12/02/24
Parks and Recreation Commission
Meeting
December 02, 2024
7:00 PM
Fridley Civic Campus, 7071 University Avenue N.E.
Agenda
Call to Order
Roll Call
Approval of Agenda
Approval of Meeting Minutes
Open Forum
The open forum allows the public to address the Commission on subjects that are not on the Regular Agenda. The
Commission will accept feedback or questions from the public and asks that comments are limited to five minutes
or less.
New Business
1. Fridley Public Art Initiative
2. Sylvan Hills Park Design Review
3. Fridley Parks and Recreation Commission Draft 2025 Workplan
Old Business
Staff Reports
4. Springbrook Nature Center Report
5. Fridley Parks and Recreation Division Report
6. Park Maintenance and Construction Report
Adjournment
Accessibility Notice:
If you need free interpretation or translation assistance, please contact City staff.
Si necesita ayuda de interpretación o traducción gratis, comuníquese con el personal de la ciudad.
Yog tias koj xav tau kev pab txhais lus los sis txhais ntaub ntawv dawb, ces thov tiv tauj rau Lub Nroog cov
neeg ua hauj lwm.
1
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
12/2/2024
Agenda Page 2
Haddii aad u baahan tahay tarjumaad bilaash ah ama kaalmo tarjumaad, fadlan la xiriir shaqaalaha
Magaalada.
Upon request, accommodation will be provided to allow individuals with disabilities to participate in any City of
Fridley services, programs or activities. Hearing impaired persons who need an interpreter or other persons who
require auxiliary aids should contact CityClerk@FridleyMN.gov or (763) 572-3450.
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Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses.
AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date: December 2, 2024 Meeting Type: Parks and Recreation Commission
Submitted By: Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director
Title
Fridley Public Art Initiative
Background
Through a series of community meetings, a desire for public art in Fridley has been identified and a
structure has been established to guide this process. A new Public Art Commission has been created.
Scott Hickock, Community Development Director, serves as the staff contact for this seven-member
Commission. Mr. Hickock will present an overview of the new Commission including their work to date
and plans for the future.
In addition to the Public Art Commission, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, the Fridley Creative Arts
Foundation, has been established to promote public art in our community and raise funds and
awareness for the arts. Mayor Scott Lund has been instrumental in the establishment of this organization
and will be present to speak about the non-profit and answer questions from the Parks and Recreation
Commission.
Financial Impact
None.
Recommendation
None.
Attachments and Other Resources
None
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Item 1.
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses.
AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date: December 2, 2024 Meeting Type: Parks and Recreation Commission
Submitted By: Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director
Title
Sylvan Hills Park Design Review
Background
Sylvan Hills Park was originally scheduled for improvements in 2024. A $1.5 million grant received from
the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization led to a more involved design process with the
new park to feature a variety of green stormwater infrastructure (GSI). The project is designed to mitigate
stormwater runoff from a 77-acre drainage area, resulting in significant reductions in total phosphorus
and sediment to the river as well as flood mitigation.
The design is in the final stages of development and is expected to be put out for construction bids in
December with the project award in January of 2025. The project will be completed in 2025.
The commission has reviewed and approved the playground design in February of 2024 and made
several recommendation to inform the park layout including keeping a tennis court with pickleball
overlay and full basketball court in the park design at the October 2023 meeting of the Parks and
Recreation Commission.
Financial Impact
Park improvements are being funded through Fridley’s approved park system improvement plan and
grant funds.
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Commission review the plans, ask questions and provide feedback. Staff
would welcome a recommendation supporting the shown park design.
Attachments and Other Resources
2954_Sylvan Park_Landscape Plan_ver 2.pdf
Plant Palette.pdf
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Item 2.
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Item 2.
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Item 2.
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses.
AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date: December 2, 2024 Meeting Type: Parks and Recreation Commission
Submitted By: Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director
Title
Fridley Parks and Recreation Commission Draft 2025 Workplan
Background
Attached is a draft 2025 workplan for the Parks and Recreation Commission to help guide the groups
work on projects and priorities for the coming year.
Financial Impact
None.
Recommendation
Staff will review highlights of the 2025 workplan and requests that the Commission provide input on
possible additions and edits to the document.
Attachments and Other Resources
Draft 2025 Workplan
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Item 3.
2025 Parks and Rec Commission
Goals, Initiatives, and Workplan
December 2024 Meeting
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Item 3.
2025 Parks and Recreation Commission
1
2025 Parks and Recreation Commission Draft - December Meeting
Goals and Strategic Initiatives
1. Continue a meeting format and schedule that meets desired outcomes for staff and Commissioners: a. Incorporate work session/park tour format as needed to better facilitate advisory role of Commission b. Meeting cancellations when a meeting is not needed 2. Provide strong orientation to new Commission member to include training opportunities, meetings with staff, and review of background materials and documents.
3. Hold a monthly planning meeting with the Chair and Staff Contact to plan future
meeting agendas and share information.
4. Play advisory role to staff and City Council in policy recommendations for Park System:
a. Park, facility and operational policies for City of Fridley park system
b. Park redevelopment
5. Assist staff in process of planning and prioritizing program offerings – especially in newly
developed park spaces and buildings.
6. Provide recommendations when residents raise concerns with park use or development.
7. Meet with community interest groups that utilize parks and facilities such as youth sports organizations to determine needs and gather feedback. 8. Serve as ambassadors of Fridley Parks and Recreation through volunteering, participating in community engagement and being a resource for community members.
9
Item 3.
2025 Parks and Recreation Commission
2
2024 Workplan
Item Process Status
2025 Goals and Workplan • Review at December 2024 meeting, make updates per direction of Commission
• Update throughout year
In progress
Commissioner Orientation and Training • Opportunity for new members to meet with Staff
• Review Commission onboarding manual at meeting in early 2025
In progress
Vice Chair • Nominations and voting at March meeting Complete for 2024
Commission Chair • Establish monthly meeting with Chair and Staff Contact to set agenda for following meeting
• Opportunity for Chair to attend a Council Conference Meeting to interact
with Councilmembers
In progress
Local Sports Assn. Check-in • FYSA Soccer Completed
• FYSA Baseball
• FYSA Football
• Kizen Soccer Club
Completed in
2023, 2024 as
requested
Oak Hill Park – 2024
Planning and 2025
Construction
• Provide input in community
engagement efforts
• Provide input in playground design
• Provide input on park site plan and
common elements
• July 30th Community Engagement Event
Community
Engagement
Complete.
2025
Construction.
Jubilee Park – 2024
Planning and 2025
Construction
• Provide input in community
engagement efforts
• Provide input in playground design
• Provide input on park site plan and
common elements
• August 14th Community Engagement
event
Community
Engagement
Complete.
2025
Construction.
Programs and Special
Events
• Opportunities to volunteer at Parks and
Recreation programs and events
In progress,
ongoing
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Item 3.
2025 Parks and Recreation Commission
3
• Opportunities to share program and event ideas as an agenda item during meetings
• Invite President of 49er Days
Committee to attend meeting and
gather feedback from Commission
• Provide input on plans to
commemorate City of Fridley’s 75th Anniversary
Special Use Permit • Provide feedback on first draft of Parks
Conditional Use Permit policy and application
• Approve revised policy and application
In progress
Review and Provide Feedback on Commons Park Concept Plan
• Community engagement for a major redevelopment of Commons Park will begin as early as summer of 2023. The Parks and Recreation Commission will be engaged and involved in the planning through all phases of redesign.
Ongoing
Flannery Park Community Engagement • Flannery Park is currently scheduled as a 2026 redevelopment project
• Typical process will be to conduct community engagement on park layout and several playground options during summer of 2025
• In-person and online survey opportunities
Madsen Park Community Engagement • Madsen Park is currently scheduled as a 2026 redevelopment project
• Typical process will be to conduct
community engagement on park layout
and several playground options during
summer of 2025
• In-person and online survey
opportunities
Moore Lake Park – 2023
Construction
• Playground approved 2022
• Review and provide feedback on
community building and site design
• Provide input on community building
operational policy and rental rates,
provide recommendation to Council
Complete
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Item 3.
2025 Parks and Recreation Commission
4
• Assist in planning of Grand Opening, attend and participate as possible
• Opportunity for construction tour
Edgewater Gardens Park –
2023 Planning and 2024
Construction
• Provide input in community
engagement efforts
• Provide input in playground design
• Provide input on park site plan and common elements
Complete
Logan Park – 2023
Planning and 2024
Construction (New)
• Provide input in community
engagement efforts
• Provide input in playground design
• Provide input on park site plan and common elements
Complete
Plymouth Square Park –
2023 Planning and 2024
Construction
• Provide input in community
engagement efforts
• Provide input in playground design
• Provide input on park site plan and common elements
Complete
Sylvan Hills Park – 2023 Planning and 2024 Construction
• Provide input in community engagement efforts
• Provide input in playground design
• Provide input on park site plan and common elements
Complete
Park Bench Sponsorship • Provide feedback on second draft of park bench sponsorship fees and guidelines
• Approve bench sponsorship fees and guidelines
Complete
Fee Assistance Program • Review fee assistance program policies and provide feedback
• Approve fee assistance program changes if warranted
Complete
Parks Tour • The June meeting may be a parks tour to visit current and upcoming parks being improved
Complete
Review of Capital Investment Program • Per City Code, the Commission shall recommend a Capital Investment Program for Parks prior to June 1 for the following year
May Meeting - Complete
Review and Provide Feedback on Park Building • Staff will develop a flowchart to help guide responsible reuse and/or Complete
12
Item 3.
2025 Parks and Recreation Commission
5
and Equipment Disposition Policy recycling of park buildings or equipment that are taken out of service
•
Review Draft Rental Policies for Moore Lake
Community Building and
Park Shelters
• An updated policy document to include rental fees and policies across the park
system will be presented to the
Commission for input
Complete
13
Item 3.
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses.
AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date: December 2, 2024 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 December 2, 2024 Parks and Recreation
Commission meeting.
Financial Impact
None.
Recommendation
None.
Attachments and Other Resources
Springbrook Nature Center Update for December 2, 2024 meeting
14
Item 4.
Springbrook Nature Center
Park & Rec Commission Report
November Education Programs
We have transitioned from the busy fall teaching months into a slightly slower time. November brings the
seasonal end of our Adams Elementary School and Fridley Schools partnerships along with a smattering of field
trip groups from local Anoka Hennepin and Mounds View School districts. We have been lucky to have
favorable weather conditions this month.
Number of Children Taught: 857
Number of Hours of Teaching: 1016.5
November Rentals & Birthday Parties
There were 5 birthday parties in November, with themes including Reptiles, Survival, Fort Building and
Eco-Pirates.
In November, there were 9 indoor room rentals.
Grants
We have started purchasing for the Xcel Energy Foundation Grant entitled “Wild Connections in
Environmental Education” soon. Be on the lookout for new animal enclosures and equipment to make
it easier to teach with animal ambassadors.
We have been awarded a grant from The International Paper Foundation for a project entitled “Culture
and Team Building in Nature” in which we aim to enhance our team building programming with
portable low ropes challenges that will create perceived risk and aid in communication, active listening,
trust, leadership, and social emotional skills in children and adults.
Park & Building Maintenance
The last component of the play area has been ordered and should ship the week of Thanksgiving with
installation slated for the first week of December. In the meantime, we have opened the area for play
and are thrilled with the interest and attendance we’ve seen. Adding in some elements with a higher
perceived risk has resulted in more adults playing on the equipment
themselves, and further engaging with their children in this space.
(That’s a win-win in my book!)
Events
We are preparing for our Lantern Light Hike programs to start in
December and run through March on the first Friday evening of each
month from 6:30 – 8:30 pm. This serene program is great for all ages
and is a great way to still get outside during our shorter light months.
$5 per person, children 2 and under are free, and if there’s enough
snow, there will be snowshoes for rent for an additional $5.
Winterfest is on its way. Mark your calendars for January 25th from noon – 3 pm. There will be a
variety of activities to participate in that will help you love the MN winters even more!
The Winter Gear Drive begins on December 1 and runs through January 22. Bring your new and
gently used warm weather clothing to either Springbrook Nature Center or Fridley Civic Campus.
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Item 4.
(Insulated jackets, snowpants, new hats, mittens, and winter boots for all ages are on our wish list this
year)
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Item 4.
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses.
AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date: December 2, 2024 Meeting Type: Parks and Recreation Commission
Submitted By: Margo Numedahl, Recreation Division Manager
Title
Fridley Parks and Recreation Division Report
Background
Attached is the update from the Parks and Recreation Department for the December 2, 2024 Parks and
Recreation Commission meeting.
Financial Impact
None.
Recommendation
None.
Attachments and Other Resources
Attached is the update from the Parks and Recreation Department for the December 2, 2024
Parks and Recreation Commission meeting.
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Item 5.
HIGHLIGHTS
Recreation Division: November 2024
Fall Programs Below is a list of programs and participation numbers for those that took place in November.
All Ages
Turkey Fun: Nov 23 (registration as of Nov 15) 120
Preschool: Ages 3-5
Track & Field (6 sessions): Nov-Dec 5
Little Ninja (6 sessions): Nov-Dec 12
Elementary – Middle School: Grades K-7
Track & Field Gr. K-4 (6 sessions): Nov-Dec 14
Tae Kwon Do Gr. K-4 (6 sessions): Nov-Dec 15
Ho Ho Holiday Fun Gr. K-4 (6 sessions): Nov-Dec 11
Ninja Warrior Gr. K-4 (6 sessions): Nov-Dec 13
Adult Fitness and Athletics
Zumba (2 classes/6 sessions each): Nov-Dec 18
Aqua Zumba (6 sessions): Nov-Dec 12
Pickleball for Beginners (4 sessions): Nov-Dec 3 – Fridley, 3 - SLP 6
Pickleball Live Play Coaching (4 sessions): Oct-Nov 5 – Fridley, 5 – SLP 10
Pickleball Ladder League – All Ages: Oct-Dec 23 – Fridley, 22 – SLP 45
Pickleball Ladder League – Ages 20-40: Oct-Dec 19 – Fridley, 9 – SLP 28
Volleyball Leagues (Coed Rec/Comp, Women’s Comp) North Metro League*: Fridley-4 teams, 3 individuals 32 teams
*North Metro Leagues are offered in cooperation with Mounds View, New Brighton, and
Spring Lake Park. Parks and Recreation Brochure
Staff are currently working on the content for the January/February brochure which will be designed in December and delivered to residents during the week of January 10, 2025.
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Item 5.
November Facility Rentals
Facility Reservations
Moore Lake Community Building 11
Afterschool Program The second session of After-school Programs began on Tuesday, November 12. Classes include:
Ninja Warrior, Ho-Ho-Holiday Fun, Tae Kwon Do and Track & Field. We have great participation
in this session and children are enjoying the activities. We continue to work closely with Fridley
School District staff on dismissal procedures and the snack program.
Family Open Gym The Family Open Gym program began this November and is off to a great start. This program parents/guardians and their children the opportunity to get into the Hayes Gym on Saturday mornings and expel some energy as we get into the colder winter months. Activities include a variety of sports opportunities, hula hoops, scooters, jump ropes, and our small bouncy castle. Open gym will run all winter long and we are happy to see an increase in attendance with 18 participants on the first week and 26 on the second. Pickleball Court Rentals
Pickleball Court rentals have begun at the Hayes Elementary School Gym. We rent out three
different courts from 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. on Saturdays throughout the cold weather months. New
this year we are opening up the reservations online and are excited to make the court
reservation process more efficient and accessible.
North Metro Volleyball Playoffs and Wrap Up
North Metro Volleyball Fall league wrapped up this November with two rounds of single
elimination playoffs. We ran three different leagues on Monday and Wednesday nights
including recreational and competitive coed leagues and a competitive women’s league totaling
34 teams. Games were played at the New Brighton Community Center and Highview Middle
School. Winter Volleyball will begin in January.
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Item 5.
Aqua Zumba The first session of Aqua Zumba began in November at the Fridley Middle School. Aqua Zumba sessions are a great alternative to traditional Zumba programs for those who need a lower impact activity while still getting a quality work out. Beginner Pickleball Class Pickleball for Beginners class began in November. Students learned the basic rules and
technique of the sport. This class is a great gateway for new pickleball players to get introduced
to the sport and start participating in our many pickleball programs.
Upcoming Events
We invite the community to join in the fun at our upcoming events!
Turkey Fun
2 - 4 p.m. | Saturday, November 23 | Springbrook Nature Center
Winter Lights Tour
Registration deadline December 8. | Maps available on December 13.
Kids Holiday Formal 6:30 - 8 p.m. | Friday, December 13 | Hayes Gym Family Open Gym 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. | Saturdays through March 1 (closed 11/30, 12/21, 12/28, 1/25) | Hayes Pickleball Court Reservations 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. | Saturdays through March 1 (closed 11/30, 12/21, 12/28, 1/25) | Hayes Gym
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Item 5.
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses.
AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date: December 2, 2024 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 December 2, 2024 meeting.
Financial Impact
None.
Recommendation
None.
Attachments and Other Resources
Park Maintenance Report for December 2, 2024 meeting
21
Item 6.
Memorandum
The Park Maintenance Division has moved into fall and winter work preparing for the upcoming
winter season.
We have been mulching and removing leaves all month and will continue until weather does not
permit.
Projects we have been working on include removing old chain link fence on highway 47 to make
room for street and trail projects and building a new K-9 training area in Locke Park. This
project included removing trees, mulching brush and preparing the ground for seeding. We
have quotes for installing fencing and hope that will be completed this year.
We are in the process of getting all equipment ready for skating rinks and it looks like the
weather is going to cooperate to start flooding rinks the last two weeks of November and will
hopefully stay below freezing so we can have good skating conditions this winter.
Date: 11/19/2024
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 December 9th, 2024 Meeting
22
Item 6.
.
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Item 6.