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11-07-2022 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING November 07, 2022 7:00 PM Fridley Civic Center - 7071 University Avenue N.E. AGENDA Call to Order Approval of Agenda Roll Call Approval of Meeting Minutes 1. October 3, 2022 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes New Business 2. Parks and Recreation – Staff Introductions Skyler Ruetz 3. Anoka County Parks Staff Presentation on Rice Creek West Regional Trail Corridor Engagement Findings Old Business Staff Reports 4. Springbrook Nature Center Report 5. Fridley Parks and Recreation Division Report 6. Park Maintenance and Construction Report Adjournment 1 Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses. AGENDA REPORT Meeting Date: November 7, 2022 Meeting Type: Parks and Recreation Commission Submitted By: Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director Title October 3, 2022 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Background Attached are the meeting minutes of the October 3, 2022 Parks and Recreation Commission. Financial Impact None. Recommendation Staff recommends approval of the October 3, 2022 Parks and Recreation Commission minutes. Attachments and Other Resources  October 3, 2022 Parks and Recreation Minutes. 2 Item 1. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING October 3, 2022 7:00 PM Fridley Civic Campus, 7071 University Avenue N.E. MINUTES CALL TO ORDER Chair Borman called the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. PRESENT EB Graham Peter Borman Ryan Gerhard Ken Schultz Suad Maow (arrived at 7:07 p.m.) Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director Scott Hickok, Community Development Director APPROVE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA FOR OCTOBER 3, 2022 MOTION by Commissioner Graham to APPROVE the October 3, 2022 meeting agenda. SECONDED by Commissioner Schultz. The MOTION PASSED unanimously. APPROVE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES 2. Approve Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of September 6, 2022 MOTION by Commissioner Schultz to APPROVE the September 6, 2022 meeting minutes. SECONDED by Commissioner Graham. The MOTION PASSED unanimously. NEW BUSINESS/ACTION ITEMS 3. Locke Park Joint Powers Agreement Between the City of Fridley and Anoka County Scott Hickok, Community Development Director, provided background information on the joint powers agreement between the City and Anoka County which began in 1980 and the roles each entity took on. He noted that the entities have been discussing the agreement and the ability for Fridley to take back the maintenance and programing of the parks identified in the agreement. He stated that Anoka County Commissioners are in support of that action and noted that Fridley would continue to use the land as maintained park and trail. He reviewed the legislation that would be 3 Item 1. Parks and Recreation Commission 10/3/2022 Minutes Page 2 necessary to allow the City to recoup its costs for maintenance and upkeep, which is currently paid to Anoka County. Chairman Peter Borman asked who maintains the trails that are in Locke Park now. The County should as park of the commitment through the JPA, but that is one of the issues that has brought this matter to the fore. The level of maintenance has been the subject of discussion. Commissioner Schultz asked whether the City would choose to move forward if the legislation were not passed, how other communities are reimbursed for maintenance completed. Mr. Hickok replied that the City would still move forward regardless of the legislation in order to get control of maintenance and programing and explained how other communities are reimbursed by other entities. Mayor Lund provided additional input on implementing agencies. He explained that the City would like to do more than what is being done by Anoka County in the parks mentioned. Mayor Lund continued that he has spoken with County Commissioners, as well as Reva Chamblis Metropolitan Council Member. In both cases Lund iterated that he is looking for their support in not objecting when they approach the legislature for new words in the Implementing Agencies law. The change in the law as described by the mayor would be five additional words, and the city of Fridley, after the list of other Implementing Agencies listed currently. Chairman Borman asked for, and received, clarity on the maintenance responsibility of the regional trail segments both within the mentioned parks and outside of those areas. The Commission asked if it has been determined as to the amount Anoka County receives for these parks. Mr. Hickok confirmed that Anoka County does not breakdown the funds allocated in that manner but explained that the City would develop a five-year maintenance plan with specific costs identified. Commissioner Maow, asked, so I understand this, we could say we own our own stuff, and we want to do our own thing with it, do I have that correct. Staff responded yes, not to change the use, just to maintain, and program in a manner that meets our standard. Chairman Borman asked how much money are we talking about? Mayor Lund responded that in a recent discussion he had with the County $1.2M had been given to the County, but it was earmarked for projects elsewhere and not Fridley. Mayor Lund asked the commissioners if there was anyone who would object to moving forward with dissolving the JPA. While all agreed with the action to dissolve the JPA, E.B. Graham said, I would be disappointed if we didn’t. Commissioner Gerhard said he thought it was a good idea. The Commission supported moving forward with the dissolution of the JPA. 4. Moore Lake Park Update 4 Item 1. Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director, provided an update on the Moore Lake Park process and recapped that community meeting that was held onsite. He reviewed the themes identified from resident conversations and presented different playground options. He reviewed the revised site plan as well as additional updates and considerations. MOTION by Commissioner Graham to ENDORSE the playground concept shown in the presentation as “Option B”. SECONDED by Commissioner Schultz. The MOTION PASSED unanimously. 5. 2023 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Dates Mr. Maher presented the proposed 2023 meeting dates for the Commission. MOTION by Commissioner Schultz to ADOPT the 2023 meeting schedule as presented. SECONDED by Commissioner Graham. The MOTION PASSED unanimously. STAFF REPORTS 6. Springbrook Nature Center Report Mr. Maher provided an overview of the report including recent events and programing and upcoming events. 7. Fridley Parks and Recreation Division Report Mr. Maher reviewed the report and provided a summary of programing opportunities for both youth and adults. 8. Park Maintenance and Construction Report Mr. Maher reviewed the written report highlighting recent maintenance and construction activity in the parks. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Gerhard made the MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 8:04 p.m., SECONDED by Commissioner Maow. The MOTION PASSED unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Amanda Staple Recording Secretary 5 Item 1. Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses. AGENDA REPORT Meeting Date: November, 7, 2022 Meeting Type: Parks and Recreation Commission Submitted By: Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director Title: Parks and Recreation – Staff Introductions Skyler Ruetz Background Skyler Ruetz joined the Recreation Division on September 12th in the role of Program Specialist. Skyler has been working closely with the After-school Program and will be working on a variety of Special Events as well. She graduated with a degree in Rehabilitation Services/Recreational Therapy from the University of Wisconsin – Stout in May. During her time at college she worked as the Intramural Sports Supervisor and this past summer was an Intern for the City of Shoreview Parks and Recreation Department. The Recreation team is thrilled to have Skyler on board, her positive energy and friendly attitude has already been a huge asset to the team and programs! Financial Impact None. Recommendation None. Focus on Fridley Strategic Alignment X Vibrant Neighborhoods & Places X Community Identity & Relationship Building Financial Stability & Commercial Prosperity X Public Safety & Environmental Stewardship Organizational Excellence Attachments and Other Resources 6 Item 2. Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses. AGENDA REPORT Meeting Date: November, 7, 2022 Meeting Type: Parks and Recreation Commission Submitted By: Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director Title: Anoka County Parks Staff Presentation on Rice Creek West Regional Trail Corridor Engagement Findings Background Four miles of the Rice Creek West Regional Trail run through the City of Fridley connecting Manomin Park, Locke Lake Park, Plaza Park, Community Park, and Locke Park. The Regional Trail and several parks are operated under a Joint Powers Agreement between Anoka County and The City of Fridley. Anoka County is nearing completion of a community engagement process to gather feedback on the Rice Creek West Regional Trail Corridor and wishes to share the findings with the City and to gather additional feedback from the Parks and Recreation Commission. Financial Impact None. Recommendation None. Focus on Fridley Strategic Alignment X Vibrant Neighborhoods & Places X Community Identity & Relationship Building Financial Stability & Commercial Prosperity X Public Safety & Environmental Stewardship Organizational Excellence Attachments and Other Resources  Rice Creek West Regional Trail Corridor Engagement Findings presentation 7 Item 3. 10/17/2022 1 October 2022 2 1 2 8 Item 3. 10/17/2022 2 BUSINESS MODEL 3 4 3 4 9 Item 3. 10/17/2022 3 5 6 5 6 10 Item 3. 10/17/2022 4    7 8 11 Item 3. 10/17/2022 5   • • • • • •    • • • • • • •  9 10 12 Item 3. 10/17/2022 6  • •       • • • •    11 12 13 Item 3. 10/17/2022 7       •  13 14 14 Item 3. 10/17/2022 8         • • •  • • • 15 16 15 Item 3. 10/17/2022 9  • • • • • • • • • •  • •  17 18 16 Item 3. 10/17/2022 10    •  • • •     19 20 17 Item 3. 10/17/2022 11      • • • •  • • • •  • 21 22 18 Item 3. 10/17/2022 12    24 Locke Park JPA Visioning MeetingAnoka County and City of Fridley August 30, 2021 City Vision We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly, and stable home for families and businesses. Fridley Park Vision Fridley's Park system will increase the wellbeing of our community by providing people of all ages and abilities with opportunities for active living, social connections, wellness, and nature." Locke Park Vision Locke Park will achieve the City's and Park System's overall vision byproviding persons of all abilities and ages the opportunity for enjoyment within a nature-based environment. Specifically, this will be achieved by: •Actively through accessibletrails, maintenance of Rice Creek, expanded nature-based programs and gathering places. •Passivelythroughthenaturalamenitiesofthe forest,trails,creek,andinterpretive opportunities. 23 24 19 Item 3. 10/17/2022 13 25 26 25 26 20 Item 3. 10/17/2022 14 27 NEXT STEPS 28 27 28 21 Item 3. 10/17/2022 15 29 QUESTIONS? THANK YOU! Anoka County Parks Jeff Perry, Parks Director jeff.perry@co.anoka.mn.us 763-324-3409 Karen Blaska, Park Planner karen.blaska@co.anoka.mn.us 763-324-3412 29 22 Item 3. Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses. AGENDA REPORT Meeting Date: November, 7, 2022 Meeting Type: Parks and Recreation Commission Submitted By: Tara Rogness, Springbrook Nature Center Manager Title Springbrook Nature Center Report Background Attached is the update from Springbrook Nature Center for the November 7, 2022 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. Financial Impact None. Recommendation None. Attachments and Other Resources  Springbrook Nature Center Update for November 7, 2022 meeting 23 Item 4. Springbrook Nature Center Park & Rec Commission Report October Highlights  Springbrook Naturalists have seen about 880 Fridley students this month covering such topics as: Genetic Variation within a Species (5th grade), Water Cycle (4th grade), Seed Dissection (2nd grade), Present Day and Prehistoric Food Webs (5th grade), and Water Scarcity in the World (4th grade).  Springbrook Naturalists have seen about 420 students this month on the Nature Trail. They’ve learned about Nature Observation (Kindergarten), Stream Study (2nd Grade) Fungus (3rd Grade), and Constellations (3rd Grade).  This month’s rentals have included both Full PAC rentals and Indoor Only PAC rentals as well as indoor classroom rentals.  Naturalists have also led two birthday parties this month.  Pumpkin Night in the Park (happening on October 22nd) is setting up to be a successful community event. More than 800 volunteers are set to carve more than 1200 pumpkins. An additional 100 volunteers are set to do a variety of things such as setting up, placing pumpkins, lighting pumpkins, parking attendants, trail monitors, event take down and clean up, and MORE. We are thankful to Parks and Recreation, Police, Fire, and Public Safety for their help in making this a fun and safe event in Fridley. As of now (Oct 18), we have sold more than 2000 tickets and expect that we will sell nearly double that before the event this weekend. Upcoming this Season  Springbrook Naturalists will be attending (and presenting) at the Minnesota Naturalists Association conference at Long Lake Conservation Center in Palisade MN. This year’s theme is “Get it Together”, a nod to the first fully in person conference since 2020 and to the field’s goal of inclusivity and access, skill-sharing, and networking.  SNC is a polling location for the mid-term elections.  Lantern Light Hikes will start in December and run through March on the second Friday of each month. Enjoy lantern lit trails, a cozy bonfire, and the great outdoors. Cost is $5 per person, snowshoe rental available for an additional $5 (provided there is a 3 inch base of snow). Grants  Xcel Energy Grant 2022 is being used to install an new exhibit: “The Power of Prairies”. Dina Cyrus is getting started with graphic design, interactive element design, and is meeting with fabricators for some custom wood work for the exhibit. We look forward to a fun and educational experience.  We have been awarded an International Paper Grant entitled “Building Aquatic and Ecological Literacy”. We will put together new curriculum for onsite field trips, summer camps, scout groups, and others. We will include an additional canoe, PFDs, fishing rods and cases, miscellaneous fishing equipment and additional paddles. 24 Item 4. Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses. AGENDA REPORT Meeting Date: November 7, 2022 Meeting Type: Parks and Recreation Commission Submitted By: Margo Numedahl, Recreation Division Manager Title Fridley Parks and Recreation Division Report Background Attached are highlights from the Recreation Division from October 2022. Financial Impact None. Recommendation None. Attachments and Other Resources  Recreation Division Highlights: October 2022 25 Item 5. HIGHLIGHTS Recreation Division: October 2022 Fall Programs Below is a list of programs and participation numbers for the first Fall session, which runs from September through early November. PRESCHOOL Soccer (2 classes) 29 ELEMENTARY AFTER-SCHOOL Soccer League Gr. K-1 14 Soccer League Gr. 2-4 12 Musketeers Fencing 9 Outdoor Games & Halloween Fun 22 FIELD TRIPS GR. K-5 MN Zoo (Fridley - 5, SLP – 11) 16 Afton Apple Orchard (Fridley – 4, SLP – 7) 11 Zero Gravity (Fridley – 10, SLP - 7) 17 ADULT FITNESS & ATHLETICS Shinrin Yoku/Guided Forest Bathing 4 Zumba (2 classes) 15 Intro to Pickleball (7 - Fridley; 6 - SLP) 13 Pickleball for Beginners (7 - Fridley; 7 - SLP) 14 Pickleball Skills & Drills (2 - Fridley; 2 - SLP) 4 Pickleball Ladder League: Aug - Oct (15 – Fridley; 15 – SLP) 30 Indoor Co-Rec Volleyball: Sept - Dec (3 – Fridley; 2 – SLP; 4 – NB) 9 Parks and Recreation Brochure The Nov/Dec brochure is complete and will be mailed to residents at the end of October. Program staff is now developing activities for the Jan/Feb brochure. 26 Item 5. Outdoor Pickleball Wrap Up October saw the end of the outdoor pickleball season. The Ladder League, Skills & Drills, and Intro Clinic all ended over the course of the month. Pickleball programs are in cooperation with Spring Lake Park Parks and Recreation Department. All classes and clinics were held at the Flanery Park Pickleball Courts. Due to the high number of registrations, the ladder league was held at Flanery Park as well as Terrace Park in Spring Lake Park. Moving into the winter, pickleball programs will be held indoors in the Hayes Elementary School gym. Shinrin-Yoku Forest Bathing Experience On October 1st, four adults joined David Motzenbecker of Motz Forest Bathing Experiences at Innsbruck Nature Center for a forest bathing walk. They were guided to slow down to see and hear all of the small details that the forest offers us, a process started in Japan and known as Shinrin-Yoku. It was a very peaceful day full of introspection and mindfulness at the park, and the fall colors were beautiful! Fall Field Trips Field trips are back! We had some amazing trips over MEA break in partnership with Spring Lake Park Recreation. We ventured to the Minnesota Zoo to explore the amazing animals of our planet on October 19th. On October 20th, we headed to Afton Apple Orchard where we had a tour & hayride, went through the giant 15-acre corn maze, played at the playground and visited the petting zoo. Each participant took home 3 apples and a pumpkin. It was a bit chilly but we had a blast! On Friday, October 21st, we started our day carving pumpkins, and our pumpkins were placed on the trails of SNC’s Pumpkin Night in the Park! The kids were excited to be able to search for their creations the next day. In the afternoon we bounced, played dodgeball, climbed and more during our adventure at Zero Gravity Trampoline Park! After-School Classes Our partnership with the Fridley School District continues to go well for after-school activities. Fridley Nutritional Services is providing a “super snack” for all our participants at no charge. The kids are always so hungry after school, and we are grateful to have these additional services! Recreation Team Update In the last four months we have welcomed two new employees to the Recreation Division! Susan Bauer began as the Administrative Assistant on June 21st. Susan has been working part-time with a typical schedule of Monday, Wednesday and Friday. She is our first contact with the public and has been welcoming and positive in all her interactions. She started out in the middle of a busy shelter rental season and quickly picked up and made improvements to the processes. In addition, Susan has been inputting registrations and program information in the Recreation Software 27 Item 5. Program, updating the website, preparing meeting materials and much more! Susan was previously employed with the Anoka Hennepin School District where she worked as an Attendance Secretary for Coon Rapids Middle School and School Year Secretary for Adam’s Elementary. In addition, she spent a number of years working as a Communications Coordinator for Target Corporation. Susan has been an active member of the Fridley Community; she lives near Springbrook Nature Center and she and her family are frequent visitors. Skyler Ruetz joined the Recreation Division on September 12th in the role of Program Specialist. Skyler has been working closely with the After-school Program, field trips, and will be working on a variety of Special Events as well. She graduated with a degree in Rehabilitation Services/Recreational Therapy from the University of Wisconsin – Stout in May. During her time at college she worked as the Intramural Sports Supervisor and this past summer was an Intern for the City of Shoreview Parks and Recreation Department. The Recreation team is thrilled to have Skyler on board, her positive energy and friendly attitude has already been a huge asset to the team and programs! Minnesota Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference Recreation Program Staff attended the Annual Minnesota Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) Conference on October 12 – 14th! Over 300 professionals from across the state were in attendance for professional development, education and networking. The conference provided numerous sessions on leadership, activities, best practices and more. Some of our staff’s favorite sessions included: Lead From Where you Stand, Innovative Programming, and the ending keynote speaker, Gaelynn Lea—the ABCs of Disability. In addition, an exhibit hall consisting of over 60 vendors from playground manufacturers to registration software systems (including many vendors that have worked with us on the Park Improvement Plan), and there was even a turf painting robot! The Recreation team came back energized to bring new program and park development ideas to the Fridley Community. In addition, many new connections with Parks and Recreation Professionals to work with to continue to develop and innovate our offerings. 28 Item 5. Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses. AGENDA REPORT Meeting Date: November 7, 2022 Meeting Type: Parks and Recreation Commission Submitted By: Jeff Jensen, Operations Manager – Streets, Parks, and Facilities Title Park Maintenance and Construction Report Background Attached is the Park Maintenance and Construction report for the November 7, 2022 meeting. Financial Impact None. Recommendation None. Attachments and Other Resources  Park Maintenance Report for November 7, 2022 meeting 29 Item 6. Memorandum The Park Maintenance Department has had a busy month trying to wrap up all remaining projects before moving into the winter season. We have been cutting back all plantings in parks and road medians to prepare for winter, along with mulching leaves in all parks. Athletics fields are mostly complete and all winterizing of our buildings and blowing out all irrigation systems is complete. We will be moving into prepping all skating and hockey rinks to prepare for ice. We will also prepare the warming house at Commons Park. We must sort through all nets and benches to be ready to put them at proper locations. All summer maintenance equipment will be serviced and put away for winter and then we will get all winter maintenance equipment ready to go. We have started prepping the Moore Lake Beach House to prepare for demolition this winter as well. Date: 11/7/2022 To: Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director From: Jeff Jensen, Operations Manager, Streets, Parks, Facilities DEPT: Public Works CC: Margo Numedahl, Parks and Recreation Manager RE: Parks and Recreation Commission Report for November 7, 2022 Meeting 30 Item 6.