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10-02-2023 Park Commission Meeting October 2, 2023 7:00 PM Fridley City Hall, 7071 University Avenue NE Minutes Call to Order Chair Borman called the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present Luke Cardona EB Graham Peter Borman Suad Maow Tim Kirk Ken Schultz Don Whalen Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director Approve Parks & Recreation Commission Agenda for October 2, 2023 Motion by Commissioner Schultz to approve the October 2, 2023 meeting agenda. Seconded by Commissioner Whalen. The motion passed unanimously. Approve Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes for September 5, 2023 Motion by Commissioner Graham to approve the September 5, 2023 meeting minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Maow. The motion passed unanimously. New Business th 1. City of Fridley 75 Anniversary Celebration Discussion Parks and Recreation Director Mike Maher stated that next year will be a landmark anniversary for the City of Fridley and staff is looking for ideas to celebrate. He provided some possible ideas relating to parks and recreation. Commissioner Whalen suggested including some of the other parks that have been updated as well. 1 Park Commission 10/02/2023 Minutes Page 2 Mr. Maher confirmed that this was just a starting point, and they could make additional suggestions in the future as well. He confirmed that 49er Days will be having special activities and events in 2024 as well. 2. Community Engagement Summaries for 2024 Park Projects – Edgewater Gardens and Sylvan Hills Parks Mr. Maher explained that community engagement is conducted for parks the summer before they are planned to be improved, therefore in 2023 they held community meetings for four parks planned for improvement in 2024. He noted that at the last meeting, they reviewed the results of the first two parks and tonight they would review the summaries from the other two parks. He provided an overview of the Edgewater Gardens concept plan and related input received on those proposed elements. He noted that the neighborhood felt that on-street parking was sufficient and that a permanent bathroom was not desired. Chair Borman asked for input on tennis court versus pickleball, noting that two pickleball courts could fit into one tennis court. Commissioner Cardona asked if they could do just pickleball at this park. Mr. Maher replied that would be to the discretion of the Commission to make that recommendation. He explained that the concept was based on input received during the parks planning process but some things may have changed since that time. He noted that during this last round of engagement there was support for pickleball only. The Commission supported pickleball only at this park. Mr. Maher stated that different concepts were reviewed for playgrounds and concept A received 25 votes compared to six votes for concept B. He also provided input on the comments received related to exercise equipment along with information on potential users, lifespan, and cost. Motion by Commissioner Cardona to recommend playground concept A for Edgewater Gardens Park. Seconded by Commissioner Graham. The motion passed unanimously. Motion by Commissioner Cardona to recommend up to two pickleball courts for Edgewater Gardens Park. Seconded by Commissioner Kirk. The motion passed unanimously. Motion by Commissioner Cardona to recommend the use of Healthbeat fitness equipment for Edgewater Gardens Park. Seconded by Commissioner Schultz. The motion passed unanimously. Motion by Commissioner Graham to recommend exclusion of the optional permanent indoor restroom parking and formal parking. Seconded by Commissioner Cardona. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Maher reviewed the input received through community engagement for Sylvan Hills. Chair Borman noted that there was a lot of input related to the desire to keep the tennis court and the spring riding toy. Mr. Maher noted that for the playground concepts, there were 25 votes in favor of concept B and six votes for concept A. Park Commission 10/02/2023 Minutes Page 3 Motion by Commissioner Graham to recommend playground concept B for Sylvan Hills Park. Seconded by Commissioner Whalen. The motion passed unanimously. Motion by Commissioner Cardona to recommend support for a tennis court with pickleball overlay in addition to a basketball court Sylvan Hills Park. Seconded by Commissioner Graham. The motion passed unanimously. Motion by Commissioner Schultz to recommend exclusion of the challenge piece and to include a spring ride toy. Seconded by Commissioner Cardona. The motion passed unanimously. 3. Parks and Recreation Commission 2023 Goals and Workplan Review Mr. Maher reviewed the 2023 accomplishments and provided a brief outlook on the items proposed for 2023-2024. Chair Borman stated that he would like to continue to check in with youth sports and other park users to ensure needs are being met. He suggested that occurs each spring. Commissioner Cardona stated that he would be interested in seeing user numbers for those activities when that presentation is provided. Commissioner Maow stated that she would be interested in an update on the park property the City is taking over from the County through the dissolution of the JPA. Mr. Maher noted that is scheduled to change hands in November and noted that the City would intend to begin operations of the park in November. He noted that would be an ongoing priority for the next number of years. Old Business Staff Reports 4. Springbrook Nature Center Report Mr. Maher provided an overview of the report, noting the transition from summer camp programs and into fall. He also provided an update on some planned improvements for the park. He st noted the upcoming Pumpkin Night in the Park which will be held on October 21. 5. Fridley Parks and Recreation Division Report Mr. Maher provided an overview of the report noting that fall programing is in full swing. He also noted the success of the City Hall celebration that was recently held at the campus. Park Commission 10/02/2023 Minutes Page 4 6. Park Maintenance and Construction Report Mr. Maher provided an update on the progress of park maintenance and construction projects. Unfinished Business None Adjournment Commissioner Graham made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 p.m. Seconded by Commissioner Whalen. The motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Melissa Moore City Clerk