PRA 03/0/2020
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Fridley Municipal Center
7071 University Ave NE, Fridley MN 55432
AGENDA – March 2, 2020
DATE: March 2, 2020 – 7:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Fridley Civic Campus – 7071 University Ave NE, Fridley, MN 55432 – (Banfill Confer-
ence Room - upper level next to Council Chambers).
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. APPROVE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA FOR MAR. 2, 2020
3. APPROVE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FOR FEB. 3, 2020
4. NEW BUSINESS/ACTION ITEMS:
a. Springbrook Nature Center Video
b. Update on Springbrook Pavilion Project (Mike Maher)
c. Feedback from Commissioners on Parks Designs
d. Joint Fridley School District - Fridley City Council Meeting
e. Fee Study Review (Shelter, Fields, Leagues)
f. Strategic Planning Discussion
g. Other
5. STAFF REPORTS:
a. Springbrook Nature Center Update
b. Deer Management Update
c. Other
6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
a. Other
7. ADJOURNMENT
8. Next Meeting: April 6, 2020 at the Fridley Civic Campus – 7 p.m.
Attachments: Feb. 3, 2020 Meeting Minutes, Recreation Division Highlights, Springbrook Na-
ture Center Report
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Fridley Municipal Center
7071 University Ave NE, Fridley MN 55432
MINUTES
February 3, 2020
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Heintz was absent. Vice Chair, Shanna Larson called the Parks and
Recreation Commission meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
Members present: Dave Kondrick, Shanna Larson, Ryan Gerhard, EB Graham, and Pete
Borman
Members absent: Mike Heintz
Others Present: Jeff Jensen, Operations Manager (Parks, Streets and Facilities), Mike
Maher (Director of Springbrook Nature Center), Stephen Eggert (Councilmember),
Jen Graham (Recreation Coordinator), and Deborah Dahl (Director of Community
Services and Employee Resources)
2. APPROVE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA FOR FEB. 3, 2020
Vice Chairperson Larson called for a motion to adopt the agenda for the February 3,
2020 meeting agenda. Mr. Kondrick made the MOTION to adopt the agenda,
SECONDED by Ms. EB Graham. The MOTION PASSED unanimously.
3. APPROVE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FOR JAN. 6, 2020
Vice Chairperson Larson called for a motion to adopt the minutes from the January
6, 2020 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting. Mr. Kondrick made the MOTION
to approve the minutes as submitted. Ms. EB Graham SECONDED the MOTION. The
MOTION PASSED unanimously.
4. NEW BUSINESS/ACTION ITEMS:
a. Introduction of Jen Graham, Recreation Coordinator
Ms. Dahl introduced Jen Graham who started about a month ago and will
coordinate the existing programs and bring new, exciting activities to the
department. Ms. Graham talked about her background and said she would be
working on recreation programming and helping to bring in some new and
FEB3.meetingminutes.docx
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exciting things. Members took a few minutes and introduced themselves to Ms.
Graham.
b. Recording Secretary To Be Added
Ms. Dahl reported that the City Council and City Manager, Wally Wysopal, are
working to provide support for Commissions by supplying recording secretary
assistance in hopes to provide a more efficient and consistent processes. Krista
Peterson will be attending meetings and compiling meeting minutes going
forward. Ms. Dahl said that the minutes will be in a summarized with less detail.
There are plans in the future to provide Commissions with some additional training
and support on parliamentary procedures as well.
c. Public Disclosure Forms were collected from members for the City Clerk.
d. Parks Master Plan Update:
Mr. Jensen and Ms. Dahl presented an update on the Parks Master Plan:
Finding Your Fun in Fridley was launched in the Summer of 2018. In the Spring
of 2019 staff solicited feedback from on-line surveys and worked with
Community Engagement Consultants to host public workshops and gather
additional feedback, including introducing an interactive map/survey to the
public. In the Fall of 2019 staff researched, gathered data, created and designs
along with park-by-park assessments collected by staff. The design firm of HKGi
was hired this winter to assist with design concepts and estimations.
Ms. Dahl said that staff would like to get the Park & Rec Commission’s feedback
on the designs and concepts for the three larger signature parks and discuss the
next steps.
The Master Plan divides the 38 parks into categories of Mini Parks,
Neighborhood Parks, Special Use Facilities and Community (Signature) Parks.
Improving the 38 parks will take time and funding. Staff is suggested starting
with a 10-year plan, but if the cost is larger than anticipated it may be a 15-year
plan. Contractors may be hired to do much of the reconstruction since it is
currently difficult for staff to keep up with just the park maintenance.
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Design themes and concepts were covered for the three larger signature parks
were presented by Jeff Jensen.
o Commons Park – located in a central location, improved play-based
equipment, water play (splash pad using recycled water), new basketball
court, high-quality play equipment and rentable space for parties and
events.
o Moore Lake, the “Gateway to the City” – good trail access, improved water
access and recreational activities (kayak, paddle board, updated fishing
areas, preserving volleyball courts and update on the beach area), improved
play-based equipment, improved amenities (walking loops, signage,
benches, picnic areas, natural area for fishing and bird watching, off-leash
dog park). Water quality issues will be addressed in the report as well.
o Community Park – Connect with Civic Campus, create a stronger sense of a
town center and community gathering space, consider an overpass or
tunnel over/under Highway 65, multi-fields use (more soccer), improved
amenities for passive use, trail around perimeter, lighted skating rink (rental
or free use of skates), fire pit, and incorporate landscaping, botanical
gardens, community gardens and/or edible orchards.
Mr. Jensen said that his recommendation would be to complete 3-4
neighborhood parks a year along with a larger signature park.
Commissioners asked if the links to the plans could be e-mailed to
commissioners. Ms. Dahl said she would be able to send those out.
This master plan is still in a draft form. The next steps include finalizing general
concepts and estimates, identifying revenue sources, creating an
implementation plan (park by park), including the report adopted by the
Commission and Council, setting up community engagement sessions and
soliciting additional feedback. It is hoped to finalize the report and
implementation plan with feedback from the public and then launch the plan
with the 2021 budget.
Once a budget is created, staff will look for areas where to get revenues by
outreaching to community partners or looking for grants that may be available.
Concessions would also bring in money along with renting facilities out for
events.
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If the Commission has any additional comments or ideas to incorporate into the
plan, they should email staff.
e. Twin City Gateway and Proposed Tournaments
USA Softball Tournament is coming to Fridley the Friday/Saturday of the 49’er Days
and the Lions have agreed to do concessions.
Also, a National Girls Fast Pitch Softball Tournament (Ages 14+) will be hosted in
Fridley. They will be bringing 32-40 teams and a fair amount of external businesses
for this event. There will be an opening ceremony, parade and souvenir shop.
Twin City Gateway has done a good job at getting the word out that Fridley is a
great place for tournaments. This is great recognition for the City of Fridley.
f. Connecting Fridley Events
Three neighborhood events called “Connecting Fridley” were created to get the
community out to the parks. Dates were mentioned in the agenda packet. The
Community Development Department and Recycling program will be present at
the event, along with representatives from other departments.
g. Event Vehicle
Staff showed pictures of the fire rescue truck that is no longer in use and has been
painted white, which will be used as a “Recreation on the Go” vehicle for events
and activities. A question came up to see if it could also be rented out for block or
birthday parties. Staff will look into it.
5. STAFF REPORTS:
a. Mike Maher and Jeff Jensen provided an update on the Pavilion at Springbrook,
stating the work is almost complete. Commissioners were informed that a grand
opening will be held on May 28 and encouraged to attend. More information and
invites to be out soon.
b. Ms. Graham provided a report on Winterfest, stating the event was well-attended
(350-400) despite the extremely cold weather. She said that many positive
comments were shared that it was great having the event at the Nature Center.
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c. Mr. Maher updated the commission members that the deer management plan is
progressing. Further information will be provided to members once final plans are
in place.
6. OTHER:
No other business was considered.
7. ADJOURNMENT:
Mr. Kondrick made the MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m., SECONDED by
Ms. Graham. The MOTION PASSED unanimously.
Minutes prepared and submitted By Krista Johnson, Recording Secretary
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5. STAFF REPORTS
a. Springbrook Nature Center
Mr. Maher gave an update on the pavilion. The interior is almost complete and
waiting on the flooring. The grand opening is scheduled for May 28. There have
been a lot of in-kind donations but still $50,000 short for the project.
b. Winterfest
About 350-400 people attended and the facility was amazing. A lot of young
families attended, and it was very cold. Staff have heard a lot of positive feedback
from attendees. Thanks to all staff involved with organizing and working the event.
c. Deer Management Update
Permits are in place and we met with the contractor who will be doing the deer
removal work. Locations were scouted throughout the City to find the safest, most
effective locations. The plan is to finish this up in the next week or so.
d. 49’ers Update
We are looking for a new parade coordinator. Someone will come forward and the
Lions are committed to make sure the parade will happen. There is a lot of
planning that needs to happen before the parade.
e. Other
Friday was the first “Pop Up” tent event and we are planning an event every month.
About 30-40 people came and some saw the event on Facebook. Visitors receive
a free mug, one per family, and they sign in to receive the mug.
ADJOURNMENT:
Ms. Larson made the MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m., SECONDED by Mr.
Kondrick. The MOTION PASSED unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Krista Peterson, Recording Secretary
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HIGHLIGHTS
Parks and Recreation Division- March 2, 2020
Finding Your Fun in Fridley!
The new year kicked off with a couple of exciting programs to get folks out exploring Fridley
parks. The first of which is ‘Finding Your Fun In Fridley ’featuring pop-up events throughout the
park system where attendees can take part in a range of activities from sledding to skating while
enjoying hot cocoa. Participants will also receive a free reusable travel mug that they can refill
at future events throughout the winter.
After School Programs
The third round of After School programming began in early February with over
60 participants. This session, held again at Hayes Elementary, features a mix of
enrichment and athletic classes (including fencing). One program did cancel due
to low participation.
Sharing Resources with Spring Lake Park
The Division continues to foster a relationship with the City of Spring Lake Park’s
Recreation Department through cooperating on field trips. This helps keep
transportation fees down, making trips more viable when Fridley has lower
numbers. Recently, staff met with SLP staff to discuss further programming
opportunities such as adult pickle ball.
Adult Programs
Based on player feedback in the Adult Men’s Basketball Leagues, we have
instituted a new rating system to monitor the referee’s performance. We contract
out with the refereeing firm and feel that this process aids in monitoring the
contractor’s accountability. Additionally, this helps keep the teams responsible
as well. This method will encourage the sportsmanship of both teams to perform
at an acceptable level, including towards the referees.
New sessions of Yoga, Zumba and Aqua Zumba began recently with an
increased enrollment from last session. We are continuing to work with
Community Ed on these programs to accept registrations and communicate with
instructors and participants.
The February installment of ‘Finding Fridley Fun’ was a hit! The event was
held at Springbrook Nature Center on Sunday, Feb. 23rd. The pop-up
coincided with the weekly animal feeding which typically has 20-50
attendees. However, this particular week more than 100 were in attendance.
Feedback received from attendees was that many are interested in preschool
programming, fitness/wellness ideas, and trail maps.
Shelter Rentals Now Open
The office has noticed in an increase in shelter rental inquiries recently and staff
remain busy with summer planning. To begin the shelter rental process, go to
city’s website and search on facilities or contact Park and Rec at:
recreation@fridleymn.gov. Call staff directly to get more information at 763-572-
3570.
Community Engagement – Partnership Meeting A Success!
More than 20 representatives attended the Fridley Community Network (FCN) Meeting
held on Feb. 6, 2020 at the Mississippi Branch Library. The Fridley Community Network is
comprised of members from multiple community organizations in Fridley with the
purpose of building connections and relationships between community organizations,
to share resources, collaborate, as well as to partner on community programs, projects,
and events. The group is led in partnership with staff from the City of Fridley (Alyssa
Kruzel), Mississippi Library (Shannon Melham), and Fridley Community Education
(Stephen Keeler). Meetings will be held quarterly. Any community group that would like to
become involved should contact: alyssa.kruzel@fridleymn.gov.
Neighborhood Events Coming This Summer - Connecting Fridley
June 24 Sylvan Hills Park
July 22 Madsen Park
Aug 12 Meadowland Park from 6-8 p.m.
Mark your calendars and join us this summer at the park for “Connecting Fridley”! Enjoy
lawn games, recreation activities, a bounce house, arts and crafts from Banfil-Locke,
story time with Mississippi Library, and light refreshments. Make connections with your
neighbors and city staff! Learn more about city services and programs!
Engagement staff is collaborating with staff across multiple departments and division to
determine what information they can inform and educate community members about at
the events. Engagement staff will work closely with Marketing and Communications to
promote the event as well.
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Springbrook Nature Center
Monthy Report March 2020
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The Pavilion Activity Center project is ongoing with a grand opening event planned for May 28
o A special thank you to Mike Heintz for coordinating an in-kind contribution of labor and
materials to install an epoxy floor finish in the enclosed activity space and restrooms.
o Over the coming months, additional work will include plumbing fixtures and cabinetry.
o Tables and chairs have been purchased and assembled.
o A $10,000 grant for the project has been received from BNSF Railway Foundation.
o The Foundation Development Committee continues to meet. A request from the City of Fridley
for a contribution of funds from the Foundation in the amount of $25,000 was granted, leaving
a funding gap of approximately $25,000 to complete the project, purchase picnic tables, etc.
School programming continues with our Adams Elementary, Spring Lake Park ECFE, Fridley Public
Schools and Columbia Heights Encore Programming partnerships and weekly parent-child classes.
We have been awarded two grants for habitat improvements at Springbrook Nature Center, with some
work to be completed at Moore Lake Sand Dunes Natural Area. The grants are in the amounts of
$37,000 and $51,450. The work will remove invasive buckthorn and include prescribed burns.
Buckthorn cutting is complete at the nature center with follow up burns and herbicide application
planned for later this year.
Staff is working hard to complete a new exhibit featuring two large microscopes with digital displays
that explores the concept of biomimicry, which is design inspired by nature. The microscopes and
displays are available for use and the finishing touches are being put on the interpretive panels.
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A candlelight hike was held on February 14 and was enjoyed by 70 participants.
11 weeks of our fun Summer day camp are being planned. Registration is open and can be found at:
https://springbrooknaturecenter.org/808/Summer-Camps. Hiring for summer staff is nearly complete.
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The Springbrook Spree fundraiser will be held on March 7. Please consider purchasing tickets for this
enjoyable event that raises funds to support Springbrook Nature Center.
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The 2020 Discovery Dinner series kicks off on March 21 featuring a program on wild canids of
Minnesota from the Wildlife Science Center. Sue Okerstrom of Lichen Labs will present a Discovery
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Dinner on biomimicry on Saturday, April 4 please mark your calendars and plan on attending!
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The Springbrook Nature Center volunteer appreciation brunch was held on Saturday, February 15
from 10 am until noon. We celebrated the accomplishments of about 60 Springbrook volunteers who
help with animal care, bird banding, special events, Board service and much more.
Interior of Pavilion Activity Center near completion
New biomimicry exhibit featuring Microeye Discovery microscopes