HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-01-21 PRC Packet
AGENDA
CITY OF MAPLEWOOD
PARKSAND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
Wednesday,January 21, 2015
7:00pmMeeting
Council Chambers - Maplewood City Hall
1830 County Road B East
1.Call to Order
2.Roll Call
3.Approval of Agenda
4.Approval of Minutes
a.December 17, 2014
5.Visitor Presentations
6.Unfinished Business
a.Adoption of the Maplewood Parks System Master Plan
7.New Business
a.Maplewood Community Center Partnership Discussion
b.Veterans Memorial Park Discussion (Chair Cockriel)
c.2015 Goals Brainstorming and 2014 AnnualReport
8.Staff Presentations
a.February 11Joint Meeting with the Ramsey County Parks and Recreation
Commission
9.Commissioner Comments
(9:00p.m.)
10.Adjourn –
MINUTES
MAPLEWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
7:00p.m., Wednesday, December 17,2014
Council Chambers, City Hall
1.CALL TO ORDER
A meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was held in the City Hall Council
Chambers and called to order by Chair Cockrielat 7:00p.m.
2.ROLL CALL
Commissioners
Commissioner Craig BrannonPresent
Chair RonCockrielPresent
Commissioner RJ ErhardtPresent
Commissioner Terri MalletAbsent
Commissioner Kim SchmidtAbsent
Commissioner Mike WildePresent
Commissioner Matt PromAbsent
Commissioner Nikki VillavicencioPresent
Commissioner Rick BrandonPresent
Draft
Staff
Parks Manager, Jim TaylorPresent
Parks and Recreation Director, DuWayne KonewkoPresent
3.APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
CommissionerErhardt moved toapprove the agenda.
Seconded by Commissioner WildeAyes – All
The motion passed.
4.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a.November 19, 2014
Commissioner Brannonmoved to approve the November 19, 2014 Parks and
Recreation Commission minutes.
Seconded by Commissioner VillavicencioAyes – All
Abstain – Commissioner
Erhardt
The motion passed.
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes
5.VISTOR PRESENTATIONS
a.
6.UNFINISHEDBUSINESS
a.Parks System Plan Financial Discussion and Prioritization
Parks Manager, Jim Taylor, presented the financial discussion and prioritization
of the Parks System Plan and discussed it withthe commission.
b.2014 Goal Review and Discussion on Setting 2015 Goals in January
Parks Manager, Jim Taylor, reviewedthe 2014 Parks and Recreation
Commission goals and discussed the 2015 Goals Setting with the commission.
7.NEW BUSINESS
a.
8.STAFF PRESENTATIONS
a.Spotlight on Parks (Timber Park)
Parks Manager, Jim Taylor, presented TimberPark and answered questions of
the commission.
Draft
9.COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
a.
10.ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Wilde movedto adjourn the meeting.
Seconded by CommissionerBrannonAyes – All
The motion passed.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:40pm.
Next meeting is January 21, 2015.
Wednesday, December 17,2014
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM:
DuWayne Konewko, Parks and Recreation Director
Jim Taylor, Parks Manager
DATE:
January 21, 2015
SUBJECT:
Adoption of the Parks System Plan
Introduction
The City is nearing the completion of the Parks System Master Plan. Staff has workedclosely
with Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. (HKGi) to develop and implement a plan that incorporates
multiple opportunities for stakeholder involvement (i.e. residents and businesses). The Parks
System MasterPlan process took two years to complete. The process included more than 30
meetings, open houses, and focus groups that were organized by HKGi consultants and Staff to
obtain stakeholders input. In addition to these meetings, one statistically valid survey was sent
out to residents, as well as, three informal surveys. Throughout this process monthly updates
were given by Staff at the Parks and Recreation Commission meetings for feedback.
Background
In February of 2013, City Council authorized staff to beginthe process of updating the
Maplewood Parks System Master Plan. This decision was based on recommendations from the
City’s Comprehensive Plan. Staff began the process in April of 2013 by entering into a contract
with consultant Bob Bierscheid ofBierscheid Consulting, LLC. City Council appointed members
to serve on the Parks System Plan Task Force to facilitate this process.The Task Force set
specific goals and objectives for the completion of the Parks System Plan. Staff feels that
through this process we accomplished these goals and objectives:
Task Force Goals and Objectives:
1.AlignourParkSystemsPlanwiththecity’s2030ComprehensivePlanrelyingon a strong
publicinputprocessthatinvolvesbothresidentsandstakeholders.
2.Identifytheneedsanddesiresofourcommunity,andcreateopportunitiesforactivelifestyles
basedoncurrentandfuturedemographictrends.
3.Develop a betterunderstandingofcurrentCitypark,greenspaces,andrecreational
componentsinordertobetteraddressexistinglimitationsastheycomparetolocal,regional
andnationalstandardsandtrends.
4.Establish a visionforourparks,greenways,andrecreationfacilitieswithaneyetowards
sustainablemaintenancepractices.
5.Identifysustainablefundingsources andstrivetomatchavailableresourceswithprioritized
park system needs.
6.Seekopportunitiestopromoteconnectivitywithinourpark system.
7.Fosterandpromote a sense ofcommunityprideandstewardshipinregardstoourpark
system.
8.Establishpoliciesand prioritiesforpreservingandrestoringexistingnaturalfeaturesand
amenitiesforthebenefitofthecommunityas a whole.
The first phase of the update included a thorough engagement of residents, businesses, and
parks and recreation users to elicit their comments on issues, needs, updates, trends, and
improvements that could influence the Master Plan Update. During phase one of this process
the following outreach opportunities were held:
11Parks System Plan Task Force Meetings
4 Community Meetings
2Hmong Outreach Meetings
1 Business Outreach Meeting
1 City-wide Statistically Valid Survey
In January of 2014, the City Council adopted the Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update
Community Study. This study was based on findings from the first phaseof the Parks System
Plan process.
In March of 2014, the City Council authorized staff to enter into an agreement with Hoisington
Koegler Group (HKGi) for the completion of the Parks System Master Plan. During the second
phase of this process the consultant team was used to provide benchmarking data, conduct a
system wide evaluation, and compare Maplewood’s current system against standards from the
National Parks and Recreation Association and best practices from other communities. Phase
two of the process included:
5Task Force Meetings
3 Focus Group Meetings
2 Booths and City-wide Events
2 Online Questionnaires
1Business Meeting
1 Business Survey (15 responses)
A goal of the planning processwas to educate and raise awareness about the importance of
parks and recreation in Maplewood and to ensure that future investment in the system meets
the needs of the community. Staff feels this was accomplished through the extensive
community process.
The purpose of theParks System Master Planisthe following:
1.Provide astrategic plan for Parks and Recreation improvements and operations.
2.Assure that the parkssystem continues to fully meet community needs now and in the
future.
3.Buildchampions for Parks and Recreation and enhance partnerships as part of the
process.
In addition, the plan will provide strategies for all areas of Parks and Recreation and
implementationrecommendations. The project approach was an inclusive process withforward
thinking andvision driven planning.
The Parks System Planwas developed through partnerships between residents, local
businesses, the Parks System PlanTask Force, the Maplewood Parks and Recreation
Commission, City Officials, and Staff. Parks Staff and HKGi useda wide variety of methods to
solicit input throughthesepartnerships.
The projects in the plan are split into two categories. The first category is the essential
maintenance/reinvestment into our current system. This area meets the number one thingwe
heard from our residents, take care of what we have. The essential improvements indentify
$9,000,000, this does not include all the trail system improvements, these happen as situations
present themselves and are ongoing. If the City took a phased approach to these projects the
cost would be:
5 Years - $1,800,000 / Year
10 Years - $ 900,000 / Year
Based on the discussion from the November 2014 meetings of the Parks System Plan Task
Force and Parks and Recreation Commission, City Staff and consultants feel that these are
fundamental facilities that the City needs to plan on investing in on an ongoing basis. The
remaining list of priorities represents improvements/enhancements to the system – including the
signature parks. The maintenance/replacement costs for the signature parks to remain as is are
already included in the Maintenance and Capital Replacement recommendation.
At the December meetingof the Parks and Recreation Commission we had a lengthy
discussion on priorities. The Commission agreed to staff’s recommendation of a flexible phased
approach to these improvements. This flexible phased approach allows projects to move if
alternative funding, community needs, or trends change or come available over time. Staff feels
this flexible phased approach is important. This plan is a 20 year vision and what is important to
our community today may not meet our community’s needs in the future. This givesstaff the
ability to move these improvements based on these factors.
Many funding sources can and will need to be explored for the completion oftheprojects
identified in the plan. Some of the options are:
1.General Fund
2.Bond Referendum
3.Utility Fees
4.State Aid Funds
5.Park Dedication Fees
6.Grants
7.Partnerships
8.Donations
Staff will be working with the Parks and Recreation Commission and the City Council to explore
all of these options to find out which ones best fit the improvements laid out in the Parks System
Plan.
Moving forward the timeline for completion of the Parks System Plan is:
January 21Parks Commission Adopts the Parks System Plan
January 26City Council Adopts the Parks System Master Plan
Finally, when staff asked for approval to begin this process twoyears ago we made a promise
thatwe would come backwith a plan that is representative of the people. We believe this goal
was accomplished. Many Task ForceMembersand Commissioners have praised the work
done by our consultants and most importantly, our residents. This plan will be agreat asset as
we look tothe future and meeting the needs of our entire community.
Recommendation
Staff recommends adoption of the Parks System Plan.
Attachments
1.Parks SystemMasterPlan
maplewood
parks & recreation
system master plan
January 6, 2015
Acknowledgements
MAPLEWOOD CITY STAFF
DuWayne Konewko Ginny Gaynor
Parks and Recreation Director Natural Resources Coordinator
James Taylor Shann Finwall
Parks Manager Environmental Planner
Audra Robbins Steven Love
Recreation Manager Assistant City Engineer
As a cross departmental project, this plan incorporates consider
departments of Police, Public Works, Environment, and Economic
PARKS & RECREATION MASTER PLAN TASK FORCE
Roy Adams Peter Boulay Mark Jenkins Mark Nichols
Paul Arbuckle Bob Cardinal Marv Koppen Scott Schaller
Margaret Behrens Don Christianson Jason Lamers Dale Trippler
Al Bierbaum Ron Cockriel Alysyn Morris Nikki Villavicencio
PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
Craig Brannon Kim Schmidt Rhoda Erhardt Mike Wilde
Terri Mallet Ron Cockriel Matt Prom Rick Brandon
Nikki Villavicencio
MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL
Noar Slawik Kathleen Juenemann Marvin Koppen
Mayor Councilmember Councilmember
Bob Cardinal Marylee Abrams
Councilmember Councilmember
RESIDENTS & STAKEHOLDERS
The Parks and Recreation Department would like to thank the near
who participated in the master planning process in 2012-2014.
CONSULTANTS
Bob Bierscheid, Bierscheid Consulting
For more information, please contact
the Maplewood Parks and Recreation
Department at 651.249.2120
Contents
CHAPTERS
Introduction...................................................
CHAPTER1:
Trends & A Changing Maplewood..................................
CHAPTER 2:
Existing Conditions & Needs....................................
CHAPTER 3:
Where We Are Going.............................................
CHAPTER 4:
: The Strategic Plan............................................
CHAPTER5
Priorities, Toolkit, & Using the Plan..........................
CHAPTER6:
Benchmark Comparisons..........................................
APPENDIX:
FIGURES
Existing Park and Recreation System ...........................
FIGURE 3.1
Access to Parks................................................
FIGURE 3.2
Existing Recreation Facilities.................................
FIGURE 3.3
Access to Paved Trails.........................................
FIGURE 3.4
Access to Natural Areas........................................
FIGURE 3.5
Natural Area Greenways.........................................
FIGURE 3.6
FIGURE 5.1
Park Service Areas.............................................
FIGURE 5.2
Signature Community Parks......................................
FIGURE 5.3
FIGURE 5.4
City Hall Campus Concept.......................................
FIGURE 5.5
Veterans Memorial Park Concept................................
FIGURE 5.6
Proposed Activity Facilities...................................
FIGURE 5.7
Specialty Recreation Facilities................................
FIGURE 5.8
Proposed Pedestrian/Bicycle Network............................
FIGURE 5.9
Pedestrian/Bicycle Network Priority Improvements...............
FIGURE 5.10
FIGURE 5.11
Greenway Routes................................................
FIGURE 5.12
Project Review Process.........................................
FIGURE 6.1
FIGURE 6.3
TABLES
Existing Parks and Recreation Facilities ......................
TABLE 3.1
Priority Actions and Projects..................................
TABLE6.1
Projected Capital Costs........................................
TABLE 6.2
Funding Sources................................................
TABLE6.3
General Capital and Operations & Maintenance Costs.............
TABLE 6.4
TABLE6.5
Activity Delivery Guidelines....................................
TABLE6.6
Recreation Facility Service Standards..........................
TABLE6.7
Community Benchmark Comparisons................................
TABLE A
INTRODUCTION
Parks and recreation are a vital and positive
component of the City of Maplewood. They park facilities. This is system-wide and will include
contribute to neighborhood identity, environmental
sustainability, resident health and well-being, and
signage etc.) In addition aging facilities often require
economic development. With 930 acres of City-more on-going maintenance than new facilities.
owned parks, preserves, and open space, a 90,000
Adapting the facility mix so that it is relevant to
square foot Community Center, an enviable system of
demographic and recreation trends is also needed.
nature preserves, and the Maplewood Nature Center,
Trails are currently high demand facilities that appeal to
Maplewoods parks and recreation system is a well-
all ages; climate change and environmental awareness
rounded, accessible, highly-utilized, and integral part
are making sustainability more important than ever
of Maplewood.
before; a more diverse population is creating demand
Parkland, preserves and open space is the second for culturally relevant activities; public expectations
largest land use in the City, accounting for over for high quality city facilities have steadily risen over
18% of land use in Maplewood. As a Step Three
time.
award-holder of the Minnesota GreenStep Cities
It is an exciting time for Maplewoods park and
program, Maplewood is known for its leadership in
recreation system. The park and recreation systems
sustainability, and its programs, preserves, and nature
strong foundation of parks, the imminent need for
In addition, neighborhood parks, athletic facilities,
and recreation trends provides the opportunity to
and programs provide a large range of recreation
reinvent the parks and recreation system to meet the
opportunities for an array of interests.
needs of the next generation of Maplewood residents.
Residents are largely happy with the parks and
recreation system. The 2014 Citizen Parks and
Recreation Survey found that eighty-three percent
(83%) of respondent households rated the overall
physical condition of the parks, preserves, open
spaces, trails, and recreation facilities (that they have
used) as being in good or excellent condition.
However, the parks and recreation system is
transitioning from a developing system to a mature
system, which is presenting new challenges. At
the root of issues and opportunities in the coming
years is the need for extensive park revitalization and
reinvestment as existing recreation facilities reach the
end of their functional life-cycle.
Maplewood Parks & Recreation Day Camp participants
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan1
This Master Plan, built by Maplewood residents, sets
THE IMPORTANCE OF PARKS AND
the stage for future reinvestment and is a long term
RECREATION
guide for the next 20 years. It offers the vision, guiding
When people talk about the places they love in the
principles, recommendations, strategies, priorities,
city or neighborhood, parks are typically at the top of
and tools to help the City, its citizens, and partner
the list. They are sources of civic identity and pride,
organizations keep Maplewoods park and recreation
and parks and recreation are also essential to the
system relevant well into the future.
physical, economic, environmental, and social health
The Master Plan is organized into six chapters.
of cities and their residents. Quality parks, along with
Chapter 1 provides an introduction and context for
schools and access to transportation, are typically the
the Master Plan. Chapters 2 and 3 establish needs
top three criteria people consider when choosing a
and identify key challenges for the future. Chapters 4,
place to live.
5, and 6 are future-oriented. Chapter 4 discusses the
park systems mission, vision, and guiding principles.
A healthy recreation and park system equals
Simply put, people who engage
Chapter 5 outlines the purpose of parks and recreation
healthy residents.
in regular physical activity are healthier and happier.
and organizes goals and objectives for the future into
When people have access to parks, trails, and
recreation, they exercise more. In addition, increased
Parks & facilities
exposure to natural areas has been linked to improved
Trails
physical and psychological health.
Natural areas
Parks and open space increase property values.
Programs
Numerous studies show that proximity to parks,
Arts and culture
trails, and open spaces increases residential property
values. Parks and open space can also positively
Chapter 6 provides implementation tools, including
affect commercial property and can be catalysts for
priorities, costs, funding sources, and tools to assist
redevelopment.
with future decision making.
Parkways, tree-
Parks contribute to aesthetics.
The recommendations and strategies contained
lined streets, gardens, lush landscaped areas, views
within this plan do not constitute all possible Parks
of rivers and lakes, stately woods, and public art are all
and Recreation actions. Instead, this plan highlights
things that make a city a beautiful place to live, work,
items needed to maintain and improve the current
play, and shop. They make essential contributions to
system.
a citys livability and vitality.
Parks and open space provide environmental
Trees and vegetation found in parks,
preserves, and open spaces improve air and water
quality. These areas also play a role in managing
stormwater runoff and protecting natural areas.
.
Parks preserve natural and cultural heritage
Chain of Lakes, and historical and cultural sites like
Bruentrup Heritage Farm are preserved for todays
residents as well as for future generations.
Light It Up Maplewood is hosted at Hazelwood Park on 4th of July
2
Chapter 1: Introduction
Parks are
Task force efforts throughout the process included:
often the focal points of neighborhoods. As places
Guiding the master planning project over a two
for neighborhood activities, celebrations, and informal
year period in 2013-2014. The group met 11
interaction they provide places for community
members to come together.
the consultants in 2014 during Phase 2.
Creating an Inventory of the existing system and
Recreation programs contribute to community
Recreation programs offered for all ages
health.
(families, youth, adults, and seniors) promote
Identifying CAPRA accreditation as a goal (see
life-long learning and a supportive community
callout box below).
Creating benchmark comparisons of Maplewood
other community goals, such as education about
to four other metro communities.
sustainability or youth development.
Spearheading a statistically valid City-Wide
Parks Needs Assessment Survey completed in
Parks
Recreation and Parks encourage play.
early 2014 by ETC.
are often cited as peoples favorite places. They are
the places people go to have fun, relax, and play.
Selecting and overseeing the work of park
planning consultants HKGi and Forecast Public
Whether its a place to play a game of soccer, garden
Art throughout the process.
with neighbors, take a quiet walk through the woods
or go on a vigorous run with the dog, a balanced park
and recreation system has something for everyone.
PLAN PROCESS
In February of 2013, Maplewoods City Council
authorized the beginning of an update to the
Maplewood Parks and Recreation Master Plan based
on recommendations in the Comprehensive Plan. The
Council appointed a citizens task force comprised of
sixteen members, which began meeting monthly in
April 2013. Bob Bierscheid of Bierscheid Consultants,
was hired to guide this process and helped facilitate
the task force.
engagement of residents, businesses, and parks and
recreation users to elicit their comments on issues,
needs, updates, trends, and improvements that could
During the second phase of the planning process a
consultant team was used to provide benchmarking
data, conduct a system wide-evaluation, and compare
Maplewoods current system against standards from
the National Parks and Recreation Association and
best practices from other communities.
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan3
A goal of the planning process was to educate and Phase 2 Public input:
raise awareness about the importance of parks and
Focus group meetings on June 11th, 2014.
recreation in Maplewood, and to ensure that future
investment in the system meets the needs of the
community. As such, this plan represents input from
627 households in Phase 1 (participants in the City-
Wide Parks Needs Assessment Survey), and 152
Booth at 4th of July Community Event, Light It
participants in Phase 2. Public input throughout the
Up Maplewood.
process included:
Two online questionnaires from July 29 thru
Phase 1 Community Meetings:
August 15, 2014 (52 responses) and Sept. 5 thru
June 12, 2013, 7pm at the Maplewood
Oct. 15, 2014 (45 responses).
Community Center.
Community Open Houses:
July 10, 2013, 7 pm at Carver Community Gym.
July 11, 2013 business outreach meeting, 7:30
am at the Maplewood Community Center.
July 24, 2013, 7pm at Gladstone Fire Station.
August 7, 2013, 7pm at Gladstone Fire Station.
Booth at the Maplewood Community Center 5k
August 15, 2013, 5pm, Hmong Outreach meeting
Run Event, September 27th, 2014.
at the Hmong American Alliance Church.
Business stakeholder meeting on October 9th,
September 5, 2014, 5pm, Hmong Outreach
2014.
meeting at the Maplewood Community Center.
City-Wide Parks Needs Assessment Survey,
conducted in the winter of 2014.
Community Input During
Plan Development
Plan Development
The Groundwork
& Components
Focus group meetings
Maplewood 2030 Comprehensive Plan
Vision
Community Event #1
Parks & Recreation Master Plan Update Task Force
Guiding Principles
Online questionnaire
2014 Statistically Valid SurveyCommunity
Recommendations
Open Houses (3)
Community Event #2
Implementation
7 Community Meetings
Strategies
Online questionnaire
4
Chapter 1: Introduction
Booth at 4th of July Community Event, Light It Up Maplewood.September 3rd Open House at Gladstone Fire Station
Booth at the Maplewood Community Center 5k Run EventSeptember 10 Open House at the Maplewood Community Center
The analysis of existing conditions included the review and synt
various groups and departments in Maplewood, including:
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan5
6
Chapter 1: Introduction
Because recreational needs and expectations
are changing along with the citys demographics,
understanding the dynamic environment is important
for anticipating trends and planning for the future.
recreation and parks in Maplewood.
Recreation is constantly evolving, particularly as new
technologies, trends, cultures, and activities bring
changing facility and program needs. By building
-Gail Sheehy
to meet these new needs.
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan7
Modest Population GrowthIncreasingly Diverse
The U.S. is the only major industrial
Maplewoods total population is estimated
country with an expanding population
to grow by 7.5% between 2010 and 2040,
fueled primarily by immigrants.
adding 3,000 residents over 30 years.
In 2012 Maplewoods non-white
Implications for Parks & Recreation:
population was 28% compared to 12% in
Overall program participation and park
2000.
utilization rates can be expected to
As population continues to increase,
increase.
diversity will increase as well.
Need for additional parkland will be
Implications for Parks & Recreation:
limited.
Increased demand for varying park and
recreation services from different cultures.
Increased interest in international sports.
More places for special community events
and larger extended family gatherings
(picnic shelters paired with unprogrammed
areas).
Increased outreach and education for
recent immigrants.
8
Chapter 2: Trends & A Changing Maplewood
Actively AgingMillennials Behave Differently
In the U.S. the 65 and older population Less reliant on personal automobiles and
is expected to grow by 40% from 2010-more reliant on public transit, biking, and
2050. As baby boomers reach retirement other forms of transportation.
age they are staying more active than
Preference for a walkable lifestyle.
previous generations.
Greatest users of social media and other
Many in the aging population seek
digital technologies.
child-care responsibilities and expanded
Implications for Parks & Recreation:
recreational, educational, and cultural
Integration of the parks and recreation
interests.
systems with multiple modes of
transportation.
Implications for Parks & Recreation:
Greater integration of live/work/play/shop.
day programming related to walking,
Need for increased digital presence and
gardening, culture, etc.
web communications for municipalities,
Desire for volunteer opportunities.
associations, and other organizations.
More adaptable, multi-faceted systems to
respond to changing recreation demands.
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan9
Increased Interest in TrailsIncreasingly Health Conscious
72% of respondents to the City-Wide The percentage of obese youth in the U.S
Parks Needs Assessment Survey reported has tripled in the past 2 decades.
a need for walking and biking trails, and
Awareness of the health and economic
44% ranked them as the most important
facility to their household.
preventative care is growing.
Trails can be used by people of all ages
Implications for Parks & Recreation:
and abilities.
Increase in walking, running, and biking
Trails are relatively inexpensive and can be
trails.
used at all times of day.
Trails meet multiple needs: health,
options.
transportation, and environment.
Increased interest in wellness
Implications for Parks & Recreation:
programming.
Increase in walking, running, and biking
Increased demand for infrastructure that
trail miles.
supports active living.
Increased desire for a connected, looping
system.
Improved trail maintenance.
10
Chapter 2: Trends & A Changing Maplewood
Participation in Non-traditional SportsQuality over Quantity
Increase in newer sports (cricket, Youth involved in organized sports are
pickleball, ultimate frisbee, lacrosse, disc increasingly dedicated to a single, year-
golf, mountain biking, etc).round sport.
Decreased participation in softball, Willingness to travel further for high quality
basketball, and tennis. facilities.
Decrease in adult league participation Competition for high quality indoor
facilities (hockey and indoor soccer).
focused sports such as jogging, cycling,
Reluctance to share facilities.
and yoga).
Implications for Parks & Recreation:
Increase in the number of children
involved in free-time physical activity
facilities with accessory amenities such as
rather than organized sports.
concessions and restrooms.
Implications for Parks & Recreation:
Need for cooperation and communication
Need for more specialized facilities.
between associations, clubs,
organizations, schools, and municipalities
space.to provide facilities.
programming.
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan11
Environmentally ConsciousClimate Change
Increased understanding of and concern Less predictable climate, variable
for environmental issues.precipitation rates, and inconsistent winter
conditions have negatively affected sports
like ice skating, hockey, and cross-country
healthy, functioning ecosystem.
skiing.
time spent in natural areas.
Implications for Parks & Recreation:
Implications for Parks & Recreation:
Need for more indoor facility options for
Interest in sustainable practices.
hockey.
Desire for natural areas/passive open
Reconsideration of certain park uses such
spaces.
as skating and cross-country skiing.
More demand for educational/interpretive
Demand for turf and/or indoor facilities for
programs related to natural resources and
sustainability.
Increased irrigation needs.
Increased need to manage stormwater
12
Chapter 2: Trends & A Changing Maplewood
Public Art
Concerned about Safety
In Ramsey County, 34% of city residents
objects and building enhancements to
and 25% of suburban residents think it
include festivals, artists-in-residence,
is unsafe for children to walk to school in
temporary installations, and projects
their neighborhood.
associated with environmental
Diverse population groups are more likely
stewardship, education, or social service
to have safety concerns and feel less
endeavors.
welcomed by staff and other users.
Trend to incorporate public artas well
Implications for Parks & Recreation:
as arts and cultural programming into
Demand for safer parks and trails.
urban and suburban parks.
Increased need for better lighting.
Growing interest among artists and arts
organizations to reach audiences outside
Increased demand for neighborhood
of traditional venues and increase access
facilities.
to the arts by all people.
Increased need for education, outreach,
Implications for Parks & Recreation:
and collaboration with police.
Need to include support for program
management staff, volunteer committees
to select art and adopt guidelines, and
ongoing maintenance of works and
program management.
Funding strategies to broaden the types of
projects that can be supported.
Seek opportunities for the design of
infrastructure that incorporates public art.
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan13
Tight Family FinancesChallenged Government Budgets
Stagnant wages and increased costs of Rising health care costs, increasing fuel
living have resulted in less expendable and materials costs, anti-tax sentiments,
income.
and regional sources has led to declining
resources for parks and recreation.
and poor.
Schools are making cuts in athletic
Implications for Parks & Recreation:
programs and physical education classes
Need for a broad spectrum of program
in response to budget constraints.
offerings at various price points.
Travel costs are rising for school and club
Increased demand for low-cost recreation
teams.
opportunities, scholarships, and mobile
Implications for Parks & Recreation:
recreation options.
Pressure for increased program and team
More demand for after school
participation fees.
programming/open hours.
Decreased funds for maintenance and
capital replacements.
Increased reliance on partnerships.
Need to balance new facilities/
programming with maintenance of
existing.
14
Chapter 2: Trends & A Changing Maplewood
Maplewood has a thriving parks and recreation Overall, residents are happy with the physical condition
system, and residents currently have good access of the system, though much of the infrastructure is
to parks and paved trails. When measured against aging and will need replacement.
neighboring communities of similar size, Maplewood
Future improvements should focus on making parks
has more city and regional parks, trails, and open
more consistent across the system, while at the same
space, and for a city of its size Maplewood also
compares well against national standards due to its
amount and variety of facilities and parkland.
maintaining and replacing existing park facilities
Maplewood has an uncommon resource in its
will require capital reinvestment, as a number of
system of Neighborhood Preserves and Natural Area playgrounds, restrooms, warming houses, and picnic
Greenways. These features give residents additional shelters will need replacement in the near future.
access and exposure to natural resources, passive
recreation opportunities, and sustainable landscape
practices.
Hazelwood ParkMaplewood Heights Park
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan15
The Maplewood Nature
Maplewood Nature Center
Center is the epicenter of environmental education
System at A Glance
within the City. Situated on a 40-acre preserve, the
facility includes a Visitor Center, pond, hiking trails,
Over 930 acres of city-owned parks, preserves,
boardwalks, sustainable practice demonstration/
and open space.
interpretive areas, and a nature play area. Staffed by
Over 1,000 acres of county, state, and agency-
Naturalists, the center offers programming for all ages,
owned land.
and serves as the hub for sustainability programming
36 Parks and 15 Preserves.
and service learning for Maplewood residents.
18% of land within the City is park or open
Located within
Maplewood Community Center
space.
the City Hall Campus, the Maplewood Community
Approximately 130 miles of sidewalk and on-
Center features two pools, a gymnasium, an indoor
and off-road trails.
3 Regional parks.
room, massage facilities, childcare, banquet and
meeting rooms, and a performing arts theatre. Open
6 County parks.
and welcome to all, visitors may purchase passes or
Access to the Mississippi National River &
annual memberships, and residents of Maplewood
Recreation Area.
and North St. Paul can take advantage of discounted
Features and Highlights
membership rates. Special offerings and partnerships
at the Center include programs for seniors, wellness
Maplewoods network of 26
Neighborhood Parks
classes, and theatre and arts education opportunities
neighborhood parks provides a strong foundation of
amenities for the overall system. Neighborhood parks
are distributed evenly throughout the City and typically
§¨
¦
694
include facilities such as walking trails, playgrounds,
§¨
¦
694 Silver
UV Lake
61
Gervais
Lake
LITTLE
COUNTY ROAD C
CANADA
NORTH
ST. PAUL
Parks currently categorized as
Community Parks
UV
36
UV
community parks include Joy, City Campus, Veterans
36
FROST AVE
used for specialized community events and contain
LARPENTEUR AVE E
amenities with city-wide draw, such as group picnic
OAKDALE
§¦¨
694
facilities, historic resources, and gardens.
Lake
§¦¨
Phalen
35E
Beaver
Maplewoods athletic parks are divided
Athletic Parks
Lake
into two categories; youth athletic and community
athletic. Currently, there are four youth athletic parks 3M
Lake
and two community athletic parks. The community
§¨
¦
LAND-
Tanner's
94
Lake
FALL
ST. PAUL
athletic parks also serve youth needs.
Battle Creek
Lake
The City owns and
Neighborhood Preserves
manages a system of preserves set aside for the
protection of natural resources, scenic areas, and
§¨
¦
494
£
WOODBURY
61
landscape buffers. The preserves range in size from
Pig's Eye Lake
LILYDALE
5 to 46 acres and are open to passive-use activities
Carver
Lake
such as hiking, bird watching, and nature study.
£
WEST ST. PAUL
52
£
10
SOUTH ST. PAUL
Mississippir National River Recreation Area
City of Maplewood
A portion of the Mississippi National River Recreation Area is i
Maplewood
16
Chapter 3: Existing Conditions & Needs
3.1
Existing Park and Recreation System
FIGURE
§¨
¦
694
Prairie Farm
Sunset
Joy
Preserve
Legacy
Ridge
Preserve
Park
Park
Playcrest Park
Joy Park
Maplewood
§¨
¦
Heights Park
694
Silver
Kohlman Creek
Hidden Marsh Preserve
Lake
UV
Preserve
Hazelwood Park
61
Gervais
Fisher's Corner
Lake
Preserve
COUNTY ROAD C
Kohlman Park
Spoon Lake
Harvest Park
Four
Preserve
Seasons
UV
Park
36
UV
Keller
Sherwood
36
Regional
Park
Park
Timber Park
Maplecrest
City Hall
Park
Campus &
Trout Brook
Community
Robinhood Park
Preserve
Edgerton ParkCenter
Flicek Park
Roselawn Park
FROST AVE
Veteran's
Gladstone Savanna
Hillside
Memorial
Kenwood
Gloster Park
Western
Park
Park
Park
Phalen
Lookout
Hills Park
Wakefield
Regional
Park
Park
Park
LARPENTEUR AVE E
Priory
Preserve
§¨
¦
Nebraska Park
Jims Prairie 694
Lake Sterling Oaks Park
Preserve
§
¨¦
Phalen
35E
Beaver Creek
Preserve
Geranium
Park
Beaver
Lake
Nature Center
Preserve
Gethsemane Park
Lions Park
3M
Lake
§¨
¦
Tanner's
94
Lake
Battle Creek
Lake
Afton Heights Park
Battle Creek
Regional Park
Crestview Park
Existing Parks & Trails
Vista
Mailand Park
Hills
Park
Existing Regional Trail
§¨
¦
Applewood
494
£
Existing Trail
Preserve
61
Applewood Park
Community Center
'Pig's Eye Lake
Community Gym
Pleasantview
'
Park
Carver
Lake
City Parks
Carver
Preserve
£
52
City Preserve
Fish Creek
Preserve
£
Regional/County Park
10
01
[
Miles
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan17
Existing Parks and Recreation Facilities
TABLE 3.1
PARK - LOCATION
18
Chapter 3: Existing Conditions & Needs
Existing Parks and Recreation Facilities, continued
3.1
TABLE
PARK - LOCATION
PRESERVE - LOCATION
Acres
KEY
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan19
NEEDS ASSESSMENT PROCESS
A critical evaluation of Maplewoods Parks and
Recreation System forms the basis of this Master
Plan. This evaluation was an essential step in making
recommendations and establishing priorities. The
evaluation process included:
A review of existing work and plans;
The Maplewood 2030 Comprehensive Plan.
Past work of the Maplewood Parks and
Recreation System Master Plan Task Force.
Existing management and master plans for
neighborhood preserves, parks, and open
spaces.
Meetings with City staff and Task Force
Members.
Meetings with the Parks & Recreation
Commission
A tour and analysis of existing parks and
facilities.
A distribution analysis of access to existing
parks, trails, and natural areas.
Needs Assessment Survey) completed by ETC
Institute/Leisure Vision in the spring of 2014.
Demographic analysis.
Focus group meetings on June 11th, 2014.
between
Maplewood and four neighboring communities
Public Arts & Culture (8 attendees).
of similar size and demographic character.
Environment & Natural Resources (6 attendees).
Comparison to national recreation facility
Athletic associations (8 attendees).
standards.
A project booth at the July 4th, 2014 Community
Input from the Maplewood City Council.
Event, Light it Up Maplewood.
Community Input
Community input gathered from July thru
The ultimate goal of this plan is to improve the delivery
September, 2014 (for additional information
of Parks and Recreation services to the residents of
regarding the community engagement process,
Maplewood. As such, community input is a critical
see page 4 in Chapter 1).
component of the plan and its process. A number
Input gathered during the needs assessment process
of methods were used to gather information from
will be highlighted throughout this chapter in special
residents, resulting in fundamental feedback that
callout boxes titled The Local Word.
helped shape the plan.
Events geared towards gathering community input
during the needs assessment process included;
A Statistically Valid Parks and Recreation
Citizen Survey Findings Report (referred to
throughout this plan as the City-Wide Parks
20
Chapter 3: Existing Conditions & Needs
City-Wide Parks Needs Assessment Survey The survey consisted of seven pages of questions
mailed to a random sample of 2,400 Maplewood
To inform this master plan and provide the Parks
households, followed by an automated message
and Recreation System Master Plan Task Force,
encouraging recipients to complete the survey. Leisure
commissions, and council with meaningful data
Vision followed up with phone calls to recipients two
regarding Maplewoods parks, trails, and open spaces,
weeks after the initial mailing and offered recipients
a statically valid survey was conducted during the
who reported not returning the survey the option to
winter of 2014. Survey questions addressed a full
complete it over the phone. The resulting random
sample of 627 completed surveys translated to a 95%
by the Task Force. The survey gauged residents
attitudes towards supporting improvements to the
parks and recreation system with tax dollars.
Facilities Households Have
Current System Use
Used in the Last 12 Months
Walking, hiking, & biking trails
86%
Playgrounds
53%
Maplewood Community Center
49%
Nature trails
47%
Picnic areas
37%
Open space/preserves
35%
Nature Center
24%
17%
Outdoor basketball courts
14%
Outdoor ice-skating rinks
13%
Outdoor tennis courts
12%
10%
9%
9%
Pickle ball courts
0%
Other
3%
Statement that best describes respondent
household usage of the City of Maplewood parks
and preserves over the past 12 months
Visited both parks & preserves
30%
Did not visit parks
or preserves
26%
Visited parks but not preserves
Visited preserves but not parks
42%
2%
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan21
Major new parks, preserves, and recreation facility
Funding & Priorities
improvements that are the most important to
respondent households
Develop a large destination park with
32%
City-wide amenities
Develop a water splash pad for children
25%
Develop an off-leash dog park
24%
Develop an outdoor amphitheater
19%
Development of additional community
17%
gardens
Construction of new concession/
13%
restroom facility at Hazelwood Park
Develop a disc golf course
9%
5%
Develop a skateboard park
4%
Other
3%
None chosen
37%
0%10%20%30%
Most Important2nd Most Important3rd Most Important
22
Chapter 3: Existing Conditions & Needs
Needed Recreation Programs
37%
Community special events
31%
Nature programs
29%
Special events
24%
Adult sports programs
22%
22%
Youth Learn to Swim programs
21%
Youth sports programs
20%
Museum programs
19%
Programs for people with disabilities
17%
Youth summer camps
17%
Youth theatre, dance, singing, musical classes
17%
Golf lessons/clinics
16%
Adult painting, arts, sculpturing classes
16%
Gymnastics & tumbling programs
15%
Adult theatre, dance, singing, musical classes
15%
Preschool programs/early childhood
14%
If an additional $100 were available for City
Before & after school programs
13%
parks, preserves, trails, and recreation
12%
Youth painting, arts, sculpturing classes
facilities, how respondent households would
12%
12%
allocate the funds
Tennis lessons & leagues
12%
Martial arts programs
10%
Improve existing neighborhood &
community parks $31
Needs
Other
$8
Improve
existing
preserves
$11
Development
of new
facilities
$15
Develop new
preserves, trails
& recreation
Acquisition of open
areas in forest
space adjacent to
oreserves
Connect existing trails &
Maplewood Nature
$10
purchase
Center
additional trails right of ways
$8
Improvements Most
$17
Desired at Parks Near Home
Restrooms
45%
Park security lighting
32%
Picnic tables/benches
30%
Drinking fountains
28%
28%
Shade structures
Picnic shelters
27%
Natural areas
26%
Trails
24%
21%
Parking
Playground equipment 21%
20%
Sidewalks
Park entrance signs 16%
16%
Bike racks
14%
Increased accessibility
Sand volleyball courts
13%
10%
Basketball courts
10%
Tennis courts 9%
Horseshoe pits
7%
Pickle ball court
4%
11%
Other
None chosen
12%
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan23
PARKS
Maplewood park system is well-positioned to serve
the City into the future. Residents have good access
to parks. As established in the current Comprehensive
Plan, goals for park access state that:
All residents should live within 1/2 mile of a park
(city, county, or regional).
For every 1,000 residents there should be 5
acres of park land.
Today, there are just over 10 acres of City-owned
active park land for every 1,000 residents, and the
vast majority of residents live within 1/2 mile of an
active park space. Figure 3.2 shows a 1/2 mile radius
around parks in Maplewood in relation to residential
area. The greatest need for an additional park is in the
southern portion of the City (once that area develops).
Overall, resident satisfaction with parks is relatively
Improvements and updates to existing parks.
Continued emphasis on neighborhood parks
and their amenities, including:
Picnic facilities.
Playgrounds.
Natural areas.
Trails and sidewalks.
Additional support facilities, including:
Lighting.
Shade.
Running water.
Parking.
A central location for special community events
featuring an outdoor amphitheater.
More restroom facilities at higher use parks.
Parks & Recreation Day Campers enjoy Veterans Memorial Park
24
Chapter 3: Existing Conditions & Needs
3.2
Access to Active Parks
FIGURE
§¨
¦
694
Sunset
Legacy
Ridge
Park
Park
Playcrest Park
Joy Park
Maplewood
§¨
¦
Heights Park
694 Silver
Lake
UV
Hazelwood Park
61
Gervais
Lake
COUNTY ROAD C
Kohlman Park
Harvest Park
Four
Seasons
UV
Park
36
UV
Keller
Sherwood
36 Regional
Park
Park
Timber Park
Maplecrest
City Hall
Park
Campus &
Community
Robinhood Park
Center
Edgerton Park
Flicek Park
Roselawn Park
FROST AVE
Veteran's
Hillside
Memorial
Kenwood
Gloster Park
Western
Park
Park
Park
Phalen
Lookout
Hills Park
Wakefield
Regional
Park
Park
Park
LARPENTEUR AVE E
§¨
¦
Nebraska Park
694
Lake
Sterling Oaks Park
§
¨¦
Phalen
35E
Geranium
Park
Beaver
Lake
Gethsemane Park
Lions Park
3M
Lake
§¨
¦
Tanner's
94
Lake
Battle Creek
Lake
Afton Heights Park
Battle Creek
Regional Park
Crestview Park
Vista
Mailand Park
Hills
Park
§¨
¦
494
£
Access to Active Parks
61
Applewood Park
Pig's Eye Lake
City Parks
Pleasantview
Park
Regional/County Park
Carver
Lake
1/2 Mile Active Park Service Area
£
park service gap
52
Residential Areas Outside 1/2 Mile Park Service Area
£
10
Non-Residential Areas Outside 1/2 Mile Park Service Area
01
[
Miles
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan25
SYSTEM CONDITION
RECREATION FACILITIES
Maplewood parks range from new and high-quality
Overall, the mix of facilities in Maplewood is well
to older and in need of reinvestment. In regards to
the system condition, the needs assessment process
of amenities provided. Key considerations include:
revealed that:
Field/court space is adequate for softball,
baseball, tennis, and soccer.
By and large, residents are happy with physical
conditions of the system.
Winter sport accommodation is good (hockey,
pleasure skating, and sledding).
There is a desire for parks to be more consistent
in things such as signage, bike racks, benches,
Maplewood has fewer outdoor basketball courts
trash receptacles, lighting, etc.
compared to recreation facility standards. There
is a potential need for additional outdoor courts.
At the same time, there is a desire for parks to
Demand is increasing for facilities that support
and cultural diversity, and to have more art
specialty activities, including:
integrated throughout.
Skateboarding.
There is a need for a proactive asset management
Disc golf.
plan that includes:
Tuj Lub (Top Spin).
A complete system inventory.
Pickleball.
Condition assessments.
An off-leash dog area.
Replacement strategies.
There is a need for improved ADA accessibility.
to address the aging infrastructure in the system,
including:
Playground equipment.
Warming houses/shelters.
Storage buildings.
Park signage.
26
Chapter 3: Existing Conditions & Needs
Existing Recreation Facilities
FIGURE 3.3
§¨
¦
694
Sunset
Legacy
Ridge
Park
Park
Playcrest Park
Joy Park
Maplewood
§¨
¦
Heights Park
694 Silver
Lake
UV
r
Hazelwood Park
61
Gervais
-
Lake
COUNTY ROAD C
Kohlman Park
'
Harvest Park
Four
Seasons
%
UV
Park
36
UV
Keller
Sherwood
36 Regional
Park
Park
Timber Park
Maplecrest
City Hall
Park
Campus &
%
r
Community
Robinhood Park
Center
Edgerton Park
Flicek Park
Roselawn Park
FROST AVE
Veteran's
'
Hillside
Memorial
Kenwood
Gloster Park
Western
Park
Park
Park
Phalen
Lookout
Hills Park
Wakefield
Regional
Park
-
Park
Park
LARPENTEUR AVE E
r
§¨
¦
Nebraska Park
694
Lake Sterling Oaks Park
§
¨¦
Phalen
35E
Í
Geranium
Park
Beaver
Lake
r
Existing Recreation Facilities
Gethsemane Park
'
Lions Park
3M
%
Lake
Í
Off Leash Dog Area
§¨
¦
Tanner's
94
Lake
r
Indoor Pool
'
Battle Creek
Tennis
Lake
r
Afton Heights Park
r
Swimming Beach
Battle Creek
-
Regional Park
Í
((
City Community Garden
Facilities
Other Community Garden
Crestview Park
T
Disc Golf Course
Vista
1 Tennis court
Mailand Park
Hills
Park
?
Winter Recreation
2 Tennis courts
§¨
¦
494
-
Sledding
£
61
_
Pleasure rink only
Applewood Park
(
Cross-Country Skiing
Pig's Eye Lake
Í
^
Pleasure and hockey rink
(hockey rink,
Pleasantview
'
k
Park
Warming House
pleasure rink, warming house)
%
Carver
Lake
%
Pleasure Rink Only
r
Community Center
'
£
52
City Parks
£
10
Regional/County Park
01
[
Miles
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan27
SIDEWALKS & TRAILS
Maplewood has the foundation for a great pedestrian
and bicycle system, and efforts continue to be made
to extend north-south and east-west connections
across the City. Overall, the system:
Provides good access to trails; most residents
live within a half mile of a paved trail.
continuity and connectivity for pedestrians and
bicyclists.
Is a priority for residents, who would like to see
it expanded and maintained.
Three regional trails have segments within Maplewood.
These trails make important connections to the
Mississippi River, Washington County, and downtown
Saint Paul and provide Maplewood residents with
additional access to amenities outside City limits.
Regional trails in Maplewood include:
The Bruce Vento Regional Trail.
The Gateway State Trail.
The Trout Brook Regional Trail.
Lake Links Regional Trail.
Maplewoods Living Streets Policy, adopted in 2013,
establishes standards for street design that include
infrastructure for multiple modes of transportation,
such as travel by foot or bicycle. As the City implements
this policy with road reconstruction projects, the
bicycle and pedestrian system will continue to expand
and be improved.
Trail and native plantings at Maplewood City Hall
28
Chapter 3: Existing Conditions & Needs
3.4
Access to Paved Trails & Sidewalks
FIGURE
§¨
¦
694
Sunset
Legacy
Ridge
Park
Park
Playcrest Park
Joy Park
Maplewood
§¨
¦
Heights Park
694 Silver
Lake
UV
Hazelwood Park
61
Gervais
Lake
COUNTY ROAD C
Kohlman Park
Harvest Park
Four
Seasons
UV
Park
36
UV
Keller
Sherwood
36 Regional
Park
Park
Timber Park
Maplecrest
City Hall
Park
Campus &
Community
Robinhood Park
Center
Edgerton Park
Flicek Park
Roselawn Park
FROST AVE
Veteran's
Hillside
Memorial
Kenwood
Gloster Park
Western
Park
Park
Park
Phalen
Lookout
Hills Park
Wakefield
Regional
Park
Park
Park
LARPENTEUR AVE E
§¨
¦
Nebraska Park
694
Lake Sterling Oaks Park
§
¨¦
Phalen
35E
Geranium
Park
Beaver
Lake
Gethsemane Park
Lions Park
3M
Lake
§¨
¦
Tanner's
94
Lake
Battle Creek
Lake
Afton Heights Park
Battle Creek
Regional Park
Access to Paved Trails & Sidewalks
Crestview Park
Vista
Existing Sidewalk
Mailand Park
Hills
Park
Existing Paved Regional Trail
§¨
¦
494
£
61
Existing Paved Trail
Applewood Park
Pig's Eye Lake
City Parks
Pleasantview
Park
Regional/County Park
Carver
Lake
1/2 Mile Paved Trail Service Area
£
52
Residential Areas Outside 1/2 Mile Park Service Area
£
10
Non-Residential Areas Outside 1/2 Mile Trail & Sidewalk Service
01
[
Miles
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan29
NATURE CENTER & NATURAL AREAS
Maplewood residents have exceptional access to
natural areas. The Maplewood Nature Center and the
Neighborhood Preserve system are the backbone
of preserve system. Additional open space sites
that are not part of the parks preserve system
provide environmental services but limited access. In
addition, most of the Citys parks have some areas of
naturalized vegetation.
In response to changing demands and pressures
on natural areas and preserves, there is a need for
updating policies and goals regarding recreation
and access within natural areas. For example, some
preserves may be suitable locations for paved, ADA
accessible trails, and other, due to highly sensitive
habitats of high quality plant populations, may not be
suitable for any trails.
The Maplewood Nature Center includes a visitor center
built in the late 1970s, indoor and outdoor exhibits,
a nature play area, and trails on a 40-acre preserve.
The Nature Center is a highly utilized City facility
The center was designed to accommodate groups
of up to 30 people. To meet the needs of todays
programming, the center needs to accommodate
groups of 60. There have also been issues with water
seeping into the building. To maintain the functionality
of the Nature Center, which is a priority for Maplewood
residents, these issues need to be addressed.
The Priory Preserve
30
Chapter 3: Existing Conditions & Needs
Access to Natural Areas
3.5
FIGURE
§¨
¦
694
Prairie Farm
Sunset
Joy
Preserve
Legacy
Ridge
Preserve
Park
Park
Playcrest Park
Joy Park
§¨
¦
694 Silver
Kohlman Creek
Hidden Marsh Preserve
Lake
UV
Preserve
Hazelwood Park
61
Gervais
Fisher's Corner
Lake
Preserve
COUNTY ROAD C
Kohlman Park
Spoon Lake
Harvest Park
Preserve
UV
36
UV
Sherwood
36
Park
City Hall
Campus &
Trout Brook
Community
Robinhood Park
Preserve
Center
Roselawn Park
FROST AVE
Veteran's
Gladstone Savanna
Hillside
Memorial
Kenwood
Park
Park
Park
Wakefield
Park
LARPENTEUR AVE E
Priory
Preserve
§¨
¦
Nebraska Park
694
Jims Prairie
Lake Sterling Oaks Park
Preserve
§
¨¦
Phalen
35E
Beaver Creek
Preserve
Beaver
Lake
Nature Center
Preserve
3M
Lake
§¦¨
Tanner's
94
Lake
Battle Creek
Lake
Afton Heights Park
Crestview Park
Vista
Access to Natural Areas Hills
Park
§¨
¦
Applewood
494
City Preserve
£
Preserve
61
Applewood Park
City Park with Natural Areas
Pig's Eye Lake
Regional/ County Park or Open Space with Natural Areas
Pleasantview
Park
Carver
1/2 Mile Natural Area Service Area
Lake
Carver
Preserve
£
Residential Areas Outside 1/2 Mile Natural Area Service Area
52
Fish Creek
Preserve
£
Non-Residential Areas Outside 1/2 Mile Natural Area Service Area
10
01
[
Miles
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan31
The 2030 Comprehensive Plan also clearly addresses
NATURAL AREA GREENWAYS
sustainability by stating that Maplewoods 2030
The Natural Area Greenway concept is a unique
Comprehensive Plan as a whole will encourage
feature of the Maplewood system. The greenways
sustainable practices through the use of land,
are a map overlay of the largest contiguous areas
management of water, and protection of our remaining
of habitat in Maplewood, encompassing both public
natural resources. These practices and policies will
and private lands. They are wildlife corridors and
ensure that the residents, businesses, and property
because they are large areas they provide greater
owners live and function in a way that considers the
ecosystem services than single sites. Public lands
livelihood of future generations and of other living
within the greenways are open to public use, and
beings on this planet.
offer opportunities for recreation. Private lands in the
greenways are not open to public use. Each greenway
is unique in its habitat and recreational opportunities.
The greenways were mapped in 2008 and the
boundaries will shift over time as some private lands
are developed and as some landowners convert
manicured areas to native vegetation. Figure 3.6
shows a map of the Natural Area Greenways.
Marketing to better inform and engage residents
and recreational use.
Further integration of greenway policy with
natural areas management prioritization and
community service learning opportunities.
Partnerships with adjacent cites that share the
greenways.
SUSTAINABILITY
Maplewood is known for its progressive sustainability
Maplewoods sustainability initiatives in the parks and
recreation system include:
GreenStep City designation that encompasses:
Low maintenance turf management.
Native landscaping.
Recycling/compostables collection.
Innovative stormwater management.
The Maplewood Nature Center, featuring:
Demonstration Gardens.
Outdoor education programs.
Environmental service learning opportunities.
32
Chapter 3: Existing Conditions & Needs
3.6
Natural Area Greenways
FIGURE
35E35E35E35E
35E
694
694
694
694
694694
694694
694694
694694
694
694
Prairie Farm
Joy
Preserve
Preserve
Silver
694
694694694
Kohlman Creek
Hidden Marsh Preserve
694
Lake
Preserve
Gervais
Fisher's Corner
616161616161
61
Hazelwood Park
Lake
Preserve
Phalen-Casey Chain-of-Lakes
COUNTY ROAD C
Natural Area Greenway
Spoon Lake
Preserve
3636
36
36
36
3636
Keller
Regional
36
36
36
Park
City Hall
Campus &
Trout Brook
Community
Preserve
Flicek Park
Center
FROST AVE
Gladstone Savanna
Phalen
Regional
Park
LARPENTEUR AVE E
Priory
Preserve
Holloway-Beaver Lake
Wetlands Natural
Jims Prairie
694694694
694
Lake
Preserve
Area Greenway
Phalen
35E35E35E35E
35E
Beaver Creek
Preserve
Geranium
Park
Beaver
Lake
Nature Center
Preserve
3M
Lake
Tanner's
94 94
94
94 94
94
94
Lake
Battle Creek
Lake
Afton Heights Park
Battle Creek
Regional Park
Battle Creek Forests
Natural Aea Greenway
Crestview Park
Vista
Hills
Park
Natural Area Greenways
Applewood
494494494
494
Preserve 494
616161616161
Natural Area Greenways
Applewood Park
Pig's Eye Lake
Existing Regional Trail
Fish Creek Forests
Pleasantview
Existing Sidewalks & Trails
Park
Natural Area Greenway
Carver
Lake
Carver
City Preserve
Preserve
5252525252
525252
City Parks
Fish Creek
Preserve
1010101010
Regional/County Park
01
Miles
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan33
ARTS & CULTUREPROGRAMMING
Current arts and culture efforts focus on event The City of Maplewood offers it residents a diverse
programming at the Maplewood Performing Arts range of programs. Programs are carefully designed
Theatre at the Maplewood Community Center (MCC) to appeal to people of all ages, genders, and
on White Bear Avenue. The City built the theatre as cultural backgrounds, with a focus on community/
part of the MCC and currently leases it to Ashland special events, and programming at the MCC and
Nature Center. The City offers programs run by City
family friendly theatre productions and community staff and in conjunction with partners such as the
arts education. Residents can enjoy a seasonal North St. Paul/Maplewood/Oakdale School District,
theatre series featuring plays, dance performances neighboring communities, and Ramsey County Parks.
and concerts. More recently, Bruentrup Heritage Farm Local recreation associations offer leagues for youth
has been the site of community concerts and an arts and adult sports such as volleyball, hockey, softball,
festival. Residents also have access to performing and and soccer.
visual arts classes through City offerings, and the City
Changing community trends are resulting in additional
needs for program offerings and amenities, and
Park.
include:
Recent art installations at Maplewood Mall and
Better integration of youth programs, including
upcoming arts amenities at Joy Park are examples of
the art that is beginning to appear in Maplewood. The
engagement.
Stronger core programming for youth athletics.
partnerships that further integrate art across the City.
Additional indoor classroom/ facility space more
Integrating arts into park design and programming
evenly dispersed across the City.
in Maplewood could help parks establish unique
Forming additional partnerships.
identiies, interpret history and culture, add to park
Further use of technology, social media, etc.
aesthetics, and arts-related events could help foster
community gathering.
34
Chapter 3: Existing Conditions & Needs
FUNDING
Currently a gap exists between the needs for park
address them. To support the parks and recreation
system, additional funding will be needed to:
Take care of current facilities - replacement of
aging infrastructure (park buildings, playgrounds,
fencing, courts).
Make system improvements (capital and
ongoing operations and maintenance).
Implement additional sustainability efforts.
Integrate arts into the park system.
Offer new programs and events.
Maintain appropriate levels of staff to meet
The Maplewood Community Center is home base for Day Camp
system goals.
Add specialty recreation facilities.
Improve accessibility and inclusion.
Evaluation and prioritization needs include:
Identifying additional funding strategies.
Reducing ongoing maintenance costs.
Lowering capital costs
The 2013 Daddy Daughter Dance at the MCC was well attended
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan35
Three quarters of Maplewoods residential
SUMMARY
neighborhoods were developed over 25 years ago. As
Clearly the City of Maplewood has a rich history of
neighborhoods age, so do park facilities. In the coming
supporting public parks and open space. Over time,
years many basic recreation facilities - playgrounds,
the City has steadily acquired the parks and facilities
it has needed to provide for neighborhood recreation
will reach the end of their life-cycle and need to be
and athletics. The City has also developed signature
replaced. While this pressing need for reinvestment
features such as the Community Center, the Nature
will present challenges, it is an exciting opportunity
Center, and the system of preserves. A $5 million
to reinvest in the system to make it more relevant for
referendum passed by Maplewood residents in 1993
residents today and into the future.
funded the acquisition of the preserves. Keller, Phalen,
and Battle Creek Regional Parks, and Bruentrup Farm
add to the recreation amenities available to residents.
36
Chapter 3: Existing Conditions & Needs
WHERE WE ARE GOING
evaluation of the opportunities and challenges facing
PARKS & RECREATION MISSION
parks and recreation in Maplewood.
The Parks and Recreation Departments mission is to
provide diverse recreational opportunities for people
The Vision for Parks and Recreation is:
of all ages and abilities, enhance and preserve its
parks, facilities, and open spaces while promoting To help create a vibrant community that embraces
environmental stewardship through education and
diversity, celebrates arts and culture, values health
and wellness, and promotes stewardship of the
purpose and direction. environment.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
PARKS & RECREATION VISION
The vision recognizes four critical elements of the
The vision for the parks and recreation system and
parks and recreation system: diversity, arts and
the supporting guiding principles outlined in this plan
culture, health and wellness, and environmental
are aspirational and describe where the parks and
stewardship. Together, these elements contribute
recreation system wants to go over the next 20 years.
to a vibrant community. The recommendations and
The vision and principles are based on community
strategies in the following chapter use six underlying
and stakeholder input, current plans such as the
guiding principles that will help realize the vision.
Maplewood Comprehensive Plan, and a detailed
Information booths at the 1st annual Maplewood Red Run 5k drew cParks & Recreation Day Campers enjoy a variety of activities
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan37
Safe & WelcomingConnect People & Places
Inherent to any vibrant community When asked about a favorite community
are safe, clean, and welcoming parks. place, people often describe a park
Many Maplewood parks are faced or open space. Connecting people to
with infrastructure nearing the end of places is one of the things Maplewoods
its life. Maintenance and reinvestment parks and recreation system can do
in park infrastructure is fundamentally important for best by building connections between bikeways and
user safety and satisfaction and to maximize the trails and sidewalks and by building connections
between residents by providing places and events
and Recreation Department will:for community gathering. The Parks and Recreation
Department will:
Maintain cleanliness and overall quality.
Construct a network of trails and sidewalks that
Design and maintain safe facilities.
connect within Maplewood and to surrounding
Make facilities and programming welcoming to
communities.
all.
Create community and neighborhood gathering
places.
Preserve areas of historic value.
Connect parks and natural areas.
Establish effective and accessible
communication.
Ensure accessibility for all ages and abilities.
The Community Center is highly valued by Maplewood citizensBiking the trail at Beaver Creek Preserve
38
Chapter 4: Where We Are Going
Encourage Health & WellnessPromote Environmental Stewardship
The link between health and an active Maplewood is known for leadership in
lifestyle is well established. Increased environmental stewardship. Continued
computer use, sedentary jobs, and education, demonstration, and access
increased driving has led to less to high quality natural areas will
active lifestyles with troubling health
implications such as increased obesity levels, heart City and underpin all Parks and Recreation decision
disease, and diabetes. Recreational options that are making. The Parks and Recreation Department will:
relevant to peoples lives can establish a lifelong habit
Preserve quality natural resources.
of physical activity and advance the overall health of
Provide access to natural resources so
the community. The Parks and Recreation Department
residents can enjoy and learn about nature.
will:
Increase native plant diversity to create healthy
Provide a mixture of culturally relevant
habitats.
recreational activities throughout the City.
Encourage sustainable design and
Provide a variety of indoor and outdoor
maintenance on public and private property.
recreational programming.
Offer recreational facilities and programming at
the Maplewood Community Center that meet
current needs.
Expand partnerships to provide additional
recreational options.
Community Center visitors enjoy state-of-the-art cardio equipmenShoreline buffer planting at Maplewood City Hall
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan39
Inspire Creativity & LearningFinancially Sustainable
Inspiring creativity and futhering Realizing the community vision
learning are hallmarks of a vibrant for parks and recreation will take
community. Programs focused on additional resources. Appropriate
environmental stewardship, history, funding and re-investment is needed
system, assure continued resident satisfaction, and
Recreation Department will:achieve many of the new initiatives outlined in this
plan. This includes planning for park reinvestment
Integrate public art throughout the system.
over time, building public support for additional
Collaborate with organizations and individuals
funding, and looking creatively and comprehensively
to provide artistic and cultural activities.
at new funding sources, partnerships, and volunteer
efforts. The Parks and Recreation Department will:
Teach about nature and promote environmental
stewardship.
Create places that foster creativity.
system goals.
Encourage and support volunteerism.
Build partnerships within and outside of the
City.
Continue scholarship programs to promote
participation.
Maintain appropriate staff to achieve its
mission and vision.
Educate residents about the quality of life
Use volunteers to extend capabilities.
Plan annually for the maintenance and
replacement of facilities.
The Parks & Recreation fall dance recital is held at the MCCCity Campus is home to Maplewood City Hall
40
Chapter 4: Where We Are Going
THE STRATEGIC PLAN
Parks and Recreations goal is to provide for play Ensuring that recreation opportunities are
of many types to many people. This chapter offers
Integrating art into the park system.
chapter is organized into six topic areas that will drive
ongoing improvements. The six topic areas are:
environmental leadership though design, maintenance,
Parks
and operations. Recommendations and strategies in
Recreation Facilities
all of the topic areas assume continued sustainability
practices, which include:
Trails
Natural Areas & Greenways
Preserving natural open spaces.
Programs
Managing natural resources.
Arts & Culture
Innovating construction practices and materials
selection.
Integrating natural areas into more active parks.
each of the topic areas.
Supporting walking and biking as alternatives
Underlying Values
to automobile use.
This chapters recommendations across all the
Educating through demonstration, art,
topics listed above are built on the foundatoin of two
programs, and service learning.
underlying goals for Maplewoods park and recreation
system: providing a safe and welcoming environment,
and environmental sustainablility.
Providing a safe and welcoming environment for
parks and recreation programs is fundamental. Such
an environment encompasses:
Conducting ongoing maintenance like regular
mowing and trash pick-up.
Replacing equipment at the end of its life cycle
or which no longer meets safety standards.
Adding basic amenities such as ADA
accessibility, shade, restrooms, and water.
Providing activities that meet the needs and
interests of Maplewoods increasingly diverse
population.
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan41
Creating new, high quality community
PARKS & RECREATION FACILITIES
destinations in the center of the City.
Updating the facility mix based on changing
demographics and recreation trends.
Continued leadership in environmental
sustainability.
When people think of a parks and recreation system,
Improving accessibility and ADA facilities.
they tend to think about the physical places: the
Community Center, the neighborhood playground, the
Recommendations
most of the Citys parks and recreation facilities
1. Provide access to a neighborhood
park for all residents within a 1/2 mile
20 years needed replacement of infrastructure will
radius (10 min. walk) and distribute
present exciting opportunities to reinvent portions of
neighborhood scale recreation facilities
the system and adapt to changing recreation interests
across park service areas.
and community demographics.
Strategies
a. Focus neighborhood park activities on
Future recommendations focus on:
playgrounds, informal gathering, and informal
Creating safe and welcoming parks.
turf play.
Reinvesting in older parks to make them more
b.
unique and representative of the community.
games in neighborhood parks.
Developing an updated and standardized
c. Add user amenities such as shade,
package of basic amenities such as signage,
benches, and bike racks based on the asset
benches, and waste receptacles.
management plan, funding availability, and
community input.
d. Improve resident connectivity to neighborhood
parks by adding trails and sidewalks.
e. Develop a new neighborhood park in the south
end of the City when that area develops.
f. Explore opportunities to add needed recreation
facilities, including tennis, basketball, youth
gardens so there is at least one facility per park
service area.
2. Establish places for neighborhood and
community gathering.
Strategies
a. Ensure each park service area has a small
picnic shelter.
b. Ensure each park service area has a small,
multi-purpose building that can be used for
indoor neighborhood events, programming,
and as a warming house in the winter.
c. Construct an outdoor performing arts space
in the City with Veterans Memorial Park and
Hazelwood Park the top options.
42
Chapter 5: The Strategic Plan
FIGURE 5.1
§¨
¦
694
Prairie Farm
Sunset
Joy
Preserve
Legacy
Ridge
Preserve
Park
Park
Playcrest Park
Joy Park
Maplewood
§¨
¦
Heights Park
694 Silver
Kohlman Creek
Hidden Marsh Preserve
Lake
UV
Preserve
Hazelwood Park
61
Gervais Fisher's Corner
Lake
Preserve
COUNTY ROAD C
Northern
Kohlman Park
Spoon Lake
Harvest Park
Four
Preserve
Seasons
UV
Park
36
UV
Keller
Sherwood
SIGNATURE PARKS
36 Regional
Park
Park
Timber Park
Maplecrest
City Hall
Park
Campus &
Trout Brook
Community
Robinhood Park
Preserve
Center
Edgerton Park
Flicek Park
Central West
Roselawn Park
FROST AVE
Veteran's
Gladstone Savanna
Hillside
Memorial
Kenwood
Gloster Park
Western
Western
Park
Park
Park
Phalen
Lookout
Hills Park
Wakefield
Regional
Park
Park
Park
LARPENTEUR AVE E
Priory
Preserve
§¨
¦
Nebraska Park
694
Jims Prairie
Lake Sterling Oaks Park
Preserve
§
¨¦
Phalen
35E
Central East
Beaver Creek
Preserve
Geranium
Park
Beaver
Lake
Nature Center
Preserve
Gethsemane Park
Lions Park
3M
Lake
§¨
¦
Tanner's
94
Lake
Battle Creek
Lake
Afton Heights Park
Battle Creek
Regional Park
Park Classifications
Crestview Park
Community Park
Vista
Mailand Park
Hills
Park
Community Athletic Complex
Southern
§¨
¦
Applewood
494
£
Preserve
61
Youth Athletic Park
Applewood Park
Pig's Eye Lake
Neighborhood Park
FUTURE
Pleasantview
Special Use Park
Park
NEIGHBORHOOD
Carver
Lake
Carver
City Preserve
PARK SEARCH AREA
Preserve
£
52
Regional/County Park
Fish Creek
Preserve
£
10
Park Service Areas
01
[
Miles
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan43
3. Provide community parks and community 6. Improve the perception of public safety.
athletic parks in strategic, convenient
Strategies
locations (Note: this recommendation
a.
and increase social observation.
Memorial, Harvest, and Hazelwood
b. Create additional neighborhood watch groups.
Parks).
c. Locate parking lots and facilities near streets so
Strategies
they are easily observable at night.
a. These parks should support community
d. Locate restrooms and playgrounds in areas
gathering, access to nature, and active
that are easily observable.
recreation.
e. Provide lighting for areas intended to be used
b. Ensure each community park and community
at night.
athletic park provides user amenities including
restrooms, water fountains, bike racks, and
f. Increase park patrols.
lighting in key use areas.
g. Use volunteer park liaisons to educate youth
c. Assess parking adequacy annually to ensure
about appropriate behavior in parks.
use is not adversely affecting surrounding
h. Increase neighborhood involvement in park
neighborhoods.
design and operations.
4.
i. Use the principles of Crime Prevention through
community-driven park
Environmental Design (CPTED) in the design of
planning processes to prioritize
parks.
improvement.
7. Ensure the cleanliness of parks and park
Strategies
facilities through regular maintenance.
a. Conduct community-driven park planning
Strategies
a. Regular garbage and recycling collection.
improvement over $50,000, or at least 20 years
after original construction.
b. Regular cleaning of buildings, picnic shelters
and restrooms.
b. Phase improvements based on replacement
needs and available funding.
c.
required.
5. Design parks to be welcoming.
d. Respond to complaints and problems in a
Strategies
timely manner, as established by policy.
a. Ensure visible and legible signage at park
entrances.
b. Use recognizable branding to indicate that
parks are open to all people.
c. Provide entrances on public streets.
d. Utilize vegetation that does not obscure views
into and through the parks.
e. Provide support facilities such as restrooms,
lighting, shade, and water based on the type of
park.
f. Include signage kiosks at community and
community athletic parks that invite users to
use the parks for activities like volleyball, bocce
ball, etc.
Applewood Park features new play equipment and nature-inspired e
44
Chapter 5: The Strategic Plan
Park Service Areas
FIGURE 5.2
35E
694
Sunset
Legacy
Ridge
Park
Park
Playcrest Park
Joy Park
Maplewood
Heights Park
694
Silver
Lake
Hazelwood Park
61
Gervais
Lake
COUNTY ROAD C
Northern
Kohlman Park
Harvest Park
Four
Seasons
Park
36
Keller
Sherwood
Regional
36
Park
Park
Timber Park
Maplecrest
City Hall
Park
Campus &
Western
Community
Robinhood Park
Edgerton ParkCenter
Central West
Flicek Park
Roselawn Park
FROST AVE
Veteran's
Hillside
Memorial
Kenwood
Gloster Park
Western
Park
Park
Park
Phalen
Lookout
Hills Park
Wakefield
Regional
Park
Park
Park
LARPENTEUR AVE E
Nebraska Park
694
Lake Sterling Oaks Park
Phalen
35E
Geranium
Park
Beaver
Lake
Gethsemane Park
Central East
Lions Park
3M
Lake
Tanner's
94
Lake
Battle Creek
Lake
Afton Heights Park
Battle Creek
Regional Park
Park Service Areas
Crestview Park
Vista
Mailand Park
Hills
City Preserve
Park
City Parks
494
61
Applewood Park
Regional/County Park
Southern
Pig's Eye Lake
Central East
Pleasantview
Park
Central West
Carver
Lake
Northern
52
Southern
10
Western
01
[
Miles
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan45
8. Establish Veterans Memorial Park,
Preserve, and the City Campus area as
the premier recreation and community
gathering area for the City.
Strategies
a. Establish trail and sidewalk connections
between the three parks.
b.
destination with a multi-purpose building/
warming house, picnic shelters, splash pad,
large playground, and other winter facilities.
c. Complete the Veterans Memorial Park Master
Plan and add an inclusive playground and
performing arts space.
d.
environmental demonstration areas around the
pond at the City Hall Campus.
and equipment upgrades.
Strategies
a. Conduct annual inspections of parks, buildings,
skatepark, outdoor ice rinks, parking lots, trails,
and nature areas.
b. Establish an Asset Management Plan
and implement the annual 5-year Capital
Improvement Plan (CIP) for park facilities.
c. Use tiered maintenance level standards for
routine maintenance to guide the level of
maintenance from most intensive to least
intensive.
d. Reduce ongoing maintenance costs over time
by replacing outdated park elements with high
quality materials and outdated maintenance
e. Establish a winter maintenance plan that
increases the facilities maintained for winter
activities like walking, skating, sledding, cross-
country skiing, etc.
Hazelwood Park is a community athletic park
46
Chapter 5: The Strategic Plan
Signature Community Parks
FIGURE 5.3
Sidewalk / trail to be built in 2015
Proposed pedestrian/bike connection
Existing pedestrian/ bike connection
Existing regional trail
Enhanced landscaping connecting parks
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan47
FIGURE 5.4
48
Chapter 5: The Strategic Plan
City Hall Campus Concept
FIGURE 5.5
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan49
Veterans Memorial Park Concept
FIGURE 5.6
50
Chapter 5: The Strategic Plan
10. Use Sustainable Design Practices.
Strategies
a. Use renewable energy where possible (solar,
wind, geothermal, biomass).
Solar lights for trails.
Solar power at athletic facilities.
Wind turbines where appropriate.
b. Follow Maplewoods existing Green Building
Code for new facilities.
c. Conserve Water Resources.
Follow water quality requirements in
Maplewoods Green Building Code when making
improvements.
Use cisterns and other water harvesting/recycling
techniques where feasible.
11. Develop Sustainability Pilot Programs.
Strategies
An artful example of solar arrays
a. Solar garden.
b. Wind turbine.
c. Solar powered trash compactor.
d. Organics composting in a signature park.
e. Composting toilet.
f. Passive solar or net-zero energy park facility.
g. Pesticide-free park.
h. Bee Lawn (includes clover etc. for pollinators).
12. Implement Sustainable Maintenance
White clover is drought tolerant and supplies nitrogen to other
Practices in Parks and Preserves.
Strategies
a. Continue and expand turf maintenance
program, especially in parks within greenways.
b. Continue and expand integrated waste
management practices.
Recycle in all parks and at all events.
Organics composting at appropriate parks/
facilities.
c. Follow integrated pest management strategies
to control nuisance plants, weeds, insects,
rodents, etc.
Wetlands provide habitat for Blandings turtles, and are sensiti
pesticide run-off from lawns and streets
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan51
13. Extend the use of the park system into 14. Maintain quality, up-to-date indoor
the fall, winter, and spring. facilities to provide recreational, cultural,
arts, and community gathering activities.
Strategies
a. Add lighting to high-demand recreational
Strategies
a. Continue to operate the Community Center as
high-quality tennis courts, and hockey rinks to
the hub for indoor recreation and programs.
allow use into night-time.
Explore partnerships to support operations and
expand programs.
b. Ensure each park service area has at least
one City-maintained pleasure skating rink, one
b. Prepare and implement a Master Plan to guide
hockey rink, and a warming house.
maintenance and investment in the Maplewood
Community Center.
c. Partner with neighborhood associations and
community groups to provide additional winter
c. Maintain partnerships with the school district
skating and hockey opportunities in additional
to provide community gyms in neighborhood
neighborhood parks if partner groups are willing
locations.
to maintain the facilities.
d. Replace existing warming houses with small,
d. Explore additional cross country skiing
multi-purpose buildings that can serve a variety
opportunities.
of needs including locations for neighborhood
based classes & programming, private rentals,
e. Identify and publicize suitable locations for
winter warming house, and restrooms.
Parks.
15. Respond to recreation trends and
community needs by updating the mix of
facilities offered.
Strategies
a. Convert low-use facilities to other uses as
determined by a park master planning process.
Provide high quality tennis courts by transitioning
neighborhood tennis courts to a larger bank
(4 or more) of high quality, lighted courts, at
Maplewood Heights.
Maintain at least two courts in each park service
area.
Convert courts at Four Seasons, Playcrest and
Western Hills to other uses once the existing
facilities have reached the end of their life.
All tennis courts will be multi-use and shared with
pickleball.
b. Support participation in pickleball by striping all
tennis courts.
c. Provide public community gardens as demand
warrants, up to one per park service area.
Priority on park service areas where other semi
public (operated by a school, church or other
organization) gardens do not exist.
Support partnerships to provide additional
gardens. For example, allow the use of City land
for a neighborhood group to operate and manage
a community garden.
Pickleball is a lifetime sport that is growing in popularity
52
Chapter 5: The Strategic Plan
Proposed Activity Facilities
FIGURE 5.7
35E
694
Sunset
Legacy
Ridge
Park
Park
Playcrest Park
Joy Park
Maplewood
Heights Park
694 Silver
Lake
Hazelwood Park
61
Gervais
-
Lake
COUNTY ROAD C
Kohlman Park
Harvest Park
Four
'
%
Seasons
Park
36
Keller
Sherwood
Regional Sherwood
36
Park
Park
Timber Park
Maplecrest
City Hall
%
Park
Campus &
Community
Robinhood Park
Edgerton ParkCenter
Flicek Park
Roselawn Park
FROST AVE
Veteran's
'
Hillside
Memorial
Kenwood
Gloster Park
Western
Park
Park
Park
Phalen
Lookout
Hills Park
Wakefield
Regional
-
Park
Park
Park
LARPENTEUR AVE E
Nebraska Park
694
Lake
Sterling Oaks Park
Phalen
35E
Geranium
Park
Beaver
Lake
Gethsemane Park
'
Lions Park
3M
%
Lake
Tanner's
94
Lake
'
Battle Creek
Lake
Proposed Activity Facilities
Afton Heights Park
Battle Creek
Regional Park
Facilities
Crestview Park
Tennis/Pickleball Courts
1 Tennis court
Vista
Mailand Park
2 Tennis courts
Hills
City Community Garden
Park
Pleasure rink only
494
Other Community Garden
61
Applewood Park
Pleasure and hockey rink
(hockey rink,
'
Pig's Eye Lake
pleasure rink, warming house)
Warming House
Pleasantview
%
Pleasure Rink Only
Park
Community Center
'
Carver
Lake
City Parks
52
Regional/County Park
10
Park Service Areas
01
[
Miles
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan53
16. Respond to recreation trends by adding
specialty recreation facilities.
Strategies
a. Construct a splash pad.
b. Add an all-inclusive playground at Veterans
Memorial Park.
c. Develop a skate park.
d. Create a disc golf course in Battle Creek
Regional Park.
e. Construct a Tuj Lub (Top Spin) court.
f.
events by having a park with room for at least 6
volleyball courts and signage.
g. As demand warrants, develop an off-leash dog
area in the northern part of Maplewood.
Tuj Lub is a traditional Hmong sport
54
Chapter 5: The Strategic Plan
Proposed Specialty Recreation Facilities
FIGURE 5.8
35E
694
Sunset
Legacy
Ridge
Park
Park
Playcrest Park
Joy Park
Maplewood
Heights Park
694
Silver
Lake
r
Hazelwood Park
61
Gervais
-
Lake
COUNTY ROAD C
Kohlman Park
Harvest Park
Four
Seasons
Park
36
Keller
Sherwood
ADDOUTDOORPERFORMANCESPACE
Regional
36
Park
Park
AND SIGNATURE ADA ACCESSIBLE
Timber Park
Maplecrest
City Hall
r
Park
Campus &
PLAYGROUND
Community
Robinhood Park
Edgerton ParkCenter
Flicek Park
Roselawn Park
FROST AVE
Veteran's
Hillside
Memorial
Kenwood
Gloster Park
Western
Park
Park
Park
Phalen
Lookout
Hills Park
Wakefield
Regional
Park
-
Park
Park
LARPENTEUR AVE E
r
ADD INTERACTIVE
Nebraska Park
WATER FEATURE/694
ADD TUJ LUB
Í
Lake Sterling Oaks Park
Phalen
35E
SPLASH PAD
Geranium
Park
Beaver
Lake
r
Gethsemane Park
Lions Park
3M
Lake
Tanner's
94
Lake
Battle Creek
r
Lake
Afton Heights Park
Proposed Speciality
-
Battle Creek
Regional Park
Recreation Facilities
(Í
Facilities
Specialty Recreation
PARTNER WITH COUNTY FOR DISC GOLF
Crestview Park
Í
1 Tennis court
Off Leash Dog Area
Vista
Mailand Park
2 Tennis courts
Hills
(
Existing Cross-Country Ski
Park
Pleasure rink only
-
494
Sledding Location
61
Applewood Park
Pleasure and hockey rink
Í
Pig's Eye Lake
r
Indoor Pool
Warming House
Pleasantview
r
Park
Swimming Beach
Community Center
'
Carver
Lake
r
City Parks
52
Regional/County Park
10
Park Service Areas
01
[
Miles
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan55
2. Create a Priority Network that makes
TRAILS
North-South and East-West connections
for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Strategies
a. Connect to regional and community parks,
preserves, facilities, schools, commercial areas,
and transit routes.
b. Provide bicycle routes every half to one-mile
Trails are one of the most desired and economical
throughout the City.
park amenities. They bring the park system closer
to every resident, offer transportation alternatives,
c. Connect to destinations and pedestrian/bicycle
and support a healthy, active population. Trails are
facilities in neighboring communities.
essential components in an accessible recreation
3. Establish a system of routes that
system, particularly for those who cannot or choose
highlight the Natural Area Greenways.
not to drive, including low income households,
Strategies
children, and the elderly. Investment in trails pays for
a. Incorporate existing pedestrian and bicycle
itself in health care savings, reduced emissions, and
infrastructure.
reduced reliance on automobiles.
b. Identify the gaps and work to connect trail
segments on public land.
Recommendations
c. Partner with adjacent cities to connect
1. Create a safe, multi-purpose, all-season,
Greenway trails to trails in their communities.
non-motorized trail system throughout
4. Expand the trail network in Parks and
the City.
Preserves
Strategies
Strategies
a. Provide safe road crossings.
a. Continue to add trail loops of 1/2 mile or
b. Sign paved shoulders when utilized to
greater in parks.
supplement the non-motorized system,
b. Add trails featuring low-impact design to
transitioning to off-road facilities or bike lanes
preserves, where appropriate.
where and when possible.
c. Add an ADA trail in one preserve per park
c. Add lighting in key locations.
service area.
d.
d. Balance access to natural areas with
locations.
environmental protection.
e. Consider options for hiking, biking, walking,
5. Continue coordination between the
skating, and cross-country skiing.
Parks and Recreation and Public Works
f. Update the Snow and Ice Control Policy on
Department on the expansion of the
an annual basis to ensure the appropriate
non-motorized transportation system.
prioritization of the network.
Strategies
a. Use neighborhood context, the Living Streets
Policy, and the 2030 Comprehensive Plan to
guide the design of trail and sidewalk projects.
b. Annually review missing segments and priority
corridors as part of the Capital Improvement
Plan process. Coordinate trail and sidewalk
construction with road construction projects.
56
Chapter 5: The Strategic Plan
c. Initiate planning on priority segments to position
projects for grant funding. This task could
include preparing preliminary plans/layouts,
Forest Lake
Columbus
evaluating right of way needs, environmental
documentation, review of historic resources
impact, or building of partnerships.
BRT
ANOKA COUNTY
Rail
d. Ensure Maplewoods non-motorized
transportation needs are incorporated in
Centerville
Hugo
planning and construction processes by other
jurisdictions, including MnDOT and Ramsey
Lino Lakes
County.
e. Continue to implement Maplewoods Living
White Bear
WASHINGTON COUNTY
Streets Policy in areas adjacent to parks and
North Oaks
trails.
Gem
Lake
6. Support multi-modal transportation.
Vadnais
White Bear
a. Ensure safe walking/biking options to system
Heights
Lake
components.
RAMSEY COUNTY
Little
HENNEPIN
b. Introduce a bike rental program at the MCC.Canada
COUNTY
North St. Paul
c. Provide bike racks, water fountains, and
Maplewood
restrooms at facilities as appropriate based on
facility class.
d. Focus transit connections to community and
St. Paul
athletic parks (safe routes from transit stops,
UNION DEPOT
marketing of easy transit connections).
The Rush LIne Corridor (image source: www.rushline.org)
e. Continue to work with regional planning
authorities to make bicycle and pedestrian
connections to, and safe crossings of, the
future Gateway and Rush Line transit corridors.
The Gateway Corridor (image source: www.thegatewaycorridor.com)
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan57
Proposed Pedestrian/Bicycle Network
FIGURE 5.9
35E
694
Sunset
Legacy
Ridge
Park
Park
Playcrest Park
Joy Park
Maplewood
Heights Park
694
Silver
Lake
Hazelwood Park
61
Gervais
Lake
COUNTY ROAD C
Kohlman Park
Harvest Park
Four
Seasons
Park
36
Keller
Sherwood
Regional
36
Park
Park
Timber Park
Maplecrest
City Hall
Park
Campus &
Community
Robinhood Park
Edgerton ParkCenter
Flicek Park
Roselawn Park
FROST AVE
Veteran's
Hillside
Memorial
Kenwood
Gloster Park
Western
Park
Park
Park
Phalen
Lookout
Hills Park
Wakefield
Regional
Park
Park
Park
LARPENTEUR AVE E
Nebraska Park
694
Lake Sterling Oaks Park
Phalen
35E
Geranium
Park
Beaver
Lake
Gethsemane Park
Lions Park
3M
Lake
Tanner's
94
Lake
Battle Creek
Lake
Afton Heights Park
Proposed Pedestrian/Bicycle Network
Battle Creek
Proposed Pedestrian/Bicycle Network
Regional Park
Proposed Grade-separated Crossing
Priority Network
Crestview Park
Existing Pedestrian/Bicycle Network
Vista
Mailand Park
Proposed Pedestrian/Bicycle Network
Hills
Park
Existing Regional Trail
494
61
Applewood Park
Proposed Regional Trail
Pig's Eye Lake
Existing Neighboring Pedestrian/Bicyle Network
Pleasantview
Park
Proposed Neighboring Pedestrian/Bicyle Network
Carver
Lake
City Preserve
52
City Parks
10
Regional/County Park
01
[
Miles
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan58
Pedestrian/Bicycle Network Priority Improvements
FIGURE 5.10
694
Sunset
Legacy
Ridge
Park
Park
Playcrest Park
Joy Park
Maplewood
Heights Park
Silver
694
Lake
Hazelwood Park
61
Gervais
Lake
COUNTY ROAD C
Kohlman Park
Harvest Park
Four
Seasons
Park
36
Keller
Sherwood
36
Regional
Park
Park
Timber Park
Maplecrest City Hall
ParkCampus &
Community
Robinhood Park
Center
Edgerton Park
Flicek Park
Roselawn Park
FROST AVE
Veteran's
Hillside
Memorial
Kenwood
Gloster Park
Western
Park
Park
Park
Phalen
Lookout
Hills Park
Wakefield
Regional
Park
Park
Park
LARPENTEUR AVE E
Nebraska Park
694
Lake
Sterling Oaks Park
Phalen
35E
Geranium
Park
Beaver
Lake
Gethsemane Park
Lions Park
3M
Lake
Tanner's
94
Lake
Battle Creek
Lake
Afton Heights Park
Battle Creek
Regional Park
Pedestrian/Bicycle Network Priority Improvements
Pedestrian/Bicycle Network Priority Improvements
Crestview Park
Proposed Grade-separated Crossing
Vista
Mailand Park
2013-2016 Project
Hills
Park
Planned CIP Project (No Time/Funding)
494
£
61
Missing Segment
Applewood Park
Pig's Eye Lake
Priority Project Corridors
Pleasantview
Park
Existing Pedestrian/Bicycle Network
Carver
Lake
City Preserve
£
52
City Park
£
10
Regional/County Park
[
01
Miles
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan59
observation, bird/wildlife watching, walking/
NATURAL AREAS & GREENWAYS
b. Use management plans to guide preservation,
restoration, and management of the natural
resources in individual neighborhood preserves.
c. Use low impact design to add trails to
Maplewood residents place a high value on
preserves where appropriate. Balance the
environmental health, preserving natural open spaces,
types of trails available in individual preserves
and linking open spaces throughout the City. The Parks
(paved, soft surface, mowed, etc.) based
and Recreation and Public Works Departments are in
on trail availability within a park service area,
position to exemplify environmental leadership through
greenway designation, connection to existing
education, demonstration, design, maintenance and
trails, topography, natural resource quality, and
operations. Continued investment in natural areas will
environmental protection.
help keep Maplewoods environment healthy.
d. Improve access to nature for people of all
abilities by ensuring one ADA neighborhood
preserve trail in each of the park service areas.
Recommendations
3. Retain scenic areas, landscape buffers,
1. Establish Community Preserves as
and drainageways as other open space
integrated, multi-purpose areas set
areas that are minimally maintained and
aside for preserving natural resources,
have no maintained, public trails.
connecting people to nature, and
providing educational programming and
4. Create a Protected Ecological Area
historic interpretation.
parks, preserves, and open spaces that
Strategies
have high-quality plant communities
a. Categorize Maplewood Nature Center, Prairie
and wildlife habitat. Actively preserve,
Farm, Gladstone Savanna, and Fish Creek as
restore, and manage these areas.
Community Preserves.
Strategies
b. Use natural resource management plans to
a. Identify the location of the communitys highest
guide the preservation, management, and
quality plant communities and wildlife habitat
restoration of natural resources.
on public property.
c. Use individual master plans for each
b. Establish a policy regarding public access and
activities allowed in these areas.
ability to accommodate natural resource-
based recreation opportunities such as play
c. Create or update natural resource management
areas, sitting areas, picnic shelters, paved trail
plans for these areas.
networks, community gardens, educational
5. Maintain the Nature Center as the
programming, and camping.
community hub for environmental
d. Provide historic interpretation to share the
stewardship and nature-based
history of the site.
programming.
2. Maintain Neighborhood Preserves as
Strategies
areas set aside for the preservation of
a. Undertake a Master Plan to assess the
natural resources and to connect people
condition of the existing facility, determine
with nature.
future needs and appropriate location, and
establish a long-term vision.
Strategies
a. Limit activities in neighborhood preserves to
b. Explore opportunities to create satellite
low impact activities such as nature study/
locations for nature-based programming in
select neighborhood preserves.
60
Chapter 5: The Strategic Plan
FIGURE 5.11
35E
694
Prairie Farm
Sunset
Joy
Preserve
Legacy
Ridge
Preserve
Park
Park
Playcrest Park
Joy Park
Maplewood
Heights Park
694
Silver
Kohlman Creek
Hidden Marsh Preserve
Lake
Preserve
Hazelwood Park
61
Gervais
Fisher's Corner
Lake
Preserve
COUNTY ROAD C
Kohlman Park
Spoon Lake
Harvest Park
Four
Preserve
Seasons
Park
36
Keller
Sherwood
Regional
36
Park
Park
Timber Park
Maplecrest
City Hall
Park
Campus &
Trout Brook
Community
Robinhood Park
Preserve
Edgerton ParkCenter
Flicek Park
Roselawn Park
FROST AVE
Veteran's
Gladstone Savanna
Hillside
Memorial
Kenwood
Gloster Park
Western
Park
Park
Park
Phalen
Lookout
Hills Park
Wakefield
Regional
Park
Park
Park
LARPENTEUR AVE E
Priory
Preserve
Nebraska Park
Jims Prairie 694
Lake
Sterling Oaks Park
Preserve
Phalen
35E
Beaver Creek
Preserve
Geranium
Park
Beaver
Lake
Nature Center
Preserve
Gethsemane Park
Lions Park
3M
Lake
Tanner's
94
Lake
Battle Creek
Lake
Afton Heights Park
Battle Creek
Regional Park
Crestview Park
Preserves
Vista
Mailand Park
Hills
Park
Existing Preseve Trails
Applewood
494
Preserve
61
Applewood Park
Proposed Preserve Trails
Pig's Eye Lake
Community Preserve
Pleasantview
Park
Neighborhood Preserve
Carver
Lake
Carver
Preserve
City Parks
52
Fish Creek
Regional/County Park
Preserve
10
Park Service Areas
01
[
Miles
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan61
6. Promote the Natural Area Greenways
Maplewoods four greenways.
Strategies
from easily implementable and more temporary, to
a. Connect Preserves, Parks, and Open Spaces
embedded and permanent. Route markers should
across jurisdictional boundaries within the
Greenways.
surrounding area.
b. Use existing and proposed trails, sidewalks,
bike routes, and water bodies to make
connections.
c. Use these routes to prioritize paved, off-road
trail construction where appropriate.
d. Develop artful, context-sensitive trail markers
routes.
e. Improve and expand Greenway routes with
future projects and partnerships where
appropriate.
f. Promote the distinct identities, features, and
modes of travel within each Greenway.
g. Interpret historic and natural assets along the
Greenway Routes where appropriate.
7. Integrate Natural Resource Management
Trail markers can be subtle and unobtrusive
into Parks and Preserves.
Strategies
a. Integrate food production in City parks and
preservesedibles, foraging, permaculture,
community gardens, etc.
b. Create and follow management plans (e.g.
Beaver Creek Corridor Management Plan).
Identify and classify natural areas/plant
communities/restoration areas.
Prioritize restoration/management strategies
within sites and across the system.
More permanent options include pavement-embedded mile markers
c. Minimize monocultures and establish
biodiversity goals to support wildlife habitat.
d. Consider ecotype distribution across the
system (diversity of forest, prairie, savanna,
wetland, lacustrine environments) when
exploring natural resources restoration.
e. Identify and manage for target species (e.g.
threatened or special concern species) as
possible tools for educating and engaging the
community.
Canoeing the Chain-of-Lakes Greenway
62
Chapter 5: The Strategic Plan
Greenway Routes
FIGURE 5.12
694
694694
694
694694
694694
694694694
Prairie Farm
Joy
Preserve
Preserve
Silver
694
694694694
Kohlman Creek
Hidden Marsh Preserve
HOLLOWAY-BEAVER
694
Lake
Preserve
Gervais
Fisher's Corner
616161616161
61
Hazelwood Park
Connects Southwood Preserve in
Lake
Preserve
COUNTY ROAD C
North St. Paul to Beaver Lake County
Park
Spoon Lake
Preserve
Utilizes a mix of sidewalks, paved
3636
36
36
36
3636
trails, and hiking trails
Keller
PHALEN-CASEY
Regional
36
36
36
Route has gaps to be addressed
Park
Water trail from Kohlman Lake to
City Hall
Campus &
Trout Brook
Lake Phalen showcases lake ecotype Community
Preserve
Flicek Park
Center
FROST AVE
Utilizes existing regional park trails
Gladstone Savanna
Phalen
Regional
Park
LARPENTEUR AVE E
Priory
Preserve
Jims Prairie
694694694
694
Lake
Preserve
Phalen
35E35E35E
35E
Beaver Creek
Preserve
Geranium
Park
Beaver
Lake
Nature Center
Preserve
BATTLE CREEK
Highlights the Oak Forest ecotype
3M
Lake
of Battle Creek
Utilizes existing regional park trails,
Tanner's
94 94
94
94
94
connector trails, and sidewalks 94
94
Lake
Natural Area Greenways
Battle Creek
& Greenway Routes
Lake
Afton Heights Park
Battle Creek
Battle Creek Route
Regional Park
Fish Creek Route
Fish Creek Route Gap
Crestview Park
Holloway Beaver Route
Vista
Hills
Park
Holloway Beaver Route Gap
Applewood
494494494
494
Preserve 494
Phalen Casey Route
616161616161
Applewood Park
FISH CREEK
Pig's Eye Lake
Phalen Casey Water Route
Connects Woodburys
Pleasantview
Natural Area Greenways
Park
Carver Lake Park with Fish
Carver
Lake
Carver
City Preserve
Creek Preserve
Preserve
Future hiking trail along Fish
5252525252
525252
City Park
Fish Creek
Creek
Preserve
10101010
Regional/County Park
Future paved trail at Fish
Creek Preserve
01
Miles
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan63
Recommendations
ARTS & CULTURE
1. Establish funding to support a
sustainable public art program for
Maplewood Parks.
Strategies
a. Establish a separate funding source for
The City is uniquely poised to grow a sustainable
programs.
arts and culture ecosystem over the next 20 years,
b. Recruit Community Advisory Committee or
building on its strong cultural and transportation
Friends group to aid in planning and artist
history, extensive parks and recreation system,
selection.
potential for future development, and a growing
c. Develop additional support systems, funding
minority population that is rich with cultural traditions.
sources, gifts, and private partnerships.
Maplewood is also situated close to a booming Twin
2. Establish a public art commissioning
Cities arts community that offers an enormous talent
plan for priority parks, trails, and public
pool and experienced support services.
facilities.
A thriving arts and cultural ecosystem is considered
Strategies
vital to creating healthy and sustainable communities.
a. Create a public art overlay map for each
The arts enhance livability, bring diverse groups
project, indicating locations, types, and budget
of people together, celebrate history and heritage,
allocations.
contribute to economic vitality, enhance learning in
b. Develop criteria and objectives for each project
classrooms, raise awareness of environmental and
and prepare RFQs for artists.
social concerns, and bring beauty and meaning to the
c. Implement review and selection of artists,
built environment.
followed by contracting and monitoring of
Most of Americas large cities have art departments work performed by artists (from design through
installation).
and public art programs. For many smaller cites with
limited resources, arts development is overseen via
d. Establish maintenance policies and procedures,
public-private partnerships. Some cities partner with
including training for parks maintenance staff,
periodic inspection, and maintaining database
group. Some cities combine efforts with neighboring
per project.
regions to share the workload and increase
3. Incorporate art into the park system.
opportunities.
Strategies
a. Commission artists to produce unique park
Maplewoods arts and cultural programming will grow
amenities such as benches, railings, picnic
and evolve organically over time. The City should
build on its successful relationships and partnerships
etc.
to foster arts in the City. Moving forward, the City will
need to expand partnerships with nearby communities
b.
at Veterans Memorial Park and a mobile stage
and their arts resources. A useful strategy is to create
for temporary set up at neighborhood events.
a Friends group, which could serve as a community
advisory committee, encourage citizen involvement
4. Support cultural programming by diverse
cultural groups seeking to use parks.
to meet the Citys growing demand.
Strategies
a. Establish community multicultural advisory
committee to provide guidance and planning
input.
64
Chapter 5: The Strategic Plan
b. Create infrastructure and provide venues to
accommodate programming.
c. Conduct assessment to determine
effectiveness of programming, and make
adjustments to future investments accordingly.
d. Document and promote programming to
encourage increased participation.
5. Respond to needs for educational
programming that integrates arts with the
promotion of environmental stewardship
and the history of Maplewood.
Strategies
a. Establish an education advisory group with
representatives from arts and environmental
groups, schools, historical societies, watershed
district, etc.
b. Support efforts to incorporate art into
rain gardens, GreenStep Cities initiatives,
recycling, composting, renewable energy, and
Artful fencing is an example of art integrated with infrastructu
stewardship programs.
c. Support participation by broader community
to engage with artists in the planning and
implementation of programming.
d. Continue/increase art programming in locations
such as MCC, Bruentrup Farm, and the Nature
Center.
6. Build awareness and appreciation for
the communitys history.
Strategies
a.
historic resources at parks and preserves.
Seating provides an opportunity for public art
b. Provide historic interpretation where possible
in parks and preserves and along trails and
greenway routes.
c. Partner with groups such as Maplewood Area
Historical Society on history programming, and
support the community-wide initiatives of the
Bruentrup Heritage Farm.
The Bruentrup Heritage Farm is homebase for Maplewood Area Histo
Society
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan65
2. Maintain and improve high quality,
PROGRAMS
diverse program offerings for all ages
(children, teens, adults, and seniors).
Strategies
a. Provide early childhood programming to build
long-term relationships with families.
b. Develop intergenerational programming.
The need for recreation is an essential element of
c. Explore programs that a variety of family
human biology and psychology and a component
members can enjoy within the same location.
of a healthy, vital community. Recreation programs
are typically pursued for enjoyment, health, skill
d. Provide multi-age programs so siblings can
development, enrichment, socialization, entertainment,
attend programs at the same location and time.
e. Offer wellness education such as nutrition
and demographic trends mean programs need to
education.
constantly evolve. It is an exciting time for programs in
f. Provide informal or drop-in activities for people
Maplewood with future recommendations focused on
of all ages.
community-building events like 5K runs and concerts,
g. Develop programming to address gaps not
updating multipurpose buildings in parks to bring
served by other agencies and organizations.
more programs to neighborhoods, and emphasizing
h. Assist adults in forming their own groups based
outreach to diverse population groups.
on interests.
i. Expand youth programming by engaging youth
Recommendations
in program design to ensure the programming
is relevant, well-attended, and high quality.
j. Explore new programming opportunities made
Strategies
available through technology.
a. Program events to draw residents to the
3. Ensure equitable access to programs.
park and recreation facilities. Scale events
Strategies
appropriately to the type of park, such
a. Offer programming and facility space for partner
as concerts at community parks and
organizations to meet the needs of individuals
neighborhood picnics in neighborhood parks.
with disabilities.
b. Encourage the use of neighborhood shelters
b.
and warming houses for neighborhood
programs to the community.
events through special permits and marketing
assistance.
c. Provide grants and scholarships to eliminate
c. Explore opportunities to have a public
community garden in each of the park service
d. Provide a diverse range of programming
areas.
formats, ranging from classes to events to
specialized clubs.
d. Use mobile/pop-up delivery methods to offer
similar programs in each of the park service
e. Explore off-peak programming, with programs
areas.
offered over the noon hour, later hours and on
weekends, to meet the needs of those with
e. Use demographic data and neighborhood
non-traditional work schedules.
surveys to tailor programs to an area.
f. Work with partners to modify programming to
meet the needs of diverse populations, such as
offering times for female only swimming.
g. Explore opportunities to offer programming
in neighborhoods at community gyms and in
parks.
66
Chapter 5: The Strategic Plan
100% USER FEE
SUPPORTED OF
DIRECT COST
HIGHLY
INDIVIDUAL
+
BENEFIT
For example: Private
Lessons, Pre-school,
Field Trips, Tennis, Dance
100%
MOSTLY INDIVIDUAL
RECREATION TIERED PRICING
BENEFIT
MODEL
For example: Youth Sports, Adult
Athletic Leagues, Swim Lessons, Fitness
75%
INDIVIDUAL / COMMUNITY
BENEFIT
For example: Senior & Adult Programs
50%
COMMUNITY INDIVIDUAL BENEFIT
For example: Teen Programs, After School / No School Activities,
Activities, Events
25%
COMMUNITY BENEFIT
100% TAX
SUPPORTED
For example: Parkland and Facilities, Playgrounds, Trails
0%
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan67
4. Promote performance arts and cultural 7. Use volunteers and service learning
events in parks and at recreation programs to support recreational,
facilities.arts, cultural, and natural resource
management programming.
Strategies
a. Develop a concert/performance art series. 8. Strengthen the Maplewood Community
Center as the indoor recreational,
b. Explore an artist-in-residence program.
cultural, and arts hub for the community.
c. Show movies in the park on a rotating
Strategies
schedule, providing a movie in each park
a. Regularly evaluate recreational trends and
service area during the year.
participant feedback to ensure Maplewood
d. Develop events that showcase the diverse
Community Center programming is meeting
culture of the community.
current needs.
5. Connect people with nature, including
b. Continue to expand special and cultural events
land, water, and wildlife resources, and
c. Explore additional partnerships with local
empower them to be stewards of the
organizations to expand programming options.
environment.
Strategies
a. Reconnect with schools to provide outdoor
nature experiences and education in a variety of
locations, including schools, parks, preserves,
rain gardens, and at the Nature Center.
b. Provide volunteer opportunities for all ages
to participate in hands-on citizen science
monitoring programs such as frog monitoring,
monarch tagging, open space monitors, etc.
c. Use mobile delivery methods to bring nature
based education to participants.
6. Respond to changing recreation trends
and ensure quality programming.
Strategies
a. Use participant feedback, recreation trends
and demand to adjust program mix and keep
programs and activities fresh and appealing.
b. Benchmark programs annually to determine
effectiveness. Evaluate and retool programs not
achieving benchmark targets.
c. Use pilot programs to determine effectiveness
d. Coordinate with associations, schools,
neighborhood governmental agencies,
businesses, and local organizations on
programming to provide maximum coverage,
avoid overlap and cross-market activities.
The Maplewood Nature Center offers a variety of program options
68
Chapter 5: The Strategic Plan
9. Improve outreach to diverse populations 11. Provide opportunities for community
and minority groups.involvement in the design, development,
and implementation of parks and
Strategies
recreation.
a. Strengthen relationships with existing organized
groups that serve diverse populations.
Strategies
a. Create a teen advisory board/council to advise
b. Publicize parks and recreation information in
and market events and facility development.
varied, effective ways such as foreign language
newspapers, radio stations, church bulletin
b. Use focus groups to test new ideas.
boards, etc.
c. Continue to engage the community and
c. Collaborate to host cultural events.
neighborhood in the park design process.
d. Reduce language barriers by offering
12. Make Sustainability Education/Outreach
translation services, translating written materials
a Priority.
into multiple languages.
Strategies
e. Use universal symbols and translations in
a. Market and interpret sustainable practices and
signage.
pilot programs.
f. Strive to have Parks & Recreation programs
b. Offer sustainable living classes/workshops/
community events tied to sustainable efforts in
community.
the parks and preserves.
10. Become the go to parks and recreation
c. Continue and expand volunteer recruitment
clearinghouse
and training programs to supplement service
projects, outreach, and events.
Strategies
a. Continue to utilize diverse methods of
communication, including social and digital
media.
b. Publicize testimonials from customers through
a variety of media outlets.
c. Highlight youth, families, mentors, volunteers
in City newsletter and recreation activities
brochure.
d. Post videos after events.
e. Explore the use of blog to allow networking
between program participants.
f. Celebrate the opening of every new or
renovated facility or program.
g. Regularly tell the sustainability story to inspire
private action and demonstrate cost savings.
h. Provide information on the Citys website and in
outside publications about parks, facilities, and
programming that is accessible to people with
disabilities.
i.
trails, recreation, and open space.
j. Recognize sponsors, donors, and advocates.
natural resources and sustainable practices
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan69
70
Chapter 5: How We Will Get There
The Parks and Recreation Master Plan is intended
to guide the big picture decision making by City
recommendations regarding funding, the priorities
for the future, estimated costs, and potential funding
sources.
The second part is the Toolkit. The tools are a guide
to evaluating new initiatives and projects. The toolkit
should assist with decision-making system wide and
on a case by case basis. The toolkit includes:
New Program and Project Review.
Activity Delivery Guidelines.
Recreation Facility Service Standards.
the process for capital improvements, measuring
progress, and master plan update.
Views from Applewood Preserve
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan71
Funding Recommendations
4.
recreation foundation for the promotion and
1. Identify funding needs and plan for maintaining
fundraising for system needs.
the system.
5. Build partnerships.
Strategies
a. Develop asset management program.
Strategies
a. Continue to work with the Public Works and
b. Evaluate on-going operational and life cycle
Planning Departments on environmental
costs when making facility capital decisions.
stewardship and trail and bikeway projects.
2. Ensure adequate funding to meet system
b. Implement park projects that will stimulate
goals.
private investment and strengthen residential
neighborhoods.
Strategies
a. Increase Parks and Recreation share of
c. Improve relationship with school districts,
current levy.
including their community education
departments.
b. Explore use of a franchise fee to fund
d. Partner with existing arts organizations for
arts related programming and events.
c. Update park, trail and open space dedication
requirements on a biannual basis. (PAC
e. Maximize use of volunteers.
funds)
f. Partner with private organizations for
d. Seek grants.
outreach to ethnic populations.
e. Explore funding options dedicated to health
g. Develop ambassadors to promote and
improvement.
champion investments in the park system.
f. Hold fee based events.
g. Establish an Infrastructure Replacement
Reserve Fund to cover major capital repairs
and replacements.
h. Create a Fees and Charges Policy that
the basic community and are 100% tax
supported and services that have mostly
fees and charges will offset costs.
i. Encourage business involvement,
sponsorship, naming rights of parks,
recreation facilities and events.
3. Consider a bond referendum.
Strategies
a. Conduct a study to determine the appropriate
bond referendum amount, package of
improvements, and appropriate timing.
b. Develop a bond referendum strategy that
market and champion the referendum.
72
Chapter 6: Priorities, Toolkit, and Using the Plan
PRIORITIES
Priorities are drawn from the recommendations listed
in Chapter 5 and are organized in two charts on the
following pages: Table 6.1 Priority Actions and Table
6.2 Priority Capital Improvement Projects. While this
master plan is a visionary document that looks out 20
key initiatives that should be the Citys focus in the
next 10 years. The ability of the City to achieve its
priorities will be a function primarily of staff time and
investment of either time or funding for a one-time
improvement, others will involve a minimal amount of
time on an ongoing basis.
Priority Actions
The priority actions in Table 6.1 have been organized
using the categories of funding, parks and recreation
facilities, trails, natural resources and greenways, arts
and culture, and programs. In addition to providing
a description and timeframe for each priority, the
the effort and the types of resources needed for its
implementation.
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan73
Priority Actions
6.1
TABLE
ActionDescriptionResponsibilityTimingResources
Funding
Parks and Recreation Facilities
ActionDescriptionResponsibilityTimingResources
Funding
Parks and Recreation Facilities
74
Chapter 6: Priorities, Toolkit, and Using the Plan
Priority Actions and Projects, continued
6.1
TABLE
ActionDescriptionResponsibilityTimingResources
Trails
Natural Areas and Greenways
Arts and Culture
Programming
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan75
Priority Capital Improvement Projects are likely to provide a smaller percentage of overall
funding. The City will need to expand its general
The Maplewood Parks and Recreation System Master
funding allocation or explore new revenue streams,
such as a referendum or utility fee, to support the
to $1 to $2 million per year over the next 20 years.
availability, the City may also need to explore
Planning for and funding these capital improvement
phasing of larger capital improvements, such as for
projects will continue to be challenging, particularly
the signature park improvements. While not ideal
as the community is now focused on maintenance
because it is generally more expensive and extends
and reinvestment rather than expansion. During the
the time period when a park is out of service, phasing
expansion phase of a parks and recreation system,
does ensure there is funding available for other capital
funding can be secured from park dedication and
improvement projects at the same time. Table 6.2
grants to supplement general funds. Now that the
community is in a maintenance and reinvestment
order of their priority.
Priority Capital Improvement Projects
6.2
TABLE
ActionDescriptionNotesEstimated
Cost
Highest Priority
Ongoing (listed in order by highest cost)
Other Priority Projects (listed in order of priority)
*Note: costs based on concepts and recommendations in this sys
76
Chapter 6: Priorities, Toolkit, and Using the Plan
Priority Capital Improvement Projects, continued
6.2
TABLE
ActionDescriptionNotesEstimated
Cost
*Note: costs based on concepts and recommendations in this sys
FUNDING SOURCES
possible, likely, best depending on how well the action and fund
Funding Sources
6.3
TABLE
PrioritiesGen-Utility Park State Park/Trail GrantsPart-Donations
eral FeeBond Aid Dedica-ner-
FundsReferen-Fundstionships
dum
Key
Best Funding SourceLikely Funding SourcePossible Funding Source
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan77
78
Chapter 6: Priorities, Toolkit, and Using the Plan
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan79
TOOLKIT
Idea Evaluation Phase
Park and Recreation plans are not static documents.
The Parks and Recreation Department will be
Baseline Evaluation by Staff
faced with on-going decision making on issues not
Test idea against master plan
The toolkit contains processes, standards, and
recommendations and decision principles
guidelines to assist with the evaluation of new projects
Depending on the scope of the idea,
and initiatives, whether they are system-wide or on a
decision can be made by staff or introduced
case by case basis. The toolkit includes:
to the Recreation and Parks Commission
and Planning Commission
New Program and Project Review Process
DECISION PRINCIPLES
Activity Delivery Guidelines
CHECKLIST
Recreation Facility Service Standards
Is the action economically and environmentally
sustainable in the short and long term?
General Recreation and Parks Capital and
Operations and Maintenance Costs
Will the action help engage and connect people,
parks, trails and open spaces?
PROGRAM AND PROJECT REVIEW
Does the action support a city-wide system of
PROCESS
recreational facilities and parks?
One of the most challenging things for a parks and
Will the action encourage community gathering?
recreation department is knowing when to say yes
Will the action build community awareness and
to a new project and when to say no. The program
advocacy for recreation and parks?
and project review process provides a sample outline
for a systematic review process for new requests.
Does the action increase awareness of history,
culture, and art?
Systematic review ensures that new projects are in-line
with system-wide goals and can be adequately funded,
Have life cycle and operational costs been adequately
addressed?
staffed, and maintained prior to implementation.
neighborhoods?
Project Review Process
FIGURE 6.1
Does the action serve an unmet need?
Does the action create new recreation opportunities?
Idea Evaluation Phase
Does the action inspire community pride?
Idea Generation
Have all facility and partnership options been
evaluated before deciding to add infrastructure or
Idea may come from commissioners, public,
programs?
stakeholders, or staff
Idea proposal should include: description of
funding sources, timeframe, permits, market
study (if applicable/needed), permits needed,
availability to the public
80
Chapter 6: Priorities, Toolkit, and Using the Plan
Idea Evaluation PhasePlanning PhaseImplementation Phase
Implementation
Parks Commission/
Planning
Planning Review
Construction
Concept
documents
Review focus if
the idea has merit,
Construction
Preliminary plan
how it relates
Program delivery
Final Plan
to polices and
Method for
Program timetable
measuring
implications
Depending on
scope of the idea,
decision can be
made here or sent
Program Prioritization
on to the City
Council
Project is
prioritized
based on policy
decisions, public
needs, and other
initiatives
Operation of Facility
or Programs
City Council Review
Funding Allocation
Facility or program
Review focus
is now serving the
if the idea has
Funding for all
public need
merit, how it
aspects of the
relates to polices Council Action:
program/project
authorize
and broad based
are approved and
development and
annual operations
operation, award
and maintenance
Council Action:
contracts
authorize staff
are addressed
Reporting
to proceed to
provided to
planning phase
Council Action:
or notCouncil and
authorize funding
Commission
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan81
GENERAL CAPITAL AND OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
The following table is a tool that the City can use to initially
quickly grasp the general cost for new improvements. Equally imp
are the ongoing operations and maintenance (O&M) costs. Adequate
ensures that facilities last their expected life and that parks
General Capital and Operations & Maintenance Costs
6.4
TABLE
Park ElementCapital CostAnnual O&M CostEstimated Notes
Life
(Years)
New Park Development
General Grounds & Landscaping
Park Building & Shelters
Trails & Surfaces
82
Chapter 6: Priorities, Toolkit, and Using the Plan
General Capital and Operations & Maintenance Costs, continued
6.4
TABLE
Park ElementCapital CostAnnual O&M CostEstimated Notes
Life
(Years)
Park Amenities
Athletic Fields
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan83
General Capital and Operations & Maintenance Costs, continued
6.4
TABLE
Park ElementCapital CostAnnual O&M CostEstimated Notes
Life
(Years)
84
Chapter 6: Priorities, Toolkit, and Using the Plan
PARK CLASSIFICATIONS
size, and ideal site locations. This table is particularly usefu
use plans.
6.5
TABLE
SIZE
CLASSIFICATIONUSESERVICE AREALOCATION
(TYPICAL)
City Facilities
Non-City Facilities
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan85
6.3
FIGURE
86
Chapter 6: Priorities, Toolkit, and Using the Plan
ACTIVITY DELIVERY GUIDELINES
The following guidelines provide direction regarding the public
in an effort to provide equitable and convenient access to facil
example, disc golf and indoor ice arenas are specialized facilit
City, while childrens play equipment and open grass play space
alone or in partnership with the City.
Activity Delivery Guidelines
6.6
TABLE
Delivery LevelRecreation FocusFacility ExamplesPlacesService Area
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan87
RECREATION FACILITY SERVICE STANDARDS
The Recreation Facility Service Standards identify a minimum lev
section relates to the recommendations outlined in the objective
Consideration should be given to public access to other non-city
indicate the potential to re-position the facility mix within th
do not tell the whole story as facility usability is affected by
activities at any given time.
Recreation Facility Service Standards
6.7
TABLE
Standard Current Excess / Recommendations /
Minimum Number
Facilityper PopulationRangeNumberNotes
Service Area
CONTINUED
88
Chapter 6: Priorities, Toolkit, and Using the Plan
Recreation Facility Service Standards, continued
6.7
TABLE
Standard Current Excess / Recommendations /
Minimum Number
Facilityper PopulationRangeNumberNotes
Service Area
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan89
Recreation Facility service Standards, continued
6.7
TABLE
Minimum
Number per Current Excess / Recommendations /
FacilitiesService AreaPopulationRangeNumberNotes
90
Chapter 6: Priorities, Toolkit, and Using the Plan
USERS GUIDEMEASURING PROGRESS
This section addresses processes that will help ensure Routine evaluation of the park and recreation system
is valuable, particularly when justifying requests for
public will support Maplewoods Park and Recreation funds, facilities, staff time, and volunteers. Regular
System Master Plan.evaluation helps demonstrate that master planning
efforts and strategic initiatives are progressing.
Recreation is dynamic and evolves rapidly. Park and
recreation facilities as well as recreation programs
and activities must be responsive to changing
decision makers have a thorough understanding of
recreation, demographic, and community needs.
A high performing recreation system regularly
and recreation users. Regular evaluations also have
assesses community needs, measures satisfaction,
the potential for pinpointing which improvements
and responds to meet those needs. Inherently this
would better serve system users and identifying
benchmarks for excellence.
It also means regular community feedback with plan
The City of Maplewood already conducts some
evaluation of its services, including counts of recreation
program participants and users of its fee based
different it is today. New recreation activities and
services. The Citys annual parks and recreation report/
equipment emerge (in-line skates, the mountain bike,
presentation should communicate this information
Parks and Recreation Master Plans should regularly be
should include information about facilities conditions,
maintenance status, rehabilitation/replacement
Annual or bi-annual review of this plan to ensure that
priorities and recommendations are still relevant and
successes and challenges.
that progress updates occur is essential to building
and maintaining a great parks and recreation system.Comprehensive evaluations of park and recreation
systems should include both qualitative and
Capital Improvement Plans
quantitative components. Qualitative tools, such
as surveys, are relatively easy to conduct and are
Systematic planning and budgeting for capital
important in gauging satisfactions, trends, and
improvements is a key governmental function.
need. Surveys, though, do not tell the entire picture.
Quantitative methods, such as counts, are important
a shared vision and a common understanding of
in capturing the who, what, where, and when of park
needs and priorities. The City of Maplewoods
Capital Improvement Plan is a key component of this
demonstrating the magnitude of usage.
process. The annual process for capital improvement
Quantitative Data
to regularly review the Asset Management Plan to
Number of recreation activities and participants
ensure that maintenance and replacement needs are
tracked through registrations.
also addressed.
Number of events, facility users, and participants
tracked through reservations, permitting, and in
requests of associations.
Number of volunteer participants.
Number of individuals and dollar value of those
using the scholarship program.
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan91
Number of people using parks, trails, and Evaluate whether perceptions of safety have
other non-fee based facilities through a user improved and compare to actual statistics of
count program. This data might be collected incidents.
by counting cars in the parking lot, creating a
Identify challenges and what steps have been
neighborhood park count volunteer program, or
taken to address them.
installing new technology to count trail users.
Number of park master plans completed and
how many citizens participated in each process.
Miles of the pedestran-bicycle network
completed.
Park and trail safety number of accidents,
incidents, and crime.
Qualitative Data
City-wide survey on a regular basis used to
evaluate trends over time.
Conduct satisfaction surveys of recreation
activity participants.
Evaluate perceptions of safety in use of parks
and trails.
Create evaluation for associations and other
groups which regularly use facilities.
there, why they came, how long they stayed,
and the importance of the parks different
attributes and facilities. If done regularly this can
be informative in terms of trends.
Conduct focus groups to gather information
about park use habits and desires for future
park system directions.
System Analysis
Identify improvements implemented based on
individual park master plans.
Analyze whether demographic mix of park, trail
demographic composition (age, income, race/
ethnicity).
Outline steps taken toward implementing
System Plan recommendations and priorities.
Evaluate the ability to fund the desired system.
Summarize the amount of outside funding
(partnerships, grants, etc.) secured.
92
Chapter 6: Priorities, Toolkit, and Using the Plan
BENCHMARK COMPARISONS
Community Benchmark Comparisons
A
TABLE
CITY NAMEMaplewoodCottage GroveNew BrightonRosevilleInver Grove
Heights
Maplewood Park & Recreation System Master Plan93
Community Benchmark Comparisons, continued
A
TABLE
CITY NAMEMaplewoodCottage GroveNew BrightonRosevilleInver Grove
Heights
94
Appendix
Community Benchmark Comparisons, continued
A
TABLE
CITY NAMEMaplewoodCottage GroveNew BrightonRosevilleInver Grove
Heights
Maplewood Park & Recreation System Master Plan95
Community Benchmark Comparisons, continued
A
TABLE
CITY NAMEMaplewoodCottage GroveNew BrightonRosevilleInver Grove
Heights
96
Appendix
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM:
Jim Taylor, Parks Manager
SUBJECT:
2015 Parks and Recreation Commission Goals
DATE:
January 21, 2015
INTRODUCTION
In compliance with Article II, Section 21.20 of the Maplewood city ordinance,the Maplewood
Parks and Recreation Commission is required to submit an annual commission report. In
addition to this report, the Parks and Recreation Commissionwillto provide a list of 2015goals
to City Council.
DISCUSSION
Staff is asking the Parks and Recreation Commission to brainstorm a list of potential goals for
2015. After this list is complete, we will discuss the goalsfurther at the MarchParks and
Recreation Commission meeting for final approval.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Parks and Recreation Commission brainstorm a list of 2015goals to be
finalized with the report at the Februarymeeting.