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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-09-15 PRC Packet AGENDA CITY OF MAPLEWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION 6:00 PM September 15, 2021 City Hall, Council Chambers Meeting is also available on Comcast Ch.16 and streaming via vod.maplewoodmn.gov A. CALL TO ORDER B. ROLL CALL C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. July 07, 2021 E. NEW BUSINESS 1. Parks & Rec Programming and Nature Center Task Force Update 2. Afton Field Use Agreement F. UNFINISHED BUSINESS G. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS H. COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS I. STAFF PRESENTATIONS 1. Parks and Natural Resources Updates – (No Report) J. ADJOURNMENT RULES OF CIVILITY FOR THE CITY COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND OUR COMMUNITY Following are rules of civility the City of Maplewood expects of everyone appearing at Commission Meetings - elected officials, staff and citizens. It is hoped that by following these simple rules, everyone’s opinions can be heard and understood in a reasonable manner. We appreciate the fact that when appearing at Commission meetings, it is understood that everyone will follow these principles: Speak only for yourself, not for other Commission members or citizens - unless specifically tasked by your colleagues to speak for the group or for citizens in the form of a petition. Show respect during comments and/or discussions, listen actively and do not interrupt or talk amongst each other. Be respectful of the process, keeping order and decorum. Do not be critical of Commission members, staff or others in public. Be respectful of each other’s time keeping remarks brief, to the point and non-repetitive. MINUTES MAPLEWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION 6:00p.m., July 21, 2021 Held Remotely via Conference Call Wednesday, July 21, 2021 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes A.CALL TO ORDER A meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was held remotely via Zoom and called to order by Chairperson Molstad at 6:00 p.m. B.ROLL CALL Commissioners Craig Brannon, Commissioner Present Kristina Koopman, Commissioner Absent Vickie Lee-Her, Commissioner Present Terri Mallet, Commissioner Present Dorothy Molstad, Chair Present Karen Poppa, Commissioner Present Kimii Porter, Commissioner Absent Staff Audra Robbins, Parks and Recreation Manager Present Nikki Villavicencio, City Council Liaison Present C.APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Commissioner Brannon made a motion to approve the agenda. Seconded by Commissioner Mallet. Ayes – All The motion passed. D.APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1.May 19, 2021 Commissioner Mallett made a motion to approve the May 19, 2021 Parks and Recreation Commission minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Brannon Ayes – All D1 Wednesday, April 21, 2021 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes E.NEW BUSINESS 1. Parks and Recreation Department Updates Audra Robbins, Parks and Recreation Manager, announced that a new Parks & Natural Resources Department is being formed to replace the Parks and Recreation Department. This department will office in the Nature Center Building. Audra answered questions from the commissioners. Carole Gernes, Natural Resources Coordinator, answered questions regarding volunteers. 2.Natural Resources Update Carole Gernes, Natural Resources Coordinator, introduced herself and shared recent developments in the department. 3.Treating Ash Trees at Wakefield Park Carole Gernes, Natural Resources Coordinator, shared regarding efforts to save a significant ash tree at Wakefield Park. F.UNFINISHED BUSINESS G.VISITOR PRESENTATIONS H.COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS I.STAFF PRESENTATIONS 1.Parks and Recreation Update Audra Robbins, Parks and Recreation Manager, shared about the 4th of July Fireworks, a fire at another playground, progress of the task forces and recreation programming. J.ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Brannon made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Mallet.Ayes – All The motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 7:04 p.m. D1 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION STAFF REPORT Meeting Date September 15, 2021 REPORT TO: Parks and Recreation Commission REPORT FROM: Michael Sable, Assistant City Manager / HR Director PRESENTER: Michael Sable, Assistant City Manager / HR Director AGENDA ITEM: Update of Parks & Recreation Programming and Nature Center Task Forces Action Requested: ☐ Motion Discussion ☐ Public Hearing Form of Action: ☐Resolution ☐ Ordinance ☐ Contract/Agreement ☐ Proclamation Policy Issue: This item is informational and intended to provide the Parks and Recreation Commission an update of the Parks & Recreation Programming and Nature Center Task Forces. Two task forces comprised of residents, stakeholders, public agencies, partners and staff were formed to engage in a comprehensive review of the future of Parks & Recreation programs and Nature Center services in the City of Maplewood. Recommended Motion: N/A Fiscal Impact: Is There a Fiscal Impact?  No ☐ Yes, the true or estimated cost is $0. Financing source(s): ☐ Adopted Budget ☐ Budget Modification ☐ New Revenue Source ☐Use of Reserves ☐ Other: na Strategic Plan Relevance: Financial Sustainability ☐Integrated Communication ☐Targeted Redevelopment ☐Operational Effectiveness Community Inclusiveness ☐Infrastructure & Asset Mgmt. Two task forces were formed consisting of residents, stakeholders, and other parties to help develop a new model of service for the Parks & Recreation Programming and Nature Center services in Maplewood. Background Beginning March 13, 2020, all in-person programs and services offered by Parks & Recreation and the Nature Center were closed due to COVID-19 concerns. Since that time, the City continued to evaluate its COVID-19 response and forecast possible budgetary impacts in 2020 and 2021. As the E1 pandemic continued, the City saw significant revenue loss in direct programming fees in these areas. In early June 2020, the decision was made to close the Nature Center and Parks and Recreation programs, which resulted in lay-offs of staff in those areas. With increasing uncertainty about impacts of COVID-19 and a return to “normal” conditions, the future of these services is unknown. At the June 22, 2020 City Council Meeting, direction was given to staff to develop two Task Forces of residents, stakeholders, and other parties to help develop a new model of service for both the Nature Center and for Parks & Recreation Programming in the City of Maplewood. Among the goals of the task forces were to review existing programming, services, and operating budgets, review possible programming alternatives, and identify possible funding partners to help pay for amenities with a regional focus and/or draw. In addition, the Council identified the inclusion of communities of color and other historically underrepresented population for the task forces. Lastly, the Council identified the goal for broad public input, including the use of surveys or other feedback tools. On July 13, 2020, the City Council passed a resolution for formation of the Parks & Recreation Programming and Nature Center Task Forces. On August 24, 2020, the City Council appointed residents and stakeholders to the two Task Forces. Staff included Audra Robbins, Neil Breneman, and Mike Sable. The Task Forces met seven (7) times since and completed a report for the City Council with recommendations. Recommendations included short-, medium-, and long-term implementation timelines. At the January 25, 2021 city council meeting, the task forces presented their findings and recommendations. Each of the task force groups provided recommendations from 6 broad categories: Physical Assets Partnership / Prioritization Service Levels and Business Model Regional Cooperatives Financial Values / Philosophy Since that time, staff has been engaged at all levels of the community and with outside partners to begin implementation where appropriate. The following information is an update on those activities. Attachments 1.September 2021 – Task Force Progress Report 2.Program Review – Sample Peer Cities 3.Parks and Recreation Programming Task Force Recommendations 4.Nature Center Task Force Recommendations 5.Maplewood Living Advertisement – Sample 6.Task Force Updates PowerPoint Presentation E1 1  Parks and Recreation Programming and Nature Center Task Force  Progress Report  September 13, 2021  Each of the task force groups provided recommendations in 6 broad categories:  Physical Assets  Partnership / Prioritization  Service Levels and Business Model   Regional Cooperatives  Financial   Values / Philosophy  Each recommendation including short, medium and long‐term timelines. These recommendations have  provided a framework from which staff has proceeded with the following items. Below is a general  summary and outline of progress in each of the areas.   Recreation Programming  1)PHYSICAL ASSETS a.Assets (fields, grounds, facilities, equipment) are being maintained b.Field, shelter, Wakefield building and gym rentals are all still happening c.Focus on improving functions of popular items we still offer (also #2 Prioritization) i.Shelter rentals 1.Doing updated drone footage and videos of our shelter system to place on the website 2.Will be creating enhanced photos of each shelter and a small map in corner with its relation to the rest of the park ii.Wakefield building rentals 1.Created a rental video and posted to the website https://youtu.be/GLXd31d6t8w 2.Directing people to the video for a visual of the building and amenities 2)PARTNERSHIP / PRIORITIZATION a.PROGRAMMING RESOURCES WEBPAGE (also #3 Service Levels / Models) i.Published links to surrounding communities and associations with sports and programs offerings https://maplewoodmn.gov/2025/Programming‐Events 1.Broke them down into multiple categories and identified specific sports offerings to make for a better user experience 2.Highlighting the ones happening in Maplewood ii.Published links to some surrounding arts/culture/history opportunities 1.To ensure we are not just focusing on athletics b.PROGRAMMING OFFERINGS (also #3 Service Levels / Models) i.Sharing the YMCA sports and programs E1-1 2  1.Highlighting what is happening at the Maplewood location via info in the Maplewood Monthly, on the program webpage, Facebook and emails 2.Using Sherwood park for soccer and flag football programs ii.Sharing the local soccer association (North East United) recreational soccer info 1.Highlighting these as they are happening in Maplewood at Hazelwood park and sharing via emails, Facebook and programming website iii.Looking to work with Rev Sports to fill in offerings around, and compliment, what the YMCA and NEU are offering 1.These programs would be a wide range of sports offerings and would happen in Maplewood gyms or fields c.Working with Community Ed to allow them to use Sherwood and Hillside for after school sports teams while construction is happening at those schools 3)SERVICE LEVELS / BUSINESS MODELS a.Moving to the business model of partnering with others to offer programs and not internal offerings b.We are prioritizing the offering of our most popular sports (T‐ball, Soccer, Basketball) through either current partners (NEU and YMCA) or upcoming partners (Revolution Sports). 4)REGIONAL COOPERATIVES a.Connected with surrounding communities via Minnesota Recreation and Parks Association (MRPA) Athletic Management Group for monthly discussions b.Access to a shared google document within the MRPA group that shares what cities offer, charge, etc for programs and rentals c.Programming Resources webpage again d.Sharing of events / happenings around the area i.Example: Free rowing clinic from Lake Phalen Rowing Club 5)FINANCIAL INVESTMENTS a.Understand that the YMCA is resolving their financial projections i.City staff is in communication with YMCA of the North leadership and is monitoring the situation ii.There will be an independent 3rd party review of financials through the city’s financial advisor (Ehlers) b.Funding and financial investments are still being made to the parks, trails and open spaces i.New bridges at the Nature Center ii.Resurfaced basketball and tennis courts at Vista Hills c.Funding is still being used infrastructure, facilities and rental d.Communicated the Parks and Recreation financial situation / closure to residents via the website and an article in the July 2020 Maplewood Monthly e.We are continuing to offer the adopt a park program 6)VALUES AND PHILOSOPHY a.Exploring the idea of additional survey with input from council and commission b.We are using our values as an evaluation of potential partners such as Revolution Sports, YMCA, NEU etc c.Continuing to share happenings in the community and what we have to offer even if it may not be sports related E1-1 3  i.Johnny Appleseed Day ii.School Supplies Drive iii. Shelter/Building rental opportunities iv.Resurfaced courts Nature Center  1)PHYSICAL ASSET a.Invested in updates for the grounds i.Trail enhancements ii.Walking bridge repair iii. Parking lot resurfacings b.Building is planned to be open limited hours as staff is being moved to office out of the Nature Center i.Limited scope and use at this moment c.Normal outdoor amenities for users remain and grounds regularly maintained d.Looking at re‐opening the snowshoe rental program during the staffed hours this winter 2)PARTNERSHIP / PRIORITIZATION a.Direct outreach to other nature centers in the area. However, there was not much interest in shared programming i.Will follow up with a few that were planning to have deeper internal discussion before reaching back out to us ii.Oakdale and Ramsey County seem most promising, but their focus has been their own internal operation b.Will be exploring the option of contract partners for program offerings c.Tree Trek program is being developed with partnership between Friends of Maplewood Nature and U of M. 3)SERVICE LEVELS / BUSINESS MODEL a.As we begin to open the building and explore partnership opportunities we will offer some limited programming but maintain the building and grounds 4)FINANCIAL INVESTMENTS a.Donations and financing would be a next step after determining viability/opportunity of a partnership so we know what is needed/being asked for in donations 5)ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION a.Still offering various environment education programs (some upcoming below) i.Buckthorn Demonstration and Removal ii.Rain Garden Rescue iii.Emerald Ash Borer, What Can I Do b.Additional focus would be part of programming after establishing a partner or securing a contract partner 6)VOLUNTEER COORDINATION / SUPPORT a.We have an in‐house volunteer coordinator that will work with volunteers when/if we begin to expand operations at the Nature Center E1-1 CITYPOPULATION YOUTH ATHLETICS YOUTH PROGRAMS ADULT ATHLETICS ADULT PROGRAMS WEBPAGE LINKSMaplewood 40,885CityCityCityCityWoodbury72,828 AssociationsCityCityCityhttps://bit.ly/3e6E5CX Plymouth79,768 City, AssociationCityCityCity https://bit.ly/2HCdH7MCoon Rapids62,998Associations, Middle SchoolsComm EdMostly Comm Ed, Some CityCity, Comm Edhttps://bit.ly/3e03iyNRoseville36,457Mostly Association, City Fall SoccerCity City Cityhttps://bit.ly/3mkG2OUBrooklyn Center30,690 Associations City Multi‐City City, Multi‐Cityhttps://bit.ly/31HsbKMAndover33,140Association, City,  YMCACity, YMCA YMCA City, YMCAhttps://bit.ly/3oupfLnLittle Canada10,501City, Other CommunitiesCity City City, Comm Ed https://bit.ly/3e1S5y0Oakdale27,933 Associations City, Comm Ed Associations City, Comm Ed https://bit.ly/3kyQHFgInver Grove Heights35,672Mostly City, Some AssociationCity, some Comm Ed City City, some Comm Edhttps://bit.ly/2G0zkOEShakopee41,570Mostly Association, Some CityCity City Cityhttps://bit.ly/2HHr5Y8St Louis Park48,662Mostly Association, Some CityCity City Mostly Comm Edhttps://bit.ly/3kwEwsPRamsey County P&R554,847 County County Countyhttps://bit.ly/3juDLPlMany non‐sports outdoor rec activities for youth and adult.Both city and association offer youth sports leagues of varying ages and competitive levels. Offers many subcontract youth programs and use of Revsports and Sports unlimited company.Associations run youth sports leagues. Adult athletics and some programs are a multi city partnership with each offering a different sport. Many subcontracted youth programs, youth sports programs by Revsports.Associations offer youth athletic leagues. Youth intro sports programs offered by city until around 6yr. Many subcontracted youth programs. Associations run youth sports leagues and sports programs. Subcontracts for youth programs, runs youth programs at parks and discovery center.Associations and middle schools providing rec/competitive sports. Comm Ed offers youth programs. Adult sports are mostly comm ed but city runs softball. Adult programs offered by city at senior center and promote Comm Ed and county listings/sites.PROGRAM DELIVERY METHOD  ‐ CITY, ASSOCTIATION, COMM ED, OTHER/COMBOAssociations run youth sports leagues, city runs fall rec soccer. Roseville requires associations to offer "rec level" sports leagues to be affiliated and get the field usage. Subcontract for a lot of youth programs and use of Revsports company.City offers a couple youth sports programs but most are association. City bills associations $8/kid for their programs for use of the field and covering supplies for field upkeep.Mostly association with a few Pre K‐Ksports programs/clinics through city.Majority of the programs and sports offered are through the YMCA at the YMCA/Community Center.Hockey and Soccer association run youth athletics for their sports. Comm Ed offers some educational programs for youth and adult/seniors. Many subcontract programs and use of Revsports company.Many youth sports are offered with surrounding communities leagues.E1-2 PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMMING TASK FORCE FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS – JANUARY 19, 2021 1.Physical Assets i.Short-term (6 Months) We recommend staff continue evaluating existing properties/assets (rinks, buildings, fields) to be sure we take care of them to preserve existing infrastructure at a high level We recommend staff physically inspecting our assets on an on-going basis (daily, weekly, monthly, etc….) to preserve the asset Evaluate gym usage and fee structure for 623 and YMCA/MCC – usage rates of each gym Develop inventory map of existing parks and amenities – fields, courts, diamonds, etc… - GIS mapping tools that can be shared widely ii.Medium-term (18 months) We recommend using the Master Plan information to guide decision-making on usage of facilities – understanding demographics (e.g. which sports/activities are fast-growing – Pickleball, etc…) Develop a survey of possible users – and share broadly. Including the Twin Cities Metro Area iii.Long-term (36 months +) We recommend staff to identify groups who are looking for space, and providing access to their needs. (Wakefield example, how to create new opportunities for rental) 2.Partnership / Prioritization i.Short-term (6 Months) Review existing operating or Joint Powers Agreements (JPAs) with Athletic Associations – create standard templates – define what each partner is expected to deliver. Review whether the existing agreements still meet the needs of the partners? Evaluating what we can offer, and what we want to gain from a partner – establish our own criteria needed for partners Identify JPAs with school districts (need to check with ISD 622, NSP) Evaluate YMCA partnership – sit down directly with the leadership to discuss how best to jointly deliver, if possible E1-3 Evaluate community gym agreement with (ISD 623, Roseville) Compile list of existing partners – who uses which gyms, facilities, fitness rooms, facilities and why? Invite existing partners and interview the Associations for their needs going forward Use community surveys to identify new opportunities/needs with residents. Explore information sharing of other cities’ programs and services ii.Medium-term (18 months) We recommend maintain existing relationships with School Districts – they are focused on other things right now. Help them focus beyond this year. (youth programming and community education) iii.Long-term (36 months +) Identify the next big need so that we can be ahead of the curve (similar to how Blaine National Sports Center was established 20 years ago for soccer) – we could become the destination for the next thing. There can be opportunities for targeted outreach to specific cultural communities 3.Service Levels / Business Model i. Youth Programs ii. Youth Sports iii. Adult Programs iv. Adult Sports v. Virtual i.Short-term (6 Months) Make advocacy a higher priority for our message. It’s not just a park, it’s a community. We are making our community thrive through our efforts. Keep the COVID-19 guidelines in mind – get through this phase We recommend building contingency plans for changes to pandemic We recommend planning for increased demand/need for getting out. There will be pent up demand for activities and playing. (example of the golf courses this year – huge increase in volume) We recommend identifying who is best able to deliver in each area by season (city, school, community Ed, athletic associations, YMCA) Convene peers cities to share goals/objectives Staying in contact with existing pool of employees (refs, umps, scorekeepers, etc…) and making sure we don’t lose our contacts. Break out the sports/programming by season and highlight top 2 or 3 to focus on in each area after we’ve identified them – to capture the changes in volume E1-3 Look at peer cities and see what they’re choosing to focus on – and then fill the gap or use others’ strengths with promotion ii.Medium-term (18 months) Capture the demand surge – how do we sustain the momentum of the higher levels. We could offer varying levels of competition – i.e. be a draw for those who want more/less competition 4.Regional Cooperatives i.Short-term (6 Months – 12 months) We recommend explore creating a regional information sharing system – across city boundaries. Identify affinity group partners – reach out to find out who is interested. Find out which communities are currently delivering services and identify in what areas they’re open to considering other ways of working. Evaluate information sharing platforms – for how cities can share easily – technology and platform models Identify which communities we want to be a regional partner and create database to begin Identify athletic management association information (centralized/updated information) – shared Google Doc (fees, rents, rentals, user data….) ii.Medium-term (18 months) We recommend more joint publications and information with peer cities (Little Canada, Roseville, MN DNR, Watershed District, N St. Paul, etc…) Create recommendations aligned with our service/business model Finding the right partners at the City Council(s) in those areas – based off of staff input/groundwork Ramsey County League of Local Government could work, too. 5.Financial Investments i.Short-term (6 Months) We recommend understanding the YMCA financial position long-term (deep dive into their business model, invite them in to discuss) We could potentially charge more to offer higher level of service – evaluate pricing Communicate the changes to Parks and Rec budgets to the community – and how to get back to pre-COVID levels – it’s an important service Provide some level of funding to maintain level of services Understand voice of the public via survey on the value of parks and E1-3 programming Inventory of sponsorship opportunities and grants that might be available Calculate the value of “Adopt a Park” programs – donation of time/energy into cleaning up the areas/parks – capture donated time ii.Medium-term (18 months) We recommend identifying sources of money (e.g. health care donations – Allina as one example) Joint marketing efforts for special events – sponsorships differ from donations Leverage events like 4th of July as a community engagement launch point – more participation in other areas iii.Long-term (36 months +) We recommend considering a public referendum on parks and open space Consider restoring existing funding for programming 6. Values and Philosophy i.Short-term (6 Months) We recommend identifying / aligning our values with potential partners (how do we best serve the community – together) Document and Share the City’s Values for Parks and Recreation with others Understand more what the public sees as the value of parks and recreation services – via survey We definitely live where we live because of parks and closeness to cities. Schools, awesome parks, programs will draw awesome people, groups to this city/area. When people are healthy/active getting outside, enjoying a program they thrive, schools will thrive and people can respect part of their taxes to go towards Parks and Rec, which showers down on the whole city/area. Quality of life issues – promote that more Include the Parks/Rec Commission to share their work in the past few years Get the input of our diverse populations/residents Align public safety to our work – they’re out in the community already. Explore the use of the Police Department Multicultural Advisory Committee model as a way to reach diverse and underserved populations YMCA leads by their values – how can we use their values and approach to help ours – strengthen community ii.Medium-term (18 months) We recommend the need to be flexible if perceptions and attitudes change We recommend using the Master Plan values as a guide E1-3 NATURE CENTER TASK FORCE FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS – JANUARY 14, 2021 1.Physical Asset - Best use of Site and Building i.Short-term (6 Months) We recommend opening the building for some number of hours as soon as practicable (Spring 2021 based on COVID guidelines) We recommend continuing on-going maintenance of trails and grounds at current levels and continue to maintain the structure at its current levels Support independent groups using the outdoor areas Expand information sharing with smartphone technology (e.g. tree trek) ADA improvements to front door (compliance with current codes) ii.Medium-term (18 months) We recommend identifying rental options to encourage use (snowshoes, GPS, nature kits, etc….) Develop self-guided opportunities/kits for exploration with extended Wi-Fi to support technology on site and on trails Create building rental opportunities with small groups (birthday parties, etc…) Explore various models and uses in the building – (day care, full day, partial day camp, daily, weekly, etc…) including requirements needed iii.Long-term (36 months +) We recommend finding permanent long-term programming for building 2.Partnership / Prioritization i.Short-term (6 Months) Direct outreach to Watershed District to explore opportunities – having the conversation Direct outreach meeting with other nature centers to develop the sales pitch for MWNC – explore their interest in partnership Research Three Rivers parks model with Ramsey County and other cities – what would it take to do an East Metro collaborative – parks and open space Identify home school coordination in the region (ties to on-site Naturalist) – how many home schoolers are in the region Establish a city-sponsored committee for Parks/Nature Center to look at cooperative efforts – establish a structural group (task force or committee) E1-4 Identify possible short-term operators as a “bridge” to a new model Draft our expectations/requirements for what would make a good partnership – Connecting with Ramsey County Master Gardeners & Minnesota Naturalists – online materials ii.Medium-term (18 months) We recommend partnering/supporting the Maplewood Historical Society – jointly hosting events, sharing an office, sharing programming, prairie trek, pollinator trek, etc… at the farm Explore ECFE programs with School Districts – new looks at partnership Explore other programs with School Districts – all ages/grades Direct outreach to Community Education regarding adult programs/services Shared / modified curriculum with schools – virtual field trip options (start small with 1-2 lessons) Higher education outreach – variety of programming Explore Maplewood/East Metro Passport model to build sense of community and expand use of the Nature Center and other natural amenities/open spaces 3.Service Levels / Business Model Short-term (6 Months) How to leverage our reputation and get the whole community involved. Identify our community leaders to help with providing access to underserved communities – including Police Department Consider a delivery service – Nature Center to the schools – it can help with reducing costs for schools. “Bring Nature to Them” Medium-term (18 months) We recommend Brainstorm Community Outreach partners – how to do more outreach community-wide similar to Albert Lea model (Blue Zones) Programming provided by Watershed District and other partners Long-term (36 months +) We recommend a yearly event for fundraising might be a good long-term goal - it seems like those types of annual events can do better generating interest and anticipation Develop plans for residents to establish their own native planting / plans rain gardens (landscape architect light) Model after Washington County We recommend exploring long-term non-profit organizational model – modified legal structure E1-4 4.Financial Investments – Capital and Operations i.Short-term (6 Months) Establish donation fund and fundraising – GIVE TO THE MAX – Friends is a 501c3 Explore established grant opportunities (Met Council, State, Federal, DNR, EPA, Lions Club, etc…) Developing a Go Fund Me page with Friends groups Create a donation drop-box inside – similar to the MN ZOO Pursue a grant to fund naturalist position(s) ii.Medium-term (18 months) We recommend reviewing options for establishing an endowment and sustainable model for fundraising. Create a tiered program payment – possibly by economic status and/or geography (i.e. lower cost for Maplewood Residents, higher cost for non- residents) We recommend writing a grant to fund a volunteer coordinator position, possibly with other Nature Centers. Sustainable donations – establish on-going donations each year “NPR Sustaining Member model” or Virtual silent auction – to raise money Consider a citywide referendum on funding for Nature Center – what does it take to do it? – use the community survey to inform the decision We recommend opening center for rentals (snowshoes, pond kits, binoculars etc…) – get some additional revenues iii.Long-term (36 months +) We recommend developing legacy gifts (i.e. wills) program and marketing LCCMR Grant funding can help fund coordination/partnership efforts – big grant with big results We recommend exploring retail space/storefront long-term 5.Environmental Education i.Short-term (6 Months) More connection to Community Ed – exposure and attention- connecting with them to understand their gaps – shared offerings – joint brochures Narrow our audience and target to do really well – be known as the best and then add (rain garden example) Review past programs to revive successful education programs – Native Plant Materials E1-4 Be specific with age ranges (cut-offs at ages) and be expansive to include the whole family – family nights 6.Volunteer Coordination and Support i.Short-term (6 Months) We recommend finding a central person/point of contact to make it run very well. Coordinators make/break the success of events and programs Be sure we have the right technology tools to track – Volgistics Subscription Align our volunteer coordinator with peer cities/partners "Utilize a team of volunteers to help staff investigate and follow up on the Task Force recommendations" – coordination and follow through ii.Medium-term (18 months) We recommend coordinators work on site to access materials and can be on hand running volunteers – (Lead Volunteers to train and nurture the volunteer base) Recruit volunteers to continue to work in 2021 on a 2nd tier action-oriented task force to investigate each recommendation in our final proposal. E1-4 Sports Leagues and Classes Offered at Maplewood YMCA Community Center Youth Sports Leagues: Basketball Futsal (indoor soccer played on a court) Youth Classes: Soccer Basketball Tumbling Adult Leagues: Futsal (indoor soccer played on a court) Women's Volleyball Basketball League All programs run: 10J25-12j19 Registration Opens: 9/28 Find more information at: ymcanorth.org/kid_teen_activities/sports Or call 612-230--9622. YMCA FOREVERWELL Designed for ages 55-+-, the program includes a monthly calendar of social events and variety of exercise classes available on the Group Exercise schedule. Register at YMCANorth.org (Search for ForeverWell) E1-5 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION STAFF REPORT Meeting Date September 15, 2021 REPORT TO: Parks and Recreation Commission REPORT FROM: Neil Breneman, Recreation Program Supervisor PRESENTER: Neil Breneman, Recreation Program Supervisor AGENDA ITEM: Afton Field Usage Agreement Action Requested:  Motion ☐Discussion ☐ Public Hearing Form of Action: ☐Resolution ☐ Ordinance Contract/Agreement ☐ Proclamation Policy Issue: The Saint Paul Jazz Pigs Rugby Club is seeking City approval to purchase and install, new more professional, semi-permanent rugby goal posts to replace the current temporary PVC posts at Afton Heights Park. Recommended Action: Motion to approve the Afton Field Usage Agreement with the Saint Paul Jazz Pigs Rugby Club regarding the purchase and installation of semi-permanent goal posts. Fiscal Impact: Is There a Fiscal Impact?  No ☐ Yes, the true or estimated cost is enter amount or $0.00. Financing source(s): ☐ Adopted Budget ☐ Budget Modification ☐ New Revenue Source ☐Use of Reserves ☐ Other: Click here to enter other source or n/a. Strategic Plan Relevance: Financial Sustainability ☐Integrated Communication ☐Targeted Redevelopment ☐Operational Effectiveness Community Inclusiveness ☐Infrastructure & Asset Mgmt. The new goal posts would come at no cost to the City, provide a more professional looking set of posts improving the look of the park and will continue to grow the relationship between the City and rugby club. Background The Saint Paul Jazz Pigs Rugby Football Club is a senior men’s rugby club founded in 1974. Their goal is to grow and develop youth rugby in the state of Minnesota and to foster long-lasting positive relationships in the communities they live and play in. They have been practicing and playing games at Afton as their “home base” for a number of years and would like to upgrade the current goal post situation on the field. E2 This will not change or impact field use in any way as there is already temporary posts up but rather would improve the look and of the park with the install of these semi-permanent posts. Attachments 1)Afton Field Use Agreement E2 AFTON HEIGHTS PARK FIELD USE AGREEMENT City of Maplewood and St Paul Jazz Pigs Rugby Club Who We Are: The Saint Paul Jazz Pigs Rugby Football Club (Club) seek permission from the City of Maplewood (City) to install field goal posts at the Afton Heights Park where the Club has held practices and hosted home matches for the past several years. The Saint Paul Jazz Pigs Rugby Football Club is a senior men’s rugby club founded in 1974. Our goal is to grow and develop youth rugby in the state of Minnesota and to foster long-lasting positive relationships in the communities we live and play in. Agreement: The Club will purchase and have ownership of a set of professional, semi-permanent goal posts. The Club would plan to leave the posts up year-round. If necessary, the Club will have the ability to remove and relocate the posts and reserves the right to remove them without notice. The Club will be responsible for installation of concrete and ground sleeves at Afton Heights Park as well as installation of goal posts. The Club will coordinate and communicate installation with the City. The Club will be responsible for maintenance and care of the goal posts. The City is not responsible for any damage or vandalism to the goal posts. The City will continue to be responsible for maintenance and upkeep of the field. The City reserves the right to permit the field to other users per standard operation. In the event that the Club changes location, removes and relocates the posts, the Club will refill and reseed the areas occupied by the ground sleeves. St Paul Jazz Pigs Representative: Print: Sign: Date: City of Maplewood Representative: Print: Sign: Date: E2-1