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Home My WebLink About2010 06-14 City Council Manager Workshop Packet AGENDA MAPLEWOOD CITY COUNCIL MANAGER WORKSHOP 5:15P.M. Monday, June 14, 2010 Council Chambers, City Hall A.CALL TO ORDER B.ROLL CALL C.APPROVAL OF AGENDA D.UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1.Review of 2011 Budget a.Closed Session – Discussion of 2011 Bargaining Contract Negotiations b.Presentation on 2011 IT Department Budget c. Presentation on 2011 Finance Department Budget d.Presentation on 2011 Administration/Executive Department Budget E.NEW BUSINESS 1.Parks and Recreation Citizens Survey Report F.ADJOURNMENT THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Work Session Agenda Item D1 AGENDA REPORT TO : James Antonen, City Manager FROM: Charles Ahl, Assistant City Manager SUBJECT:Review of 2011 Budget 1.Closed Session – Discussion of 2011 Contract Negotiations 2.Presentation on 2011 IT Budget 3.Presentation on 2011 Finance Department Budget 4.Presentation on 2011 Administration/Executive Budget DATE:June 9, 2010 INTRODUCTION As part of thecontinuing discussion of the 2011budget, the Citystaff will begin the presentation and discussions with the Council on the various departments and specific items up for City Council consideration. Closed Session – Negotiations Strategy The first item for Council discussion will be a discussion of strategy and goals for employee compensation for 2011 and possibly future years, as well. HR Attorney Chuck Bethel, City Manager Jim Antonen and Assistant City Manager Chuck Ahl will present strategies for opening contract discussions with the bargaining groups within the City. Mr. Bethel will provide a brief description of the proposed Early Retirement Incentive Program that is being proposed for 2010 and 2011. Following that brief discussion, Mr. Bethel will recommend that the City Council conduct their discussions in a closed session. The purpose of the closed session will be to discuss strategy for the negotiations of the employee employment contracts. All contracts with employee groups representing the City’s employees willexpire on December 31, 2010, so a comprehensive strategy will be necessary. Further details on theproposed level of compensation and contributions to employee health care plans and costs will be discussed during the proposed closed session. Presentation on 2011 IT Budget Mychal Fowlds, IT Director, will present information on the IT budget as well as Capital requests. That is provided under separate report. Presentation on 2011 Finance Department Budget The 2010 Finance Department budget is $675,670. There are no proposed reductions in 2010 cuts due to the new personnel with the reorganization and establishment of the Finance Manager position. In addition, expenses necessary to complete the audit of the 2009 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report [CARF] are exceeding estimates due to the need for review of 2009 expenditures. It is also not recommended that any reductions be made to the 2011 budget for the Finance Department as a major goal is financial stability and reporting within this internal service department. One major request will be made for additional funds in 2011 for Council consideration. That item was discussed as part of the Capital Improvement Plan and is estimated in the $30,000 range to update the Debt Study that was conducted in 2008, with the purpose of reorganization of the City’s debt to allow for a reduction in the high debt payments in 2011 – 2013 and extend those payments out to future years based upon the knowledge that nearly 70% of the City’s debt will be paid off within 10 years. PacketPageNumber3of67 Page1of2 2011 Budget Discussion Page Two Presentation on 2011 Executive and Administration Budget The Executive Budget, which accounts for the City Manager’s office, along with Human Resources and Legal Programs, has a 2010 Budget allocation of $1,008,440. That amount is proposed to be decreased by nearly 5% in 2010 with a reduction of $50,000. This $50,000 is proposed to be reduced in the area of the allocation within the budget for legal claims. Beginning in July 2010, the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust [LMCIT] has agreed to reduce the per occurrence liability for employment claims against the City from $200,000 to $100,000. This amount was increased by LMCIT from $50,000 to $200,000 in 2008 due to the City’s high number of employment claims from 2006 and 2007. This new reduction is a result of the decrease in claims in the past two years and is projected to be further reduced as no further employment claims are anticipated. This $50,000 reduction is projected to be continued in the 2011 Budget proposal. No other major changes in employee numbers or programs are anticipated withinthis program. Action Required TheCity Council should receive the presentations on the various areas within the 2010 and 2011 Budget. No action is recommended as this is presented as information on review of proposed expenditures for 2011.Final council direction is anticipated to occur on July 15, 2010. PacketPageNumber4of67 Page2of2 Agenda Item D1b AGENDA REPORT TO: City Manager,Jim Antonen FROM: IT Director, Mychal Fowlds SUBJECT:Presentation on 2011 IT Department Budget DATE: June 14, 2010 Introduction This item is being presented to inform you on the priorities of the IT Department for the 2011 budget and to also discuss briefly the2011-2015 CIPas it pertains to the IT department. Background With the current financial outlook in mind, looking forward to 2011 we don’t anticipate any large scale projectsfor the IT Department. It will be another year of utilizingwhat we currently have to its greatest extentrather than implementing any new large scale projects. Our number onepriority for this budget cycle is to obtain additional help. Since its inception, the IT Department’s responsibilities have grown every year while its staffing has remained stagnant for the last five. We are at a point where we are frequently reactive rather than proactive and thatis unacceptable for City staff and residents who rely on the systems and resources we provide and support. On the bright side, through efficiencies and reductions in other areas of our budget we believe we can obtain additional help with a budget very close to what was approved for the IT Department in 2010. If we are required to reduce our budget by a certain percentage this would not be the case. Reductions made in 2010’s budget have already required us to defer replacement of networking equipment andto cease use of our Internet filtering software. If we are asked to reduce our budget yet again in 2011 the IT Department would again look to free up funds from services currently provided to obtain additional help. In regards to the 2011-2015 CIP plan,the IT Department has twoprojects proposed, replacing our phone system and the installation of fiber optics to some of our remote sites. These projects have been proposed and approved for the last threeyears but the actual year these projects are funded for continues to be moved back. This is the only concern that we have with the CIP. Both of these projects will need to be addressed at some point hopefully sooner than later. In closing, we’re very excited for the prospect of having additionalhelp in 2011. We’ve been working very closely with the City of Roseville and the Metro-Inet group of Cities and believe that we can obtain additional help from that group for a very reasonable rate. Budget Impact The number onepriority for the IT Department in 2011is getting additional help. Based on reductions and efficiencies in other areas we should be able to accomplish this if we are simply left at 100% of our 2010 budget. Recommendation This item is being brought before you to simply inform you of the priorities of the IT Department as we begin working on the 2011 budget. Action Required None.PacketPageNumber5of67 THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK PacketPageNumber6of67 Item E1 MEMORANDUM TO : James Antonen, City Manager FROM: John E. Helcl, II; Graduate Intern-City Manager’s Office SUBJECT: Parks and Recreation SurveyCitizens Survey Report DATE: June 7, 2010 INTRODUCTION A survey to gauge public opinion of the City of Maplewood Parks and Recreation services has recently concluded after a two-month collection of data. BACKGROUND Beginning on April 1,2010, I drafted a survey that wasdistributed and posted on-line for the purpose of gathering citizen and user input of Maplewood’s parks, trails, and recreation services. Under your direction, the survey’s design isto capture a sense of public perception and satisfaction in brief as a ‘snapshot’ of the community’s opinion of recreation opportunities within Maplewood. The survey was posted online and available in print from April 1, to May 31,2010. The survey yielded 173 countable returns, or a 0.4% share of the city’s population of 36,087. Returns that were found non-useable by way of self-voiding (i.e. paradoxical responses or with no answers beyond the first five questions of the survey) have been omitted for this final tabulation of results. The opportunity was open to survey-takersin some questions for expanded ‘long-form’ answersto gain subjective input regarding certain topics.The answers were subjective, therefore not usable in a quantitative analysis, but have qualitative value in public input and have been included in an addendum to the statistical report of the survey. This survey and report are for informational purposes and require no action by the City Council. Attachment: Parks and Recreation SurveyResults PacketPageNumber7of67 Page1of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment 1.Do you own or rent your home in Maplewood? Response Answer Options Response Count Percent 72.7% 125 Own 6.4% 11 Rent 20.9% 36 I live/reside outside of Maplewood 172 1 Do you own or rent your home in Maplewood? Own Rent I live/reside outside of Maplewood PacketPageNumber8of67 Page2of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment 2.How long have you resided in Maplewood? Response Answer Options Response Count Percent 3.5% 6 One year or less 5.8% 10 Two to four years 15.7% 27 Five to ten years 54.1% 93 More than ten years 20.9% 36 I’m not a Maplewood resident 172 1 How long have you resided in Maplewood? One year or less Two to four years Five to ten years More than ten years I’m not a Maplewood resident PacketPageNumber9of67 Page3of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment 3.What is your age? Response Answer Options 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+ Count 1 20 51 50 39 11 172 Age of respondent 172 1 PacketPageNumber10of67 Page4of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment 4.What is your family size? Response Answer Options 1 23 4 5 or more Count 16 12 1 1 4 86 Adults over 65 27 85 18 7 5 144 Adults under 65 (18-64 years) 22 17 0 3 0 78 Teenagers (13-17 years) 25 22 5 4 0 84 Children (12 years and under) 173 0 PacketPageNumber11of67 Page5of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment 5.How many children/young adults (if any) do you have actively participating in a Maplewood recreation league? Response Answer Options 01 2 3 45 or more Count Children/Young Adults (ages 6 to 132 23 12 4 0 0 171 18) 171 2 How many children/young adults (if any) do you have actively participating in a Maplewood recreation league? 140 120 5 or more 100 4 80 3 2 60 1 40 0 20 0 Children/Young Adults (ages 6 to 18) PacketPageNumber12of67 Page6of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment 6.How close is your nearest Maplewood park? Answer Options Response Percent Response Count 70.0% 119 Less than one mile 15.9% 27 One to two miles 3.5% 6 Three to four miles 1.8% 3 Five or more miles 8.8% 15 Don’t know/unsure 170 3 How close is your nearest Maplewood park? Less than one mile One to two miles Three to four miles Five or more miles Don’t know/unsure PacketPageNumber13of67 Page7of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment 7.How many times a year do you use Maplewood parks, recreation activities, Community Center, etc? Answer Options Response PercentResponse Count 20.8% 36 1-10 times 11.0% 19 10-19 26.6% 46 20-49 36.4% 63 50 or more 5.2% 9 None/not applicable 173 0 How many times a year do you use Maplewood parks, recreation activities, Community Center, etc? 1-10 times 10-19 20-49 50 or more None/not applicable PacketPageNumber14of67 Page8of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment 8.Do you find Maplewood Parks and Recreation information easy to find and useful? Response Answer Options Response Count Percent 68.4% 117 Yes 7.0% 12 No 24.6% 42 Unsure 171 2 Do you find Maplewood Parks and Recreation information easy to find and useful? Yes No Unsure PacketPageNumber15of67 Page9of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment 9.Are there any past recreation/sports programs you would like to see offered again? Response Answer Options Response Count Percent 12.1% 20 Yes 33.3% 55 No 54.5% 90 Unsure/Don’t know about past Maplewood programs 165 8 Are there any past recreation/sports programs you would like to see offered again? Yes No Unsure/Don’t know about past Maplewood programs PacketPageNumber16of67 Page10of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment 10.Are the recreation programs fees reasonable or high? Response Answer Options Response Count Percent 20.5% 35 Reasonable/low 34.5% 59 Neither reasonable nor unreasonable/average 11.1% 19 Unreasonable/high 33.9% 58 Unknown/Don’t Use 171 2 Are the recreation programs fees reasonable or high? Reasonable/low Neither reasonable nor unreasonable/average Unreasonable/high Unknown/Don’t Use PacketPageNumber17of67 Page11of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment 11.Are all age groups being represented in our programs/have programs available? Answer Options Response PercentResponse Count 43.0% 68 Yes 11.4% 18 No 45.6% 72 Unsure/No opinion/Not applicable to me 158 15 Are all age groups being represented in our programs/have programs available? Yes No Unsure/No opinion/Not applicable to me PacketPageNumber18of67 Page12of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment 12.How much more would you be willing to pay per year to finance Maplewood parks and recreation? Answer Options Response PercentResponse Count 36.1% 57 $0 17.1% 27 $1 to $10 per year 17.7% 28 $11 to $20 per year 22.8% 36 $21 to $50 per year 6.3% 10 More than $50 per year 158 15 How much more would you be willing to pay per year to finance Maplewood parks and recreation? $0 $1 to $10 per year $11 to $20 per year $21 to $50 per year More than $50 per year PacketPageNumber19of67 Page13of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment 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? Response Answer Options Response Count Percent 69.6% 112 Yes 8.7% 14 No 21.7% 35 Unsure/No opinion 161 12 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? Yes No Unsure/No opinion PacketPageNumber20of67 Page14of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment 14.What is more important to you: updating current trails or creating more trails? Response Answer Options Response Count Percent 49.7% 80 Updating existing trails 30.4% 49 Creating more trails 8.1% 13 Neither 11.8% 19 Unsure/No opinion 161 12 What is more important to you: updating current trails or creating more trails? Updating existing trails Creating more trails Neither Unsure/No opinion PacketPageNumber21of67 Page15of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment 15.Would you want the ability to be updated regularly by e-mail of activities and changes with Maplewood parks, Recreation League activities, Maplewood Community Center events, Maplewood Nature Center, and the Parks & Recreation Commission? Response Answer Options Response Count Percent 63.1% 101 Yes 36.9%59 No 160 13 Would you want the ability to be updated regularly by e-mail of activities and changes with Maplewood parks, Recreation League activities, Maplewood Community Center events, Maplewood Nature Center, and the Parks & Recreation Commission? Yes No PacketPageNumber22of67 Page16of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment 16.In general, the existing parks and recreational facilities offered by the City meets the needs of you and members of your household: Response Answer Options Response Count Percent 13.8% 21 Strongly agree 63.8% 97 Agree 13.2% 20 Disagree 5.3% 8 Strongly disagree 3.9% 6 I/we don't use Maplewood facilities 152 21 In general, the existing parks and recreational facilities offered by the City meets the needs of you and members of your household: Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly disagree I/we don't use Maplewood facilities PacketPageNumber23of67 Page17of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment 17.Do current city park hours meet the needs of your household? Response Answer Options Response Count Percent 76.3% 116 Yes 5.9% 9 No 17.8% 27 Unsure/Don't Know 152 21 Do current city park hours meet the needs of your household? Yes No Unsure/Don't Know PacketPageNumber24of67 Page18of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment 18.Have you or members of your household participated in any City Parks and Recreation programs? Response Answer Options Response Count Percent 52.0% 79 Yes 48.0% 73 No 152 21 Have you or members of your household participated in any City Parks and Recreation programs? Yes No PacketPageNumber25of67 Page19of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment 19.If you or members of your household participated in any City Parks and Recreation programs, were you satisfied or dissatisfied with your experience? Response AnswerOptionsResponseCount Percent 47.0% 70 Satisfied 9.4% 14 Neither Satisfied nor dissatisfied 4.0% 6 Dissatisfied 39.6% 59 Not applicable/did not participate 149 24 If you or members of your household participated in any City Parks and Recreation programs, were you satisfied or dissatisfied with your experience? Satisfied Neither Satisfied nor dissatisfied Dissatisfied Not applicable/did not participate PacketPageNumber26of67 Page20of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment 20.The current mix of recreation programming meet the needs of my household: Response Response Answer Options Percent Count 9.3% 14 Strongly agree 39.1% 59 Agree 11.3% 17 Disagree 2.6% 4 Strongly disagree 37.7% 57 I don't use Maplewood recreation programming 151 22 The current mix of recreation programming meet the needs of my household: Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly disagree I don't use Maplewood recreation programming PacketPageNumber27of67 Page21of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment 21.In the past 5 years, where did members of your household sign up for recreational activities? (check all that apply) Response Answer Options Response Count Percent 30.1% 43 Maplewood Recreation Leagues 18.9% 27 Maplewood Community Center 24.5% 35 Community Education 10.5% 15 Church 11.2% 16 Clubs/Travel teams or private health clubs 7.0% 10 Neighborhood Programs 8.4% 12 Ramsey County programs 26.6% 38 Another city's programs 29.4% 42 Did not sign up for activities 10.5% 15 Other (please specify) 143 30 PacketPageNumber28of67 Page22of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment 22.If members of your household currently leave the city for park and recreation facilities or activities, what activities are they? (If none, enter "N/A") Answer Options Response Count 86 86 87 ANSWERS ATTACHED IN ADDENDUM PacketPageNumber29of67 Page23of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment 23.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: Response Answer Options Response Count Percent 30.8% 44 Need more parks like PARK A 20.3% 29 Need more parks like PARK B 25.9% 37 Need more of both kinds of parks 23.1% 33 Have enough of both kinds of parks 143 30 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 ar Need more parks like PARK A Need more parks like PARK B Need more of both kinds of parks Have enough of both kinds of parks PacketPageNumber30of67 Page24of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment 24.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. Response Answer Options Response Count Percent 5.6% 8 Strongly agree 7.6% 11 Agree 17.4% 25 Neither agree or disagree 44.4% 64 Disagree 25.0% 36 Strongly disagree 144 29 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. Strongly agree Agree Neither agree or disagree Disagree Strongly disagree PacketPageNumber31of67 Page25of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment 25.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. Response Answer Options Response Count Percent 6.2% 9 Strongly agree 22.8% 33 Agree 24.8% 36 Neither agree or disagree 25.5% 37 Disagree 20.7% 30 Strongly disagree 145 28 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. Strongly agree Agree Neither agree or disagree Disagree Strongly disagree PacketPageNumber32of67 Page26of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment 26.Which of these have you ever used/visited? Within Within Within Within Within Never Response Answer Options the last 3 the last 6 the last the last the last used/unsure Count months months year 2 years 5 years Maplewood 70 16 17 13 9 11 136 Community Center 82 8 17 3 4 11 125 Trails in Maplewood Maplewood Nature 13 8 22 15 21 42 121 Center Larger community 36 15 30 9 6 27 123 parks in Maplewood Smaller neighborhood parks 70 16 13 4 7 19 129 in Maplewood Community ballfields/athletic 27 9 14 5 12 53 120 fields Maplewood Recreation Programs 21 8 12 6 18 55 120 & Recreation Leagues Neighborhood Preserves/Nature 28 8 15 7 18 47 123 Center 139 34 Page 28 of 62 PacketPageNumber33of67 Page27of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment 27.Please indicate which facilities were used and how you would rate the maintenance of each. Don't Response Answer Options Excellent Good Fair Poor use/unknown Count 47 50 16 3 17 133 Maplewood Community Center 7 44 18 3 51 123 Park shelters 10 45 21 9 40 125 Park & playground equipment 7 38 23 4 52 124 Ballfields/Athletic fields 9 71 25 7 15 127 General park maintenance 14 71 21 4 19 129 Trails 3 17 12 7 85 124 Ice rinks 1 13 10 4 93 121 Warming houses 22 39 9 0 56 126 Maplewood Nature Center 138 35 PacketPageNumber34of67 Page28of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment 28.Are there new programs you would like to see offered? Response Response Answer Options Percent Count 23.0% 28 Yes 77.0% 94 No 122 51 ANSWERS ATTACHED IN ADDENDUM Are there new programs you would like to see offered? Yes No PacketPageNumber35of67 Page29of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment 29.If you or members of your household don’t use City of Maplewood parks, trails, or facilities; what are the reasons? Check any/all Answer Options Response Count that apply 3 3 Inadequate transportation 15 15 Lack of information about recreation opportunities 11 11 Lack of money 12 12 Prefer parks in other communities 1 1 Not interested in recreation 1 1 Architectural (handicap) accessibility 13 13 Don’t feel safe 21 21 Lack of time 15 15 Inconvenient timing of programs 13 13 Programs are too expensive 13 13 Better recreation programs elsewhere 4 4 Programs too crowded 9 9 Not aware of recreation programs 8 8 Maintenance of facilities 17 17 There are no barriers to participation/Not applicable 3 3 Other (Please specify below) 16 Other 74 99 Page 31 of 62 PacketPageNumber36of67 Page30of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment 30.Do you feel that Maplewood parks, recreation programming, and other resources are accessible to all people, groups, and cultures? Response Answer Options Response Count Percent 71.3% 97 Yes 8.1% 11 No 20.6% 28 Unsure/No opinion 136 37 Do you feel that Maplewood parks, recreation programming, and other resources are accessible to all people, groups, and cultures? Yes No Unsure/No opinion PacketPageNumber37of67 Page31of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment 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. Answer Options Response Count 42 42 131 ANSWERS ATTACHED IN ADDENDUM PacketPageNumber38of67 Page32of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment ADDENDUM: OPINION/LONG FORM ANSWERS(Copied verbatim) 2. How close is your nearest Maplewood park? Which park is closest to you? Gladstone Savanna Edgerton Elem. The one behind the old library... Geranium Park Western Hills SHERWOOD Hillside Wakefield Gethsemane Sherwood Park Maplewood Community Center Afton Heights I think there is one by Hillcrest.....haven't been there Harvester Afton Heights Park. Wakefield Just west of McKnight between Larpenteur and Holloway Caseylake Hazelwood Wakefield Lake Battle Creek Pleasantview HarvestPark, Four Seasons and Hazelwood Park, all within walking distance Battlecreek Lake Phalen and Battle Creek Wakefield Park Nature center Harvest and Four Seasons Phalen Lake Wakefield We are between Hazelwoodand the new Heritage Square park Wakefield Park The one on Frost between Arcade and English (can't remember the name). Edgerton Maplewood Heights Prairie Farm Four seasons Wakefield PacketPageNumber39of67 Page33of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment I do not know. We use Hazelwood for my daughter’ssoccer team. Casey Hazelwood, Robin hood Maplewood Community center Wakefield name unknown-McKnightand beam Harvest PLEASANTVIEW PARK Gethsemane PLEASEANTVIEW PARK Lions The portion of the Community Center that butts up to the bike trail. Is that a park? Keller Maplecrest Park Nature center Wakefield Goodrich Playcrest park Maplecrest Hazelwood Sherwood Vista Hills Vista Hills Gethsemane Wakefield Hazelwood Park I think it is named Ferndale Park. Located on Geranium Ave between Ferndale and McKnight Rds Kohlman Hazelwood & Harvest Sherwood Park Vista Hills Pleasantview Park Edgerton Edgerton Heritage Square children's park, small park behind Maplewood Library, then Hazelwood Park Wakefield Keller Lake Regional Park(s) Edgerton Afton Playcrest Phalen park PacketPageNumber40of67 Page34of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment Hazelwood Hazelwood Applewood and Pleasantview parks Keller park Wakefield Robin Hood On Holloway not sure about the name Priory Preserve. Applewood Flicheck Harvester ROBIN HOOD pleasant view ? Playcrest Goodrich Park Joy Park Harvest Western Hills Timber Maplewood Middle school ball fields Hazelwood Vista Hills Edgerton Hazelwood PacketPageNumber41of67 Page35of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment 9. Are there any past recreation/sports programs you would like to see offered again? T-ball, basketball, fast pitch softball, baseball, tennis We are using North St Paul recreation programs Pilates - I think this has been reinstated, but I would like to see it continued as a permanent fitness program. July 4th Breast Stroke clinics at MCC pool. Teen age programs i.e.: prom dress donation / drop off or fashion shows Basketball league Swim-lessons @ Mahtomedi Beach in Mahtomedi, MN :-) Is the Maplewood Community Center part of the Maplewood recreation and sports programs? If so, I would like more evening classes, specifically yoga, offered. It seems like the majority of the group classes are offered during weekdays. How about trying to make an effort to accommodate the schedules of working adults? Horseback riding camp, girls volleyball More offerings for senior high youth, such as tennis, bowling, HS dodgeball. Start a lacrosse program that includes junior high. Lose @ Win The in-house basketball league is very good. Several years ago, at Maplecrest Park, about once a month during the spring and summer months therewould be a small block party where they would offer fun things to do for young children, free popcorn and things like that, and even sometimes inflatable play platforms which kids would love. keep offering water aerobics My grandchildren love the Movies in the Park. Safe on My Own Class for youth. Archery haybales set up. PARKS USED TO HAVE HOTDOGS AND GAMES FOR THE KIDS ONCE A WEEK AND MORT THE AND THE PUPPET MOBILE not sure if this is Maplewood or St. Paul, but sailing lessons at Phalen would be cool to offer again ... Horseback riding/Courage riders, Biking clubs, Pilates PacketPageNumber42of67 Page36of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment Are all age groups being represented in our programs/have programs 11. available? Seems there are few/no offeringsfrom Maplewood for older children (12+) such as fast pitch softball, tennis, football, basketball leagues. All I am aware is baseball and I think that it's done as an athletic association apart from the city. More for kids under the age of 5 More programs for ages 3-5. Do more outreach to diverse communitiesto engage them to meet there needs. Many of our formal recreation programsare filled with white children. I see very little involvementfrom any of the minority groups in our programmed recreational activities. Maybe bring back the night out in each neighborhood park that was done a few years ago. Held in a different park throughout Maplewood. More senior citizen programs would be good. Growing age group in the next few years. would like more 8 ,9 year old programs It would be nice to see some exercise program(s) addressed to overweight teens/young adults. My daughter (17) wouldn't want to participate in water exercises with a bunch of older women, whether or not I participated. Maybe a geocache program that included walking and was local would get kids (and adults) out 1) walking and 2) seeing their community (St. Paul and/or Maplewood). I also would like more information about the walking/biking trail behind the Comm. Center - isit lit? Is it secure? Does it close like a park does? Is it kept clear in winter? Also, I think the orientation needs to be revamped - we've stopped and started membership a couple of different times and were not informed that some classes are 1) freeand 2) available on a first- come, first-served basis - maybe even the day or evening we are able to attend. Lots of things for children, lots of things for seniors. What about the middle aged population, those whose children are grown, and do not use the facilities. What is provided for middle-aged folks, no groups, some community ed., but would like to see more. More field trips on Saturdays, not always during the day when we are working. I am not sure if people retire at 55, but it seems like thereare activities for that age group, but during the day. Offer more outdoor and adventure-type activities for older elementary children. My son was in the day camps during the summer last year, and he was easily bored with the pool all afternoon (which isalso not healthy given the high chlorine count in there!) and the lack of fun activities during the day. The staff could also have done more to help integrate new and shy children into the program. As for your parks, they are full of garbage! I try to pick up items when I see them on the ground, but both the one on Beam and Fredrick, as well as the park on CountyRd. C and McKnight are full of garbage on the ground, etc. Hardly ANYTHING for teens. Also, no spinning classes for working adults PacketPageNumber43of67 Page37of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment (who get off at 5 and commute); it's impossible to make the 5:30 class (7:00 would be nice), so I haven't been able to attend since I began a contract position. Help!!! Ditto for the strength classes. Also, it would be great to be able to check the number of visits I've completed online since the customer service desk has limited hours. We are currently in the K/1 Soccer Clinic at MCC, and most of the kids are Pre- K. We have not been happy with this class. I don't see anything offered in the 23-35 range other then exercise. Senior high youth who are not in varsity sports don't have many offerings. Programs for adults with disabilities, such as those with developmental disabilities and separate programs targeted to adults dealing with a mental illness. Participated in Lose2Win once but it is now too expensive even though we are members. Allow community kids to practice at Hazelwood. Consider allowing clubs needing more field space, such as Blackhawks of St. Paul to rent time at Hazelwood. Coordination would need to be done with NESA but it would bring in income. Need more middle school - I know it's a harder group to get but it's a good group. Offer more programs for youths between 12 -17 years and adult tennis and racquetballlessons. Need better control of animals in part. Poop all over, even on walking surfaces. Enlist public in giving out citations by using volunteers. No cost to city and much better control. I do notice that you are mainly focusing on the young and the elders more. It would be appreciated it you could make more programs for the teenage and the young/medium old adults. More for younger kids. I have a 3 year old who feels pretty left out when he sees his older brother doing all the fun stuff! More activities for elderly folks --e.g. nature programs. more senior programs Offerall activitiesfor all age groups in the summer. The only soccer program for older kids is NESA and it's REALLY expensive. Keep doing what you are doing. I would like to see more adult organized sports activities, especially where you can sign up as a single and not have to assemble a team to join (fall softball, kickball, co-ed golf league, tennis partner pool, etc) We need more middle age groups PacketPageNumber44of67 Page38of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment In general, the existing parks and recreational facilities offered by the City 16. meets the needs of you and members of your household: We were members of the community center, but cancelled because the family changing rooms were always full of families with older kids (8+). On several occasions, my husband and I waited 20+ minutes for a shower with 2 boys aged 2 and 3. On at least one occasion,we just dressed the kids and took them home to shower. We were doing swimming lessons at the community center, but with the pool open,it was too chaotic. We now use John Glenn instead. We were not happy when the family membership changed to not include childcare, and that drop in childcare is more expensive and not guaranteed. Sherwood Park is filthy;kids hang out there and leave cans and bottles. Dog Parks and more multiuse areas at neighborhoodparks. I would like to see additional sports facilities in the south leg. In particular, I would like to see a couple more soccer fields. I'm sure the reason I received this survey is because we were members of the Community Center. My entire family was disappointed with the decision to use half of the community center gym for work out rooms. It seems like an awful waste of space. We have discontinued our Community Center membership due to the limited amount of gym space and driving to the community center and finding out the gym is occupied for some other purpose. (Onceeven after I called to check on availability). I guess I can't complain too much, Oakdale doesn't have any facilities either. But we have in the past and so, I agree. Not enough current knowledge to strongly agree. I would like the community center to be open the same hours all year long. Closing at 9:00 during the summer, May through Sept, which is more than summer seems unusual whenthere are many all time, anytime fitness centers opening up that allow for use beyond the hours of 5:30 and 10:00. If the center could stay open even a few nights a week later hours. Going earlier in the evening creates issues with too many members trying to do the same thing. It is noisy, crowded, and sometimes warmer when more people are exercising. The center opens at the same time in the am, all year long, is there a reason for that. Remain closed in am, and then open up in evening on alternating nights might be a way to manage the budget if that is the issue. I have asked this question for many years, and have never gotten a good answer. Primarily use the Community Center and trails to the bike trail. Walk and bike the bike trail. More wildspaces similar to Jim's Prairie Better rim on the one basketball hoop. There are a lot of people thatshow up for Tuesday basketball so I think it would be smart to make that change. Haven't played on one of those rims since the 90's and it gives the opponent a distinct PacketPageNumber45of67 Page39of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment advantage at their hoop. More could be done, and I think offering more useful classes would be a start...that focus on family-style outings, activities, etc. Basketball courts!!!!!!!!! Other activities for teens; so very, very many activities are geared only towards young children in Maplewood. There are no parks near our home where the kids can play soccer. Gloster has been allowed to deteriorate so it cannot be used. Wakefield is too small. Other parks are too far to safely walk or ride bike to. It would be nice to have even rustic trails in Gladstone Savanna to be able to enjoy it while preserving it. Additional space for baseball, lacrosse, indoor soccer, modern batting cages would be nice. Leasing Corner Kick? Just an idea. More full size outdoor hockey rinks which can be used for rollerblade hockey in the summer, Tryto keep Gethsemanefrom being developed into housing. An archery range. Lions Parkneeds updating.Can’twait for it to start soon!! Would love to see more indoor ice hockey options. The parks I have been to, they haven't been that clean. Litter, dirty restrooms, play equipmentin bad order. More programs for elderly people (e.g. nature programs,). We need picnic shelters. The parks are not inviting to families. Could use more trails and maybe a larger park in South Maplewood Youneed to put a shelter at Harvest Park. If there were severe weather in the area, there is no shelter to go to Playground equipment at some of the parks in our area is very old and outdated. Hazelwood Park, near our home, has remained unchanged in the 12+ years we have lived here. Hazelwood Park isa heavily used park with its soccer fields, walking trails, and 4th of July activities. Outdated playground equipment reflects on the city. Families considering moving to the area may look at the playgrounds and be disappointed in what some of the neighborhood parks have to offer in the way of attractive, updated playgrounds. Dog Park I want haybales for archery. We have participated in the sport recreation and while the fee is cheap, they are not good programs for children to understand the fundamentals. We have since moved on to pay a higher price in Roseville for the same programs because they practice and teach the basics to children. Dog parks would be nice. Off leash, fenced in. IT SEEMS THAT THERE IS A LOT OF BAD GOING ON AT THE PARKS LATELYAND I REALLY WANT TO KEEP THE TRAILS THE WAY THEY ARE AND NOT ADD LIGHT RAIL BAD IDEA SO CLOSE TO THE SCHOOLS AND PARKS. I can never get a spot for a picnic at any of the parks - they are always in use by the same groups of people over and over. I am not sure how early I would need to get there in order to reserve a table. Very Frustrating!! PacketPageNumber46of67 Page40of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment I have a 13-month-oldtoddler, and there isn't a park near to us that offers her a place to play. The items are too large and difficult for her to play on. We douse the open field for her to run around on, but she would like to have things to climb on and slide down that were a toddler’ssize. Actually, just keep the parks relatively weed free (or minimal) and set up volleyball fields as certain groups use the baseball outfields as volleyball fields and ruin the grass. And when the grass is worn, they just move to another spot. I would enjoy a dog park or two. It is a major source of exercise for my family and our dogs, and we currently travel to Battle Creek, Shoreview or the MAC dog parks to enjoy leash-free romps. I would love to be able to do this closer to home, and would be willing to pay a yearly permit fee to do so. Stop "increasing the tax base" through development of existing open spaces and dedicate more open spaces to park and nature areas. In the past 10 years, Maplewood has become a much less family friendly community, largely through development and crowding. Countless studies across the nation have concluded that overcrowding is a majorfactor contributing to increased crime within inner-cities and other communities. Citizens flee the inner-cities for the suburbs seeking safe family friendly parks and community activities because those resources within their former community were not safe and secure places for family or individual activity. As Maplewood is becoming more dense with less and less open space, our parks are becoming much less safe and secure for family or individual fun activities. Why are we then continuing to increase our population density as we decrease our available open spaces? Have our Mayor and City Council failed to learn anything from the documented mistakes of other communities? The concept of increasing the tax base by development is now recognized and being referred to in University Urban Studies courses as a failed pyramid scheme which exponentially increases the need for City services (for example, Police and Fire) substantially beyond the minimal increase in tax revenue. Courage Riders, Bowling leagues, Languages, Travel, Creative learning. We should not be penalized for usingour parks when we have time. Early mornings/late nights. Our parks have lights and we should be able to use the parks. PacketPageNumber47of67 Page41of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment Have you or members of your household participated in anyCity Parks and 18. Recreation programs? Baseball, t-ball,softball soccer, swimming Lots Youthbasketball (in past) and baseball. Occasional nature center programs baseball, soccer, swimming lessons Extreme Green Makeover Various fitness programs offeredat the Community Center t-ball, swimming, basketball, community center Soccer, Softball, t-ball Easter Hunt softball =Soccer Swimlessons, softball. Community Center, Baseball. Baseball and soccer years ago when our children were younger. day camps, ball leagues, July 4th Celebration, soccer, t-ball, after school programs, swimming, adult trips, puppet wagon shows, Maplewood Community Center membership, fitness classes, concerts, shows, Taste of Maplewood. Volleyball Maplewood Community Center--Swimming, walking, yoga, Pilates,racquetball, weight room use Basketball, Football, Swimming, Daycare, Summer Camps, Tai Chi, Karate. Softball. Basketballand programs at center Basketball Maplewood Community Center. Some programs(s) at the DodgeNature Center. (I think that's the name.) Floor hockey, baseball, softball, swimming lessons. Have taken exercise classes at the MCC many times, but always need to pay extra for them. At the Y, most classes for members are included in the membership fee. We participate in the Community Center mainly for walking and exercise. We also participate in some of the center related activities and theatre. We hope to make more use of some of the offerings in the future. Tuesday nightbasketball Haveparticipated in physical fitness classes and also taken the play excursion (years ago), walk daily on the paths in Wakefield and parallel along Clarence, as well as walking around Lake Phalen. day camps, swimming classes, water aerobic classes BeginningTumbling MCC We don't even go since there are no basketball courts near where we live (that I PacketPageNumber48of67 Page42of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment know of). basketball leagues volleyball Ice rinks. Community Center T-ball, nearball,soccer,floor hockey My daughter was in the summer camp at the community center and now she is a camp counselor. Soccer (son a player/father as coach) In the past. Hard part a lot is offered in old neighborhood (south of 94), this is not that easy. Maplewood has a long weird township. We are now closer to the northern end. Didn't so summer program, as it didn’t go all day for Middleschool -BB (only 1/2 day)Skyhawks. swimming lessons, theater camps, etc. Youth guitar lessons, trails and parks. we are members of the community center and work out regularly Basketball, Baseball for my sons. I also used to attend classes at MCC When my four children were younger they participated in swimming lessons at the Community Ctr., T Ball, softball etc. softball In past years, son played baseball. Daughter played softball. Swimming lessons. Attending outdoor festivals. Way toomany/ unsure of which ones. Soccer, baseball, swimming Our children were active in softball, soccer and hockey Lots. community center soccer, baseball Sports Adult volleyball and softball T-ball this summer. Personal safety -Sgt. Scott Steffan Softball T-ball, softball, baseball, soccer, adult softball, also use the community center. water aerobics Youth baseball & softball Adult Softball sports My children ages 8 and 6 have used soccer in the past and yearly use the communitycenter for swimming lessons. I currently use Roseville Parkand Rec. Their programs are substantially better than Maplewood as are there parks. The Roseville parks are kept much nicer are patrolledmore often. I oftenfind garbage in the Maplewood parks and people using foul language and loitering. Maplewood Nature Center PacketPageNumber49of67 Page43of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment Maplewood baseball Baseball, Soccer, Floor Hockey, Swimming kids sports MAA Youth Baseball tennis, t-ball, baseball, younger children activities softball, tee ball, community center, tasteof Maplewood, fireworks My children and grand children now live in different parts of the Twin Cities. fall soccer, MAA baseball nature center events kid dance, volleyball, soccer, adult softball and volleyball Boys and Girls baseball, basketball, soccer, golf, skills training, adult swimming, and golf instruction. softball, baseball and soccer Softball-years ago. PacketPageNumber50of67 Page44of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment 20. The current mix of recreation programming meetsthe needs of my household: Relative to the Community Center: I would like more group fitness classes in the evenings and weekends. Those who work 9 to 5 miss out on many of the great classes offered only during the day. See earlier comment about programs for children aged 12+ The community center customer service needs to improve, the facilities for families needs to improve, and the childcare options need to improve (cost, hours). ButI would like to. Again, more programs for the working people, Saturday/Sunday, over 55. Many of the activities occur during daytime hours. Again, more diversity in ages and better representation of the age range of my son, who is 9-years-old. ANYTHING for teens. Maybe I just don't get the info or something. Vadnais Heights and Little Canada offer more choices and better days of the week for t-ball, pop-up, etc. so almost everyone in our neighborhooduses those programs instead of Maplewood. Offerings for senior high kids. Making affordable program like Lose@Win Fitness through Depression or other program with focus on adults with mental health issues. See above See previous comment. Because we live at the borderline of Little Canada, Roseville, and Maplewood, we rarely get alerted of programs going on. It would be nice to see more advertisement and messages by mail. It would be nice to have local sports leagues, community park parties, even some extreme sport programs for adults and teens. More options for all age ranges. Poor times for activities. Most parents work and cannot make a 430 or 5pm practice/game. 6 and 630 are much more reasonable More programs for elderly people (e.g. nature programs,). Only two activities are offered for adults - softball and volleyball. Are there ever other leagues, like tennis, badminton, or just walking clubs? Don't use it as much, my youngest is in high school. Most of the programming is for families and kids, which is completely understandable, but I'd like to see additional adult athletics opportunities locally with the ability to sign up as a single instead of a team. Instead,I'm signing up for programs in Minneapolis, West St Paul, etc. I would prefer to stay in my area and meet my neighbors. Soccer, tennis, gymnastics, swimming team based instruction at the community center. I want haybales for archery. Since we live in South Maplewood, we really don't get out to the North end much as other household activities are not near there. So, unless activities are PacketPageNumber51of67 Page45of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment at a park near us, we don't consider much. WE SWITCHED OUR KIDS TO NORTH ST. PAUL FOR BALL BECAUSE THE TEAMS WERE NOT EVEN AT ALL. Thereis a need for free trees. Easy for cities to get but somehow whenever offered they run out. About 4 years ago the Parks and Recreation Department decreased staff and programs. Since then both the number and quality of programs have been inadequate. They fail to attract the number of participants they previously had, and they do not involve as many other communities in leagues, which makes the participants experience much less meaningful and valuable as a step in their athletic development as a potential High School athlete. Many Maplewood youth participate in other communities programs because they believe they receive better training, mentoring, and competition. Not enough variety or times and the cost is high for residents. PacketPageNumber52of67 Page46of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment In the past 5 years, where did membersof your household sign up for 21. recreational activities? (Checkall that apply) Maplewood Community Center Maplewood Community Center Maplewood CommunityCenter North Saint Paul Community Center Maplewood Comm. Center At the Maplewood Community Center none Maplewood Community Center We participate in the Maplewood Community Center. North St. Paul Softball League Summer camp School & North St. Paul Programs. Use to be St. Paul's (Conway& Battle Creek). MCC work, young professionals organization, alumni association Courage center PacketPageNumber53of67 Page47of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment If members of your household currently leave the city for park and recreation 22. facilities or activities, what activities are they? (If none, enter "N/A") Dog park, cross-country skiing, canoeing, hiking, picnics Baseball, fast pitchsoftball, tennis, football North St Paul parks, Lake Elmo parks Exploring, fishing Children leave for Archery and Karate Biking, hiking Frisbee Golf, golf lessons disc golfing Depending on the sport and availability,we will go between Maplewood and St. Paul programs. Soccer basketball Again, Lake Phalen for walking/biking. fitness center at community center Hiking, Camping, Biking, Canoeing, Traveling Basketball. Softball language classes -softball team at another city's parks Depends on what is available, etc.! Skateboarding, Soo Bahk Do (karate), snowboarding, movies outside during the summer, home repair classes through St. Paul Community Education, ice skating, better parks and playgrounds in other suburbs. Football and Softball Leagues, Gold’sGym Affordable hockey league ($50 in Minneapolis, I'm not kidding). T-ball, Pop-up baseball, soccer, gymnastics Hiking, exploring, biking Girls basketball, [ecfe], pre-school programs Biking on Trails, Hiking PacketPageNumber54of67 Page48of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment Ice-skating. Maplewood rinks hours are too short and open to late/close to early in the season. Phalen rec. center is better and is better supervised. Our neighborhood rink has even had drug dealing and physical fights with little intervention by staff. Soccer. There are no park and rec.offerings past elementary school and NESA is not structured to be asuccessful skill development and competitive program. There is no place to play indoors in the winter. Batting cages. There are no good options--the N. St. Paul one is antiquated. One family member deals with depression and participates in some activities in St. Paul. basketball & baseball Softball, Lacrosse Basketball, Baseball Picnic facilities, Harriet Alexander Nature Center activities summer rollerblade hockey, winter outdoor skating and outdoor recreational hockey,softball,andarchery Tennis, schooling, competitive swimming, TOPS, Boy Scouting, sports programs, etc. Arts/crafts, Karate,etc golf Picnic shelters. softball with my church league -my church is not in Maplewood Soccer (NESA) Youth Baseball (Maplewood Athletic Association) Baseball and basketball Softball, Kickball, Golf League, Boating, Geocaching, Disc golf, Cross country skiing, Tennis softball Ice skating, gymnastics, soccer / t-ball, tennis Archery Baseball and football Teen sports -baseball golf T-ball soccercombination, theater PacketPageNumber55of67 Page49of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment Babyswimming lessons, because of the temperatureof the pool. It needs to be higher for little swimmers. State parks and regional parks for different geographies Dog parks. off leash dog park ... Courageriders, bowling, archery, trap shooting, education classes PacketPageNumber56of67 Page50of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment Are there new programs you would like to see offered? 28. Parent child activities during the weekend or evening for working parents. Most things are offered during the work day it seems Archery - 622used to have this run out of John Glenn, but have now pulled out of the program. They had about 150 kids involved, 75% from Maplewood. Besides learning about archery, they were involvedin clean up of nature areas to learn good stewardship. Seniorprograms, Frisbeegolf, outings to theaters -day trips. I would like to see sports programs more neighborhood-ized. But not ready, at the moment, to offer suggestions other than the one about overweight teens/young adults having programs geared toward them. Maybe a Wii gym with tennis or other tournaments? Kids could "practice" at home, then be in a tournament at the facility. Some program of rewarding kids/overweight kids for weight loss, exercise time. Again more programs for people over 55 on weekends for the working people. Bus trips, craft fairs, shopping excursions, casino trips. Basketball. Little bias At the nature center, it would be nice to have more family and/or age- appropriate programs and activities (again, for a 9-year-old boy). I use to love doing the full-moon trail walks in Rochester, MN as a young adult through the nature center there, and I think this would be something my son would like to do now. Spinning at 7:00 for working adults, ANYTHING for teens, karaoke (with songs that appeal across races/generations/genres), homework help, activities for people with special needs (basketball). MCC has the worst reputation for the "quality" of the programs (i.e. soccer/dance/basketball have been VERY disappointing). Improve the quality of the instructors or you will lose your few remaining customers. I would suggest them if I knew any. Optionsfor those with disabilities. Create an off leashdog park. Senior high programming in conjunction with North/district 622 Some of the conditions of the trails have lots of garbage. Maybe an"Adopt a Park" program could be put together, similarto the "Adopt a Highway" program. More youth programs between the ages of 12 - 17 years and adult tennis and racquetballlessons. Something for seniors. Community volunteer/involvement programs, official sport leagues, educational programs. Community vegetable gardens younger child activities (tumbling, t-ball, etc) More programs for elderly people (e.g. nature programs,). Morefor adults. PacketPageNumber57of67 Page51of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment Ceramics or more arts and crafts things running club Local youth sports -that don't require families todrive all over the east metro. Intercultural games - teaching us the games from our countries of origins (Hmong, Korean, Mexico, etc.) I see people in the parks playing games that I'm unfamiliar with, and I'd like to learn. More teen activities. See previous answers I would like to see more park trails through Maplewood similar to Roseville area park trails. I would like to see tennis, gymnastics and ice skating Shortprograms, perhaps 4 classes that could be multi recreational (for both kids or families or only adults) type activities (like different games weekly or something) Find out what is popular in other cities that is not offered here. Trydifferent things... like building a great Frisbeegolf course with classes for learning the game or starting leagues start something completely NEW. Games/leaguescan be created or adopt something no one has ever heard of that seems fun. Freeprograms to improveour yards. Dog parks. Courage riders, dancing, educational etc... PacketPageNumber58of67 Page52of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment If you or members of your household don’t use City of Maplewood parks, 29. trails, or facilities; what are the reasons? Frustration with community center staff in regards to getting information/ assistance with exercise equipment. Cost way toomuch. We live in St. Paul and support our local Park and Rec. programs. We only use Maplewood for the Community Center and the Gateway Trail. The programs my children use are not being offered by Maplewood. Coming from the far south end of Maplewood, I will not use the main community center as it is way too far away and takes way too much time to get to for it to be practical. Also, use of the soccer facilities at Hazelwood is limited due to the fact that Woodbury is so much closer and accessible. Re: the Community Center, I have issues with the blast of cold air that blows by the entry/exit door to the pool. I hate getting BEYONDchilled walking to the shower. Also, I am surprised that the men's locker room is closer to the pool than the women's, considering women are usually taking toddlers to the bathroom, etc. Maybe they should be swapped? I think the Maplewood Web site is difficult to navigate. I get emails, which states one thing, but when I click on it, it takes me to the main site, and I need to navigate to find what I am looking for. I get an activity email from the City of Woodbury, whichdirects me directly to the topic of the email. I also get notified of any special events, skating rinks opening, closing, things happening at Central Park out there, I probably get something on a weekly basis of what happening in Woodbury. We use the Maplewood Community Center tomaintain our health as we are getting older. Otherwise, we go to various places throughout the twin cities, state, and beyond when we have the opportunity. So there isn't much other specific area use except the Gateway Trail due to access from Community Center and around McCarrons Lake near where we live. This is hit or miss -some programs I thought were a tad expensive, and others I thought were reasonably priced. Also,timing of some programs were inconvenient for me, but I'm sure other found them convenient. Sports Leagueswe do in another city because we have friends who have started leagues there. Gold's Gym workout facility and childcare seemed cleaner/safer. Don't currently use trails because our kids are very young, more at the playground stage right now. We will use trails as that becomes more feasible. Nothing for teens (basketball). quality of instructors is usually very poor Better ice conditions and more full size outdoor hockey rinks, whichare open for summerrollerblade recreational hockey. No archery ranges. Not interested in the programs offered. I primarily use the trail in our neighborhood park. Playground equipment at some of the parks in our area is very old and outdated. Hazelwood Park, near our home, has remained unchanged in the PacketPageNumber59of67 Page53of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment 12+ years we have lived here. Hazelwood Park is a heavily used park with its soccer fields, walking trails, and 4th of July activities. Outdated playground equipment reflects on the city. Families considering moving to the area may look at the playgrounds and be disappointed in what some of the neighborhood parks have to offer in the way of attractive, updated playgrounds. I get to parks primarily on foot or bike. The roads and trails are not conducive to walking or biking. Much of this is due to lack of sidewalks, and poor maintenance of city and county roads. parks always in use by other groups - Asian and Hispanic cultures seem to dominate -very uncomfortable PacketPageNumber60of67 Page54of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment Do you feel that Maplewood parks, recreation programming, and other 30. resources are accessible to all people, groups, and cultures? People that do not have the income are two parent working families(low income) are not involved with activities. They lack transportation, money and the relationships that would make them feel comfortablesending their kids to be involved. I see many white middle-income kids; I see very little low income from diverse communities. We should look at building relationships with other groups, i.e. communities of faith (with high diverse populations) etc. My answer would be a qualified yes. The qualification is that some of the facilities such as the community center, etc., are too far away for any kind of convenient access for those residents of the south leg in Maplewood. Scholarship/grant programs with grade/academic achievement being rewarded - if Chuck E. Cheese can do it, so can MCC. Recognition of academic or community achievement. Incentive(s)/recognition of improved physical conditioning. One example is line-dancingclass offered at MCC. I took this class a few times, but found out the day before the class was to start that it was again available. I showed up for the class as there was not time to register prior to it, only to find out it was canceled because of lack of interested parties. I am not sure a good job of advertising is being done. I looked at the newsletter that came out for the time, and this class was not listed in there. I did see it onthe marquee, but that was the Saturday before it was to start. I would like to see email notification of any changes, or new things being offered, any festivals happening, or any activities at the various parks. I've noticed that the Phalen Lake picnicareas are overcrowded with Asian families. Although it's good that they are participating in outdoor activities, there doesn't seem to be room for anyone else. Not enough information is being sent out, and you are focusing too much on the younger groups of people. Expense-offer family discounts. I can't afford to have all my kids in sports b/c of the cost. It would cost me $100's for 8 weeks of soccer, etc. I do not think they need to be more inclusive. It is peoples choice! Theone free program to improve my yard, Iwent too was horribly led. Itwas not Maplewoodrather the DNRor some other agency. Wemet in the earthy building in Little Canada near norm's tires. Theleader talked about her job NOT about trees and plants for your yard. Andthe free plants were an unusable joke, waste of time. Thereis a need for FREE plants and education. Oaktrees, etc. there is a need for happy service at the nature center. Ifind the 'nature experts' at the nature center to be unfriendly and not excitedto help people replace buckthornwoods, create prairieyards. I am sorry to say so but I have called over the years and have had snobby-no-help services. Theyshould offer online resources, like the u of m master gardener help web sites if nothing else. Add dog parks to the offerings. lower cost PacketPageNumber61of67 Page55of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment 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. Maplewood needs to have a better plan to fund our parks. As Maplewood enjoyed a residential construction boom, a lot of parks were built but with no strategic intent to fund these parks. Park funding should be a greater priority than many other things in the city budget. In addition, thecommunity center was sold based on the premise it would be self-funding. In fact, it has been subsidized ever since. Those dollars can/should be used for parks rather than the community center. Make the community center self-fundingor sell it. Maplewood does a poor job of keeping the streets and parks clean. There is litter everywhere. Every timeI take my young children to the park I spend time cleaning up litter. Bottles and cans should not be allowed to be left near children’splay equipment. A map showing where all the Maplewoodparks are would be helpful Please make sure to have the 4th of July fireworks at Hazelwood Park. I hear that they have been canceled!! Veryproud of Maplewood Parks and Recreation Department and the strong history of excellent programming and program offerings that have been made to the residents and non-residents of Maplewood. Need to continue the war on buckthorn. I think that repeat customers (annually renewing membership) of the Community Center should be offered a discount or a benefit to returning and continuing their business at your establishment. It seems there is a lack of appreciation for the amount of money that is spent every year for our membership. While the community center is too far away to be of practical use, I do like the trade-off of having access to large tracts of open space. I would encourage the City to move forward with the purchase of the Schlomka/Co-Par property and the additionalconversion of a portion of the land to open space. I like the Maplewood program but the one thing that does not meet my standards is the girls’ 3-4 grade softball program. Last year the shirts were too small would prefer just a t-shirt style and make the larger sizes for the girls to be accommodating.The boys program which is slightly higher but yet they receive all equipmentand uniform. Ifthe girls payed more would we get better options??? Not sure what Open Space is. Perhaps a circulator bus in the summer for kids (13+) sitting at home. It could go up and down White Bear Avenue and, for a small fee, take kids to and from MCC (with parent's approval/permission), with or without membership a time or two each day, for swimming, weight room, basketball, other organized sports, etc. In fact, if it ran inthe afternoon, then parents could come and work out and take kids home from there. A staff liaison could check kids in, sort of monitor where they were, and know when (if) the kid(s) leave - on circulator, with parents, etc. Maybe a chip on an ID bracelet could let staff know if a kid leaves the PacketPageNumber62of67 Page56of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment building without the chip being removed/disengaged. I think I have set enough. In summary Longer MCC hours, moreprograms for, 55 and over people, Game nights, Fun nights, Saturday activities, Things for people with no kids (grown kids -no around anymore). Thank you Programs should have more info. Bylisting specific dates / times of ALL sessions within a course --> for ex.: if there is to be a session in which no class is scheduled, then that should be stated upfront in the program- description! The playground at HazelwoodPark is in really terrible shape. I think it should either be fixed or torn down. Regarding the questions about fee-based services: I can see the need for charging fees where there are specific and substantial costs associated with providing the service, such as buildings and coaching/instructional staff. But low-impact uses, such as open space, trails, and picnic areas should be kept free, mainly because the costs of monitoring compliance with paying fees would be greater than the return on charging such fees. If we are looking at budget issues that pose a challenge to our Parks and Rec.Dept., Iwould suggest we look at cutting back on expenses by, say, shortening the hours for warming house supervision, decreasing the number of recreational programs offered, and stretching out the grounds maintenance schedule to cut costs. Let the grass grow longer, if need be - playing in the tall grass meadow areas of Wakefield is a treasured childhood memory, as is my scrapbook of wild plants collected there before regular mowing took out so much of the variety of wild plants. I have nothing else to add at the moment. Thank you for the chance. The city came and stripped the surface of the tennis courts at four seasons park last year. We expected the court to be resurfaced. We are still waiting for this to be done. Last year it was in terrible condition.The surface was peeling and the kids were pulling the surface up etc. They came and stripped the peeling surface and never did anything with the courts after that. This year, they simply painted new lines and put the nets back up. It really isn't in very good shape. It's disappointing. The basketball area at the other end of the park could use some TLC as well. The park at Harvest is in much better condition. We would like to see some improvements to Four Seasons! I work in the field of marketing research, so I might approach a project like this a bit different than the typical Maplewood resident. First big concern/question is that of representation. I found this link on John Nephew's website. Thus, we do not have a representative sample. Be careful when looking at results! Second, questionnaire content. A question regarding whether I feel that visiting parks should be fee-based is somewhat lacking. If not a fee-based system, how would the initiative/facility be funded? What are the trade-offs? Sure, I'd love it to be free. But don't we all know about free lunches? PacketPageNumber63of67 Page57of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment I have a large community park very close to my house (Beam and White Bear Ave.). When the weather is nice, I am there almost daily with my dogs. It's a real selling point to my neighborhood for me. As a taxpayer, I'm happy to fund your continued efforts to maintain the space --I don't take it for granted. Best wishes. sb Community Center is awesome - but if you live 3 miles away & not Maplewood (which a lot are) it'sexpensive. If you live in the southern part - too far to get to so not as utilized. When signing up for sports - you never know if you are on a team - always having coach problems, so I changed leagues. Got frustrating. The community center staff are mainly nice, esp. the kids. But some of the older ones that work full-time there can be very mean, where I have walked out the door. You also got rid of 2 courts, now not enough space for Volley Ball/basketball. Open one up that was to be a kid’splay area- what happened. It's now a room used for classes. Could be better utilized as a gym. Bad move. We need to invest more in our parks. I like the community center, the staff is well informed, polite. The facilities are kept as clean as one could expect given the high use rate. I also like the diversity and felling of family at the center. I have not gone beyond the gym or pool use of the center, but know of the many programs offered and appreciate the opportunities presented. Toomany deer in some of the open spaces, andsome of the open spaces are over run with buckthorn. What is being done to identify and maintain the parks boundaries? In our park people dumpgrass, etc. Also,there seems to be infringement into park by neighboring residents. I've seenpeople digging up flowers and taking even though I told them we would all like to enjoy them and that they were stealing. Kids make trails through sumacand cause erosion down the hills. Weeds are not controlled. City drives trucks on trails when they shouldn't and causes trails to breakup especially in spring. Better effort could be made in park cleanup through articles in paper and getting neighbors to participate with no cost to city. Please just try to make more advertisements for programs that people enjoy and try to fix up parks like Maplecrest (which is in serious need of repair). I love the trails at Applewood Park. Stop using so much weed killer. You can actually smell it for weeks after application. If I had kids I wouldn't want them exposing skin to the grassy areas withall these chemicals on them. We need better patrol of our neighborhood park (Vista Hills) after dark. In the last several years I've seen people parked in the lot after dark, there are beer and alcohol bottles left on the grounds. I've even seen used condoms in the boulevard area. That was very nice for National Night Out. The people using the basketball court are not from the neighborhood and PacketPageNumber64of67 Page58of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment don't care about how much garbage they leave behind even though there is a garbage can nearby. Fourth of July there is usually a huge unofficial fireworks display that is not only dangerous to the neighboring homes, but is a noise issue. Get rid of the parking lot and a lotof the trouble will go with it. The new playground equipment in Legacy Village is great! I visited it recently with my young niece & nephew. Playground equipment at some of the parks in our area is very old and outdated. Hazelwood Park, near our home, has remained unchanged in the 12+ years we have lived here. Hazelwood Park is a heavily used park with its soccer fields, walking trails, and 4th of July activities. Outdated playground equipment reflects on the city. If the equipment is outdated and not maintained, it gives the impression that it is probably a more run down/poor area, and will probably attract those types of people. Families considering moving to the area may look at the playgrounds and be disappointed in what some of the neighborhood parks have to offer in the way of attractive, updated playgrounds. I feel increasingly uneasy and unsafe with some of the biking/walking trails in Maplewood. The Bruce Vento Trail is heavily wooded, and I have heard of incidents on the trail. The trail goes under the County Road C overpass, and there is oftengraffitipainted in that tunnel. I would feel safer on those trails if there was a police patrol presence. The girls' softball program is fairly underdeveloped in relation to the boys baseball programs in Maplewood (i.e.poor field maintenance, no hats, ill- fitting shirts or jerseys or team uniforms, lack of equipment like T's, balls, protective catcher's equipment etc.) and rather unorganized rules of play which make it not only difficult to coach but also to watch from a spectator point of view. This also significantly lowers the educational value and enjoyment level of the game from the player’sperspective, as well as the entertainment level from the spectator point of view. Everybodyseems to have a pretty good idea how to play, coach, and watch our national pastime, until they come to Maplewood. Maplewood's Park and Recreation programs are excellent. For 17 years,I have lived adjacent to a park that has been maintained and improved regularly (tree planting, path paving, etc.). I hope that this continues. My only suggestion is to replace the ugly white plastic waste containers in the park with natural wood, or at least fit the plastic containers into wooden structures. One of my favorite things about where I live is the close proximity to the Bruce Vento trail and subsequent connection to the Gateway trail. I appreciate all the work done to help maintain these trails. The new Heritage Square children's park is also fantastic, plenty of neighborhood kids take good advantage of this location. I love our Maplewood parks. For the most part,they are clean, well groomed and available all over Maplewood. I would think everyone has a park within a couple miles. We belong to the Community Center and volunteer at the Nature Center, also PacketPageNumber65of67 Page59of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment walk in Battle Creek Park and Afton Park I have lived in Maplewood for 17 years have two small children and am very disappointedin the Maplewood Parkand Rec.program/park trail system. I currently go to Roseville parks for numerous reasons: 1. they are safer 2. theyare aestheticallymore pleasing 3. very clean 4. I have been to Edgerton Park with my children and will not return as a result of unsupervised children around and lots of cigarettes butts around 5. I have lived across from a proposed walk trail which has not moved forward for 6 years or so. Thisis the proposed [Toenjes] developmentpond area. I would love to see an area for children to ride their bike around the pond and open area 6. Roseville has more to offer 7. I would like to see Maplewood tailortheirparks after Roseville area I want hay bales for archery. see above comments We could use a few off leash, fenced in dog parks around Maplewood. Really nice if they had a dog swimming pond too South Maplewood doesn't feel much like a part of greater Maplewood; most people do their activities in Woodbury. Perhaps that would change, if we had a small but great rec.center/fields area, etc. that was focused at the southern tip. We love Playcrest Parkand the Parks department does a good job of mowing and keeping up the park. I work with the NESA soccer association. The city helps NESAout a lot. But keeping up the fields, is the biggest problem. The grass is mowed to short. Early spring it should beleft 1-3/4" & in June, July, & augustleft at 2-1/2". Bare spots should be seeded in the fall. Also,there are signs at Hazelwood Parkthat sayfield use by permitonly. Yet we kick people off & the next night there back again. Lack of law enforcementinthe parks. Ifeel there is a huge lack of utilizing volunteers. WhenImoved to the city, I wentto the city office asking to volunteer I got just about nowhere.Later I helped at the nature center but I worked on the preserves meeting no people andI wanted to work with people. I know there are some seasonal volunteer programs and a few slots to serve at the nature center building but I think much more could be offered to utilize kids and nature type people, seniors, singles, families working together, etc. I like the Maplewoodmonitor a lot. read every inch of it and look for free or volunteer things to do to help the community, maybe meet some people while doing, (get some free native plants would be nice) and I rarely find things other thana few weeks in spring. Thenature center people might look at the huge volunteer programs the DNR has to see howvast and usefulpeople can be. Sosorry about my lazy typing, but thanks for all and this survey! PacketPageNumber66of67 Page60of61 AgendaItemE1Attachment Trying Maplewood youth softball this year, so far poor communication/scheduling, almost 4 weeks since signup ended and haven't heard from a coach. Play is supposed to start in June with 2-3 weeks practice beforehand;there are 6 days left in May including Memorial Dayand my daughter doesn't even know what team she is on. Youth volleyball has been much better in that area, other than occasional practice schedule problems with using gyms on school conference/election nights. need off-leash dog areas ... We have a lot of very good parks in Maplewood. We do not need more. Any improvements to parks should be very limited and only when very necessary. It seems the government is too eager to spend too much money. PacketPageNumber67of67 Page61of61