Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes 06-08-2023 1 Approved Minutes June 08, 2023 Approved Minutes Park & Recreation Advisory Commission Thursday, June 08, 2023 MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Vita Wilson, Commissioners: Ann Hoekstra, John McCulloch, Hannah Wegner, Jessica Montgomery, Nicholas Beecher MEMBERS ABSENT: Vice Chair James Kuznia STAFF PRESENT: Director Jennifer Tomlinson, Project Coordinator Sonya Rippe, Office Support Specialist Genny Layne COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES: Planning Commissioner Julie Olson CALL TO ORDER Chair Vita Wilson called the meeting to order at 6:00. PUBLIC FORUM PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLIC INFORMATION ANNOUNCEMENTS APPROVE AGENDA (4.1) Approve Agenda Motion by Commissioner Ann Hoekstra and seconded by Commissioner Hannah Wegner recommending approval of the June 08, 2023, Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission agenda. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Consent Agenda (5.1) Adopt proposed Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes Motion by Commissioner Hoekstra and seconded by Commissioner John McCulloch recommending approval of the May 11, 2023, Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. General Business (6.1) Approve Schmidt Woods Concept Plan, 4835 Holly Lane (PR240002) for development in 2024 Project Coordinator Sonya Rippe presented this item and discussed the project details. She gave the history of the parcel, including the donation of part of the land in 2013 from Roger Schmidt and the portion purchased by the city after his passing in 2021. There was also an acquisition of land from the Hollydale Development. In total, the parcels are almost 12 acres. Project Coordinator Rippe shared the goals of maximizing the existing trees and recognizing the Schmidt family legacy of maple syruping before presenting the concept plan, which includes the following: • Trails • Existing trees • Playground • Open flex areas and green space • Hammock grove 2 Approved Minutes June 08, 2023 • Sugar house • Nest features • All-wheels skills area The Commission discussed the proximity of the railroad tracks to the park property line. Project Coordinator Rippe advised that the tracks are approximately 50 feet from the park property line and the property corners are very well marked to make it very clear when you have left the park property. The Commission discussed the sugaring house and how it would be used for education on maple syruping on the property. The Commission discussed the all-wheels skills area and how the trails could be utilized and paved. The Commission asked about the Hollydale Development and what they would have for amenities for their residents. Project Coordinator Rippe advised the Hollydale Development planned on having their own playground, a pool and possibly tennis and basketball areas. Heidi Schmidt Boyd, 4900 Otter Lake Rd, White Bear Lake, expressed that her father donated the land, and wanted to thank the Commissioners, park staff and the city. She stated they are ecstatic with the plan and the history that will be shared. Motion by Commissioner Hoekstra and seconded by Commissioner Nicholas Beecher recommending approval of the Schmidt Woods Concept Plan. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. (6.2) Approve The Meadows Master Plan, 5805 Peony Lane North (PR240001) for development in 2024 Project Coordinator Rippe presented this item, providing an overview of the Meadows Master Plan. The goal for the 18-acre parcel is to provide active and passive recreation spaces along with supporting recreation spaces and landscaping areas. The plan includes the following: • Existing wetlands • Cricket pitch which can also be used as soccer fields or special event space. • Trail connection • Pickleball courts • Tennis court • Four season restroom building • Hockey and pleasure rink • Shade structures • Parking • Strider bike course • Sledding hill • Pollinator seed areas The Commission discussed the cricket pitch, the four season restroom, the ice skating area and the possibility of a warming house and parking. Golam Sayeed, 12705 42nd Pl N, Plymouth, expressed his excitement about the cricket pitch at the location. He has been working with the city for over 10 years programming cricket, and the program has grown from year to year. He stated that the cricket community is very excited and grateful to the city, City Council, the Commission and the park staff for bringing a cricket pitch to Plymouth. Dr. Milind Sohoni, 16640 39th Pl N, Plymouth, spoke about cricket as a culture. He has lived in Plymouth for over 28 years and is very passionate about cricket. He requested that the Commissioners put the final seal of approval n the cricket pitch and feels it will really bring out entire community together. He thanked park staff and City Council for making this opportunity a possibility. 3 Approved Minutes June 08, 2023 Jeanne Thompson, 3015 Xanthus Ln N, Plymouth, stated how she just recently started watching cricket at a local school and feels it is a great sport to teach problem solving and teamwork. Dakshina Murthy Bellur, 17925 56th Ave N, Plymouth, presented a letter from his six-year-old son about how he wants to play soccer and his dad wants to play cricket and his whole family wants to play pickleball at The Meadows. Motion by Commissioner Hoekstra and seconded by Commissioner Wegner recommending approval of The Meadows Master Plan. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Reports and Staff Recommendations (7.1) Upcoming Events Director Jennifer Tomlinson presented the upcoming events, including the following: • PCC Sensory Friendly Nights • Summer Concert Series at the Hilde • Farmers Market • Parkers Lake Play Day • Music in Plymouth • Beaches, Bands and Brews • Kids Fest Adjournment Motion by Commissioner Beecher, seconded by Commissioner McCulloch, recommending adjournment of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting. With no objection, Chair Wilson adjourned the meeting at 6:59 p.m.