10-03-2022
PARKS AND RECREATION
COMMISSION MEETING
October 03, 2022
7:00 PM
Fridley Civic Center -7071 University Avenue
N.E.
AGENDA
Call to Order
Roll Call
Approval of Agenda
Approval of Meeting Minutes
1.September 6, 2022 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
New Business
2.Locke Park Joint Powers Agreement Between the City of Fridley and Anoka County
3.Moore Lake Park Update
4.2023 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Dates
Old Business
Staff Reports
5.Springbrook Nature Center Report
6.Fridley Parks and Recreation Division Report
7.Park Maintenance and Construction Report
Adjournment
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AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date:October,3,2022 Meeting Type:Parks and RecreationCommission
Submitted By:Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director
Title
September6, 2022Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
Background
Attached are the meeting minutes of the September6,2022Parks and Recreation Commission.
Financial Impact
None.
Recommendation
Staff recommendsapproval of the September6, 2022 Parks and Recreation Commission minutes.
Attachments and Other Resources
September6, 2022 Parks and Recreation Minutes.
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses.
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PARKS AND RECREATIONCOMMISSION
MEETING
September 6,2022
7:00 PM
Fridley Civic Campus, 7071 University Avenue N.E.
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Bormancalled the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to order at 7:00p.m.
PRESENT
Peter Borman
Ryan Gerhard
Ken Schultz
Shanna Larson
Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director
APPROVE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA FOR SEPTEMBER 6,2022
MOTION by CommissionerSchultzto APPROVE the September 6,2022meeting agenda. SECONDED
by CommissionerLarson. The MOTION PASSED unanimously.
APPROVE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
2.Approve Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of August 1,2022
MOTION by CommissionerSchultzto APPROVE the August 1,2022meeting minutes. SECONDED
by CommissionerLarson. The MOTION PASSED unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS/ACTION ITEMS
3.Fridley Youth Sports Association Soccer Discussion
Nikki Karnopp,Fridley Heights Lightning Soccer, provided background information on the
organization, its volunteer Board, and the youth served by the programs.She commented on the
previously dwindling registration which has since increased. She noted that the other communities
that participate in the league are run by that city whereas this organization is unique in that it is run
by volunteers. She noted that they moved fields and have been happy with the change. She
commented that the City has been good in cooperating and collaborating,but they do not have
many asks of the City. She asked that they continue to work together to accommodate future growth.
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Parks and Recreation Minutes Page 2
Commission
9/6/2022
The Commission asked the number of children participating. Ms. Karnopp replied that there were
145 children for the fall season and 160 for the spring/summer season.
The Commission thanked Ms. Karnopp for attending to provide an update and for the contributions
of the volunteers that run the organization.
4.!Moore Lake Site Design Update and Feedback
Mike Maher, Community Services Director, introduced the consultant that is present to provide a
presentation of the slightly updated site design for Moore Lake Park.
Candace Amber, consultant, stated that the previous plan was meant to be schematic and therefore
as the process moves forward, they get into the final design details. She provided a presentation
highlighting how the plan has evolved. She confirmed that the parking lot to the north would remain
as is and explained that the new parking lot would add additional stalls than are currently available.
She explained that almost the entire park is within the floodplain and therefore mitigation is required
and provided those details.
The Commission advocated for the nature play area to remain in the plan. Additional questions were
asked about the ongoing maintenance. Mr. Maher explained that $50,000 was budgeted for the small
nature play area compared to the $300,000 to $350,000 cost of the Springbrook Nature Center
natural play area. He noted the concerns with maintenance and safety of that area. A suggestion
was made to make use of the trees in a more cost-effective option for that space. Ms. Amber
commented that natural materials degrade more quickly.
The Commission asked about the possibility of pickleball and the timing of the County roundabout.
Ms. Amber replied that it may not be feasible to have pickleball at this location, but they are doing
soil borings. She stated that they are collaborating with the County on a timeline.
Mr. Maher reviewed the two recommendations from the project team.
The Commission asked the funds that would be needed to investigate the feasibility of a pickleball
court, noting the known issues with soil, as that could take away from the ability to complete other
elements. It was asked if there is an area that could support a pickleball court based on previous
borings. Ms. Amber stated that they sited the building based on the best soil conditions and they
identified areas where additional borings would be needed.
It was noted that removing the natural play area will allow those funds to be used in different areas
of the park and also eliminates the concern with parents perhaps not wanting their children to go
play in a corner of the park.
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MOTION by Commissioner Schultz to recommend moving and combining the two play areas and
reallocate funds. SECONDED by Commissioner Gerhard. The MOTION PASSED 3-1 (Larson
opposed).
The Commission further discussed the potential of pickleball and whether it would be adequate in
this location where the soils are not in great condition which may cause faster degradation,
therefore perhaps a different park would be a better location. Ms. Amber provided additional
details on excavation and the requirements specific to this site because of the floodplain.
MOTION by Commissioner Larson to recommend inclusion of a pickleball court as an alternate bid
for the project. SECONDED by Commissioner Gerhard. The MOTION PASSED unanimously.
5.!Park System Common Elements Selection Process
Mr. Maher stated that staff is proposing a process to work with the Commission on the common
elements that would be seen within the parks system. He noted that last month they looked at park
entrance signs and would continue that work to create a catalog of styles that would provide a unified
look and feel within the parks system.
STAFF REPORTS
6.!Springbrook Nature Center Report
Mr. Maher provided an overview of the report including summer programing, upcoming events, and
grants.
7.!Fridley Parks and Recreation Division Report
Mr. Maher reviewed the highlights of the report including summer programing.
8.!Park Maintenance and Construction Report
Mr. Maher reviewed the report and highlighted the activities of staff. He asked of the upcoming
event at Moore Lake on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. He stated that the Community Services
Department will be changing its name back to the Parks and Recreation Department, therefore his
title will be changing to Parks and Recreation Director.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Larson made the MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 8:07 p.m., SECONDED by
Commissioner Schultz. The MOTION PASSED unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
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Parks and Recreation Minutes Page 4
Commission
9/6/2022
Amanda Staple
Recording Secretary
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AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date:October, 3, 2023 Meeting Type:Parks and RecreationCommission
Submitted By:Scott Hickok, Community Development Director
Title
Locke Park Joint Powers Agreement Between the City of Fridley and Anoka County
Background
In July 1980, the City of Fridley and Anoka County entered into a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA), allowing
Anoka County to program within and maintain Locke Park, Plaza Park, and Locke Lake Park. In the JPA
duties where split between the City and the County and spelled out in the document. The original JPA
has been attached for your convenience. The Regional Trail itself is separate item and there is a
distinction between the trail and what we will talk about in this discussion about the Locke Park, Locke
Lak
terminate the JPA as allowed by the original agreement.
In the agreement the County was to provide routine maintenance on a scheduled basis of the grounds,
agreement also required County maintenance of trails and parking lots. Maintenance was to include
cutting grass, controlling noxious weeds, and grasses, litter removal, snow removal, wash-out repairs,
Other duties included diseased tree treatment or removal, payment of utility costs, provide identification
signs, and to provide landscaping improvements independently or in conjunction with the City.
Park programming and special activities would be provided by the County after review and approval by
the City Council.
The parks described and included in the JPA are beautiful assets to the City and the County.The JPA
over time, however, has lost much of its originally intended impact. Maintenance and park programming
of events has become nearly non-existent and the City has begun discussion with the County on
exercising an out clause that would leave the programming and maintenance to the City. It is not the
however better define roles and give maintenance and program responsibilities back to the City.
purpose with this discussion at this time is to keep both Commissions up to date on current discussions
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses.
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with the County and if the JPA arrangement is to end, to keep both Commissions involved as
appropriate.
Financial Impact
To be determined as City Parks and Operations staff determine next steps.
Recommendation
Staff recommends the Commission hear this item only as an update at this time. A request for a formal
recommendation from the Commission will be forthcoming.
Attachments and Other Resources
!1980 Joint Powers Agreement
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses.
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AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date:October, 3, 2023 Meeting Type:Parks and RecreationCommission
Submitted By:Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director
Title
Moore Lake Park Update
Background
approved Park System Improvement Plan. Staff are working with WSB on the site plan and Oertel
Architects on plans for a community building. The site plan and building are moving from concept and
schematic design into the next step of design development. Community engagement is ongoing with a
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large community event planned for Saturday, September 10. The event will provide opportunities for
staff to connect with residents on the site plan, building concept and to gather preferences and opinions
on six different playground designs developed as options for the park.
Financial Impact
None.
Recommendation
Staff requests that the Commission consider making a motion to endorse the playground concept
conditions and public feedback gathered during the engagement period.
Attachments and Other Resources
Moore Lake Park Update.pdf
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses.
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AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date:October, 3, 2022 Meeting Type:Parks and RecreationCommission
Submitted By:Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director
Title
2023 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Dates
Background
Attached is a proposed meeting schedule for the Parks and Recreation Commission for the year 2023.
Meetings would continue to be held the first Monday of each month in the City Council Chambers of
Fridley City Hall at 7:00 pm. Several exceptions include dates when the first Monday of a month is a
holiday. No meeting is scheduled for July and the June meeting would be a work session or park tour.
Financial Impact
None.
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Commission pass a motion adopting the 2023 proposed meeting schedule.
Attachments and Other Resources
2023 Proposed Meeting Schedule for the Fridley Parks and Recreation Commission
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley willbe a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses.
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Fridley Civic Campus
7071 University Ave N.E. Fridley, MN 55432
763-571-3450 | FAX: 763-571-1287 | FridleyMN.gov
Park and Recreation Commission
2023 Proposed Meeting Schedule
Unless Indicated Otherwise, Meetings are the first Monday of each month
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at 7 pm in City Council Chambers (2 floor)
Tuesday, January 3, 2023 (shifted one day due to Council Meeting conflict)
February 6, 2023
March 6, 2023
April 3, 2023
May 1, 2023
June 5, 2023 (Work Session at Park Location TBA)
July 2022 - NO MEETING
August 7, 2023
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Tuesday, September 5, 2023 (Monday, September 4 is Labor Day)
October 2, 2023
November 6, 2023
December 4, 2023
Rev. 9/22/2022
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AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date:September, 3, 2022 Meeting Type:Parks and RecreationCommission
Submitted By:Tara Rogness, Springbrook Nature Center Manager
Title
Springbrook Nature CenterReport
Background
Attached is the update from Springbrook Nature Centerfor the October 3, 2022 Parks and Recreation
Commission meeting.
Financial Impact
None.
Recommendation
None.
Attachments and Other Resources
Springbrook Nature Center Updatefor October 3, 2022 meeting
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses.
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Springbrook Nature Center
Park & Rec Commission Report
SeptemberHighlights
Friday Night by Firelight programs were heldin September funded by the
Springbrook Nature Center Foundation. Programs were delivered by
Pollinate MN, Snake Discovery, and The Voyageurs Wolf Project.
Springbrook Foundation and Fridley Liquor partnered on the Autumn
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Sampler again this year. The event was held on Saturday, September 17
from 5:30 8 pm. Nearly 150 people purchased tickets for the event. Many
thanks go out to the volunteers, vendors, and participants for a successful
event.
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On Friday, September 931 people volunteeredas a part of the Xcel Energy
Day of Service. They helped remove invasive species, cleaned up the Nature
Play Area, helped recycle the Willow Huts that were removed from the
Nature Play Area (due to safety), and built a second gate into the Nature
Play Area.
Naturalist Cody has started teaching the first session of the Nature
Preschool Club. Seven 4-5 year-olds are learning about nature in a hands-
on, immersive way. Winter and Spring sessions are now open for
registration.
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Naturalists are beginning to teach programs in the school. FMS 5graders
will see SNC in their classrooms to learn about adaptations, evolution,
genetic variation within a species, and more.
Naturalists are also visiting Adams Elementary this month. Students at
Adams visit the nature trail on their school grounds twice in the fall and
twice in the spring.
SNC is hosting the Minnesota Nature Center Network meeting this month.
Leadership staff from a variety of nature centers in Minnesota will
gather to talk about a variety of topics.
Upcoming thisSeason
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Community Pumpkin Carving starts on Sunday, October 16and
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runs through Thursday, October 20. Join hundreds of other folks to
carve thousands of pumpkins to be placed along the trails for
Pumpkin Night in the Park. Interested? Sign up for your time slot
today! (springbrooknaturecenter.org/PumpkinNight)
Help spread the word that we need help with a variety of things
(parking lot attendants, pumpkin trail monitoring, volunteer
hospitality, garbage hauling, entrance gate, set up, take down, clean
up and MORE!) springbrooknaturecenter.org/PumpkinNight
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Pumpkin Night in the Park happens on Saturday, October 22from
5 9 pm. Tickets are on sale now in person at SNC or Civic Campus, or
online (springbrooknaturecenter.org/PumpkinNight) Tickets are limited,
than 1200 pumpkins carved and lit along the trail, visit with costumed
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characters, dance with the DJ, be entertained by the Embrace the Light Fire Dancers, and more! Adult
tickets $12, Youth tickets (ages 3-12 years) $10.
Grants
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
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.
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AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date:October,3, 2022 Meeting Type:Parks and RecreationCommission
Submitted By:Margo Numedahl, Recreation Division Manager
Title
Fridley Parks and Recreation Division Report
Background
Attached are highlights from the Recreation Division for the October 3, 2022 Parks and Recreation
Commission
Financial Impact
None.
Recommendation
None.
Attachments and Other Resources
Recreation Division Highlightsfor October 3, 2022 meeting
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses.
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HIGHLIGHTS
Recreation Division:September2022
FallPrograms
Below isa list of programs and participation numbersfor the first
Fall session,which runsfrom Septemberthrough early November.
PRESCHOOL
Soccer (2classes)29
ELEMENTARYAFTER-SCHOOL
SoccerLeagueGr. K-111
Soccer League Gr. 2-410
Musketeers Fencing8
Outdoor Games & Halloween Fun21
ADULT FITNESS & ATHLETICS
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
30
(15Fridley; 15SLP)
IndoorCo-Rec Volleyball: Sept -Dec
9
(3Fridley;2 SLP;4NB)
Parks and Recreation Brochure
TheSept/Oct brochurewasmailed to residents beginning on
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August 29.Program content for the November/December
brochure is complete, the graphic designers is currently working
on the brochure.
Summer Concert Series -Recap
The Rum River Brass Bandperformed for the last concert of
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the season on September 13at 6:30 p.m. We are now
collecting feedback on our Concert Series through a survey
concerts even better! Our survey can be found at:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6QDHK7H
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Senior Golf League Tournament
The Annual Senior Golf Tournament was held at the Brightwood Hills Golf Course to end the
2022 league season. Participants competed in this tournament and different challenges, such as
closest in two and longest drive. Following the tournament, players met in the club house for a
banquet and an award ceremony, prizes where given to the league and tournament winners.
Back-to-School Open Houses
Jessica and the Rec N Roll Mobile were out marketing our fall programs at the local school open
houses. We attended Fridley Middle School and Hayes Elementary School Open Houses with
flyers, giant Jenga, bag toss, hopscotch and more fun! It was great to speak with community
members about our upcoming programs.
FHS Career Day
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On September 9, Jessica and Margo were presenters at Fridley High School for their Senior
Class Career Day. Margo presented about careers in Recreation & Leisure Services, along with
an overview of the staff structure of the City of Fridley and what it means to be a government
worker. Jessica presented about seasonal jobs in Recreation and how working as a seasonal
staff can help students prepare for many different career paths. The presentation was well-
received, and we plan on presenting it again to students in February, right before we start hiring
for summer jobs.
After-School Classes
The Elementary After-school Program is back!!! We are so happy to have this program available
to our community members after a hiatus due to COVID. Classes are offered Monday -
Thursday at Hayes Elementary School, and busing is provided from Stevenson to Hayes. Classes
include both sports and arts & crafts to appeal to a wide number of students.
Volleyball Leagues
Fridley works as a part of the North Metro Partnership that shares registrations and resources
with Spring Lake Park and New Brighton Parks and Recreation. Through this partnership we
September.
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Fall Pickleball League
Our Fall Pickleball League is the third and largest pickleball league Fridley has
hosted! Partnering with Spring Lake Park Parks and Recreation there are a combined 30
participants in this league. Our ladder leagues is designed so players of a similar skill levels are
playing each other from week to week. Pickleball courts are being used at both Flanery Park in
Fridley and Terrace Park in Spring Lake Park to accommodate this league.
Pickleball Classes
Two different Pickleball classes began in September. A beginner pickleball class and a beginner
to intermediate level class. Pickleball classes are designed to be a progression to build new
players skills and understanding of the game. We hope to retain pickleball participants as we
move indoors at the Hayes Gym over the winter season.
Moore Lake Open House
The Recreation Division along with Communications, Parks Maintenance and Engineering
Departments hosted an extremely successful engagement event from 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. on
Saturday, September 11 at Moore Lake Park. An estimated 250 people were in attendance and
shared their feedback on Park Design Concepts. In addition, we had a variety of fun activities to
draw in a crowd and to help the community envision the future of the park. Activities included:
fishing on the pier with the Boy Scouts, biking along the trail using the new Fridley Parks and
Recreation Bike Fleet, climbing and exploring the fire engine, police squad car and two
excavators, playing yard games and sand volleyball, and bouncing in the Bouncy Castle and
Inflatable Combo with slide and obstacle course. The community energy was very positive, and
all were extremely excited to use the improved park facilities.
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AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date:October, 3,2022 Meeting Type:Parks and RecreationCommission
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 forthe October 3,2022meeting.
Financial Impact
None.
Recommendation
None.
Attachments and Other Resources
Park Maintenance Report for October3,2022meeting
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses.
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Memorandum
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Date:9/23/22
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 October 3, 2022 Meeting
The park maintenance team has been mowing every day with theweather
conditions creating plenty of growth for this time of year. We mowed the median
on University Avenue for what we hope to be the last time this year.The
beautification project extending from City Hall to the south along University Ave.
is starting to look nice with the plantings.
We have a softball tournamentscheduled the last weekend of September, so we
have been busy removing all soccer fields toset up softball and then will prepare
the fields for fall soccer.
We are working on a project at the SNC Pavilion to correct a water drainage issue
along with tree trimming, stump grinding and asphalt patching to get ready for
the Pumpkin Nightin the Park event.
Jej:jej
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