HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes 03-14-20191 Proposed Minutes
March 14, 2019
Proposed Minutes
Park & Recreation Advisory Commission
Thursday, March 14, 2019
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Tricia DeBleeckere, Commissioners: Dick Burkhardt, Margie DuPuis, Marilyn Sunseri,
Michael Swanson, Vita Wilson
MEMBERS ABSENT: Vice Chair Aaron Vanderwall
STAFF PRESENT: Parks & Recreation Director Diane Evans, Deputy Director Barb Northway, Recreation Manager
Kari Hemp, Office Support Specialist Sarah Josephs
COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES: Planning Commissioner David Witte
GUESTS: Stewart Crosby of SRF Consulting, Tim McIlwain of HCM Architects, Jaqui Zamora and Stacy Strand of
Flagship Recreation
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair DeBleeckere called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Commissioner Sunseri, seconded by Commissioner Wilson, recommending approval of
the February 14 Park and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting minutes as written. With all
members voting in favor, the motion carried.
3. OPEN FORUM:
Laura Babcock from the City of Plymouth Environment Quality Committee (EQC) was present to
share that their committee has begun exploring the benefits and opportunities of Plymouth
becoming a Green Step City. This is a free and completely voluntary program in Minnesota that
provides pathways that guide and support cities to set and achieve green goals. Many of the current
projects that PRAC is involved with, such as upgrading to LED lighting, trail connections and
improvements, and the PIC’s R22 conversion, would qualify as green initiatives.
In order to maximize the benefits of the City’s participation, the EQC is asking for all committee and
commissions to support the initiative. EQC members will be able to provide more information and
answer any questions at future meetings once their application is approved. The committee will be
presenting their application to City Council in spring/summer 2019.
4. PRESENTATIONS (NON-ACTION ITEMS):
5. NEW BUSINESS (ACTION ITEMS):
5a. Northwest Greenway Phase Five Master Plan – Trailhead Project
Director Evans introduced Stewart Crosby, a Landscape Architect from SRF Consulting. Mr. Crosby
has been working with the City on the Northwest Greenway Master Plan throughout the last five
phases.
Phase Five will take place on the west side of the Northwest Greenway, just off of Peony Lane near
Wayzata High School. There are two raised nodes that will have developments installed on. The
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northern, larger, node will have 100 parking spaces, concrete plaza, and a 3-season reservable picnic
shelter. The entire facility will be built just outside of the flood plain along the wetlands. The
southern node will have 56 parking spaces, trail access, and a playground designed for those 13+.
This site will also have two smaller picnic shelters and a portable restroom enclosure.
Tim McIlwain of HCM Architects has been working on the 3-season picnic shelter’s components. The
shelter will be built to accommodate up to 150 people and h ave a staging area for events. More
people can be accommodated on a concrete plaza in front of the shelter. Within the shelter will be
storage rooms for tables and chairs, a server/catering space area, and restrooms.
The overlook patio will have a garden and sitting wall. There is a non-developed view with lots of up-
close access to nature.
Jaqui Zamora and Stacy Strand of Flagship Recreation are putting together the playground structure.
The playground will have a challenge course feel with a mix of ninja course obstacles. Features
include rock climbing, rope climbing, and other climbing obstacles. The playground surfacing will be
a wood fiber material. The playground will be designed for those 13 years and older.
Director Evans shared that 16 resident s attended a project Open House just prior to this PRAC
meeting tonight. Many positive comments were received such as; liking the different amenities,
liking the large parking option, liking the fix-it bike station, and appreciating it being a multi-use
gathering spot. Suggestions include; adding a geocache stop, adding a crosswalk on Peony Lane, and
adding more bouldering areas along the Greenway.
Mr. Crosby shared that the project is scheduled to have construction documents for the trails and
parking lots ready for bid by the end of April with construction starting this summer. Architects
would continue to design and develop plans for the building with a scheduled construction time of
summer 2020. The playground would also be installed in summer 2020.
Council member Davis asked if this project is all part of the Capital Improvement Plan. Director
Evans shared that money is scheduled in the 2019 CIP. Right now the cost estimate is higher than
what was budgeted. There is currently $2.5 million in the CIP, b ut estimates have come in around $3
million. Council would have to authorize the additional spending. The Department has the money
available to fund the balance of the project.
Commissioner Burkhardt asked if there were any unique ongoing maintenance needs that this
playground would require. Deputy Director Northway answered that the playground has some
traditional components that the 2-12 year old playgrounds have. Other playgrounds also have the
rocks and ropes; not to this level or height, but the same type. They have been fairly easy to
maintain thus far. The playground vendor we are working through is part of Landscape Structures,
Inc based in Delano so we would have a proximity advantage to the manufacturer. They would be
able to handle any touch ups or repairs that our staff could not do.
Commissioner Sunseri feels this trail head project will be a huge draw. Since there is already a lot of
traffic in the area she is concerned with pedestrian safety. Director Evans shared that there is a
controlled intersection in the area to help those cross from the west side of Peony Lane to this trail
head. There is also a controlled intersection at Schmidt Lake Road and Peony, as well as Lawndale
and CR 47.
Commissioner Wilson shared that she thinks the building looks great and appreciated the attention
and thoughtfulness on the site plan as well as the view for park users.
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March 14, 2019
Chair DeBleeckere shared that this has been a project many years in the works and is very excited
to see the trail head starting this year. This will be great spot for people to start on the trail.
Commissioner Burkhardt added that up until now most of the Greenway has been hidden. This will
be a great way to give it more visibility and create more convenient access.
Director Evans shared that if PRAC approves of the Master Plan it will then be presented to Council
at their meeting next week.
Motion by Commissioner Burkhardt, seconded by Commissioner Wilson, recommending the
approval of the Northwest Greenway Phase 5 Master Plan.
5b. Annual Report
Recreation Manager Hemp presented the 2018 Department Annual Report. A rough draft had been
presented at the February 14 PRAC meeting. Any comments and suggestions made at that meeting
have been applied to this final version.
Motion by Commissioner Swanson, seconded by Commissioner Sunseri, recommending the
approval of the 2018 Annual Report.
5c. Chair & Vice Chair Appointment
Director Evans shared with Commissioners that each year a Chair and Vice Chair need to be
selected. The commission’s recommendation will then be forwarded to City Council for their
approval. The current Vice Chair, Aaron Vanderwall, has submitted his resignation from PRAC. Due
to his work schedule conflicts he is no longer able to be a member. Mr. Vanderwall joined PRAC in
2007 and has been a great asset to the commission.
Motion by Commissioner Wilson, seconded by Commissioner Swanson, recommending the
approval of Tricia DeBleeckere as the 2019 PRAC Chair.
Motion by Chair DeBleeckere, seconded by Commissioner Sunseri, recommending the approval of
Dick Burkhardt as the 2019 PRAC Vice Chair.
6. COMMISSIONER/STAFF UPDATE
The Harbor Review is a monthly variety show that takes place at the Plymouth Creek Center on
the second Thursday of each month. It features poetry, theater, comedy, and more. Tickets are
available at the door for $15 per person.
The 2nd Annual Summer Preview Night was taking place at the same time as the PRAC meeting.
This event is set up to feature summer contractors, sample projects, and course catalogs so
participants can attend and ask questions.
A pop-up movie has been scheduled at the Fieldhouse Dome for April 6 in the late afternoon.
More information will be coming out soon.
Council member Judy Johnson has resigned to take a position with the Met Council. Council will
begin accepting applications and holding interviews to fill her seat.
Twenty RFPs were sent out to perspective architectural companies for the Plymouth Creek
Center renovation project.
7. ADJOURNMENT
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Motion by Commissioner Burkhardt, seconded by Commissioner Swanson, recommending
adjournment of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting. With no objection, Chair
DeBleeckere adjourned the meeting at 8:03 p.m.