PRA 02/03/2020
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Fridley Municipal Center
7071 University Ave NE, Fridley MN 55432
DATE
LOCATION:
Conference Room - upper level next to Council Chambers).
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. APPROVE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA FOR FEB. 3, 2020
3. APPROVE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FOR JAN. 6, 2020
4. NEW BUSINESS/ACTION ITEMS:
a. Introduce Jen Graham, Recreation Coordinator
b. Introduce Krista Peterson, Recording Secretary
c.Public Disclosure Forms
d. Parks Master Plan Update
e. Twin City Gateway and Proposed Tournaments
f. Connecting Fridley
g. Event Vehicle
h.Other
5.STAFF REPORTS:
a. Springbrook Nature Center Pavilion Update
b.Winterfest
c. Deer Management Update
d.
e. Other
6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
a. Other
7.ADJOURNMENT
8.
Attachments: Jan. 6, 2020 Meeting Minutes, Recreation Division Highlights, Springbrook
Nature Center Report, Public Disclosure Statement
PARKSANDRECREATIONCOMMISSION
FridleyMunicipalCenter
7071UniversityAveNE,FridleyMN55432
MINUTES
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1. CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Heintz called the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. and
asked those in the meeting to introduce themselves.
Members present: Dave Kondrick, Shanna Larson, Mike Heintz, Ryan Gerhard, and Pete Borman
Members absent: EB Graham
Others Present: Alyssa Kruzel (Community Engagement Specialist), Rachel Workin (Environmental
Planner), Mike Maher (Springbrook Nature Center Director), and Deborah Dahl (Director of
Community Services and Employee Resources)
2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:
Chairperson Heintz called for a motion to adopt the agenda for the January 6, 2020 meeting agenda.
Mr. Kondrick made the MOTION to adopt the agenda, SECONDED by Ms. Larson. The MOTION
PASSED unanimously.
3. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:
Chairperson Heintz called for a motion to adopt the minutes from the November 4, 2019 Parks and
Recreation Commission Meeting. Ms. Larson made the MOTION to approve the minutes as submitted.
Mr. Kondrick SECONDED the MOTION. The MOTION PASSED unanimously. Note: There was no
meeting in December 2019.
4. NEW BUSINESS/ACTION ITEMS:
a. Active Transport Plan and Report (Rachel Workin)
Rachel Workin gave her report on the Active Transportation Plan Second Addition. Plan
document attached to meeting packet. Ms. Larson made a MOTION to support the
transportation plan to be forwarded onto the Planning Commission. Mr. Borman seconded the
MOTION. The MOTION PASSED unanimously.
b. Community Engagement Update (Alyssa Kruzel)
Alyssa Kruzel introduced herself and gave the Commission some of her background.
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Ms. Kruzel delivered a power point presentation about the demographics of Fridley,
information about the Community Engagement and Outreach efforts she has been working
on, including what outreach and engagement in a community looks like and how the City is
committed to doing outreach and engagement.
Ms. Kruzel also gave a demonstration about the new GIS interactive park map available on the
. She provided some additional facts about
the census and why the census is important, specifically to Minnesota, and how people will be
counted.
c. 2020 Meeting Schedule
Ms. Dahl presented the 2020 Meeting Schedule for the Parks Commission. With no
modifications or objections, Mr. Kondrick made a MOTION to approve the 2020 schedule, Ms.
Larson seconded the MOTION. The MOTION PASSED unanimously.
d.Joint Meeting with EQEC
Ms. Dahl asked the Commission if they would like to host another joint meeting with EQEC as
they did in 2019 and at the same time conduct a tour, recommending it be put on the
schedule June 1, 2020. The group agreed but no formal motion was made.
e. Housekeeping Item:
Commissioners were provided the 2020 Commission Member List and Staff Roster and were
asked to verify their information.
f. Meeting Minutes Changes
Ms. Dahl informed the commission that a new recording secretary will be attending the
meetings to take formal minutes of the commission meetings and mentioned the format of
the meeting minutes will likely be changing to be in a summarized format versus detailed. The
Commission had no objections.
g. Sports Association Survey
Ms. Dahl informed the commission that a Sports Association Survey will be sent out to all the
Fridley sports association group leaders to share contact information and to ask what their
needs are from the City (such as more storage needed, more fields, promotion support, etc.).
She will report back once the information is collected.
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5.STAFF REPORTS
a. Mr. Maher gave an update in the Springbrook Nature Center Pavilion. He reported the
furnace, drywall ceiling, and most of the electrical is done. He stated there is still a little
plumbing left to do and the floor is still being finished. He said he was pleased with how
things are moving along very nicely.
Mr. Maher provided a fundraising update, stating the Lions have given another
contribution of $25,000 for a total of $50,000. He said there was a donation from the BNSF
railroad for $10,000 and that the project is going well, thanks to everyone that has pitched
in and helped out. In total, $300,000 has been raised through grants and in-kind
contributions. He mentioned there will be a spring ribbon cutting for the pavilion on May
th
28 (tentative date).
Mr. Maher said that his staff is still talking about how to utilize the Pavilion and they are
still in the beginning stages and will be revisited through the year.
The Springbrook Nature Center staff are excited to host Winterfest this year. This new
location creates some nice opportunities to make some changes to the event as well as
keeping some of the favorite traditional events. Parking for volunteers and staff will be
across the street. Winterfest is 1/18/2020 from noon to 3 p.m. at Springbrook Nature
Center.
at the Springbrook Nature Center. Mr.
Maher explained the policy and the reasoning behind it. One question was raised whether
there is possibility that there could be a specific day just for allowing dogs on a leash at the
Nature Center. Mr. Maher said that they can continue to look at the idea but the
preference would be to not allow it since it would cause confusion and could compromise
the efforts to maintain the grounds and facility. No formal recommendations were made.
Mr. Maher mentioned the street closure during Pumpkin Night was a good idea this year
and while there was still some question about future permits and the costs associated with
closing the street, the benefits of the street closure for that event were advantageous.
b. Parks Master Plan Update:
Ms. Dahl reported that a local design firm, HKGI was contracted to do some design
concept work and estimates on the Parks Master Plan. The firm had assisted with the
Moore Lake and other projects within the City. While there is still a lot of work to be done,
the hope is to have a report with preliminary design and ideas back to the commission by
the next meeting.
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Staff is pulling together an inventory of all the parks, all the amenities, and the
maintenance plan for a 10-year period and that will be included in that report.
c. General Recreation
Ms. Dahl reported that the March/April Recreation Brochure will be a larger brochure and
will be a little bit earlier than the previous year. It will include the upcoming Recreation
programs, some summer program information as well as programming information for the
SNC summer camps and activities. The plan is to start promoting those events and
prepare for staffing quickly.
Ms. Dahl gave a year end enrollment recap of some of the Recreation and Springbrook
Nature Center programs. Ms. Dahl provided a document with the stats for these programs,
reservations of shelters, fields, and Civic Campus rooms, Springbrook Nature Center events,
special recreation events, and community events.
This last year, Springbrook has continued to expand their partnerships with the schools in
the Spring Lake Park, Columbia Heights areas and homeschooling families to increase their
programming and offerings. In addition, the Springbrook Nature Center received several
donations and grants for the Pavilion, programming, evasive species control, supplies and
materials.
The Recreation department has been ramping up efforts to sell Fridley with the re-
branding of the city, a bigger social media presence, electronic mailings, and pairing with
Twin Cities Gateway for softball tournaments for 49er days. She also noted that staff was
working on the Adopt-a Park program, which will also be launched this year.
d. Staffing Update
Ms. Dahl gave an update the recreation staff, noting that the full-time Recreation
Coordinator started today and her name is Jen Graham. She said that she will have her
attend the next meeting to meet the Commission. In addition, she mentioned that interns
will be staying on through the end of the year to assist with programs. The recreation
department is now fully staffed and can assist the council achieve their vision and goals of
ly to the Recreation Department
Ms. Dahl said as discussed in the last meeting, staff are working on a number of studies
and researching how Fridley compares to other cities and will be soon looking at fees and
programs. She noted there will be more strategic planning efforts to come for the parks
system, the recreation programs in general and community engagement. The studies will
help staff understand who our clients are, where the needs are and understanding the
business side of recreation and the nature center.
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Ms. Dahl said staff are working with the finance department who will help us a better job of
projecting numbers out for the future so we can help some of the facilities like the Nature
Center build a maintenance plan and longer-term revenue stream. In addition, they will be
looking at ways to include programs for the Civic Campus location. Reviewing legal
agreements with the county and the other large contracts such as with the school system
are also a priority. She said that staff will continue to get better at operations, and
registrations and promoting.
Ms. Dahl said that in addition to their regular duties, the Recreation and Nature Center
staff does a lot to support the many city-wide activities and even within the city through
employee events, like the employee breakfast, Annual Business meeting, and golf outing.
They serve on the Employee Relations Committee, which helps build a happy workplace
and keeps things upbeat.
Ms. Dahl said that 2019 was a great year and thanked the Commission for their support,
involvement and leadership towards the Recreation Division and Springbrook.
6. Other Business
No other business was considered.
ADJOURNMENT:
Ms. Larson made the MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 p.m., SECONDED by Mr. Kondrick. The
MOTION PASSED unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah Dahl, Director
Community Services and Employee Resources
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City of Fridley
Public Disclosure Statement
By Members of Advisory Bodies
Name: Date
Position Title:
Pursuant to Section 5.05 of the Fridley City Code, I hereby make the following declarations regarding my
financial and personal interests:
1. Names of all business corporations, partnerships, other business enterprises, or governmental agencies
doing business with the City of Fridley or located within the City of Fridley.
a) With which I have a financial interest
As used in Chapter 5, the term financial interest shall be deemed to include ownership of more than
10% of: the outstanding stock in a corporation, an interest in a partnership, proprietorship, or other
business entity, or an interest in real property. Financial interest shall apply to real or personal
properties owned by one person making the disclosure and by said person’s spouse.
b) With which I have a personal interest
As used in Chapter 5, the term personal interest shall be deemed to apply whenever a person
required to make a disclosure under this code of ethics shall be associated with a business as an
employee, officer, director, trustee, partner, advisor or consultant.
Name of Business, AddressFinancial Interest Personal Interest
Partnership, Etc.
(use additional paper if necessary)
2. A list of the non-homestead real property located within the City of Fridley in which I currently have a
financial interest:
Non-Homestead Real Property Address
(use additional paper if necessary)
I do swear (or affirm) that this report is a full and true statement pursuant to Section 5.05 of the Fridley City
Code.
_____________________________________________ ___________________________
Signature Date
This statement must be filed upon appointment or reappointment to an advisory committee or material
changes in financial interest while on an advisory committee. Please submit a signed Public Disclosure Form
to the City Clerk’s Office. Thank you.
PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION
PARKS MASTER PLAN UPDATE FEB. 3, 2020
solicit feedback
2
Spring 2019Solicited feedback in on-line surveysSpring 2019Worked with Community Engagement Consultants to host public workshops and Fall 2019Research, data gathering, report outline
and design determinedFall 2019Started park-by-park assessments, needsWinter 2020Hired HKGito assist with design concepts, estimations
3
TONIGHT Discuss next stepsCommunity EngagementHow Do You Want to Be Involved?
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multiple uses, appeal to broad spectrum of
creational activities (ex: Civic Campus,
serve populations within ¼ mile; typically less than
Moore Lake Park, Community Park, Springbrook Nature
e League Field, Riverview Heights Park*)
-Parks with recreational facilities intended to serve populations within ½ mile; typically
-Provide specialized or single purpose re
-Parks with recreational facilities that provide
-Parks with recreational facilities intended to
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CATEGORIES/SUGGESTED USES
Mini Parks one acre in size (ex: Altura, Ed Wilmes, Skyline)Neighborhood Parks include large open spaces (ex: Ruth Circle,Madsen, Briardale)Special Use Facilities Innsbruck Nature Center;
Ray Thompson Littl Community Parks users, and serve the whole city (ex: Commons Park, Center)
Central locationImproved play-based equipmentWater play (e.g. splash pad)High quality play equipment
5
GENERAL THEMES
Commons
yfinding, benches, picnic areas, natural areas
Good trail accesImproved water access and recreational activities (kayak, paddleboard, updated fishing areas, preserve volleyball courts, update beach)Improve play-based equipmentImprove
amenities (walking loops, signage, wafor fishing and bird watching, off-leash dog park)Improve water quality and plantings, stormwater treatment, low maintenance vegetation
6
GENERAL THEMES
Moore Lake
Connect with Civic CampusCreate a stronger sense of a town center and community gathering spaceConsider an overpass or tunnel over/under Hiway65Multi-use fields (more soccer)Improved
amenities for passive useTrail around perimeterIncorporate landscaping, botanical gardens, community gardens, edible orchards
7
GENERAL THEMES
Community Park
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LINKS TO PLANS https://hkgi.sharefile.com/d-sfee89c7ec2341e19
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SAMPLE OF A BUILDING
10
BUILDING VIEW
11
PLAYGROUND
12
SKATING RIBBON
13
SKATING RIBBON AREA
14
REACTIONS
Need feedback before we finalize estimatesWhat do you think?
public
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from
Council
feedback
and
park)
Feedback
with
by
and
Plan
(park
Commission
identified
Plan
by
concepts
Budget)
Engagement
finalized
sources
generalImplementation
(2021
adopted
Report
DraftFinalizeEstimatesRevenueImplementationReportCommunityFinalizeLaunch
NEXT STEPS
SpringbrookNatureCenter
MonthyReportFebruary2020
ThePavilionActivityCenterprojectismovingforwardwithMNDNROutdoorRecreationGrant
Programfundingintheamountof$150,000.ArequiredmatchfromexistingparkCIPandSpringbrook
NatureCenterFoundationfunds.
o Constructionofthepavilionisnearlycomplete.Asof1/29,thebuildinghasbeensealedand
interiorworkiswrappingup.Overthecomingmonths,additionalworkwillincludefloor
finishes,plumbingfixturesandcabinetry.Tablesandchairshavebeenpurchasedand
assembled.Aspring2020openingisbeingplanned.
o Anadditionalgiftof$25,000hasbeenreceivedfromtheFridleyLions,totaling$50,000forthis
projectandtotalgivingof$300,000totheSPRINGProject.
o A$10,000grantfortheprojecthasbeenreceivedfromBNSFRailwayFoundation.
o TheSpringbrookFoundationDevelopmentCommitteecontinuestomeettodiscussfundraising
andopportunitiestosecureinkinddonationsfortheproject.
SchoolprogrammingcontinueswithourAdamsElementary,SpringLakeParkECFE,FridleyPublic
SchoolsandColumbiaHeightsEncoreProgrammingpartnershipsandweeklyparentchildclasses.
WehavebeenawardedtwograntsforhabitatimprovementsatSpringbrookNatureCenter,withsome
worktobecompletedatMooreLakeSandDunesNaturalArea.Thegrantsareintheamountsof
$37,000and$51,450.Theworkwillremoveinvasivebuckthornandincludeprescribedburns.
LandbridgeEcologicalandPrairieRestoration,Inc.havebeenselectedasthecontractorsandareboth
underwaytorestore60combinedacresofSpringbrookNatureCenter.
Staffisworkinghardtocompleteanewexhibitfeaturingtwolargemicroscopeswithdigitaldisplays
thatexplorestheconceptofbiomimicry,whichisdesigninspiredbynature.Themicroscopesand
displaysareavailableforuseandthefinishingtouchesarebeingputontheinterpretivepanels.
th
TheCityofWinterfestwasheldatSpringbrookNatureonSaturday,January18fromnoon3
pm.Theeventwaswellreceivedwithanestimated300400attendeesandvolunteersenjoyingthe
event.
th
UpcomingeventsincludeacandlelighthikeonFebruary14,theSpringbrookSpreefundraiseron
thst
March7andourDiscoveryDinnerseriesonMarch21featuringaprogramonwildcanidsof
MinnesotafromtheWildlifeScienceCenter.
Deerpopulationmanagementplanningiswellunderwaywithanagreementinplacetoworkwiththe
USDAwildlifeservicesdivisiontoconductcontrolledshootswithincitylimits.Wearefinalizing
locations,communicationsplanningandschedulingandareontrackforFebruaryorearlyMarch.
HIGHLIGHTS
Parks and Recreation Division- February 2020
Winterfest A Great Success!
Kudos to the Rec and Springbrook teams for a great event on 1/18/2020. The change in location
to Springbrook or bitter cold did not stop the
enjoy the outdoor and indoor activities. A great collaboration between community groups,
Springbrook volunteers and City staff. Many positive compliments about having at Springbrook.
Finding Your Fun in Fridley!
The new year kicked off with a couple of exciting programs to get folks out exploring Fridley
pop-up events throughout the
park system where attendees can take part in a range of activities from sledding to skating while
enjoying hot cocoa. Participants will also receive a free reusable travel mug that they can refill
at future events throughout the where
residents are encouraged to build a snowman in a local park, take a picture and post it on
Instagram tagging @cityoffridley. At the end of the season a winner will be chosen and receive
a trophy as well as a $100 Fridley Parks and Recreation gift card.
Field Trips and More!
The Recreation Division hosted five field trips during the month to accommodate non-school
days with destinations ranging from a trampoline park to museums. Adult basketball leagues
continue to be popular and we are pleased with the partnership we have with the City of Blaine
to offer the Wednesday league. Part-time staff were kept busy with after school programs, field
trips, open gyms, warming houses and more. As the month winds down, the Division is
beginning to recruit for summer employment, with staff making plans to visit area job fairs as
part of the process.
Staff has been working on this ye18 & 19. The City has agreed to
partner with the Lions to host a regional softball tournament June 19-20 (Class D and E
Leagues), which hopes to bring in a large number of
Rec staff will host the pre-parade Family Activities at Commons Park on Thur. June 18 from 4-6
where free carnival activities, community/business organization exhibits, a petting zoo, and
entertainment are planned. While the details are still being finalized, the adult activities, band
stage, food trucks, car show and fireworks are tentatively scheduled for Friday night on June 19
at Community Park (new location). It is hoped that by moving the event to Community Park, it
will bring in additional participants.
Summer Brochure Camps and Activities Coming Soon!
Staff worked hard to get the summer camps and activities planned in advance to include in the
March/April City Newsletter.
Fridley Community Network (FCN) Meeting: Thursday, February 6, 2020 5-6pm,
Mississippi Branch Library - The Fridley Community Network is comprised of members
from multiple community organizations in Fridley. The group is led in partnership with
staff from the City of Fridley (Alyssa Kruzel), Mississippi Library (Shannon Melham), and
Fridley Community Education (Stephen Keeler).
The purpose of the group is to build connections and relationships between Fridley
community organizations and to share resources, collaborate, and partner on
community programs, projects, and events. The first meeting will be to build
connections and network, and discuss more about the initial purpose, goals, and
structure of the group.
Volunteerism Programs - Adopt-a-Park
Engagement staff is working with Brice Richter, Recreation Program Specialist, on an
Adopt-a-Park program for City of Fridley parks. Staff is creating marketing and
communication items to promote the program as well as finalizing program details. The
goal is to launch the program in late Spring 2020.
Neighborhood Events Coming This Summer - Connecting Fridley
June 24 Sylvan Hills Park
July 22 Madsen Park
Aug 12 Meadowland Park from 6-8pm
Mark your calendars and join us this summe
lawn games, recreation activities, a bounce house, arts and crafts from Banfil-Locke,
story time with Mississippi Library, and light refreshments. Make connections with your
neighbors and city staff! Learn more about city services and programs!
Engagement staff is collaborating with staff across multiple departments and division to
determine what information they can inform and educate community members about at
the event. Engagement staff will work closely with Marketing and Communications to
promote the event as well.
Tourism Promotion
Twin City Gateway is working hard with City Marketing and Recreation Division staff to promote
the City. Twin City Gateway has launched their new website, which promotes many of the events,
facilities and amenities available in Fridley. Here is a link to their website:
https://www.tcgateway.com/. and here is a link to the Fridley page:
https://www.tcgateway.com/communities/fridley/.
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