HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-01-15-PRC Packet
AGENDA
CITY OF MAPLEWOOD
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
6:00 PM January 15, 2025
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. November 20, 2024
E. NEW BUSINESS
1. Swearing in of New Commission Member
2. 2025 Parks and Recreation Commission Goal Setting
F. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Parks Master Plan Chapter 5 Review
G. VISITOR PRESENTATION
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 m embers, 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., November 20, 2024
Wednesday, November 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
DeMoe at 6:00 p.m.
B.ROLL CALL
Commissioners
Craig Brannon, Commissioner Present
Vickie Lee-Her, Commissioner Present
Jason DeMoe, Chair Present
Terri Mallet, Commissioner Present
Monica Barton, Commissioner Present
Kimii Porter, Commissioner Absent
Staff
Audra Robbins, Parks and Recreation Manager Present
Student Commission
Mallory Present
Charlie Present
Todd Present
Nischal Absent
C.APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Commissioner Brannon made a motion to approve the amended agenda.
Seconded by Commissioner Mallet. Ayes – All
The motion passed.
D.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. October 16, 2024
Commissioner Barton made a motion to approve the October 16, 2024 Parks and
Recreation Commission minutes.
Seconded by Commissioner Lee-Her. Ayes – All
The motion passed.
D1
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes
E. NEW BUSINESS:
1. 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Plan
Joe Rueb, Finance Director, provided an update on the Capital Improvement
plan for the Parks and Natural Resources Department. Mr. Rueb explained the
planning process, financing sources and discussed how it is scheduled.
2. Natural Resources 2024 Project Updates
Carole Gernes, Natural Resources Coordinator, gave an overview of projects
from 2024, current grants in progress, partnerships and other management
programs. Carole wanted to point out how much Century College students assist
in many projects each year, 2024 was the 24th year!
F. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Kohlman Park Playground
Audra Robbins discussed the Kohlman Park Playground community meeting and
the few alterations to the playground plan based on the feedback. Commissioner
Mallet commented on the large number of people that attended from the
neighborhood.
2. Harvest Park Master Plan Implementation
Audra Robbins discussed the timeline and plan for implementation of the
approved Harvest Park Master Plan. The first portion of implementation would be
the new playground portion of the plan and commission discussed their thoughts
on the playground.
G. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
H. COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS
1. Climate Mitigation Team Update
Commissioner Brannon provided an update to the commission regarding the
Climate Mitigation Team and more specifically his subgroup of waste
management.
I. STAFF PRESENTATIONS
1. Department Updates
Audra Robbins updated the commission on the upcoming and recently concluded
events/programs.
J. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Brannon made a motion to adjourn.
Seconded by Commissioner Mallet. Ayes – All
The motion passed.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
E1
State of Minnesota )
County of Ramsey ) SS
City of Maplewood )
I, Russell Smith, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and of the State of
Minnesota and faithfully discharge the duties of the office of Commissioner of the Parks & Recreation
Commission in the City of Maplewood, in the County of Ramsey and the State of Minnesota, to the best of
my judgment and ability. So help me God.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this
15th day of January, 2025
Audra Robbins Russell Smith
Liaison Parks & Recreation Commission
For 2024, the Parks and Recreation Commission identified the following goals and made a point to
tie them to the Strategic Priorities created by the City Council. The PRC acknowledges that success-
ful completion of these goals may be affected by budgetary constraints or other issues.
1.Continue to review the Parks & Recreation System Master Plan and park improvement plans
2.Continue to look for new ways to engage in community outreach and be involved in at least two
community events
3.Take a bus tour of our park system
4.Hold a meeting to discuss connectivity and trails with neighboring cities and Ramsey County
5.Hold a meeting dedicated to review the implementation progress of the Nature Center and Pro-
gramming Task Force recommendations and receive regular updates as well
6.Value the youth perspective and recruit/appoint student PRC members
7.Receive annual updates from the MCC/YMCA, as well as updates form community groups and
partners to look for ways to work together
8.Review and evaluate the current and future signage in our parks and open spaces
2024 Parks and Recreation Goals
E2
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan I 41
Chapter 5:The sTraTegic plan
Parks and Recreation’s goal is to provide for play
of many types to many people. This chapter offers
specific detail on how to accomplish that goal. The
chapter is organized into five topic areas that will drive
ongoing improvements. The five topic areas are:
•Parks & Recreation Facilities
•Trails
•Natural Areas & Greenways
•Programs
•Arts & Culture
Recommendations and strategies are identified for
each of the topic areas.
Underlying Values
This chapter’s recommendations across all the
topics listed above are built on the foundatoin of two
underlying goals for Maplewood’s park and recreation
system: providing a safe and welcoming environment,
and environmental sustainablility.
Providing a safe and welcoming environment for
parks and recreation programs is fundamental. Such
an environment encompasses:
•Conducting ongoing maintenance like regular
mowing and trash pick-up.
•Replacing equipment at the end of its life cycle
or which no longer meets safety standards.
•Adding basic amenities such as ADA
accessibility, shade, restrooms, and water.
•Providing activities that meet the needs and
interests of Maplewood’s increasingly diverse
population.
•Ensuring that recreation opportunities are
financially accessible.
•Integrating art into the park system.
The City of Maplewood already exemplifies environmental
leadership though design, maintenance, and
operations. Recommendations and strategies in all
of the topic areas assume continued sustainability
practices, which include:
•Preserving natural open spaces.
•Managing natural resources.
•Innovating construction practices and materials
selection.
•Integrating natural areas into more active parks.
•Supporting walking and biking as alternatives
to automobile use.
•Educating through demonstration, art,
programs, and service learning.
Icons in this chapter
Icons at the beginning of each topic area
represent the guiding principles (Chapter 4)
that support recommendations for the topic
area.
F1
56 I Chapter 5: The Strategic Plan
trails
Trails are one of the most desired and economical
park amenities. They bring the park system closer
to every resident, offer transportation alternatives,
and support a healthy, active population. Trails are
essential components in an accessible recreation
system, particularly for those who cannot or choose
not to drive, including low income households,
children, and the elderly. Investment in trails pays for
itself in health care savings, reduced emissions, and
reduced reliance on automobiles.
Recommendations
1. Create a safe, multi-purpose, all-season,
non-motorized trail system throughout
the City.
Strategies
a. Provide safe road crossings.
b. Sign paved shoulders when utilized to
supplement the non-motorized system,
transitioning to off-road facilities or bike lanes
where and when possible.
c. Add lighting in key locations.
d. Add system wayfinding and signage at key
locations.
e. Consider options for hiking, biking, walking,
skating, and cross-country skiing.
f. Update the Snow and Ice Control Policy on
an annual basis to ensure the appropriate
prioritization of the network.
2. Create a Priority Network that makes
North-South and East-West connections
for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Strategies
a. Connect to regional and community parks,
preserves, facilities, schools, commercial areas,
and transit routes.
b. Provide bicycle routes every half to one-mile
throughout the City.
c. Connect to destinations and pedestrian/bicycle
facilities in neighboring communities.
3. Establish a system of routes that
highlight the Natural Area Greenways.
Strategies
a. Incorporate existing pedestrian and bicycle
infrastructure.
b. Identify the gaps and work to connect trail
segments on public land.
c. Partner with adjacent cities to connect
Greenway trails to trails in their communities.
4. Expand the trail network in Parks and
Preserves
Strategies
a. Continue to add trail loops of 1/2 mile or
greater in parks.
b. Add trails featuring low-impact design to
preserves, where appropriate.
c. Add an ADA trail in one preserve per park
service area.
d. Balance access to natural areas with
environmental protection.
5. Continue coordination between the
Parks and Recreation and Public Works
Department on the expansion of the
non-motorized transportation system.
Strategies
a. Use neighborhood context, the Living Streets
Policy, and the 2030 Comprehensive Plan to
guide the design of trail and sidewalk projects.
b. Annually review missing segments and priority
corridors as part of the Capital Improvement
Plan process. Coordinate trail and sidewalk
construction with road construction projects.
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan I 57
c. Initiate planning on priority segments to position
projects for grant funding. This task could
include preparing preliminary plans/layouts,
evaluating right of way needs, environmental
documentation, review of historic resources
impact, or building of partnerships.
d. Ensure Maplewood’s non-motorized
transportation needs are incorporated in
planning and construction processes by other
jurisdictions, including MnDOT and Ramsey
County.
e. Continue to implement Maplewood’s Living
Streets Policy in areas adjacent to parks and
trails.
6. Support multi-modal transportation.
a. Ensure safe walking/biking options to system
components.
b. Introduce a bike rental program at the MCC.
c. Provide bike racks, water fountains, and
restrooms at facilities as appropriate based on
facility class.
d. Focus transit connections to community and
athletic parks (safe routes from transit stops,
marketing of easy transit connections).
e. Continue to work with regional planning
authorities to make bicycle and pedestrian
connections to, and safe crossings of, the
future Gateway and Rush Line transit corridors.
The Gateway Corridor (image source: www.thegatewaycorridor.com)
The Rush LIne Corridor (image source: www.rushline.org)
ANOKA COUNTY
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Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan I 58
FigurE 5.9 Proposed Pedestrian/Bicycle Network
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Sherwood
Park
Maplewood
Heights Park
Afton Heights Park
Hillside
Park
Playcrest Park
Vista
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Park
Legacy
Park
Pleasantview
Park
Kohlman Park
Geranium
Park
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Flicek Park
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Park
Roselawn Park
Sunset
Ridge
Park
Robinhood Park
Western
Hills Park
Lions Park
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Crestview Park
Applewood Park
Gloster Park
Maplecrest
Park
Timber Park
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Proposed Neighboring Pedestrian/Bicyle Network
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Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan I 59
FigurE 5.10 Pedestrian/Bicycle Network Priority Improvements
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DA
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Th
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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 Links Trail
NorthUrban Regional Trail
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Pedestrian/Bicycle Network Priority Improvements
2013-2016 Project
Planned CIP Project (No Time/Funding)
Missing Segment
Priority Project Corridors
Existing Pedestrian/Bicycle Network
City Preserve
City Park
Regional/County Park
WHEELOCK PKWY
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IN
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LOWE
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MINNEHAHA AVE E
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VADN
A
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B
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CARVER AVE
UPPER AFTON
SO
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LINWOOD
WENTWORTH AVE W
PHALEN BLVD
CE
N
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A
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MC
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ANNAPOLIS ST W
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SAI
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CO. ROAD D
DA
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PRO
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P
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R
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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 Links Trail
NorthUrban Regional Trail
MississippiRiverTrail
Br
u
c
e
V
e
n
t
o
Gate
w
a
y
T
r
a
i
l
Tro
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t
B
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Battle Creek
Regional Park
Phalen
Regional
Park
Keller
Regional
Park
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Pedestrian/Bicycle Network Priority Improvements
2013-2016 Project
Planned CIP Project (No Time/Funding)
Missing Segment
Priority Project Corridors
Existing Pedestrian/Bicycle Network
City Preserve
City Park
Regional/County Park
Proposed Grade-separated Crossing
60 I Chapter 5: The Strategic Plan
natural a r E as & gr EEnways
Maplewood residents place a high value on
environmental health, preserving natural open spaces,
and linking open spaces throughout the City. The Parks
and Recreation and Public Works Departments are in
position to exemplify environmental leadership through
education, demonstration, design, maintenance and
operations. Continued investment in natural areas will
help keep Maplewood’s environment healthy.
Recommendations
1. Establish Community Preserves as
integrated, multi-purpose areas set
aside for preserving natural resources,
connecting people to nature, and
providing educational programming and
historic interpretation.
Strategies
a. Categorize Maplewood Nature Center, Prairie
Farm, Gladstone Savanna, and Fish Creek as
Community Preserves.
b. Use natural resource management plans to
guide the preservation, management, and
restoration of natural resources.
c. Use individual master plans for each
Community Preserve to define each preserve’s
ability to accommodate natural resource-
based recreation opportunities such as play
areas, sitting areas, picnic shelters, paved trail
networks, community gardens, educational
programming, and camping.
d. Provide historic interpretation to share the
history of the site.
2. Maintain Neighborhood Preserves as
areas set aside for the preservation of
natural resources and to connect people
with nature.
Strategies
a. Limit activities in neighborhood preserves to
low impact activities such as nature study/
observation, bird/wildlife watching, walking/
hiking, and meditation/spiritual reflection.
b. Use management plans to guide preservation,
restoration, and management of the natural
resources in individual neighborhood preserves.
c. Use low impact design to add trails to
preserves where appropriate. Balance the
types of trails available in individual preserves
(paved, soft surface, mowed, etc.) based
on trail availability within a park service area,
greenway designation, connection to existing
trails, topography, natural resource quality, and
environmental protection.
d. Improve access to nature for people of all
abilities by ensuring one ADA neighborhood
preserve trail in each of the park service areas.
3. Retain scenic areas, landscape buffers,
and drainageways as other open space
areas that are minimally maintained and
have no maintained, public trails.
4. Create a Protected Ecological Area
overlay that identifies areas within
parks, preserves, and open spaces that
have high-quality plant communities
and wildlife habitat. Actively preserve,
restore, and manage these areas.
Strategies
a. Identify the location of the community’s highest
quality plant communities and wildlife habitat
on public property.
b. Establish a policy regarding public access and
activities allowed in these areas.
c. Create or update natural resource management
plans for these areas.
5. Maintain the Nature Center as the
community hub for environmental
stewardship and nature-based
programming.
Strategies
a. Undertake a Master Plan to assess the
condition of the existing facility, determine
future needs and appropriate location, and
establish a long-term vision.
b. Explore opportunities to create satellite
locations for nature-based programming in
select neighborhood preserves.
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan I 61
FigurE 5.11 Proposed Preserve Classifications
WHEELOCK PKWY
EN
G
L
I
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H
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ROSELAWN AVE E
IN
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S
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A
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3
5
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DOD
D
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D
AR
C
A
D
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S
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FROST AVE
7TH
S
T
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MC
K
N
I
G
H
T
R
D
HOLLOWAY AVE
LOWE
R
A
F
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N
R
D
34TH ST N
WH
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E
B
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A
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A
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N
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B
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DA
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HIGHWAY 110
COUNTY ROAD C
HIGHWOOD AVE
SM
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LARPENTEUR AVE E
RI
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S
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MINNEHAHA AVE E
RO
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S
7TH
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CO. ROAD B
MA
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A
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B
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UPPER AFTON
SO
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S
T
LINWOOD
WENTWORTH AVE W
PHALEN BLVD
CE
N
T
U
R
Y
A
V
E
S
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MC
K
N
I
G
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T
R
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SAI
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S
T
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CO. ROAD D
DA
L
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S
T
N
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PRO
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P
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I
T
Y
R
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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
Battle Creek
Regional Park
Phalen
Regional
Park
Keller
Regional
Park
§¨¦35E
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Preserves
Existing Preseve Trails
Proposed Preserve Trails
Community Preserve
Neighborhood Preserve
City Parks
Regional/County Park
Park Service Areas
62 I Chapter 5: The Strategic Plan
trail markers and wayfinding
Identification of special trails, such as routes in the
greenways, can be identified in ways that range
from easily implementable and more temporary, to
embedded and permanent. Route markers should
be context sensitive, reflecting the feel of the
surrounding area.
6. Promote the Natural Area Greenways
by establishing routes through
Maplewood’s four greenways.
Strategies
a. Connect Preserves, Parks, and Open Spaces
across jurisdictional boundaries within the
Greenways.
b. Use existing and proposed trails, sidewalks,
bike routes, and water bodies to make
connections.
c. Use these routes to prioritize paved, off-road
trail construction where appropriate.
d. Develop artful, context-sensitive trail markers
and wayfinding signage to identify greenway
routes.
e. Improve and expand Greenway routes with
future projects and partnerships where
appropriate.
f. Promote the distinct identities, features, and
modes of travel within each Greenway.
g. Interpret historic and natural assets along the
Greenway Routes where appropriate.
7. Integrate Natural Resource Management
into Parks and Preserves.
Strategies
a. Integrate food production in City parks and
preserves–edibles, foraging, permaculture,
community gardens, etc.
b. Create and follow management plans (e.g.
Beaver Creek Corridor Management Plan).
›Identify and classify natural areas/plant
communities/restoration areas.
›Prioritize restoration/management strategies
within sites and across the system.
c. Minimize monocultures and establish
biodiversity goals to support wildlife habitat.
d. Consider ecotype distribution across the
system (diversity of forest, prairie, savanna,
wetland, lacustrine environments) when
exploring natural resources restoration.
e. Identify and manage for target species (e.g.
threatened or special concern species) as
possible tools for educating and engaging the
community.
Pavement paint is a low cost wayfinding option
Trail markers can be subtle and unobtrusive
More permanent options include pavement-embedded mile markers
Canoeing the Chain-of-Lakes Greenway
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan I 63
FigurE 5.12 Greenway Routes
WHEELOCK PKWY
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L
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H
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ROSELAWN AVE E
DOD
D
R
D
AR
C
A
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S
T
FROST AVE
7TH S
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E
MC
K
N
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HOLLOWAY AVE
LOWE
R
A
F
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34TH ST N
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N
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HIGHWOOD AVE
SM
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LARPENTEUR AVE E
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S
7TH
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T
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S
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COUNTY ROAD B2
CO
N
C
O
R
D
S
T
N
CO. ROAD C
GE
N
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V
A
A
V
E
N
WE
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R
D
R
SELBY AVE
CO. ROAD B
MA
X
W
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L
L
A
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CE
N
T
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Y
A
V
E
N
CO
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STILLW
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S
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S
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HA
Z
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L
W
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S
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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
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T
P
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T
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S
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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
Gate
w
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
494
52
61
10
36
36
694
35E
694
61
10Miles
Natural Area Greenways
& Greenway Routes
Battle Creek Route
Fish Creek Route
Fish Creek Route Gap
Holloway Beaver Route
Holloway Beaver Route Gap
Phalen Casey Route
Phalen Casey Water Route
Natural Area Greenways
City Preserve
City Park
Regional/County Park
FISH CREEk
• Connects Woodbury’s
Carver Lake Park with Fish
Creek Preserve
• Future hiking trail along Fish
Creek
• Future paved trail at Fish
Creek Preserve
HOLLOWAY-BEAVER
• Connects Southwood Preserve in
North St. Paul to Beaver Lake County
Park
• Utilizes a mix of sidewalks, paved
trails, and hiking trails
• Route has gaps to be addressed
BATTLE CREEk
• Highlights the Oak Forest ecotype
of Battle Creek
• Utilizes existing regional park trails,
connector trails, and sidewalks
PHALEN-CASEY
• Water trail from kohlman Lake to
Lake Phalen showcases lake ecotype
• Utilizes existing regional park trails
64 I Chapter 5: The Strategic Plan
arts & culturE
The City is uniquely poised to grow a sustainable
arts and culture program over the next 20 years,
building on its strong cultural and transportation
history, extensive parks and recreation system,
potential for future development, and a growing
minority population that is rich with cultural traditions.
Maplewood is also situated close to a booming Twin
Cities arts community that offers an enormous talent
pool and experienced support services.
A thriving arts and culture component is considered
vital to creating healthy and sustainable communities.
The arts enhance livability, bring diverse groups
of people together, celebrate history and heritage,
contribute to economic vitality, enhance learning in
classrooms, raise awareness of environmental and
social concerns, and bring beauty and meaning to the
built environment.
Most of America’s large cities have art departments
and public art programs. For many smaller cites with
limited resources, arts development is overseen via
public-private partnerships. Some cities partner with
a local non-profit or a volunteer “Friends of the Arts”
group. Some cities combine efforts with neighboring
regions to share the workload and increase
opportunities.
Maplewood’s arts and cultural programming will grow
and evolve organically over time. The City should
build on its successful relationships and partnerships
to foster arts in the City. Moving forward, the City will
need to expand partnerships with nearby communities
and their arts resources. A useful strategy is to create
a Friends group, which could serve as a community
advisory committee, encourage citizen involvement
and participation, and evolve into a nonprofit agency
to meet the City’s growing demand.
Recommendations
1. Establish funding to support a
sustainable public art program for
Maplewood Parks.
Strategies
a. Establish a separate funding source for
programs.
b. Recruit Community Advisory Committee or
Friends group to aid in planning and artist
selection.
c. Develop additional support systems, funding
sources, gifts, and private partnerships.
2. Establish a public art commissioning
plan for priority parks, trails, and public
facilities.
Strategies
a. Create a public art overlay map for each
project, indicating locations, types, and budget
allocations.
b. Develop criteria and objectives for each project
and prepare RFQs for artists.
c. Implement review and selection of artists,
followed by contracting and monitoring of
work performed by artists (from design through
installation).
d. Establish maintenance policies and procedures,
including training for parks maintenance staff,
periodic inspection, and maintaining database
per project.
3. Incorporate art into the park system.
Strategies
a. Commission artists to produce unique park
amenities such as benches, railings, picnic
shelters, wayfinding, trail-side exercise stations,
etc.
b. Create a fixed outdoor performance art space
at Veteran’s Memorial Park and a mobile stage
for temporary set up at neighborhood events.
4. Support cultural programming by diverse
cultural groups seeking to use parks.
Strategies
a. Establish a community multicultural advisory
committee to provide guidance and planning
input.
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan I 65
b. Create infrastructure and provide venues to
accommodate programming.
c. Conduct assessment to determine
effectiveness of programming, and make
adjustments to future investments accordingly.
d. Document and promote programming to
encourage increased participation.
5. Respond to needs for educational
programming that integrates arts with the
promotion of environmental stewardship
and the history of Maplewood.
Strategies
a. Establish an education advisory group with
representatives from arts and environmental
groups, schools, historical societies, watershed
district, etc.
b. Support efforts to incorporate art into
rain gardens, GreenStep Cities initiatives,
recycling, composting, renewable energy, and
stewardship programs.
c. Support participation by broader community
to engage with artists in the planning and
implementation of programming.
d. Continue/increase art programming in locations
such as MCC, Bruentrup Farm, and the Nature
Center.
6. Build awareness and appreciation for
the community’s history.
Strategies
a. Identify, preserve, and interpret any significant
historic resources at parks and preserves.
b. Provide historic interpretation where possible
in parks and preserves and along trails and
greenway routes.
c. Partner with groups such as Maplewood Area
Historical Society on history programming, and
support the community-wide initiatives of the
Bruentrup Heritage Farm.
Artful fencing is an example of art integrated with infrastructure
Seating provides an opportunity for public art
The Bruentrup Heritage Farm is homebase for Maplewood Area Historical
Society
66 I Chapter 5: The Strategic Plan
p rograms
The need for recreation is an essential element of
human biology and psychology and a component
of a healthy, vital community. Recreation programs
are typically pursued for enjoyment, health, skill
development, enrichment, socialization, entertainment,
physical fitness, and relaxation. Dynamic recreation
and demographic trends mean programs need to
constantly evolve. It is an exciting time for programs in
Maplewood with future recommendations focused on
community-building events like 5K runs and concerts,
updating multipurpose buildings in parks to bring
more programs to neighborhoods, and emphasizing
outreach to diverse population groups.
Recommendations
1. Program for community and neighborhood
gathering.
Strategies
a. Program events to draw residents to the
park and recreation facilities. Scale events
appropriately to the type of park, such
as concerts at community parks and
neighborhood picnics in neighborhood parks.
b. Encourage the use of neighborhood shelters
and warming houses for neighborhood
events through special permits and marketing
assistance.
c. Explore opportunities to have a public
community garden in each of the park service
areas.
d. Use mobile/pop-up delivery methods to offer
similar programs in each of the park service
areas.
e. Use demographic data and neighborhood
surveys to tailor programs to an area.
2. Maintain and improve high quality,
diverse program offerings for all ages
(children, teens, adults, and seniors).
Strategies
a. Provide early childhood programming to build
long-term relationships with families.
b. Develop intergenerational programming.
c. Explore programs that a variety of family
members can enjoy within the same location.
d. Provide multi-age programs so siblings can
attend programs at the same location and time.
e. Offer wellness education such as nutrition
education.
f. Provide informal or drop-in activities for people
of all ages.
g. Develop programming to address gaps not
served by other agencies and organizations.
h. Assist adults in forming their own groups based
on interests.
i. Expand youth programming by engaging youth
in program design to ensure the programming
is relevant, well-attended, and high quality.
j. Explore new programming opportunities made
available through technology.
3. Ensure equitable access to programs.
Strategies
a. Offer programming and facility space for partner
organizations to meet the needs of individuals
with disabilities.
b. Create tiered pricing to reflect the benefit of the
programs to the community.
c. Provide grants and scholarships to eliminate
financial barriers.
d. Provide a diverse range of programming
formats, ranging from classes to events to
specialized clubs.
e. Explore off-peak programming, with programs
offered over the noon hour, later hours and on
weekends, to meet the needs of those with
non-traditional work schedules.
f. Work with partners to modify programming to
meet the needs of diverse populations, such as
offering times for female only swimming.
g. Explore opportunities to offer programming
in neighborhoods at community gyms and in
parks.
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan I 67
ECONOMIC INFLUENCES ON PROGRAM DELIVERY
The Parks and Recreation Department can price its programs according to a tiered pricing model.
In this model, programs that benefit the entire community, are equally available to everyone, and
are self-directed are supported by revenue from the general tax fund. For programs where both
the community and the individual benefit, user fees, grants, or sponsorships make up anywhere
from 25% to 100% of the direct costs. These are programs like senior programs and after school
programs, that require instructors, clean-up and prep time. For programs that have a highly
individual benefit, such as fitness facilities, user fees pay for 100% or more of the direct costs.
To assure equal opportunity for low-income users, the Parks and Recreation department offers
scholarships for fee-based program.
0%
25%
50%
75%
100%
+
100% user fee
supported of
direct cost
recreation tiered pricing
Model
100% tax
supported
For example: Private
Lessons, Pre-school,
Field Trips, Tennis, Dance
Mostly individual
benefit
For example: Youth Sports, Adult
Athletic Leagues, Swim Lessons, Fitness
individual / coMMunity
benefit
For example: Senior & Adult Programs
coMMunity individual benefit
For example: Teen Programs, After School / No School Activities, Youth
Activities, Events
coMMunity benefit
For example: Parkland and Facilities, Playgrounds, Trails
HigHly
individual
benefit
68 I Chapter 5: The Strategic Plan
4. Promote performance arts and cultural
events in parks and at recreation
facilities.
Strategies
a. Develop a concert/performance art series.
b. Explore an artist-in-residence program.
c. Show movies in the park on a rotating
schedule, providing a movie in each park
service area during the year.
d. Develop events that showcase the diverse
culture of the community.
5. Connect people with nature, including
land, water, and wildlife resources, and
empower them to be stewards of the
environment.
Strategies
a. Reconnect with schools to provide outdoor
nature experiences and education in a variety of
locations, including schools, parks, preserves,
rain gardens, and at the Nature Center.
b. Provide volunteer opportunities for all ages
to participate in hands-on citizen science
monitoring programs such as frog monitoring,
monarch tagging, open space monitors, etc.
c. Use mobile delivery methods to bring nature
based education to participants.
6. Respond to changing recreation trends
and ensure quality programming.
Strategies
a. Use participant feedback, recreation trends
and demand to adjust program mix and keep
programs and activities fresh and appealing.
b. Benchmark programs annually to determine
effectiveness. Evaluate and retool programs not
achieving benchmark targets.
c. Use pilot programs to determine effectiveness
and increase efficiency.
d. Coordinate with associations, schools,
neighborhood governmental agencies,
businesses, and local organizations on
programming to provide maximum coverage,
avoid overlap and cross-market activities.
7. Use volunteers and service learning
programs to support recreational,
arts, cultural, and natural resource
management programming.
8. Strengthen the Maplewood Community
Center as the indoor recreational,
cultural, and arts hub for the community.
Strategies
a. Regularly evaluate recreational trends and
participant feedback to ensure Maplewood
Community Center programming is meeting
current needs.
b. Continue to expand special and cultural events
c. Explore additional partnerships with local
organizations to expand programming options.
The Maplewood Nature Center offers a variety of program options
Maplewood Parks & Recreation System Master Plan I 69
9. Improve outreach to diverse populations
and minority groups.
Strategies
a. Strengthen relationships with existing organized
groups that serve diverse populations.
b. Publicize parks and recreation information in
varied, effective ways such as foreign language
newspapers, radio stations, church bulletin
boards, etc.
c. Collaborate to host cultural events.
d. Reduce language barriers by offering
translation services, translating written materials
into multiple languages.
e. Use universal symbols and translations in
signage.
f. Strive to have Parks & Recreation programs
and facilities reflect the diversity in the
community.
10. Become the “go to” parks and recreation
clearinghouse
Strategies
a. Continue to utilize diverse methods of
communication, including social and digital
media.
b. Publicize testimonials from customers through
a variety of media outlets.
c. Highlight youth, families, mentors, volunteers
in City newsletter and recreation activities
brochure.
d. Post videos after events.
e. Explore the use of blog to allow networking
between program participants.
f. Celebrate the opening of every new or
renovated facility or program.
g. Regularly tell the sustainability story to inspire
private action and demonstrate cost savings.
h. Provide information on the City’s website and in
outside publications about parks, facilities, and
programming that is accessible to people with
disabilities.
i. Highlight the quality of life benefits of parks,
trails, recreation, and open space.
j. Recognize sponsors, donors, and advocates.
11. Provide opportunities for community
involvement in the design, development,
and implementation of parks and
recreation.
Strategies
a. Create a teen advisory board/council to advise
and market events and facility development.
b. Use focus groups to test new ideas.
c. Continue to engage the community and
neighborhood in the park design process.
12. Make Sustainability Education/Outreach
a Priority.
Strategies
a. Market and interpret sustainable practices and
pilot programs.
b. Offer sustainable living classes/workshops/
community events tied to sustainable efforts in
the parks and preserves.
c. Continue and expand volunteer recruitment
and training programs to supplement service
projects, outreach, and events.
Interpretation at Wakefield Park provides visitors with information about
natural resources and sustainable practices