HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes 02-11-20211 Approved Minutes
February 11, 2021
Approved Minutes
Park & Recreation Advisory Commission
Thursday, February 11, 2021
MEMBERS PRESENT: Commissioners: Margie DuPuis, Ann Hoekstra, Allie Storti, Marilyn Sunseri, Hannah Wegner,
Vita Wilson
MEMBERS ABSENT: Chair Tricia DeBleeckere
STAFF PRESENT: Parks & Recreation Director Diane Evans, Deputy Director Barb Northway, Recreation Manager
Kari Hemp, Parks & Forestry Manager Jerrod Brunelle, Community Center Manager Jess Riley, Recreation
Supervisor Jess Koch, Project Coordinator Sonya Rippe, Office Support Specialist Sarah Josephs
COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES: City Council Member Jim Willis, Planning Commissioner Michael Boo
GUESTS: Maggie Heurung & Danny McCullough from Three Rivers Park District
1. CALL TO ORDER
Vice Chair Burkhardt called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Commissioner Sunseri and seconded by Commissioner DuPuis recommending approval of
the January 14 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):
5. NEW BUSINESS (ACTION ITEMS):
5a. Eagle to Bryant Lake Trail Draft Master Plan (Action)
Maggie Heurung and Danny McCullough from Three Rivers Park District (TRPD) were present to
share an update on the Eagle to Bryant Lake Trail draft master plan. This trail provides a north-south
route that connects several cities including Plymouth.
The TRPD began visiting City officials and Park Commissions in June of 2020 to seek approval for
their process and engagement plan. Once each partner granted approval, they transitioned to a
public engagement stage starting in September of 2020. The public engagement process was
completed in January of 2021. The next step of their process is to seek approval of their
recommended trail route. This route incorporates the public input they’ve received thus far.
After approval is received, a draft master plan will be shared with the public over a 30-day comment
period. After the comment period, the final step would include seeking final approval from elected
city officials in late spring/early summer of 2021. The TRPD board would receive the plan at a fall
meeting to review and approve.
During the public engagement period of the west metro trail study, the project newsletter had 1,400
views and 86 comments submitted. Yard signs with social media information were posted
2 Approved Minutes
February 11, 2021
throughout the cities impacted. people through in-person and online events. Postcards were also
mailed to those living near the proposed trail and held virtual open houses.
Amongst comments received that impacted the portion of the trail in Plymouth, many expressed a
need for pedestrians to safely cross County Road 73. Many other comments were received regarding
enhancing the crossing at Highway 55. Many were excited for the new connection to schools, parks,
and commercial areas via the trail.
The trail would start at Eagle Lake Regional Park on the border of Plymouth and Maple Grove. The
trail will head south down Zachary Lane N following the current city trail. As the trail approaches 36th
Avenue it will meet up with the Bassett Creek trail that runs east/west into French Regional Park.
The Eagle to Bryant Lake trail will continue south along the east side of Medicine Lake towards the
Luce Line trail. The trail will overlap with the Luce Line trail for a short distance, then move south on
South Shore Drive. The trail will then cross over Highway 55 and continue south on County Road 73
into Minnetonka, then finishes up at Bryant Lake Park.
Commissioner DuPuis asked how the existing city trails would be changed along the proposed route.
Mr. McCullough shared that within this new proposed route, 70% of the trails are already
constructed. Once a master plan is approved, TRPD will enter into an agreement with the city to
transfer ownership of the trail from the city to TRPD. TRPD would take over all maintenance
responsibilities of the trails.
Eventually those existing trails would be updated to be 10’ wide which is standard throughout the
TRPD trail system. If the trails are in good condition, they may remain at the 8’ width until
replacement is needed. Trails will also have a center line down the middle. Director Evans added
that most city trails are 8’ – 12’ wide. The newer trails are mostly 10 – 12’ wide.
Chair DeBleeckere asked if benches, bike pumps, and other amenities are included in this plan. Mr.
McCullough shared that those amenities will be available with the next version of the master plan.
Staff will review that version of the plan and be able to identify any additional locations that
wayfinding or amenities may be needed.
Commissioner Sunseri asked if there will be any changes in the maintenance and repairs of the trails.
Mr. McCullough answered that once the trail was approved by all cities, they would become regional
trails and all future maintenance and repairs would be completed by Three Rivers Park District.
Commissioner Wilson asked if there was any possibility to having the telephone poles and electrical
wiring along the trail, between Medicine Lake and 36th Avenue, removed. They currently obstruct
part of the view of the lake where they are located. Mr. McCullough replied that there may be some
minor changes in that area that would improve the view (moving of a map kiosk), but it’s hard to say
for certain what engineering changes may be made in the coming years. It’s possible with any future
road construction or road right-of-way changes, that there would be an opportunity to bury those
utility lines.
Mr. McCullough shared that a key theme from the public engagement process was that it is very
challenging to cross over Highway 55. TRPD is looking into an enhanced crossing option over the
highway. Considerations include a possible underpass or a bridge. There have also been discussions
on future possible realignments of County Road 73 at Highway 55. These potential realignments may
allow for a joint effort to improve the trail crossing at the same time.
3 Approved Minutes
February 11, 2021
Motion by Commissioner Hoekstra, seconded by Commissioner Wilson, recommending the approval
of the Eagle to Bryant Lake Trail Draft Master Plan. With all members voting in favor, the motion
carried.
5b. Nature Canyon Playground Renovation (Action)
Parks and Forestry Manager Jerrod Brunelle shared information on the renovations at Nature
Canyon Park. Nature Canyon Park is located just to the east side of Fernbrook Lane, south of
Schmidt Lake Road. The park will replace its current playground equipment with new equipment
from St Croix Recreation. In addition to the playground renovation, a new shade canopy over the
picnic tables will be installed, signage will be updated, and trail and drainage improvements will be
made.
A virtual open house was held by sending mailings out to the surrounding neighborhoods in late
December. Notifications were also posted on NextDoor. Residents were able to review park plans
and submit their feedback online. Respondents were also able to vote on two components: the first
being an overall color scheme for the playground, and the second being between two pairs of
playground equipment.
Feedback from residents was great with comments and votes coming in from 38 unique households.
A typical in-person open house typically saw 20-30 individuals attend to provide feedback. Based on
the votes submitted, an overwhelming majority chose the charcoal/lime/blue color scheme. Votes
for the playground component chose the multi-person swing and web spinner.
Over 20 comments were provided via the virtual open house. This provides helpful feedback to staff
as they are preparing for the renovations. Many comments addressed the desire to add a park
shelter or shade as there is not currently a sun canopy at this park. Staff will be including a shade
structure in the park plans. Comments also asked about adding more trees closer to the playground
area. While they are unable to add any trees this spring, staff will create a formal plan for future
planting along the south side of the playground.
Commentors also requested additional seating near the playground. New picnic tables will be added
to the outside of the playground area, as well as benches in and around the playground. Safety
concerns were mentioned in several comments. Accessibility and fencing options are being reviewed
during the renovation. Currently fencing will be a black chain-link fence along the top of the
playground structure. Each of the tiers is wheelchair accessible.
There is a natural trail that goes through the woods at Nature Canyon Park. Several comments asked
if this trail was intended to be paved in the future. This trail is meant to remain a natural trail
through the wooded area and will not be paved.
The playground will have two components included; one for ages 2-5, and the other for 5-12 year
olds. Since trends show that the younger kids want to play with the big kids on the larger
equipment, we are using smaller equipment that mimics how the older play structure looks.
The multi-generational swings have been very popular at other parks so one will be installed in this
swing set. This swing system allows for caregivers to swing with younger kids while facing them.
Another fun feature is the rope venture vertex. This feature includes ropes and climbing options for
up to 12-15 kids at one time.
Commissioner Sunseri asked how many concrete walls are within the playground area. Manager
Brunelle shared that due to the three tiers, there are two concrete walls that separate lower tier and
middle tier. Fencing will be installed along parts of the concrete walls depending on what feature is
4 Approved Minutes
February 11, 2021
just below the tier. The drop distance is approximately 2.5’. Woodchips are located at the base of
the walls as a safety practice should anyone fall.
The playground is budgeted at $150,000 in the 2021 CIP.
Motion by Commissioner Wilson, seconded by Commissioner Sunseri, recommending the approval
of the Nature Canyon Park Playground Update. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
5c. Horseshoe Hill Park Development (Action)
Recreation Supervisor Jess Koch presented information on the new park development at Horseshoe
Hill Park. The park is located at 6110 Garland Lane N, near the intersection of County Road 47 and
Lawndale Lane N. The park will measure just over an acre in size and will directly serve residents in
the Elm Creek Meadows and Steeple Hill neighborhoods, as well as the community.
Park development would include earthwork, playground, shade shelters, and planting trees and
landscaping. The park development is scheduled in the 2021 CIP utilizing Park Dedication funds
totaling $250,000. Like the Nature Canyon Park, we also utilized a virtual open house and posted
notice on NextDoor. There were approximately 30 residents participating during the open house.
Following the open house, a survey was opened from January 13 through the 21st for residents to
vote on the playground option, as well as equipment colors and to give staff some feedback. We had
61 households take the survey, which was a significant number and considerably more than we see
on average. We had 54 households provide comments. Staff really appreciated the feedback and
interest in making this area as multi-generational as possible and we took that feedback into
account before finalizing.
Based on feedback, we'll be adding some yellow wood trees along the street that will complement
the autumn blaze already existing. We also added a couple evergreen trees for that additional
screening their benches and sidewalks in this Park Area. Two shelters are included in the plan.
Each shelter will include picnic tables. The portable restroom will have a three-sided enclosure.
Neighbors had indicated that a planter near the entrance is something they were interested in
adopting and maintaining so that's been included in the plans.
Residents, particularly those in Steeple Hill neighborhoods wanted to know more about how they
could safely access this new park and any future trail connections. Staff will be coordinating with
Engineering when the reconstruction of County Road 47 takes place for an additional trail. The
additional connection would provide safe trail options. That project is tentatively scheduled to be
taking place in 2022.
An additional trail link will be connecting the park to the north into Maple Grove’s trail system. We
have added temporary parking to accommodate residents who can't currently access the park via
trails. The goal would be to provide permanent parking in the future.
The playground includes two play structures that are standard for 2-5- and 5–12-year-old
playgrounds. The 2-5 play set will feature a clubhouse type structure, a sand area and will be
surrounded by artificial turf. The 5–12-year-old structure features eight-foot-high decking, a large
climber, swings. and four slides. There will also be an expression swing included in the playground
plans. The infill would be wood fiber chips and has poured in place in the areas along the swing bay
and at the bottom of slides.
5 Approved Minutes
February 11, 2021
There were two color pallets for residents to vote on. Option 1 received the most votes. Neighbors
also shared in their comments an interest in a different color option. Staff have included this color
option for PRAC’s consideration.
Bonnie Roed of 6195 Garland Lane North shared that the initial color pallet options weren’t as
complementary to the neighborhood home color schemes. The new suggested color pallet would
blend in better with the homes already built along the park. They are excited for the park to be built
so they can take grandkids to play at.
Joel Savat of 6145 Garland Lane North shared that he lives across the street from the proposed park
and is in favor of the new color pallet (CC) and would appreciate PRAC considering this third option.
Paula Spratt of 6130 Garland Lane N shared that she lives next to the park would prefer the new
color pallet (CC) and was one of the initial residents to suggest the alternative option.
Joanne Walles of 17040 60th Avenue North shared that she is concerned the park is geared more
towards children and would like staff to consider any possible amenities for adults to use. She would
like to see another covered picnic area outside of the playground area for adults to gather in the
park. Recreation Supervisor Koch responded that initial plans for this park only included one shelter
near the playground, but due to public comments and feedback, an additional shelter has been
added to the plans.
Commissioner Wilson shared that she would like to see more adult amenities in our parks beyond
benches. Looking over the feedback from the neighborhood helps with future planning for our parks
and provides creative options for amenities.
Commissioner Wegner shared that she appreciated the suggestion of the new color option and
hearing from the community as to what they would like to see at their neighborhood park.
Chair DeBleeckere thanked the community members for attending the meeting and sharing their
input on the park plan. She is in favor of selecting the color option suggested by the community. She
asked for more explanation on the planter being installed. Recreation Manager Koch shared that
they will be installing a low-maintenance planter with the park sign. Plants like hostas would thrive
in the planter but could also be combined with other perennials. The neighborhood has shared their
interest in taking care of the plants in the planter.
Commissioner DuPuis asked if there was a neighborhood association that would assist with
coordinating the planting and maintaining the garden. Recreation Manager Koch shared that this is
not a neighborhood association located along the park, but we do have contact information for
those residents who expressed interested in planting and maintaining the planter. Staff would
coordinate with those residents each year on planting and watering.
Commissioner Wegner asked if there was a plan for permanent parking spots once the roads are
complete the and future trail connecting the neighborhoods are finished. Recreation Supervisor
Koch shared that once surrounding development is complete the temporary parking will be removed
and replaced with three pull-up parking spots along the road. At least one of the spots would be
handicap accessible.
Motion by Commissioner DuPuis, seconded by Commissioner Wegner, recommending the approval
of Color Option CC. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
6 Approved Minutes
February 11, 2021
Motion by Commissioner Hoekstra, seconded by Commissioner Storti, recommending the approval
of Horseshoe Hill Park Development. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
5d. Plymouth Creek Center Name (Action)
Director Evans would like Commissioners to decide if we should reconsider a new name for the
facility. Due to the renovation and expansion of the Plymouth Creek Center taking place a name
change to reflect the updates may be considered. Staff are recommending either keeping the name
Plymouth Creek Center or changing to Plymouth Community Center.
When the facility was built in 1999, PRAC was involved with determining the name. Through a series
of meetings, surveys, and public input Council ultimately chose Plymouth Creek Center as the new
name.
Looking ahead, the Parks & Recreation department has been working with the Communications
department to determine the pros and cons surrounding a possible name change. If PRAC
recommends keeping the name Plymouth Creek Center, the name carries forward the 20-year
history of the building. There is also the benefit of retaining name recognition and having a unique
name that describes the area around the facility. The current name also conveys a more upscale
venue which can be beneficial for marking weddings and family events.
Changing the name to Plymouth Community Center would allow the city to emphasize that the site
is a public amenity available for community use. The name also implies fewer barriers and lower
costs to the use of the amenities in the building. This name would also express that the site includes
spaces for athletics and meetings, not just an event center anymore.
The nice part about both names is that both can still be referred to as “the PCC”. Staff would like to
hear Commissioner’s thoughts on the building’s name. The recommendation decided tonight will be
forwarded to City Council for their final approval.
Commissioner DuPuis asked if staff had a preference between the two names and what the reasons
are for any preference. Director Evans responded that she has heard from several community
members stating they prefer the name Plymouth Community Center. A common theme is that they
moved to the city and didn’t realize we had a community center. The community members who
have reached out feel that Community Center would better identify who the building could be used.
Staff are open to either name option.
Commissioner DuPuis shared that the most important thing to her is that we market the facility as a
community center. With the investments being made on the facility, we need to ensure everyone
understands this facility is a community center. Director Evans responded that the marketing is
something we can absolutely improve on. One can search for a community center on google and the
Plymouth Creek Center won’t appear among top results. Regardless of what name is selected, we
know that we must do a better job branding the building and sharing what amenities are included.
Commissioner Sunseri inquired how neighboring cities named their facilities. Director Evans
answered that most facilities in the metro have Community Center in the name. An exception to
that trend would be Brookview in Golden Valley.
Director Evans explained that when the facility was first built, the emphasis was more on event
space and weddings which is why Council went with Plymouth Creek Center. Now that we are
adding a lot more active amenities and education rooms it is becoming much more than an event
7 Approved Minutes
February 11, 2021
space. Staff did have conversations regarding a name option of Plymouth Creek Community Center
but found that name to be too long.
Chair DeBleeckere shared that the included chart was helpful to review. She had grown up in
Plymouth and it wasn’t until having kids that she realized the Plymouth Creek Center was the
community center. Changing the name would help give people a clear understanding to what the
building is becoming. That said, she still enjoys the name Plymouth Creek Center because it is unique
and conveys the beautiful area within the city. She is voting for the name Plymouth Creek Center.
Commissioner Wilson shared that she would prefer to keep the name as it is now. Like Chair
DeBleekere, it was many years after living in Plymouth before learning what the Plymouth Creek
Center was. Increasing the messaging to new residents would help bridge that gap in awareness of
what the facility offers. She is voting for Plymouth Creek Center.
Commissioner Sunseri shared that regardless of the name chosen, we will need to work on re-
educating the public to make them aware of the facility and learn what amenities are now available
to them. She likes the name Plymouth Creek Community Center but understands that is too long.
Having Community Center in the name will help tell the story of what the facility offers. She is voting
for Plymouth Community Center.
Commissioner Hoekstra expressed her vote for Plymouth Community Center. She likes that the
name is short and too the point. By making the name simple, it makes it more clear to the
community.
Commissioner Wegner favors changing the name to make a point of showing the new amenities the
building will offer. Both Maple Grove and Minnetonka refer to their facilities as Community Centers.
She appreciates that both names still allow for users to call the facility the PCC. She is voting for
Plymouth Community Center.
Commissioner DuPuis shared that people have a better understanding of what a facility is when it is
referred to as a community center. Having other nearby communities that refer to their facilities as
a community center will help increase the awareness of the amenities found in a community center.
She is voting for Plymouth Community Center.
Commissioner Storti shared that she had been leaning towards Community Center as a name since it
brings a community feel to the space. Regardless of the name, messaging and marketing will be key.
The site may serve as a draw to those looking to move to Plymouth, or even a reason to stay in
Plymouth. She is voting for Plymouth Community Center.
Motion by Commissioner Hoekstra, seconded by Commissioner Storti, recommending renaming the
Plymouth Creek Center as the Plymouth Community Center. With five members voting in favor, and
two against, the motion carried.
5e. PRAC Chair and Vice Chair Selection (Action)
Each year the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission nominates a Chair and Vice Chair to serve.
The Chair is responsible for leading the meeting and ensuring that Robert’s Rule of Order are
followed. The Vice Chair leads the meetings should the Chair be unable to attend. The Commission’s
nomination is sent to Council for their final approval.
Chair DeBleeckere nominated Commissioner Sunseri to serve as Vice Chair for 2021. Commissioner
Wilson nominated Chair DeBleeckere to serve as Chair for 2021.
8 Approved Minutes
February 11, 2021
Motion by Commissioner Wilson, seconded by Commissioner Storti, recommending the nomination
of Tricia DeBleeckere as Chair and Marilyn Sunseri as Vice Chair. With all members voting in favor,
the motion carried.
5f. Annual Report Draft (Non-Action)
Manager Hemp shared a draft of the 2020 Annual Report. The budget portion of the annual report is
blank currently as we are still waiting for final data from our Finance Department. Final data will be
available by our next meeting.
The stats gathered this report are slightly different to reflect the programs and facilities impacted by
Covid. In 2020, the department provided $4,600 in scholarships to participants living in Plymouth.
Inclusion services were provided to 104 participants. Our new and re-developed parks are also
listed. In 2020 we built the Northwest Greenway Trailhead Challenge Course and renovated both
playgrounds at Swan Lake Park and West Medicine Lake Park.
While many events were cancelled, we were still able to welcome 1,549 participants to 24 special
events. There were just over 9,000 participants in our recreation programs: both in-person and
online.
Volunteers remained busy helping the City. Just over 1,500 volunteers provided 16,877 hours of
assistance between all departments. Some of the projects were able to be modified and worked on
from home. We also had former volunteers, who no longer live near Plymouth, able to help with
data entry projects from around the world.
City staff saw very high trail usage numbers in 2020. The Northwest Greenway had just over 480,000
trail users. There were also an impressive 241,734 users of the rest of the trail system in Plymouth.
The Plymouth Creek Center was able to host 1,537 events despite being closed for nearly 4 months
in 2020. Wedding ceremony and reception counts were lower than past years with only 19 garden
weddings held throughout the summer.
Commissioner Storti inquired how the City tracks the number of people who use the trails. Manager
Hemp shared that there is a trail counter system that is set up on several points on the Northwest
Greenway as well as on several trails throughout the city. The counters provide live data to staff
showing how many people are using that portion of the trails. Project Manager Rippe added that the
counters on the Northwest Greenway are set up at four locations. In addition to those four, there
are two portable counters that rotate through the trail system each month. Counts are also taken
during the winter months along plowed trails to show use during cold-weather months. Project
Manager Rippe shared that the highest number of users were recorded in March and April of 2020.
Chair DeBleeckere asked if there was any particular reason why more trail users are using the
Northwest Greenway as opposed to other trails. Project Manager Rippe replied that the large
circular loop around the wetlands on Peony Ln is a huge draw to walkers. Trail users also like to have
a long stretch of trail where they can get in a long bike ride or run. The Northwest Greenway
currently has 7 miles of trails weaving throughout it. Users can visit and cover a large stretch of land
if they choose.
Commissioner Wilson shared how impressed she was with the community turnout to our recent
park renovation open houses. She suggested adding these totals to our annual report as a sign of
community engagement. Commissioner Wilson also expressed how nice it was to have detailed
surveys completed by community members regarding what they would like to see in their new
playground or park.
9 Approved Minutes
February 11, 2021
6. COMMISSIONER/STAFF UPDATE
6a. Special Events
Manager Hemp provided Commissioners with a full copy of the upcoming 2021 special events. Staff
are making modifications and back-up plans for each event due to the ongoing pandemic. As Covid
safety mandates change, updates may need to be made to be able to run the event.
Currently, outdoor special events are limited to groups of 250 people. We have begun a pre-
registration system to allow for the community to participate while ensuring that we have a safe
number of people present. Primavera has added an online art gallery component to this year’s event
to allow for more visitors to safely view the artwork. Larger-scale events like Discover Plymouth may
be unable to be held this year due to the nature of the event.
Other annual events are coming up this spring such as Kids Garage Sale, Walk with the Mayor, and
Bark in the Park.
6b. French Regional Park Master Plan
Project Manager Rippe shared information provided by Three Rivers Park District announcing the
French Regional Park Master Plan. There is a project plan website that can be visited to learn more
about the planned updates at their park. Project website:
https://www.letstalkthreerivers.org/french-regional-park-master-plan.
7. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Commissioner Hoekstra, seconded by Commissioner Wegner, recommending
adjournment of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting. With no objection, Chair
DeBleeckere adjourned the meeting at 8:51 p.m.