Loading...
09-03-2024 1 Park Commission Meeting September 3, 2024 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 Tim Kirk Ken Schultz Don Whalen Absent (Commissioner Suad Maow moved residence out of Fridley and was no longer eligible to serve as a Commissioner. There is one vacant position as this meeting was held.) Also Present Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director Approve Parks & Recreation Commission Agenda for September 3, 2024 Motion by Commissioner Cardona to approve the September 3, 2024 meeting agenda. Seconded by Commissioner Graham. The motion passed unanimously. Approve Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes for August 5, 2024 Motion by Commissioner Kirk to approve the August 5, 2024 meeting minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Graham. The motion passed unanimously. Open Forum No comments. New Business 1. Jubilee Park and Oak Hill Park Community Engagement Summaries Park Commission 9/3/2024 Minutes Page 2 Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director, stated that there are two parks proposed for construction in 2025, which would be in addition to the Commons Park project. He reviewed the engagement that was completed for both Jubilee and Oak Hill parks. He noted the proximity of the parks to each other and noted that because they are both smaller parks, they could be complimentary to one another. He presented two concepts for each park, noting that in one concept the parks would contain equipment for all ages while in the other concept one park would have equipment for younger children and the other park would have equipment for older children. Commissioner Whalen referenced pole features shown in concept two for Jubilee and believed that children would be tempted to climb those which could be a liability risk. Mr. Maher commented that line of equipment is widely used, and he was not familiar with any injuries that have occurred, although acknowledged that it could seem tempting to climb. Commissioner Shultz asked if there was feedback from the community about focusing each park for different age groups, recognizing that some families have both younger and older children. Mr. Maher commented that in concept two, Oak Hill would be designed for ages 2-7 while Jubilee would be designed for ages five to 12. He recognized that a family with a 12-year-old and two- year-old may not have full options for play at either park. Chair Borman stated that during the public engagement, it seemed there was a large desire for swings at Oak Hill, while swings were not desired for Jubilee. He stated that it seemed the public input supported older children play opportunities at Jubilee while Oak Hill desired things geared more at younger children. Commissioner Graham commented that she likes the shade provided in option one and asked if there are trees onsite. Mr. Maher commented that both locations have shade trees. Commissioner Shultz asked if there was a request for basketball. Mr. Maher commented that it was included in the concept and there were no requests to remove it. He commented that the focus for tonight is solely on the playground equipment, as the basketball feature will remain. The Commission discussed the different concepts noting that option one is more traditional whereas option two is more modern. It was noted that it is important to have variety within the park system and even though the equipment may be geared for certain ages, kids will still find a way to play. Motion by Commissioner Schultz to recommend option 2 for Jubilee Park and Oak Hill Park. Seconded by Commissioner Whalen. The motion passed unanimously. Old Business Park Commission 9/3/2024 Minutes Page 3 Commissioner Shultz commented that his wife recently held an event at the Moore Lake Community Building, and it was a great experience. He stated that the overall park use was also great to see, noting a slight challenge with parking as both lots were full, and people were parked on Central as well. He stated that it was great to see the increased use in the park. Staff Reports 2. Springbrook Nature Center Report Mr. Maher commented that it was a great summer with the day camp programs and provided a summary of the written report. He advised of the upcoming Pumpkin Night in the Park event scheduled for October 19th. Commissioner Shultz asked if the day camp revenue generates a profit. Mr. Maher explained that Springbrook Nature Center operates under its own enterprise fund and there is a special tax levy dedicated to Springbrook. He explained that program revenue fills in the funding gap between what is generated by the levy and what is needed for operations. 3. Fridley Parks and Recreation Division Report Mr. Maher provided a brief review of the information provided in the report, highlighting recreational programing and recent events. 4. Park Maintenance and Construction Report Mr. Maher reviewed the progress on park improvement projects and park maintenance activities. Commissioner Cardona commented that it has been a great year for parks and recreation and thanked Mr. Maher and his team of staff for their efforts. Unfinished Business None Adjournment Commissioner Kirk made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:48 p.m. Seconded by Commissioner Graham. The motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Mike Maher, Staff Liaison