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06-02-2025 Parks and Recreation Commission June 02, 2025 6:00 PM Edgewater Gardens Park - 138 Creek Park Lane Agenda Call to Order Roll Call Approval of Agenda Approval of Meeting Minutes 1. May 5, 2025 Parks and Recreation Commission 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 2. 2025 Workplan Review and Discussion Old Business Staff Reports 3. Fridley Parks and Recreation Staff 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.  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. 1 Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses. AGENDA REPORT Meeting Date: June 2, 2025 Meeting Type: Parks and Recreation Commission Submitted By: Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director Title May 5, 2025 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Background Attached are the meeting minutes of the May 5, 2025 Parks and Recreation Commission. Financial Impact None. Recommendation Staff recommends approval of the May 5, 2025 Parks and Recreation Commission minutes. Attachments and Other Resources  May 5, 2025 Parks and Recreation Minutes. 2 Item 1. 1 Park Commission Meeting May 5, 2025 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 EB Graham Peter Borman Melissa Luna Tim Kirk Jodi Rehlander Don Whalen Absent Ken Schultz Also Present Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director Patrick Vescio, City Councilmember Jessica Nelson-Roehl, Recreation Coordinator Katie Dahl, Interpretive Coordinator Approve Parks & Recreation Commission Agenda for May 5, 2025 Motion by Commissioner Kirk to approve the May 5, 2025, meeting agenda. Seconded by Commissioner Whalen. The motion passed unanimously. Approve Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes for April 7, 2025 Motion by Commissioner Luna to approve the April 7, 2025, meeting minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Graham. The motion passed unanimously. Open Forum No comments. New Business 3 Item 1. Park Commission 5/5/2025 Minutes Page 2 1. Summer Programming Preview Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director, stated that two staff members are present to highlight some of the upcoming summer programming. Jessica Nelson-Roehl, Recreation Coordinator, and Katie Dahl, Interpretive Coordinator, provided a preview of summer programming for residents of all ages, volunteer opportunities, and events. Commissioner Rehlander asked the number of events and/or programs that are new for this year. Ms. Nelson-Roehl noted a few of the concerts/locations that are new for this year. Chair Borman asked questions about the seasonal staff and whether some of the program participants eventually become staff members for the summer program. Ms. Dahl commented that a large percentage of the junior leaders were previous summer camp attendees and continue to return as summer staff. Ms. Nelson-Roehl estimated that about 25 percent of the summer ROCKS staff were participants in the program as children. Mr. Maher commented that he is very proud of his staff and the work they do, acknowledging the community engagement that is achieved through these programs and events over the summer months. 2. Community Gardens Future Planning Mr. Maher stated that he wanted to open up the discussion about community gardens with the Commission. He provided background information on the previous community garden that existed at Locke Park and the identification of that amenity as a desire within the Parks System Improvement Plan process. He reviewed the potential community garden locations. Commissioner Whalen commented that Locke Park seems to be the natural fit for the project. Commissioner Rehlander asked if they would review the soil conditions and make recommendations to users. Mr. Maher commented that if they are able to establish an area for community gardens, they would develop a policy for the use, best practices, and a small deposit for users. Chair Borman recognized the comments he had heard from the community about the desire for a community garden after it was removed from Locke Park previously. Commissioner Rehlander asked if this project would take attention and/or funding away from another project. Mr. Maher replied that it is not the intention of staff to spread themselves so thin that they could not maintain other projects and maintenance needs. He recognized that this is a time of growth, but that was also the intention of the Parks System Improvement Plan, to improve the parks and add amenities. 4 Item 1. Park Commission 5/5/2025 Minutes Page 3 Mr. Maher stated that with the support of the Commission staff would apply for grant opportunities, present the concept to the City Council, seek public engagement, and continue with the planning process. Motion by Commissioner Rehlander to recommend that staff begin a process to establish a community garden program in Fridley, with a preferred location of Locke Park, focus on community engagement, and eventual endorsement of the City Council. Seconded by Commissioner Luna. The motion passed unanimously. 3. 2026 Parks Capital Investment Program Recommendation Mr. Maher explained that the Capital Investment Program (CIP) is used for long-term planning of larger capital items, and the current plan would cover 2026 through 2030. He presented the 2026 items, which were identified last year, with a few suggested additions. Motion by Commissioner Graham to approve the proposed 2026 Capital Investment Program as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Whalen. The motion passed unanimously. 4. Locke Park Improvement Priorities Mr. Maher provided background information on previous work that was done to identify improvements for Locke Park, explaining the funding that has been identified for 2026 and future years. He asked the Commission for guidance on the priorities to be completed in 2026, highlighting some recommendations that were made by public safety, through public engagement, and previous input from the Commission. Commissioner Whalen asked if the dog park is well utilized and whether there are complaints. Mr. Maher replied that the dog park is well used and could not recall a time he has visited the park, and there were no users in the dog park. He commented that it is the only off-leash dog area within Fridley. He stated that the City has made some changes to the space after taking control over it from the County, relating to waste management, and could not recall any complaints. He stated that there have been requests to have separate spaces for small and large dogs. Commissioner Graham asked if the dog park would increase in size or whether the space would just be divided into two areas. Mr. Maher recognized that would be budget dependent, but his thought would be to expand. Commissioner Kirk stated that he jogs by the dog park almost every day, and there are always users there. He suggested that the main area be left for large dogs and another area be added for small dogs. 5 Item 1. Park Commission 5/5/2025 Minutes Page 4 Chair Borman recognized the improvements needed for the Rice Creek Regional Trail and asked if those improvements would be completed by Anoka County. Mr. Maher confirmed that there has been planning and funding has been allocated for Anoka County to complete the regional trail improvements. He noted that there is one steep north/south connection segment that the City controls and will be in charge of maintaining. Commissioner Graham recognized that these would be nice improvements, but perhaps the funds should be saved to complete the improvements on the trail segment. Mr. Maher commented that they want to strike a balance between park and trail users. Commissioner Luna commented that while she understands the thought of public safety for the gate, there are many ways to access the park other than by vehicle, and therefore, was unsure if the gate would solve that issue. She preferred to see funds spent elsewhere. Chair Borman asked if the gate would be at the main access by the Civic Campus. Mr. Maher confirmed the proposed gate location and provided additional background information explaining that, in this instance, vehicles from outside the community are the main source of problems at Locke Park after park hours. Commissioner Kirk commented that it seems the sand volleyball court would be popular, as many people are bringing their own nets to play within the parks. He noted that he would believe that people not renting the shelter would use the amenity as well. Mr. Maher replied that certain amenities can be included with a rental, and he believed that there are ways they could guide use. Commissioner Whalen asked if the renter would receive confirmation via email that they could show people, if someone else was using the amenity included in their rental. Mr. Maher confirmed that renters do receive a rental permit, and if there are conflicts, they can call public safety. Members of the Commission also suggested four-square and gaga ball as low-cost options for recreation amenities. Commissioner Graham commented that it seems that the gate is needed. Commissioner Rehlander agreed, noting that she supports gates and lighting when necessary to deter unwanted behaviors. Mr. Maher confirmed that the Commission supported the priorities as presented and discussed. Old Business None 6 Item 1. Park Commission 5/5/2025 Minutes Page 5 Staff Reports 5. Fridley Parks and Recreation Staff Report Mr. Maher provided a brief overview of the report, including information on staffing, upcoming and recent events, and construction on park projects. He noted that next month’s meeting will be held at Edgewater Gardens Park. Adjournment Commissioner Kirk made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:43 p.m. Seconded by Commissioner Rehlander. The motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Mike Maher, Staff Liaison 7 Item 1. Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses. AGENDA REPORT Meeting Date: June 2, 2025 Meeting Type: Parks and Recreation Commission Submitted By: Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director Title 2025 Workplan Review and Discussion Background The Commission has periodically reviewed and updated a workplan to guide future areas of focus and prioritize projects and topics for upcoming agendas. Parks and Recreation Director Mike Maher will review the proposed workplan with the Commission and accept comments, feedback and questions to assist in organizing content for Parks and Recreation Commission meetings for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026. This document is updated every few months and new items are added as necessary. Financial Impact None Recommendation None Attachments and Other Resources  2025 Draft Workplan for the Parks and Recreation Commission 8 Item 2. 2025 Parks and Rec Commission Workplan Draft June 2nd, 2025 9 Item 2. 2025 Parks and Recreation Commission 1 2025 Parks and Recreation Commission Workplan Draft – Updated for June 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 members 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. 10 Item 2. 2025 Parks and Recreation Commission 2 2025 Workplan Item Process Status 2025 Goals and Workplan • Review at June 2025 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 approved • Newly appointed members, Melissa Luna and Jodi Rehlander reviewed packed during onboarding • All commissioners have signed code of conduct agreement In progress Vice Chair • Nominations and voting at March meeting. EB Graham confirmed as Vice Chair for 2025 Complete for 2025 Commission Chair • Continue monthly meeting with Chair and Staff Contact to set agenda for the following meeting • Opportunity for Chair to attend a Council Conference Meeting to interact with Councilmembers desired In progress Local Sports Assn. Check-in • FYSA Soccer • FYSA Baseball - Completed • FYSA Football • Kizen Soccer Club – No follow up from club after initial meeting Completed in 2023, 2024, 2025 in progress 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 completed Community Engagement Complete. 2025 Construction in progress 11 Item 2. 2025 Parks and Recreation Commission 3 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 2024 Community Engagement event completed Community Engagement Complete. 2025 Construction in progress. Programs and Special Events • Opportunities to volunteer at Parks and Recreation programs and events • 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 • Include fall/winter planning item for 2026 Commons Park programming In progress, ongoing Special Use Permit • Provide feedback on first draft of Parks Conditional Use Permit policy and application • Item reviewed by Council and will be included in code changes summer of 2025 In progress Review and Provide Feedback on Commons Park Concept Plan • Community engagement and design phases complete • Operational and facility use policies will come to Commission in 2025-2026: • Rental fees and policies • Splash pad use guidelines (bus groups, etc.) • Building operations plan Ongoing Flannery Park Community Engagement • Flannery Park is currently scheduled as a 2026 redevelopment project • In-person and online survey opportunities with event scheduled at park on Thursday, July 10th from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm Planning and Engagement Phase Summit Square Park Community Engagement • Summit Square Park is currently scheduled as a 2026 redevelopment project • In-person and online survey opportunities with event scheduled at Planning and Engagement Phase 12 Item 2. 2025 Parks and Recreation Commission 4 park on Thursday, July 17th from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm Madsen Park Community Engagement • Madsen Park redevelopment project schedule pending reconstruction of 73rd Ave. NE • Typical process will be to conduct community engagement on park layout and several playground options during summer prior to construction • In-person and online survey opportunities Pending. Future Item 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 Continue Advisory Role in Exploration of Community Garden Program in Fridley • Initial review of program parameters, comparable city programs, location options at May 2025 meeting. • Item going before Council for discussion at June 9th Conference Meeting In progress 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 • Assist in planning the Grand Opening, attend and participate as possible • Opportunity for construction tour Complete 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 13 Item 2. 2025 Parks and Recreation Commission 5 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 and Equipment Disposition Policy • Staff will develop a flowchart to help guide responsible reuse and/or recycling of park buildings or equipment that are taken out of service Complete • 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 14 Item 2. Vision Statement We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly and stable home for families and businesses. AGENDA REPORT Meeting Date: June 2, 2025 Meeting Type: Parks and Recreation Commission Submitted By: Mike Maher, Parks and Recreation Director Title Fridley Parks and Recreation Staff Report Background Attached is the update from the Fridley Parks and Recreation Staff for the June 2, 2025 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. Financial Impact None. Recommendation None. Attachments and Other Resources  Attached is the update from the Fridley Parks and Recreation Staff for the June 2, 2025 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. 15 Item 3. STAFF REPORT Recreation Division: May 2025 Spring Programs Below is a list of programs and participation numbers for those that took place in March. All Ages Container Gardening 13 Elementary – Middle School: Grades K-7 Kickball Gr. K-4 (6 sessions): Apr-May 13 Super Sleuths Gr. K-4 (6 sessions): Apr-May 7 Photo & Scrapbooking Gr. K-4 (6 sessions): Apr-May 8 Adult Fitness and Athletics Zumba (2 classes/6 sessions each): May-Jun 12 Pickleball Live Play: Mar-Apr F=6, SLP=6 12 Pickleball Intro Clinic: May 3 F=1, SLP=1 1 Pickleball Ladder League – All Ages: Mar-May F=22, SLP=14 36 Pickleball Ladder League – Ages 20-40: Mar-May F=20, SLP=1 21 55+ Golf League: May-Aug 17 Sand Volleyball Coed Rec: Mondays, May-Aug* 13 teams Sand Volleyball Coed Rec: Wednesdays, May-Aug* 8 teams Sand Volleyball Coed Com: Mondays, May-Aug* 6 teams Public Safety Programming Hearsaver CPR: May 3 4 Police Activity League (PAL) Gr. 5-6: May-Jun 28 *North Metro Leagues are offered in cooperation with Mounds View, New Brighton, and Spring Lake Park. Parks and Recreation Brochure 16 Item 3. Content for the May/June brochure is complete, and the document is in the design process. The brochure will be mailed to residents beginning on April 28. May Facility Rentals Facility Reservations Moore Lake Community Building 23 Moore Lake Shelter #5 5 Locke Park Shelter #1 6 Locke Park Shelter #2 1 Flanery Park Shelter 2 Community Park Fields 200 hours Commons Park Ball Fields 166 hours Ray Thompson Little League, Terrace and Flanery Ballfields 127 hours Field Use The City’s athletic facilities have been busy this month. Fridley Youth Sports Association Baseball program has been using fields at Ray Thompson Little League, Terrace, Flanery, and Commons Park. The Fridley High School has been using Commons fields #1 and #3. Frights (Fridley/Columbia Heights) Youth Soccer is using six youth soccer fields at Community Park. In addition, Spring Lake Park Girls Fastpitch held a tournament at Community Park on May 10. We have also rented Community Park Field #2 on Mondays to Woodcrest Baptist Church for the Twin Cities Baptist Church Softball League. On a variety of Saturdays we have reserved three fields at Community Park for the MN Venezuelan Softball League. Container Gardening On May 10, 13 adults gathered to learn about edible container gardens! Each participant was able to plant three grow pots to take home and care for this summer. Plants included tomatoes, nasturtium, peas, beans, basil, rosemary, cucumbers and more! A lot of positive feedback was received regarding the class—participants had a great time learning, socializing, and planting together in community! 55+ Golf League The Fridley 55+ Golf League began this May at the Brightwood Hills golf course. We have 16 players registered. They will meet on Thursday mornings with their partner to play against another pair. The season will end with a tournament and banquet in August. 17 Item 3. After-school Program After-school classes ended the week of May 13, and we had a special guest the last day of Super Sleuths! Fridley Officer David Kostuch stopped by to show the kids some real-life detective and police tools! They were able to meet with him, see his Police Car, try on vests, see the lights and so much more! It was great fun for all and we are appreciative of SRO Kostuch for coming to the class. Environmental Fun Fair The Environmental Fun Fair was on Saturday, May 17 at the Springbrook Nature Center. It was a great day to enjoy nature and the event hosted a crowd of about 450 people! This event is coordinated by the Fridley Parks and Recreation Department and Springbrook Nature Center with partnership from Fridley Environmental Planning. The event had a variety of exhibitors from the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota area meet to share information through activities for all ages. Participants were given a map and event passport when they arrived. The event passport encouraged them to visit different exhibitors to get “stamps” on their passport that entered them in to win prizes at the welcome table. Rustic Chef Food Truck was at the event to provide food and beverages! In addition, there were live musical performances by Will Hale and the Tadpole Parade, and Tom Savre providing even more entertainment for visitors! Exhibitor list:  Anoka County 4H  Anoka County Master Gardeners  All Energy Solar  Anoka County Recycling & Resource Solutions  BioEco Wise  Birch Tree Care  Cedar Creek Eco System Science Reserve  City of Fridley Street Sweeper  Coon Creek Watershed District  Friends of the Boundary Waters  International Wolf Center  Metropolitan Mosquito Control District 18 Item 3.  Minnesota Herpetological Society  Minneapolis Toy Library  MN350  Minnesota Ornithologist Union (MOU)  Republic Services Recycling Truck  Minnesota Mycological Society  University of Minnesota Turfgrass Science  We All Need Food and Water Summer Prep We are in full summer prep mode! On May 8, we attended both Fridley Elementary School carnivals to promote our summer programs. On May 12, our two interns started working and we have been busy finalizing staff hiring paperwork, staff training, program planning and more! We are excited for a very fun and busy summer. Pickleball Leagues and Classes Pickleball programs moved to the outdoor facilities this month! We held a Live Play Coaching Class at Moore Lake Park for participants with intermediate to advanced skills. In addition, Ladder Leagues began and will continue on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays throughout the summer at the Fridley High School and Moore Lake Park. Sand Volleyball Leagues North Metro Sand Volleyball began this May. We have coed recreational and competitive leagues on Monday nights and an open recreational league on Wednesday nights. Leagues take place at City Hall Park in Mounds View and will run through July. Upcoming Events and Programs  Staff Training | June 9 - 13  Fridley 49er Days Parade and Festival | June 12 – 14  ROCKS, Evening Sports and Rec ‘n Roll begin | June 16  Safety Camp | June 24-25  Bike Rodeo | 5-7 p.m. | June 30 | Moore Lake Park  Summer Concert Series begins in June 19 Item 3. May Education Programs May has been a great month of teaching! While we’ve had to pivot due to weather a few times, we have been able to connect a lot of people with nature. What a treat. We are looking forward to a fun and fulfilling summer and even more interactions with visitors of all ages. Number of youth program participants: 1,785 Number of participant engagement hours 2,889 May Rentals & Birthday Parties May Birthday Parties 5 May Indoor Room Rentals 7 May PAC rentals 4 Grants  Springbrook Nature Center Foundation was recently awarded a grant to fund a project entitled “Community Science in Action” from the Xcel Energy Foundation. Plans will include adding more community science projects with the hopes to increase volunteerism and science literacy in our area. Park & Building Maintenance  Twin Cities Acoustics will be onsite to install acoustical paneling in the vestibule and interior of the Pavilion Activity Center May 22 and May 23.  We are waiting on our new Water Pump Water Feature for the Nature Play Area. We hope to have it installed in July 2025. Upcoming Events  Summer Camp begins on June 3rd with our first preschool camp (Camp Classics) and runs through August 21st with our final preschool camp (Slither, Splash, Hiss). In between we will teach Springwood Forest, Wild Powers, Starfall, Creative Campers, Adventure Camp, Crypto Camp, Streamworks, Crash (Survival Camp), Nature in Motion, and Greatest Hits. There are 639 campers currently enrolled.  Summer Concerts at SNC are scheduled for July 15 (Juliet and the Montagues) and August 12 (Bluegroove Bluegrass) at 7 pm. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and join us! 20 Item 3. Park Maintenance and Improvements The Park Maintenance Team has started many of our summer projects and have 14 seasonal employees that have started, and we are expecting 10 more to start as the school year concludes. Community Park softball field conversion to baseball field has been going very well until we had to put on hold until we get some dry weather again after a week of heavy rains.. We have sub- cut the infield to expand, installed irrigation, black dirt and we will be doing sod and fencing next. All athletic fields are in use and rentals are all strong creating a lot of daily maintenance. We are helping with removals and installations on park projects that are not covered under the bids and prepping parks for the start of the projects. We have many planting projects we are doing ourselves including University Improvement project, 85th AVE roundabout, park plantings and are also helping the Anoka Conservation District with a few native planting projects. Construction is well underway at Commons Park with phase 1 on the north end of the park and phase 2 to begin July 7th. 21 Item 3. 22 Item 3. 23 Item 3. 24 Item 3. 25 Item 3.