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Home My WebLink About2010-03-17 PRC Packet AGENDA CITY OF MAPLEWOOD PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING Wednesday, March 17,2010 7:00p.m. Council Chambers - Maplewood City Hall 1830 County Road BEast 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Agenda 4. Approval of Minutes a. February 17, 2010 5. Visitor Presentations 6. Unfinished Business a. Ranking of 201 0 Commission Goals 7. New Business a. Discussion of Citizens' Parks and Recreation Survey b. 2009 Commission Report (Commissioner Fischer) c. Gethsemane Park Lease Agreement d. Discussion on the Beaver Lake Property Tour (Chair Roman) 8. Staff Presentations a. Mississippi Tot Lot Update b. Wakefield Picnic Shelter Update c. Legacy Naming d. National Trails Day 9. Commissioner Comments 10. Adjourn - (9:30 p.m.) Next meeting - April 21,2010 CITY OF MAPLEWOOD PARKS AND RECREA nON COMMISSION MEETING Wednesday, February 17, 2010 7:00 p.m. COUNCIL CHAMBERS - MAPLEWOOD CITY HALL 1830 COUNTY ROAD BEAST 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Roman indicated there was a quorum and called to order. 2. ROLL CALL Commissioners Commissioner Craig Brannon, present Commissioner Don Christianson, Commissioner Peter Fischer, Commissioner Dan Maas, present Commissioner Mary Mackey, absent Commissioner Carolyn P,/j> n, present. Chair Bruce Roman, pres Commissioner Therese So Commissioner Staff Recreation Recreation M 3. Mr. discuss the Trout Brook Regional Trail under Ms. Robbins presentations as Mr: for the commission to table item A under staff :s not present at the meeting. Commissioner Roman mea motion to approve the agenda. Commissioner Fischer Seconded the Motion. Ayes: All The motion passed. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. January 20,2010 Commissioner Fischer stated on page 4, it should state that Chair Roman adjourned the meeting, not Chair Fischer. Commissioner Brannon moved to approve the minutes as amended. Commissioner Fischer seconded the motion. Ayes: All Abstain: Christianson The motion passed. 5. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS a. Ron Cockriel, 943 Century Avenue, addressed spoke about the Beaver Lake greenway and spoke in purchasing a parcel that is for sale in the greenway Commissioner Roman went survey. the Commission the survey. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Dog Park Survey Questions Mr. Taylor stated staffis looking for would like to be asked in the survey and IS for the The Commission NEW BUSINE dRec ,J i.R~view 0 , The Conimission wenl-over the 7. and Annual Report \1':/,i "/ discussed their progress on each goal. << " 9f2~~~jr~Ual Report would draft a report to bring back to the next meeting for 'e commission, it will be brought to the City Council. 111. Set! The commission went ov o Goals goals to carryover from 2009 and added new goals for 2010, Staff was directed to compile the goals the commission would like for 2010 and bring it back to the Commission at the next meeting for ranking. b. Gethsemane Park Lease Agreement Mr. Taylor went over the report. It is anticipated that a draft lease agreement will be brought to the Commission at the next meeting. 2 The Commission expressed interest in exploring the idea of purchasing the Beaver Lake parcel and requested that it be put on the agenda in the future for discussion. The Commission stated that purchasing Beaver Lake may affect the ability to purchase Gethsemane Park and should be considered in the process of creating the new lease agreement. 8. STAFF PRESENTATIONS a. Mississippi Tot Lot Update This item was tabled. b. Lions Park Update Ms. Robbins updated the Commission on the Lions c. Goodrich Park Master Plan Mr. Taylor updated the Commission on what e. Wakefield Picnic Ms. Robbins updated the Commissi f. Ms. Robbins progress. The Commission come to their Garden Committee is fonned that they to update the Commission on what the program is going. She also went over what the task h. Trout gional Trail Mr. Taylor went over the aster Plan and gave a handout to the Commission to go over the location ofthe Trail. (The handout was not available prior to the packet being completed). Commissioner Fischer motioned to have staff continue to working on the process and to keep the Commission informed. Commissioner Peterson seconded. Ayes: All The motion carried. 3 9. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Maas expressed concern that there are no lights under Kennard. Mr. Taylor stated that the concern will be brought to the attention ofDuWayne Konewko, the Community Development & Parks Commission. Commissioner Christianson asked if a letter of appreciation was ever given to Doug Taubman and Pauline Staples from the Commission. Commissioner Fischer suggested that a few trees be planted in their honor. The Commission agreed on the idea. Ms. Robbins stated she would work with park maintenance to a suitable place for the trees to be planted and bring that back to the agreed that it would be discussed further anlongst the commissioners meeting as this would be using personal funds and would not be Commissioner Brannon had no comments. Commissioner Fischer had no comments. Commissioner Schmidt had no place on St. Commissioner Peterson had no Commissioner Sonne Patrick's Day that 'd.')\'.>; \\Jjj~ij\ Ms. Robbins stated tha .; bio;g effort, e-establish the Parks & Recreation Department,all(\wgffice thaSil?een and will be starting in the next few weeks. An.intern who'is,hefp ith thisIJroce:S~will be attending the March meeting for theJ;ommission ta . ,uss the Needs Assessment Survey for Parks & Recreation. The Departrrienti~ also on tra, hire <:i::f4ll-time recreation assistant. ;;;';8:U!lji;i> "'(:;;> Chair Roman'a' ' on the Winter Carnival Medallion question. Mr. Taylor stated he never h and will follow-up again. Chair Roman also stated that he attended an even . a that showcased a cast iron pour and thought it would be an interesting thing to' " 0 for the sculpture garden. Chair Roman also encouraged the Commission members 0 visit dog parks within the Twin Cities to see what they are all about. He handed out a few maps of dog parks. 10. ADJOURN Commissioner Brannon moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Fischer seconded. Ayes: All The meeting adjourned at 10: 10pm. 4 AGENDA REPORT TO: FROM: SUBJECT: DATE: Parks and Recreation Commission Jim Taylor, Recreation Program Supervisor 2010 Commission Goals March 4, 2010 INTRODUCTION At the February 17 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting the commission created a goals brainstorming list. The listed items include CIP projects as well as other projects and topics. The direction to staff was to prepare the list for the March meeting. DISCUSSION Attached is the list of goals for discussion and review. (Attachment 1) RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the Parks and Recreation Commission review the attached materials and be prepared to discuss and establish and finalize their goals for 201 O. Attachments 1 - 201 0 Goals Brainstonning List 2010 Goals Parks and Recreation Commission 1. Provide recommendations on development of park assets in the Gladstone redevelopment area. 2. To review the relationship and involvement between the Parks Commission and the Maplewood Community Center 3. Continue working with other groups and commissions on sustainable Maplewood. 4. Continue the Park planning and naming process for the tot lot in Legacy Village 5. Continue work on the need for a dog park in Maplewood. 6. Make recommendations on the purchase and/or continued lease of Gethsemane Park and forward those recommendations on to the City Council. 7. Explore option on the Beaver lake property 8. Review long term park funding for redevelopment and restoration of Parks, Trails, and Open Spaces. 9. Receive more feedback from staff and other partner groups (Open Space Task Force, Friends of Maplewood Nature, MAA, NESA, etc.) 10. Review Greenways for possible opportunities for parks and open spaces. 11. Evaluate Community Garden Program 12. Engage Diverse Groups in the City of Maplewood 13. Work with surrounding communities to improve Parks, Recreation, and Open Space 14. Re-establish Community park events (Cultural) 15. Explore options to improve the Legacy Sculpture Garden 16. Improve Parks and Trails signage and maps 17. Re-development of Goodrich Park, create master plan for 2011 re-development 18. Open Space Master Plan and Priority 19. Work with ENR on Emerald Ash Borer 20. Review park hours to see if they meet the needs of the residents 21. Re-Establish a Parks and Recreation Department AGENDA REPORT TO: FROM: SUBJECT: DATE: Parks and Recreation Commission John E. Held, II; Intern/Assistant- City Manager's Office Citizens' Parks and Recreation Survey March 10,2010 INTRODUCTION The City of Maplewood has decided to undertake a Citizens' Parks and Recreation Survey to determine needs of and guidance from the citizens of Maplewood and those that utilize our recreation programming. This survey is designed to be distributed by way of an online survey vendor. DISCUSSION . Attached you will find a copy of the beta/draft version of a Citizens' Parks and Recreation Survey for Maplewood citizens as well as families that participate in Parks and Recreation programming from outside the city. . The survey is 30 questions long, with a 31st open ended question for citizens' suggestions. This is the optimal length for a survey to generate maximum return from the target groups. . This survey has been submitted for your review and recommendations for question structure, survey format, and other suggestions as needed. . Survey is planned to be distributed online, with print surveys available by request Time Frame for Work This survey is slated to begin distribution to stakeholders by May 1st, 2010. As such, any suggestions or concerns should be brought to city intern John Helcl by the April Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. John can be contacted either at 651- 249-2023 or at iohn.held@ci.maplewood.mn.us. Complete recommendations by April 21, 2009. Attachments: Parks and Rec Beta Survey v.10.2 Parks and Rec Beta survey V.iD.2 '1_ " 'Z "d j~l' 1 !!\J.i\Y\1 I ,b1Jl.:gQb t~p~3'\'ln 1 '" ~,',R,~;w,,'1 "1'lr\f~"'1 'sit "'" 1 "1, 'd ~1~ZIVi\,';;Jl~JW:'0!\r,"~11]';.;\!PSf1 ,_ "~;"'\" 'n: -." 1~~1 j;"" 1 ''',,'' "'''' '"-)i1']~11 ~~ ~ 1 ~-llS-';1r]),1 11' _ '" \"'h""~l1:''''''''b'''~'-' "'IX" -~- 1"'J!iiI!!Dl'all:J;Ii~a91iJIBD ~- ;' _ 1 ~\_"pif" ",,,] \ " ,,1,,:: Ai ;''''''1\ ,-':"" 1i11 J '-" ,,' x~\ ,Y ',,\~ '!D\,< ~~, 1 j~i;;:~\11\/ii )~t'tiC'-' ""_12jJ",,,-~:,' i l' ~,,_ - ,,,> '" 1 3'"',10"" _" '" "] ,e 11 :'", '''''''" "" ':,~,-~, j \"" ","'" {" _3,5 '" ]~ 1. Do you own or rent your home in Maplewood? o Own o Rent o I live/reside outside of Maplewood 2. How long have you resided in Maplewood? o One year or less o Two to four years o Five to ten years o More than ten years o I'm not a Maplewood resident 3. What is your age? 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+ 4. What is your family size? o 1 2 3 4 5 or more Adults under 65 (18-64 Children (12 years and under) 5. How many children/young adults (if any) do you have active in a Maplewood's recreation league? o 1 2 3 4 5 or more Page 1 Parks and Rec Beta survey v.l0.2 6. How close is your nearest Maplewood park? o Less than one mile o One to two miles o Three to four miles o Five or more miles o Don't know/unsure 7. How many times a year do you use Maplewood parks, recreation activities, Community Center, etc? o 1-10 times o 10-19 o 20-49 o 50 or more o None/not applicable 8. Do you find Maplewood Parks and Recreation information easy to find and useful? OVes ONO o Unsure 9. Are there any past recreation/sports programs you would like to see offered again? OVes ONO o Unsure/Don't know about past Maplewood programs If yes, please specify: Page 2 Parks and Rec Beta survey v.l0.2 10. Are the recreation programs fees reasonable or high? o Reasonable/low o Neither reasonable nor unreasonable/average o Unreasonable/high o Unknown/Don't Use 11. Are all age groups being represented in our programs/have programs available? o Yes o No o Unsure/No opinion/Not applicable to me What do you think we can do differently? 12. How much would you be willing to pay more per year to finance Maplewood parks and recreation? 0$0 o $1 to $10 per year o $11 to $20 per year o $21 to $50 per year o More than $50 per year Page 3 Parks and Rec Beta survey v.l0.2 13. Though the initial cost may be higher, should Maplewood use sustainable construction methods and energy/resource saving technologies to improve our parks systems/facilities, recreation programs, and potentially cut long term costs? o Yes o No o Unsure/No opinion 14. What is more important to you: updating current trails or creating more tra i1s? o Updating existing trails o Creating more trails o Neither o Unsure/No opinion 15. Would you want the ability to be updated regularly bye-mail of activities and changes with Maplewood parks, Recreation League activities, Maplewood Community Center events, Maplewood Nature Center, and the Parks & Recreation Commission? o Yes ONO Page 4 Parks and Rec Beta survey v.l0.2 16. In general, the existing parks and recreational facilities offered by the City meets the needs of you and members of your household: o Strongly agree o Agree o Disagree o Strongly disagree o Ijwe don't use Maplewood facilities IF YOU DISAGREE: What additional recreational facilities would you like to see the City offer its residents? 17. Have you or members of your household participated in any City park and recreation programs? o Yes ONO If yes, which ones? Page 5 Parks and Rec Beta survey v.l0.2 18. If you or members of your household participated in any City park and recreation programs, were you satisfied or dissatisfied with your experience? o Satisfied o Neither Satisfied nor dissatisfied o Dissatisfied o Not applicable/did not participate 19. The current mix of recreation programming meet the needs of my household: o Strongly agree o Agree o Disagree o Strongly disagree o I don't use Maplewood recreation programming If you disagree, what program(s) do you feel are lacking? Page 6 Parks and Rec Beta survey v.l0.2 20. In the past 5 years, where did memebrs of your household sign up for recreational activities? (check all that apply) D Maplewood Recreation Leagues D Community Education D Church D Clubs/Travel teams or private health clubs D Neighborhood Programs D Did not sign up for activities D Other (please specify) 21. If members of your household currently leave the city for park and recreation facilities or activities, what activities are they? (If none, enter nN/An) 22. Suppose for a minute that there are two kinds of parks in Maplewood. A description of these two kinds is given below. Please read the description and then answer by selecting the best response PARK A: contains a large tract of land, with picnic areas, hiking/biking/riding/cross-country ski trails and a nature center PARK B: contains athletic fields, an outdoor hockey/skating rink, tennis courts, a playground and a recreation center for indoor sports and programs. ***IN GENERAL I THINK MAPLEWOOD: o Need more parks like PARK A o Need more parks like PARK B o Need more of both kinds of parks o Have enough of both kinds of parks Page 7 Parks and Rec Beta survey v.l0.2 23. A park with a large tract of land, picnic areas, hiking/biking/riding/cross-country ski trails, or a nature center should have an admission fee to use this type of park. o Strongly agree o Agree o Neither agree or disagree o Disagree o Strongly disagree 24. A park that contains athletic fields, an outdoor hockey/skating rink, tennis courts, a playground, or a recreation center for indoor sports and programs should have an admission fee to use this type of park. o Strongly agree o Agree o Neither agree or disagree o Disagree o Strongly disagree 25. Which of these have you ever used/visited? Within the last Within the last Within the last Within the last Within the last Never 3 months 6 months 2 years 5 used/unsure Trails in Maplewood Larger community in Community ballfieldsjathletic fields Neighborhood Preserves/Nature Center o o o Page 8 Parks and Rec Beta survey v.l0.2 26. Please indicate which facilities were used and how you would rate the maintenance of each. Excellent Good Fair Poor Don't Park shelters BaltfieldsjAthletic fields Trails Warming houses o o o o 27. Are there new programs you would like to see offered? o Yes OND If yes, what are they? Page 9 Parks and Rec Beta survey v.l0.2 28. Do you feel that Maplewood parks, recreation programming, and other resources are accessible to all people, groups, and cultures? OVes ONa o Unsure/No opinion If no, what suggestions would you have to make Maplewood's parks and recreation more inclusive? 29. How have you/your household used recreation programming over the past 5 years? (If this doen't apply to you/your household, enter "N/ A") Page 10 Parks and Rec Beta survey v.iD.2 30. If you or members of your household don't use City of Maplewood parks, trails, or facilities; what are the reasons? Check any/all that apply D D Inadequate transportation Lack of information about recreation opportunities Lack of time D D D D D D D D D D D D D Lack of money Prefer parks in other communities Not interested In recreation Architectural (handicap) accessibility Don't feel safe Inconvenient timing of programs Programs are too expensive Better recreation programs elsewhere Programs too crowded Not aware of recreation programs Maintenance of facilities There are no barriers to participation/Not applicable Other (Please specify below) Other D J : "^^" 31. Please use the space below to add any other comments you may have about Maplewood's Park, Recreation, Natural Resource, and Open Space programs and facilities. I = ',~'-:.~.., !~ Page 11 AGENDA REPORT TO: FROM: SUBJECT: DATE: Parks and Recreation Commission Jim Taylor, Recreation Program Supervisor 2009 Commission Report March 4,2010 INTRODUCTION In compliance with Article II, Section 21.20 of the Maplewood city ordinance, the Maplewood Parks and Recreation Commission is required to submit an annual commission report. DISCUSSION Attached is the draft copy of the report submitted by Commissioner Fischer. (Attachment 1) RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the Parks and Recreation Commission review the attached materials and be prepared to discuss the report so it can be finalized and submitted to the City Council. Attachments 1 - Draft 2009 Commission Report April 15, 2009 Dear Mayor and Council Members, In compliance with Article II, Section 21.20 of the Maplewood city ordinance, the Maplewood Parks and Recreation Commission hereby submits its 2009 annual report and 2010 activity plan. We reviewed the accomplishments of the past year and discussed the various programs and activities we wish to pursue in the coming year. Our continuing goal is promoting city parks, open space, community center, quality inclusive recreational programming and maintaining a quality park system geared to the continually changing demographics of our community. The year of 2009 presented the Commission a number of opportunities to start moving forward on projects that were set over 10 years ago. Work commenced on the 1" stage of redeveloping Joy Park, the start of the park redevelopment process and planning for Lions Park, finalizing the details on the tot lot in the Legacy Development and the last parts of the Lakes Links trail being finalized with construction underway in late fall. During the past year we were grateful to the City for the establishment of a Park Manger position. We look forward to the eventual the restoration of a Parks Department that once again incorporates Open Space, Trails, Community Centers and Parks lead by a professional Parks Director. The coming year will present challenges with the retirement of two long time park leaders. A complete summary of our 2009 goals and accomplishments are attached to this report. 2010 goals include several items from 2010 that we will continue to pursue along with several new goals. The entire goal list is attached to this letter. The Parks and Recreation Commission would be happy to meet with the City Council to address any park issues. Respectfully submitted, Bruce Roman, Chairperson Therese Son neck, Vice Chair Craig Brannon, Commissioner Donald Christianson, Commissioner Peter Fischer, Commissioner Daniel Mass, Commissioner Mary Mackey, Commissioner Carolyn Peterson, Commissioner Kim Schmidt, Commissioner Parks and Recreation in Maplewood is a large area covering trails, active parks, passive parks, open spaces, indoor parks (community centers) and greenways. In addition it covers recreational programming that range from active athletics to drama on stage to neighborhood events that help tie our city together. The Maplewood Parks and Recreation Commission provides advise and makes recommendations in all of these areas plus we are charged with the following duties: Formulate polices for approval by the city council. Advise the council and manager as to the minimum qualifications for the position of director of parks and recreation. Aid in coordinating the park and recreation services with the programs of other governmental agencies and organizations. Interpret the polices and functions of the park and recreation department to the public. Make periodic inventories of recreation and park services that exist or may be needed and interpret the needs of the public to the city council and the director of parks. Recommend for adoption standards on land acquisition, facility development, program and financial support. The Following served on the Parks Commission in 2009 Peter M. Fischer, Chairperson Bruce Roman, Vice Chair Donald Christianson, Commissioner Daniel Moss, Commissioner Craig Brannon, Commissioner Kim Schmidt, Commissioner Caroiyn Peterson, Commissioner Therese Sonnek, Commissioner Mary Mackey, Commissioner Park and Recreation Commission Goals for 2009 1. Provide recommendations on development of park assets in the Gladstone redevelopment area. This item remains on hold until redevelopment starts in the Gladstone area and will carry over to 2010 2, Continue the park redevelopment process at Lions Park. The planning process is done and redevelopment will start this year. 3. To review the relationship and involvement between the Parks Commission and the Maplewood Community Center. There was a meeting in the fall with the Community Center personnel. This is an incomplete goal and will carryover to 2010. 4. To work with other groups and commission on the Sustainable Maplewood report. Work started on this the past year with a joint meeting of the ENR Commission and the Parks Commission. This has started a joint relationship with our two commissions on several projects. The Fish Creek Task Force and the ENR Greenways subcommittee. Sustainable ideas were generated and are being applied with the redevelopment of Lions Park. The commission will continue to work on this the coming year. 5. To finalize routes on the two last segments of the Lakes Links Trail. The goal is done and construction was started in one segment in late summer. 6. Continue the park planning and naming process for the tot lot park in Legacy Village. The planning for this park was started; the naming process still needs to be followed for this park. This will carry over to 2010 7. Continue work on the need for a dog park in Maplewood. A subcommittee made recommendations to the Commission in late 2009. This work is still occurring and the goal will carry over to 2010. 8. Finalize the recommendation on the purchase of land for a Gethsemane Park and pass it forward to the City Council. This item is on hold and will carryover to 2010. 9. Involvement with the development of community gardens. This was done the past year and will carry over to 2010 for evaluation. 10. Review long term park funding for redevelopment and restoration of Parks, Trails and Open Spaces. The commission accomplished this and will now move on to making recommendations for the coming year. 11. Receive more feedback from staff and other partner groups (Open Space Task Force, Friends of Maplewood Nature, MAA, etc.) During 2009 we were able to meet with several groups. This will carry over to 2010 to continue the outreach efforts to stay in touch with the recreational and social needs of the Community. 12. Review of Greenways for possible opportunities for parks and opens spaces, I.e. Fish Creek, Beaver Lake, etc. During 2009 commissioners worked with different groups on Fish Creek Task Force and the ENR Greenway Subcommittee. This goal will continue in 2010 with looking at the Beaver Creek area and reviewing the possibilities in the Fish Creek Greenway. In addition to the above goals the following tasks were also undertaken during 2009. Reviewed implementation plans for a wetiand restoration in the Spoon Lake open space and at Kohlman Park. Addressed herbicide treatment of Silver Lake with a requested report of effectiveness being made in 2010. In April several commissioners worked with local citizens to help ciean up neighborhood parks. Meet with the Recreation Division leaders for updates of what is happening locally. Reviewed and made recommendations on the 2010 - 2014 Capital Improvement Plan. Reviewed and made recommendations on adding rain water gardens to Goodrich Park. Several Commissioners were involved with other communities and commissions in the Joy Park Buckthorn removal in November. Reviewed and started implementing staff's Parks Assessment Report by prioritizing projects for the coming year. Reviewed the needs for a Park Shelter at Wakefield Park and added it to the list of projects for 2010. Goals For 2010