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PRA 11/02/2020PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Fridley Municipal Center 7071 University Ave NE, Fridley MN 55432 AGENDA – Nov. 2, 2020 DATE: Monday, Nov. 2, 2020 – 7:00 p.m. LOCATION: Fridley Civic Campus – 7071 University Ave NE, Fridley, MN 55432 – NOTE CHANGE IN LOCATION: CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS (UPSTAIRS) PLEASE BE PREPARED TO WEAR FACIAL COVERINGS IN THE BUILDING AT ALL TIMES AND DURING THE MEETING 1. CALL TO ORDER – Names to be read by Chairperson, Heintz 2. APPROVE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA FOR NOV. 2, 2020 3. APPROVE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FOR OCT. 5, 2020 4. NEW BUSINESS/ACTION ITEMS: a. Proposed change for meeting location b. Future agenda electronic packet changes coming in 2021 c. Community Engagement Update (Alyssa Kruzel) d. Craig Park Study and Recommendation (Jeff and Debbie) e. Locke Park Playground (Jeff) f. Parks CIP (2021) (Debbie and Jeff) g. Parks Master Plan update (Jeff and Debbie) h. Civic Campus concrete repairs delay plaza activities through June i. Staffing update 5. STAFF REPORTS: a. Springbrook Nature Center (Mike) b. Parks Maintenance Report 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 7. ADJOURNMENT Next Meeting: Dec. 7, 2020 – 7 p.m. Attachments: Oct. 5, 2020 Meeting Minutes; Rec Division Highlights and Community Engagement Report; SNC Report; and Craig Park Memo and Study PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Fridley Municipal Center 7071 University Ave NE, Fridley MN 55432 MINUTES October 5, 2020 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Heinz called the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Members Present: Mike Heintz, Shanna Larson, David Kondrick, EB Graham, Peter Borman, and Ryan Gerhard Others Present: Mike Maher, Springbrook Nature Center Director and Deborah Dahl, Director of Community Services and Employee Resources 2. APPROVE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA FOR October 5, 2020 MOTION by Commissioner Kondrick to APPROVE the October 5, 2020 meeting agenda. SECONDED by Commissioner Larson. The MOTION PASSED unanimously. 3. APPROVE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FOR September8, 2020 MOTION by Commissioner Kondrick to APPROVE the September 8, 2020 meeting minutes. SECONDED by Commissioner Graham. The MOTION PASSED unanimously. 4. NEW BUSINESS/ACTION ITEMS: a. Meeting Dates Proposed for 2021 The commission reviewed the proposed meeting schedule for 2021. Typically, the Commission does not meet in July. Since the first Monday in September falls on Labor Day, the meeting is moved to Tuesday, Sepptember7th. The Commission did not determine if the December is to be held. A MOTION was made by Commissioner Kondrick to approve the meeting dates for 2021, SECONDED by Commissioner Borman. The MOTION PASSED unanimously. b. Locke Park Playground update 1 Ms. Dahl reported the status of the Locke Park playground, stating the project is close to being completed. She described the playground and showed the Commission a few pictures. She reported the playground equipment is installed, and the cement boarder is completed. This playground will be ADA compliant. All ground surfaces around the playground, trail work, plantings, signage and the parking lot is yet to be completed. She reported that while most will be completed still this year and useable, some items will be finished next spring. Staff is not certain if there will be an opening event due to the pandemic and will decide next year when the project is complete. c. Fall Field Utilization Update Ms. Dahl summarized the use of the athletic fields and reservations are down this year, due to COVID. No tournaments were scheduled. Commissioner Kondrick asked if other communities had the same problem because we get some revenue from use of the fields for tournaments. Ms. Dahl responded that she has heard it is the same for many communities. She said the City has determined that revenue is down 90% from program fees and rentals, stating that $8,000 is generated for shelter rentals and $10,000 field rentals. She said that staff is working on strategies for 2021 and it is still uncertain what next year will bring if the pandemic continues. When staff spot checked field use this summer, most of those interviewed said they were from Fridley. One group was from St. Paul, but they could have been connecting with someone from Fridley. Ms. Dahl said that there is no regular practice of surveying or monitoring park and field use after hours due to limited staff resources but would appreciate the Commission’s feedback and welcomed any ideas to consider. d. Craig Park drainage Ms. Dahl described a project at Craig Park has been identified as a high priority for improvements due to significant flooding issues. She provided a link to the project in the packet (link: www.FridleyMN.Gov/CraigPark ) Commissioner Kondrick provided some background and said this park is an issue because a lot of water comes in from the street into the park, especially in the spring. The tennis court also has had issues with water and the problems need to be resolved. 2 Ms. Dahl replied that staff will be working on this with a consulting firm to address these issues and provide recommendations. Updates may be highlighted in the parks master plan. Environmental Planner Rachel Workin may attend the next meeting to update us on a few projects she is working on and some related to this park. e. Anoka County Parks Video Debbie Dahl said that Anoka County Parks put together a short video highlighting the four Anoka County parks located in Fridley and encouraged the Commission to check it out. The video can be found on the City’s website. f. Caribou Coffee Sponsorship and Donation for SNC Ms. Dahl said that the Caribou Coffee Cabin across from Sam’s Club had their opening and offered to donate $1 for every purchase made during opening weekend (up to $1,000) to the Springbrook Nature Center. Ms. Dahl will provide an update when more information becomes available. g. Parks Master Plan Update Ms. Dahl said that the City is moving ahead with the next phase of the parks plan by hiring a consultant to help with engineering and design work. Three firms were interviewed and WSB was chosen. WSB was the preferred choice of the staff and have recently worked on projects in New Brighton, Edina and Minnetonka, among others. WSB will be develop the detailed written plan, which will include engineering and design concepts, financial strategies, and a public engagement plan. The plan will likely be available by end of April/May of 2021, which will to fit into the CIP and City budget timelines. Ms. Dahl stated that the early estimates of the master plan was projected to cost approximately $42M and take 10 years. The plan will also provide data from a survey that will go out to the public to capture feedback from the community about the plan and funding options. h. Addressing Homeless Encampments Ms. Dahl reported that Fridley has experienced homeless encampments back in July at Moore Lake, Locke County Park and at Springbrook Nature Center. This issue has been addressed with the public safety department. 3 Mr. Maher added that the last two weeks the Nature Center has experienced increased activity and the public safety department has been responsive. Commissioner Borman noticed up and down the river there are people setting up along the riverbank. Ms. Dahl said that staff have been assigned to this project and offered their approach to be educational, compassionate, and provide notice with time to vacate. There have not been reports of violence and when tents are abandoned or vacant, the police are leaving resources and a notice to vacate within a deadline of a few days. Specialized cleanup is required since there may be hazardous materials, which also requires proper disposal. Commissioner Larson noted that this is an additional expense on the City’s budget. Ms. Dahl said that they will continue to keep an eye on this and try to find a balance on how to manage this issue. Once winter hits, problems should subside. Chairperson Heintz stated he had noticed an increase in overnight parking at the North Star Rail Station. Ms. Dahl asked Commission members to let staff know if anyone sees or hears of any issues to report those to her or the public safety department. The first priority is safety for the residents, staff and guests using the parks system. The Police Department will be offering training for staff on how to deal with this issue, deescalate situations, and improve their own personal safety. A Commission member mentioned they appreciated the compassionate approach that the City is taking. i. Civic Campus Plan for Rentals/Programs/Events (Coming early 2021) Ms. Dahl said after the first of the year, staff may be ready to promote rentals on the civic campus. She said they are working on getting a promotional packet together with pricing options with the goal of keeping it affordable. The hope of the civic campus project was to be a place for residents and organizations to come gather and enjoy. Community groups and organizations like the Lions or boy scout troops may want to use this facility for their events as well. 4 Larger functions and activities may need some additional fees since it may take more staff resources. Elaborate requests like tents or microphones and staff time would also need some consideration, as well as limitations on noise or lighting so as to not cause a disturbance to the surrounding residents. A recommendation will be brought back to the Commission to review at a future meeting before the plan is launched. Chair Heinz asked if a high school wanted choir concert could perform here and would be something to consider. Ms. Dahl said that the Nature Center’s policies will be a good guide to use for establishing processes and guidelines. She went on to say that some potential activity ideas may be a car or art show or even a farmer’s market. Staff are currently planning a great line up of activities for next summer and will present that information in December after it is finalized. 5. STAFF REPORTS a. Springbrook Nature Center (Mike Maher) Pumpkin Night in the Park is cancelled but there will be a scavenger hunt program called Pumpkin Pursuit, which is currently being promoted. A number of programs have started up and school partnerships are in place with Stevenson, Adams and Hayes Elementary School. All activities are held outdoors. Some smaller schools may transport students to the Nature Center, but not larger public schools in order to stay within the current guidelines. Mr. Maher said staff are doing their best to keep in touch with students and building relationships with the schools. Mayor Lund has worked with a private donor who is likely to donate $25,000 for an outdoor fireplace at the Pavilion. If anyone has any ideas for donations, please send them to Mike. The Mayor is also working to work with the donor to complete the green roof project at the Nature Center. b. Upcoming activities/events Ms. Dahl said that the next brochure ready to go to press and she highlighted some of the fun activities coming up, including: Winterfest on January 16 and most activities will be held outside at Springbrook. Activities may also be held at other parks to spread out the gathering of people. There will be Turkey Virtual Race for Thanksgiving; An ice skate collection drive; and a Winter Lights contest. 5 c. Other Ms. Dahl said that Alyssa Kruzel will provide an update on community engagement projects she is working on. Ms. Dahl also asked the Commission for any ideas or suggestions on connecting with local sports associations and building relationships with them. She mentioned there are continuing challenges and changes taking place during the pandemic but encouraged the group to assist staff in making connections with these key groups. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Larson made the MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 8:07 p.m., SECONDED by Commissioner Graham. The MOTION PASSED unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Krista Peterson, Recording Secretary 6 HIGHLIGHTS Recreation Division - October 2020 Fall Programs th The fall programs wrapped up on October 29. Below is a list of programs that took place in October and participation numbers. Preschool and Elementary Youth Soccer (7) Sports Sampler (7) Musketeer Fencing (5) Halloween Fun (7) Adult Zumba (Tu Ï 7, Th Ï 8) Family ROX: RecreationÉin a Box (4) Program Feedback Classes were well received by participants. Here are some comments we received on the class evaluations… My husband and I are enjoying the Zumba class at Hayes gym. After the early snow we had yesterday, we really appreciate being indoors! I appreciate the extra efforts you have made to keep us safe while still enjoying our class. The access to the gym is perfect, the gym looks very clean and everyone is socially distancing and wearing their masks as directed. As I said in an earlier email, we are a tight knit group (did you hear how we won the Pumpkin Pursuit?). I sure enjoy everyone's company, especially since our Zumba group is pretty much the only other people we see outside our immediate family. Thank you so much for going above and beyond to continue our class in a safe environment. We sure appreciate it! I wanted to leave some positive feedback from the Halloween Fun class on Tuesdays at Springbrook. This was a great fill in Class for the day my Two 1st Graders were at home learning. We loved how there were many new activities each day that the kids really liked doing. It was a great fit for their age! I liked the structure of the class where there was always something new planned waiting when you were finished with your craft. We felt very safe and enjoyed it. The staff were excellent! Hopefully there will be another class in the winter :) I’ll send a picture I took tonight. We participated in the Tuesday evening fall crafts and my kids had a great time. I really appreciate all the work and effort that went into the program. The instructors were great and the variety of projects was awesome. I was very impressed with this program! Thank you!!! Brochure The Nov/Dec Edition of the Recreation Brochure will be mailed to residents this week. This brochure contains programs in November through February. Take a look at our some of our new programs: Turkey Leg 5K, Winter Lights Contest and the Ice Skate Drive. Pumpkin Pursuit in the Parks The Recreation Team worked with the SNC staff to provide this fun new activity for community members. The team contributed many mission ideas to the 300 total. In addition, Rec staff were out at the parks to provide fun mission activities. Lawn of the Year All of the winners of Lawn of the Week have been entered into a contest for Lawn of the Year. We have nine lawns for the public to vote on and will announce the winner in December. Ice Skate Drive We are collecting used and unwanted ice skates to be offered for use at the Commons Park warming house free of charge. Skates can be dropped off at Fridley City Hall and the Commons Warming House during open hours. Dave’s Sport Shop is helping to sponsor this program by having a drop box at their store as well as sharpening skates for us at no charge. We look forward to being able to provide an inclusive opportunity for everyone in our community this winter! Pumpkin Contest We held a Facebook Pumpkin Contest the week of October 26th. Photo entries of either carved or painted pumpkins were posted on the Fridley Facebook page over a 3 day period. Followers were asked to vote by “Liking” their favorite pumpkin. The three pumpkins with the most likes will be awarded a prize. There were 40 entries! Community Engagement - October 2020 Adopt-A-Park & Adopt-A-Rain Garden With the early October snow and cold weather, the Adopt-A-Park program is ending for the year. City staff have reached out to volunteer groups with end of the year program evaluations and volunteers will start to pick up their thank you gifts soon. The data and information collected from the program evaluations will be used to compile an end of year report, which will be complete in the weeks to come and shared. Each volunteer group will get a Fridley Recreation Mug and a thank you letter from the City Council. A total of 16 parks and one rain garden were adopted in the first year of the program. City staff will reach out to groups in 2021 to see if they are still interested in volunteering with the program. To learn more, visit FridleyMN.gov/AdoptAPark. Fridley Community Network The last Fridley Community Network gathering was October 8. The gathering had had a total of 11 community partners represented including two new community organizations. City, library and school district staff is working on plans for the group in 2021 including sending out a member’s survey, determining gathering dates for 2021, and then preparing to conduct an Asset Mapping session with the group. Program Summit In September Springbrook, Recreation, and Community Engagement staff came together for the first of a series of Program Summits. In November, the group will meet again to continue discussions about creating a “Culture of Excellence”, finalize program Action Plans, and then will do some visioning for the Local Parks Plan. 2020 Census After many weeks of back and forth about the 2020 Census deadline, the Census has officially ended on October 15. The state of Minnesota led the nation in 2020 Census self-response rates with a response rate of 75.1%. Fridley’s self-response rate was 78.6%, which was only .4% less than the response rate in 2010. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and multiple changes in the Census deadlines, it is currently unknown when Census data will be released. For the past two years, staff has been conducting outreach and engaging closely with various community partners to increase awareness and participation in the 2020 Census. These partners include community organizations, local business, community and cultural leaders, and various housing communities. Multiple Census outreach events planned for spring of 2020 were cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Springbrook Nature Center Monthly Report November 2020 In accord with the City of Fridley, Springbrook is responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic: o Trails remain open to the public and park visitation remains high. o With capacity restrictions in place, the interpretive center continues to be open and utilized. Some high-touch exhibits, café tables, etc. have been temporarily removed. We are now open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Small friend and family group programming, Outdoor Adventures, are now available and include classes such as archery, geocaching, snowshoeing and survival skills can be scheduled Monday-Saturday. We have also resumed small-group youth birthday party options with an outdoor programming component. th Pumpkin Pursuit in the Parks was held on October 16 and 17th. 32 Teams of more than 150 individuals registered for the event and completed over 3,000 photo, video and trivia challenges across the Fridley parks system. Feedback from participants was extremely positive. Here are just a few of the photos of groups enjoying our wonderful parks: Eagle Scout candidate Caden Barber, Troop 9106, New Brighton, is designing and installing four post-mounted interpretive signs along the beaver pond trail as his Eagle Scout project. Signs will be completed and installed in November. School program partnerships are ongoing with classes being held outdoors on school grounds at Hayes, Stevenson and Adams Elementary Schools. Springbrook staff is also developing online lessons and distance learning classes that compliment in-person programming. The Springbrook Nature Center Foundation, now 19 community Board members strong, is launching a fundraising campaign through GiveMN.org for Give to the Max day on th November 19. Please help spread the word about this opportunity to support Springbrook. MEMORANDUM Public Works Department Forestry Engineering Date: 10/30/2020 PW20-050 To: Park and Recreation Commission Members From: James Kosluchar, Public Works Director Jeffrey Jensen, Operations Managers- Streets, Parks, and Facilities Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner CC: Deborah Dahl, Director of Community Services and Employee Relations RE: Craig Park Study Craig Park is a neighborhood park located in the northwest corner of the City. The park is located in a regional low point with poor soils and a high groundwater table; characteristics that indicate that the area is likely a historic wetland. In recent years, the City has had issues with flooding in the park that have precluded maintenance and use, including frequent standing water near the tennis courts throughout the year and periodic standing water in the ballfield following heavy rainfall events. This standing water negatively impacts both adjacent neighbors and park users as well as creates maintenance issues for city staff. Predicted increases in the frequency of severe rain events are expected to exacerbate these issues. The City recently contracted with Bolton & Addressing these stormwater issues presents an opportunity to reimagine the Craig Park experience and integrate focus initiatives identified through the Parks Master Planning process. Rather than creating a standalone stormwater project, the City drainage solution that is integrated within the park and functions as a park amenity. On October 20, Bolton & Menk provided the City with the attached technical memorandum detailing proposed drainage and water quality improvements. The proposed stormwater management plan creates distinct upland play areas and lowland dry bio-swales. The plan also provides water quality th treatment by diverting 79 runoff from the storm sewer system into the bio-swales, creating more capacity within the storm sewer system near the tennis court. Within the technical memorandum, Bolton & Menk present three concept park plans integrating the swales to be refined prior to community engagement. The current plans feature improved access into and through the park, visual interest, gathering spaces, and play features, consistent with the goals of the Parks Master Plan. ACTION NEEDED: At the November 2, 2020 meeting, staff is asking the Park and Recreation Commission to: Comment on the study for Craig Park stormwater and park improvements (dated10/19/2020), and Make an action to s recommendations submitted by Bolton & Menk. Your feedback will be considered when providing direction for final concepts with the consultant, and in requesting a budget allocation for 2021. Figure 1 - Location and Drainage Area Map Craig Park Improvements Fridley, MN October 2020 T NE LOW S ONGFEL L ELLOW ST NE LONGF Legend ! I 860 Craig Park Storm CB " / Storm Pipe Sub-06 3.3 AC Subbasin 0200 " / Feet Source: " / Sub-01 2.3 AC " / Sub-05 1.5 AC " / " / " / " / Sub-03 Sub-04 7.2 AC 2.1 AC " / " / " / Sub-02 4.7 AC Figure 2 - Curent Anticipated Innundation Map Craig Park Improvements Fridley, MN October 2020 " / 79TH " / " / " / " / Legend " / ! I Craig Park " / Storm CB " / Storm Pipe " / " / ELEVATION 838.79 (1-Year) " / 838.88 (2-Year) 839.04 (5-Year) 839.17 (10-Year) 839.69 (50-Year) 839.9 (100-Year) Countours Major Contour Minor Contour 0100 Feet Source: CRAIG PARK PRECENDENT IMAGERY PRECENT IMAGES R CITY OF FRIDLEYOCTOBER, 2020 BIORETENTION CELLBOARDWALK/BRIDGECRUSHED LIMESTONE PATH MOWING DIETPOLLINATOR GARDENSOCCER FIELD/FLEX OPEN LAWN NATURAL PLAY ELEMENTSNATURAL PLAYSCAPE NATURAL PLAY ELEMENTS SITE PLAN NOTES: - DRAIN TILE ALL AREAS OF PARK - MINIMIZE REMOVALS / EXCAVATION - DISCUSS LIGHTING WANTS / NEEDS - DISCUSS FENCING WORKOUT STATIONS