HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes 02-13-20201 Approved Minutes
February 13, 2020
Approved Minutes
Park & Recreation Advisory Commission
Thursday, February 13, 2020
MEMBERS PRESENT: Commissioners: Margie DuPuis, Ann Hoekstra, Marilyn Sunseri, Vita Wilson
MEMBERS ABSENT: Chair Tricia DeBleeckere, Vice Chair Dick Burkhardt, Commissioner Allie Storti
STAFF PRESENT: Parks & Recreation Director Diane Evans, Deputy Director Barb Northway, Recreation Manager
Kari Hemp, Creek Center Manager Chris Fleck, Forester, Paul Buck, Office Support Specialist Sarah Josephs
COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES: Planning Commissioner Michael Boo
1. CALL TO ORDER
Commissioner Sunseri called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Commissioner Wilson and seconded by Commissioner DuPuis recommending approval of
the January 9 Park and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting minutes as written . With all
members voting in favor, the motion carried.
3. OPEN FORUM:
4. PRESENTATIONS (NON-ACTION ITEMS):
4a. Recreation Division Overview
Recreation Manager Kari Hemp shared that the Recreation division had a very successful 2019 and
are looking forward to what 2020 brings. Last year they had 67,100 participants attend special
events and programs; 46,766 at special events and 20,224 in programs.
Several new education programs were launched in 2019 including STEM programming for 2-5 year
olds. Mah Jongg classes for adults have been very popular. Staff also offered a CarFit event for
seniors that was well attended. The 2019 Kids Fest hit a record high attendance.
New health and fitness programs in 2019 included the popular Park Passport program that
encouraged youth to visit 8 parks in Plymouth. A Junior Master Gardener Program was launched in
partnership with the Hennepin County Master Gardener Program. Halloween at the Creek had an
all-time high attendance. Staff initiated a partnership with IOCP to provide onsite registration and
financial assistance information to families.
The Summer Series Skate competition was extremely popular and brought competitors from around
the state to this free event run in partnership with 3rd Lair Skate Park. Other new sports offered
included; an Open Table Tennis program, Intro to Tennis, and AllSports – Futsol classes.
In 2019 our Arts & Music Supervisor tried offering a pop-up movie during spring break time and it
was well attended. Art Talks were also added during the annual Primavera art event. The Plymouth
Sings competition sent 4 finalists to the Minnesota Sings competition. A new event geared toward
adults was added – the Date Night at the Hilde. This event brought out a live band, food truck, and
culminated in an outdoor movie.
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In September of 2019 we hired Katie Yandell as the new Aquatics & Safety Program Supervisor to
replace Cindy Anderson after her retirement. New swim offerings in 2019 included a women’s -only
swim class, Swim Stars lessons (mix of parent/child lessons for first part of session and transitions
into independent lesson). With Ms. Yandell’s vast training and certification that she brings, we will
now be able to host lifeguard instructor trainings in -house.
Four staff won 6 awards at the Minnesota Recreation and Parks Association annual awards
reception. Recreation Supervisor Jess Koch was awarded a Horiz on Award and a Presidential Award.
Recreation Supervisor Paul Pearson and Recreation Supervisor Alyssa were each awarded a
Presidential Award. Project Coordinator Sonya Rippe was awarded a Presidential Award and a Board
of Directors Award. Ms. Rippe also received recognition for her USSSA Hall of Fame Softball
induction for League Managers.
In 2019, sponsorships from local businesses brought in over $25,000. Most of the sponsorships
received were financial, but some were in-kind donations. TCF Bank, HyVee, and Kyle Vitense State
Farm Agency were our Platinum sponsors this year.
Discover Plymouth is a new event that will be held this year on April 18. This event will showcase
community businesses and organization. The Mayor’s State of the City address will be held during
the event. There will be three themed Friday night open swims offered this summer; Glow in the
Dark, Sharks and Mermaids, and Family Game Night.
New programs this year include; offering Mermaid swim classes and Water Safety Instructor classes.
A new playground site has been added this summer. A Splash & Play program will be hosted at East
Medicine Lake Park. A new morning park program option has been added at Zachary Playfield.
Staff are partnering with IOCP to promote program options and Police to run a Cops and Bobbers
youth fishing program. An adult pickleball tournament will be hosted at the Bass Lake Playfield
pickleball courts. A new all-ages field trip to a MN United Soccer game is planned for this fall.
Commissioner Wilson asked for more information on the partnership with IOCP. Manager Hemp
shared that IOCP offers a similar fee assistance program for the families that they serve, called Great
Expectations. They are able to offer their clients a set dollar amount that can be appli ed towards
programs in the community. When partnering with our Program Assistance program we can help
the family apply and receive up to 75% of their program cost covered. They are then able to submit
that remaining 25% balance as a request to IOCP to be covered by their fee assistance. Many new
families have been able to start participating in our programs, most popular is our swimming and
water safety lessons, now that the financial barrier is covered.
Recreation and IOCP staff went to communities where many of their clients live and shared
information on our program offerings. For many families they were also able to take programs for
the first time using our Program Assistance on its own.
5. NEW BUSINESS (ACTION ITEMS):
5a. Open Space Management Plan
Director Evans shared with Commissioners that the city’s Open Space properties would be discussed
and shared an updated Open Space Management Plan. The Management Plan is a working
document that evolves as Open Space is acquired throughout the city.
Forester Paul Buck manages the care of the city’s Open Spaces and annually updates the
Management Plan as needed. He shared that there are not many changes on any individual site in
this version of plan, however the title of the plan was updated to Open Space and Natural Area
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Management Plans. There are three open spaces, purchased with bond money, which had been set
aside with a different purpose than the other open spaces. Staff want to now highlight that there
are two different types of areas; Open Spaces and N atural Areas.
The focus of the Management Plan has traditionally been on management and removal of invasive
species growing in the open spaces. So far, Emerald Ash Borer has not affected our Open Spaces.
Open Space is land that the city is required to keep natural. Staff is only able to manage and
maintain the space. Schedule activities, and formal (paved) trail are not allowed in the space. Each
open space operates under a take in-take out method of preserving and trash management.
While similar, Natural Areas were acquired as park property, but never became a park. Formal
paved) trails are not present in these areas. These areas could have future development or
infrastructure, but are currently a green space.
New signage was designed to designate the different sites; each with generic rules such as take in-
take out, keep dogs on leash, and no camping. Staff are hopeful the new language on signage will
increase visibility and awareness of the sites.
Commissioner Wilson inquired about Ferndale Natural Area and its location. Forester Buck shared
that Ferndale Natural Area is a parcel of land that had been purchased in the 1970s and is
surrounded by houses on all sides. There are three access points to t he Natural Area and all are
signed to identify that the area is City property and is open to use and available for walking
throughout.
Staff recognize that the location of the Natural Area is not ideal being surrounded by housing on all
sides. When the land was acquired fifty years ago, the philosophy was to purchase land within a
neighborhood. Now when arranging neighborhood parks, staff work to line up the land along
roadways so that the property is easier to see and more welcoming to use.
Motion by Commissioner Hoekstra, seconded by Commissioner Wilson, recommending the approval
of the Open Space Natural Area Plan.
5b. Swan Lake Playground
Recreation Manager Kari Hemp shared that 34 people attended the Swan Lake playground Open
House. A summary of comments from the community were shared. Renderings from each project
designer were shared. Community votes were close with 15 votes for the Flagship
Recreation/Landscape Structures submission. There were 19 votes for the Minnesota
Playground/GameTime playground submission.
Motion by Commissioner DuPuis, seconded by Commissioner Wilson, recommending the approval
of the Minnesota Playground/GameTime playground submission for the Swan Lake playground.
5c. West Medicine Lake Playground
Plymouth Creek Center Manager Chris Fleck shared a summary of comments received from the
West Medicine Lake Playground open house. Renderings from each project designer were shared.
Community votes were close with 16 votes for the Webber/Miracle playground and 13 votes for the
Northland Recreation/Little Tykes playground. Both submissions offer a good mix of high and low
elements, as well as unique climbing options.
Motion by Commissioner Wilson, seconded by Commissioner Hoekstra, recommending the approval
of the Webber/Miracle playground submission for the West Medicine Lake playground.
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5d. Annual Report Draft
Recreation Manager Kari Hemp shared a draft of the 2019 Annual Report with Commissioners. This
year has a revised look to the report. This year’s report is a 2 page summary from the past year that
highlights the financial summary, new parks and trails, scholarship funds provided, inclusion
services, as well as program and event attendance.
A final version of the Annual Report will be brought to the May meeting for final approval.
Commissioner Hoekstra asked for clarification on what inclusion services were provided. Manager
Hemp shared that any participants with any type of disability or medical condition is welcome to
participate in our programs. The family connects with our Inclusion Coordinator to provide
information on what modifications or services would be needed in order to participate. Services can
range from notifying participants prior to class about a severe peanut allergy, to providing an
inclusion aide during the program.
6. COMMISSIONER/STAFF UPDATE
Discover Plymouth and Primavera will both be held on April 18 at the Plymouth Creek Center
and Fieldhouse.
Bark in the Park is scheduled for May 30 at the Hilde Performance Center.
Music in Plymouth will be held a week later than usual; July 14. The Minnesota Orchestra has an
international tour that conflicts with the usual week that Music in Plymouth is hosted.
At this coming Tuesday’s Council study session, staff will present an update on the Plymouth
Creek Center project. The discussion will focus on exterior color choices of the building. Staff
will also be able to show an updated look at the interior and site renderings.
The Plymouth Farmers Market will start the 2020 season on July 17 at Parkers Lake Playfield.
Special thank you to Vice Chair Burkhardt for volunteering each year at the market.
Thank you again to Michael Swanson for serving on the Commission, we appreciate his years of
service and contribution. Incoming Commissioner Allie Storti will join us at our next meeting.
Thank you to Planning Commissioner Michael Boo for joining our meeting tonight.
7. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Commissioner Wilson, seconded by Commissioner Hoekstra, recommending
adjournment of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting. With no objection,
Commissioner Sunseri adjourned the meeting at 7:45 p.m.