commission Member Updates VIII. ADJOURN Next Meeting: September 25, 2023 at 7 p.m. 4. Park Tour: After adjournment, a park tour will take place at the following locations, no official business will be conducted; a. Staples Park b. Lumberjack Landing (future plan options attached) c. Heritage Park jIlwater The Birthplace of Minnesota 216 41h Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082 651-430-8800 www.ci.stillwater.mn.us PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES July 24, 2023 REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. Chair Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Chair Johnson, Commissioners Haveles, Larson, Lehmann, Macswain, Quie, Souter Absent: Councilmember Polehna Staff: Parks Superintendent Grode APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of minutes of June 26. 2023 meeting Superintendent Grode noted the meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m. He has made the correction. Motion by Commissioner Macswain, seconded by Commissioner Larson, to approve the minutes of the June 26, 2023 meeting as corrected. All in favor. OPEN FORUM Jon Skaalen, 1900 North 3rd Street, asked why the Pioneer Park Bandshell is gated/locked and is in disrepair with peeling paint. He feels it could be better utilized. Superintendent Grode replied that it is probably locked to reduce vandalism. It is available for reservations. Repairs and repainting, at a cost of $70,000-75,000, have been included in the 5- year capital improvement plan for 2025. Nicole Willenbring, 1204 4th Avenue South, asked for an update on the possibility of updating the Old Athletic Field, including paving the sand pit, adding bathrooms and a drinking fountain, and what the next steps are toward budgeting for improvements. She also suggested that when park improvements are considered, a representative of the Parks Commission could host a community forum at the park, promoted with a sign placed there. Mr. Grode replied that he learned from the school district facilities manager that the district is not interested in selling the property. It was given to the school district by the City, but there is no joint powers agreement so it is unclear what the City can and cannot do. As long as the City keeps the school district involved in the process, the school district would not have an issue with improvements being made to the sand area. Mr. Grode also stated that the City Administrator and Councilmember Polehna felt there isn't interest or need for the City to assume ownership. A survey could be done to gather feedback on desired improvements. NEW BUSINESS Playground Replacement Procedure Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting July 24, 2023 Chair Johnson asked for feedback on proposed revisions in the Playground Replacement Process. In addition to the recommended methods of notifying residents, Commissioner Souter suggested also mailing a postcard to neighbors in a one or two -block radius in the fall while people are still using the park, recommending they check the City web site for updates. Commissioner Lehmann asked if suggestions that are made after the CIP is set could still be incorporated into the budget. Mr. Grode answered that feedback from impacted neighborhoods could occur in late summer/fall so there would be time to include additional items in budget. Commissioner Macswain said it is important to set expectations around the fact that the budgeting focus is on playgrounds that are not up to par. Chair Johnson said her favorite way to get feedback is QR codes on signs at the park. Mr. Grode said previous methods of gathering feedback have included a short survey on the City web site and sending postcards. When the City sent postcards about improvements planned for Anez and Meadowlark, it was questioned whether or not to even replace Anez Ridge because of the lack of response. After this experience it was decided not to mail postcards for Old Athletic Field improvements, but to place signage. However it was past the time of year when residents were using the park and should be posted earlier. If the Commission directs staff to do postcards, it should set the intended radius i.e. 100 residents at a minimum. Posting signs with QR codes captures park users as opposed to only residents. Staples Park Tennis/Pickleball Courts Mr. Grode stated that the lights at Staples Park were recently repaired at a cost of $2,500. The neighbor to the south has asked the City to put up black screen (wind) fabric for privacy. The cost would be $10,600 to screen the entire court, $5,300 to screen half of the court near the two residential properties, $2,900 to screen only the south fence. Projects over $5,000 must be put on the CIP and approved by the City Council. City staff seeks a recommendation from the Commission on what times the lights should be on and whether or not to install black fabric on the fencing. Staff recommends only using the lights in the spring and fall when the days are shorter, on a timer to turn off at 8 pm. This could be done for a trial period this fall. Commissioner Quie asked if there are complaints about the sound from the pickleball court, and Mr. Grode shared email from a resident living three blocks away supporting the fabric screening. Others have expressed concerns about the noise but in particular it is the resident who lives to the south close to the court. Commissioner Quie commented the sound bounces and could hit the houses on the other side. Commissioner Macswain suggested timing the lights consistently with those at Northland. Commissioner Haveles said given proximity of the houses here, 8 p.m. is a good recommendation for lights. Motion by Commissioner Haveles, seconded by Commissioner Lehmann, to turn on lights at Staples in the fall 2023 and lights off each night at 8 p.m. for a trial period, to be evaluated after fall season. All in favor. Commissioner Macswain voiced concern that placing privacy screen may raise the issue with neighbors of other parks, but he feels this is a unique situation. Page 2 of 3 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting July 24, 2023 Mr. Grode stated the City added arborvitae on the south side of the fence as natural screen. Commissioner Larson asked if the screening benefits pickleball players by preventing the wind and Mr. Grode replied yes but there have not been requests from the pickleball players. Chair Johnson shared concerns about others wanting a privacy fence to screen a public park that was there when they moved in. She loves that the public can see people using the parks. Commissioner Souter said she could support screening the two sides that are closest to the park. She does not agree with appeasing just one resident by screening only the south side. Commissioner Quie said it may save cost to plant a couple more plants instead of screening. Motion by Commissioner Macswain, seconded by Commissioner Quie, to table discussion of privacy fence (screening) at the Staples pickleball courts until September after the Commission views the site. All in favor. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. DISCUSSION ITEMS Staff Updates Superintendent Grode stated that the new playground has been completed at Washington Square and the sand will be replaced with engineered wood fiber. The Old Athletic Field's new playground should be installed next week and wood fiber will be installed. Staff has been scheduling ADA access for the year following playground replacement. Also, a memorial bench was placed for former Parks Chair Linda Amrein. Commission Member Updates Chair Johnson noted a "Stillwater Trails: Rules & Etiquette" free class by Sustainable Stillwater on August S. She asked why the City is not partnering with/promoting the event, and Mr. Grode said he will check into putting it on the City web site. Other Business Commissioner Macswain asked to see plans for Lumberjack Landing, Staples and Heritage Parks before the the August park tour; and Chair Johnson noted she will host the Parks Commission annual picnic after the parks tour. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Larson, seconded by Commissioner Souter, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m. ATTEST: Jason Grode, Parks Superintendent Pam Johnson, Chair Page 3 of 3 - .:.awr..a� tis. V �1YM11YW M.(.wY1Y.N NI v111t�.Wi - w Z J H Q 2 BROW NS CREEI: TRAIL o wrrr u.m � L w1•n _ �� wvnd ,.•nw -rll. WI Dale Im/RevlLm BY ce2ry mn[mis p�n wns v2v..ve ev me or �sh� _ DS/iy23 SDw DRnFYFuxS x FORCoxSTw N BOR wolax no: �33-mc a �e� m ma smm or m�,l� ooyMe "7". ImcD CRAWFORD EM •vBoIt•! 77 : CITY OF STILLWATER 60% REVIEW 5.12.23 LUMBERJACK LANDING 1513 MAIN ST N STILLWATER, MN 55082 NATURAL TRAIL TRAIL ._.._.._..—.._.._.. BROWNS CREEK ,_.._.._..—••—••—••—"—' vary whet hold aof pavement ad,,,l antl uldld remove get d arvuM tletarhetl galege DROROPF/ TURN MOt" NATIVE SEED MIX USED FOR ALL .� +• 55 5FT DIA MIN RESTORATION AREAS NOT a 2870 SF OTHERWISE NOTED • _ •_• _ __--------------------------------------------------- N GARDEN. SEE C6 gFT ADA BITUMINOUS ROUTE •1, •_--•• . .��...�• RANAR a. GDEN. SEE UVG __- - RAIN GARDEN-SEECIVIL '• �• ,--•. .•, .. ..___ 2 ADA ANDI STALL , • — —— " — —— Xs NATIVE SEED MIX USED FOR ALL _ , _ - , PARKING STALLS �� - J• , - _ _ - / RESTORATION AREAS NOT _ - _ _ _ - r / OTHERWSE NOTED _ 1 -,ems. TIJ •�.�v. - _ `. NATIVE SEED MIX USED FOR ALL RESTORATION AREAS NOT J OTHERWISE NOTED BEST -�a _ FOR BIKE RACK? _ �.. .�• ...................... _ --_ _ f• _ O—. -R WA., MOW AREAS AS NEEDED J ' -------- FOR BOAT UNLOADING, KAYAK RENTAL ETC OUT OF GARACLEAR/. KEEP MOWN MAINTENANCEI MOUND DRIVE AND HOUSE GE EMERGENCY ROUTE CLEAR qq!!2 -. ++.�.••� - HIKING ROUTE (keep erisgng m.—te drive apron) j , , r• + TO DOCK /SHORE (TO BE MOWN) . % a CONIC. DOCK ABUTMENT EL AT 681 5, SEE DETAIL NO WORK AT HOUSE • .c CONSTRUCTION LIMBS - -- j • , i • �' % •• �. r ; CONSTRUCTION LIMITS / `� _ � 36FT ADA GANGWAY ------------------- .............. . -- (under B 33%)at water at of 677 •-- / a ADA LAUNCH Bork top 1 Sit above above v iw • .�-�.. -` - HVKING ROUTE (TO BE MOM) levatian lwel-volt very -``• - A -. �-.....--��� RETAINING WALLS/REINFORCED SLOPES AS NEEDED, GEE DETAILS ---� .-id., moving lower stairs IpwaMs doe for fewer risers 2 SETS OF CONCRETE STAIRS WITH �•, HANDRAIL, SEE DETAILS PLACE SALVAGED RIP RAP (3) SURFACE MOUNTED BENCHES CONCRETE WALK AND RAILING ADDED TO EXISTING PILING WALL FOR -A FISHING PIER, ST CROIX RIVER SEE DETAIL LEGEND EXISTING RIP AAP BITUMINOUS Z SHORE LINE AT TISIE OF SURVEY 0 CONCRETE � SHOWN FOR PLANTING KEY - SEE PLANTING PLAN 0 NATURAL SURFACE TRAIL ® TREE R£TAiIrOWM1 •i ® REFERENCE ONLY ; EXISTING RIP RAP 0 TO' w aQ BOATS ® RAIN GARDEN r PEOPLE RESTORATION SEED MIX CONTROL PLAN) D ®PLACE SALVAGED RIP RAP ® CARS ((SEE EROSION CONTROL PLAN) WORK LIMITS 1 W YEAR FLOOD LINE o`.• Ip ,� ~ HMI ry 1. �nrv-e•c..1m .Ilu mmir.e Ijf L.La e:osi-m3 �.r...ur�.• - ` LUMBERJACK LANDING SHEET CITY OF STILLWATER 1513 MAIN ST N STILLWATER, MN 550B2 i .n ay. Ala � v.R TFeh L201 a35B< �,.rv..� ^ u xx •� • JLKB � 60% REVIEW SET — DRAFT SITE FEATURES LAYOUT PLAN —" ecked aY: BH xx Xw tew+.A1rI _ ae—nan N. H A G E N, CHRISTENSEN & M C I L W A I N A R C H I T E C T S MEMORANDUM To: Stillwater, MN Parks Department From: Tim MclLwain / Matt Lysne Date: 8.14.2023 (Updated) Comm. No: 2376 Subject: Lumber Jack Landing Park, Copies To: File Stillwater, MN Aiple House Reuse Narrative Aiple House Reuse Option A — Paddle Sports Trailhead Facility The following memorandum documents the proposed spaces, square footages, and design features for the proposed reuse of the existing Aiple House located in Lumberjack Landing Park in Stillwater, MN. Paddle Sports Trailhead Facility Facility Narrative 1. Main purpose of the facility is to support the paddle sports boat launch and operations. 2. Building will be a combination of 3-season & 4-season spaces. 3. Shelter Space will be multi -purpose and be for open and/or rental use for parties or gatherings. 4. Facility will be renovated to make it accessible. 5. No expansion of impervious surfaces. Proposed Spaces SF a. Main Public Entry (Intermediate, Split -Level) • Provides passenger lift/elevator for accessibly to lower and upper levels. • Provides new stairs to upper and lower levels • Main access point into building b. Covered Pavilion (Lower Level) 1,250 SF • Space is multi -purpose and flexible for open public use and/or rental for parties or gatherings. • Open-air shelter type space with capacity for 44-50 people at picnic tables • Access to toilet rooms • Space flows out to site & river via patio/landscaped area & maximizes views to the river b. Unisex/Family Toilet & Changing Rooms (Lower & Upper Levels) 375 SF • (4) over -sized single fixture toilet rooms with changing bench — (2) per level c. Boat Storage Space (Lower Level) 1,450 SF • 3-season, covered, secure storage for sculls & watercraft • Adjacent space for boating accessories storage • Located adjacent to boat launch on accessible route to river d. Fireplace Room / Gathering Space (Lower Level) 800 SF • 4-season space focused on existing fireplace e. Fireplace Lounge / Break Out Space (Upper Level) 800 SF • 4-season space — multi -purpose use • Maximize views to the river f. Multi -Purpose Room (Upper Level) 500 SF • Space is multi -purpose and flexible • Maximize views to the river g. Servery / Lunch Area (Upper Level) 550 SF • Catering / Food Storage with seating area • Maximize views to the river h. Mechanical / Utility Room / Janitor 400 SF P H 6 1 2-9 0 4- 1 3 3 2 F A X 6 1 2- 9 0 4- 7 3 6 6 420 1 CEDAR AVENUE SOUTH M I N N E A P O L I S, MN 5 5 4 0 7 ,ft 0. _fir a �. Nk, - _� . - .v+r''":i:-''•tlp. _ �.�\-" !�Y_t -get �- �..r -•_'�. - � , ,i_ >•.V� J`+i I I � ' � � i:� �'y,;�•�MM'.► �-'�'T �- ^� _ -..- may- • � .. 1� _ - i .��!-. . ,' ..ir L -� - I �' I �/ .'mac r ice' � • -%-' ��) O , - �� I � fg� i 1� mmm, KIIAUFA �_ K OF �� - ME�rrdl�lli�lltlll� _ � r DF STILLWATER AIPLE HOUSE DESIGN 5DZ.1 OPTION A - PADDLE SPUR15 TRAILHEAD STUDY Dr 1 Al mh r. H A G E N, CHRISTENSEN & M C I L W A I N A R C H I T E C T S MEMORANDUM To: Stillwater, MN Parks Department From: Tim MclLwain / Matt Lysne Date: 8.11.2023 Comm. No: 2376 Subject: Lumber Jack Landing Park, Copies To: File Stillwater, MN Aiple House Reuse Narrative Aiple House Reuse Option B — Environmental Learning Center Facility The following memorandum documents the proposed spaces, square footages, and design features for the proposed reuse of the existing Aiple House located in Lumberjack Landing Park in Stillwater, MN. Environmental Learning Center Facility Facility Narrative 1. Main purpose of the facility is to serve as a Learning Center for the St. Croix watershed area. 2. Facility also supports the paddle sports boat launch and operations. 3. Building will be a combination of 3-season & 4-season spaces. 4. Environmental Learning Room will be 4 season and multi -purpose. 5. Facility will be renovated to make it accessible. 6. No expansion of impervious surfaces. 7. Building may require to be sprinklered (Assembly Occupancies required by MN State Code, Chapter 1306, which has been adopted by the City of Stillwater. Proposed Spaces SF a. Main Public Entry (Intermediate, Split -Level) • Main access point into building. • Provides passenger lift/elevator for accessibly to lower and upper levels. • Provides new stairs to upper and lower levels. b. Environmental Learning Room (Lower Level) 1,250 SF • Space is multi -purpose and flexible — main teaching space with A/V technologies • 4-season space • Capacity is 36-44 classroom seating or 60-64 auditorium seating • Access to toilet rooms • Space flows out to site & river via patio/landscaped area & maximizes views to the river b. Unisex/Family Toilet & Changing Rooms (Lower & Upper Levels) 375 SF • (4) over -sized single fixture toilet rooms with changing bench — (2) per level c. Boat Storage Space (Lower Level) 1,450 SF • 3-season, covered, secure storage for sculls & watercraft • Adjacent space for boating accessories storage • Located adjacent to boat launch on accessible route to river d. Environmental Display Area (Lower Level) 800 SF • Combination of interactive and static displays — changeable fixturing • Maximize views to the river e. Learning Nook & Fireplace Lounge (Upper Level) 800 SF • 4-season space focused on existing fireplaces with river views f. Servery & Lunch Room (Upper Level) 675 SF • Catering / Food Storage with seating area g. Mechanical / Utility Room / Janitor 260 SF P H 6 1 2-9 0 4- 1 3 3 2 F A X 6 1 2- 9 0 4- 7 3 6 6 �!!EE 420 1 CEDAR AVENUE SOUTH M I N N E A P O L I S, MN 5 5 4 0 7 wk N ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING ROOM BELOW - n UPPER LEVEL FLOOR PLAN - OPTION B sox 1 /8" = 1'-0" _ (E) BEAMS ABOVE SCREEN / PRESENTATION ENVIRONMENTAL WALL LEARNING ROOM LOWER LEVEL FLOOR PLAN - OPTION B 1 /8" = 1'-0" T. T. ADA LIFT LEARNING NOOK T. L T. SEE PLAN 3 FOR ENTRY BELOW S E RV E RY FIREPLACE LOUNGE MAIN ENTRY TYPICAL ENTRY WAY PLAN (SPLIT-LEVEL) U 1/8" = 1'-0" ADA LIFT MECH (SUB -LEVEL) ENVIRONMENTAL DISPLAY AREA LUNCH ROOM CALM ROOM 2-PERSON SCULL 1-PERSON SCULL BOAT STORAGE ACCESSORY BOAT STORAGE - ROOF BELOW - DECORATIVE SECURITY FENCING W/ ROOF AT EXISTING DRIVE THREE SEASON BOAT STORAGE Client: CITY O F STILLWATER Project: AIPLE HOUSE Number: S D2.2 Project Number: 2376 Name: OPTION B - ENVIRO NMENTAL LEARNING CENTER HAGEN, CHRISTENSEN & MCILWAIN ARCHITECTS 4201 CEDAR AVENUE 50. - MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55407 I TEL. (612) 904-1332 H A G E N, CH RISTENSEN & M C I L W A I N A R C H I T E C T S MEMORANDUM To: Stillwater, MN Parks Department From: Tim MclLwain / Matt Lysne Date: 8.11.2023 Comm. No: 2376 Subject: Lumber Jack Landing Park, Copies To: File Stillwater, MN Aiple House Reuse Narrative Aiple House Reuse Option C — Event Center Facility The following memorandum documents the proposed spaces, square footages, and design features for the proposed reuse of the existing Aiple House located in Lumberjack Landing Park in Stillwater, MN. Event Center Facility Facility Narrative 1. Main purpose of the facility is to serve as an Event Center for the area. 2. Building will be 4-season. 3. Main Event Pavilion Space will be multi -purpose. 4. Facility will be renovated to make it accessible. 5. No expansion of impervious surfaces. 6. Building may require to be sprinklered (Assembly Occupancies required by MN State Code, Chapter 1306, which has been adopted by the City of Stillwater. Proposed Spaces SF a. Main Public Entry (Intermediate, Split -Level) • Main access point into building • Provides passenger lift/elevator for accessibly to lower and upper levels. • Provides new stairs to upper and lower levels b. Event Pavilion (Lower Level) 1,250 SF • Space is multi -purpose and flexible — community and rental use with A/V technologies. • 3 or 4-season space • Capacity is 40-48 at tables or 60-64 auditorium seating • Access to toilet rooms • Space flows out to site & river via patio/landscaped area & maximizes views to the river • Balcony overlook from Upper Level b. Unisex/Family Toilet & Changing Rooms (Lower & Upper Levels) 375 SF • (4) over -sized single fixture toilet rooms with changing bench — (2) per level c. Meeting Space / Conference Room (Lower Level) 930 SF • Additional meeting/gathering spaces d. Break Out / Informal Meeting Area (Lower Level) 800 SF • Maximize views to the river e. Fireplace Room / Bar Area (Upper Level) 800 SF • 4-season space focused on existing fireplace f. Servery (Upper Level) 260 SF • Catering Prep / Staging Space g. Green Room (Upper Level) 200 SF • Quiet Space / Wedding Party Space h. Mechanical / Utility Room / Janitor 400 SF PH 6 1 2-9 0 4- 1 3 3 2 F A X 6 1 2- 9 0 4- 7 3 6 6 420 1 CEDAR AVENUE SOUTH M I N N E A P O L I S, MN 5 5 4 0 7 V i 7—M Client: r it �, w �. \ � �' 1 � • + •L ". � .'•�' .r � .." � � - . - _ •ai ��. _ i .' • � 1 d.'�'Y`� •tea. ��t r � _ �'r..lY �•` ,. .� � � �. xi 4 r, r `ci • .. ti dr.f r �: a �• r ♦ - Ada mil �gg 6 Project: I Number: CITY OF STILLWATER I AIPLE HOUSE I SD2.3 Name: OPTION C - EVENT CENTER EVENT PAVILION BELOW UPPER LEVEL FLOOR PLAN — OPTION C 1 /8" = 1'-011 2 LOWER LEVEL FLOOR PLAN — OPTION C so,9 1 /8" = 1'-091 MAIN ENTRY TYPICAL ENTRY WAY PLAN (SPLIT—LEVEL) U1 /8" = 11-011 a Project Number: 2376 HAGEN, CHRISTENSEN & MCILWAIN ARCHITECTS 4201 CEDAR AVENUE 50. - MINNEAPOLI5, MN 55407 I TEL. (612) 904-1332 Date: August 24, 2023 To: Dan MacSwain, Mike Polehna an Stillwater Parks Commission Members Shawn Sanders, City Engineer Subject: Naming of New Park To Be Constructed On Former Aiple Residence Property We are writing this letter on behalf of Stillwater area residents who are underwhelmed and disappointed with the suggested name for the new city park to be created on the former Aiple residence property— "Lumberjack Landing." The Aiple property's most distinguishing feature besides its location is the beautiful stand of towering mature "grandmother" cottonwood and basswood trees. They tower over the shoreline and grace that stretch of the river. The City of Stillwater has chosen to name and promote multiple parks, events and public areas in homage to logging and lumberjack activities from its historic past. We feel the working name for this park does nothing to define its specific attributes. In this period for citizen reflection before plans are put into action, we respectfully request the decisionmakers consider the defining aspect of the Aiple natural area as stated above. The working park name seems pitched toward a marketing "tourist attraction" approach rather than the attributes of this site, including other possible historic namings reflecting the longer history of this piece of ground. Sure, lumberjacks probably "landed" there, but where around here didn't they land? Lumbering activities removed hundreds of square miles of mature trees and moved them down the St. Croix River and its tributaries to our town and beyond. During that era, the St. Croix was full of logs, debris and pollution from over a dozen sawmills on the riverbanks of our city alone. At that time the riverbank was not scenic. Sentimental nostalgia for that era does not reflect the gritty realities of use and abuse to that section of riverbank (sawmill followed by Northwest Threshing Company millworker housing followed by several deleterious augmentations to the property during private ownership by one family). The few undersigned represent more folks of the same opinion who are not included here. Please see name suggestions below. We understand that in earlier discussion some names reflecting Native American perspectives on their longer stewardship of the riverbank were discussed. Perhaps some of those suggestions should be revisited as well for a more robust, inclusive review. Our groups' suggestions are below. Could you please retrieve earlier suggestions, including the Native American naming contributions, for reconsideration as well? A Native American Name Namekegon Way Riverbend Park Riverside Park In the Shade of the Giants Troilside Park River Haven Park of the Giants Big Cottonwoods Park Tree Haven Giant Cottonwood Haven Riverbend Cottonwoods Park Shady Cottonwoods Park Linden Landing Thank you for your service, Ruth Alliband, 410 Olive Street West, Stillwater Laurie Schneider, 9503 Norell Avenue, Stillwater Claudia Morgan, 805 Sixth Avenue South, Stillwater Carlota Estevez, 11661 Myeron Road North, Stillwater Wendy Gorski, Stillwater Keith Chrysler, 9503 Norell Avenue, Stillwater Thomas Weber, 11464 Norell Avenue, Stillwater Bruce Lundeen, 13135 Lynch Road, Hugo Ashley Hausman and Josh Lohmer, 720 Fourth Street, Stillwater Randy and Patty Elovich, 510 Owen Street S, Stillwater Anthony Beyer, 904 Churchill Street W, Stillwater Louise Watson, 927 Northland Avenue, Stillwater Allison McGinnis, 415 Willard Street W, Stillwater Tom Bader and Meg Capra Bader, 421 Willard StreetW, Stillwater Andrea McCready, 904 Churchill Street W, Stillwater Pamela Arnold, Old Goose Lake Road, Scandia Kit Prendergast, 809 Sixth Ave So, Stillwater Barb Medinger, 8802 Stonebridge Trail No, Stillwater Dennis Glock, 821 Pine Street West, Stillwater Kathy Feste and Tucker Hannah, 5520 Nolan Avenue, Oak Park Heights Elizabeth Welty, 724 Oak Street W, Stillwater Tom and Victoria Styrbicki, 6351 Saint Croix Trail No., Stillwater Christina Arndt, 838 Willard Street, Stillwater Melanie Ebertz, 1924 First St N, Stillwater Diane Hilscher, Hugo Hary and Janet Bartz, 5394 Nolan Lane, Oak Park Heights Christina Elias, 23845 Pomroy Avenue N, Scandia Doug Williams, 1790 Ramada Ave So, Lake St. Croix Beach Craig Hansen, 1109 Fourth Street South, Stillwater Aiple property park plan Comments / Questions In order of importance: August 28, 2023 To: City of Stillwater Park Commission, City Planner, City Engineer Comments: Congratulations to the City of Stillwater for acquiring this property. It is gorgeous and unique in ways that even those at the center of planning for repurposing perhaps don't appreciate. In just the few days I have been working to gather input on this site I have realized that so many people in our local community are aware of this treasure. It inspires me that they also see that preservation of existing assets are of primary importance. What are the property's primary existing assets? 1) The river bank with its unobstructed view upriver to the bend by the Boom Site. 2) The mature riverbank trees —cottonwood and basswood as well as the white pine trees planted by the Aiples. • Together, the trees, the river and the view create an experience not available anywhere else. Removal of even selected mature trees for the sake of concrete installations on this site is, in our estimation, a grave mistake. • As stated above, the St. Croix experience on this site is so priceless that probably no one should be able to buy it. Recognizing its value is incumbent on all of us. We are grateful that interested, passionate and knowledgeable citizens have been invited to share in critical and thoughtful consideration of the value of what exists after a hundred or more years in spite of the primacy of industrial considerations during Stillwater's lumber boom years. The river bank here is part of the crux of the St. Croix River watershed in Stillwater. The shoreline is well -protected by the root systems of the mature trees that line it. They hold the soil at the water's edge and slow the rush of run-off. Removal of these trees surely invites destabilization, erosion, and pollution of the St. Croix. • As you are no doubt aware, removal of buckthorn should be done in sections. The denuded areas should be replanted immediately with larger -than -sapling trees. Waiting to revegetate the slope would result in erosion. Funds for this stage of the repurposing need to be in place so each stage of invasives removal can be completed once it is begun. • We have concerns about the centrality of kayaks and a kayak "landing" in what we believe to be the current plan. The kayaking community we have spoken with do not see "Aiple Landing" as an optimal or even desirable place to put a kayak into the river. There are too many fast boats with rocky, sloppy wakes along this shoreline. Upstream is a marina. Beyond that is a more desirable and more frequented canoe landing. It's a perfect spot for launching kayaks. The river narrows north of this landing; "Aiple Landing" is wide and uninviting to kayakers. • The danger to any kayakers launching from this bank on the shoreline is real. It is even higher for a disabled kayaker. Who holds the liability insurance in the case of boating accidents? Does the City Attorney deem it to be sufficient? What about negative publicity should a kayaker inadvisably launch from this shore and suffer injury or death? • Impermeable surfaces are not a positive in a city and to add more impermeable surfaces at considerable cost for a usage which, according to kayakers themselves, is not advisable is an avoidable insult to the watershed. • With the advertisement of a "landing", comes people in cars with boats, and traffic. Even a "kayak" landing will encourage too many cars unloading and wanting to park for this site to handle. Questions: • Will cottonwood, basswood and white pines be removed, and if so, for what reason? What tree species will be removed? Will the iconic giant cottonwood in front of the house stay along with the community of cottonwoods, basswoods and white pines? • What is the timeline for buckthorn removal along the shoreline — is the plan to remove it all at one time, and will revegetation with desired shrubs or trees replace it? • There are several raingardens on the plan. In the City of Stillwater, volunteers are responsible for managing all the gardens. Is the City planning to manage and water the raingardens? If not, we recommend NOT including any flowers or gardens that require management. • Who will cut and remove buckthorn debris? • Will existing rip rap be removed to create a beach in the area in front of the house? • Who holds the insurance for liability in the case of boating accidents? • Would the proposed ADA path along the river cause important trees to be removed? What will the surface be? Concrete? other? Will sand be brought in for the beach areas? Will yearly flooding require replacement of sand on a regular basis? Is this a budgeted item? ® What maintenance will the City be doing to keep invasives from returning? Will herbicides be used on the shoreline next to the St. Croix River? Contrary to what many believe — Garlon/glysophate/herbicides do not permanently eradicate buckthorn. As your professionals know, abatement of buckthorn will be an on -going issue because of the existing seedbed and avian introduction of seeds from elsewhere.