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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-05-20 PRC Packet1wa 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 May 20, 2024 @ 7 PM I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. April 22, 2024 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 2. Appoint Chair and Vice Chair 3. Old Athletic Field 4. Playground Replacement- Heritage Park & Sunrise Park 5. Skateboard Park Location VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS VII. DISCUSSION ITEMS (no packet materials) 6. Staff Updates 7. Commission Member Updates VIII. ADJOURN Next Meeting: June 24, 2024 at 7 p.m. 216 4th Street N, Stillwater, MN 55082 I� ] Ewa ter 651-430-8800 '' 1 www.stillwatermn.gov moo The Birthplace of Minnesota PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES April 22, 2024 REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. Chairman Macswain called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Chairman Macswain, Commissioners Haveles, Larson, Lehmann, Quie, Yetman, Councilmember Polehna Absent: None Staff: Parks Superintendent Rogness, Natural Resource Technician Coyne APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of minutes of February 26. 2024 meeting Motion by Commissioner Yetman, seconded by Commissioner Quie, to approve the February 26, 2024 meeting minutes. All in favor. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. DISCUSSION ITEMS Urban Forestry and Natural Resources Updates Natural Resource Technician Coyne gave a presentation on urban forestry and natural resource restoration projects in the City. A 2023 grant funded removal of 52 Emerald Ash Borer -infested trees; several species of replacement trees will be planted in May. This year a new grant will cover removal and replacement of another 291 infested ash trees in boulevards, rights -of -way and parks. Three consecutive drought summers have stressed mature trees, making them vulnerable to many pests and diseases. The City provides residents a discounted rate for Ash Borer, Oak Wilt and Dutch Elm Disease treatments. Another round of funding will be sought. Oak Wilt is spreading and 25-40% of the oaks have some level of infestation. Conifers are suffering from rhizoshpaera needlecast and pine bark beetles. Mr. Coyne went on to explain that Stillwater received Tree City USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation. He reviewed habitat restoration projects at Pioneer Park, Browns Creek Park, Lumberjack Landing, Lily Lake, McKusick Lake and Bridgeview Park. Areas that could use attention in the future depending on budget and funding are: Shelton Drive near Anez Ridge Park; Lily Lake hillside; Browns Creek Nature Preserve; Mulberry Street ravine; Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting April 22, 2024 Nightingale Park; and Sunrise Park. Grant funding is being pursued. He went over upcoming events. Commissioner Haveles suggested that bluff prairie efforts include ephemerals, not just trees and shrubs, and reseeding might be done with more drought resistant grasses. He would like to see a way to provide homeowners replacement trees at cost, and a way to connect wildlife corridors throughout the City and with nearby communities. Mr. Coyne said staff has been considering making a gravel bed nursery at the Public Works facility to provide replacement trees. STAFF UPDATES Events Parks Superintendent Rogness alerted the Commission to: Sustainable Stillwater's Valley Eco Fair April 27 at Pioneer Park; a $1,000 grant from Tropical Wings; a Long Lake Bird Habitat Planting Party at Croixwood Open Square May 18. Councilmember Polehna added that tickets for the Dine Here Dance Here dinner on the lift bridge May 18 are sold out. Mr. Rogness said a new group is coordinating Lumberjack Days July 18-21 and musical performances will be announced soon. Old Athletic Field Update Superintendent Rogness reported that the site needs to be regraded before seeding. Permanent benches and some trees will be added, possibly a small pavilion with picnic table. The School District still uses the field and wants the goalpost area kept clear. The School District does not want a permanent bathroom constructed. He provided a map showing which parks have permanent or portable bathrooms. To be consistent, this type of park calls for a portable restroom, possibly a year round one. The School District, as the property owner, will continue to mow and would support improvements with prior notice, but will not contribute financially. The City is responsible for maintenance. The basketball court requested by the neighborhood group would take years to plan; they have ideas for cost savings in contracting and donations, and will bring back additional information. Councilmember Polehna said he would like to have a neighborhood meeting before considering a basketball court. The Commission must balance the needs of the whole community. Chairman Macswain said he is happy the neighbors want to get more use out of the park. Seeing signatures of those in support would help him support the requested improvements. Commissioner Larson said she hears lots of feedback from neighbors wanting the improvements. Commissioner Quie noted there is a basketball court at Lily Lake - how often is it used? Commissioner Yetman said he would like to review the priorities of the Comprehensive Park Plan. Commissioner Lehmann commented it's nice to see community engagement and interest in helping with costs. Page 2 of 3 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting April 22, 2024 Commissioner Haveles referred to past discussions about adopting a park, in terms of places to build pollinator gardens. Maybe the group could do this with this park. Mr. Rogness answered that the Adopt a Park Program is about 90% ready to launch and will be available soon. City Park Bathrooms Discussed above. Project Updates Mr. Rogness reported that restoration of the Sunken Garden started last week. Staples Park playground will be finished this week. Lily Lake will be started this week or next. A plan for Northland Park baseball field dugouts will be presented soon to the Parks Commission and VAA. The Pickleball Club is helping fund the Northland improvements. Northland Skate Park Meeting Update Mr. Rogness said a meeting was held with residents, and neighbors were very much against having the skate park there. More discussion is needed. Chairman Macswain suggested a meeting with himself, Councilmember Polehna and Commissioner Yetman to get all the information out there, then have a more thorough discussion at a Commission meeting. Commissioner Quie provided photos of the skate park in St. Paul at the redone Ford Plant, a very beautiful park with a long sidewalk that incorporates elements for skateboarders. Chairman Macswain commented that maybe the concept should be reframed. A paved trail with those types of features - not a park, but more of an amenity, an experience - may be better accepted, not something to be afraid of. Commissioner Yetman acknowledged the need to be more cost effective and more fun to the users. The kids have a skate park page on Facebook called Stillwater Skatepark Project. COMMISSIONER UPDATES Councilmember Polehna said he met with the US Olympic Curling Team who want to make Stillwater the home of the National Curling Team. The local group is still fundraising. A boat launch will be built in Oak Park Heights, south of the new bridge. He and Public Works Director Sanders have been meeting with the architect drafting conceptual plans for the old Aiple House. He plans to meet with the National Park Service, rowing clubs and Wild River Conservancy to go over plans. The City is putting together a plan for the Shoddy Mill building. A 300 ft dock will be constructed in that area with bathrooms. The 4th of July fireworks will be on a barge like last year. Highway 5 is going to be rebuilt and the bike trail resurfaced. The hospital development is still moving forward. Chairman Macswain noted that Commissioner Souter has resigned due to time constraints. The Commission thanks her for her time on the Commission. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner , seconded by Commissioner to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Dan Macswain, Chair Page 3 of 3 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting April 22, 2024 ATTEST: Chad Rogness, Parks Superintendent Page 4 of 3 1* 0 ater ZN 'HE 01H'H�LAi E OF N1INNF�01A DATE: May 20, 2024 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Chad Rogness, Parks Superintendent SUBJECT: Old Athletic Field BACKGROUND The Residents surrounding the park named the Old Athletic Field have requested many improvements made to the park (basketball court, pavilion/gazebo, permanent bathrooms, shade trees, benches). The Resident have a signed petition with over 100 signatures requesting these improvements. They also plan to host a fundraiser June 2, to raise funds for the installation of a basketball court. The City does not own this property, and has an understanding with the School District (Owner) that when improvements are made to the park (with approval) the City shall incur all costs for improvements. The School District has mentioned they do not want a permanent bathroom at the park. They have also noted, aside from mowing, all maintenance to the park be performed by the City. In 2023, the City replaced the playground structure and soon will be installing a trail along Burlington Avenue to make the playground accessible as well making the area safer with traffic. The City is also currently removing the sand area, regrading, seeding, while still leaving a designated area for a winter ice rink. The City does not currently have any funds planned in the 2025 or 2026 CIP (Capital Improvement Plan). DISCUSSION City Staff is requesting that the Parks and Recreation Commission discuss the Residents requests for improvements. ACTION REQUESTED The Parks and Recreation Commission should discuss the Residents request for improvements at the Old Athletic Field and make recommendations to staff. change.org Petition details Comments f SAY~/r3• "�� •/'`� { .�� ir' a llo -=:�1LsyyyrrmrsS' >�� Y,�'�'� Y� ���+ ,: � �+ r� � � R.Z•Zf ,�sIRJ A� S�ii'R�JfJ�b:l Y • ` ` . .. . , _`; •y., iiy i�• .i•;�e`i i'� a�'►fi`_ �f+S, .a,' �;. f Fi•+it �c� J +� w + �' Lle, Revitalize the Old Athletic Field for Enhanced Community Use Started January 16, 2024 88 100 Signatures Next Goal ® 87 people signed this week I Why this petition matters Started by Nicole Willenbring >r I live in the vibrant South Hill neighborhood in Stillwater, MN, surrounded by young families. We often gather at the Old Athletic Field, a place that holds potential to be a hub of community activity. However, it currently lacks the amenities found in other parks within our community. The Old Athletic Field is underutilized and could greatly benefit from improvements such as bathrooms and drinking fountains for children, picnic tables for family gatherings, and a well - maintained athletic court. Upgrading the Old Athletic Field would not only provide better recreational options but also foster stronger community bonds. The National Recreation and Park Association (2018) states that local parks play an essential role in promoting physical health, mental well-being and social interaction among residents. We urge the city officials to prioritize improvements on the Old Athletic Field so it can serve as an inclusive space where all members of our community can gather and enjoy outdoor activities together. Please sign this petition if you believe in creating better spaces for our Stillwater families! Specifically, we would like to see the city work with the school district who owns the property to: 1) pave the current eye -sore sand pit that is full of weeds, turning it into a blacktop with basketball hoops 2) plant more trees for shade 3) provide more picnic tables and benches for seating 4) build a restroom and drinking fountain O : O • Download_ this QR code to help others easily find and sign the petition. FJ Report a policy violation ® 87 people signed this week Old Athletic Field Petition Signatures Locals: 49 Total Signatures Name City State Postal Code Country Signed On Local Nicole Willenbring Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/17/2024 Yes Drew Chapman Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/17/2024 Yes Angie Mielke Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/17/2024 Yes Shari Mogren Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/17/2024 Yes Mary Holmberg Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/17/2024 Yes Nicole Hutton Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/17/2024 Yes Michelle Lillicrap Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/17/2024 Yes Rose Schuebel Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/17/2024 Yes Carl Holmberg Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/17/2024 Yes Andy Mogren Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/17/2024 Yes Nick Lillicrap Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/17/2024 Yes Will Esch Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/17/2024 Yes Alysha Kneeland Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/17/2024 Yes Dan Palkki Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/17/2024 Yes Leif Gustafson Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/17/2024 Yes Debra Gustafson Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/17/2024 Yes Lauren Achenbach Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/17/2024 Yes Ben Dummer Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/17/2024 Yes Jack Kelly Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/17/2024 Yes Anne Michel Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/17/2024 Yes Chris Hilgers Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/17/2024 Yes Andy Madline Hudson WI 54016 US 1/17/2024 Yes Clare Chapman Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/17/2024 Yes Shannon Weber Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/17/2024 Yes MICHAEL Willenbring Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/17/2024 Yes Amelia Gottschalk Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/17/2024 Yes Jake Gottschalk Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/17/2024 Yes Heidi Christenson Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/17/2024 Yes Kim Lund Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/17/2024 Yes Bethany Nelson Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/17/2024 Yes Colin Achenbach Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/17/2024 Yes Jon Mielke Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/17/2024 Yes Tyler Petrich Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/17/2024 Yes Alyson Petrich Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/17/2024 Yes Eric Lund Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/17/2024 Yes Collin Soukup Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/17/2024 Yes Tim Hancock Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/17/2024 Yes Colin Kelly Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/18/2024 Yes Tara Kelly Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/18/2024 Yes Katie Delwiche Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/18/2024 Yes Mary Byrne Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/18/2024 Yes Bowdrie Nelson Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/19/2024 Yes Molly Krakowski Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/19/2024 Yes Abby Welsh Minneapolis MN 55411 US 1/19/2024 Yes Fitzie Heimdahl Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/20/2024 Yes jell madison Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/20/2024 Yes Monica Rhodes Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/20/2024 Yes Bridget Kuhl Stillwater MN 55082 US 1/20/2024 Yes Virginia Kelly Minneapolis MN 55412 US 1/17/2024 Yes water 1 A� DATE: May 20, 2024 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Chad Rogness, Parks Superintendent SUBJECT: Playground Replacement Project- Heritage Park & Sunrise Park BACKGROUND The City of Stillwater has a proposed budgeted $150,000 for the replacement of 2 playground structures in 2025 (Heritage Park & Sunrise Park). The existing playground structure at both locations are in very poor condition. Heritage Park's swings were installed in 2006, while the main structure was installed prior to 2006. Sunrise Park has swings and slides installed in 1996, and has two separate locations for the equipment. The City will also make improvements for accessibility when upgrading or replacing the playground structure. This will include accessible walk and engineered wood fiber mulch, which is also ADA accessible. DISCUSSION Per the newly adopted "Playground Replacement Process", City Staff is requesting that the Parks and Recreation Commission discuss priorities and timelines, the appropriate size of the playground, and proper location of the structure. ACTION REQUESTED The Parks and Recreation Commission should discuss the Playground Replacement Project for Heritage Park and Sunrise Park and make recommendations to staff. Playground Replacement Process • Initial Planning Steps (May -June) o Discuss Priorities and Timeline with the Parks and Recreation Commission o Determination of an appropriately sized playground for the neighborhood or park users o Determination if the playground will remain in approximately the same area o Capital Budget Allocation for Project o Staff will start gathering information and request potential playground plans from vendors • Initial Feedback from Residents (August 1St to October 1st) o Post signage on -site directing residents to the City's Parks website requesting feedback o Post a brief survey on the City website regarding playground and any other possible projects in Park o Post a link on the City's website and Social Media o Post in Fall City Newsletter (September) o Send post cards to surrounding 1-2 block radius (radius- 100 residents minimum) o Have City staff answer questions via email or by phone as to the future replacement project and timeline • At least 3 options for the new Plavground are Dresented to the Parks & Recreation Commission (September Meetin o Parks and Recreation Commission will get first look at plan options o Playground Options would then be posted on the City's website • Collect Feedback and Present the results to Parks and Recreation Commission (October Meeting) o Residents would be allowed to give their feedback at the meeting o Share information and feedback from residents o Residents would be given at least 1 month to vote on their favorite. • Playground design plan will be revised based on results from feedback of Parks and Recreation Commission and Public (November) • The results from the voting would be shared with the Park & Recreation Commission (January Meeti o Once the results were shared with the Commission, a motion could be made to make a recommendation to City Councilor could be decided at the February Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. Play Structures and Playgrounds Installed Park Name Years Replaced, Refurbished or Removed Notes 1 Anez Ridge Park 1996 2022 2 Benson Park Swings: 1995 2005 (2026) 3 Brown's Creek Park 2007 (2028) 4 Legends Park Swings: 2000 NE: 2010 SW: 2015 (2029) 5 Heritage Park Swings: 2006 (2025) 6 Lily Lake Park Swings: 1999 2004 (2024) 7 Meadowlark Park Slide: 1995 1999 2022 8 Millbrook Park 2012 (2029) New Heights 2000 (School Replaces) 9 10 Northland Park - Lower Old Athletic Field 2021 REMOVED 202: 2002 (2036) (2023) 11 Pioneer Park 2019 (2034) 12 Prairie Park 2005 (2027) 13 Ramsey Grove Park 2011 (2028) 14 Schulenberg Park 2005 (2026) 15 Staples Park 2000 (2024) 16 Sunrise Park Slide: 1996 See Saw: 1996 2008 (2025) 17 Teddy Bear Park 2006 18 Triangle Park Swings: 1995 2011 (2027) 19 Washington Square Park Swing: 1995 1996 Swing Tot: 2007 2006 (2023) Replacement Timeline: 2023 Old Athletic Field Washington Square Park* 2024 Lily Lake Park Staples Park 2025 Heritage Park** Sunrise Park 2026 Benson Park Schulenberg Park** 2027 Triangle Park Prairie Park 2028 Brown's Creek Park Ramsey Grove Park a 0 illwater 'HE BIR'HoLAL:E OF Nil NNF1,OIA DATE: May 20, 2024 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Chad Rogness, Parks Superintendent SUBJECT: Skateboard Park Location BACKGROUND The Park's 2024 Capital Outlay Budget planned $140,000 for a Temporary Skateboard Park to be installed inside the Northland Skating Rink. Staff held an informational meeting on April 22nd to get the residents' opinion on building the skateboard park in that location. The residents voiced concerns over adding the skateboard park, stating they already deal with the constant noise from the pickleball courts. The current skateboard park at the St. Croix Valley Recreation Center will be removed in the near future (possibly 2025) for the expansion of the parking lot. May it also be noted, the current skateboard park is in poor condition and will need repairs if it stays in use for an extended period. A new concept of "pocket" or "mini" skateboard parks has been brought to the City's attention. These "pocket" parks use far less space and provide skateboarders with apparatuses they are more likely to enjoy using. DISCUSSION City Staff is requesting that the Parks and Recreation Commission discuss the installation of a Temporary Skateboard Park in the Northland Park Skating Rink. If the Commission chooses, Staff would also like the Commission to discuss possible future sights for "pocket" parks. ACTION REQUESTED The Parks and Recreation Commission should discuss the location of a Skateboard Park and make recommendations to staff.