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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-02-27 PRC Packet CITY HALL: 216 NORTH FOURTH STILLWATER, MINNESOTA 55082 PHONE: 612-439-6121 AGENDA: The Stillwater Parks and Recreation Board will meet Monday, February 27, 1995 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 216 North Fourth Street. STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING NOTICE FEBRUARY 27, 1995 ,~uillw(lter -- .:::::::: THE B I R T H P LAC E 0 ~l" F MINNESOTA J J e - e Park 'wish list' Mike Polehna handed out brochures with information about the county's Living Forest Program and Gift for Parks Program. It was suggested that Friends of Parks might be a better vehicle to administer similar programs for the city. Ms. Gulden said in order to succeed, the city first has to have a plan so donors know what they are giving to. Mr. Polehna agreed that initiating planned-giving programs would be premature until there is a & Prison site improvements Ann Terwedo said the plaza area at the prison site is in the Parks Department 1995 work plan. A picnic table is one of the scheduled improvements. She said the area is currently underutilized. The site is state-owned land; the city picked up the maintenance of the area after the Downtown Project. Members agreed the area has a lot of potential. It was suggested the Friends of the Parks or other service clubs might be able to assist in maintaining/improving the area. . At the request of Judy Gulden, John Brock of River Town Restoration (RTR) appeared before the board to briefly explain RTR's grant program. Typically, grants are less than $2,000 and are awarded to projects of historical significance. RTR accepts requests for grant awards in March and September. Approval of minutes Mr. Liehr, seconded by Mr. Meister, moved approval of the minutes of Jan. 23, 1995; all in favor. Mr. Junker called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Melville was welcomed to the board. Absent: Rob McGarry, Marguerite Rheinberger and Steve Wolff Others Ann Terwedo, planning Present: David Junker, chairman Richard Cummings, Judy Gulden, AI Liehr, Ken Meister John Melville, Delwin Peterson, and Mike Polehna .-.. . PARK AND RECREATION BOARD Feb. 27, 1995 Later in the meeting, Mr. Polehna said he had talked with the cities of Oak Park Heights and Lake Elmo and West Lakeland, Bay town and Stillwater townships, all of which are receptive to cooperating in a community center/ice arena project. The only city not willing to get involved is , Mr. Russell was in his office and was asked to address the armory site issue. First, he said he has been told that a new National Guard Armory was not funded previously due to a lack of community support. Then, he talked about the 7.5 acres of park dedication land the city has from the Cub/Target project. That land is becoming more valuable, he said; it is possible it could be sold for a price over and above the amount needed to buy the 28-acre site by the high school. The biggest challenge, he said, would be to justify the purchase of land outside of the city for recreational purposes. He said it would be important to have the support of other communities for an ice arena/community center project. Mr. Polehna brought up the issue of selling a portion of the future armory site in the Industrial Park, close to the Stillwater Market Place . development, and using the proceeds of the sale to purchase the 28-acre site in Oak Park Heights, near the high school, for an ice arena/community center. Mr. Cummings said considering the Charter Commission's position on the sale of city-owned land, perhaps the armory site should be handled separately. Acquisition of park lands Mr. Cummings said he would like the Park Board to recommend that the City Council direct staff to actively pursue acquisition of three potential park properties -- the Old Athletic Field, the Amundsen property by Stonebridge School and the McKusick Lake Road project mitigation land. He said the owner of the property by Stonebridge is actively talking to developers, so it is important to move forward on that piece. Regarding the Old Athletic Field, he said there might be a "strong temptation" on the part of the School District to sell the parcel, and he said the city should ensure that the property stays in the city for park use. Mr. Cummings said the mitigation lands probably aren't conducive to a structure, but would work well for other types of recreational activities; he also said he thought the city should "get the ball rolling" on that area as soon as possible. definite park plan. However, he said such programs can be successful if they are done correctly. Mr. Peterson suggested that it would be important to get some concrete ideas, with some concrete prices, for a giving program. . - .... Ms. Terwedo said she had put together grant applications for Washington Park and the McKusick trail connection. She also told board members that was no agreement with Mr. Anderson, or anyone else, regarding the Aiple property. Other business Ms. Terwedo said Oak Park Heights has seemed reception to cooperating in a community center, as well as helping protect/develop the Old Athletic Field. She suggested opening further discussions regarding the possibility of connecting trails in the two cities. j 995 park proiects Ms. Terwedo handed out Mr. Thomsen's list of 1995 park projects. Members thought a number of items on the list needed clarification. The '95 work program will be discussed at the March meeting. Mr. Polehna, seconded by Mr. Melville, made a motion to direct staff to lobby on the city's behalf to get funding for the new National Guard Armory. All in favor. Mr. Russell updated members on a proposed housing development on County Road 5, directly east of Croixwood Boulevard. He said he thought it was important to include the pathway to Lily Lake School as a park resource in considering park dedication with the developer. Members agreed that was a good concept, although Mr. Peterson said he thought the city should require park dedication funds in addition to the school pathway. Mr. Polehna, seconded by Mr. Liehr, moved to recommend that the city council direct staff to pursue possible acquisition of the Old Athletic Field, the McKusick Lake Road mitigation area, the Amundsen property, the 28-acre site by the high school, Washington School playground and the school district lot on Everett Street. It was noted that acquisition could be accomplished through a joint powers agreement, lease-purchase agreement or other arrangements, as well as outright purchase. Motion passed unanimously. Ms. Gulden asked that the Washington School playground and a parcel of school district-owned land on Everett Street which goes down to the ravine be included in the list for possible acquisition for park use. Bayport; he said he had given up hope on involving communities south of Interstate 94. , . ~ . Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording secretary Mr. Liehr, seconded by Mr. Peterson, moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m. All in favor. The next meeting was set for March 27. It was agreed members would visit Lily Lake Ice Arena at 6:30 p.m., with the regular meeting to be held at the Park Building. Mr. Junker told members that he had given permission for the Jaycees to conduct a winter softball tournament at Lily Lake. Due to time constraints, he gave the OK before the request came before the board. Ms. Gulden handed out an update on Friends of Stillwater Parks which listed four questions that citizens have raised in recent meetings, as well as six suggested projects which could be accomplished through collaboration between Friends of the Parks and the city. , . -,A -. a. Bring the amount of Stillwater's park land Parks Standards Objectives: OBJECTIVES, POLICIES AND PROGRAMS Future sale of the old athletic field and the Jaycee Ballfield will present a critical opportunity to add needed park space to fully developed neighborhoods. The city should acquire such sites if they become available and should plan their park development with neighborhood residents to meet their needs. Stillwater's parks are a key component of the city's open space system and give identity to the various neighborhoods and the community. Parks can be differentiated from one another through variety of plantings, unique play structure, art/sculpture arrangement of sitting , and picnic areas and types of organized play areas. An architectural theme and uniform signs or symbols can be used to tie parks together. Community parks serve a significant portion of the city by providing facilities and recreation activities beyond those supplied by neighborhood parks. These parks need to be planned for large gatherings. Parking, restroom facilities and picnic areas are key elements in the development of community parks. Goal 4: Provide safe and accessible parks and recreational facilities. Goal 3: Provide both passive and active recreational opportunities for Stillwater residents. Goal 1: Provide for all residents a variety of parks and other leisure, recreational and cultural opportunities that area accessible, affordable, .. safe, physically attractive and uncrowded. e:oal 2: Enhance and expand existing recreational facilities for Stillwater residents With growth pressures for urban development, the need for preservation of open space areas and ravines have been identified. Stillwater is fortunate to own a majority of the St. Croix Riverfront. These lands should be enhanced for the benefit of the citizens of Stillwater and visitors of the St. Croix Valley. Trail systems are in demand due to the popularity of walking, biking and rollerblading. The neighborhood parks are intended to provide .' creational opportunities for the residents in the mediate residential area. These parks are important to the city's open space system and add to the identity of Stillwater's neighborhoods. In recent years, the demand for recreational facilities and trails has increased. This is due in part to the need for "ballfields" for organized activities such as soccer, football and baseball. These are community-wide needs which could be provided by the development of a community park. The Stillwater park system is characteristic of the city due to its early development and history. The initial parks plan was adopted as part of the first city plan in 1918 with the idea that well planned cities incorporated parks and green space for the benefit of its citizens. March 14, 1995 'arks, Open Space, Riverfront and Trails based on the recreational needs of the community and its neighborhoods. Stillwater Comprehensive p~ -.4& ~ f. Maximize opportunities for the joint use of Objectives: EFFICIENT USE OF FACILITIES Program (6) Acquire and develop land east of Long Lake in the URTPA area for park purposes. Insure a view of the lake and provide bitycle and pedestrian paths along the lake and Brown's Creek. Program (5) Locate an additional community park in the Industrial Park area. Program (4) Complete the River Front Park Master Plan which includes the Aiple Property and [(oWner Park. s determined survey, city- t powers effort Use: Address.re through a perio wide analysis or with other commu .g and design observable to . paths should as well as for Promote s that make the drive be design bicy' .. Connect t to the city- unity Parks city policy to ighborhoods. ) hree acres of pulation. BASIC GUIDELINES FOR COMMUNITY PARK DEVELOPMENT Program (2) The city shall study and pursue various means of funding the acquisition, operation and maintmance of park and recreation facilities. Polity 8: The city shall consider the needs of the elderlY and handicapped when planning new or redesigned existing parks. Irogram (1) Conduct neighborhood planning studies on the emand for parks and recreation facilities and address the needs of park users on a regular basis. Polity 7: Joint public development of community recreation facilities shall be encouraged. Polity 6: The development of private sector recreation facilities in the appropriate location shall be encouraged. Polil)' 5: The city will provide recreation activity sites to respond to the needs of a diverse population. These needs include ravine systems, trailways for pedestrians, joggers and bityclists and non- traditional types of recreation such as habitat restoration projects, community gardens and rollerblading. Polity 4: As a standard the city shall strive to provide park facilities within one-quarter mile or less for residents living within the residential areas of Stillwater without intrusion of major physical barriers. Polity 2: The city shall obtain new public parks at a rate consistent with new residential development. Ality 3: The city shall develop community parks consistent with -'owth of the city's population. Polil)' 1: The city shall require all new residential development to dedicate land or pay a park fee for public parks. e. Provide for an annual evaluation, maintenance and replacement of recreation facilities. d. Upgrade existing parks. Designate adequate park sites for the future development of the city. c. Provide a balance of recreation opportunities, including facilities, to serve the varied interest of the population. -~ . b. into compliance with the city's adopted mip.imum standards (community park land c at 3 acres per 1,000 population and neighborhood p~rk land at 7 acres per 1,000 population) . Program (13) Use subdivision regulations and the development review process to locate parks in secure portions of subdivisions and to promote the security of park users in the design of parks. Program (12) Use the development planning review process to provide private open space and recreation facilities. Program (11) Establish a volunteer program to enhance the character of neighborhood parks. Add landscaping, sculpture and seating. '\ilry the landscaping, improvements and construction materials used in different parks. Poliry 13: In the design and maintenance of parks, consideration should be given to impacts on wildlife. In particular, it should be recognized that native plant species may be best suited for providing wildlife cover and food sources and that herbicides, pesticides and fungicides may be damaging to native plants and wildlife. Poliry 12: The city shall promote private open space and recreation fat:ilities in large-scale residential developments in order to meet a portion of the open space and recreation needs that will be generated by the development. Poliry 11: In considering the location and redevelopment of parks, the city shall select sites based on maximum accessibility, proper topography and visibility (for the safety of park users). Poliry 10: Residential developments adjacent to parks or open spaces should be encouraged to provide direct access to and common open space contiguous with such areas. J. Design parks to enhance neighborhood identity and character as well as to serve recreation functions. 1. Design park and recreation facilities to serve the recreation and social needs of residents of all ages, economic situations and physical abilities. a h. Locate new neighborhood parks in areas not necessarily adjacent to schools in order to better distribute urban open space and to enhance neighbOlhood identity. This is especially applicable in the South Hill and Oak Glen planning areas. Objectives: PARK LOCATION AND DESIGN Program (10) Develop and implement a program for year-around use of some recreation facilities. Program (9) lMJrk with the school district to establish joint use of land for park purposes at VWlshington School. Program (8) Develop a list of available public park facilities. Periodicalry update and distribute this list to community groups. The city will benefit by identifying recreation _r cas that are owned by school district or other blic entities and/or by seeking permission to se such lands for ongoing programs. Program (7) Consider cooperative efforts among school districts, public utilities and the city in order to develop parks, other open space areas and recreation facilities and programs. Because of the open space already associated with school sites, they are ideal sources of additional park land. A priority for the reuse of surplus school sites and existing athletic fields should be for park or recreation purposes. Poliry 9: The city shall work with the local school districts in identifying the evaluating the potential for park acquisition of school sites which might become surplus; or usingfuture. public land and facilities such as schools, det,ention ponds and area under the < jurisdiction of other public agencies that - ~ have land available for possible recreation . purposes. g. Maximize the extended use of existing public facilities for year-round and evening use. Poliry 16: When new development occurs adjacent to a designated trails and pathway corridor, the ciry should require the Poliry 15: The ciry should control land development along designated trails and pathway corridors in order to provide sufficient right of way and to ensure that adjacent new development does not detract from the scenic and aesthetic qualities of the corridor. Poliry 14: Bikewqys, hiking trails, equestrian trials, rest areas and picnicking accommodations should be provided within designated trail corridors, wherever feasible. o. Maximize the city's recreation opportunities. n. Preserve and enhance public-owned ravines. m. Provide alternative means to reach city parks, county parks, regional parks, state parks and other community destinations 1. Preserve and provide visual access to landscapes of visual quality. k. Designate an extensive network of trails and pathway corridors. The city plans to work with the metropolitan council, Washington County and private developers to establish a trail system in or adjacent to the City of Stillwater. The network should be part of the open space system which would connect residential areas, neighboring communities such as Oak Park Heights, Bayport and Stillwater Township and ~e access to the state trial system. ~~U~ ,(]-9 Objectives: Trails and Pathways Program (18) Implement the LilY Lake Master Plan. Program (17) Develop the plans and specifications of Lowell Park as part of the implementation of the Lowell Park Plan. Community Parks Lily Lake Northland Park Neighborhood Parks Staples Field Schulenburg Park Sunrise Park Pioneer Park Triangle Park Meadowlark Park ~ashington Park Ramsey/Grove Park orthland Park Park Improvement Priorities Program (16) Develop neighborhood park plans based on the following prioriry list developed by the Park and Recreation Commission. These plans will reflect the neighborhood input into the planning process. Program (15) Create a park logo and a consistent design for park signs and furniture. .ogram (14) Establish a regular patrol of parks to providefor the safery of park users. Program (22) Maintain the Stillwater/Houlton Bridge as a link and pathway connection to Kolliner Park to ten other rivemay park areas. Program (21) Develop plans and specifications for Lowell Park. Policy 24: Renovate and expand Lowell Park according to the Lowell Park Plan. Program (20) Detailed park plans for the riverfront properties based on the concept plans developed as part of the Lowell Park Plan. Policy 23: The Aiple property and Kolliner Park will be preserved for park purposes. Policy 22: The land north of downtown should be acquired for park purposes. Policy 21: The city should develop a trail system to connect the Aiple property, downtown Stillwater and Kolliner Park. s. The existing Stillwater/Houlton lift bridge will provide vehicular and pedestrian access to I<Olliner Park. This is an important connection in the park system. r. Preserve the natural environment of the Aiple property and I<Olliner Park while developing recreational opportunities. q. Preserve, enhance and restore Lowell Park based on its setting, recreational uses and historic integrity. p. Develop a park system along Stillwater's riverfront for the enjoyment of Stillwater residents and visitors. In 1992, Stillwater prepared a master plan for the renovation of Lowell Park. This plan also "nc1uded a study of other city owned riverfront . roperties including Kolliner Park and the Aiple ropertles. Objectives: Stillwater Riverfront Program (19) Implement the trails and pathways corridors master plan. Policy 20: The incorporation of trails and pathways into corridors used for public and utility purposes is encouraged. Policy 19: The city should promote cooperative interagency planning of pathways, bikeways and equestrian trails. Poliry 11: The design, construction and management of trails and IPathway, ,lwald be careful!f planned and executed in order to uce environmental disturbance. vlicy 18: Public improvements within designated trails and pathways corridors should be designed to provide safe and secure routes for trials, including grade separation between roadways and trials whenever feasible. development to install and maintain the trail.