HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes 08-16-2007MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING
August 16, 2007
PRESENT: Commissioners: Fiemann, Krahulec, Knight, Anderson, Smith, Singer, Vanderwall
Staff: Blank, Miller, Evans
GUESTS: S.R.F. consultant Barry Warner
ABSENT: Planning Commissioner: Weir
City Council Liaison: Bildsoe
PACKET INCLUSIONS: Agenda, 7/12/07 Minutes, Name for Neighborhood Park Memo, Plymouth
Comprehensive Park and Trail Plan Update Memos regarding Schools and Beach concepts.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. in the Council Chambers by Chairperson Fiemann.
2. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS FOR NEW COMMISSION MEMBER
Blank introduced the newest member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, Aaron
Vanderwall. Blank asked that Vanderwall give the Commission a briefing on his background.
Aaron Vanderwall
Living in Plymouth, by Parkers Lake, for over five years with his wife and dog.
Works for Michael Foods.
Had applied for different Commission appointments, with Park and Recreation preferred.
Graduated from the University of Minnesota in Kinesiology, the study of sports, exercise
and science. He is pursuing his Master's.
Has a wide variety of sport interests.
Coaches in the community and the Wing Soccer Club.
Personal Trainer at the Edge.
The other Commissioners reciprocated by giving Vanderwall a short background on themselves.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commission Fiemann asked for a motion to approve the July minutes. Commissioner Krahulec
moved to approve the minutes and Commissioner Knight seconded. All were in favor and the
motion carried.
Chairperson Fiemann asked the Commissioners to address the email from resident Mike Misk
regarding the summation of his presentation as written in the June 14, 2007 minutes.
Commission Singer stated that minutes are generally condensed, but continued to say that if the
Commission feels there is something missing; the minutes should be amended to reflect that
information. Mr. Misk's ask of the Commission, during his presentation, was to have a sailing park
included in the comprehensive plan. This is noted in the minutes and therefore it was
recommended that the June minutes not be altered. Commissioner Krahulec and Chairperson
Fiemann agreed. Chairperson Fiemann went on to say that it is apparent that Mr. Misk has a great
passion regarding the sailing club and as much as the Commission respects that, the purpose of
minutes is to outline discussions and actions. It was agreed by all the Commissioners that the
June 14, 2007 minutes would remain as written.
4. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
a. Athletic Association
No information was presented
MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING
August 16, 2007
b. Staff- Diane Evans
OVERALL
Winding down all summer programs.
BEACHES
Will remain open until August 26, 2007.
Lifeguards have been released. Notices are displayed.
Ski Show was held at Parker's Lake on August 8. The previous two shows were cancelled
due to issues with the lake.
Many calls came into the Parks and Recreation office to insure that the event was
still on.
Attendance was estimated to be over 600.
PIE DAY
Raspberry Rhubarb was the best selling.
Book and Jewelry sale went well.
Approximately 200 attended.
FALL SOCCER
97 Teams have currently been formed with approximately 950 players.
The first practice starts August 27, 2007.
PRIAIRE FIRE THEATER PRODUCTION
Starts Monday August 20, 2007.
Course capacity is 70 with 66 participants ranging in age from 8-14.
Participants will spend a week rehearsing to perform Cinderella on August 24 & 25 at Hilde
Amphitheater.
BATTLE OF THE BANDS
4 Bands will compete on Friday, August 16, 2007 for $175.00 first prize.
Competition will be held at the Hilde Amphitheater from 6:00-9:00 p.m.
OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS
Autumn Art Fair, September 15, 2007.
Plymouth on Parade, September 29, 2007.
PARKS AND RECREATION OFFICE ACTIVITIES
Working on budgets.
Beginning to work on the winter brochure.
Continue work on the Comprehensive Plan.
Next Commission meeting will review the park section in draft form.
Commissioners will need to give approval at the October meeting.
Commissioner Singer inquired where Staff is with the Art Policy. Evans replied that it needs to go to
the City Manager for necessary changes. They are still on track for completing that document. No
timeline was provided.
Chairperson Fiemann asked Evans to give a background on the banners that will be displayed on
Plymouth Boulevard. Evans explained that the Fine Arts Council juried original artwork entered mostly
by local artists, many of who reside in Plymouth. The artists drew their artwork on paper. The winning
artwork images were mirrored on both sides of a banner by the artists. The banners were then
duplicated. Each banner will be hung on a designated lamppost on Plymouth Boulevard with its
duplicate hung on the opposite side. There are currently 18 banners, 9 original and 9 duplicates, with
a goal of accumulating enough banners to rotate throughout the year on a three to four month basis.
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Chairperson Fiemann asked if there had been any publicity on the display. Evans replied there has
been some press, along with Channel 12 having the artists pose by their perspective banners. Blank
interjected that Karol will be bringing the three winning artists to the City Council meeting on August
28, 2007.
Chairperson Fiemann asked if any Parks and Recreation activities had to be cancelled due to the
extreme heat. Evans said not to her recollection, and Blank stated there were some concerns
regarding day camp; however programmers made the necessary adjustments so that camp would not
have to be cancelled.
5. REPORT ON PAST COUNCIL ACTION
a. Approved Fee Increases
Approved by City Council
b. Approved Change Order #1 for Zachary Park
Approved by City Council
6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Comprehensive Plan presented by S. R. F. consultant Barry Warner
Warner advised the Commission that this is the third meeting where elements of the Comprehensive
Plan have been presented. They will be back in September to review the three final elements.
Agenda items will include public art, improvements to the trail system, and active trail crossings at
active railroad corridors. The October meeting will be to review and obtain comments and action
items from the Commissioners that will be noted before going in front of the Planning Commission
and the broader community for review.
Continuation of the comprehensive plan topics was presented. Highlights discussed for each topic are
outlined below. (Please refer to specific memorandums/graphics for complete details).
BEACHES
East Medicine Lake Current Conditions
Oldest of the beaches formed as a part of the first bond issue.
First formal beach on Medicine Lake.
Includes a sandy beach, beach house, canoe racks and multiple play containers.
Large amount of activity during winter months.
Edge that provides a buffer from the industrial parking lot versus the beach parking lot.
Proposed Improvements
ADA access to the beach and new play areas.
Handrail addition to the existing ADA water access path.
Splash -pad area to accommodate the wide youth age groups.
Permanent shade structures.
Enhanced lawn and sand play areas.
A structure to replace the existing beach house that would function as a picnic area with
restrooms in the summer and as a warming house in the winter.
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Reinstitute the sand volleyball court.
Warner asked the Commissioners if they had any question or comments. Chairperson Fiemann
commented on how much he liked the improvements. Commissioner Smith stated that he has visited
splash -pads in other communities and was wondering if they would consider placing one on the west
side of town. Commissioner Smith also asked if there is a playground structure at East Medicine
Lake. Warner stated that there is currently a large play structure at this site. Commissioner Smith
asked if they should be updating the structure. Blank replied that the structure was updated
approximately seven years ago and has a life span of approximately eighteen years.
Warner also recommended the current trail by the parking lot area be re -aligned so walkers and
bikers would have a 90 degree viewing angle.
Commissioner Singer commented on how impressed she was with the plans for East Medicine Lake.
She then directed a question to Blank asking if there were any plans for ice skating and the need for a
warming house. Blank replied that the plan is to put a rink in at West Medicine Lake, but as they go
through the analysis, they may find the fit better at East Medicine Lake. It will take a few years before
this would occur.
Commissioner Singer voiced concern with sand volleyball being quite popular and having it interfere
with the young families that frequent this beach. Warner replied that in general adults play weekday
volleyball in the evening, where children tend to frequent the beach more in the afternoons. There is,
however, potential for conflict during the weekends.
Commissioner Knight asked if the trees proposed would become a security issue for police to see
what is going on. Warner stated the vegetation should not reduce visibility for police surveillance.
Commissioner Krahulec asked Warner to expand on how the screening of the parking lot would be
accomplished. Warner stated that the narrow band would have some dense vegetation to provide a
backdrop for the park. Commission Krahulec asked if that would call for a berm. Warner stated he
did not think that a berm would be possible with areas size limitations. Warner continued to say that
he believes that there is a cyclone fence also in that area. Blank stated that there is a signed
agreement with the adjacent steel company that addresses the parking lot issue. The fence was part
of that agreement and needs to remain in place for safety purposes. He feels S. R. F.'s proposed
recommendations work within the parameters of the agreement between the city and steel company.
West Medicine Lake Current Conditions
Newest beach and a popular community destination.
Hard basketball and a sand volleyball court.
Fishing pier and beach area.
Picnic shelters and play area.
Proposed Improvements
Realign the multi -use trail to minimize pedestrian conflicts.
Gateway feature to signify the entrance to the beach area.
ADA water access.
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Relocate picnic tables from shelters to shaded areas with game tables replacing picnic
tables in the shelters.
Additional parking space at the western edge of the northern parking lot.
A second boat dock for pick up and drop off of boat passengers.
Umbrellas to shade the beach area.
An enclosure for the portable restrooms.
Chaise lounges to provide patrons unique seating options along the beach.
Commissioner Singer asked if the dock Warner referred to in his presentation was an additional dock
or were they moving the current dock. Warner replied that the dock would be in addition to the
existing dock. It would enable more boaters to pick up and drop off guests. With the depth of the
water and distance to the shore line, it could be built adjacent to the exiting dock.
Chairperson Fiemann asked if this would be a proposed fishing dock. Warner responded that the
existing dock is best for fishing and the new dock would be identified as a boat dock. However, it is
likely that people would fish off both.
Based on the City Engineer's presentation a few months ago, Commission Smith questioned if the
retention pond would be included and if so, do they need to incorporate replacement of the boardwalk
into the Comprehensive Plan? Barry replied that consulting firms have been sent an invitation by the
City to submit a proposal. Recommendations would be based on a visibility study which would include
a larger excavated basin. This could prove to have significant change to the park. In absence of the
boardwalk, another parking area would be useless. There needs to be a structured boardwalk given
the increased depth of that basin. Warner thought it important to note that this park will change
dramatically, speaking in terms of aesthetics, if the basin is put into place.
Chairperson Fiemann asked for additional comments. Commissioner Krahulec asked what the
chaise lounges were made of. Warner responded that he believed the ones shown in the
presentation are fiberglass. He noted that there are many products to choose from and the one
shown was only a sample.
Chairperson Fiemann asked if the parking expansion was in the original plan. Blank replied that it ties
to the building structure. If a year round structure is constructed, there are zoning regulations that
would need to be adhered to that relate to the parking expansion.
Parkers Lake Park Current Conditions
Multi -use trail and parking lot.
Parking lot and roadway are close to the beach area.
Concession building.
Beach area.
Sand volleyball.
Picnic Area.
Turf hillside.
After large storm events, the lake experiences a large bounce where the entire sand beach up to the
retaining wall will be covered with water for several days.
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Proposed Improvements
Seating walls at the beach perimeter and into the hillside lawn area.
Two stairways extending from the seating wall to the beach.
Handrail to the existing ADA water access path.
Vertical gateway to define the entrance at he beach's southern access point.
Additional picnic shelter at the east end of the beach.
Floating water volleyball court.
Warner asked for questions.
Regarding the seating walls Commissioner Anderson questioned if there will be a stairway for those
physically challenged? Warner stated there are four different access points to the beach with two
short staircases that will be ADA compliant. The walls are not significant in height. Most are in the
range of 18", so by no means is it a high retaining wall.
Blank raised two issues.
Issue #1: During special events at this site, people cross County Road 6 from the north parking lot.
This raises cause for concern in terms of safety. Since it is doubtful that the county would issue a
permit to place a fence in the median, consideration needs to occur on of some type of barrier
between the park roadway and County Road 6.
Issue #2: The most popular activity with the Fire and Ice event is the fire pit, located just west of the
building, where the Commissioners provide Smores. Staff would like to consider formalizing the fire
pit by possibly looking at benching in the shape of a horse shoe. Blank added that another
consideration might be having the fire pits created in steel mimicking a true to life fire pit but running
on gas; whereas only a switch would be used but yet would radiate heat. He had seen this design on
a ski trip. Blank requested that enhancements to the fire pits be added to the Comprehensive Plan.
Commissioner Singer responded to the County Road 6 crossing barriers asking that they come up
with a plan that would be aesthetically pleasing.
Chairperson Fiemann expressed his delight in the idea of having a floating volleyball court. He
believes this will draw more teens and adults to the park and if it is successful would like to see
brought over to the east side.
With no further discussion, the presentation went on to the next topic. Highlights discussed for this
topic is outlined below. (Please refer to specific memorandums/graphics for complete details).
JOINT INITIATIVES WITH OTHER PUBLIC AGENCIES AND PRIVATE ENTITIES
The City of Plymouth has a successful history in collaborating with other public agencies and private
entities in developing and managing shared recreation facilities for the community.
Plymouth is served by four public school districts and one private school
Hopkins
Robbinsdale
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Osseo
Wayzata
Providence Academy
Commission Fiemann interjected that he believes there are at least 2-4 private schools. Blank replied
by saying the figures will be re -checked and amended as needed.
Successes:
Cooperatively constructed play equipment at elementary schools used by
community members during evening, weekends and summer months.
Wayzata High School community playfields are owned and operated by the City.
School gymnasiums are used in the evening by community members for different
recreational activities.
The Ice Center is used by Wayzata & Armstrong High Schools, along with
Providence Academy, for home hockey games.
Opportunities:
The City is working with Wayzata High School to jointly develop a wind generator at
the school.
Providence Academy and the City have an opportunity to develop a joint indoor
tennis facility.
Providence Academy would like to develop, with the City, a joint soccer field.
Armstrong High School had developed new tennis courts, and the City could
investigate the possibility of jointly constructing a dome over the courts.
The City could partner with schools on developing rain gardens or other
environmental features on school property that would provide environmental
education/recreation opportunities.
Chairperson Fiemann also stated that there had been discussion at one time regarding doming the
courts at Oakwood and feels there is opportunity there.
Three Rivers Park District
Operates two regional parks; Clifton French Regional and Eagle Lake Regional Parks.
Developed several regional trails that traverse the City and connect to the larger
metropolitan area bike network.
z Successes:
The City and Three Rivers have jointly developed a segment of the Luce Line trail
from Medicine Lake to the western city limits.
Water quality in Medicine Lake is jointly monitored by the City and Three Rivers.
The City is currently working with Three Rivers to develop a new regional trail.
Opportunities:
The Cit and Three Rivers are working to get a pedestrian bridge constructed at 169
and 36' Street. (Note. presentation document denotes the bridge being constructed
at 1-494, this is incorrect).
The City could partner with Three Rivers to design and implement a wayfinding
system with trail signs.
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Warner stated that there have been requests for more wayfinding throughout the trail system. As
Three Rivers has an extensive wayfinding system for their regional parks, there may be opportunity
for a joint effort to continue that system into Plymouth's trail system.
Other Public Agencies
Successes:
The City has collaborated with the Bassett Creek Water Management Commission
to restore a creek channel and create fishing ponds at West Medicine Lake Park.
z4- Opportunities:
The City could work with Hennepin County's Transportation Division to develop trail
provisions and safe trail crossings of county roads
The City could work with the Minnesota Department of Transportation to develop
safe trail crossing at Highway 55.
Private Entities or Non -Profit Organizations:
z4- Successes:
The City and Lifetime Fitness have a unique public/private partnership that has
provided residents with access to fitness and aquatic facilities, as well as discounted
fees.
The City has partnered with numerous private and non-profit organizations to
coordinate the Environmental Fair.
The fair is held yearly at a local elementary school.
Opportunities:
The City could explore the Plymouth Creek Center to provide additional rental
space.
The City is studying the feasibility of a new park pavilion at West Medicine Lake
which could be leased to private entities with a contracted vendor to provide food
and beverage services.
The City could collaborate with non-profit organizations on the development of a
public art framework plan.
Warner commended Staff for being pro -active and thinking out of the box.
Chairperson Fiemann asked the Commissioners if they had any comments on the joint initiatives.
There were no comments.
Warner reiterated to the Commissioners that he would be back in September to complete the
Comprehensive Plan elements as outlined earlier in the meeting. Public Works, Parks and Recreation
Staff along with S.R.F. will hold a workshop to discuss trail elements as the two are interfaced. Blank
reminded the Commissioners that they are requesting no action from them tonight as this is a
presentation with draft/working documents. All the elements will be bundled and presented in October
for action. Evans is writing the recreation portion of the plan.
Blank stated that for those who have not seen the entire Comprehensive Plan, it is two books and
each is approximately 4 inches thick. Per the City Manager and City Council, the public version needs
to be dwindled down to 30-40 pages. The park section of the plan needs to be brought down from a
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100 page document to approximately 8. With this change, the appendices for the Comprehensive
Plan will be larger. He also reminded the Commissioners that they will be asked to take action on the
Comprehensive Plan during the October meeting. A public hearing to review the plan has been
scheduled in November by the Planning Commission. He also stated the PRAC annual meeting held
at the Ice Center will more than likely be moved back one month, to November, in order to complete
presentations and actions on the Comprehensive Plan due to the electronic facilities that are
available at City Hall.
Warner's presentation concluded.
7. NEW BUSINESS
Commissioners received a memo that outlined the different names that were suggested for the new
neighborhood park. Chairperson Fiemann requested that the Commissioners make a
recommendation. Commissioner Singer asked what the neighbors wanted. Blank replied that no
responses were received from residents in that area. Chairperson Fiemann stated that their
recommendation will go to the City Council. The Council can accept, change or send back to PRAC
for additional recommendations. Blank pointed out that the park in question is in the Seven Greens
area, off of Schmidt Lake Road & Vicksburg. Chairperson Fiemann reminded the Commissioners
that they generally do not name a park after a neighborhood. Blank interjected that the park came
from two different plats with one of them being Seven Greens. Therefore, not wanting to favor one
side of the neighborhood it is recommended to use a generic name.
Chairperson Fiemann asked if the Commissioners had any favorites. Commissioner Singer stated
she was leaning towards Hidden Wood Park. Commissioner Anderson also preferred that name.
Commissioner Knight suggested Wild Woods and Woodland Trails Parks. Chairperson Fiemann
stated he too like Hidden Wood Park. The Commissioners agreed the top three to vote on would be
Hidden Woods Park, Wild Woods Park and Woodland Trails Park.
The Commissioners were asked to vote with the outcome as follows:
Woodland Trails Park (3)
Hidden Woods Park (2)
Wild Woods Park (2)
Commissioner Singer moved to recommend Woodland Trails Park to the City Council as the new
neighborhood park name. Commissioner Smith seconded. All were in favor and the motion carried.
Blank stated the recommendation would be submitted to the City Council on August 28, 2007.
8. COMMISSIONER PRESENTATION
Blank handed out an MRPA survey. MRPA is interested in hosting a Board and Commission
workshop for Parks and Recreation Commissioners across the state of Minnesota. The purpose of
the survey is to assess the value of hosting these types of workshops. Commissioners were asked to
complete the survey and submit it to MRPA.
9. ADJOURNMENT
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Chairperson Commissioner Fiemann asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner
Singer motioned to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Richard seconded motion. All ayes and the
meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
Blank stated next meeting agenda will include rate increases for the Ice Center.
The next meeting will be held on Thursday, Sept 20, 2007.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary Miller
PRAC recorder
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