HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes 05-12-20161 Approved Minutes
May 12, 2016
Approved Minutes
Park & Recreation Advisory Commission
Thursday, May 12, 2016
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Merrilee Riley, Vice Chair Aaron Vanderwall, Commissioners: Greg Anderson,
Michael Swanson, Kipp Wyse
MEMBERS ABSENT: Dick Burkhardt, Tricia DeBleeckere
STAFF PRESENT: Parks & Recreation Director Diane Evans, Deputy Director Barb Northway, Office
Support Specialist Sarah Josephs
COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES: Councilmember Ned Carroll, Planning Commissioner Jim Kovach
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Riley called the meeting to order at 6:58 p.m.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Commissioner Swanson, seconded by Commissioner Wyse, recommending approval
of the March 10, 2016 Park and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting minutes as written.
With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
3. OPEN FORUM:
Several residents near the new park on Walnut Grove Lane were present to give feedback on
the park plans. Staff shared the land map with the group to show which areas are currently
secured and which parts will be acquired with future land development. The timeline for the
creation of the park will be developed in 2017.
The question was asked about if the park would have any trails. Director Evans shared that
there will be trails, but their locations will be determined based on grading and location of
the wetlands. There may be a trail loop in the northern section of the park in the area of
land yet to be acquired.
A resident inquired on the location of a playground and how close it would be to houses in
the area. There is a concern of having lower property values if the playground is too close,
as well as having teenagers hanging out in the park at night. Director Evans responded that
the City has parks and playgrounds within neighborhoods all over the City and it increases the
value and desire of those houses nearby. Deputy Director Northway shared that a park design
has not yet been created, but staff will certainly hear any plan considerations now. Design
plans will include as much screening as possible between the park and residences via
shrubbery, fences, etc.
Director Evans shared that the City will be bringing on a consultant in the near future to
begin sketches and designs based on the grading of the site. This park land will be a
challenging area as there is a creek running through it. A bridge or boardwalk will possibly
be added to the site for crossing over the creek. This park will likely have unique, nature-
themed play amenities. Once more plans are in line, a community meeting will be held for
residents to meet with Commissioners, review designs, and provide feedback.
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A resident expressed appreciation for having a park so close to home. He shared that it can
be difficult to get to any other parks without driving; they are eager for a park to be within
walking distance.
4. PRESENTATIONS (NON-ACTION ITEMS):
4a. Recognition of Service for Dan Heitke
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission drafted a resolution of appreciation for Parks
Forestry Manager Dan Heitke. Manager Heitke will be retiring from his position with the
City of Plymouth on August 1, 2016.
Motion by Vice Chair Vanderwall, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, recommending
approval of recognition of Parks & Forestry Manager Heitke for his service to the Plymouth
Parks and Recreation Department. With no objection, the motion passed.
5. NEW BUSINESS (ACTION ITEMS):
5a. Name for Park at 4255 Walnut Grove Ln N (ACTION)
Deputy Director Northway gave an overview of the new park to be built in Plymouth. The
park land is located on the western edge of Plymouth, just south of the Cedar Hollow housing
development. The site is currently 5.54 acres, and will cover 10.5 acres upon its completion.
Features on the park land include; a hill, flat land, trails, wooded area, and a scenic
overlook.
Staff have several recommendations for the name of the new park based on features of the
site:
Crooked Creek Park – There is a creek within the park that has bends and turns. The
creek borders the western and southern sides of the park. A bridge or boardwalk will
cross over the creek.
Walnut Park – The park is located on Walnut Grove Lane.
Crocus Hill Park – The entrance to the park will be off of Walnut Grove Lane. There is
a hillside nearby that is ideal for planting early season flowers such as crocus.
Brookside Park – There is a babbling creek in the area that meanders through the park.
Woodhaven Park – The site will have a forested area which will provide a quiet
getaway with trails through the woods.
Commissioners inquired if a schematic of the park has been created at this point. Staff
responded that at this time we only have a portion of the land. A consultant has been
brought on to begin design work for the site. Once all of the land is secured and designs are
created a community meeting will be held. At the meeting, residents will be able to review
the designs, provide feedback, and meet with staff and consultants. Typical neighborhood
parks have included a play structure, shelter, trails, hardscape surface, and green space.
Staff added that the creek within the park does not have a name of its own, it is just a part
of the wetland. Also added was that staff try not to choose a name too similar to the
development in the area.
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Commissioners discussed each name. Crooked Creek was liked because it is unique and
different. Walnut Park helps to distinguish where the park is located. Crocus Hill Park was
not favored, and Brookside Park sounded very similar to the golf course in Golden Valley.
The Commission agreed to eliminate Crocus Hill Park and Brookside Park from the list of
options.
Motion by Vice Chair Vanderwall, seconded by Commissioner Swanson, recommending the
naming of the new park Crooked Creek Park. With no objection, the motion passed.
5b. Trail Projects – Gaps & Extensions (ACTION)
Commissioners are asked to rank gaps and extensions to be completed in coming years. Staff
are currently looking for gap and extension recommendations for 2018 and 2020.
Director Evans shared an update on the trail along Old Rockford Road. The project is
anticipated to be completed this year. Talks are still taking place with the residents along
Yuma Ln regarding the loss of trees along Old Rockford Road. Plans involve installing a basic
fence between the street and the town homes. The estimated cost is $6,000. Four of the
five spruce trees that were removed have been replanted; one of the trees was unable to be
moved. The larger trees located in the right -of-way and trail easements are being removed.
The street and trail plan will go back to the City Council for award or rejection of bid in
June.
Chair Riley asked what the precedent was for paying for a resident’s fence. Director Evans
shared that ultimately it is a decision made by the City Council. Project Coordinator Rippe
will be sending communication to the residents regarding the proposed fencing and tree
buffer. Commissioners will receive a copy of the email.
There are several trail segments that have been completed over the past few years. In
conjunction with City road projects, in 2014 the trail segment along Dunkirk Lane was
completed and in 2015 the trail segments along Cheshire Parkway and Peony Lane were
completed. The trail segment along Vicksburg Lane is currently in progress.
Work on the Fernbrook Ln and CR 24 trail segments were pushed back from 2016 to 2017.
The City has applied for a TAP grant to assist with funding for the projects.
Commissioners are asked to rate the remaining trail segments in order of priority so that staff
can begin gathering costs. There are currently 7 segments listed for consideration.
Commissioner Anderson requested adding a segment to the list. The trail segment is located
on page 9 of the Trail & Gaps Map Book near segment #110. By completing the segment on
13th Avenue, heading east, it would allow for a connection with a regional trail. Staff will
check into the segment and determine if this area is a City trail or Three Rivers Park District
Trail.
Commissioner Swanson requested to move trail segment #74 to the list of segments to be
considered in the near future. Trail segment #74 runs along the south side of Rockford Road,
between Zachary Lane and Revere Lane.
Director Evans recently met with representatives from Hennepin County, the State of
Minnesota, and the City of New Hope to discuss plans for a trail on Rockford Road over Hwy
169. The State plans to redo the Hwy 169 bridge and change the clover leaf off-ramps to a
diamond-style ramp with traffic lights. This change would allow for pedestrians to safely
cross over Hwy 169.
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Vice Chair Vanderwall inquired about a safe crossing option over Hwy 55. Director Evans
shared that at one point a crossing over Vicksburg Lane was discussed. Due to costs and
space restrictions, the pedestrian bridge did not move forward.
Commissioner Anderson asked about adding a crossing over Vicksburg Lane at 32nd Ave.
Director Evans shared that they will need additional land or road right of way to create a
trail segment or crossing. Staff are looking into adding a trail along 32nd Ave that connects to
the rear of the new businesses (Fresh Thyme and Goodwill). An easement would be needed
in order to fit in the trail segment.
Chair Riley requested moving trail segment #57 higher up the priority list and get cost
estimates. Deputy Director Northway added that Medina Road has a trail along the south side
of the road, but has a ½ block gap at Niagara Ln. There may be right of way issues when
trying to complete this segment.
Discussion was had that completing the Old Rockford Road trail segment to the east of
Vicksburg Lane would complement the trail work this year on the west side of Vicksburg
Lane.
Completing the trail segment on Medina Road from Brockton Ln to Greenwood Elementary
may be a higher priority now that more development has moved in around the elementary
school. Completing the segment gap would allow for direct access to the school. The
Commission had discussed this segment in the past but held off on completion due to there
not being much development along Brockton Ln at the time.
Chair Riley shared that there will now be stop lights on Schmidt Lake Road near Fernbrook Ln
and Cheshire Ln. The added lights will allow for pedestrians to safely cross Schmidt Lake
Road.
More information and costs will be gathered on trail segments so that priorities can be
discussed again at a later meeting.
5c. 2017-2021 Capital Improvement Program Draft -CIP (ACTION)
A draft of the 2017-2021 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) was provided for Commissioners
to review and provide feedback. Looking forward, staff may increase the amounts budgeted
towards new trails and trail repairs. The increase would help with adding the trail over Hwy
169 in the coming years.
The Fernbrook Ln trail segment is scheduled for completion with the assistance of a TAP
Grant completed with Three Rivers Park District. The City will continue to work with
Hennepin County to complete the trail segment on CR 24 and has $200,000 budgeted for the
project.
The rental rates at the Plymouth Fieldhouse will be increasing in order to help with the
scheduled dome roof replacement. While the dome is being replaced, the lighting system
could also be replaced. Staff are still deciding on which type of lighting would be best for
the dome. The furnace and inflation system also needs updating in the near future.
The playgrounds at Nature Canyon Park, Turtle Lake Park and Heritage Park are all scheduled
for renovations/replacements.
Three Ponds Park will undergo renovations. A neighborhood meeting was held and went very
well with residents near Three Ponds Park. This year , a boardwalk was added and trees were
removed. In the coming years an additional boardwalk will need to be replaced.
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The major updates at the Plymouth Ice Center have been shifted back a year to 2017. The
City will continue to work towards receiving State bond funding. Costs continue to increase
for the refrigeration conversion so it is wise to begin the project soon.
Money is still being set aside for a future artificial turf field. There are not any immediate
plans for installation but staff would like to keep the funds available should the need arise.
Staff will begin working on plans for the 10th playfield in Plymouth. Property for The
Meadows has been purchased. The playground/neighborhood park portion of the playfield
will be constructed first.
Staff are planning to renovate the building at East Medicine Lake Park in 2017. Plans include
creating a rentable shelter near the beach with public restrooms and showers.
Chair Riley inquired as to the status of renovations at Plymouth Creek Center. Director Evans
shared that staff will be interviewing two consulting firms in the next week. Once hired, the
consultants would begin designing plans for potential renovations.
Commissioner Swanson asked for an update on the Zakkary Johnson Miracle Field at Zachary
Playfield. Director Evans shared that city funds are currently designated under Parking
Enhancements for 2016. The Zakkary Johnson Foundation would be paying for the Miracle
Field and Universal Playground. City staff have recently met with representatives from the
Zakkary Johnson Foundation. The foundation is still in the process of securing funding
options. Once their funding is in place, plans can then move forward for the construction of
the Miracle Field and Universal Playground.
Commissioner Wyse requested an update on the parking lot construction project at the
Plymouth Ice Center/Life Time Fitness. Director Evans shared that the construction is
currently taking place. Plans have the project scheduled to be complete the week of July 4.
The project is currently moving ahead of schedule. Once complete, there will be 86
additional parking stalls within the parking lot.
Chair Riley asked if the Farmers Market will be moving back to the Plymouth Ice Center/Life
Time Fitness parking lot once the project is complete. Director Evans answered that the
Farmers Market has had a great response at its Parkers Lake location. The area has provided
great exposure for the market. The market is likely to stay at Parkers Lake, but a final
decision has to be made.
Vice Chair Vanderwall shared that he has been doing research on natural play features within
parks. He is very excited to hear that Crooked Creek Park will feature natural play elements.
He has been looking into the trend of non-paved trails. Currently the large majority of the
City’s trails are paved. The longest natural trail section is only ¼ of a mile. He shared that
there may be a growing interest for more natural trails.
Director Evans shared that one of the challenges in adding more natural trail is not having
land that is large enough to offer it. The Three Rivers Park District offers quite a few single -
track trails. Plymouth is interested in adding more, but would still need to determine the
best location for them. They are looking into natural trail opportunities along the Northwest
Greenway and potentially connecting with a volunteer group to help maintain the trails.
Director Evans asked Vice Chair Vanderwall if he could put some information together and
present his findings to the Commission.
Vice Chair Vanderwall shared that bare foot parks are increasing in popularity, especially in
places like Germany. These are small parks meant for visitors to take their shoes off and be
able to connect with nature. There are rocks, creek crossings, bark and other textures to
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walk over. They also include features like logs and tree trunks to walk on. A park like this
would not have to be very large; at a minimum consisting of a ½ mile trail loop.
Another recent trend has been “mocking” in the parks. This consists of hooking up
hammocks or slack lines to trees. Director Evans shared that staff would work with the
Forestry Division to designate approved trees within the City to “mock” at.
Vice Chair Vanderwall shared with Commissioners that adult playgrounds have also increased
in popularity. Parks designed along the lines of “American Ninja Warrior” are geared towards
engaging teens and adult park users. Director Evans shared that they saw several examples
of these parks at the National Parks and Recreation conference last year. An overall concern
would be having enough space for laying out a challenge course , however, the Meadows may
be a good site for a park of this type.
Commissioner Anderson shared that companies are offering yoga to employees. Outdoor yoga
would be a program to consider offering once a week. The area would only need to consist
of a flat, grassy area. There may be locations within the Millennium Garden that would be
usable for a yoga class.
The outdoor game Gaga has increased in popularity recently. Planning Commissioner Kovach
recommended using an outdoor hockey rink during the summer months for people to play
gaga in.
A suggestion was made to put together a list of current park trends and information regarding
those trends. This would help education everyone as to other cities are doing and what is
currently popular
Motion by Commissioner Swanson, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, recommending the
Capital Improvement Program draft as presented. With no objection, the motion passed.
6. COMMISSIONER/STAFF UPDATE
The first Live at the Hilde concert is scheduled for the same evening as our next
PRAC meeting. Commissioners agreed to cancel the June meeting. July and August
are still available should the need for a meeting come up.
Several events were held recently. The Primavera Art Fair had nearly 900 people
attend over the 4 days. The Plymouth Home Expo had over 1,000 people attend
throughout the weekend.
Events coming up include the first Bark in the Park on May 21 at the Hilde
Performance Center. Music in Plymouth will be held June 29 at the Hilde as well.
Commissioner Anderson asked if the Ice Center/Life Time Fitness parking lot project
will be complete before Music in Plymouth. Director Evans shared that the lot will be
functional, but the landscaping will not be complete.
Several construction projects are planned for this summer. Shenandoah Park
playground received new mulch. The North Picnic Shelter at Parkers Lake will
undergo renovations and receive new siding. ADA accessible bathrooms will be
installed at the Parkers Lake Pavilion. The parking lot at the Plymouth Creek Center
will receive a mill and overlay. Work on the second phase of the Northwest
Greenway has begun
Chair Riley shared that she feedback she received from vendors at the Home Expo.
Vendors were looking for an additional food source other than vending machines.
While some vendors brought lunch and snacks , others didn’t bring any food with.
Deputy Director Northway shared that there had been attempts at offering food and
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beverage for purchase on site, but sales did not do very well. Coffee and cookies
were available to vendors this year.
Commissioner Anderson inquired on the possibility of a trail along County Road 47.
He has witnessed many people walking along the road as there is not a trail or
sidewalk option for pedestrians. Deputy Director Northway shared that as
development happens in the area , the City will ask for easements to make room for a
trail. The road itself is a county road. This area will likely become a higher priority
as the roads nearby become realigned and more property developments are added.
7. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Vice Chair Vanderwall, seconded by Commissioner Wyse, recommending
adjournment of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting. With no
objection, Chair Riley adjourned the meeting at 8:49 p.m.