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2015-02-10 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA AGENDA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Tuesday February 10, 2015 - 6:30 P.M. City Council Chambers 1. Roll Call 2. Approval of Agenda 3. Approval of the January 13, 2015 Minutes 4. Introduction of Student Representative 5. Election of Officers 6. 2014 Parks & Recreation Report 7. December/January Ice Rink Usage 8. Ivy Hills Tennis Courts 9. Marie Park Hockey Area 10. City Council Goal Setting Workshop Update 11. March 10, 2015 Commission Meeting 12. Announcements 13. Commission Comments 14. Adjourn Auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities are available at least 120 hours in advance. If a notice of less than 120 hours is received, the City of Mendota Heights will make every attempt to provide the aids. This may not, however, be possible on short notice. Please contact City Administration at 651-452-1850. Meetings can be viewed anytime on -demand at: www.mendota-heights.com. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING January 13, 2015 The January meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. Chair Hinderscheid called to order the parks and recreation commission meeting at 6:30 p.m. The following commissioners were present: Chair Hinderscheid, Commissioners: Ira Kip, Stephanie Levine and Joel Paper. Staff present: Recreation Program Coordinator Sloan Wallgren. Approval of Agenda COMMISSIONER LEVINE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AGENDA; COMMISSIONER PAPER SECONDED THE MOTION. AYES 4: NAYS 0 Approval of Minutes of December 9, 2014 COMMISSIONER LEVINE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES; COMMISSIONER PAPER SECONDED THE MOTION. 2015 Student Representative Mr. Wallgren updated the commission on the status of the student representative for the upcoming year. There were two individuals that applied for the position. The mayor and city council will be interviewing both candidates on February 3, 2015. It is our intention that the student would be present at the February 10, 2015 meeting. Minnesota DNR Archery Grant Mr. Wallgren informed the commission that the deadline to apply for the DNR Archery Grant funds is August 31, 2015. If the commission still wishes to get feedback from residents on whether or not there is interest in building an archery range, we should solicit feedback in the next issue of the Heights Highlights. If we advertised that we are looking for residents input in the February issue of the Heights Highlights we could invite residents to the April 14, 2015 meeting to discuss the topic. Mr. Wallgren also said that if residents could not attend the April meeting, that they could call him or email him and he would forward those comments along to the commission. The commission discussed their interest in an archery range and came to the conclusion that they would still like to invite residents to the April meeting to determine if there is an interest. COMMISSIONER PAPER MADE A MOTION TO SOLICITE RESIDENT INPUT ABOUT BUILDING AN ARCHERY RANGE INTOWN IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS. RESIDENTS WILL BE INVITED TO THE APRIL 14, 2015 MEETING TO DISCUSS THE TOPIC. COMMISSIONER KIPP SECONDED THE MOTION. AYES 4: NAYS 0 MH Parks and Recreation Commission 1-13-2015 Page 1 Cross Country Ski Trail Mr. Wallgren informed the commission that a cross country ski trail has been groomed out at the Par 3. There is a 1 and 2 mile loop for both classical and free styles skiing. Staff will continue to groom the trail every 7-10 days depending on weather conditions. The clubhouse at the Par 3 will remain open on weekends from 10:00-3:00 for people to use the restrooms, change boots, or purchase a snack or beverage. Staff is excited about using the Par 3 for additional winter recreation opportunities. Mr. Wallgren presented examples of fat tire bikes and snowshoes that could be rented out and used at the Par 3. COMMISSIONER LEVINE MADE A MOTION FOR STAFF TO OFFER FAT TIRE BIKES AND SNOWSHOES FOR RENT AT THE PAR 3. COMMISSION PAPER SECONDED THE MOTION. AYES 4: NAYS 0 Kensington Park Activity Mr. Wallgren informed the commission that he received several emails regarding the amount of traffic and parked cars near Kensington Park due to the large number of people using the park for soccer. The park is used in the spring and summer buy adult groups all day Sunday, and by the Mendota Heights Athletic Association Monday -Saturday during the fall. The emails indicated concern over speeding, overflow parking on streets and the ability for emergency vehicles to maneuver the streets. The commission discussed several solutions such as: adding additional parking, limiting the times to the groups, limiting parking on the streets and finding additional fields for the teams. The commission understand the concerns from the neighbors in the Kensington Park area will continue to discuss the situation in the future. Recreation Programming Report Staff offered three field trips over winter break. We had over 120 participants for the three trips. Staff has organized two more trips over spring break. On March 30, 2015 we will be going bowling and swimming in South St. Paul and on March 31, 2015 we will be going to Skyzone and the Cinema Cafe. Mr. Wallgren updated the commission on the new programs that he was working on such as: Teen Tuesday Field trips, Senior Programming, Theater Camp, Science Camp and a variety of sports camps. The commissioners were excited to hear that staff is working with the school district to utilize facilities in the city. Commission Paper was glad that we working to offer programming for older adults in our community. MH Parks and Recreation Commission 1-13-2015 Page 2 Par 3 Report The golf course is working to bring new user groups out to the course. Staff is working to continue to increasing the number of leagues and lesson programs that are offered. The course is planning on hosting a Spring Golf Swap on May 9tn Staff noticed some damaged to the golf course caused by moles. Staff will fix the damaged areas in the spring. Total sales for the month of December were $1,336 are expenses were $7,461. Total sales for the year were $138,322 and expenses were $133,139 resulting in a net revenue of $5,183. Mr. Wallgren informed the commission that the Par 3 Fund now had a balance for roughly $33,000.00, and reminded the commission that the goal has always been for the fund to have a balance of $40,000.00. Announcements Mr. Wallgren informed everyone that we are recycling Christmas tights at city hall. Mr. Wallgren also noted that we are still taking applications for a student representative to serve on the parks and recreation commission, applications are being accepted until December 29, 2014. Mr. Wallgren updated the commission that the name of the North Urban Regional Trail (NURT) has been renamed the River to River Greenway. Commission Comments Commissioner Levine thanked staff for their work and looked forward to seeing some of the new programs implemented. Commissioner Paper thanked staff for their work and is happy to hear that we are working to offer some senior programming. Commissioner Kipp though it was a very informative meeting. Chair Hinderscheid thanked staff for their work and looked forward to our next meeting. COMMISSIONER PAPER MADE A MOTION TO ADJOUN THE MEETING; COMMISSIONER LEVINE SECONDED THE MOTION. Ayes 4: Nays 0 The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. Respectfully Submitted by Sloan Wallgren MH Parks and Recreation Commission 1-13-2015 Page 3 011111.111..1 fgfri' mCITY OF MENDDTA HEIGHTS 1101 Victoria Curve 1 Mendota Heights, MN 55118 651.452.1850 phone 1 651.452.8940 fax www.mendota•heights.com DATE: February 10, 2015 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Sloan Wallgren, Recreation Program Coordinator SUBJECT: Introduction of Student Representatives Update The city council interviewed applicants for all city commissions on February 3, 2015. The council was so impressed with Joseph Quehl and Rachel Farber that they have invited both of them to serve as a Student Representative on the parks and recreation commission. Both individuals attend Henry Sibley High School and are very active in school activities. Staff will allow each Student Representative to introduce themselves at the meeting. Staff is very excited to have these two individuals join our commission, and look forward to the insight and information that they both have to offer. 0.11111111°1 fgfri' mCITY OF MENDDTA HEIGHTS 1101 Victoria Curve 1 Mendota Heights, MN 55118 651.452.1850 phone 1 651.452.8940 fax www.mendota•heights.com DATE: February 10, 2015 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Sloan Wallgren, Recreation Program Coordinator SUBJECT: Election of Officers & Rules of Order Update At the February meeting each year the commission should elect a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson. Staff has also attached a copy of the Rules of Order for the parks and recreation commission to review Required Action Elect a Chairperson and Vice -Chairperson for the 2015. MENDOTA HEIGHTS PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION RULES OF ORDER In accordance with the City of Mendota Heights Ordinance No. 109, "Establishing A Parks and Recreation Commission," the following rules of order are adopted by the parks and recreation commission to facilitate the performance of its duties and the exercising of its functions as a Commission created by the city council. SECTION 1. MEETING 1.1 — Time. Regular meetings of the commission are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m., unless otherwise agreed to and so stated in the agenda. When the regular meeting day falls on a legal holiday, there is no meeting that month unless otherwise noted. 1.2 - Special Meetings. Special meetings may be called by the Chairperson or the Secretary. 1.3 — Place. Meetings are held in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1101 Victoria Curve. 1.4 — Public. All meetings and hearings, and all records and minutes are open to the public. 1.5 — Quorum. Four parks and recreation commission members, at the beginning of the meeting, constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. When a quorum is not present, the Chairperson may adjourn the meeting for the purpose of hearing interested parties on items on the agenda. No final or official action is taken at such a meeting. However, the facts and information gathered at such a meeting may be taken as a basis for action at a subsequent meeting at which a quorum is present. 1.6 — Vote. Voting is by voice. Commission members voice votes on each issue are recorded. In the event that any member shall have a financial interest in a matter before the commission, the member shall disclose the interest and refrain from voting upon the matter, and the secretary shall so record in the minutes that no vote was cast by such member. SECTION 2. ORGANIZATION 2.1 — Membership. The number of members of the Parks & Recreation Commission is established by the City Council. Three-year appointments are made by the Mayor and approved by the City Council. Rules of Order — Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission, February 10, 2015 2.2 — Absenteeism. A Commission member with four unexcused absences from regular meetings is dropped from the commission and the Secretary then informs the City Council so that another appointment is made. An absence is excused if the member notifies the Secretary or Chairperson before 4:00 p.m. of the day of the meeting that the member will be unable to attend. Minutes of the meetings will record whether the absent member was excused or not excused. 2.3 — Election of Officers. At the February meeting each year, the commission elects from its membership a Chairperson and a Vice -Chairperson. If the Chairperson retires from the commission before the next organizational meeting, the Vice -Chairperson becomes Chairperson. If both Chairperson and Vice - Chairperson retire, new officers are elected at the next meeting. If both Chairperson and Vice -Chairperson are absent from a meeting, the commission elects a temporary Chairperson by voice vote. The Secretary to the parks and recreation commission is appointed by the city administrator from the city staff. 2.4 — Tenure of Officers. The Chairperson and Vice -Chairperson take office immediately following their election and hold office until their successors are elected and assume office. 2.5 — Duties of Officers. The Chairperson, or if absent, the Vice -Chairperson presides at meetings, appoints committees and performs other duties as may be ordered by the commission. The Chairperson conducts meetings so as to keep them moving as rapidly and efficiently as possible and reminds members, witnesses and petitioners to discuss only the subject at hand. The Chairperson is a voting member of the commission. The Secretary is responsible for recording the minutes, keeping records of commission actions, conveying commission recommendations to the city council and providing general administrative and clerical service to the commission. SECTION 3. PUBLIC COMMENT 3.1 — Public Input on Agenda Items. The following procedure is followed when citizens wish to provide input into a parks and recreation commission discussion. a. Staff shall make presentation b. The commission asks questions c. The applicant shall make a presentation Rules of Order — Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission, February 10, 2015 d. The commission asks questions e. The audience is allowed to speak in favor of the request f. The audience is allowed to speak against the request g. The applicant and/or staff responds h. Commission members may ask questions throughout the discussion 3.2 — Public Comment. The parks and recreation commission does not hold public hearings, but may from time to time have public comment. SECTION 4. MISCELLANEOUS 4.1 Amendments. These Rules of Order may be amended with the approval by voice vote by a majority (four) of the members of the parks and recreation commission. 4.1 Adoption. These Rules of Order were duly adopted by the Parks and Recreation Commission of the City of Mendota Heights on the 13th day of April, 2010. Rules of Order — Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission, February 10, 2015 Mendota Heights Parks & Recreation 2014 Annual Report Mendota Heights Parks & Recreation Department 1 Mission Statement The mission of Mendota Heights Parks & Recreation Department is to provide facilities, activities, and parklands to enrich the lives of residents and vistitors. Parks and Recreation Jack Evans Pat Heinderscheid, Chair Ira Kipp Stephanie Levine Daviv Miller Joel Paper, Vice Chair Michael Toth Commission Members Parks and Recreation Commission The Parks and Recreation Commission is a seven member advisory board to the city council on matters relating to parks and recreation including: • Plan and develop programs and activities. • Develop schedules of hours and fees for the use of recreational trails and park facilities. • Study possible government and private foundation grants available for the acquisition and development of park and trail facilities. • Develop plans for improvement and betterment of existing facilities. • Develop plans for acquisition of additional facilities. • Coordinate recreational trail and park activities with other community organizations and groups. • Promote public interest and understanding of the city's parks and trails activities Parks and Recreation Staff Public Works Director John Mazzitello Public Work Superintendent Terry Blum Assistant to the City Administrator...Tammy Schutta Recreation Program Coordinator Sloan Wallgren Parks Maintenance Lead John Boland Parks Maintenance Cliff Kirschner Parks Maintenance Mike Maczko Mechanic Nick Courteau The Parks and Recreation Department also employs 40 part-time seasonal employees. Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Department 2 Parks Department Parks staff annually maintains more than 310 acres of public land. Facilities under the stewardship of the Parks Department included 8 picnic shelters, 1 fishing pier, 12 softball and baseball fields, 3 soccer fields, 1 sand volleyball court, 1 cross country ski trail, 3 hockey rinks, 4 skating rinks, 3 warming houses, 26 miles of trails, 11 playgrounds, 10 tennis courts, 10 basketball courts, and a skate park. Mendota Heights Parks • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Civic Center Copperfield Ponds Friendly Hills Park Friendly Marsh Park Hagstrom-King Park Historic Pilot Knob Ivy Hills Park Kensington Park Market Square Park Marie Park Mendakota Park Rogers Lake Park Valley Park Valley View Heights Park Victoria Highlands Park Wentworth Park City of Mendota Heights Parks and Trails Map Iie re.46,13:ke rm PL. 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State, Regional and Private Parks Fort Snelling State Park Harriet Island-Lilydale Regional Park Dodge Nature Center School District 197 Big Rivers Regional Trail River to River Greenway Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Department 4 2014 Parks Department Highlights • The Parks Department replaced two sections of the city's trail system . One section was along Wentworth from Watchler Ave. to Dodd Ave. The other section of the trail system that was replaced was along Pilot Knob Road from Highway 494 to Highway 13. • The city partnered with Green River Greening to maintain the Pilot Knob Historical Site. A dozen goats spent three weeks at the park removing invasive vegitation. • Parks staff continue to provide support and facilities for many community festivals and events. Park Facilities hosted the following large scale special events: Special Olympics 5K Mendota Heights Parks Celebration Cliff Timm Fishing Derby Numerous Baseball/Softball Tournaments • The city received a $4,200 grant to improve the Ivy Hills Tennis Courts. • The Maire Park hockey rink was paved in the fall of 2014. New hockey boards were also installed at the Marie Park hockey rink. • The city and St. Thomas Academy partnered to create a cross country ski trail out at the Par 3. Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Department 5 Recreation Department Highlights The Recreation Department's main objectives are to provide recreation programs, events and activities, en- courage the use of parks and trails, and promote an active lifestyle. The Recreation Department partnered with Dakota County Revenue From Programs=$48,850 to offer the Simple Steps Program. The Simple Steps Walking Revenue From Facility Rental=$4,100 Program is a great way to boost energy, reduce stress and Total Revenue=$52,950 improve your health. Regular physical activity helps prevent Program Expenses=$38,300 Seasonal • chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease and Staffing Wages=$24,000 cancer and can help you maintain a healthy weight. Total Expenses=$62,300 • Programs : in 2014 the Recreation Department offered: • 3 Adult Softball Leagues with over 35o participants • 14 Youth Tennis Programs with 23o participants • 12 Youth Field Trips with 392 participants • 14 Playground Programs with 281 participants ▪ 11 Youth Programs with 404 participants 22 Free Performances in the Park at Market Square • During the 2013-2014 winter we had 5,000+ skaters use our three hockey rinks and four pleasure rinks. • New Programs included the Bike Rodeo and the Trek Breast Cancer Awareness Bike Ride. • Coordination of field & rink use with the Mendota Heights Athletic Association & Sibley Area Hockey Association for over 1,900 youth participants. Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Department 6 Volunteer Efforts—Park Partners Volunteers helped steward Mendota Heights Parks, Trails and Green Spaces in 2014 through adopting parks and trails, beautifying community spaces such as the golf course and volunteering to clean up liter and debris. Park volunteers keep Mendota Heights beautiful and a great place to live. • Henry Sibley Girl's Tennis Team cleaned up Rogers Lake Park as a fundraiser. • The Mendota Heights Mom's Club celebrated Earth Day by cleaning up at Wentworth Park. • In 2014 Dakota County Interns surveyed all of our parks to determine if we had adaquate recycling available in our parks. • The Mendota Heights Mom's Club annually donates a tree to a park. In 2014 a tree was dontated and planted at Valley View Heights Park. • Local Boy Scout Troop did a service project by cleaning and upgrading the garden at the golf course. Anthony Dupont did some landscape work at the Mendota Heights Par 3 as part of his Eagle Scout Project. Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Department 7 Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course The Mendota Heights Par 3 is a self-supporting enterprise. Revenues generated by the course as well as retained earnings pay for all expenses including depreciation, equipment replacement, and capital improvements. The Par 3 is a seasonal facility, generally opening in Mid -April and closing in Mid - November. Mendota Heights Par 3 • The Mendota Heights Par 3 had over 10,000 rounds of golf played in 2014. • The golf course offered four golf leagues for adults and four golf leagues for youth. In 2014 there were over 35o participants in our leagues. • The golf course hosted over 30 special events. • Over 200 youth participatned in one of our 17 golf lesson programs. • The golf course added the new sport of Footgolf, which will create new opportunities for the facility. • In 2014 a new big screen TV and WiFi were added to the clubhouse. • The clubhouse was remodeled during the offseason. The remodeled clubhouse was well received by our longtime customers. • Total revenue for 2014 was $138,322 and total expenses were $133,139 resulting in a net profit of $5,183. The Golf Course Fund has a year end cash balance of $33,000. • A new equipment purchased inclued a Toro sandrake, patio furniture and trash cans for the course. Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Department 8 1101 Victoria Curve 1 Mendota Heights, MN 55118 651.452.1850 phone 1 651.452.8940 fax www.mendota•heights.com n111 CITY OF MEIV®IATA HEIGHTS DATE: TO: FROM: SUBJECT: BACKGROUND February 10, 2015 Parks and Recreation Commission Sloan Wallgren, Recreation Program Coordinator December/January Ice Rink Usage The city of Mendota Heights maintains a warming house, hockey rink and pleasure rink at Friendly Hills Park, Marie Park and Wentworth Park. The city also maintains a pleasure rink at Ivy Hills Park. The warming houses were open 4 days in December and 27 days in January. Below are December and January attendance records from each of the three parks with warming houses: Hockey Pleasure Total Friendly Hills Park 723 190 913 Marie Park 905 278 1,183 Wentworth Park 979 258 1,237 Totals 2,607 726 3,333 DATE: TO: FROM: SUBJECT: 1101 Victoria Curve 1 Mendota Heights, MN 55118 651.452.1850 phone 1 651.452.8940 fax www.mendota•heights.com CITY OF MEIV®IATA HEIGHTS February 10, 2015 Parks and Recreation Commission Sloan Wallgren, Recreation Program Coordinator Ivy Hills Park Tennis Courts Update The tennis courts at Ivy Hills Park are in desperate need of repair. The repair of the courts is one of the top priorities for the Parks & Recreation commission. Staff has received bids back from two contractor to patch and repair the court surface, install new tennis posts(one set of multiuse posts), install new sport tile system and replace the gate with an ADA compliant entry way. The tennis courts will also be lined for Junior Tennis. Staff will be placing this item on the agenda for the February 17, 2015 City Council Meeting looking for approval to move forward. The timeline goal would be to have this project completed by June 12, 2015 at the latest, we are planning on offer some of our Junior Tennis Programs at Ivy Hills Park starting June 15, 2015. Staff is recommending that we choose to go with a blue and green color combination for the courts with white lines, this combination looks very clean and professoinal. The inside of the courts would be blue and the perimeter of the courts would be green. Staff will provide example of color combinations at the meeting on February 10, 2015. Budget Impact The funds for this project will come from the Special Parks Fund. The total project cost is $61,400 of which $4,200 is grant money from the United State Tennis Association Northern Section and the remaining $57,200 will come from the Special Parks Fund. 1101 Victoria Curve 1 Mendota Heights, MN 55118 651.452.1850 phone 1 651.452.8940 fax www.mendota•heights.com DATE: TO: FROM: SUBJECT: CITY OF MEIV®IATA HEIGHTS February 10, 2015 Parks and Recreation Commission Sloan Wallgren, Recreation Program Coordinator Marie Park Update The Marie Park Hockey Rink was paved during the fall of 2014. Now that the area is paved there is an opportunity to take advantage of the new area. This area could be used for roller hockey, full court basketball or pickleball courts. In order to offer roller hockey we would simply leave the two hockey goals at the park all year. To offer a full basketball court we would purchase two new hoops and posts and have them installed outside of the boards. To offer pickleball we could stripe courts and purchase temporary/move nets that could be stored in the warming house. Staff has not had many requests for roller hockey or a full basketball court. There does seem to be a big interest in the growing game of pickleball. Staff has attached a drawing of what the area could look like if we were to stripe the surface for six pickleball courts. We still could leave the two hockey nets in the rink for people to use when people are not playing pickleball. Budget Impact The cost to line six pickleball courts would be about $2,000 and the cost for a temporary nets would be $150 each. Action Required If the commission wishes to offer additional activities at Marie Park during the summer, please make a recommendation to city council and staff. MARIE PARK HOCKEY RINK PICKLEBALL LAYOUT 2/3/2015 0 40 SCALE IN FEET City of Mendota Heights 0 N O 44' 0 Ll CITY OF MENDDTA HEIGHTS 1101 Victoria Curve 1 Mendota Heights, MN 55118 651.452.1850 phone 1 651.452.8940 fax www.mendota•heights.com DATE: February 10, 2015 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Sloan Wallgren, Recreation Program Coordinator SUBJECT: City Council Goal Setting Workshop Recap Update The city council held their annual Goal Setting Workshop on February 3, 2015. During the workshop the council discussed many topics, the items related to parks & recreation included funding the Special Parks Fund and the dog park. The Special Parks Fund currently has a balance of $158,000, and there should be an additional $140,000 in revenue coming from the Lemay Lake Shore development sometime soon. The city has budgeted to spend $117,000 in 2015 to replace the warming house at Marie Park, install new hockey boards at Wentworth Park and to repair and install new tennis courts at Ivy Hills Park. The Special Parks Fund, after all 2015 projects, is projected have a balance of $181,000 at the end of 2015. The city has committed to setting aside 1% of the levy each year for the next five years to pay for the city's share of the investment into the West St. Paul Ice Arena. After making these payment for the next five years, the council has decided to then redirect the 1% or roughly $65,000 into the park improvements starting in 2020. The council also discussed the future of a dog park in Mendota Heights. The council directed staff to continue talks with St. Paul about the dog park that is planned for Lilydale Regional Park. The council would possibly consider partnering with St. Paul on a dog park if the condition and timeline were appropriate. In the meantime council directed staff to move forward with plans to build a dog park on the west side of the city along old Highway 13(just north of the scenic overlook). Fund for the construction of a dog park will come from the General Fund, not the Special Parks Fund.