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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-17 PRC Packet AGENDA CITY OF MAPLEWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION 6:00 PM April 17, 2024 A. CALL TO ORDER B. ROLL CALL C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. March 20, 2024 E. NEW BUSINESS 1. Swearing In of New Officers 2. Climate Mitigation Plan Steering Discussion 3. YMCA Update F. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Student PRC Commissioner Candidate Interviews 2. Park System Master Plan Chapter Review G. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS H. COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS I. STAFF PRESENTATIONS 1. Parks and Natural Resources Division Updates 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. PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION STAFF REPORT Meeting Date April 17, 2024 REPORT TO: Parks and Recreation Commission REPORT FROM: Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner PRESENTER: Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner AGENDA ITEM: Climate Mitigation Plan – Steering Committee Discussion Action Requested: ☐ Motion Discussion ☐Public Hearing Form of Action: ☐Resolution ☐Ordinance ☐Contract/Agreement ☐ Proclamation Policy Issue: A Climate Mitigation Plan is the critical and final piece needed in the City’s climate resilience planning, fulfilling the energy resilience-planning goal of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, and addressing a key implementation strategy of the City’s Climate Adaptation Plan. The planning process will result in strategic goals across multiple sectors with concrete short-, mid-, and long- term actions to advance climate resilience and capacity. Recommended Action: Discuss the Climate Mitigation Plan. Appoint one or two representatives to serve on the Climate Mitigation Plan Steering Committee. 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: n/a Strategic Plan Relevance: Community Inclusiveness Financial & Asset Mgmt Environmental Stewardship Integrated Communication Operational Effectiveness ☐Targeted Redevelopment Taking climate actions that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and help the City become a more climate-resilient community: 1) aligns with the City’s energy and climate goals as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan – Sustainability Chapter and the Climate Adaptation Plan; 2) will involve education and outreach to ensure community inclusiveness and integrated communication; 3) will help the city reduce waste and save money. Background: Climate Mitigation Plan The City of Maplewood has hired climate and energy consultant paleBlueDot LLC to assist with the creation of a Climate Mitigation Plan. The Climate Mitigation Plan will serve as a compliment to the 2021 Climate Adaptation Plan by guiding the City toward reduced emissions. Phase one of the E2 project took place last year when the City conducted climate mitigation education and outreach at various events. The outreach included the creation of a climate mitigation survey. During the second phase of the project paleBlueDot LLC will assist the City in the following: Analyze GHG Emissions Recommend GHG Emission Reduction Targets Forecast GHG Emission Reductions Organize a Collaborative, Multi-stakeholder Planning Team Draft Climate Mitigation Plan Steering Committee A steering committee will be established to help guide the Climate Mitigation planning process. The steering committee will include representatives from: City Council Environmental and Natural Resources Commission Planning Commission Community Design Review Board Park and Recreation Commission City and county staff teams Additional jurisdictions such as the watershed district Resident and business representatives Agencies and organizations working with vulnerable populations The steering committee will work collaboratively in the exploration, creation, review, refinement, and prioritization of mitigation and adaptation strategies. Following are the tentative workshop dates: Team Introduction Meeting Tuesday June 11, 2024, 1 to 1.5 hours, In Person, Time to be Determined  Subteam Goal Setting Meeting Tuesday, July 9, 2024, 2 hours, Virtual, Time to be Determined  Workshop A Tuesday, August 13, 2024, 2 to 2.5 hours Virtual, Time to be Determined  Workshop B Tuesday, September 10, 2024, 2 to 2.5 hours, Virtual, Time to be Determined  Workshop C Tuesday, October 8, 2024, 2 to 2.5 hours Virtual, Time to be Determined  Workshop D Tuesday, November 12, 2024, 2 to 2.5 hours Virtual, Time to be Determined  Draft Plan Review Tuesday, January 7, 2024, 1 to 1.5 hours, In Person, Time to be Determined The plan draft plan will be brought to the City Council for final approval. Attachments: None E2 MINUTES MAPLEWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION 6:00p.m., March 20, 2024 Wednesday, March 20, 2024 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes A.CALL TO ORDER A meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairperson Mallet at 6:00 p.m. B.ROLL CALL Commissioners Craig Brannon, Commissioner Present Vickie Lee-Her, Commissioner Present Monica Barton, Commissioner Absent Terri Mallet, Chair Present Mark Harris, Commissioner Absent Kimii Porter, Commissioner Present Jason DeMoe, Commissioner Present Staff Audra Robbins, Parks and Recreation Manager Present C.APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Commissioner Mallet made a motion to amend the agenda to include Elections of Officers to new business. Seconded by Commissioner Porter. Ayes – All The motion passed. Commissioner Lee-Her made a motion to approve the agenda as amended. Seconded by Commissioner Brannon. Ayes – All The motion passed. D.APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1.January 17, 2024 Commissioner DeMoe made a motion to approve the January 17, 2024 Parks and Recreation Commission minutes. D1 Wednesday, March 20, 2024 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Seconded by Commissioner Lee-Her. Ayes – All Abstain –Brannon The motion passed. E.NEW BUSINESS 1.Student PRC Commissioner Candidate Interviews The commissioners interviewed the prospective student commission members. 2.St. Paul Jazz Pigs Rugby Group Proposal Kevin White, President of the Jazz Pigs Rugby Club, presented the clubs proposal for partnership at Afton Park and the rugby pitch and further improvements to the park. 3.Election of Officers (Chair and Vice Chair) CHAIRPERSON ELECTION: Commissioner Mallet made a motion to nominate Commission Harris for chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Seconded by Commissioner Brannon. Ayes – All Mark Harris was elected chair of the parks and Recreation Commission. VICE CHAIRPERSON ELECTION: Commissioner DeMoe made a motion to nominate Jason DeMoe for vice chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Seconded by Commissioner Brannon. Ayes – All Jason DeMoe was elected vice chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission. F.UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1.2024 Parks & Recreation Commission Goal Setting Commission discussed the goals and had conversation on final adjustments. Commissioner DeMoe made a motion to approve the goals as stated. Seconded by Commissioner Brannon. Ayes – All The motion passed. G.VISITOR PRESENTATIONS D1 Wednesday, March 20, 2024 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes 1.Kim Schmidt: Address Inaudible Kim Schmidt presented her thoughts on the Gladstone Savannah and Bruce Vento/Purple Line to the commission for consideration. H.COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS 1.Discussion on Student Commissioners Appointing Process Commissioner Brannon discussed how the commission should appoint the student commissioners. Commissioner Mallet made a motion to accept all 3 student commission members. Seconded by Commissioner DeMoe. Ayes – All The motion passed. I.STAFF PRESENTATIONS 1.Department Updates Audra Robbins updated the commission on the upcoming events and classes at the Nature Center and discussed the Spring Clean Up. J.ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Brannon made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Commissioner Porter.Ayes – All The motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m. D1 Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan I 15 Chapter 3: EXISTING cONDITIONS & NEEDS Maplewood has a thriving parks and recreation system, and residents currently have good access to parks and paved trails. When measured against neighboring communities of similar size, Maplewood has more city and regional parks, trails, and open 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. Maplewood has an uncommon resource in its system of Neighborhood Preserves and Natural Area Greenways. These features give residents additional access and exposure to natural resources, passive recreation opportunities, and sustainable landscape practices. Overall, residents are happy with the physical condition of the system, though much of the infrastructure is aging and will need replacement. Future improvements should focus on making parks more consistent across the system, while at the same time finding ways to make each park distinctive and reflective of the neighborhood it serves. Additionally, maintaining and replacing existing park facilities will require capital reinvestment, as a number of playgrounds, restrooms, warming houses, and picnic shelters will need replacement in the near future. Hazelwood Park Maplewood Heights Park F2 16 I Chapter 3: Existing Conditions & Needs Existing parks & rEcrEation systEm System at A Glance • Over 930 acres of city-owned parks, preserves, and open space. • Over 1,000 acres of county, state, and agency- owned land. • 36 Parks and 15 Preserves. • 18% of land within the City is park or open space. • Approximately 130 miles of sidewalk and on- and off-road trails. • 3 Regional parks. • 6 County parks. • Access to the Mississippi National River & Recreation Area. Features and Highlights Neighborhood Parks Maplewood’s network of 26 neighborhood parks provides a strong foundation of amenities for the overall system. Neighborhood parks are distributed evenly throughout the City and typically include facilities such as walking trails, playgrounds, and open play fields. Community Parks Parks currently categorized as community parks include Joy, City Campus, Veteran’s Memorial, and Wakefield Parks. These parks are used for specialized community events and contain amenities with city-wide draw, such as group picnic facilities, historic resources, and gardens. Athletic Parks Maplewood’s athletic parks are divided into two categories; youth athletic and community athletic. Currently, there are four youth athletic parks and two community athletic parks. The community athletic parks also serve youth needs. Neighborhood Preserves The City owns and manages a system of preserves set aside for the protection of natural resources, scenic areas, and landscape buffers. The preserves range in size from 5 to 46 acres and are open to passive-use activities such as hiking, bird watching, and nature study. Maplewood Nature Center The Maplewood Nature Center is the epicenter of environmental education within the City. Situated on a 40-acre preserve, the facility includes a Visitor Center, pond, hiking trails, boardwalks, sustainable practice demonstration/ interpretive areas, and a nature play area. Staffed by Naturalists, the center offers programming for all ages, and serves as the hub for sustainability programming and service learning for Maplewood residents. Maplewood Community Center Located within the City Hall Campus, the Maplewood Community Center features two pools, a gymnasium, an indoor track, racquetball courts, an aerobics studio, fitness room, massage facilities, childcare, banquet and meeting rooms, and a performing arts theatre. Open and welcome to all, visitors may purchase passes or annual memberships, and residents of Maplewood and North St. Paul can take advantage of discounted membership rates. Special offerings and partnerships at the Center include programs for seniors, wellness classes, and theatre and arts education opportunities operated by the non-profit Ashland Productions. A portion of the Mississippi National River Recreation Area is in Maplewood ST. PAUL WOODBURY OAKDALE SOUTH ST. PAUL WEST ST. PAUL LITTLE CANADA NORTH ST. PAUL LILYDALE LAND-FALL WHEELOCK PKWY EN G L I S H S T ROSELAWN AVE E DOD D R D AR C A D E S T FROST AVE 7TH S T E MC K N I G H T R D HOLLOWAY AVE LOWE R A F T O N R D 34TH ST N WH I T E B E A R A V E N WH I T E B E A R A V E DA L E S T N COUNTY ROAD C HIGHWOOD AVE SM I T H A V E LARPENTEUR AVE E RI C E S T MINNEHAHA AVE E RO B E R T S T S 7TH S T W ED G E R T O N S T COUNTY ROAD B2 CON C O R D S T N CO. ROAD C GE N E V A A V E N WE I R D R SELBY AVE CO. ROAD B MA X W E L L A V E CE N T U R Y A V E N CO N C O R D S T S ED G E R T O N S T STILLW A T E R R D RI C E S T HI L T O N T R L N EA S T C O U N T Y L I N E R D N ST. P A U L R O A D JA C K S O N S T HA Z E L W O O D S T SOUTH AVE E VADN A I S B L V D CARVER AVE UPPER AFTON SO O S T LINWOOD WENTWORTH AVE W PHALEN BLVD CE N T U R Y A V E S MC K N I G H T R D S BEAM AVE ANNAPOLIS ST W LARPENTEUR AVE E SAI N T P E T E R S T CONWAY AVE CO. ROAD D DA L E S T N LYDIA AVE PRO S P E R I T Y R D Gervais Lake Silver Lake Beaver Lake Tanner's Lake Carver Lake 3M Lake Lake Phalen Pig's Eye Lake Th e M i s s i s s i p p i R i v e r Battle Creek Lake §¨¦35E §¨¦ 94 §¨¦694 §¨¦494 £¤52 £¤61 £¤10 UV36UV36 §¨¦694 §¨¦35E §¨¦694 UV61 Mississippi National River Recreation Area City of Maplewood Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan I 17 WHEELOCK PKWY EN G L I S H S T ROSELAWN AVE E IN T E R S T A T E 3 5 E DOD D R D AR C A D E S T FROST AVE 7TH S T E MC K N I G H T R D HOLLOWAY AVE LOWE R A F T O N R D 34TH ST N WH I T E B E A R A V E N WH I T E B E A R A V E DA L E S T N HIGHWAY 110 COUNTY ROAD C HIGHWOOD AVE SM I T H A V E LARPENTEUR AVE E RI C E S T MINNEHAHA AVE E RO B E R T S T S 7TH S T W ED G E R T O N S T COUNTY ROAD B2 CO N C O R D S T N CO. ROAD C GE N E V A A V E N WE I R D R SELBY AVE CO. ROAD B MA X WE L L A V E CE N T U R Y A V E N CO NC O R D S T S ED G E R T O N S T STILL W A T E R R D RI C E S T HI L T O N T R L N EA S T C O U NT Y L I N E R D N ST . P A U L R O A D JA C K S O N S T HA Z E L W O O D S T MC K N I G H T R D N SOUTH AVE E VADN A I S B L V D CARVER AVE UPPER AFTON SO O S T LINWOOD WENTWORTH AVE W PHALEN BLVD CE N T U R Y A V E S RANDOLPH AVE MC K N I G H T R D S BEAM AVE ANNAPOLIS ST W LARPENTEUR AVE E SAI N T P E T E R S T CONWAY AVE CO. ROAD D DA L E S T N LYDIA AVE PRO S P E R I T Y R D Gervais Lake Silver Lake Beaver Lake Tanner's Lake Carver Lake 3M Lake Lake Phalen Pig's Eye Lake Th e M i s s i s s i p p i R i v e r Battle Creek Lake Priory Preserve Joy Preserve Carver Preserve Nature Center Preserve Spoon Lake Preserve Applewood Preserve Prairie Farm Preserve Fisher's Corner Preserve Beaver Creek Preserve Trout Brook Preserve Hidden Marsh Preserve Jims Prairie Preserve Gladstone Savanna Kohlman Creek Preserve Fish Creek Preserve Hazelwood Park Wakefield Park Harvest Park Joy Park City Hall Campus & Community Center Veteran's Memorial Park Edgerton Park Sherwood Park Maplewood Heights Park Afton Heights Park Hillside Park Playcrest Park Vista Hills Park Legacy Park Pleasantview Park Kohlman Park Geranium Park Gethsemane Park Flicek Park Sterling Oaks Park Four Seasons Park Roselawn Park Sunset Ridge Park Robinhood Park Western Hills Park Lions Park Nebraska Park Crestview Park Applewood Park Gloster Park Maplecrest Park Timber Park Kenwood Park Lookout Park Mailand Park Bru ce VentoRegionalTrail BruceVento North Ur ban Lake Links Trail NorthUrban Regional Trai l MississippiRiverTrail Br u c e V en t o Gatew a y T r a i l Tro u t B r o o k Battle Creek Regional Park Phalen Regional Park Keller Regional Park §¨¦35E §¨¦ 94 §¨¦694 §¨¦ 94 §¨¦494 £¤52 £¤61 £¤10 £¤61 UV36 UV36 §¨¦35E §¨¦694 §¨¦35E §¨¦694 UV61 [0 1Miles Existing Parks & Trails Existing Regional Trail Existing Trail 'Community Center 'Community Gym City Parks City Preserve Regional/County Park FigurE 3.1 Existing Park and Recreation System 18 I Chapter 3: Existing Conditions & Needs tablE 3.1 Existing Parks and Recreation Facilities PARk - LOCATION Pa r k T y p e Pa r k A c r e s Tr a i l s Pl a y g r o u n d Pl a y F i e l d s Ba s k e t b a l l C o u r t s Ba s e b a l l F i e l d s So f t b a l l F i e l d s So c c e r F i e l d s Vo l l e y b a l l C o u r t s Te n n i s C o u r t s Ho c k e y R i n k s Pl e a s u r e R i n k Wa r m H o u s e Pi c n i c S h e l t e r Pi c n i c / G r i l l s Re s t r o o m s El e c t r i c i t y northern Park Service area Four Seasons - 1685 Gervais nP 10 X X X H 2 X X X X X Harvest - 2561 Barclay Ca 25 X X X F 3 2 X 2 X Hazelwood - 1663 Co. rd. C Ca 50 X X X 6 X X X joy - 2615 joy rd.CP 21 X X Kohlman - 1000 County rd. C nP 7 X X X H X Legacy - Legacy Parkway E nP 10 X Legacy Pines - Kennard Street nP X X X Maplewood Heights - 2078 Beam ave.nP 25 X X F 2 X X Playcrest - 2390 Lydia nP 16 X X F X X 2 Sunset ridge - 3020 Frank St.nP 7 X X X Western Park Service area Edgerton - 1929 Edgerton ya 10 X X X H 2 2 Kenwood - 1864 W. Kenwood Dr.MP 0.5 Maplecrest - 2101 arcade nP 2 X X 2 X Mississippi Playground-Mississippi St.nP .9 X roselawn - 393 roselawn nP 5 Western Hills - 1750 adolphus nP 6 X X X F X Central West Park Service area Flicek - 1141 Frost ya 4 X X X X Gloster - 1839 Frank ya 6 X X X X Lookout - ripley ave. & Phalen Dr.nP 0.2 robinhood - 2039 Manton nP 4 X X X H X Sherwood - 2237 Kennard nP 15 X X X X 2 Timber - 2133 atlantic nP 0.5 X X X H 1 X X Wakefield - 1590 Frost CP 41 X X X 2 X X X X X X X Central East Park Service area Geranium - 2568 Geranium nP 9 X X F X X Gethsemane - 2401 E. 7th St.nP 9.41 X X X X 2 X X X X X Hillside - 1879 Myrtle St.nP 11 X Lions - 618 Farrell nP 3 X X H X X X X nebraska - 2332 nebraska ave.nP 2 X X X H Sterling Oaks - 1440 Sterling St. n.nP 5 X Veteran’s Memorial - 1980 no. St. Paul rd.Ca 24 X X 3 X X South Park Service area afton Heights - 63 n. Sterling ya 12 X X X 3 X X X X X X applewood - 822 Sterling St. S.nP 8 X X X X Crestview - 2540 Londin Ln.nP 2 Mailand - 2367 Teakwood Dr.nP 2 Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan I 19 tablE 3.1 Existing Parks and Recreation Facilities, continued PRESERVE - LOCATION Classification Acres applewood - E of Sterling, S of Linwood, W of Century nPr 16 Beaver Creek - SW corner of Maryland and Sterling nPr 9 Carver - nW corner Sterling & Carver nPr 27 Fish Creek - near Carver avenue and Henry Lane nPr 70 Fisher’s Corner - nW corner Hwy 61 and Cty C nPr 18 Gladstone Savanna - SW corner Frost & English nPr 23 Hidden Marsh - n of Keller, E of arcade, near 2870 arcade nPr 6 jim’s Prairie - Ivy avenue, north of Pondview apartments nPr 5 joy Park - nW corner Century & joy road nPr 39 Kohlman Creek - SW corner Hazelwood & Beam nPr 10 Maplewood nature Ctr. - 2656 E. 7th St.nPr/Su 40 Prairie Farm - W of McKnight, between Woodlyn & Cty D nPr/Su 23 Priory - SW corner Century & Larpenteur nPr 46 Spoon Lake - nE of Spoon Lake, S of Brooks & Forest nPr 39 Trout Brook - E of rice, S of Cty B, SW of Tri-District School nPr 7 Ca Community athletic Su Special use County and Regional assets Maplewood residents benefit from a number of regional assets that lie within city limits. These amenities round out the local facility mix. County and regional parks, trails and facilities in Maplewood include: • Phalen regional Park & Golf Course • Keller regional Park & Golf Course • Battle Creek regional Park • Bruce Vento regional Trail • Trout Brook regional Trail • Gateway State Trail • Lake Links Trail • Beaver Lake County Park • Holloway Marsh County Open Space • Kohlman Creek & Marsh County Open Spaces • ramsey County horseshoe courts, Goodrich Golf Course, and aldrich arena • Hillcrest Golf Course • Mississippi national river & recreation area kEy PARk - LOCATION Pa r k T y p e Pa r k A c r e s Tr a i l s Pl a y g r o u n d Pl a y F i e l d s Ba s k e t b a l l C o u r t s Ba s e b a l l F i e l d s So f t b a l l F i e l d s So c c e r F i e l d s Vo l l e y b a l l C o u r t s Te n n i s C o u r t s Ho c k e y R i n k s Pl e a s u r e R i n k Wa r m H o u s e Pi c n i c S h e l t e r Pi c n i c / G r i l l s Re s t r o o m s El e c t r i c i t y Pleasantview - 1100 Marnie nP 14 X X X F X 1 2 X X Vista Hills - 2480 Mailand nP 14 X X X F X 2 X Special use City Campus - 1830 County road B E.Su 36 Maplewood nature Ctr. - 2656 E. 7th St.Su 40 CP Community Park nP neighborhood Park nPr neighborhood Preserve ya youth athletic 20 I Chapter 3: Existing Conditions & Needs nEEds assEssmEnt proc Ess A critical evaluation of Maplewood’s 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. • Demographic analysis. • Community benchmark comparisons between Maplewood and four neighboring communities of similar size and demographic character. • Comparison to national recreation facility standards. • Input from the Maplewood City Council. Community Input The ultimate goal of this plan is to improve the delivery of Parks and Recreation services to the residents of Maplewood. As such, community input is a critical component of the plan and its process. A number of methods were used to gather information from residents, resulting in fundamental feedback that 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 Needs Assessment Survey’) completed by ETC Institute/Leisure Vision in the spring of 2014. • Focus group meetings on June 11th, 2014. ›Public Arts & Culture (8 attendees). ›Environment & Natural Resources (6 attendees). ›Athletic associations (8 attendees). • A project booth at the July 4th, 2014 Community Event, ‘Light it Up Maplewood’. • Community input gathered from July thru September, 2014 (for additional information regarding the community engagement process, see page 4 in Chapter 1). Input gathered during the needs assessment process will be highlighted throughout this chapter in special callout boxes titled ‘The Local Word’. How the system matches up Compared to Cottage Grove, New Brighton, Roseville, and Inver Grove Heights, Maplewood has: • More parks. • More trails. • a Community Center. • a system of Preserves and natural area Greenways. • More regional Parks. • More County Parks & Open Space. • roseville is the only community with a higher operating budget. Complete community benchmark data can be found in the Appendix on page 96. Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan I 21 City-Wide Parks Needs Assessment Survey To inform this master plan and provide the Parks and Recreation System Master Plan Task Force, commissions, and council with meaningful data regarding Maplewood’s parks, trails, and open spaces, a statically valid survey was conducted during the winter of 2014. Survey questions addressed a full range of strategically important issues as identified by the Task Force. The survey gauged residents’ attitudes towards supporting improvements to the parks and recreation system with tax dollars. The survey consisted of seven pages of questions mailed to a random sample of 2,400 Maplewood households, followed by an automated message encouraging recipients to complete the survey. Leisure Vision followed up with phone calls to recipients two weeks after the initial mailing and offered recipients who reported not returning the survey the option to complete it over the phone. The resulting random sample of 627 completed surveys translated to a 95% confidence level with a +/-4% precision rate. The following pages summarize key survey findings. Key Findings: 2014 City-Wide Parks Needs Assessment Survey by ETC/Leisure Vision • 83% of households rate the physical condition of the current park systems as excellent or good. • 70% of households have visited parks and preserves in the last 12 months. • 61% of households have visited the Maplewood Community Center in the past 12 months. • Walking, hiking and biking trails are the most used amenity (86%). Current System Use Facilities Households Have Used in the Last 12 Months 86%Walking, hiking, & biking trails Playgrounds Maplewood Community Center Nature trails Picnic areas Open space/preserves Nature Center Youth baseball fields Outdoor basketball courts Outdoor ice-skating rinks Outdoor tennis courts Adult softball fields Youth softball fields Youth soccer fields Pickle ball courts Other 53% 49% 47% 37% 35% 24% 17% 14% 13% 12% 10% 9% 9% 0% 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 preserves but not parks 2% Visited parks but not preserves 42% 22 I Chapter 3: Existing Conditions & Needs Key Findings: 2014 City-Wide Parks Needs Assessment Survey by ETC/Leisure Vision Funding & Priorities • Most of any additional funding should go to improvements to existing parks, preserves, and trails. • 24% of respondent households would not be willing to pay any amount of a monthly tax to fund their priority projects. 8% of respondents would be willing to pay $12-15 per month for their priorities, which is the maximum reported. • 34% of respondents would vote in favor of a tax to fund the types of projects most important to their household over the next 10 years. Importance-Unmet Needs Assessment Matrix- Facilities Unmet Need Rating ! ! !! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! mean unmet need Importance-Unmet Needs Assessment Matrix for the City of Maplewood Parks and Recreation Department Facilities (points on the graph show deviations from the mean importance and unmet need ratings given by respondents to the survey) mean importance Lower Importance Higher Importance Special Interest lower importance/higher unmet need Top Priorities higher importance/higher unmet need Continued Emphasis higher importance/lower unmet need Lower Importance lower importance/lower unmet need Importance Ratings Source: Leisure Vision/ETC Institute (March 2014) Walking & biking trailsSmall neighborhood parksPlaygrounds Nature preserves Large community parks Off-leash dog park Indoor fitness & exercise facilities Indoor swimming pools/leisure pools Outdoor picnic shelters Outdoor swimming pools/water parks Indoor running/walking track Community gardens Outdoor tennis courts Youth baseball fields Outdoor ice skating rink Indoor basketball/volleyball courts Adult softball fields Outdoor disc golf Outdoor sand volleyball courts Indoor nature center Outdoor splash pads Outdoor band shell Indoor ice arena Outdoor basketball courts Youth softball fields Tub Luj Hmong (Top Spin) courts Outdoor skateboarding parksOutdoor refrigerated ice rinks Importance-Unmet Needs Assessment Matrix- Facilities Major new parks, preserves, and recreation facility improvements that are the most important to respondent households by percentage of respondents based on top three choices (excluding ‘non chosen’) Develop a large destination park with City-wide amenities Develop a water splash pad for children Develop an off-leash dog park Develop an outdoor amphitheater Develop a disc golf course Develop a skateboard park Other None chosen Development of one artificial turf soccer field at Hazelwood Park Development of additional community gardens Construction of new concession/restroom facility at Hazelwood Park 32% 25% 24% 19% 17% 13% 9% 5% 4% 3% 37% 0% 10% 20% 30% Most Important 2nd Most Important 3rd Most Important Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan I 23 Key Findings: 2014 City-Wide Parks Needs Assessment Survey by ETC/Leisure Vision 45% 32% 30% 28% 28% 27% 26% 21% 24% 21% Improvements Most Desired at Parks Near Home 20% 16% 16% 14% 13% 10% 10% 9% 7% 4% 11% 12% Restrooms Park security lighting Picnic tables/benches Drinking fountains Shade structures Picnic shelters Natural areas Trails Parking Playground equipment Sidewalks Park entrance signs Bike racks Increased accessibility Sand volleyball courts Sports field lighting Basketball courts Tennis courts Horseshoe pits Pickle ball court Other None chosen Needs • after trails, neighborhood parks are the most needed (61%). • residents have unmet needs for a wide variety of parks, facilities, and activities. • Developing a new large destination park with city-wide amenities is the most important major addition to the system. 37% 31% 29% 24% 22% 22% 21% 20% 19% 17% 17% 17% 16% 16% 15% Adult fitness & wellness programs Community special events Nature programs Special events Adult sports programs Water fitness programs Youth Learn to Swim programs Youth sports programs Museum programs Programs for people with disabilities Youth summer camps Youth theatre, dance, singing, musical classes Golf lessons/clinics Adult painting, arts, sculpturing classes Gymnastics & tumbling programs Adult theatre, dance, singing, musical classes Preschool programs/early childhood Before & after school programs Hockey/figure skating Youth painting, arts, sculpturing classes Youth fitness & wellness classes Tennis lessons & leagues Martial arts programs 15% 14% 13% 12% 12% 12% 12% 10% Needed Recreation Programs If an additional $100 were available for City parks, preserves, trails, and recreation facilities, how respondent households would allocate the funds Improve existing neighborhood & community parks $31 Development of new facilities $15 Acquisition of open space adjacent to Maplewood Nature Center $8 Connect existing trails & purchase additional trails right of ways $17 Develop new preserves, trails & recreation areas in forest oreserves $10 Improve existing preserves $11 Other $8 24 I Chapter 3: Existing Conditions & Needs 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 high. However, identified needs include: • 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. The Local Word: Parks • Facilities needed at City parks include: »restrooms. »Water fountains. »Bike racks. »additional lighting. • a signature gathering spot would benefit the community. • add an outdoor stage or amphitheater. • Ensure the cleanliness of parks through regular maintenance. • Link parks with pedestrian and bicycle connections. Parks & Recreation Day Campers enjoy Veteran’s Memorial Park Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan I 25 FigurE 3.2 Access to Active Parks WHEELOCK PKWY EN G L I S H S T ROSELAWN AVE E DOD D R D AR C A D E S T FROST AVE 7TH S T E MC K N I G H T R D HOLLOWAY AVE LOWE R A F T O N R D 34TH ST N WH I T E B E A R A V E N WH I T E B E A R A V E COUNTY ROAD C HIGHWOOD AVE SM I T H A V E LARPENTEUR AVE E RI C E S T MINNEHAHA AVE E RO B E R T S T S 7TH S T W ED G E R T O N S T COUNTY ROAD B2 CO N C O R D S T N CO. ROAD C GE N E V A A V E N WE I R D R SELBY AVE CO. ROAD B MA X WE L L A V E CE N T U R Y A V E N CO NC O R D S T S ED G E R T O N S T STILL W A T E R R D RI C E S T EA S T C O U NT Y L I N E R D N ST . P A U L R O A D JA C K S O N S T HA Z E L W O O D S T SOUTH AVE E VADN A I S B L V D CARVER AVE UPPER AFTON SO O S T LINWOOD WENTWORTH AVE W PHALEN BLVD CE N T U R Y A V E S MC K N I G H T R D S BEAM AVE ANNAPOLIS ST W LARPENTEUR AVE E SAI N T P E T E R S T CONWAY AVE CO. ROAD D LYDIA AVE PRO S P E R I T Y R D Gervais Lake Silver Lake Beaver Lake Tanner's Lake Carver Lake 3M Lake Lake Phalen Pig's Eye Lake Th e M i s s i s s i p p i R i v e r Battle Creek Lake Hazelwood Park Wakefield Park Harvest Park Joy Park City Hall Campus & Community Center Veteran's Memorial Park Edgerton Park Sherwood Park Maplewood Heights Park Afton Heights Park Hillside Park Playcrest Park Vista Hills Park Legacy Park Pleasantview Park Kohlman Park Geranium Park Gethsemane Park Flicek Park Sterling Oaks Park Four Seasons Park Roselawn Park Sunset Ridge Park Robinhood Park Western Hills Park Lions Park Nebraska Park Crestview Park Applewood Park Gloster Park Maplecrest Park Timber Park Kenwood Park Lookout Park Mailand Park Battle Creek Regional Park Phalen Regional Park Keller Regional Park §¨¦35E §¨¦ 94 §¨¦694 §¨¦ 94 §¨¦494 £¤52 £¤61 £¤10 UV36UV36 §¨¦694 §¨¦35E §¨¦694 UV61 [0 1Miles Access to Active Parks City Parks Regional/County Park 1/2 Mile Active Park Service Area Residential Areas Outside 1/2 Mile Park Service Area Non-Residential Areas Outside 1/2 Mile Park Service Area park service gap 26 I Chapter 3: Existing Conditions & Needs rEcrE ation Faciliti E s Overall, the mix of facilities in Maplewood is well balanced, and residents are satisfied with the variety of amenities provided. Key considerations include: • Field/court space is adequate for softball, baseball, tennis, and soccer. • Winter sport accommodation is good (hockey, pleasure skating, and sledding). • Maplewood has fewer outdoor basketball courts compared to recreation facility standards. There is a potential need for additional outdoor courts. • Demand is increasing for facilities that support specialty activities, including: ›Skateboarding. ›Disc golf. ›Tuj Lub (Top Spin). ›Pickleball. ›An off-leash dog area. The Local Word: Condition & Facilities • Maintain quality, up-to-date indoor facilities. • Plan for all-season facilities. • add speciality recreation facilities, including: »Splash pad. »Skate park. »all-inclusive aDa playground. »Disc golf course. »Tuj Lub. »Off-leash dog area. syst Em condition Maplewood parks range from new and high-quality to older and in need of reinvestment. In regards to the system condition, the needs assessment process revealed that: • By and large, residents are happy with physical conditions of the system. • There is a desire for parks to be more consistent in things such as signage, bike racks, benches, trash receptacles, lighting, etc. • At the same time, there is a desire for parks to be more unique, reflecting neighborhood history and cultural diversity, and to have more art integrated throughout. • There is a need for a proactive asset management plan that includes: ›A complete system inventory. ›Condition assessments. ›Replacement strategies. • There is a need for improved ADA accessibility. An asset management plan is needed specifically to address the aging infrastructure in the system, including: • Playground equipment. • Warming houses/shelters. • Storage buildings. • Park signage. • Park and field lighting. Existing conditions at Wakefield Park Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan I 27 Gervais Lake Silver Lake Beaver Lake Tanner's Lake Carver Lake 3M Lake Lake Phalen Pig's Eye Lake Th e M i s s i s s i p p i R i v e r Battle Creek Lake WHEELOCK PKWY EN G L I S H S T ROSELAWN AVE E DOD D R D AR C A D E S T FROST AVE 7TH S T E MC K N I G H T R D HOLLOWAY AVE LOWE R A F T O N R D 34TH ST N WH I T E B E A R A V E N WH I T E B E A R A V E COUNTY ROAD C HIGHWOOD AVE SM I T H A V E LARPENTEUR AVE E RI C E S T MINNEHAHA AVE E RO B E R T S T S 7TH S T W ED G E R T O N S T COUNTY ROAD B2 CO N C O R D S T N CO. ROAD C GE N E V A A V E N WE I R D R SELBY AVE CO. ROAD B MA X WE L L A V E CE N T U R Y A V E N CO NC O R D S T S ED G E R T O N S T STILL W A T E R R D RI C E S T EA S T C O UN T Y L I N E R D N ST . P A U L R O A D JA C K S O N S T HA Z E L W O O D S T SOUTH AVE E VADN A I S B L V D CARVER AVE UPPER AFTON SO O S T LINWOOD WENTWORTH AVE W PHALEN BLVD CE N T U R Y A V E S MC K N I G H T R D S BEAM AVE ANNAPOLIS ST W LARPENTEUR AVE E SAI N T P E T E R S T CONWAY AVE CO. ROAD D LYDIA AVE PRO S P E R I T Y R D Hazelwood Park Wakefield Park Harvest Park Joy Park City Hall Campus & Community Center Veteran's Memorial Park Edgerton Park Sherwood Park Maplewood Heights Park Afton Heights Park Hillside Park Playcrest Park Vista Hills Park Legacy Park Pleasantview Park Kohlman Park Geranium Park Gethsemane Park Flicek Park Sterling Oaks Park Four Seasons Park Roselawn Park Sunset Ridge Park Robinhood Park Western Hills Park Lions Park Nebraska Park Crestview Park Applewood Park Gloster Park Maplecrest Park Timber Park Kenwood Park Lookout Park Mailand Park Battle Creek Regional Park Phalen Regional Park Keller Regional Park §¨¦35E §¨¦ 94 §¨¦694 §¨¦ 94 §¨¦494 £¤52 £¤61 £¤10 UV36UV36 §¨¦694 §¨¦35E §¨¦694 UV61 [0 1Miles Facilities T 1 Tennis court ?2 Tennis courts _Pleasure rink only ^Pleasure and hockey rink k Warming House 'Community Center City Parks Regional/County Park FigurE 3.3 Existing Recreation Facilities Off Leash Dog Area Tennis Swimming Beach Fishing Pier Indoor Pool Cross-Country Skiing Sledding City Community Garden Pleasure Rink Only Other Community Garden Disc Golf Course Skating Hub (hockey rink, pleasure rink, warming house) Indoor Recreation (community center, school gym) * ** *      Existing Recreation Facilities Winter Recreation Í Í Í Í ( (( - - - - r r r r l l l l ll l l l l l l l l l l l l l l r r r r ' ' ' ' ' %% % % % 28 I Chapter 3: Existing Conditions & Needs sidEwalks & t rails 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. • Contains gaps that, once filled, will improve 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. Maplewood’s 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. The Local Word: Sidewalks & Trails • Trails were the most supported amenity in the City- wide Parks needs assessment Survey. • Expand the trail network in parks and preserves. • Create a safe, multi-purpose, all-season system throughout the City. • residents want expanded winter maintenance/ plowing of trails. • Fill trail gaps. Trail and native plantings at Maplewood City Hall Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan I 29 FigurE 3.4 Access to Paved Trails & Sidewalks WHEELOCK PKWY EN G L I S H S T ROSELAWN AVE E IN T E R S T A T E 3 5 E DOD D R D AR C A D E S T FROST AVE 7TH S T E MC K N I G H T R D HOLLOWAY AVE LOWE R A F T O N R D 34TH ST N WH I T E B E A R A V E N WH I T E B E A R A V E DA L E S T N HIGHWAY 110 COUNTY ROAD C HIGHWOOD AVE SM I T H A V E LARPENTEUR AVE E RI C E S T MINNEHAHA AVE E RO B E R T S T S 7TH S T W ED G E R T O N S T COUNTY ROAD B2 CO N C O R D S T N CO. ROAD C GE N E V A A V E N WE I R D R SELBY AVE CO. ROAD B MA X WE L L A V E CE N T U R Y A V E N CO NC O R D S T S ED G E R T O N S T STILL W A T E R R D RI C E S T HI L T O N T R L N EA S T C O U NT Y L I N E R D N ST . P A U L R O A D JA C K S O N S T HA Z E L W O O D S T MC K N I G H T R D N SOUTH AVE E VADN A I S B L V D CARVER AVE UPPER AFTON SO O S T LINWOOD WENTWORTH AVE W PHALEN BLVD CE N T U R Y A V E S RANDOLPH AVE MC K N I G H T R D S BEAM AVE ANNAPOLIS ST W LARPENTEUR AVE E SAI N T P E T E R S T CONWAY AVE CO. ROAD D DA L E S T N LYDIA AVE PRO S P E R I T Y R D Gervais Lake Silver Lake Beaver Lake Tanner's Lake Carver Lake 3M Lake Lake Phalen Pig's Eye Lake Th e M i s s i s s i p p i R i v e r Battle Creek Lake Hazelwood Park Wakefield Park Harvest Park Joy Park City Hall Campus & Community Center Veteran's Memorial Park Edgerton Park Sherwood Park Maplewood Heights Park Afton Heights Park Hillside Park Playcrest Park Vista Hills Park Legacy Park Pleasantview Park Kohlman Park Geranium Park Gethsemane Park Flicek Park Sterling Oaks Park Four Seasons Park Roselawn Park Sunset Ridge Park Robinhood Park Western Hills Park Lions Park Nebraska Park Crestview Park Applewood Park Gloster Park Maplecrest Park Timber Park Kenwood Park Lookout Park Mailand Park Bruce Vento RegionalTrail BruceVento North Ur ban Lake LinksTrail NorthUrban Regional Trail MississippiRiverTrail Br u c e V en t o Gatew a y T r a i l Tro u t B r o o k Battle Creek Regional Park Phalen Regional Park Keller Regional Park §¨¦35E §¨¦ 94 §¨¦694 §¨¦ 94 §¨¦494 £¤52 £¤61 £¤10 UV36UV36 §¨¦694 §¨¦35E §¨¦694 UV61 [0 1Miles Access to Paved Trails & Sidewalks Existing Sidewalk Existing Paved Regional Trail Existing Paved Trail City Parks Regional/County Park 1/2 Mile Paved Trail Service Area Residential Areas Outside 1/2 Mile Park Service Area Non-Residential Areas Outside 1/2 Mile Trail & Sidewalk Service Area 30 I Chapter 3: Existing Conditions & Needs natur E cE nt E r & natural a rE as 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 park’s preserve system provide environmental services but limited access. In addition, most of the City’s 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 1970’s, indoor and outdoor exhibits, a nature play area, and trails on a 40-acre preserve. The center was designed to accommodate groups of up to 30 people. To meet the needs of today’s 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 Local Word: Nature Center & Natural Areas • High quality natural areas should be preserved. • Some natural areas with high habitat value should be preserved for the benefit of wildlife. • Maintain the nature Center. • active natural resource management is a priority. • Signage and interpretation is important to inform and educate residents about natural areas and their ecology. • There is support for the creation of a Protected Ecological area Overlay for the highest quality natural areas. The Nature Center is a highly utilized City facility The Priory Preserve Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan I 31 FigurE 3.5 Access to Natural Areas WHEELOCK PKWY EN G L I S H S T ROSELAWN AVE E IN T E R S T A T E 3 5 E DOD D R D AR C A D E S T FROST AVE 7TH S T E MC K N I G H T R D HOLLOWAY AVE LOWE R A F T O N R D 34TH ST N WH I T E B E A R A V E N WH I T E B E A R A V E DA L E S T N HIGHWAY 110 COUNTY ROAD C HIGHWOOD AVE SM I T H A V E LARPENTEUR AVE E RI C E S T MINNEHAHA AVE E RO B E R T S T S 7TH S T W ED G E R T O N S T COUNTY ROAD B2 CO N C O R D S T N CO. ROAD C GE N E V A A V E N WE I R D R SELBY AVE CO. ROAD B MA X WE L L A V E CE N T U R Y A V E N CO NC O R D S T S ED G E R T O N S T STILL W A T E R R D RI C E S T HI L T O N T R L N EA S T C O UN T Y L I N E R D N ST . P A U L R O A D JA C K S O N S T HA Z E L W O O D S T MC K N I G H T R D N SOUTH AVE E VADN A I S B L V D CARVER AVE UPPER AFTON SO O S T LINWOOD WENTWORTH AVE W PHALEN BLVD CE N T U R Y A V E S RANDOLPH AVE MC K N I G H T R D S BEAM AVE ANNAPOLIS ST W LARPENTEUR AVE E SAI N T P E T E R S T CONWAY AVE CO. ROAD D DA L E S T N LYDIA AVE PRO S P E R I T Y R D Gervais Lake Silver Lake Beaver Lake Tanner's Lake Carver Lake 3M Lake Lake Phalen Pig's Eye Lake Th e M i s s i s s i p p i R i v e r Battle Creek Lake Priory Preserve Joy Preserve Carver Preserve Nature Center Preserve Spoon Lake Preserve Applewood Preserve Prairie Farm Preserve Fisher's Corner Preserve Beaver Creek Preserve Trout Brook Preserve Hidden Marsh Preserve Jims Prairie Preserve Gladstone Savanna Kohlman Creek Preserve Fish Creek Preserve Hazelwood Park Wakefield Park Harvest Park Joy Park City Hall Campus & Community Center Veteran's Memorial Park Sherwood Park Afton Heights Park Hillside Park Playcrest Park Vista Hills Park Legacy Park Pleasantview Park Kohlman Park Sterling Oaks Park Roselawn Park Sunset Ridge Park Robinhood Park Nebraska Park Crestview Park Applewood Park Kenwood Park §¨¦35E §¨¦ 94 §¨¦694 §¨¦ 94 §¨¦494 £¤52 £¤61 £¤10 UV36UV36 §¨¦694 §¨¦35E §¨¦694 UV61 [0 1Miles Access to Natural Areas City Preserve City Park with Natural Areas Regional/ County Park or Open Space with Natural Areas 1/2 Mile Natural Area Service Area Residential Areas Outside 1/2 Mile Natural Area Service Area Non-Residential Areas Outside 1/2 Mile Natural Area Service Area 32 I Chapter 3: Existing Conditions & Needs natural arEa grEEnways The Natural Area Greenway concept is a unique feature of the Maplewood system. The greenways are a map overlay of the largest contiguous areas of habitat in Maplewood, encompassing both public and private lands. They are wildlife corridors and because they are large areas they provide greater ecosystem services than single sites. Public lands within the greenways are open to public use, and 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. The Greenways could benefit from: • Marketing to better inform and engage residents about greenway benefits, stewardship efforts, 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. s ustainability Maplewood is known for its progressive sustainability efforts. Specific attributes that distinguish Maplewood’s 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. The 2030 Comprehensive Plan also clearly addresses sustainability by stating that ‘Maplewood’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan as a whole will encourage sustainable practices through the use of land, management of water, and protection of our remaining natural resources. These practices and policies will ensure that the residents, businesses, and property owners live and function in a way that considers the livelihood of future generations and of other living beings on this planet.’ The Local Word: Natural Area Greenways & Sustainability • Continue to support and expand current recycling efforts. • Maintain the nature Center. • Support for the utilization of existing trails and sidewalks to interpret and promote the natural area greenways. • Support for the use of sustainable design practices. • Support for the continued conversion of underutilized turf grass areas to more diverse plantings. • Desire to control buckthorn in trail corridors, parks, and preserves. NEW & NOTABLE: CITY-WIDE SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS that impact PARKS AND RECREATION: • Park & Environmental & natural resources Commissions. • Sustainable Operation Initiatives (The Green Team, organics collection at MCC, etc.). • Maplewood’s Green Building Code. • renewable Energy Ordinance and the Small Wind Turbine neighborhood Consent Form. • Solar panels at nature Center, City Hall, and Community Center. • Maplewood’s Living Streets Policy. • Friends of Maplewood nature Board. • Sustainable Turf Management Plan. Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan I 33 FigurE 3.6 Natural Area Greenways WHEELOCK PKWY EN G L I S H S T ROSELAWN AVE E DOD D R D AR C A D E S T FROST AVE 7TH S T E MC K N I G H T R D HOLLOWAY AVE LOWE R A F T O N R D 34TH ST N WH I T E B E A R A V E N WH I T E B E A R A V E COUNTY ROAD C HIGHWOOD AVE SM I T H A V E LARPENTEUR AVE E RI C E S T MINNEHAHA AVE E RO B E R T S T S 7TH S T W ED G E R T O N S T COUNTY ROAD B2 CO N C O R D S T N CO. ROAD C GE N E V A A V E N WE I R D R SELBY AVE CO. ROAD B MA X W E L L A V E CE N T U R Y A V E N CO N C O R D S T S ED G E R T O N S T STILLW A T E R R D RI C E S T EA S T C O U N T Y L I N E R D JA C K S O N S T HA Z E L W O O D S T SOUTH AVE E VADN A I S B L V D CARVER AVE UPPER AFTON SO O S T LINWOOD WENTWORTH AVE W PHALEN BLVD CE N T U R Y A V E S MC K N I G H T R D S BEAM AVE ANNAPOLIS ST W LARPENTEUR AVE E SAI N T P E T E R S T CONWAY AVE CO. ROAD D Gervais Lake Silver Lake Beaver Lake Tanner's Lake Carver Lake 3M Lake Lake Phalen Pig's Eye Lake Th e M i s s i s s i p p i R i v e r Battle Creek Lake Priory Preserve Joy Preserve Carver Preserve Nature Center Preserve Spoon Lake Preserve Applewood Preserve Prairie Farm Preserve Fisher's Corner Preserve Beaver Creek Preserve Trout Brook Preserve Hidden Marsh Preserve Jims Prairie Preserve Gladstone Savanna Kohlman Creek Preserve Fish Creek Preserve Hazelwood Park City Hall Campus & Community Center Afton Heights Park Vista Hills Park Pleasantview Park Geranium Park Flicek Park Crestview Park Applewood Park Bruce Vento Regional Trail Bruce Vento Lake Links Trail North Urban Regional Trail Mississippi River Trail Br u c e V e n t o Gatew a y T r a i l Tro u t B r o o k Battle Creek Regional Park Phalen Regional Park Keller Regional Park Battle Creek Forests Natural Aea Greenway Phalen-Casey Chain-of-Lakes Natural Area Greenway Fish Creek Forests Natural Area Greenway Holloway-Beaver Lake Wetlands Natural Area Greenway35E 94 694 494 52 61 10 36 36 694 35E 694 61 10Miles Natural Area Greenways Natural Area Greenways Existing Regional Trail Existing Sidewalks & Trails City Preserve City Parks Regional/County Park 34 I Chapter 3: Existing Conditions & Needs arts & cultur E Current arts and culture efforts focus on event programming at the Maplewood Performing Arts Theatre at the Maplewood Community Center (MCC) on White Bear Avenue. The City built the theatre as part of the MCC and currently leases it to Ashland Productions, a non-profit organization that provides family friendly theatre productions and community arts education. Residents can enjoy a seasonal theatre series featuring plays, dance performances and concerts. More recently, Bruentrup Heritage Farm has been the site of community concerts and an arts festival. Residents also have access to performing and visual arts classes through City offerings, and the City sponsors an annual fireworks display at Hazelwood Park. Recent art installations at Maplewood Mall and upcoming arts amenities at Joy Park are examples of the art that is beginning to appear in Maplewood. The City could benefit from more formalized programs and partnerships that further integrate art across the City. Integrating arts into park design and programming in Maplewood could help parks establish unique identiies, interpret history and culture, add to park aesthetics, and arts-related events could help foster community gathering. The Local Word: Arts & Culture • Modernize/improve historical interpretation. • Incorporate the work of local and regional artists throughout the city where appropriate. • Consider newer populations in the design and implementation of cultural assets. • Partner with other local groups to support arts and culture. • research potential partnerships with artists and arts organizations in neighboring communities. • Partnering with businesses and stakeholders. programming The City of Maplewood offers it residents a diverse range of programs. Programs are carefully designed to appeal to people of all ages, genders, and cultural backgrounds, with a focus on community/ special events, and programming at the MCC and Nature Center. The City offers programs run by City staff and in conjunction with partners such as the North St. Paul/Maplewood/Oakdale School District, neighboring communities, and Ramsey County Parks. Local recreation associations offer leagues for youth and adult sports such as volleyball, hockey, softball, and soccer. Changing community trends are resulting in additional needs for program offerings and amenities, and include: • Better integration of youth programs, including fitness, crime prevention, and neighborhood engagement. • Stronger core programming for youth athletics. • Additional indoor classroom/ facility space more evenly dispersed across the City. • Forming additional partnerships. • Further use of technology, social media, etc. The Local Word: Programming • Strong desire for more mind/body group fitness options. • Continue nature-based programming that connects residents with the outdoors. • Community and neighborhood events are important for creating opportunities for gathering (i.e. movies in the park, community concerts). • residents would benefit from a one-stop shop for program offerings-including links to other clubs and associations. Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan I 35 The Local Word: Funding • Prioritize maintenance of the current system. • residents expressed a willingness to pay for improvements that include: »an outdoor performance space. »new trails. »Winter trail clearance. • If additional funding is available: »regularly maintain parks and facilities. »Install restrooms and running water at higher use parks. »Host movie nights in the park. Funding Currently a gap exists between the needs for park reinvestments and the financial resources available to 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 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 The Maplewood Community Center is home base for Day Camp 36 I Chapter 3: Existing Conditions & Needs the good news • Excellent access to parks and natural areas. • Well loved neighborhood parks. • High number of trail miles, most residents are in close proximity to trails. • Leader in natural area protection, sustainable development, and maintenance practices. • The Maplewood Community Center is the most used facility. • Diverse programs. • Invigorated, professional staff that is taking a proactive role. • Existing plans for key parks to build on. the needs • renovation of older parks: replace facilities, add support amenities, and improve accessibility. • Trail system connectivity. • Park standardization across the system (signage, benches, design standards, asset management). • More unique parks through attention to aesthetics, arts, history, and culture. • Places and programs for community gathering (at all scales). • Continued leadership in natural area preservation and sustainability. • Financial stability. • Specialized facilities that respond to demographic and recreation trends. • reinvest and replace over time with the availability of funding. summary Clearly the City of Maplewood has a rich history of supporting public parks and open space. Over time, the City has steadily acquired the parks and facilities it has needed to provide for neighborhood recreation and athletics. The City has also developed signature features such as the Community Center, the Nature Center, and the system of preserves. A $5 million referendum passed by Maplewood residents in 1993 funded the acquisition of the preserves. Keller, Phalen, and Battle Creek Regional Parks, and Bruentrup Farm add to the recreation amenities available to residents. Three quarters of Maplewood’s residential neighborhoods were developed over 25 years ago. As neighborhoods age, so do park facilities. In the coming years many basic recreation facilities - playgrounds, courts, picnic shelters, signage, benches, fields - will reach the end of their life-cycle and need to be replaced. While this pressing need for reinvestment will present challenges, it is an exciting opportunity to reinvest in the system to make it more relevant for residents today and into the future.