2021-12-14 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Tuesday, December 14, 2021- 6:30 P.M.
Mendota Heights City Hall-Council Chambers
AGENDA
1.Call to Order
2.Roll Call
3.Pledge of Allegiance
4.Approval of Agenda
5.Approval of Minutes
a.November 9, 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes
6.Citizen Comment Period (for items not on the agenda)
*See guidelines below
7.Acknowledgement of Reports
a.Par 3 Update
b.Recreation Update
c.Park Improvement Update
d.Dog Park Update
8.New Business
a.Field and Facility Use Fee Discussion
b.Wentworth Warming House Design Review
c.Friendly Hills Park Boundary Signage
9.Unfinished Business
a.Dugout Recommendation
b.Draft Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan
c.Winter Fest Update
10.Staff Announcements
11.Student Representative Update
12.Commission Comments and Park Updates
13.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.
Guidelines for Citizen Comment Period: The Citizen Comments section of the agenda provides an opportunity for the public to
address the commission on items which are not on the agenda. All are welcome to speak.
Comments should be directed to the Chair. Comments will be limited to 5 minutes per person and topic; presentations which
are longer than five minutes will need to be scheduled with the Recreation Program Coordinator to appear on a future Parks
and Recreation commission agenda. Comments should not be repetitious.
Citizen comments may not be used to air personal attacks, to air personality grievances, to make political endorsements, or for
political campaign purposes. Commissioners will not enter into a dialogue with citizens, nor will any decisions be made at that
presentation.
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Questions from the Commission will be for clarification only. Citizen comments will not be used as a time for problem solving or
reacting to the comments made, but rather for hearing the citizen for information only. If appropriate, the Chair may assign
staff for follow up to the issues raised.
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CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS, DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING
NOVEMBER 9, 2021
The November meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on
Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve.
1.Call to Order – Chair Steve Goldade called the meeting to order at 6:39 p.m.
2. Roll Call – The following Commissioners were present: Chair Steve Goldade,
Commissioners: Jaffrey Blanks, Patrick Cotter, Bob Klepperich, Stephanie Meyer, Dan Sherer
and Amy Smith; absent: none. Student Representative: Nico Hess. Staff present: Recreation
Program Coordinator, Meredith Lawrence and Assistant City Administrator, Kelly Dumais.
3.Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
4.Approval of Agenda
Motion Klepperich/second Blanks, to approve the agenda. AYES 7: NAYS 0
5.a Approval of Minutes from October 6, 2021 Worksession Meeting
Motion Blanks/second Klepperich to approve the minutes of the October 6, 2021 Parks and
Recreation Commission Worksession Meeting. AYES 7: NAYS 0
5.b Approval of Minutes from October 12, 2021 Regular Meeting
Motion Cotter/second Smith to approve the minutes of the October 12, 2021 Parks and
Recreation Commission Regular Meeting. AYES 7: NAYS 0
6.Citizen Comment Period (for items not on the agenda)
Adam Crepeau, a Douglas Road resident, and Tom Stevens, of 837 Cheri Lane, stated that
they are members of the Mendota Athletic Association (MHAA) Board who attended the last
meeting to share requests for field improvements. He stated that they are present to determine
if there are follow up questions and to determine if there has been any progress or decisions
made since that time.
Tom Stevens stated that one of their big takeaways from the last meeting was their desire to
book Mendakota for weekends in advance.
Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence stated that she does not have any updates
to provide at this time. She stated that dugouts for all four fields at Mendakota is still in
progress, but they have not yet had the ability to receive three quotes, which is recommended
by City’s Procurement Policy. She stated that if three quotes cannot be obtained, staff would
still bring the item back to the Council, but she would prefer to receive three quotes. She stated
that there is not sufficient budget to level and surface all the fields in 2021 but noted that
Mendakota was completed. She stated that she is in the process of obtaining quotes for the
mop sink and handwashing sink. She noted that the mound request for Victoria Highlands is on
the agenda tonight and will move forward to the City Council. She stated that many of the
requests received from the association require City Council approval and were not budgeted for
2022. She stated that now that those items are on the radar, they can include them in future
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budgeting discussions. She referenced the field and facility use policy amendment requested
and noted that item is on the agenda tonight and noted that she hopes to bring that forward to
the City Council as well. She noted that the request to be able to book weekends at Mendakota
in January was included in the staff report.
Chair Goldade asked when the Council would be reviewing the field and facility use policy.
Ms. Lawrence stated that staff is working to schedule a worksession for Monday, November
15th. She noted that agenda has not yet been finalized. She noted that the item would go
before the City Council prior to the end of the year.
Commissioner Klepperich asked if the Commission would be able to make a recommendation
on that item tonight.
Ms. Lawrence confirmed that would be part of the agenda item.
Commissioner Sherer asked if the dugout requests for the three other fields would be
considered tonight.
Ms. Lawrence noted that would come before the group at a future meeting as it was not
included on the agenda. She noted that item would be included on the December agenda.
Commissioner Cotter commented that he would assume something more specific has been
provided related to the request for the ability to book weekends at Mendakota.
Ms. Lawrence asked for clarification on what would have been provided to who.
Commissioner Cotter commented that it is his understanding that these two gentleman are
present tonight primarily to address the request for more weekend tournament options. He
stated that he heard a comment that a list of things was sent. He asked if something specific
was provided from the association.
Mr. Stevens stated that they have a list of the specific weekends they would like to book but
have waited to submit the request until they knew if earlier booking would be allowed.
Commissioner Cotter commented that it was his understanding that specific tournaments have
an earlier deadline for requests and confirmed that the association has those dates available.
Chair Goldade asked for input on the potential timeline and whether that would align for the
association.
Ms. Lawrence stated that if the item is included on the November 15th worksession, it would
then follow at the December 7th regular Council meeting for first review.
Mr. Stevens stated that if they can market the tournaments in January that would be sufficient.
Chair Goldade stated that he was pleased to see the agenda items tonight that relate to the
input received from the association at the last meeting.
7.Acknowledgement of Reports
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Chair Goldade read the titles of the three updates (Par 3, Recreation, and Park Improvement
Updates) and polled the Commissioners for questions.
7.a Par 3 Update
Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence briefly reviewed the report. She stated
that over 15,000 rounds of golf were played this season which is the most rounds she is aware
of in her time with the City. She reported that the course officially closed today, November 9, for
the 2021 season. She stated that there has been some discussion related to the equipment she
requested, noting that the Council approved the preliminary purchase of the equipment. She
stated that golf course equipment, like many things, is in demand and hard to get your hands
on. She stated that she has been able to order the equipment and final approval would occur
with the final adoption of the 2022 budget by the Council. She noted that two pieces of
equipment would be fully funded by the golf course account and explained that her goal is to
eventually have the course fund itself entirely.
Student Representative Hess asked if the rounds of golf were tracked by age group, specifically
between adults and youth.
Ms. Lawrence stated that she can provide that information at the next meeting.
Chair Goldade congratulated staff on the historically high number of rounds this season. He
welcomed the new staff member.
Assistant City Administrator Kelly Dumais introduced herself.
7.b Recreation Update
Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence provided a summary of the report including
Tour de Rec. She stated that the Superhero Masquerade event has been canceled. She
recapped the Trick or Teeing event, which was overwhelmingly successful. She noted that they
planned for 150 to 200 people attending the event but estimated about 1,200 people attended
the event. She provided an update on the bonfire that was hosted by the Fire Department and
noted that they are working to finalize the programming for 2022.
Commissioner Sherer commented that pickleball has been very popular and asked if that has
been a consideration for programming.
Ms. Lawrence confirmed that there would be a ribbon cutting at Friendly Hills in the spring. She
stated that they are also planning to host an event and would like to offer lessons.
Commissioner Meyer commented that the Trick or Teeing event was incredible and
congratulated staff on the success. She commented that the nice weather may have
contributed to the number of people that participated.
7.c Parks Improvement Update
Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence stated that the pickleball courts at Friendly
Hills have been very well received. She stated that they have received requests to turn the
lights on at Friendly Hills. She stated that the nets would remain at Friendly Hills and Marie
Park until it snows. She stated that they are awaiting information from the architect to bid the
Wentworth warming house project. She stated that Mendakota grading has been completed
and staff is still waiting to finalize the dugout project as previously mentioned. She recognized
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that the Ivy Hills project is a little behind, therefore trails will not be completed until the spring.
She stated that no changes have been made to the project, it is just running behind.
Commissioner Sherer asked if there is an update to the miscellaneous field repairs he had
previously mentioned earlier this summer.
Ms. Lawrence commented that the work has not been completed as staff has been busy. She
stated that they are hoping to place the fields on a rotating plan for maintenance, rather than
expending large amounts of money at once. She stated that the grading at Mendakota was
$20,000 for four fields, so about $5,000 per field.
Student Representative Hess asked if there has been any change with the lighting of the
pickleball courts.
Ms. Lawrence noted that item is on the agenda tonight and she has received positive feedback
thus far. She stated that the Commission will be asked to make a recommendation tonight.
Commissioner Cotter stated that the Commission previously wanted to make a recommendation
on the dugouts for Mendakota and the other three fields. He asked if it will continue to be
presented that the Commission recommends the work be done on all the fields recommended
and not just Mendakota.
Ms. Lawrence noted that it is her understanding that the fields recommended by the
Commission are the not same priority given by MHAA, therefore she wants the Commission to
review and discuss that before making that presentation to the Council.
Motion Klepperich/second Meyer to acknowledge the staff reports. AYES 7: NAYS 0
8. New Business
8.a Mound Request for Victoria Highlands
Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence stated that at the October meeting, MHAA
presented an overview of their spring and summer programs along with a list of desired
improvements. She noted that one request was to add a pitching mound to Victoria Highlands.
She stated that the field has been used for softball and baseball and is also used for other
sports such as kickball. She stated that the City currently has two fields with pitching mounds.
She stated that in speaking with City staff and neighboring communities there are some things
that should be considered. She stated that once a mound is installed, it takes the field offline for
softball use. She noted that baseball can utilize portable mounds, which are provided by the
association and not the City. She stated that although a mound would make that field a premier
location for baseball, it would remove it as an option for softball. She stated that once a mound
is installed, it is very difficult to remove. She stated that fields with infield turf tend to be more
suitable for a field with a mound. She stated that staff estimates a cost of $4,500 to install a
mound, which would include a “fluff and buff” of the infield of that site. She stated that the
request was not included in the 2022 budget and MHAA has not volunteered to contribute the
funds. She stated that in speaking with the City Administrator, because of the scope of the
project, the maintenance fund would need to be used and the Special Parks Fund could not be
used. She asked the Commission to review the request and provide a recommendation.
Commissioner Sherer stated that to his knowledge the request originated in August. He noted
that some of the parents and coaches for the travel baseball teams use Hagstrom, where there
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is a mound, and that age group next moves to Victoria Highlands, without a mound, and then to
Civic Center, which has a mound. He stated that his son plays travel baseball and in visiting
other communities, Mendota Heights is behind the curve in its amenities compared to the level
at which the teams compete. He stated that to his knowledge the mound at Hagstrom was
made by parents and the same offer was made by MHAA to have parents made the mound at
Victoria Highlands, but the City preferred to use a contractor. He confirmed that portable
mounds are used at fields without a permanent mound, but those are effectively permanent for
the season.
Chair Goldade stated that it would seem to make sense to have the younger children start at
Victoria Highlands, where there is not a mound and then transition to the fields that have
mounds.
Commissioner Sherer commented that it has to due with field dimensions. It was noted that
Hagstrom King is a smaller field.
Commissioner Blanks asked the proportion of use for the field between softball and baseball.
Ms. Lawrence stated that based on the invoices from this past season, there were 223 baseball
athletes, 128 travel baseball athletes and 101 softball athletes.
Commissioner Sherer stated that to his knowledge Victoria Highlands was not used by softball
and did not believe there were plans to do so.
Tom Stevens, MHAA, confirmed that softball does not use that field as it is primarily used for
baseball. He stated that MHAA uses certain fields for baseball and certain fields for baseball.
Commissioner Sherer stated that softball prefers shorter outfields and has different base
settings.
Ms. Lawrence stated that base locations can be changed based on the user. She stated that
adult softball only uses Mendakota. She stated that the numbers she provided are only for
MHAA athletes for all of the fields they reserve.
Mr. Stevens provided details on the anticipated field use between softball and baseball. He
stated that if Victoria Highlands were made a baseball field, they would still have equity in the
other fields to support the use of baseball and softball.
Commissioner Klepperich commented that he has visited fields in other communities where
portable mounds are kept on the side and wheeled out for the game and removed after the
game.
Commissioner Sherer confirmed that there are more portable mounds available and MHAA is
discussing the potential to upgrade equipment. He noted that there is still effort to get the
equipment on the field, balance, and level the mound.
Commissioner Meyer stated that she appreciates the coaches that help out with MHAA. She
stated that it is a lot of work to be a coach and then it is additional work to setup a mound. She
stated that there is a lot of work MHAA does that she considers above and beyond for an
organization run by parents. She stated that she supports the request, and the City should be
willing to make contributions as well.
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Chair Goldade asked if this request were changed from this field to a field at Mendakota.
Ms. Lawrence stated that could be an option to discuss but that would limit the ability to host
softball tournaments on all four fields and would also limit adult softball.
Commissioner Blanks commented that it would appear easier to place the mound at Victoria
Highlands then in order to avoid softball use at Mendakota. He asked if MHAA would be willing
to contribute towards the cost for this improvement.
Ms. Lawrence stated that she has not been made aware of that option.
Mr. Stevens commented that they would be willing to participate in the cost.
Chair Goldade stated that the Commission could include that as part of the motion, perhaps a
suggestion for a matching cost between the City and MHAA.
Commissioner Klepperich stated that once a mound is built, it needs to be maintained on a
regular basis and would need a tarp.
Commissioner Sherer commented that Mendakota has flexibility to host baseball, softball, and
different age ranges. He confirmed that he would prefer the mound at Victoria Highlands rather
than Mendakota.
Motion Sherer/second Meyer to recommend approval of the installation of a pitcher’s mound at
Victoria Highlands.
Further discussion: Commissioner Cotter stated that he would request that the motion be
amended to include a monetary contribution from MHAA and that there be a commitment by
MHAA to maintain the mound including the tarp that would be necessary.
Ms. Lawrence asked that the contribution be clarified.
Commissioner Cotter stated that he would ask that MHAA provide half the cost, so that the
improvement cost is split between the City and MHAA.
Commissioner Sherer suggested that MHAA provide the materials.
Ms. Lawrence stated that staff would recommend the cost be paid as a contractor would be paid
for that work and materials.
Commissioner Sherer stated that seems like a lot of money for a small six-inch mound.
Chair Goldade asked if Commissioner Sherer would accept the amendment.
Commissioners Sherer and Meyer accepted the amendment to the motion.
Commissioner Smith asked if MHAA maintains the mounds at Hagstrom and Civic Center.
Ms. Lawrence replied that for the most part MHAA maintains those mounds.
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AYES 7: NAYS 0
8.b Review of Marie Park Light Trial Program
Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence stated that the packet included
background information on the pilot program for fall light use to allow nighttime pickleball play at
Marie Park. She stated that the program ran through September and October in the trial format
agreed upon by the Commission and City Council. She stated that she received five comments
in support of continuing the program. She stated that throughout the entire program she did not
receive any complaints about the lights. She asked the Commission to review the program and
determine if they would like to continue a program for 2022. She stated that if the Commission
would like to implement a similar program at Friendly Hills, she would recommend following a
similar process to engage the residents adjacent to the park.
Commissioner Sherer asked if the hockey rink lights turn off at 8:00 p.m. during the winter
months.
Ms. Lawrence replied that hockey lights are on until 9:00 p.m. with the exception of Sundays
when lights turn off at 6:00 p.m.
Commissioner Sherer asked if there are complaints about the hockey lights.
Ms. Lawrence replied that she is not aware of any such complaints.
Commissioner Klepperich asked if there were any complaints related to lighting of the basketball
court.
Ms. Lawrence replied that she was not aware of any complaints and actually received positive
input from youth users on the ability to use the courts later.
Chair Goldade stated that it has been referenced that Council members stated that Marie Park
was busier. He noted that some citizens are concerned with the amount of use at Marie Park in
general.
Ms. Lawrence commented that some residents are concerned with the amount of traffic at Marie
Park. She commented that there are a lot of new facilities at Marie Park and people tend to go
where things are new. She stated that there are also only two parks with pickleball courts in the
community.
Chair Goldade asked if the discussion should focus on Marie Park and whether a trial could be
discussed for Friendly Hills in the spring.
Ms. Lawrence stated that if a trial is going to be done at Friendly Hills, she would recommend
following the same process they did for Marie Park, first engaging residents within 500 feet.
She stated that community engagement is very important and therefore she would want to
continue to follow that format. She stated that if the Commission is interested, she would like
the recommendation on that tonight in order to bring that forward to the Council and begin
engaging residents. She commented that this is a hot topic, and she has received calls from
residents, mostly related to Marie Park.
Chair Goldade asked if Commissioner Sherer was suggesting a shift from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
or whether that was just something he was asking.
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Commissioner Sherer confirmed that if there have been no issues for hockey, he would suggest
the same time for pickleball.
Commissioner Smith stated that in reviewing sunset times, that would only be an additional hour
after sunset in April and May.
Commissioner Blanks stated that he would support continuing the program with the hours of
5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Ms. Lawrence noted that in the trial program the lights were on seven days per week.
Student Representative Hess asked if the program would include lighting of the pickleball and
basketball court areas. He asked if the same would be done if the program is expanded to
Friendly Hills.
Ms. Lawrence confirmed that the Commission would need to make that determination for Marie
Park. She was unsure that the lighting would assist in basketball at Friendly Hills because of
the location of the lights.
Chair Goldade suggested removing the specific date for the springtime and instead using the
stipulation of when the ice and snow is gone, allowing lights to remain on until 9:00 p.m. He
stated that would end on June 14th and the program would begin again September 15th until
there is an accumulation of snow. He asked for input from staff on that suggestion.
Ms. Lawrence stated that there could be snow in October as well. She stated that she is fine
with that language as it provides flexibility. She stated that she would also like the authority for
staff to make the decision on when the program would end.
Commissioner Sherer asked if it would be fair to say that the nets are not installed until the
snow and ice has melted and therefore perhaps the lights could occur with net installation.
Commissioner Meyer commented that it seems there is support from residents to keep the lights
on until 9 p.m.
Commissioner Blanks noted that staff would also have discretion.
Motion Cotter/second Blanks to recommend to the City Council that the same process used for
Marie Park be used for Friendly Hills to determine if a pilot light project should be completed for
the pickleball courts. AYES 7: NAYS 0
Motion Goldade/second Blanks to recommend to the City Council that the pilot light program at
Marie Park continue in the spring to align with net installation and remain on until 9:00 p.m. until
sunset surpasses that time in the summer months and commence again in the fall until the nets
are removed. AYES 7: NAYS 0
8.c Winter Fest Ideas
Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence stated that based on input from the
Commission and City Council, staff is planning for a Winter Fest event. She stated that the
preliminary budget includes an expenditure of $5,000 and if adopted as the final budget, staff
would proceed with plans to host the event in early 2022. She asked for input from the
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Commission as to what it envisioned the event to consist of. She stated that locations should
also be suggested with a thought to available parking. She reviewed activities included in winter
events hosted by other communities.
Commissioner Meyer stated that she likes the idea of a snow sculpture contest. She also
suggested Mendakota because of the available parking and space for sculptures. She stated
that perhaps a “maker fair” concept could be incorporated where people could sell arts and
crafts. She stated that perhaps food trucks and cocoa could be available.
Commissioner Smith stated that an ice-skating loop could be made around the fields at
Mendakota.
Commissioner Blanks noted that there is also a sledding hill, so that would be a great location.
Kickball was also suggested.
Commissioner Klepperich cautioned against staging events that would require plowing fields as
that can cause significant damage. He did not believe there were heated structures, therefore
all events would truly be outdoors. He stated that perhaps a cross country ski event could be
hosted at the golf course. He stated that in the past he has been involved in car racing on a
lake but did not believe Rogers Lake would be an appropriate location and noted that event is
heavily dependent on cold weather.
Commissioner Smith stated that perhaps there could be an ice fishing contest on Rogers Lake
but was unsure how the aerator would impact the thickness of the ice.
Commissioner Cotter stated that perhaps there could be music at the bandshell at Mendakota.
Ms. Lawrence asked if any of the Commissioners would be interested in joining a
subcommittee.
Commissioners Meyer and Smith volunteered.
Ms. Lawrence stated that she is aiming to hold the event in February.
9. Unfinished Business
9.a Field and Facility Use Policy/Fee Review
Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence provided the annual field and facility use
policy and fee review. She reviewed the tennis courts policy and related fees, noting that the
2021 changes to rentals have been well received by the community. She highlighted the
tournament schedule and related fees including waivers that MHAA was awarded in past years
for traveling tournaments. She reviewed the staffing that is allocated and duties that are
performed for tournament weekends. She noted that MHAA was present at the last meeting to
provide input and made a request to allow tournament dates to be secured in January. She
stated that staff will bring forward that request to the City Council at an upcoming worksession
and if supported, would be implemented for 2022. She suggested that the Commission provide
a vote that she can bring forward to the City Council.
Chair Goldade asked if changing the deadline for application submittal from February to January
would meet the request of MHAA. He also suggested that all tennis court reservations be
eliminated.
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Ms. Lawrence stated that staff is requesting an additional staff person for 2022, and part of that
discussion is when that person would be added. She stated that reviewing permit requests is
time consuming. She stated that at a minimum she would be asking that they find a way for
MHAA to get what they need for Mendakota tournaments for 2022. She stated that it would
appear that the Commission would support the change for tournament applications. She stated
that the tennis court reservation process went well for 2021 but acknowledged that it is a lot of
work for her to supervise the courts and some residents are not happy to find a court reserved.
Chair Goldade stated that his suggestion is based on access for all in terms of tennis courts and
pickleball courts. He commented that residents should be able to use those facilities without
having to pay money. He stated that perhaps there can be expectations related to sharing of
the courts.
Commissioner Smith asked how many times user groups are paying fees for applications.
Ms. Lawrence replied that the application fee is paid when the application is submitted to the
City at a cost of $25. She stated that if a date is modified within the application timeframe,
another fee is not charged. She stated that application fees are charged per application cycle.
Commissioner Sherer asked for background on the $5 fee for the tennis courts, noting that it
appears to be more work for City staff than it is worth.
Ms. Lawrence replied that the fee was instituted in lieu of a $25 application fee for the entire
permit period. She explained that under the previous method, coaches were reserving courts
for private lessons for a cost of $25 for the entire season which prevented residents from having
use. She stated that the change in fee ensured that the reservations were adequately being
charged for use.
Commissioner Sherer stated that there are people on the pickleball courts every day when he
drives past the park, but he has not noticed anyone on the tennis courts.
Ms. Lawrence replied that the only courts that were reserved for 2021 were at Marie Park,
because they are the nicest courts. She stated that they do plan to resurface the Friendly Hills
tennis courts in 2022.
Commissioner Blanks asked if there has been negative feedback on the $5 fee.
Ms. Lawrence replied that she has not received negative feedback related to the $5 fee by the
users, but she has received negative feedback from residents that go to a court only to find out
it is reserved and believe they should have access.
Commissioner Sherer asked if the public has access to the courts at Two Rivers High School.
Chair Goldade stated that it would depend on who is asked and what time of day.
Student Representative Hess stated that he is unsure if they can be reserved, but he has
noticed people other than students using the courts.
Commissioner Meyer asked if removing Section L, related to tennis courts, would impact the
ability of the City to provide tennis lessons.
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Ms. Lawrence replied that the City has the ability to reserve its own facilities.
Commissioner Blanks asked if removing the fee would have an impact on the budget.
Ms. Lawrence replied that the City is not making money on those rental fees. She stated that if
an additional staff person is added for 2022, she believed staff could handle the reservations for
the courts but acknowledged it would be more work if that person is not added.
Commissioner Klepperich asked how an instructor would be impacted that wants to make
money off the use of the court if the reservation system and fee is eliminated.
Ms. Lawrence stated that technically when the Council wrote this policy, it stated that it did not
want to allow tennis courts for private lessons, but that is difficult to enforce. She stated that the
coaches that have tried to reserve courts have not been able to do so but are still using the
courts. She stated that she has had to go to the courts to referee use.
Commissioner Sherer asked if there is a sign at Marie Park that says no private lessons. He
stated that perhaps that would encourage those users to go elsewhere.
Commissioner Blanks asked if it has been considered to add a time limit on a sign.
Ms. Lawrence stated that if the Commission wants to ban that activity, it could pursue signage.
She stated that time limits are great when multiple people want to use the courts, but when
there are not other users it would make sense to allow people to continue to play.
Commissioner Meyer noted that there is quite a bit to talk about and would like to move from
tennis. She suggested that Section L be eliminated and instead signage be used asking users
to limit playtime when others are waiting.
Commissioner Klepperich suggested that the action be to eliminate the section at this time and
signage could be discussed at a later date.
Motion Meyer/second Goldade to eliminate Section L. AYES 7: NAYS 0
Commissioner Meyer referenced the application deadlines and asked if it would be helpful for
staff to split out permit requests for Mendakota and leave the deadline for the other permits.
Ms. Lawrence agreed that could be a good way to start the conversation with the Council. She
stated that there are other user groups that use Mendakota during the year, typically on
weekdays, therefore she would want to ensure all applications for that facility are received.
Commissioner Blanks asked if input is necessary in terms of fee reduction requests or whether
that was just information sharing.
Ms. Lawrence noted that was simply provided for information. She stated that the Council did
not want the fee schedule to be amended based on the waivers issued. She stated that she is
currently working with Dakota County related to recycling and solid waste that may need to be
incorporated into the policy.
Commissioner Sherer asked if January would be an appropriate date for tournaments.
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Commissioner Blanks noted that this will not be considered by the Council until December, so
January would be the first available date.
Motion Meyer/second Blanks to recommend that tournament permit requests for use of
Mendakota for March through July should be due the first business day in January.
Further discussion: Commissioner Sherer asked if that would work for MHAA.
Mr. Stevens replied that they would also need approval in January.
Commissioner Sherer suggested that language be added that approvals be granted by staff
within seven to ten days to ensure users have adequate time to market tournaments.
Mr. Stevens stated that the leagues ask for tournament requests at this time and therefore
MHAA is submitting those at risk.
Commissioner Blanks stated that in the future December would be ideal but recognized that
January is the best they can do this year.
Ms. Lawrence stated that she is the only staff person that can do this work, therefore the seven-
to-ten-day deadline makes her nervous in the case she is out of the office.
Commissioner Meyer agreed that the amendment is reasonable and noted that staff can provide
additional information to the Council.
Commissioner Sherer stated that it would make sense for the date to be the first business day in
January for 2022, but in the future the date should be the first business day in December.
Commissioner Blanks recognized that the change cannot be effective at the desired date for this
year, but perhaps the annual review is done earlier in the year next year to allow the change to
be made. He suggested only making a recommendation for 2022 at this time.
Commissioner Meyer recapped her motion.
Commissioner Sherer suggested an amendment to recommend staff review of requests within
14 days.
Commissioners Meyer and Blanks accepted the amendment.
Chair Goldade asked that the policy be reviewed in September of 2022 in order to make
necessary changes for the 2023 season.
AYES 7: NAYS 0
Commissioner Klepperich referenced page 50 and language included related to the control of
conduct and suggested a grammatical change.
Commissioner Sherer stated that he would be interested in discussing fees. He asked why fees
are charged at all to MHAA, which is the de facto provider of youth sports and programing in the
community. He noted that the t-ball program shifted from being run by the City to MHAA. He
14
noted that MHAA is predominantly run by parents. He stated that when fees are charged for the
fields, that burden falls to the families. He stated that his son played on a metro team this past
year and the statement was made that the team does not play in Mendota Heights because it
charges for field use. He stated that there are kids that do not sign up for sports because the
registration fees are too high.
Commissioner Blanks referenced the staff report which shows the cost breakdowns, including
the waiver amount for MHAA. He asked if the City could afford to take that structure away or
whether the cost structure supports the use of City staff.
Commissioner Cotter stated that he has heard the same comments as Commissioner Sherer.
He stated that he wants the children in the community to have as much opportunity for the fields
and facilities. He recognized that there is a balance that needs to happen to address
maintenance and future parks needs. He asked if there has been a comparison to what other
communities charge and whether the City’s fees are in line with what other communities are
doing.
Ms. Lawrence stated that there were fees since 1990, but they were never assessed, and
Mendota Heights began charging in 2018. She stated that it is very typical for metro cities to
charge for field use. She believed that Mendota Heights is actually below the average rate
charged by other municipalities. She noted that some cities and school districts charge per
hour, per field. She stated that user groups were solicited and preferred that they be charged
per played rather than per hour or per field. She stated that the goal for field use fees is not to
generate revenue, but to cover the associated costs to ensure that is not a burden supported by
the overall community that does not use the fields. She stated that the fees are meant to
address needed maintenance. She stated that in 2018 an additional public works employee
was added for the purpose of field and facilities at a cost of about $80,000 and the goal was to
reimburse about $30,000. She stated that in 2018, $8,000 was reimbursed through fees. She
stated that there was a large discussion in 2018 related to the policy.
Commissioner Sherer stated that he would view for-profit club sports differently than a non-profit
youth sports organization that provides service to the youth in community. He stated that while
$7 per player does not seem like a lot, there are other factors.
Chair Goldade stated that the process in 2018 took a long time in order to move from fees that
were not collected to fees that were collected. He stated that perhaps that issue be studied for
2023 if desired. He stated that his children benefited from the time fees were not collected and
noted that he would be interested to know the price difference from MHAA comparing that time
to now.
Commissioner Smith stated that she has an issue with non-profit community-based
organizations, as club sports have community members as well and already pay a higher rate.
Ms. Lawrence noted that some of the clubs are also non-profits.
Motion Sherer/second Blanks to extend previously approved reductions to MHAA for 2022 and
study reductions or eliminations of fees for certain user groups during 2022.
Further discussion: Commissioner Meyer stated that she is not clear on the reductions specified
in the motion.
15
Ms. Lawrence stated that she would read that motion to be that the maximum a tournament
could be charged for MHAA would be $498, noting that the motion would make a change to that
fee structure. She reviewed the current tournament fees charged.
AYES 6: NAYS 1 (Klepperich)
9.b Review Senior Golf Pass
Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence stated that the senior golf pass was
offered in 2021 and asked if the Commission would like to continue to offer the pass in 2022.
She stated that she is not recommending changes to the golf course fees for 2022. She
reviewed the number of punchcards sold in 2021 and provided an overview of the senior golf
pass program which began in June of 2021. She stated that she did not sell any senior passes
in 2021 nor did she receive any inquiries therefore it would be hard to determine any budget
impacts if there were changes. She asked if the Commission is interested in continuing the
program for 2022 and if so, what the parameters would be.
Motion Goldade/second Meyer to continue the Senior Golf Pass program in 2022 at a cost of
$200 for the full golf season with the same parameters as the previous year.
Commissioner Smith asked where seniors could find information on the golf pass.
Ms. Lawrence reviewed the marketing that was done for the program.
Chair Goldade commented that he believes it was a great idea but started late in the season,
therefore people chose to continue with the punchcards. He believed that starting the program
to run for the full season would provide more accurate information.
Commissioner Blanks stated that the statement was made that the price of $200 was chosen
because of the shorter season and asked staff for input.
Ms. Lawrence explained how the rate was charged. She commented that $200 is very
inexpensive compared to annual passes for other courses.
Commissioner Blanks asked if there would be a negative impact to not charging enough for the
pass.
Ms. Lawrence commented that $200 would equate to two punchcards, which is 20 rounds of
golf.
AYES 7: NAYS 0
9.c Strategic Planning Update
Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence stated that an update was provided within
the packet and provided a brief overview. She stated that this will be discussed at an upcoming
Council worksession and noted that she will bring a draft back to the Commission at its
December meeting. She stated that staff is working to get the volunteer program moving.
Commissioner Sherer asked for details on the budget process.
Ms. Lawrence provided an overview of the budget process. She noted that many of the items
desired by the Commission were not included in the preliminary budget.
16
9.d Approval of 2022 Meeting Calendar
Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence stated that a proposed calendar of 2022
meeting dates was included in the packet, highlighting three changes from the typical schedule;
related to other conflicts.
Motion Klepperich/second Meyer to approve the 2022 meeting calendar. AYES 7: NAYS 0
10. Staff Announcements
Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence shared the following announcements:
• The City is looking for warming house staff.
• A bonding request meeting was held today with legislators, and she highlighted the next
steps in that process.
• Other events can be found on the City’s website
11. Student Representative Update
None.
12. Commission Comments and Park Updates
Commissioner Sherer
• Fall weather has been conducive to extended park activity
• The greenspace at Hagstrom King continues to be used for many activities
Commissioner Meyer
• Agreed that the parks are busy with the nicer weather
Commissioner Klepperich
• A tennis net was missing, and one was set at a volleyball height at Ivy Hills
• The portable restroom at Civic Center has been removed for the season
• The improvements at Mendakota are great and the recent project was successful
• Thanks to Ms. Lawrence for her continued great work
Commissioner Blanks
• Kudos to staff for the signage alerting the community to bowhunting activity
• The basketball court is heavily utilized
Commissioner Cotter
• Nothing additional to add
Commissioner Smith
• Trail repairs were completed at Friendly Hills
Chair Goldade
• Wished that the City would keep portable restrooms out during the winter months for
walkers and runners
• Thanked residents near Marie Park for their cooperation during the pilot light program
which was successful
17
• Perhaps the Commission should think of updates that could be done to the marsh near
McDonalds to improve that as an amenity with another apartment building being
approved
13. Adjourn
Motion Klepperich/Second Meyer to adjourn the meeting at 9:04 PM
AYES 7: NAYS 0
Minutes drafted by:
Amanda Staple
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
18
DATE: December 14, 2021
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Meredith Lawrence, Recreation Program Coordinator
SUBJECT: Par 3 Update
Financial Report
An October financial report will be available at the meeting. Staff will review the current financial
forecast of the Par 3 and answer any questions the commissioners may have.
PLU Report
Attached is a PLU report for 2021 in relation to rounds of golf played.
Golf Course Equipment
At the December 7 City Council meeting the City Council approved the final 2022 budget which
included the addition of a new Aerator, Sand Pro, and Top Dresser. Staff will bring the 2022
equipment additions to the City Council for final approval.
•Sand Pro: $14,789.85 (Budgeted: $15,000) from Par 3 Fund
•Aerator: $26,205.88 (Budgeted: $26,000) from Fund Balance
•Top Dresser: $56,804.30 (Budgeted: $55,000) from Par 3 Fund
Senior Golf Pass
Staff brought the Commission’s recommendation to continue the Senior Golf Pass into 2022 to
the City Council meeting on December 7. This item was approved with no changes.
19 7a.
PLU
Time Period Weekend Greens Junior Weekday Holiday Greens Senior Weekday Weekday Greens Junior Weekend Senior Weekend Second Round Spring Rate Golf Fall Rate Golf Fall Rate Footgolf Footgolf 10 Round Pass 5 for $5 Total Rounds:Punch Card Rounds: Total:Notes:Revenue
3/13-3/14 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 95 0 0 0 4 0 95 40 135 Open 16 days 1345
3/18-3/18 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 0 0 0 0 0 14 0 14 Rain=2.82 inches, normal=1.89 inches 140
3/19-3/21 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 140 0 0 0 3 0 140 30 170 1723
3/21-3/25 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 81 0 0 0 8 0 81 80 161 1633.5
3/25-3/29 49 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 50 0 0 0 4 0 100 40 140 1683.25
3/29-3/31 0 17 0 8 43 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 68 60 128 1422.5
March Total:49 17 0 8 43 2 1 0 380 0 0 0 25 0 498 250 748 7947.25
4/1-4/4 94 0 0 14 62 7 5 2 0 0 0 16 11 0 200 110 310 Open 30 days 3687
4/4-4/12 72 9 0 33 70 18 4 9 0 0 0 0 15 4 219 150 369 Rain=2.50 inches, normal=2.66 inches 4442.75
4/12-4/18 122 7 0 22 53 23 12 2 0 0 0 3 13 0 244 130 374 4818
4/18-4/20 0 0 0 1 16 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 0 17 210
4/21/4/25 44 7 0 33 59 7 8 8 0 0 0 1 12 2 169 120 289 3451.75
4/25-4/29 0 4 0 17 40 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 62 20 82 986.25
4/29-4/30 0 7 0 38 90 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 10 0 137 100 237 2763.75
April Total:332 34 0 158 390 55 29 22 0 0 0 22 63 6 1048 630 1678 20359.5
5/1-5/2 114 0 0 0 0 25 19 2 0 0 0 17 3 0 177 30 207 Open 31 days 2825.25
5/2-5/9 143 16 0 70 131 21 15 9 0 0 0 18 10 1 424 100 524 Rain=3.28 inches, normal=3.91 inches 6685.5
5/9-5/13 0 4 0 43 111 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 3 0 162 30 192 2364
5/13-5/16 148 6 0 7 24 46 9 3 0 0 0 21 4 0 264 40 304 4205
5/16-5/20 0 5 3 67 102 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 2 0 187 20 207 2536
5/20-5/23 108 2 0 9 38 34 10 0 0 0 0 5 6 0 206 60 266 3574.5
5/23-5/28 0 6 0 52 101 0 0 3 0 0 0 4 2 0 166 20 186 2452.5
5/28-5/31 116 6 75 5 38 45 34 7 0 0 0 43 3 0 369 30 399 5586.75
May Total:629 45 78 253 545 171 87 37 0 0 0 109 33 1 1955 330 2285 30229.5
6/1-6/3 0 17 0 69 96 0 0 15 0 0 0 7 17 0 204 170 374 Open 30 days 4357.5
6/3-6/6 48 4 0 4 26 7 23 6 0 0 0 8 1 0 126 10 136 Rain=2.06 inches, normal=4.58 inches 2011
6/7-6/14 80 19 0 38 113 14 16 0 0 0 0 14 7 0 294 70 364 5072.75
6/14-6/17 0 15 0 48 105 0 0 5 0 0 0 2 2 0 175 20 195 2696.25
6/17-6/21 127 32 0 40 133 23 21 7 0 0 0 34 9 0 417 90 507 6829.25
6/21-6/27 126 44 0 95 150 12 21 7 0 0 0 8 5 1 464 50 514 7496.5
6/27-6/31 0 19 0 47 109 0 0 1 0 0 0 5 3 4 185 30 215 2913
June Total: 381 150 0 341 732 56 81 41 0 0 0 78 44 5 1865 440 2305 31376.25
7/1-7/6 38 33 46 49 162 11 7 4 0 0 0 30 4 0 380 40 420 Open 31 days 5926.5
7/6-7/13 129 47 0 96 197 23 29 15 0 0 0 35 6 0 571 60 631 Rain=.87 inches, normal=4.06 inches 8620.25
7/13-7/19 157 31 0 80 178 21 23 9 0 0 0 27 6 0 526 60 586 8315.5
7/19-7/23 0 39 0 81 169 0 0 7 0 0 0 3 3 0 299 30 329 4629.75
7/23-7/25 122 3 0 2 24 35 25 6 0 0 0 5 2 0 222 20 242 3592
7/25-7/31 88 35 0 57 174 13 4 28 0 0 0 16 5 0 415 50 465 6441
July Total: 534 188 46 365 904 103 88 69 0 0 0 116 26 0 2413 260 2673 37525
8/1-8/12 7 57 0 126 327 25 36 14 0 0 0 22 9 2 616 90 706 Open 31 days 12377.25
8/12-8/18 170 40 0 81 175 32 21 5 0 0 0 22 3 2 548 20 568 Rain=6.88 inches, normal=4.34 inches 8512.75
8/18-8/23 113 30 0 66 145 18 28 5 0 0 0 33 5 0 438 50 488 6817
8/23-8/27 0 23 0 41 105 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 2 2 176 20 196 2583.5
8/27-8/30 106 4 0 1 16 25 34 1 0 0 0 4 1 0 191 10 201 3152.75
8/30-8/31 0 16 0 41 65 0 0 3 0 0 0 10 1 2 137 10 147 2047.25
August Total: 396 170 0 356 833 100 119 30 0 0 0 94 21 8 2106 200 2306 35490.5
9/1-9/7 114 15 53 61 90 35 29 6 0 0 0 41 5 0 444 50 494 Open 30 days 6828.5
9/7-9/14 116 18 0 92 108 24 15 6 0 0 0 7 5 0 386 50 436 Rain=1.48 inches, normal=3.02 inches 6082.25
9/14-9/20 0 9 0 64 106 0 0 10 0 105 0 0 0 10 304 0 304 3922.25
9/21-9/24 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 149 0 0 0 0 149 0 150 1807
9/24-9/27 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 0 161 2 0 0 0 174 0 174 2096.25
9/27-9/30 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 158 40 0 0 2 200 0 200 2303
September Total: 230 42 53 218 304 59 44 35 0 573 42 48 10 12 1657 100 1758 23039.25
10/1-10/4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 132 4 0 0 0 136 0 136 Open 31 days 1659.5
10/4-10/10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 315 34 0 3 2 351 30 381 Rain=1.88 inches, normal=2.58 4402.5
10/10-10/15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 138 4 0 0 0 142 0 142 1690
10/15-10/19 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 161 17 0 0 0 180 0 180 1948.75
10/19-10/22 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 84 0 0 0 0 84 0 84 1019
10/22-10/25 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 76 23 0 0 0 101 0 101 1063
10/25-10/28 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 43 8 0 0 2 53 0 53 534.25
10/28-10/31 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 75 5 0 0 0 80 0 80 912.5
October Total:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 0 1024 95 0 3 4 1127 30 1157 13229.5
11/1-11/3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 8 0 8 Open 9 days 99.75
11/3-11/7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 193 5 0 0 0 204 0 204 2257.5
11/7-11/9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 34 0 3 0 2 45 0 45 478.75
November Total: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 0 235 5 3 0 2 257 0 257 2836
2021 Total: 2551 646 177 1699 3751 546 449 260 380 1832 142 470 225 38 12926 2240 15167 202032.75
Additonal Group Rounds-Invoiced 451 4510
Grand 2021 Total: 15618 206542.75
20 7a1.
DATE: December 14, 2021
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Meredith Lawrence, Recreation Program Coordinator
SUBJECT: Recreation Update
Tour De Rec Update
This school year youth and families are invited to join us on the first Thursday of every month at
local spots in Mendota Heights and West St. Paul. Staff will set up activities and provide
equipment for youth and families to enjoy. There will be games, sports, crafts, and more! This is
a drop-in program -- no registration required.
•January 6 (6:00pm-7:00pm)-Southview Park
•February 3 (6:00pm-7:00pm)-Marie Park
•March 3 (6:00pm-7:00pm)-Garlough Elementary Gymnasium
•April 7 (6:00pm-7:00pm)-Mendakota
•May 5 (6:00pm-7:00pm)-Mendota Elementary Gymnasium
Field Trips
In partnership with the Cities of West Saint Paul, South Saint Paul, and Inver Grove Heights, we
are hosting the following Winter break field trip opportunities:
•The Fun Lab: December 27 (8:00am-4:00pm)
•Snow Tubing and Swimming: December 28 (9:00am-4:30pm)
Soccer Camp
In partnership with the Cities of West Saint Paul and South Saint Paul, a soccer camp will be
offered over Winter break at the West Saint Paul Sports Dome on December 29 and 30.
2022 Recreation Offerings
Staff is in the process of finalizing the various recreational offerings for the 2022 season. More
information will be provided at the January Parks and Recreation Commission meeting.
Skating Lessons
Mendota Heights in conjunction with West Saint Paul is offering youth skating lessons on
Saturday’s from January 8 to February 12 at Marie Park.
21 7b.
Gymnastics Program
Mendota Heights and West Saint Paul are offering another session of youth gymnastics lessons
on Saturday’s, from January 15-March 5, at the Harmon Park Neighborhood Center.
Bean Bag Tournament
The Cities of Mendota Heights, West Saint Paul, and Inver Grove Heights are offering a teen bean
bag tournament on Saturday, January 15 from 11:00am-1:00pm at the Veterans Memorial
Community Center in Inver Grove Heights.
Blade with the Blue
The City of Mendota Heights recreation department will be partnering with the police
department to host, “Blade with the Blue” on Saturday, January 29. The event will take place at
Friendly Hills Park and will be from 1:00-3:30pm. Our police officers are excited to spend time
with youth in the community playing hockey. The event is free to the public, but registration is
required.
22
DATE: December 14, 2021
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Meredith Lawrence, Recreation Program Coordinator
SUBJECT: Park Improvement Update
Recreational Light Recommendation
Staff will be bringing the Commission’s recommendation to the City Council prior to the January
Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. Staff also plans to send out notices about utilizing the
lights at Friendly Hills in 2022 within the next few weeks. The February Parks and Recreation
Commission meeting will provide an opportunity for residents to provide feedback to the
Commission in order to make a recommendation to the City Council.
Mendakota Dugouts
The City Council approved the purchase order for the Mendakota Park Covered Dugouts at their
December 7 meeting. The concrete work completed this Fall cost $4,950. Century Fence’s quote
was $89,860 for the furnishing and installation of the dugouts. The total project cost for adding
dugouts to Mendakota Park is less than staff’s original estimate of $100,000. This project will be
funded through the Special Parks Fund.
Mound Request Recommendation
Staff brought forward the Commission’s recommendation to add a permeant mound to Victoria
Highlands at the November 16 meeting. After discussion the City Council asked for the item to
be tabled until staff can solicit feedback from the neighbors of the park and provide more
information on temporary mound options.
23 7c.
DATE: December 14, 2021
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Meredith Lawrence, Recreation Program Coordinator
SUBJECT: Dog Park Update
Commissioners have received correspondence from residents in regards to concerns at the
Mendota Heights Off-Leash Dog Park. Currently the Dog Park is categorized as an interim use
park until December 31, 2025.
One of the main concerns from residents was safety in regards to motor vehicle thefts at the
park. Staff worked with Police Captain Wayne Wegener to study crime data and incidents at the
Dog Park in 2021. In 2021 there have been three reported thefts from vehicles on Acacia
Boulevard, which is the street where parking is allowed at the Park. The first reported incident
was on March 9, the second was on June 3, and the third was on November 27. It is also important
to note on November 29 there was damage to a vehicle, but nothing was stolen.
In response to the resident concerns, staff has installed a sign at the park entrance that says, “Do
Not Leave Valuables in Vehicle.”
In addition, staff is also working with the Mendota Heights Police Department to study the site
in regards to crime prevention through environmental design, as well as educational methods
that can be used to encourage residents not to leave valuables in vehicles.
Staff is asking the public to call 9-1-1 to report crimes and suspicious activity at the Dog Park.
Another resident concern has been small holes that dogs dig within the Park. At this time staff
does not have capacity to continuously fill in holes throughout the day that are dug by dogs. The
City asks for dog owners to be responsible for their dogs.
REQUESTED ACTION:
None. This is an update based on a request from Chair Goldade and Vice Chair Klepperich due to
resident concerns. No action is recommended at this time.
24 7d.
DATE: December 14, 2021
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Meredith Lawrence, Recreation Program Coordinator
SUBJECT: Field and Facility Use Fee Discussion
INTRODUCTION:
The City Council has asked the Parks and Recreation Commission to review the 2022 fee schedule
in relation to club sports per-player fees and tournament fees in more detail.
BACKGROUND:
At the November Parks and Recreation Commission meeting the Commission made the following
recommendations to the City Council:
•Eliminate tennis court reservations for 2022 and enable courts to be utilized on a first
come, first serve basis
•Allow MHAA to submit Mendakota tournament requests the first business day in January
and ensure a prompt response from staff within 14 days
•Formally reduce the costs for tournaments for MHAA to a not-to-exceed fee of $498 per
weekend tournament
The City Council held a work session on November 15 to discuss parks and recreation related
items. The City Council reviewed the Commission’s recommendations and the following
consensus was reached.
At the work session on November 15 the City Council provided staff with the following feedback:
•The City Council asked staff to bring back the use fees to the Parks and Recreation
Commission to discuss the fee schedule in regards to tournaments and club usage.
•The City Council was in favor of amending the application deadline for tournaments at
Mendakota Park for Spring/Summer usage to the first business day in January. The
consensus of the City Council was to allow staff 21 days to respond to the requests to
ensure a timely response for applicants. This was formally approved by the City Council
at their December 7 meeting.
•The City Council provided staff with feedback that they were not in favor of eliminating
the tennis court reservations for 2022, and instead would prefer to leave that portion of
the policy the same as it was in 2021.
25 8a.
Another important discussion point for the 2022 season is the implementation of Dakota County
Ordinance 110 Solid Waste Management; which addresses recycling and waste management
requirements designed to reduce waste going to landfills, improve the quality of materials
recycled, and make progress toward the state’s goal to recycle 75 percent of waste by 2030.
Mendota Heights City Code (4-2-2) defines Large Event Venues with Organics: A public gathering
of at least three hundred (300) people that generates at least one (1) ton of municipal solid waste
or contracts for eight (8) cubic yard or more per location and generates organics back-of-house.
Examples include but are not limited to concerts, fairs, festivals, community events, athletic
tournaments, parades, etc.
Mendota Heights City Code (4-2-4) provides the following Collection and Disposal Regulations:
Property owners, event sponsors and managers for large event venues with organics shall:
•Ensure Dakota County’s designated list of recyclables are collected for recycling.
•Provide a collection schedule and containers adequate to meet the requirements of this
chapter. Container locations must include but are not limited to: indoor and outdoor
locations, public spaces, private spaces, and communal spaces.
•Ensure all trash collection containers or collection chutes are co-located within ten feet
(10') from a recycling container or recycling chute. Each container or chute must have
equal access.
•Ensure all trash, recyclables, and organics collection containers are clearly labeled or
marked to adhere to the standards found in Dakota County Ordinance 110, Section
16.06(A).
•Ensure all trash is delivered to a facility licensed or permitted to accept the waste,
recyclables are delivered to a recycling facility, and organics are delivered for food
recovery or to a composting facility or anaerobic digester.
•Provide solid waste abatement messaging in print or electronic form to each employee,
tenant, multiunit resident, student, volunteer, and housekeeping and custodial
contractors. Messaging must be documented and follow the solid waste abatement
messaging published on the Dakota County website and occur:
o At least annually.
o Within thirty (30) days of any substantive change to generator’s waste program.
o Within thirty (30) days of a new hire or new tenant.
As part of this new ordinance from Dakota County, which was adopted as part of the Mendota
Heights City Code in 2020, the City needs to determine who is responsible for solid waste disposal
going forward. The Public Works Director would like to discuss moving these responsibilities on
tournament weekends from Public Works staff to the private user group.
As part of the Mendota Heights City Code and Dakota County Ordinance 110, all concessions
users that are selling non-prepackaged food, including hotdogs, must conduct organics
collections at the event.
Attached is a draft “Waste and Recycling Requirements for Events on City Property” checklist for
users if the City is going to transfer tournament solid waste removal responsibility to the user.
26
Staff estimates the total cost for an 8 cubic yard trash and 8 cubic yard recycling dumpster, along
with delivery costs for a Friday morning drop off and Monday morning pickup, to be $310 per
weekend.
Due to a small amount of organics collections based on past concessions stand permits, the City
would help coordinate organics collection for back of house waste. The community organics
dumpster can not be used for special events.
This information was presented to the City Council at their November 15 work session. The City
Council has asked the Commission to review the following options in regards to 2022 tournament
fees:
•Charge the current 2021 tournament fees per the fee schedule
•Reduce tournament fees to a not-to-exceed fee of $498 and require user groups to
coordinate their own solid waste removal and hire a company to provide dumpsters
•Charge the current 2021 tournament fees per the fee schedule and require user groups
to coordinate their own solid waste removal and hire a company to provide dumpsters
The City Council also asked the Commission to review the club per-player user fee and determine
if it should be increased for 2022.
Attachments: 2021 Field and Facility Use Fees
Draft Waste and Recycling Requirements-Events on City Property
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
The Commission should review the 2022 fees options brought forward by the City Council and
provide a recommendation to the City Council in regards to club per-player fees and tournament
fees.
ACTION REQUESTED:
If the Commission concurs, it should, by motion recommend to the City Council fees for 2022 in
relation to club per-player fees and tournament fees.
27
City of Mendota Heights
Field and Facility Use Fees
2021
Priority Level 3: Youth Athletic Associations
Priority Level 4: Youth Sports Clubs and Leagues
Priority Level 5: Mendota Heights Residents (Personal Use)
Priority Level 6: Mendota Heights Businesses/Commercial Organizations
Priority Level 7: Non-Mendota Heights Residents, Organizations, Businesses
APPLICATION FEE
$25.00 per Permit Request due at the time the request is submitted-non-refundable
FIELDS
User Group Soccer, Baseball, Softball,
Football, Lacrosse
Priority Level 3 $7 per player/season
Priority Level 4 $10 per player/season
Priority Level 5 $10 per hour/per field
Priority Level 6 $15 per hour/per field
Priority Level 7 $15 per hour/per field
TOURNAMENTS
All Sports/All Locations
User Group Use Fee Field Prep Fee
Priority Level 3 and 4 $50 per day/per field $35 per field/per day
(required)
Priority Level 5, 6 and 7 $50 per day/per field $35 per field/per day
(optional)
ICE RINKS
User Group Rinks
Priority Level 3 $4 per hour/per rink
Priority Level 4 $6 per hour/per rink
Priority Level 5 $4 per hour/per rink
Priority Level 6 and 7 $8 per hour/per rink
28 8a1.
WASTE AND RECYCLING REQUIREMENTS:
EVENTS ON CITY PROPERTY
All Events on City Property with a total of 300 or more people in attendance throughout the
duration of the event (set up to clean up) must:
Submit a detailed plan to the City 30 days prior to the event on how event waste will be handled,
including responsible parties for obtaining the hauler service, providing education to
staff/volunteers on proper waste removal and placing and emptying containers.
Event manager must provide the City with details regarding the waste hauler that has been
contracted by the private group. The event manager must work with the City to determine the
best site to place the recycling and garbage dumpsters for the event’s duration.
Event manager must ensure all trash and recycling containers provided by the City are properly
paired within 10 feet and each container is labeled in accordance with Dakota County
requirements (standardized terminology and images, blue for recycling, black for trash).
All event staff/volunteers must attend a City training on proper waste and recycling practices
within Mendota Heights parks.
Event manager must submit $200 deposit to the City that will be returned at the successful
completion of the tournament if the Park is cleaned up, trash/recycling are properly disposed,
and back of the house organics are properly disposed.
29 8a2.
DATE: December 14, 2021
TO: Parks & Recreation Commission
FROM: Ryan Ruzek, P.E., Public Works Director
SUBJECT: Wentworth Park Warming House Review
INTRODUCTION
The Commission is asked to review the preliminary plans for the Wentworth Warming house.
Barbeau Architects has been working on compiling a bid package for the Wentworth Warming
House Replacement.
Attached is a preliminary site plan, elevation plans, and building layout and sections.
ACTION REQUIRED
The Commission is asked to provide feedback on the proposed design.
30 8b1.
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8b3.
P R E L I M I N A R Y33
DATE: December 14, 2021
TO: Parks & Recreation Commission
FROM: Ryan Ruzek, P.E., Public Works Director
SUBJECT: Friendly Hills Park Boundary Signage
INTRODUCTION
The Commission is being asked to review a request to install park boundary signs at Friendly Hills
Park.
Staff has received a complaint regarding properties clearing vegetation on city owned property
around Friendly Hills Park Pond (map attached).
In investigating the complaint, staff did discover a number of properties that have made private
improvements on the city park land.
Staff will send enforcement letters to the properties but is asking the Commission for input on
installing “Park Boundary” signs at the property corners for the abutting lots.
Similar signs were installed at Oheyawahe/Pilot Knob adjacent to one remaining residential
property.
ACTION REQUIRED
The Commission is asked to provide a recommendation for installing park boundary signs around
Friendly Hills Pond.
34
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35 8c2.
DATE: December 14, 2021
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Meredith Lawrence, Recreation Program Coordinator
SUBJECT: Dugout Recommendation
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
At the August 10 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting the Commissioners made a
recommendation to the City Council to install dugouts at Ivy Hills Park, Victoria Highlands Park,
and Valley Park Ball Fields. At the October Parks and Recreation Commission meeting the
Mendota Heights Athletic Association (MHAA) presented to the Commission a review of their
Spring/Summer seasons and also provided a list of 22 recommended park improvements. One of
the requests from MHAA was to add dugouts to the following parks: Victoria Highlands, Valley
Park, Civic Center, Marie, and Ivy Hills Park. The Parks and Recreation Commission’s
recommendation was different than MHAA’s top three sites for dugouts.
DISCUSSION:
Based on MHAA’s request to the City, staff and the Parks and Recreation Commission felt it was
necessary to revisit the Commission’s request before bringing the recommendation to the City
Council. Staff is estimating adding dugouts at each park to be $20,000-$25,000.
REQUESTED ACTION:
The Parks and Recreation Commission should review their recommendation to the City Council
and determine if any changes should be made in regards to the locations recommended for
dugouts.
36 9a.
DATE: December 14, 2021
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Meredith Lawrence, Recreation Program Coordinator
SUBJECT: Draft Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan
INTRODUCTION:
The Parks and Recreation Commission is asked to review and discuss the Draft Mendota Heights
Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan that staff has written based on Strategic Planning Sessions.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
This past June, the City Council, along with the Parks and Recreation Commission and key staff,
worked with the City’s consultant, Hue Life, to discuss the City’s goals in relation to Parks and
Recreation. In addition, staff solicited community feedback surrounding Parks and Recreation
from residents through a POLCO survey and listening sessions. Staff compiled the results from
the various stakeholder engagement sessions into a working document.
The resulting Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan outlines guiding principles,
goals, action items, and desired outcomes, and serves as the framework for staff to plan and
execute the vision of the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council. At the meeting staff
will present the strategic planning document and will be available to answer questions and gain
insight from the Parks and Recreation Commission on initial reactions.
As reflected in the supplemental documents, the action items are in varying stages of being
addressed. In the future, staff will report monthly to the Parks and Recreation Commission on
the progress being made on the identified strategic priorities.
This item was brought to the City Council on November 15 at a work session for initial review.
The Council has asked for more demographic research to be completed, as well as tying in the
Mendota Heights Parks CIP into the Strategic Planning Document.
RECOMMENDATION:
The Commission should provide feedback to staff in regards to the document. Staff will refine
the document and bring it back to the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council in
Quarter 1 of 2022 when more research and supplemental information is complete.
37 9b.
City of Mendota Heights
Parks & Recreation
STRATEGIC PLAN
Draft Presentation| November 15, 2021
38
9b1.
City of Mendota Heights · Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan | 1
INTRODUCTION/CONTEXT
The City of Mendota Heights offers a robust system of recreational and open space options,
which includes regional trails, lakeside parks, scenic bluffs, and nature preserves. The City’s
facilities provide unique features that shape the character of Mendota Heights beyond the
ordinary. The City’s parks provide a visual identity to the City, in addition to contributing to the
quality of life for those who recreate in the community.
Mendota Heights has over 771 acres of parks and open spaces, which include both active and
passive recreation areas, along with other state and private parks.
The City’s 33 miles of trails offer an excellent opportunity for exercise and relaxation.
Opportunities for walking, bicycling, bird watching, cross country skiing, golfing and nature
hiking are sprinkled throughout Mendota Heights.
The City’s parks are supplemented by three golf courses: Mendakota Country Club, Somerset
Country Club, and the Mendota Heights Par 3 Municipal Course. These contribute to open space
views and recreational opportunities for residents.
Throughout the last fifteen years the city has made improvements and developed new parks. It
has also made efforts to maintain existing open space such as purchasing the 17-acre Mendota
Heights Par 3 Golf Course. The City recently joined in partnership with other public entities and
purchased the 25.5 acre Pilot Knob area, which will be retained as open space. Protection of the
Pilot Knob area as an important Dakota site has been identified as a critical issue for many
residents within the City. Oheyawahe/Pilot Knob was placed on the National Register of Historic
Places in 2017. A task force has been formed to pursue short and long-term goals for the
preservation of and improvements to Historic Pilot Knob.
The City has 17 public parks throughout the community, including Historic Pilot Knob. These
parks contain over 295 acres of land area.
In the 1990’s, a majority of the most recent park upgrades were made due to a voter approved
parks focused referendum. While the need and interest for recreational opportunities has
increased over the years, the improvement of park equipment and infrastructure has not
occurred due to a poor funding and proactive planning.
Over the last thirty years the way residents recreate has also changed. Recreational interests
have evolved to include new opportunities such as skateboarding, pickleball and cricket. The
City Council, Parks and Recreation Commission, and staff must evaluate the current parks
infrastructure and recreation programming along with the proposed recreational and park
improvements from a 21st century lens.
39
City of Mendota Heights · Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan | 2
STRATEGIC PLAN PURPOSE/PROCESS
To start the discussion regarding the future of Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation, Parks and
Recreation Commissioners and City Councilmembers along with key staff underwent strategic
planning sessions to discuss the current conditions and desired future of the park system and
programming. This process better articulated the needs and wants of residents and how that is
different from the facilities and programs that are currently offered within the City. This process
has included information from following areas:
• Inventory of Existing Park Amenities
• National Metric Comparison Research to Current Facilities
• Community Engagement Results to Determine Needs
• Discussions Surrounding Future Goals of Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation
• Policy Direction and Implementation Planning
This strategic plan serves as a road map to how and where park and recreational improvements
should be developed in both the immediate future and in the long-term.
Mendota Heights Vision Statement:
Mendota Heights will be recognized as a high quality, family-
oriented residential community, with a spacious natural feel
and the amenities of a city.
Mendota Height Mission Statement:
Our mission is to preserve and enhance the quality of life in
Mendota Heights by providing quality public safety,
infrastructure, and planning for orderly and sustainable growth.
40
City of Mendota Heights · Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan | 3
CURRENT STATE OF
MENDOTA HEIGHTS PARKS AND RECREATION
STRENGTHS
1. Stable Tax Base
The City of Mendota Heights is comprised of a strong tax base consisting of
formidable income and economic activity within the City. Mendota Heights
features high median property values and incomes, which provide strong financial
support for City goals, initiatives and projects. The City also boasts a AAA bond
rating, which reflects the City’s financial strength and stability.
2. City Good Will
The City has established strong relationships with residents which has resulted in
trust and respect between elected and appointed officials, staff, and the
community. By properly engaging stakeholders, the City has established
connections to discuss wants/needs and next steps moving forward. Relationships
with residents are imperative to ensure a successful Park and Recreation operation
into the future.
3. Sustained Commitment to Excellence of Services
The City Council and Parks and Recreation Commission holds staff to a high
standard in regards to programming, park planning, community building and
engagement. Staff works to implement best practices in their work and deliver
process improvement and policy changes to best serve the residents of Mendota
Heights.
4. Existing Partnerships
The City of Mendota Heights values its positive working relationships with the
Cities of West Saint Paul, South Saint Paul, Inver Grove Heights, and ISD 197. These
existing partnerships enable large scale programs and events that would be
difficult to host singularly. By working together each city’s budget is stretched
further and human capital is shared. Discussions regarding current and future
partnership opportunities are ongoing and staff is working to form partnerships
with other local organizations for optimized opportunities for our residents.
5. Educated and Motivated Citizens
The residents of Mendota Heights care about their community and are passionate
about their park system. Garnering community engagement is important as
residents and stakeholders ask educated and intellectual questions surrounding
programming and park planning. The Mendota Heights community wants to be
involved in providing high quality programming and facilities within the City.
41
City of Mendota Heights · Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan | 4
WEAKNESSES
1. Lack of Planning Around Funding
Many of the City’s amenities and facilities within the Park System have not been
replaced or updated since a Park referendum in the late 1980’s. Adequate
funding of the upkeep and maintenance of exiting infrastructure has not been
budgeted for or properly planned. The Special Parks Fund has restrictions for use
and with a lack of land for development, future funding from this revenue source
will not be reliable.
2. Insufficient Planning
Proactive park improvement project planning has not been a priority. A rolling
Capital Improvement Plan has not been regularly reviewed in order to properly
schedule projects and ensure funding is available. Moving forward, dedicated
staff to supervise this process as well as regular review of the process/strategic
plan is necessary to ensure proactive forethought is developed.
3. Competing Interests
The Mendota Heights community consists of passionate individuals surrounding
recreational opportunities. This results in differing priorities for park
improvement projects and programming. Prioritizing park project requests, field
and facility usage, and the utilization of funding available has been challenging.
4. Lack of Indoor Programming Space
The City lacks indoor gathering space to hold differing and unique programming
opportunities. Currently, all indoor programs are conducted in partnership with
the City of West Saint Paul. The popularity of partnering programming will limit
Mendota Heights participation in indoor events.
5. Lack of Future Park Land
The City of Mendota Heights is 95% built out, resulting in a lack of new
recreational park land for development. The redesigning of existing park spaces
will be crucial in providing modern and contemporary park amenities. With a lack
of land, properly prioritizing projects will be imperative to providing an equitable
park system.
6. Lack of Staff Resources
The current Mendota Heights organizational structure provides one dedicated
administrative employee working on parks planning and recreational program
organization. With the current staffing model, being proactive on park projects
and increasing recreational offerings is difficult to achieve.
42
City of Mendota Heights · Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan | 5
OPPORTUNITIES
1. Generational Turnover
The demographics of Mendota Heights have changed since the 1989 parks
referendum. The median age of Mendota Heights residents is 51.2 years, which is
considerably higher than surrounding cities.
Median Age of Surrounding Cities:
• Eagan: 38.2 years
• West Saint Paul: 37.3 years
• South Saint Paul: 35.1 years
• Inver Grove Heights: 39.7 years
• Apple Valley: 38.2 years
• Saint Paul: 33 years
• Lakeville: 36.6 years
• Farmington: 33.7 years
• Burnsville: 36.8 years
Mendota Heights’ current population by age category are as follows:
• Under 5 Years Old: 5.03%
• 5-17 Years Old: 14.5%
• 18-24 Years Old: 4.48%
• 25-34 Years Old: 8.11%
• 35-44 Years Old: 9.15%
• 45-54 Years Old: 13%
• 55-64 Years Old: 16.96%
• 65-74 Years Old: 14.5%
• 75 Years Old+: 10.6%
With these changing demographics the City must offer programs and provide
facilities that enable adults and senior citizens to be active. Equity within a park
system is imperative to ensure all residents have equal opportunities to recreate
near their home. Engaging the senior population will be important in order to
better understand our community’s wants and needs.
2. Public Interest in Parks
With the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the Mendota Heights park system saw
record setting usage. Parks became one of the only places people could visit when
restaurants, stores, and entertainment venues were forced to close. Our park
system was recognized as an essential resource for the physical and mental health
of residents. This realization sparked an interest from residents to determine how
parks could be improved and better utilized moving forward.
43
City of Mendota Heights · Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan | 6
3. Potential Funding Sources
With the recent increase in park usage due to COVID-19, Mendota Heights has
been approached by residents and groups wanting to financially provide support
for ongoing improvements in the parks. Finding proper channels and processes to
receive these donations will be important to successfully upgrading the park
system. Opportunities regarding grants are also available and need to be applied
to receive funding.
4. Underutilized Volunteers
The City has many talented and passionate residents who want to give back to
their community. Currently the City of Mendota Heights lacks a formalized
volunteer program. The need for a formal volunteer program to solicit volunteers,
ensure proper backgrounding is completed, provide work direction, and track
hours in order to provide recognition is necessary.
5. Bourn Lane Site
The City has one remaining parcel of land in the Southwest portion of the City
that the City Council will need to advise staff in the future of how they want that
land utilized. This 14.75 acre parcel is being considered for park usage, in addition
to being considered for other uses within the City.
6. Additional Resources and Options
With an additional Parks and Recreation staff planned in FY2022, Mendota
Heights can expand opportunities in regards to programming and infrastructure
improvements. Discussion and decisions regarding funding allocation in future
years will also be important to determine the need for better communication,
extensive maintenance, and other public services to the community.
7. Regional Partnerships
Mendota Heights has many local businesses, non-profits, and neighboring
governmental organizations that provide opportunities for joint programming and
partnership on facilities. Each neighboring jurisdiction providing unique amenities
enable the community many recreational options in close proximity. Duplication
of unique amenities is not necessary if proper planning is developed.
44
City of Mendota Heights · Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan | 7
THREATS
1. Neighboring Cities
Neighboring cities to Mendota Heights currently have more facilities and better
indoor space for programming and rentals. The reality is larger cities typically
have larger budgets, which results in larger facilities. As a smaller City this is
something that will need to be understood and accepted by the community.
2. Increasing Costs
With the reality of the economy, the cost of services, goods, and equipment is
going to continue to rise. This is something that will need to be considered when
discussing new capital projects, as well as budgeting the cost to maintain existing
infrastructure.
45
City of Mendota Heights · Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan | 8
FUTURE OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS PARKS AND
RECREATION
In the next three years the following will be accomplished based on the City Council, Parks and
Recreation Commission, and staff.
Guiding Principles explain the vision of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation and provide
the basis for goals, actions, and outcomes.
Goals provide desired results that are planned and committed to.
Guiding Principle:
Sustained Funding for Parks and Recreation
Goal: Secure Sustainable Funding for Projects
Action Items:
Staff will provide the City Council with funding options to ensure there is financing for
future park improvements and recreational programming for future generations.
Policy recommendations regarding field and facility naming rights for donations as well
as identifying corporate partners will be provided to the City Council.
A relationship with the Mendota Heights Foundation will be formed to enable private
funding opportunities for residents who want to financially support park and recreation
opportunities.
Staff will research grant opportunities available for projects included in the City’s Capital
Improvement Plan and will work with the City Council to submit applications.
The City Council will discuss the conversion of the Par 3 bond payments into a park
improvement levy starting in 2023.
A referendum will be researched and information provided to the City Council in order
for an educated decision to be made on next steps moving forward.
Outcome:
Long term Parks and Recreation dedicated finances will be identified and will be utilized to
fund projects under the parks Capital Improvement Plan. The Capital Improvement Plan will
be well developed to ensure projects are following the recommended useful life timeframe
outlined in the Asset Management Plan, while ensuring all parks have adequate funding to
46
City of Mendota Heights · Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan | 9
ensure equity within the City. The City will have developed and maintained strong
public/private partnerships within the Community to provide optimal recreational
opportunities to our residents at a reasonable taxing rate.
Guiding Principle:
A Leading Community Agency
Goal: Mendota Heights is a Model Organization
Action Items:
Staff will provide the City Council with recommended policy changes in regards to the
allocation of fields and facilities reservations, special events, donations, etc.
Staff will form a successful volunteer program that helps to provide more human capital
within community initiatives.
Staff will work with the City Council to follow the organizational recommendations and
standards of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Commission of
Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) program in order to provide
continued high-level services to the residents of Mendota Heights
Mendota Heights staff will chair a group consisting of neighboring cities to discuss
projects to ensure duplication does not occur, opportunities for partnerships on
programming and facilities, and to provide a basis for policy recommendations.
City staff will submit initiatives to be considered for the Minnesota Recreation Park
Association (MRPA) awards of excellence, which is awarded to Cities that have
outstanding achievements in the following categories: administrative or management
strategies, marketing and communications, park and facility projects, programming and
events, sponsorships and partnerships, and volunteer initiatives.
Outcome:
City Staff will work closely with the City Council to make strategic decisions that ensure the
City is a recognized leader throughout the industry on best practices. This will include being
innovative and creative in regards to constructing new amenities, implementing new and
emerging trends nationwide, and developing policies to ensure equitable practices.
Mendota Heights will be a recognized leader in the Park and Recreation field in Minnesota.
47
City of Mendota Heights · Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan | 10
Guiding Principle:
Greater Connection to the Natural Environment
Goal: Manage Park Natural Resources
Action Items:
A Natural Resource Commission will be established to provide the City Council with
recommendations on sustainability, environmental stewardship, and preserving
natural habitats. Recommendations will be made on policies and initiatives that
enhance and preserve the environment and natural resources within the
community.
Staff will determine locations that grass areas can be converted to no-mow areas to
provide more native spaces within the park system and community as a whole.
Joint meetings between the Parks and Recreation Commission and Natural Resource
Commission will provide opportunities for the two advisory commissions to ensure
they are working together for the betterment of Mendota Heights parks.
Opportunities for nature-based recreation and nature play areas will be researched.
Outcome:
Through partnership with the Natural Resource Commission and Natural Resource staff
our parks will provide a clean and safe space with natural areas. Passive recreation areas
will be reviewed and prioritized for refurbishment to ensure residents have easy access
to nature play locations and programming.
*A Natural Resource Management plan is being written. Many natural resource initiatives within
parks will be included in the Natural Resource Management Plan. Those policies and practices
were not included in this plan to reduce duplication and to hone in on priorities. *
* The City Council will continue to work with the Historic Pilot Knob Task Force to protect and
preserve the natural space and sacred history the space provides. Historic Pilot Knob Task Force
initiatives were not included in this plan, as their own future planning is developed in a separate
document.*
48
City of Mendota Heights · Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan | 11
Guiding Principle:
A Safe, Connected, Walkable and Bikeable Community
Goal: Improve Trail Connectivity
Action Items:
A bike and pedestrian plan will be completed to determine gaps within our trail system.
Staff will work with the City Council to address these gap locations and provide plans for
improvement.
Staff will work with the City Council to rehabilitate existing low-quality trails to improve
connectivity.
Staff will continue to advocate for our residents by encouraging our partners to add
sidewalks on state and county roads.
Outcome:
With renovated trails residents will be encouraged to walk to parks, shopping areas, and
other local destinations. Residents within Mendota Heights will have the ability to safely
bike and walk within the community. This work will proactively provide better neighborhood
connectivity to bring the community together for social interaction and morale building. The
overall safety of Mendota Heights residents will be greatly improved by this initiative.
49
City of Mendota Heights · Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan | 12
Guiding Principle:
Vibrant and Diverse Community Programming
Goal: Expanded Programming
Action Items:
Staff will provide the City Council with a yearly calendar of programming ideas
during budget season to determine the necessary costs needed for execution.
Staff will increase the amount of community events.
Outcome:
The City will organize programming for residents that provide opportunities for all
residents regardless of age, race, ethnicity, income and skills to participate. New,
innovative program offerings will be provided in addition to the regular offerings
currently provided. Staff will work to collaborate as much as possible with neighboring
cities in order to minimize costs and staff needs.
Guiding Principle:
Recreational Facilities for All Ages
Goal: Prioritize Project and Initiatives
Action Items:
A rolling Capital Improvement Plan will be reviewed bi-annually and updated by
staff, the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council. This list will be formed
by the Asset Management Plan in relation to useful life, community needs based on
resident engagement, and national trend research and comparisons.
If directed by the City Council, staff will explore the utilization of the Bourn Lane site
for recreational use in the form of a Master Plan/Concept Plan to determine if the
proposed recreational space is the correct use for the community.
The City will look for opportunities to form local partnerships that ensure our
community is involved in and has access to regional facilities.
Staff will regularly compare our park amenities to the national park delivery
standards for cities our size.
50
City of Mendota Heights · Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan | 13
Engagement with the residents, stakeholders and user groups will be conducted to
get feedback on features, amenities, and layouts desired in new facilities.
Outcome:
The City will have a roadmap for the next five years on plans to properly provide safe
and equitable recreational facilities for residents. With a defined process for reviewing
capital improvement project requests, astute financial planning will work hand in hand
with our Capital Improvement Plan and Asset Management Plan to ensure an organized
process moving forward.
Guiding Principle:
Effective Two-Way Communication with
an Informed Community
Goal: Know the Community
Action Items:
Staff will continue to find creative ways to provide the community with information
surrounding Parks and Recreation. A survey will be conducted to determine what
are the best forms of communication for our community.
In collaboration with other city departments (Police and Fire) our staff will be
present in the community and form relationships to better understand the wants
and needs of our residents.
Listening sessions will be conducted regularly with groups of the community by the
Parks and Recreation Commission.
A new website will be completed and launched with better Parks and Recreation
information easily accessible to residents.
Outcome:
By better understanding our community, decisions surrounding park improvement
projects and programming will be made to best serve the Mendota Heights community.
Information will be more readily available to residents and new information and
updates will be better communicated to reach as many residents as possible within
reason.
51
City of Mendota Heights · Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan | 14
Guiding Principle:
Human Capital
Goal: Attract and Retain Qualified Employees and Volunteers
Action Items:
Add a Parks and Recreation Manager to the City’s organizational structure to
manage park improvement projects and planning and lead golf course operations in
collaboration with the Recreation Program Coordinator (1 FTE) and an Office
Support Assistant (.5 FTE).
Establish a City volunteer program where volunteers can help on projects and at
special events. A formal policy for volunteering will be written and presented to the
City Council.
Bring recommended updates to the seasonal pay matrix to recruit and retain
qualified staff for programming, park maintenance, and Par 3 operations.
Provide training and education for park and recreation employees to ensure a
qualified and engaged team of employees is developed.
A yearly review of staffing will be needed to determine if adequate resources are
available to implement the priorities of the strategic plan by the City Council.
Outcome:
By properly utilizing volunteers and empowering staff to think outside past practices,
the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Department will consist of high-quality
employees dedicated to serving the residents of Mendota Heights and surrounding
communities.
52
City of Mendota Heights · Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan | 15
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Our Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) are a set ofLe quantifiable measurements that will be
used to determine the Park and Recreation staff’s achievement of the City Council approved
Strategic Plan. These KPI’s will be tracked throughout the year and provided in the annual
report. Quarterly updates will be provided to the City Council and Parks and Recreation
Commission to ensure organized execution. Each year these will be compared to previous years
to determine resources and direction needed from the City Council for the upcoming year.
1. Number of Recreation Programming Participants
2. Number of Special Events Planned and Held
3. Amount of No Mow Areas Utilized in Parks
4. Number of Volunteers Processed and Approved to Volunteer
5. Number of Volunteer Hours Utilized
6. Hours of Fields, Facilities and Picnic Shelters Allocated
7. Percentage of Capital Projects Completed on Time
8. Number of Partnership Projects Initiated
9. Number of Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA)
Standards Completed
10. Number of Listening Sessions Completed
APPENDIX
2040 Comprehensive Plan
Asset Management Plan
Hue Life Strategic Planning Goals Documentation
Hue Life Community Engagement Documentation
Current Planning Calendar
53
MENDOTA HEIGHTS
PARK ASSET MANAGEMENT
PLAN
54 9b2.
PURPOSE
The Park Asset Management Plan is a planning tool that forecasts the city’s needs over a five-year rolling
period based on city adopted long-range plans, goals, and policies. This plan includes detailed
descriptions of park maintenance and improvement projects the city anticipates during the identified
five-year period. The plan is updated annually to ensure consistency and reflect changing demands and
financial resources.
The goal of this plan is to:
• Provide a balanced program for park improvements given anticipated funding revenues over a
five-year planning period
• Enable the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission and the City Council the ability
to evaluate the needs of the entire city
• Anticipate needed park improvements in advance, rather than being overlooked until critically
needed
• Provide a plan for park improvements that can be used in preparing the budget for the coming
year
• Support and provide guidance for the City’s Capital Improvement Project document for future
planning
BACKGROUND
The City of Mendota Heights enjoys an extensive park system. In 1989, a voter approved park
referendum was passed, which funded upgrading eight existing neighborhood parks, constructing five
new parks, and constructing 7.8 miles of trails. In addition to city parks, the City purchased the 17-acre
Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course by a separate referendum in 2007.
FUNDING
Each year included in the city budget is a Parks Budget utilized for funding ongoing park maintenance
that will not be addressed in this plan. Maintenance projects that fall into this category include water
fountain work, toilet and sink replacement, foul ball post painting and replacement, retaining wall work,
parking lot lighting replacements and maintenance, picnic table maintenance and replacement, softball
and baseball plate/base replacements, soccer and lacrosse goal replacement, tennis sport tile
replacements, playground surfacing replacement, swing and playground maintenance, volleyball sand
material replacement, volleyball net/basketball hoop replacement, bleacher repair and replacement,
bridge repair, irrigation work, pitching mound maintenance, safety lighting replacement on trails, tennis
net replacement, etc. Projects less than $2,500 are not included in this document and are considered
routine maintenance included in the Parks Budget.
Included in this plan is information regarding enhancements and maintenance projects for the next five
years. Park dedication fees are collected and transferred into the City’s Special Parks Fund. The Special
Parks Fund has restrictions and can only be utilized when park projects are providing an enhancement
or new benefit to the community based on the improvement conducted. Maintenance projects which
55
include reconstruction, resurfacing, or remodeling of existing park infrastructure is not eligible for
Special Parks Fund and must be included in the city’s yearly levy.
City staff classifies parks based on the following criteria:
Park Classification System
Park Type Description Typical Uses Service Area
Mini-Park
Pocket park that main goal is
to provide a place for
community socialization.
Seating area, benches, green
space, etc. ¼-1/2 Mile Radius
Neighborhood Park
Provide informal park space
and amenities for
neighborhood-based
recreational activities.
Playground, basketball court,
open green space, picnic
area, baseball field,
volleyball court, etc.
1-2 Mile Radius
Community Park
Larger park with more
structured recreational
opportunities and draws
members from throughout
the City.
Active play facilities
including baseball
complexes, soccer
complexes, large
playgrounds, large gathering
spaces, etc.
Citywide
Regional Park
Large multi-use park that
draws users city-wide and
throughout the Twin Cities.
Large park space consisting
of tournament eligible
facilities, recreation centers,
gathering spaces for large
events, etc.
Regional
Natural Area Parks established to conserve
open space or heritage assets.
Low-impact passive areas
that include green space,
environmental education
opportunities, etc.
N/A (Not Demand Driven)
56
PARK NAME: CIVIC CENTER (MERTENSOTTO FIELD)
LOCATION: 1101 Victoria Curve
SIZE: 17.6 Acres
DESCRIPTION: Neighborhood Park
Park Assets:
ASSET FINDINGS
Parking Lot (Shared with City Hall) Poor condition
Irrigation System
Baseball Field-250 Feet Professional infield maintenance needed
Backstop w/safety net
Pitching Mound Reconstruction maintenance completed by
staff in 2021
Fencing Foul baseline fencing in poor condition
Bench Seating (no dugouts)
Batting Cages with Electric (2)
Maintenance Needs:
ITEM 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Parking Lot Reconstruction (Shared Expense w/ City Hall) $50,000
Foul Ball Fencing Replacement $15,000
Backstop safety net & batting cage net replacement
Infield Maintenance-Fix Lips $5,000
Expense Total: $5,000 $65,000
Park Enhancements:
ITEM 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Field Lighting (est. $180,000)
Dugout covers $20,000
Expense Total: $20,000
Funding for Projects:
FUNDING SOURCE 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
General Levy (Annual) $5,000 $65,000
Special Parks Fund $20,000
Grants
Donations
Other
Total: $5,000 $85,000
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PARK NAME: DOG PARK
LOCATION: 1360 Acacia Blvd
SIZE: 8.2 Acres
DESCRIPTION: Neighborhood Park
Park Assets:
ASSET FINDINGS
Signage (Rules/Entry Sign) Add Formal Park Sign
Fence (Separate Large/Small Dog Areas) Small Dog Fence Installed in 2020
Sun Shelter Table Installed in 2020
*Staff is working on a new entry identification sign/rules*
*Staff is working to remove brush and provide better visibility for safety*
Maintenance Needs:
ITEM 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Expense Total:
Park Enhancements:
ITEM 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Water source
Security lighting
Additional tables with shade $7,500
Expense Total: $7,500
Funding for Projects:
FUNDING SOURCE 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
General Levy (Annual)
Special Parks Fund $7,500
Grants
Donations
Other
Total: $7,500
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PARK NAME: FRIENDLY HILLS
LOCATION: 2360 Pueblo Lane
SIZE: 15.5 Acres
DESCRIPTION: Neighborhood Park
Park Assets:
Maintenance Needs:
ITEM 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Re-line Basketball Court $600
Resurface Tennis Courts $25,000
Playground Replacement (2026)
Parking Lot Reconstruction
Expense Total: $600 $25,000
Park Enhancements:
ITEM 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Install Pickleball Courts in Hockey Rink $24,000
Add Adjustable Basketball Hoop $2,500
Add Dugouts (estimate $20,000)
Tennis Court Replacement
Expense Total: $24,000 $2,500
Funding for Projects:
FUNDING SOURCE 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
General Levy (Annual) $600 $27,500
Special Parks Fund $24,000
Grants
Donations
Other
Total: $24,600 $27,500
ASSET FINDINGS
Park Identification Signage
Parking Lot (North, South) Fair condition
Paved Walking Trails
Bike Rack (2)
Playground Partial Remodel in 2009, swings in
need of replacement
Picnic Shelters (2)
Softball Field-220/250/225 (No Outfield
Fence)
Backstop Replaced in 2020
Bench Seating (no dugouts)
Fencing
Tennis Court (2) Asphalt surface replaced in 2009, in
need of resurfacing
Basketball Court (Half Court, Concrete) Re-lining completed in 2021
Hockey Rink (192’x80’) Asphalt Surface
Hockey Rink Lighting Replaced in 2017
Hockey Rink Boards
Warming House Replaced in 2017
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PARK NAME: FRIENDLY MARSH
LOCATION: 2191 Apache Street
SIZE: 34.5 Acres
DESCRIPTION: Natural Area
Park Assets:
ASSET FINDINGS
Paved Walking Trails Fair Condition
Maintenance Needs:
ITEM 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Expense Total:
Park Enhancements:
ITEM 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Potential Site for Additional Park Use
Expense Total:
Funding for Projects:
FUNDING SOURCE 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
General Levy (Annual)
Special Parks Fund
Grants
Donations
Other
Total:
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PARK NAME: HAGSTROM KING
LOCATION: 555 Mendota Heights Road
SIZE: 9.6 Acres
DESCRIPTION: Neighborhood Park
Park Assets:
ASSET FINDINGS
Park Identification Signage
Parking Lot Small for size and use of park
Paved Walking Trails Good Condition
Map Kiosk
Playground Area Partial Remodel in 2019, Rest
Original 2003
Baseball Field-240 Feet
Fencing
Outfield Fence
Backstop
Pitching Mound Reconstruction maintenance
completed by staff in 2021
Dugout Covers Added in 2020
Bench Seating Not good spectator seating
Basketball Court (Full Court, Concrete) Expanded in 2020
Maintenance Needs:
ITEM 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Expense Total:
Park Enhancements:
ITEM 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Expense Total:
Funding for Projects:
FUNDING SOURCE 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
General Levy (Annual)
Special Parks Fund
Grants
Donations
Other
Total:
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PARK NAME: IVY HILLS
LOCATION: 645 Butler Ave
SIZE: 9.1 Acres
DESCRIPTION: Neighborhood Park
Park Assets:
ASSET FINDINGS
Park Identification Signage
Parking Lot
Paved Walking Trail
Pond
Trail Retaining Wall
Bike Rack
Playground Equipment Replaced in 2007, Swings Not Replaced
Softball Field-180/240/180 Feet (No Fence)
Backstop Fair condition
Bench Seating (no dugouts)
Tennis Courts (Sport Tiles)-2 Installed in 2015
Basketball Court (Half Court, Concrete) Relined in 2021
Maintenance Needs:
ITEM 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Playground Replacement $140,000
Backstop Replacement $27,000
Re-line Basketball Court $600
Tennis Court Replacement
Expense Total: $600 $140,000 $27,000
Park Enhancements:
ITEM 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Foul Ball Line/Outfield Fencing $25,000
Dugout Covers $20,000
Extend Basketball Court (Full Court) $17,500
Adjustable Basketball Hoops $5,000
Expense Total: $45,000 $22,500
Funding for Projects:
FUNDING SOURCE 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
General Levy (Annual) $600 $25,000 $140,000 $32,000
Special Parks Fund $20,000 $17,500
Grants
Donations
Other
Total: $600 $45,000 $140,000 $49,500
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PARK NAME: KENSINGTON
LOCATION: North-640 Mendota Heights Road, South-2627 Concord Way
SIZE: 14.5 Acres
DESCRIPTION: Community Park
Park Assets:
ASSET FINDINGS
Park Identification Signage
Parking Lot
Paved Walking Trails/Concrete Sidewalk
Retaining Wall
Bike Rack
Irrigation
Playground Last replaced in 2011, Swing not
replaced
Picnic Shelters (2)
Running Water Bathrooms (2)
Water Fountains
Concessions Stand
Indoor Storage Closet
Soccer Fields (2)-330x230’ and 360’x234’
Fencing Fence Facing South of Soccer Fields in
Fair Condition
Bleachers
Maintenance Needs:
ITEM 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
South Facing Fence Replacement $120,000
Playground Replacement (2028)
Expense Total: $120,000
Park Enhancements:
ITEM 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Expense Total:
Funding for Projects:
FUNDING SOURCE 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
General Levy (Annual) $120,000
Special Parks Fund
Grants
Donations
Other
Total: $120,000
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PARK NAME: MARIE
LOCATION: 1780 Lilac Lane
SIZE: 6.6 Acres
DESCRIPTION: Neighborhood Park
Park Assets:
ASSET FINDINGS
Park Identification Signage
Parking Lot
Bike Rack
Playground Replacement in 2021
Softball Field-180/210/200 feet-Not
Outfield/Foul Ball Fence
Backstop Good
Tennis Courts (2) Asphalt Replaced in 2019, including fence
Tennis Backboard
Basketball (Full Court, Concrete) w/adjustable
hoops
Addition of Full Court in 2019
Hockey Rink (200x84’) Asphalt Surface
Hockey Rink Lined with Pickleball Courts (4) Lines added in 2019
Hockey Boards
Hockey Lights Replaced in 2017
Warming House Replaced in 2015
Maintenance Needs:
ITEM 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Add Two Additional Pickleball Courts to Rink $1,200
Backstop Replacement
Expense Total: $1,200
Park Enhancements:
ITEM 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Expense Total:
Funding for Projects:
FUNDING SOURCE 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
General Levy (Annual)
Special Parks Fund $1,200
Grants
Donations
Other
Total: $1,200
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PARK NAME: MARKET SQUARE
LOCATION: Village of Mendota Heights
SIZE: .24 Acres
DESCRIPTION: Mini Park
Park Assets:
ASSET FINDINGS
Neighborhood Commons (Grass/Concrete
Area)
Fountain
Paved Walking Trails
Natural Area
Picnic Tables/Seating
Bike Racks
Shrubs
Maintenance Needs:
ITEM 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Expense Total:
Park Enhancements:
ITEM 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Concert venue
Expense Total:
Funding for Projects:
FUNDING SOURCE 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
General Levy (Annual)
Special Parks Fund
Grants
Donations
Other
Total:
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PARK NAME: MENDAKOTA
LOCATION: 2171 Dodd Road
SIZE: 19.7 Acres
DESCRIPTION: Community Park
Park Assets:
ASSET FINDINGS
Park Identification Signage
Parking Lot Poor condition
Paved Walking Trails
Safety Lighting on Path
Bike Racks
Map Kiosk
Irrigation
Playground with Shade Structure Pour in Place Surfacing will need
replacement
Picnic Shelter with Electricity
Running Water Bathrooms (2)
Water Fountains
Concessions Building and Viewing Deck
4 Softball Fields (290’/300’ with Fencing)
Backstop w/safety net
Fencing Foul baseline/Outfield/Soccer Fencing
in poor condition
Bench Seating (no dugouts)
Batting Cages (2) with Electricity
Youth Soccer Field (240’x120’)
Basketball Court (Full Court, Asphalt) Resurfaced in 2016
Grass Volleyball Court
Maintenance Needs:
ITEM 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Parking Lot Reconstruction $250,000
Fencing replacement/maintenance $50,000
Replacement of playground pour & play rubber surface
Replacement of lighting on trails
Infield Maintenance Work-Lip/Sod Work $18,000
Expense Total: $18,000 $50,000 $250,000
Park Enhancements:
ITEM 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Field Lights (estimate $790,000)
Add Covered Dugouts $100,000
Adjustable basketball hoops $5,000
Garage space for Public Works use
Additional bathrooms/bathroom improvements
Additional parking
Concession stand improvements
Expense Total: $100,000 $5,000
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PARK NAME: MENDAKOTA (continued)
Funding for Projects:
FUNDING SOURCE 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
General Levy (Annual) $18,000 $50,000 $250,000 $5,000
Special Parks Fund $100,000
Grants
Donations
Other
Total: $18,000 $100,000 $50,000 $250,000 $5,000
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PARK NAME: ROGERS LAKE
LOCATION: 1000 Wagon Wheel Trail
SIZE: 8.7 Acres
DESCRIPTION: Neighborhood Park
Park Assets:
ASSET FINDINGS
Park Identification Signage (Park)
Rules Signage (Skate Park)
Parking Lot (North and South) Fine condition
Paved Walking Trails Fine condition
Bike Rack
Map Kiosk
Playground Swings need replacement, mats in poor
condition
Picnic Shelter with Electricity In need of renovation
Basketball Court (Half Court, Concrete) Relined in 2021
Sand Volleyball Court-Timber Border
Skate Park-Tier 1 Asphalt base in poor condition, equipment
at end of useful life
Fishing Pier/Wood Rails DNR inspected, replacement in 5 years
Canoe Racks (2) 1 New Rack installed in 2020 due to interest
Maintenance Needs:
ITEM 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Skate Park Reconstruction $175,000
Fishing Pier Replacement $15,000
Playground Replacement $140,000
Basketball Court Relining $600
Expense Total: $600 $190,000 $155,000
Park Enhancements:
ITEM 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Picnic Shelter Renovations (estimate $50,000)
Add Bathrooms (estimate $175,000)
Adjustable Basketball Hoop $2,500
Additional Canoe Rack
Additional Parking
Expense Total: $2,500
Funding for Projects:
FUNDING SOURCE 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
General Levy (Annual) $600 $190,000 $2,500 $155,000
Special Parks Fund
Grants
Donations
Other
Total: $600 $190,000 $2,500 $155,000
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PARK NAME: SIBLEY PARK COMPLEX
LOCATION: 1819 Delaware Ave
SIZE: 10.8 Acres
DESCRIPTION: School Property
Park Assets:
ASSET FINDINGS
Paved Walking Trails
Concession Building with Restrooms
2 Softball Fields (280’ and 300’)
Baseball Field (330/380/330’)
Batting Cage (2) Foul baseline fencing in poor condition
Soccer Field (330’x195’)
Park is maintained and scheduled by ISD 197. A maintenance and use agreement was formalized in 1990 which
expires in 2030.
Maintenance Needs:
ITEM 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Annual Maintenance Contribution $22,000 $22,000 $22,000 $22,000 $22,000
Expense Total: $22,000 $22,000 $22,000 $22,000 $22,000
Park Enhancements:
ITEM 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Expense Total:
Funding for Projects:
FUNDING SOURCE 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
General Levy (Annual) $22,000 $22,000 $22,000 $22,000 $22,000
Special Parks Fund
Grants
Donations
Other
Total: $22,000 $22,000 $22,000 $22,000 $22,000
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PARK NAME: TOT LOT
LOCATION: 2191 Apache Street
SIZE: .9 Acres
DESCRIPTION: Natural Area
Park Assets:
ASSET FINDINGS
Open Space
Maintenance Costs:
ITEM 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Expense Total:
Projected Enhancement Costs:
ITEM 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Potential Community Gardening Plot site (water source
estimated $15,000)
Expense Total:
Funding for Projects:
FUNDING SOURCE 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
General Levy (Annual)
Special Parks Fund
Grants
Donations
Other
Total:
70
PARK NAME: VALLEY
LOCATION: 821 Marie Avenue
SIZE: 93.5 Acres
DESCRIPTION: Neighborhood Park
Park Assets:
ASSET FINDINGS
Park Identification Signage
Parking Lot Replaced in 2020
Paved Walking Trails Possible partnership with Dakota
County for replacement
Bike Rack
Map Kiosk
Playground Replaced in 2006
Picnic Shelter (no electricity) In need of renovation, add electricity
Softball Field (175 feet) No Fence
Backstop
Tennis Court (2-Sport Tile Surface) Installed in 2012
Half Court Basketball (Asphalt) w/Adjustable
Hoop
Resurfaced in 2020
Maintenance Needs:
ITEM 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Playground Replacement $130,000
Basketball Hoop Replacement/Lining $1,850
Tennis Court Fencing Replacement
Backstop Replacement
Expense Total: $1,850 $130,000
Park Enhancements:
ITEM 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Picnic shelter renovation (estimate $50,000)
Outfield/Foul Ball line Fence (estimate $15,000)
Expense Total:
Funding for Projects:
FUNDING SOURCE 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
General Levy (Annual) $1,850 $130,000
Special Parks Fund
Grants
Donations
Other
Total: $1,850 $130,000
71
PARK NAME: VALLEY VIEW HEIGHTS
LOCATION: 1056 Cullen Ave
SIZE: 0.6 Acres
DESCRIPTION: Neighborhood Park
Park Assets:
ASSET FINDINGS
Park Identification Signage Installed in 2020
Paved Walking Trails
Bike Rack
Playground Replaced in 2006 (swing set not
replaced)
Basketball Court (Half Court, Asphalt) Relined in 2021
Maintenance Needs:
ITEM 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Playground Replacement $55,000
Re-line Basketball Court $600
Expense Total: $600 $55,000
Park Enhancements:
ITEM 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Adjustable Basketball Hoop $2,500
Expense Total: $2,500
Funding for Projects:
FUNDING SOURCE 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
General Levy (Annual) $600 $55,000 $2,500
Special Parks Fund
Grants
Donations
Other
Total: $600 $55,000 $2,500
72
PARK NAME: VICTORIA HIGHLANDS
LOCATION: 1700 Diane Road
SIZE: 6.7 Acres
DESCRIPTION: Neighborhood Park
Park Assets:
ASSET FINDINGS
Park Identification Signage
Parking Lot
Paved Walking Trails
Bike Rack
Map Kiosk
Playground Equipment with Shade Structure Partial replacement in 2009, swings
need to be replaced
Softball Field (270/285/270’)-no baseline fence
Backstop
Outfield Fence
Bench Seating
Basketball Court (Concrete, Half Court) Relined in 2021
Maintenance Needs:
ITEM 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Reline Basketball Court $600
Playground Replacement (2027)
Expense Total: $600
Park Enhancements:
ITEM 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Adjustable Basketball Hoop $2,500
Expense Total: $2,500
Funding for Projects:
FUNDING SOURCE 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
General Levy (Annual) $600 $2,500
Special Parks Fund
Grants
Donations
Other
Total: $600 $2,500
73
PARK NAME: WENTWORTH
LOCATION: 739 Wentworth Ave
SIZE: 10.4 Acres
DESCRIPTION: Neighborhood Park
Park Assets:
ASSET FINDINGS
Park Identification Signage
Parking Lot (North/South) Poor condition
Paved Walking Trails Poor condition
Pond
Bridge
Kiosk Map
Playground Equipment Partial replacement in 2019
Picnic Shelter (2)
Softball Field (220/235/210’) No Outfield/Foul Ball
Fence
Backstop
Tennis Courts (2) Asphalt Fence and courts poor condition
Basketball Court (Half Court, Concrete) Relined in 2021
Hockey Rink (200’x94’) Grass Base
Hockey Boards
Hockey Lights Replaced in 2018
Warming House Replacement Anticipated 2022
Maintenance Needs:
ITEM 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Reline Basketball Court $600
Tennis Court Reconstruction $85,000
Pave Hockey Rink $100,000
Parking Lot Reconstruction/Trail Work $100,000
Warming House Replacement $250,000
Backstop Replacement
Expense Total: $600 $535,000
Park Enhancements:
ITEM 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Adjustable Basketball Hoop $2,500
Expense Total: $2,500
Funding for Projects:
FUNDING SOURCE 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
General Levy (Annual) $600 $535,000 $2,500
Special Parks Fund
Grants ($180,000)
Donations
Other
Total: $92,000 $355,000 $2,500
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CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
2040 Comprehensive Plan Update
Chapter 4: Parks & Trails
75 9b3.
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Chapter 4 - Parks & Trails
City of Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update
4
PARKS AND TRAILS
The City of Mendota Heights has a robust system of recreational and open space opportunities
in the community, including regional trails, riverside and lakeside parks, scenic bluffs and a
nature preserves. These facilities represent unique features in a park system that helps to shape
the character of Mendota Heights beyond the ordinary. They offer a visual identity to the
city, in addition to contributing to the quality of life for those who live and recreate in the
community. Mendota Heights has
over 771 acres of parks and open
space, which includes city parks, both
active and passive recreation areas,
along with other state and private
parks and open spaces.
The 33 miles of city trails and bicycle
facilities located adjacent to roadways
or meandering through the bounty of
open space in the community offer an
excellent opportunity for exercise and
relaxation. Opportunities for walking,
bicycling, bird watching, cross country
skiing, golfing and nature hiking are
sprinkled throughout the community.
The city’s parks are supplemented
by three golf courses: Mendakota
Golf Course, Somerset Golf Course,
and the Mendota Heights Par 3 golf
course that contribute to open space
views and recreational opportunities
for residents.
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Chapter 4 - Parks & Trails
City of Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update
GOALS and POLICIES
GOAL 1: Provide a park system that is safe, accessible, and equitable in its
offerings to all of Mendota Heights’ residents, stakeholders and visitors.
Policies
1.Create and maintain a park system that provides the
optimum amount of active and passive open space for
the enjoyment of all Mendota Heights residents.
2.Provide facilities and programs that allow people of
varying ages and abilities to participate.
3.Build, maintain and retrofit park facilities and
equipment to be safe for all users.
4.Plan and build safe connections for pedestrians and bicyclists within
and between park facilities and major destinations in the community.
5.Strive to make all facilities and programs open and welcoming
to people of all ages and diverse backgrounds.
GOAL 2: Provide a park system that assures high quality facilities,
buildings, grounds, trails, amenities, and natural settings.
Policies
1.Keep the park system up-to-date in terms of facilities, activities and
programs that are responsive to the community’s desires and needs.
2.Support the park system adequately through the
facilities, activities and programs offered.
3.Provide bicycle amenities in parks and along trails.
4.Provide a sustainable funding stream and operate the park system in a
fiscally sound manner, including taking advantage of available grants.
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Chapter 4 - Parks & Trails
City of Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update
Goal 3: Use the park system as a means to enhance and sustain the
environment of each neighborhood and the city as a whole.
Policies
1.Provide facilities, programs and opportunities in the park
system that bring people together and create community.
2.Ensure that stormwater is managed in park facilities in a manner that
protects and preserves water quality and the ecology of the watershed.
3.Strive to make all park facilities, equipment and construction
projects and materials environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Goal 4: Cooperate with Dakota County and surrounding communities
in park and recreation facilities and programming.
Policies
1.Support the Dakota County 2030 Greenway Corridors Plan and Vision.
2.Continue to cooperate with South St. Paul, West. St. Paul and other
neighboring communities on park and recreation programs and facilities.
3.Encourage the preservation of open space by
private property owners and the city.
4.Explore new opportunities and continue to work cooperatively
with School District #197, St. Thomas, Visitation, Fort Snelling
State Park, and other entities to provide maximum recreational
opportunities and avoid duplication in programming and facilities.
5.Improve and expand safe bicycle and pedestrian connections
to city parks and other community destinations.
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Chapter 4 - Parks & Trails
City of Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update
Previous Development
Previous Comprehensive Plans and Park Plans have guided the city in the development of its
park system. As development has occurred, parkland has been dedicated to provide residents
with recreational opportunities. Since the adoption of the 1979 Comprehensive Plan, the city
has made improvements to many parks and has developed the following new parks: Copperfield
Ponds, Hagstrom-King, Kensington, Mendakota, Sibley, Valley View Heights, and Victoria
Highlands. The location of these new parks closely resembles Plan recommendations and reflects
the city’s commitment to providing park services to all residents as opportunities arise.
Not only has the city made improvements and developed new parks, it has also made efforts
to maintain and protect existing open space such as purchasing the 17-acre Mendota Heights
Par 3 Golf Course. The city also joined with other public entities and purchased the 25.5-acre
Pilot Knob area, which will be retained as open space. Protection of the Pilot Knob area as
an important Dakota site has been identified as a critical issue for many residents in the city.
O ȟéyawahe/Pilot Knob was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2017.
Existing City Park Facilities and Types
Mendota Heights currently has 756.7 acres of
lands dedicated to city parks, golf courses, and
open space. The city also features part of the
Fort Snelling State Park within their boundaries,
totaling an additional 849 acres.
The city has 17 public parks throughout the
community, including Historic Pilot Knob.
These parks contain over 295 acres of land area.
A brief discussion of the three types of parks that
typically comprise a local park system is provided
below. The descriptions and standards serve as a
guide to the city with respect to park typologies
and programming. Other factors, such as
proximity to regional or county parks, financing,
or major trends in recreation, will also influence
the evolution of the city’s park system. Regional
and State parks are discussed later in this chapter.
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Chapter 4 - Parks & Trails
City of Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update
1) Neighborhood Park
Neighborhood parks are the foundation of the park system and serve as the recreational and
social focus of the neighborhood. They accommodate a wide variety of age and user groups,
both children and adults. They create a sense of place by bringing together the unique character
of the site and the neighborhood. Mendota Heights should seek to achieve a balance between
active and passive neighborhood parks. Neighborhood parks range from 5 to 30 acres and serve a
½-mile area. Communities often will operate a joint neighborhood park with the school district
and elementary schools. The city’s neighborhood parks include Friendly Hills, Hagstrom-King, Ivy
Hills, Marie, Valley View Heights, Victoria Highland, and Wentworth.
2) Community Park
Community parks are designed to
meet the recreational needs of several
neighborhoods or larger segments of
the community. They are intended for
ball fields, larger athletic facilities, and
community gatherings. They can also be
designed to preserve unique landscapes
and open spaces. They serve a ½-mile to
five mile radius. The city’s community
parks include Kensington, Valley,
Roger’s Lake, Mendakota, and Sibley
Athletic Complex.
The city also provides an off-leash dog
park only, located off Acacia Blvd.,
south of the Historic Pilot Knob area.
The dog park is on approximately
3 acres of a larger city owned piece
of land that is approximately 10.9
acres. The dog park was approved
as a temporary dog park under an
interim use permit in 2015, and this
permit expired in 2020. The city has
not yet determined if this dog park
81
8
Chapter 4 - Parks & Trails
City of Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update
will continue, or allow the lands to be developed into an industrial use, which is what the site is
guided for under this 2040 Plan.
3) Natural Resource Area
Natural resource areas are lands set aside to preserve significant or unique landscapes. They
are often, but not always, properties with steep slopes, drainage ways, ravines, or wetlands.
In addition, there may be locations where local tree protection, shoreland and critical
area ordinances, or state and local wetland ordinances restrict development in some way.
Natural Resource areas include Friendly Marsh, Copperfield Ponds, Valley Park, Pilot Knob
Preservation, and Dodge Nature Center.
Table 4-1. Parks and Recreational Facilities on the following page identifies the various parks
and open spaces throughout the city, along with their general locations and facilities offered:
82
9TABLE 4-1 City of Mendota Heights Parks & Facilities TableAcres
Nature Areas
Trails
Softball or
Baseball
Soccer
Tennis
Basketball
Volleyball
Playground
Equipment
Picnic
Area/Shelter
Hockey/Skating
Rinks
Parking
Fishing
Dock/Piers
Restroom
Facilities Civic Center (next to City Hall) 4 X X X X Copperfield Ponds (east of Huber Dr. at Cheyenne Ln) 24.9 X P X Friendly Hills Park (South of Decorah Ln. - east of Pueblo Ln.) 15.5 X P X X X X 3 X X X X X Friendly Marsh Park (north of Cheyenne Ln. between Apache & Huber) 33.4 X P X Hagstrom-King Park (555 Mendota Heights Rd) 9.6 X P X X X 3 X X X Historic Pilot Knob (2100 Pilot Knob Rd. - Acacia Blvd. & Pilot Knob) 25.5 X X X Ivy Hills Park (645 Butler Ave. – between Butler & Maple Park Dr.) 9.3 X P X X X X 3 X X X Kensington Park (2627 Concord Way / 640 Mendota Heights Rd.) 14.6 X P X X F X X E X X C Marie Park (1780 Lilac Ln. – NW corner of Lilac & Marie Ave.) 6.2 X P X X X X X X X Mendakota Park (SW Corner of Dodd Road & Mendakota Dr.) 19.7 X X X Y X X X X E X X C Roger's Lake Park (1000 Wagon Wheel Trail- east of I-35E) 9.2 X X X 3 X 4 X X E X X X Sibley Athletic Complex 1 (Henry Sibley High School - Marie & Delaware) 11 X X X F X 2 X X C Market Square Park (The Village of Mendota Heights) 0.5 X X Valley Park (821 Marie Ave – east of I-35E) 94.4 X X X X X 3 X X X X Valley View Heights (SE corner of Cullen Ave. & Timmy St.) 0.7 X X 3 X Victoria Highland Park (1700 Diane Rd.-between Victoria, Douglas & Diane) 6.7 X X X 3 X X X Wentworth Park (739 Wentworth Ave.) 10.5 X P X X X X 3 X X X X X TOTAL 295.7 1. Sibley Athletic Complex is a joint use facility owned and operated by ISD #1973. Half-court only.2. ISD #197 maintains 12 tennis courts at Henry Sibley High School4. Sand volleyball court – all others on grass. E = Electrical service. P = Pond/Natural areas. F = Full size soccer field(s). Y = Youth soccer fields. C = Comfort station – Permanent toilet facility Table 4-1. Parks and Recreational Facilities 83
10
Chapter 4 - Parks & Trails
City of Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update
Trail Facilities
Trails for walking, running, biking, and
roller blading are very popular. There are
28.5 miles of off-road trails and 4.9 miles
of wide shoulders and on-street bicycle
facilities currently in portions of the city’s
neighborhoods. These trails are both off- and
on-road and serve as important connections
for recreational opportunities and travel.
Improved trail connections are important in
Mendota Heights because many residential
areas are divided by highways and arterial roads. Access to the Big Rivers Regional Trail is difficult
due to the significant elevation changes. As a result, many areas of the community cannot be easily
accessed on bikes, roller blades or foot from other areas of the community. Additional or improved
trail connections are needed to provide residents access to city parks and other recreational
opportunities in the region.
Regional Trails
Big Rivers Regional Trail: Developed in 1996 by Dakota County along the old Union Pacific
Railroad right-of-way, this trail enables residents to bike, walk, and roller blade along the
Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. This trail serves as an important link to other communities
and has greatly improved the awareness and accessibility of the River.
River-to-River Greenway: This trail serves as a link from Big Rivers Regional Trail through
Valley Park to West St. Paul and to South St. Paul.
Local Trails and On-street Facilities
Mendota Heights has a network of paved and on-street bicycle facilities connecting different
neighborhoods in the city. Most bicycle and pedestrian facilities in the city are off-street six to eight-
foot-wide bituminous trails. There are also a few on-street bicycle facilities in the community, along
Dodd Road, Delaware Avenue, and Decorah Lane.
City parks and trails, including other natural resource areas, are illustrated on Map 4-1. Parks and
Trails.
84
11
Chapter 4 - Parks & Trails
City of Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update
MARIE AVE W
MARIE AVE W
LEXINGTON AVEPILOT KNOB RDCITY OF EAGAN CITY OF WEST ST PAULCITY OF SUNFISH LAKEDELAWARE AVEWENTWORTH AVEWACHTLER AVEVICTORIA RDMENDOTA HEIGHTS RDMENDOTA HEIGHTS RD DODD RDDODD RDTH 55TH
5
5
M
E
N
D
O
T
A
B
R
I
D
G
E
CITY OF
MENDOTA
I-494
I-494I-35EI
-
3
5E
I-
3
5
E
B
R
I
DG
E
CITY OF
LILYDALE
CITY OF ST PAUL
EMERSON AVE
L IL Y D ALETRAILS IB L E Y M E M O R I A L HW YSIBLEYMEMORIALHWYDODDRD1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
910
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Mendakota
Golf Course
(Private)
Par 3 (Public)
Dodge
Nature
Center
Henry
Sibley
Senior
High
Friendly
Marsh
Rogers Lake
Visitation
Monastery
St Thomas
Academy
Friendly
Hills
Middle
Resurrection
Cemetary
Acacia Park
Cemetary Lake Augus
ta
L
em
a
y
L
a
k
e
Gun Club Lake
MinnesotaR iverMississippiRiverBIGRIVERSREGIONAL TRAILSt Peter'sChurchTH 62 TH 62
Mendota
Element.
Somerset
Element.
Somerset
Golf Course
(Private)FortSnellingStatePark^Scenic Overlook
(Dakota County)
^
City Hall
& Police
^Fire Hall PickerelLakeRamsey
County
Park
^Public Works
Garage
Cem.
M ENDO
T
At
oLEBANON HILLSGREENW
AY&TRAIL
TextRIVER t o
RI
VERGREENWA
YRIVERtoRIVERGRE ENWAY
Source: City of Mendota Heights,
Dakota County Surveying &
Land Information Department
PARK & TRAIL NOTES:
1) Public Schools in "Blue" text
have public playgrounds.
2) Neighborhood concrete sidewalks
are not shown on plan.
3) Copperfield Pond trail is a gravel trail.
Parks
1) Friendly Hills Park
2) Friendly Marsh Park
3) Hagstrom King Park
4) Ivy Hills Park
5) Kensington Park
6) Marie Park
7) Mendakota Park
8) Rogers Lake Park
9) Valley Park
10) Victoria Highland Park
11) Wentworth Park
12) Valley View Heights Park
13) Copperfield Ponds
14) Sibley Park
15) Civic Center Ball Park
16) Historic Pilot Knob
17) Acacia Off-Leash Dog Park
18) Market Square Park
River to River Greenway
Planned Mendota-Lebanon
Hills Greenway
Big Rivers Regional Trail
Lilydale Pedestrian Trail (6' wide)
Wide Shoulders/On Street
Off Street Bituminous Trail (6'-8' wide)
State Park/Property
Nature Preserve
Cemetary
Golf Course
City Park (See List)
Parks and Trails Map
City of Mendota Heights
µ0 3,000 6,000 Feet
February 2020
FIGURE 4-1
MARIE AVE W
MARIE AVE W
LEXINGTON AVEPILOT KNOB RD
CITY OF EAGAN CITY OFWEST ST PAULCITY OF SUNFISH LAKEDELAWARE AVEWENTWORTH AVEWACHTLERAVE
VICTORIARDMENDOTAHEIGHTS RDMENDOTAHEIGHTS RDDODD RDDODD RDTH 55TH
5
5
M
E
N
D
O
T
A
B
R
I
D
G
E
CITY OF
MENDOTA
I-494
I-494I-35EI-
3
5E
I-
3
5
E
B
R
I
DG
E
CITY OF
LILYDALE
CITY OF ST PAUL
EMERSONAVE
LILYDALETRAIL
SIBLEYMEMORIALHWYFUTUREBIGRIVERSREGIONALTRAILSIBLEYMEMORIALHWYDODD RD1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
910
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Mendakota
Golf Course
(Private)
Par 3 (Public)
Dodge
Nature
Center
Henry
Sibley
Senior
High
Friendly
Marsh
Rogers Lake
Visitation
Monastery
St Thomas
Academy
Friendly
Hills
Middle
Resurrection
Cemetary
Acacia Park
CemetaryLake Augu
s
ta
L
em
a
y
L
a
k
e
Gun Club Lake
MinnesotaRiverMississippiRiverBIGRIVERSREGIONAL TRAILSt Peter'sChurchTH 62TH 62
Mendota
Element.
Somerset
Element.
Somerset
Golf Course
(Private)
NSP
Tank
Farm
FortSnellingStatePark^Scenic Overlook
(Dakota County)
^
City Hall
& Police
^Fire HallPickerelLakeRamsey
County
Park
^Public Works
Garage
Cem.
Source: City of Mendota Heights,
Dakota County Surveying &
Land Information Department
Parks and Trails Map
City of Mendota Heights
PARK & TRAIL NOTES:
1) Public Schools in "Blue" text
have public playgrounds.
2) Neighborhood concrete sidewalks
are not shown on plan.
3) Copperfield Pond trail is a gravel trail.
Parks
1) Friendly Hills Park
2) Friendly Marsh Park
3) Hagstrom King Park
4) Ivy Hills Park
5) Kensington Park
6) Marie Park
7) Mendakota Park
8) Rogers Lake Park
9) Valley Park
10) Victoria Highland Park
11) Wentworth Park
12) Valley View Heights Park
13) Copperfield Ponds
14) Sibley Park
15) Civic Center Ball Park
16) Historic Pilot Knob
17) Acacia Off-Leash Dog Park
18) Market Square Park
Off Street Bituminous Trail (6'-8' wide)
Wide Shoulders/On Street
Lilydale Pedestrian Trail (6' wide)
Proposed Future Trail Connection
City Park (See List)
Golf Course
Cemetary
Nature Preserve
State Property
Water
City boundary
µ03,0006,000Feet
June 2019
FIGURE 4-1
MARIE AVE W
MARIE AVE W
LEXINGTON AVEPILOT KNOB RD
CITY OF EAGAN CITY OFWEST ST PAULCITY OF SUNFISH LAKEDELAWARE AVEWENTWORTH AVEWACHTLERAVE
VICTORIARDMENDOTAHEIGHTS RDMENDOTAHEIGHTS RD DODD RDDODD RDTH 55TH
5
5
M
E
N
D
O
T
A
B
R
I
D
G
E
CITY OF
MENDOTA
I-494
I-494I-35EI
-
3
5E
I-
3
5
E
B
R
I
DG
E
CITY OF
LILYDALE
CITY OF ST PAUL
EMERSONAVE
LILYDALETRAIL
SIBLEYMEMORIALHWY FUTUREBIGRIVERSR EGIONALTRAILSIBLEYMEMORIALHWYDODDRD1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
910
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Mendakota
Golf Course
(Private)
Par 3 (Public)
Dodge
Nature
Center
Henry
Sibley
Senior
High
Friendly
Marsh
Rogers Lake
Visitation
Monastery
St Thomas
Academy
Friendly
Hills
Middle
Resurrection
Cemetary
Acacia Park
CemetaryLake Augus
ta
L
em
a
y
L
a
k
e
Gun Club Lake
MinnesotaRiverMississippiRiverBIGRIVERSREGIONAL TRAILSt Peter'sChurchTH 62 TH 62
Mendota
Element.
Somerset
Element.
Somerset
Golf Course
(Private)
NSP
Tank
Farm
FortSnellingStatePark^Scenic Overlook
(Dakota County)
^
City Hall
& Police
^Fire Hall PickerelLakeRamsey
County
Park
^Public Works
Garage
Cem.
Source: City of Mendota Heights,
Dakota County Surveying &
Land Information Department
Parks and Trails Map
City of Mendota Heights
PARK & TRAIL NOTES:
1) Public Schools in "Blue" text
have public playgrounds.
2) Neighborhood concrete sidewalks
are not shown on plan.
3) Copperfield Pond trail is a gravel trail.
Parks
1) Friendly Hills Park
2) Friendly Marsh Park
3) Hagstrom King Park
4) Ivy Hills Park
5) Kensington Park
6) Marie Park
7) Mendakota Park
8) Rogers Lake Park
9) Valley Park
10) Victoria Highland Park
11) Wentworth Park
12) Valley View Heights Park
13) Copperfield Ponds
14) Sibley Park
15) Civic Center Ball Park
16) Historic Pilot Knob
17) Acacia Off-Leash Dog Park
18) Market Square Park
Off Street Bituminous Trail (6'-8' wide)
Wide Shoulders/On Street
Lilydale Pedestrian Trail (6' wide)
Proposed Future Trail Connection
City Park (See List)
Golf Course
Cemetary
Nature Preserve
State Property
Water
City boundary
µ03,0006,000Feet
June 2019
FIGURE 4-1
MARIE AVE W
MARIE AVE W
LEXINGTON AVEPILOT KNOB RD
CITY OF EAGAN CITY OFWEST ST PAULCITY OF SUNFISH LAKEDELAWARE AVEWENTWORTH AVEWACHTLERAVE
VICTORIARDMENDOTAHEIGHTS RDMENDOTAHEIGHTS RD DODD RDDODD RDTH 55TH
5
5
M
E
N
D
O
T
A
B
R
I
D
G
E
CITY OF
MENDOTA
I-494
I-494I-35EI-
3
5E
I-
3
5
E
B
R
IDG
E
CITY OF
LILYDALE
CITY OF ST PAUL
EMERSONAVE
L IL Y D ALETRAILSIBLEYMEMORIALHWY FUTUREBIGRIVERSREGIONALTRAILSIBLEYMEMORIALHWYDODDRD1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
910
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Mendakota
Golf Course
(Private)
Par 3 (Public)
Dodge
Nature
Center
Henry
Sibley
Senior
High
Friendly
Marsh
Rogers Lake
Visitation
Monastery
St Thomas
Academy
Friendly
Hills
Middle
Resurrection
Cemetary
Acacia Park
CemetaryLake Augu
s
ta
L
em
a
y
L
a
k
e
Gun Club Lake
MinnesotaRiverMississippiRiverBIGRIVERSREGIONAL TRAILSt Peter'sChurchTH 62 TH 62
Mendota
Element.
Somerset
Element.
Somerset
Golf Course
(Private)
NSP
Tank
Farm
FortSnellingStatePark^Scenic Overlook
(Dakota County)
^
City Hall
& Police
^Fire Hall PickerelLakeRamsey
County
Park
^Public Works
Garage
Cem.
Source: City of Mendota Heights,
Dakota County Surveying &
Land Information Department
Parks and Trails Map
City of Mendota Heights
PARK & TRAIL NOTES:
1) Public Schools in "Blue" text
have public playgrounds.
2) Neighborhood concrete sidewalks
are not shown on plan.
3) Copperfield Pond trail is a gravel trail.
Parks
1) Friendly Hills Park
2) Friendly Marsh Park
3) Hagstrom King Park
4) Ivy Hills Park
5) Kensington Park
6) Marie Park
7) Mendakota Park
8) Rogers Lake Park
9) Valley Park
10) Victoria Highland Park
11) Wentworth Park
12) Valley View Heights Park
13) Copperfield Ponds
14) Sibley Park
15) Civic Center Ball Park
16) Historic Pilot Knob
17) Acacia Off-Leash Dog Park
18) Market Square Park
Off Street Bituminous Trail (6'-8' wide)
Wide Shoulders/On Street
Lilydale Pedestrian Trail (6' wide)
Proposed Future Trail Connection
City Park (See List)
Golf Course
Cemetary
Nature Preserve
State Property
Water
City boundary
µ03,0006,000Feet
June 2019
FIGURE 4-1
Park & Trail Notes: 1. Public Schools in “Blue” text
have public playgrounds. 2. Neighborhood concrete
sidewalks are not shown on plan. 3. Copperfield
Pond trail is a gravel trail. Map created June 2019,
Source: City of Mendota Heights, Dakota County
Surveying & Land Information Department
Map 4-1. Parks and Trails
MARIE AVE W
MARIE AVE W
LEXINGTON AVEPILOT KNOB RD
CITY OF EAGAN CITY OF WEST ST PAULCITY OF SUNFISH LAKEDELAWARE AVEWENTWORTH AVEWACHTLER AVEVICTORIARDMENDOTA HEIGHTS RDMENDOTA HEIGHTS RD DODD RDDODD RDTH 55TH
5
5
M
E
N
D
O
T
A
B
R
I
D
G
E
CITY OF
MENDOTA
I-494
I-494I-35EI
-
3
5E
I-
3
5
E
B
R
I
DG
E
CITY OF
LILYDALE
CITY OF ST PAUL
EMERSON AVE
L IL Y D ALETRAILS IB L E Y M E M O R I A L HW YSIBLEYMEMORIALHWYDODDRD1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
910
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Mendakota
Golf Course
(Private)
Par 3 (Public)
Dodge
Nature
Center
Henry
Sibley
Senior
High
Friendly
Marsh
Rogers Lake
Visitation
Monastery
St Thomas
Academy
Friendly
Hills
Middle
Resurrection
Cemetary
Acacia Park
Cemetary Lake Augu
s
ta
L
em
a
y
L
a
k
e
Gun Club Lake
MinnesotaR iverMississippiRiverBIGRIVERSREGIONAL TRAILSt Peter'sChurchTH 62 TH 62
Mendota
Element.
Somerset
Element.
Somerset
Golf Course
(Private)FortSnellingStatePark^Scenic Overlook
(Dakota County)
^
City Hall
& Police
^Fire Hall PickerelLakeRamsey
County
Park
^Public Works
Garage
Cem.
M ENDO
T
At
oLEBANON HILLSGREENW
AY&TRAIL
TextRIVER t o
RI
VERGREENWA
YRIVERtoRIVERGRE ENWAY
Source: City of Mendota Heights,
Dakota County Surveying &
Land Information Department
PARK & TRAIL NOTES:
1) Public Schools in "Blue" text
have public playgrounds.
2) Neighborhood concrete sidewalks
are not shown on plan.
3) Copperfield Pond trail is a gravel trail.
Parks
1) Friendly Hills Park
2) Friendly Marsh Park
3) Hagstrom King Park
4) Ivy Hills Park
5) Kensington Park
6) Marie Park
7) Mendakota Park
8) Rogers Lake Park
9) Valley Park
10) Victoria Highland Park
11) Wentworth Park
12) Valley View Heights Park
13) Copperfield Ponds
14) Sibley Park
15) Civic Center Ball Park
16) Historic Pilot Knob
17) Acacia Off-Leash Dog Park
18) Market Square Park
River to River Greenway
Planned Mendota-Lebanon
Hills Greenway
Big Rivers Regional Trail
Lilydale Pedestrian Trail (6' wide)
Wide Shoulders/On Street
Off Street Bituminous Trail (6'-8' wide)
State Park/Property
Nature Preserve
Cemetary
Golf Course
City Park (See List)
Parks and Trails Map
City of Mendota Heights
µ0 3,000 6,000 Feet
February 2020
FIGURE 4-1
MARIE AVE W
MARIE AVE W
LEXINGTON AVEPILOT KNOB RD
CITY OF EAGAN CITY OF WEST ST PAULCITY OF SUNFISH LAKEDELAWARE AVEWENTWORTH AVEWACHTLER AVEVICTORIARDMENDOTA HEIGHTS RDMENDOTA HEIGHTS RD DODD RDDODD RDTH 55TH
5
5
M
E
N
D
O
T
A
B
R
I
D
G
E
CITY OF
MENDOTA
I-494
I-494I-35EI
-
3
5E
I-
3
5
E
B
R
I
DG
E
CITY OF
LILYDALE
CITY OF ST PAUL
EMERSON AVE
L IL Y D ALETRAILS IB L E Y M E M O R I A L HW YSIBLEYMEMORIALHWYDODDRD1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
910
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Mendakota
Golf Course
(Private)
Par 3 (Public)
Dodge
Nature
Center
Henry
Sibley
Senior
High
Friendly
Marsh
Rogers Lake
Visitation
Monastery
St Thomas
Academy
Friendly
Hills
Middle
Resurrection
Cemetary
Acacia Park
Cemetary Lake Augu
s
ta
L
em
a
y
L
a
k
e
Gun Club Lake
MinnesotaR iverMississippiRiverBIGRIVERSREGIONAL TRAILSt Peter'sChurchTH 62 TH 62
Mendota
Element.
Somerset
Element.
Somerset
Golf Course
(Private)FortSnellingStatePark^Scenic Overlook
(Dakota County)
^
City Hall
& Police
^Fire Hall PickerelLakeRamsey
County
Park
^Public Works
Garage
Cem.
M ENDO
T
At
oLEBANON HILLSGREENW
AY&TRAIL
TextRIVER t o
RI
VERGREENWA
YRIVERtoRIVER GRE ENWAY
Source: City of Mendota Heights,
Dakota County Surveying &
Land Information Department
PARK & TRAIL NOTES:
1) Public Schools in "Blue" text
have public playgrounds.
2) Neighborhood concrete sidewalks
are not shown on plan.
3) Copperfield Pond trail is a gravel trail.
Parks
1) Friendly Hills Park
2) Friendly Marsh Park
3) Hagstrom King Park
4) Ivy Hills Park
5) Kensington Park
6) Marie Park
7) Mendakota Park
8) Rogers Lake Park
9) Valley Park
10) Victoria Highland Park
11) Wentworth Park
12) Valley View Heights Park
13) Copperfield Ponds
14) Sibley Park
15) Civic Center Ball Park
16) Historic Pilot Knob
17) Acacia Off-Leash Dog Park
18) Market Square Park
River to River Greenway
Planned Mendota-Lebanon
Hills Greenway
Big Rivers Regional Trail
Lilydale Pedestrian Trail (6' wide)
Wide Shoulders/On Street
Off Street Bituminous Trail (6'-8' wide)
State Park/Property
Nature Preserve
Cemetary
Golf Course
City Park (See List)
Parks and Trails Map
City of Mendota Heights
µ0 3,000 6,000 Feet
February 2020
FIGURE 4-1
MARIE AVE W
MARIE AVE W
LEXINGTON AVEPILOT KNOB RD
CITY OF EAGAN CITY OF WEST ST PAULCITY OF SUNFISH LAKEDELAWARE AVEWENTWORTH AVEWACHTLER AVEVICTORIARDMENDOTA HEIGHTS RDMENDOTA HEIGHTS RD DODD RDDODD RDTH 55TH
5
5
M
E
N
D
O
T
A
B
R
I
D
G
E
CITY OF
MENDOTA
I-494
I-494I-35EI
-
3
5E
I-
3
5
E
B
R
I
DG
E
CITY OF
LILYDALE
CITY OF ST PAUL
EMERSON AVE
L IL Y D ALETRAILS IB L E Y M E M O R I A L HW YSIBLEYMEMORIALHWYDODDRD1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
910
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Mendakota
Golf Course
(Private)
Par 3 (Public)
Dodge
Nature
Center
Henry
Sibley
Senior
High
Friendly
Marsh
Rogers Lake
Visitation
Monastery
St Thomas
Academy
Friendly
Hills
Middle
Resurrection
Cemetary
Acacia Park
Cemetary Lake Augu
s
ta
L
em
a
y
L
a
k
e
Gun Club Lake
MinnesotaR iverMississippiRiverBIGRIVERSREGIONAL TRAILSt Peter'sChurchTH 62 TH 62
Mendota
Element.
Somerset
Element.
Somerset
Golf Course
(Private)FortSnellingStatePark^Scenic Overlook
(Dakota County)
^
City Hall
& Police
^Fire Hall PickerelLakeRamsey
County
Park
^Public Works
Garage
Cem.
M ENDO
T
At
oLEBANON HILLSGREENW
AY&TRAIL
TextRIVER t o
RI
VERGREENWA
YRIVERtoRIVER GRE ENWAY
Source: City of Mendota Heights,
Dakota County Surveying &
Land Information Department
PARK & TRAIL NOTES:
1) Public Schools in "Blue" text
have public playgrounds.
2) Neighborhood concrete sidewalks
are not shown on plan.
3) Copperfield Pond trail is a gravel trail.
Parks
1) Friendly Hills Park
2) Friendly Marsh Park
3) Hagstrom King Park
4) Ivy Hills Park
5) Kensington Park
6) Marie Park
7) Mendakota Park
8) Rogers Lake Park
9) Valley Park
10) Victoria Highland Park
11) Wentworth Park
12) Valley View Heights Park
13) Copperfield Ponds
14) Sibley Park
15) Civic Center Ball Park
16) Historic Pilot Knob
17) Acacia Off-Leash Dog Park
18) Market Square Park
River to River Greenway
Planned Mendota-Lebanon
Hills Greenway
Big Rivers Regional Trail
Lilydale Pedestrian Trail (6' wide)
Wide Shoulders/On Street
Off Street Bituminous Trail (6'-8' wide)
State Park/Property
Nature Preserve
Cemetary
Golf Course
City Park (See List)
Parks and Trails Map
City of Mendota Heights
µ0 3,000 6,000 Feet
February 2020
FIGURE 4-1
MARIE AVE W
MARIE AVE W
LEXINGTON AVEPILOT KNOB RD
CITY OF EAGAN CITY OF WEST ST PAULCITY OF SUNFISH LAKEDELAWARE AVEWENTWORTH AVEWACHTLER AVEVICTORIARDMENDOTA HEIGHTS RDMENDOTA HEIGHTS RD DODD RDDODD RDTH 55TH
5
5
M
E
N
D
O
T
A
B
R
I
D
G
E
CITY OF
MENDOTA
I-494
I-494I-35EI
-
3
5E
I-
3
5
E
B
R
I
DG
E
CITY OF
LILYDALE
CITY OF ST PAUL
EMERSON AVE
L IL Y D ALETRAILS IB L E Y M E M O R I A L HW YSIBLEYMEMORIALHWYDODDRD1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
910
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Mendakota
Golf Course
(Private)
Par 3 (Public)
Dodge
Nature
Center
Henry
Sibley
Senior
High
Friendly
Marsh
Rogers Lake
Visitation
Monastery
St Thomas
Academy
Friendly
Hills
Middle
Resurrection
Cemetary
Acacia Park
Cemetary Lake Augu
s
ta
L
em
a
y
L
a
k
e
Gun Club Lake
MinnesotaR iverMississippiRiverBIGRIVERSREGIONAL TRAILSt Peter'sChurchTH 62 TH 62
Mendota
Element.
Somerset
Element.
Somerset
Golf Course
(Private)FortSnellingStatePark^Scenic Overlook
(Dakota County)
^
City Hall
& Police
^Fire Hall PickerelLakeRamsey
County
Park
^Public Works
Garage
Cem.
M ENDO
T
At
oLEBANON HILLSGREENW
AY&TRAIL
TextRIVER t o
RI
VERGREENWA
YRIVERtoRIVER GRE ENWAY
Source: City of Mendota Heights,
Dakota County Surveying &
Land Information Department
PARK & TRAIL NOTES:
1) Public Schools in "Blue" text
have public playgrounds.
2) Neighborhood concrete sidewalks
are not shown on plan.
3) Copperfield Pond trail is a gravel trail.
Parks
1) Friendly Hills Park
2) Friendly Marsh Park
3) Hagstrom King Park
4) Ivy Hills Park
5) Kensington Park
6) Marie Park
7) Mendakota Park
8) Rogers Lake Park
9) Valley Park
10) Victoria Highland Park
11) Wentworth Park
12) Valley View Heights Park
13) Copperfield Ponds
14) Sibley Park
15) Civic Center Ball Park
16) Historic Pilot Knob
17) Acacia Off-Leash Dog Park
18) Market Square Park
River to River Greenway
Planned Mendota-Lebanon
Hills Greenway
Big Rivers Regional Trail
Lilydale Pedestrian Trail (6' wide)
Wide Shoulders/On Street
Off Street Bituminous Trail (6'-8' wide)
State Park/Property
Nature Preserve
Cemetary
Golf Course
City Park (See List)
Parks and Trails Map
City of Mendota Heights
µ0 3,000 6,000 Feet
February 2020
FIGURE 4-1
MARIE AVE W
MARIE AVE W
LEXINGTON AVEPILOT KNOB RD
CITY OF EAGAN CITY OF WEST ST PAULCITY OF SUNFISH LAKEDELAWARE AVEWENTWORTH AVEWACHTLER AVEVICTORIARDMENDOTA HEIGHTS RDMENDOTA HEIGHTS RD DODD RDDODD RDTH 55TH
5
5
M
E
N
D
O
T
A
B
R
I
D
G
E
CITY OF
MENDOTA
I-494
I-494I-35EI
-
3
5E
I-
3
5
E
B
R
I
DG
E
CITY OF
LILYDALE
CITY OF ST PAUL
EMERSON AVE
L IL Y D ALETRAILS IB L E Y M E M O R I A L HW YSIBLEYMEMORIALHWYDODDRD1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
910
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Mendakota
Golf Course
(Private)
Par 3 (Public)
Dodge
Nature
Center
Henry
Sibley
Senior
High
Friendly
Marsh
Rogers Lake
Visitation
Monastery
St Thomas
Academy
Friendly
Hills
Middle
Resurrection
Cemetary
Acacia Park
Cemetary Lake Augu
s
ta
L
em
a
y
L
a
k
e
Gun Club Lake
MinnesotaR iverMississippiRiverBIGRIVERSREGIONAL TRAILSt Peter'sChurchTH 62 TH 62
Mendota
Element.
Somerset
Element.
Somerset
Golf Course
(Private)FortSnellingStatePark^Scenic Overlook
(Dakota County)
^
City Hall
& Police
^Fire Hall PickerelLakeRamsey
County
Park
^Public Works
Garage
Cem.
M ENDO
T
At
oLEBANON HILLSGREENW
AY&TRAIL
TextRIVER t o
RI
VERGREENWA
YRIVERtoRIVER GRE ENWAY
Source: City of Mendota Heights,
Dakota County Surveying &
Land Information Department
PARK & TRAIL NOTES:
1) Public Schools in "Blue" text
have public playgrounds.
2) Neighborhood concrete sidewalks
are not shown on plan.
3) Copperfield Pond trail is a gravel trail.
Parks
1) Friendly Hills Park
2) Friendly Marsh Park
3) Hagstrom King Park
4) Ivy Hills Park
5) Kensington Park
6) Marie Park
7) Mendakota Park
8) Rogers Lake Park
9) Valley Park
10) Victoria Highland Park
11) Wentworth Park
12) Valley View Heights Park
13) Copperfield Ponds
14) Sibley Park
15) Civic Center Ball Park
16) Historic Pilot Knob
17) Acacia Off-Leash Dog Park
18) Market Square Park
River to River Greenway
Planned Mendota-Lebanon
Hills Greenway
Big Rivers Regional Trail
Lilydale Pedestrian Trail (6' wide)
Wide Shoulders/On Street
Off Street Bituminous Trail (6'-8' wide)
State Park/Property
Nature Preserve
Cemetary
Golf Course
City Park (See List)
Parks and Trails Map
City of Mendota Heights
µ0 3,000 6,000 Feet
February 2020
FIGURE 4-1
MARIE AVE W
MARIE AVE W
LEXINGTON AVEPILOT KNOB RD
CITY OF EAGAN CITY OF WEST ST PAULCITY OF SUNFISH LAKEDELAWARE AVEWENTWORTH AVEWACHTLER AVEVICTORIARDMENDOTA HEIGHTS RDMENDOTA HEIGHTS RD DODD RDDODD RDTH 55TH
5
5
M
E
N
D
O
T
A
B
R
I
D
G
E
CITY OF
MENDOTA
I-494
I-494I-35EI
-
3
5E
I-
3
5
E
B
R
I
DG
E
CITY OF
LILYDALE
CITY OF ST PAUL
EMERSON AVE
L IL Y D ALETRAILS IB L E Y M E M O R I A L HW YSIBLEYMEMORIALHWYDODDRD1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
910
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Mendakota
Golf Course
(Private)
Par 3 (Public)
Dodge
Nature
Center
Henry
Sibley
Senior
High
Friendly
Marsh
Rogers Lake
Visitation
Monastery
St Thomas
Academy
Friendly
Hills
Middle
Resurrection
Cemetary
Acacia Park
Cemetary Lake Augu
s
ta
L
em
a
y
L
a
k
e
Gun Club Lake
MinnesotaR iverMississippiRiverBIGRIVERSREGIONAL TRAILSt Peter'sChurchTH 62 TH 62
Mendota
Element.
Somerset
Element.
Somerset
Golf Course
(Private)FortSnellingStatePark^Scenic Overlook
(Dakota County)
^
City Hall
& Police
^Fire Hall PickerelLakeRamsey
County
Park
^Public Works
Garage
Cem.
M ENDO
T
At
oLEBANON HILLSGREENW
AY&TRAIL
TextRIVER t o
RI
VERGREENWA
YRIVERtoRIVER GRE ENWAY
Source: City of Mendota Heights,
Dakota County Surveying &
Land Information Department
PARK & TRAIL NOTES:
1) Public Schools in "Blue" text
have public playgrounds.
2) Neighborhood concrete sidewalks
are not shown on plan.
3) Copperfield Pond trail is a gravel trail.
Parks
1) Friendly Hills Park
2) Friendly Marsh Park
3) Hagstrom King Park
4) Ivy Hills Park
5) Kensington Park
6) Marie Park
7) Mendakota Park
8) Rogers Lake Park
9) Valley Park
10) Victoria Highland Park
11) Wentworth Park
12) Valley View Heights Park
13) Copperfield Ponds
14) Sibley Park
15) Civic Center Ball Park
16) Historic Pilot Knob
17) Acacia Off-Leash Dog Park
18) Market Square Park
River to River Greenway
Planned Mendota-Lebanon
Hills Greenway
Big Rivers Regional Trail
Lilydale Pedestrian Trail (6' wide)
Wide Shoulders/On Street
Off Street Bituminous Trail (6'-8' wide)
State Park/Property
Nature Preserve
Cemetary
Golf Course
City Park (See List)
Parks and Trails Map
City of Mendota Heights
µ0 3,000 6,000 Feet
February 2020
FIGURE 4-1
MARIE AVE W
MARIE AVE W
LEXINGTON AVEPILOT KNOB RD
CITY OF EAGAN CITY OF WEST ST PAULCITY OF SUNFISH LAKEDELAWARE AVEWENTWORTH AVEWACHTLER AVEVICTORIARDMENDOTA HEIGHTS RDMENDOTA HEIGHTS RD DODD RDDODD RDTH 55TH
5
5
M
E
N
D
O
T
A
B
R
I
D
G
E
CITY OF
MENDOTA
I-494
I-494I-35EI
-
3
5E
I-
3
5
E
B
R
I
DG
E
CITY OF
LILYDALE
CITY OF ST PAUL
EMERSON AVE
L IL Y D ALETRAILS IB L E Y M E M O R I A L HW YSIBLEYMEMORIALHWYDODDRD1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
910
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Mendakota
Golf Course
(Private)
Par 3 (Public)
Dodge
Nature
Center
Henry
Sibley
Senior
High
Friendly
Marsh
Rogers Lake
Visitation
Monastery
St Thomas
Academy
Friendly
Hills
Middle
Resurrection
Cemetary
Acacia Park
Cemetary Lake Augu
s
ta
L
em
a
y
L
a
k
e
Gun Club Lake
MinnesotaRiverMississippiRiverBIGRIVERSREGIONAL TRAILSt Peter'sChurchTH 62 TH 62
Mendota
Element.
Somerset
Element.
Somerset
Golf Course
(Private)FortSnellingStatePark^Scenic Overlook
(Dakota County)
^
City Hall
& Police
^Fire Hall PickerelLakeRamsey
County
Park
^Public Works
Garage
Cem.
MENDO
T
At
oLEBANON HILLSGREENW
AY&TRAIL
TextRIVER t o
RI
VERGREENWA
YRIVERtoRIVER GREENWAY
Source: City of Mendota Heights,
Dakota County Surveying &
Land Information Department
PARK & TRAIL NOTES:
1) Public Schools in "Blue" text
have public playgrounds.
2) Neighborhood concrete sidewalks
are not shown on plan.
3) Copperfield Pond trail is a gravel trail.
Parks
1) Friendly Hills Park
2) Friendly Marsh Park
3) Hagstrom King Park
4) Ivy Hills Park
5) Kensington Park
6) Marie Park
7) Mendakota Park
8) Rogers Lake Park
9) Valley Park
10) Victoria Highland Park
11) Wentworth Park
12) Valley View Heights Park
13) Copperfield Ponds
14) Sibley Park
15) Civic Center Ball Park
16) Historic Pilot Knob
17) Acacia Off-Leash Dog Park
18) Market Square Park
River to River Greenway
Planned Mendota-Lebanon
Hills Greenway
Big Rivers Regional Trail
Lilydale Pedestrian Trail (6' wide)
Wide Shoulders/On Street
Off Street Bituminous Trail (6'-8' wide)
State Park/Property
Nature Preserve
Cemetary
Golf Course
City Park (See List)
Parks and Trails Map
City of Mendota Heights
µ0 3,000 6,000 Feet
February 2020
FIGURE 4-1
85
12
Chapter 4 - Parks & Trails
City of Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update
Future Park and Trail Needs
Future Park Needs
The City of Mendota Heights is committed to developing and enhancing its park and
open space system. City Park needs can be determined by evaluating the number, size, and
accessibility and use of parks. The city meets the National Recreation and Park Association’s
recommendation of park land and acreage and will continue to reserve city-owned lands and
explore options for expanding additional park and recreation space in the city.
Future Trail Connections
As part of the 2040 Regional Parks Policy Plan, the Metropolitan Council identified future
regional trail opportunities and priority trail corridors. The Regional Bicycle Transportation
Network (RBTN) consists of a series of prioritized Tier 1 and Tier 2 corridors and routes. The
goal of the RBTN is to establish an integrated network of on-street bikeways and off-road trails
which move bicyclists more efficiently and encourage the implementation of future bikeways.
Mendota Heights has approximately 6 roadways within Tier 1 RBTN alignments and 1 roadway
within Tier 2 RBTN alignments. Providing connections north-south and east-west through
Mendota Heights will be critical. Planned trail connections are noted as follows:
•Dodd Road Trail Corridor: Dodd Road runs approximately 3.8 miles north-
south the entire length of the city. Approximately one mile of this corridor is
served by an existing trail, with potential expansion of the trail corridor in the
future. Mendota Heights analyzed 2.8 miles of the corridor between Delaware
Avenue and Marie Avenue and between Wagon Wheel Trail and Mendota
Heights Road.
•Planned Bike Lane – Annapolis Street: a bike lane located along Annapolis
Street at the city’s northern border (now under construction).
•Mendota-Lebanon Hills Greenway: The Mendota-Lebanon Hills Greenway is
proposed to travel 8.5 miles through Mendota Heights, Inver Grove Heights,
and Eagan. Today, the landscape is largely suburban. Remaining agricultural
areas, primarily in Inver Grove Heights’ Northwest Area, are expected to
develop over the next 20-30 years. This will allow for future development
patterns in this area to be organized around and shaped by the greenway’s
natural, cultural, and recreational amenities.
86
13
Chapter 4 - Parks & Trails
City of Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update
•River to River Greenway: The River to River Greenway connects Lilydale,
Mendota Heights, West St. Paul and South St. Paul. The trail is in place between
Robert Street and the Mississippi River in South St. Paul. Future construction
projects will link Valley Park in Mendota Heights to the area near Dodge Nature
Center in West St. Paul.
•Eagan Soo Line Trail: The City of Eagan and Dakota County have initiated a trail
feasibility study in the general area where I-494, I-35E, and TH 55 all come together.
This corridor has been identified as a potential regional trail greenway that would
connect the Big Rivers and the Mendota-Lebanon Regional Trail corridors. The initial
alignment being evaluated includes an abandoned railroad line and two railroad
bridges owned by MnDOT. Areas within or adjacent to Highway 55 and I-494 right
of way are also identified.
These and all other trail systems throughout the community are identified on Map 4-2. Bicycle Facilities
and Plan.
MENDOTA
LILYDALE PICKEREL LAKEMISSISSIPPI RIVERMINNESO
T
A
RI
V
E
R
ROGERS LAKELAKE AUGUSTA
LA
K
E
L
EMA
Y
GUN CLUB LAKE DODD RDM
e
ndotatoLebano
n
HillsGreenwayRegional TrailDODD RDDELAWARE AVESIBLEY MEMORIAL HWYMARIE AVE W
MENDOTA HEIGHTS RDLEXINGTON AVELILYDALE RDPILOT KNOB RDHUBER DR
SI
BLEYMEMORIALNORTHLAND DR
WENTWORTH AVE WWACHTLER AVEWAGON WHEEL TRL
MENDOTA RDHUNTER LNORCHARD PL
VICTORIA RD SIVY FALLS AVE
RivertoRiverGreenwayBicycle Facilities and Plan Mapµ0 3,000 6,000 Feet
City of Mendota Heights
February 2020
Source: City of Mendota Heights, 2018
Metropolitan Council, 2016
FIGURE 4-2
Legend
Existing Bike Lane
Planned Bike Lane
Existing Paved Trail
Existing Non-Paved Trail
Planned Paved Trail
Existing Roadway with Shoulder >= 5'
Other Bicycle Facilities
USBR 45 Mississippi River Trail Bikeway
Metropolitan CouncilTier 1 RBTN Alignments
Metropolitan CouncilTier 1 Priority
Regional Bicycle Transportation Corridor
Metropolitan CouncilTier 2 RBTN Alignments
Map 4-2. Bicycle Facilities and Plan
Map created June 2019, Source: City of Mendota Heights, 2018 Metropolitan Council, 2016
MENDOTA
LILYDALE PICKEREL LAKEMISSISSIPPI RIVERMINNESO
T
A
RI
V
E
R
ROGERS LAKELAKE AUGUSTA
LA
K
E
L
EMA
Y
GUN CLUB LAKE DODD RD
M
e
ndotatoLebano
n
HillsGreenwayRegional TrailDODD RDDELAWARE AVESIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY
MARIE
A
V
E
W
MENDOTA
H
E
I
G
H
T
S
R
DLEXINGTON AVELILYDALE RDPILOT KNOB RD
HUBER
D
R
SI
BL
EYMEMORIALNORTHLAND
D
R
WENTWORTH
A
V
E
WWACHTLER AVE
WAGON
W
H
E
E
L
T
R
L
MENDOTA RDHUNTER LN
ORCHARD
P
L
VICTORIA RD S
IVY FALLS AVE
RivertoRiverGreenwayBicycle Facilities and Plan Mapµ0 3,000 6,000 Feet
City of Mendota Heights
February 2020
Source: City of Mendota Heights, 2018
Metropolitan Council, 2016
FIGURE 4-2
Legend
Existing Bike Lane
Planned Bike Lane
Existing Paved Trail
Existing Non-Paved Trail
Planned Paved Trail
Existing Roadway with Shoulder >= 5'
Other Bicycle Facilities
USBR 45 Mississippi River Trail Bikeway
Metropolitan CouncilTier 1 RBTNAlignments
Metropolitan CouncilTier 1 Priority
Regional Bicycle Transportation Corridor
Metropolitan CouncilTier 2 RBTNAlignments
MENDOTA
LILYDALE PICKEREL LAKEMISSISSIPPI RIVERMINNESO
T
A
RI
V
E
R
ROGERS LAKELAKE AUGUSTA
LA
K
E
L
EMA
Y
GUN CLUB LAKE DODD RD
M
e
ndotatoLebano
n
HillsGreenwayRegional TrailDODD RDDELAWARE AVESIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY
MARIE
A
V
E
W
MENDOTA
H
E
I
G
H
T
S
R
DLEXINGTON AVELILYDALE RDPILOT KNOB RD
HUBER
D
R
SI
BL
EYMEMORIALNORTHLAND
D
R
WENTWORTH
A
V
E
WWACHTLER AVE
WAGON
W
H
E
E
L
T
R
L
MENDOTA RDHUNTER LN
ORCHARD
P
L
VICTORIA RD S
IVY FALLS AVE
RivertoRiverGreenwayBicycle Facilities and Plan Mapµ0 3,000 6,000 Feet
City of Mendota Heights
February 2020
Source: City of Mendota Heights, 2018
Metropolitan Council, 2016
FIGURE 4-2
Legend
Existing Bike Lane
Planned Bike Lane
Existing Paved Trail
Existing Non-Paved Trail
Planned Paved Trail
Existing Roadway with Shoulder >= 5'
Other Bicycle Facilities
USBR 45 Mississippi River Trail Bikeway
Metropolitan Council Tier 1 RBTN Alignments
Metropolitan Council Tier 1 Priority
Regional Bicycle Transportation Corridor
Metropolitan Council Tier 2 RBTN Alignments
87
14
Chapter 4 - Parks & Trails
City of Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update
State, Regional, and Private Parks and Open Spaces
In addition to the city’s parks, there are numerous regional, county and private facilities within
or near the city’s borders:
Fort Snelling State Park
As noted earlier in this chapter, Fort
Snelling State Park is the largest
park in Mendota Heights with 849
of its 2,642 acres located in the
city. It provides outdoor recreation
opportunities and natural resource
conservation for the public and
is considered part of the regional
recreational open space system. Fort
Snelling State Park is a recreational
state park offering swimming, large
group and family picnic grounds,
a boat launch, interpretive center
and historical areas, trails, and
scenic overlooks. Most of the park’s
active facilities are located on the
Bloomington side of the River,
requiring most Mendota Heights
residents to drive or bike across the
I-494, I-35E, and Mendota bridges
to access the park. The Mendota
Heights portion of the park is left
primarily as a natural area as it
contains extensive floodplain marsh
habitat. Facilities located in Mendota
Heights support less intensive uses,
such as biking, hiking, cross country
skiing, and fishing. The Sibley
and Faribault historic sites are also
located on the Mendota Heights side.
Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan June 2019
Parks & Trails
4-11
State, Regional, and Private Parks and Open Spaces
In addition to the City’s parks, there are numerous regional, county and private
facilities within or near the City’s borders:
Fort Snelling State Park
As noted earlier in this
chapter,Fort Snelling
State Park is the largest
park in Mendota Heights
with 771 of its 2,642 acres
located in the city. It
provides outdoor
recreation opportunities
and natural resource
conservation for the public
and is considered part of
the regional recreational
open space system. Fort
Snelling State Park is a
recreational state park
offering swimming, large
group and family picnic
grounds, a boat launch,
interpretive center and
historical areas, trails, and
scenic overlooks.Most of
the park’s active facilities
are located on the
Bloomington side of the
River, requiring most
Mendota Heights
residents to drive or bike
across the I-494, I-35E,
and Mendota bridges to
access the park.The
Mendota Heights portion
of the park is left primarily as a natural area as it contains extensive floodplain
marsh habitat.Facilities located in Mendota Heights support less intensive uses,
such as biking, hiking, cross country skiing, and fishing. The Sibley and Faribault
historic sites are also located on the Mendota Heights side.
Source: c. 2018, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
88
15
Chapter 4 - Parks & Trails
City of Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update
Dodge Nature Center
The Dodge Nature Center, also referred
to as the “Lilly Property”, is a 170-
acre private nature preserve area and
facility of the city, generally located
at the southwest corner of Highway
62 and Delaware Avenue. The nature
center is dedicated to the restoration of
native plants and animal communities.
The center provides excellent
educational programs and events for the
public, including habitat restoration
projects, invasive species removal
demonstrations, prairie burns, and
native plantings. There are no visitor
buildings or restrooms at this location.
Trails are open during daylight hours
every day of the week; and there are no
fees to hike at Dodge Nature Center.
Historic Pilot Knob
As was noted in Chapter 1, Oȟéyawahe/Pilot Knob is generally located south and west of
Highway 55, north of Acacia Boulevard and east of Pilot Knob Road. The 112 acres site is
listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and provides an excellent opportunity for
the public to visit and experience historic views of the surrounding areas, and learn more about
the history and culture of this significant and sacred place. Pilot Knob is a wonderful natural
place to read the landscape; watch migratory birds; and to learn more about prairie and oak
savanna restoration work currently in progress. Pilot Knob provides a small vehicle parking
area, with walking trails, interpretive areas, and gathering spaces. Refer to the image Map 4-3.
O ȟéyawahe/Pilot Knob Historic Landscape Plan: Issues and Opportunities.
F0 0.5 1Miles
Pilot Knob Pilot Knob
Preservation Preservation
EaganEagan West St. PaulWest St. PaulLilydaleLilydaleMississippi R
i
v
e
r
Mississippi R
i
v
e
r
Minnesota RiverMinnesota RiverFort Snelling (unorg.)Fort Snelling (unorg.)Sunfish LakeSunfish LakeDodge Nature Dodge Nature
PreservePreserve
Mendota HeightsMendota Heights
Saint PaulSaint Paul
Location of Dodge Nature Center, Created by: SHC,
Source: USDA Aerial Photography Field Office
89
16
Chapter 4 - Parks & Trails
City of Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update
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CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS: PARKS AND RECREATION
STRATEGIC PLANNING RETREAT
What needs to happen in the next 3-5 years for Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation
to be financially sustainable and engaging, while encompassing the needs and wants
of all residents?
91 9b4.
Sustained Funding From All
Sources
Spacious and Gracious Facilities and Programming
For All
Communication
Sustainable
source of
funding for
Parks and Rec
A leading
community with
invested
partners
Greater
connection to
the natural
environment
A safe,
connected,
walkable and
bikeable
community
Vibrant and
diverse
community
programming
Active
recreational
facilities for all
ages
Effective 2-way
communication
with an informed
community
Long term P&R
dedicated finances
Be recognized for
best park and rec
prac�ces
Park of larger
community
(regional)
Public/private
partnerships (and
inter-agency)
Clean and safe
environment
Natural pollinators in
full bloom
Historic Pilot Knob
Interpre�ve Center
New/ replacement
fishing pier
Rehab trails improve
connec�vity (new
trails)
Trails for
neighborhood
connec�vity
People walking to
the park
Sidewalks on
state/county roads
All can bike/walk
safely to retail
Weekly summer
evening concert
series
Concert/
Entertainment series
in park
Art in the park
Iconic winter fes�val
Community dog
show
U�lize Par 3 bocce
outside cards/board
games inside
Teen and pre-teen
ac�vi�es and
programming
Golf! Golf! Golf!
Farmers Market
Community Center
(sr area/ teen center)
Sr Ci�zen
programming
Regional Sports
Complex (Bourne)
Outdoor Sports
Complex
Community Center
Bourne property rec
fields plus ice ska�ng
trail
Lights at one park
fall/spring sports
All ages community
space
A new regional park at
Diamond Jim’s (Dakota
Cty/ Partnership)
New, expanded, well
landscaped skate park
Updated and improved
fields
Accessible playgrounds
(disabili�es)
Communica�on that
engages the community
PRACTICAL VISION
What do we want to see in place in 3-5 years as a result of our actions?
92
BLOCKS WORKSHOP
Key Focus Area: Sustained Funding From All Sources
Includes vision elements:
- A leading community with invested partners
- Sustainable source of funding for Parks and Rec
What are the possible reasons this is not
happening for us right now?
- Unclear funding sources
- Uncoordinated outreach
What issues are we experiencing that
keep us stuck?
- Compe�ng interests- internal and external
- Changing the funding structure
What is preven�ng or blocking us from
achieving this today?
- Poli�cal will
- Unavailable resources
- Compe�ng interests-internal
What is going well for us in this area?
- Stable tax base
- Special park fund management
- City good will
What opportuni�es are presen�ng
itself?
- Genera�onal turnover
- Public interest in parks
- Poten�al other sources
What are the risks to consider if/when
we are successful?
- Property values increase
- Maintenance costs
- What about everything else?
93
Key Focus Area: Spacious and Gracious
Includes vision elements:
- A safe, connected, walkable and bikeable community
- Greater connec�on to the natural environment
What are the possible reasons this is not
happening for us right now?
- Communica�on
- Commitment to resources, money, staff
What issues are we experiencing that
keep us stuck?
- Deferred Maint
- Lack of space
What is preven�ng or blocking us from
achieving this today?
- Under u�lized residents/volunteers
- Lack of priori�zed plan
- Lack of resources
What is going well for us in this area? - Recent hires
- Historical planning
- Sustained commitment to excellence of services
What opportuni�es are presen�ng
itself?
- Bourn site/OHEYAWAHE
- Dakota County trails greenways
What are the risks to consider if/when
we are successful?
- Complacency
- Extra wear and tear
- Safety/overuse
94
Key Focus Area: Communica�on
Includes vision elements:
- Effec�ve 2-way communica�on with an informed community
What are the possible reasons this is not
happening for us right now?
- Informa�on overload
- Timeliness of informa�on
- Communica�on channels/sources
What issues are we experiencing that
keep us stuck?
- Medium selec�on-how do people want informa�on?
- City calendar-other partner calendars (i.e. MHAA field use)
What is preven�ng or blocking us from
achieving this today?
- So�ware limita�ons
What is going well for us in this area? - Heights Highlights, Friday News-2500 sub
- Outreach opportuni�es and engagement
e.g. listening sessions
What opportuni�es are presen�ng
itself?
- Text messaging
- Expanded social media
- New so�ware-website development
What are the risks to consider if/when
we are successful?
- Unsubscribe- informa�on overload
95
Key Focus Area: Facili�es and Programming For All
Includes vision elements:
- Vibrant and diverse community programming
- Ac�ve recrea�onal facili�es for all ages
What are the possible reasons this is not
happening for us right now?
- Restricted space
- Poli�cal will to make difficult decisions
What issues are we experiencing that
keep us stuck?
- Conflic�ng interests
- Narrow scope of funding sources
- Reluctance to change
- Historical preserva�on- always the same way
What is preven�ng or blocking us from
achieving this today?
- Absence of resources
What is going well for us in this area?
- Good ideas- many of which have come from our
engagement with community
- We do an awesome job with what they have
- Meredith!!!
- Exis�ng partnerships work well
- Good planning in the past
- 95% voter turnout
- Well educated and mo�vated ci�zens
What opportuni�es are presen�ng
itself?
- Explore op�ons to expand resources
- Renewed interest in the city parks
What are the risks to consider if/when
we are successful?
- Increase in golf course interest
96
Manage Park Natural
Resources
Secure Project Specific
Funding
Priori�ze List Establish Predictable
Sustainable Funding
• Convert grass (mow) to na�ve grass
• Establish a natural resource
advisory comm. (implement cc
priority)
• Create a natural resource
commission
• Natural resources- plant pollinator
in parks
• Naming rights for dona�ons
• Mendota Heights Founda�on for
special projects like music in parks
• Iden�fy funding sources/
community corporate
• Take natural resource to capital
• Apply for a grant for new R. Lake
fish pier
• Partner with Dakota County on
projects
• Develop project list
• Rolling CIP plan
• Priori�ze improvements (CIP)
• Create priori�zed list of what’s
funded by tax increase/referendum
• Explore purchase of
community/regional park space (w/
neighbors)
• Establish project “possibility” list to
know ideas
• Make the easier trail connec�ons
happen
• Weekly events and ac�vi�es e.g.
walks-n-talks
• Referendum-research and create
building blocks
• Sustain funding- Par 3 bond
con�nue as dedicated parks money
• Ins�tute franchise fees
• More support for the MH
founda�on (former Mayor K)
• Carry Par 3 levy forward
• Switch Par 3 purchase levy to
general levy
• Stop cu�ng user fees
Improve Informa�on Delivery Engage Community To Create
Buy-In
Create Sense Of Community Know Our Community
• Update parks trail map for gaps
• Communica�on-hire so�ware
consultant – solve problem
• Heights Highlights bi-monthly
• SMS reminders
• Invest in beter park and trail maps
• Update www mobile capacity park
info
• New website
• Community survey on tax increases
(property)
• Go to voters- explain
needs/wants/whys
• Proac�ve community
outreach/communica�ons
• Priori�ze and implement expanded
programming offerings
• Define community events- winter
fes�val, summer concerts
• Community bike rides
• Expand outreach (social outreach to
underserved) partner in services
and opportuni�es
• Equity study- iden�fy who is
underserved by P&R
• Beter understand and forecast the
demographics in MH linked to parks
needs
Increase Human Capital
• Hire addi�onal staff, i.e-write
grants, 60+ programs, maintenance,
etc.
• Form volunteer program
Atrac�ng And
Retaining
Qualified
Employees And
Volunteers
Building A
Connected
Community
Priori�zing Needs,
Securing Funding,
And Execu�ng
The Plan
STRATEGIC
DIRECTIONS
97
Implementation Workshop
Strategic Direc�on: Priori�zing Needs, Securing Funding, And Execu�ng The Plan
Current Reality First-Year Accomplishments 2-Year Success
• Insufficient funding
• No comprehensive parks CIP
• No natural resources commission
• Commit to alloca�ng Par 3 expiring funding to parks
and rec
• Research referendum
• Form rela�onship with Mendota Heights Founda�on
• Priori�zing wants and needs
• Establish natural resources commission
• Sufficient and sustainable parks funding
• One comprehensive parks CIP
• Func�oning natural resources commission
Strategic Direc�on: Building A Connected Community
Current Reality First-Year Accomplishments 2-Year Success
• No bike trail plan
• Outdated website
• Limited programming
• Lack of community engagement
• Need to iden�fy demographics
• Plan ini�ated with consultant
• Secure funding and hire contractor
• Develop calendar of events and funding
• Establish list for mee�ngs
• Obtain data and start analyzing
• Have bike trail plan
• Responsive website
• Host 2 community events per month
• Monthly commissioner, staff, council listening
sessions
• Use data to provide decision making framework
Strategic Direc�on: Atrac�ng And Retaining Qualified Employees And Volunteers
Current Reality First-Year Accomplishments 2-Year Success
Staff:
• Program Staff
• StaffProgram
• “able and stable” could be impacted by re�rement
and space need
Volunteers:
• Girl Scouts
• Great River Greening
• Moms Club
• Undefined opportuni�es leading to under u�lized
volunteers
• No “onboarding” process for volunteers
• Natural resources
• By April 30, 2022, establish a volunteer program
including an applica�on, onboarding
elements/documents and …
• Add staff to address addi�onal programming need/
wants
Staff:
• Increase # of staff in response to projects/ programs
• Increase # of hours for communica�ons
• Increase staffing for recrea�on programming
Volunteers:
• Establish a sustainable, organized volunteer program-
i.e. adopt a park etc.
• Establish onboarding process for volunteers i.e
background check
• “Best prac�ce city”
98
What Who When
2021 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Beyond
Rela�onship w/Mendota
Heights Founda�on
City Staff,
Commissioners,
City Council
Establish Natural
Resources Commission
Ryan/Krista
Priori�ze wants and
needs
City Staff,
Commissioners
City Council
Research Parks
Referendum
City Staff
Commit to alloca�ng Par
3 expiring funding to
Parks and Rec
City Council
Community engagement
list of mee�ngs
Meredith,
Commissioners
Bike plan ini�ated with
consultant
Ryan
Website remodel-secure
funding, hire contractor
Cheryl
Demographics-obtain
data and start analyzing
Meredith
Programming-develop
calendar of events and
funding
Meredith
Establish volunteer
program
City Staff
99
Add staff to address
addi�onal programming
needs/wants
City
Administrator
100
Mendota Heights Parks and Rec Stakeholders Feedback Session May 24, 2021 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Mendota Heights Parks and Rec
Strategic Plan • Stakeholder Session • May 2021
7:00 Welcome and Introductions
7:15 Context and Overview
7:30 Small Group Discussions
8:10 Report Out and Debrief
8:25 Closing
What is one word or image that comes to mind to describe Parks and Recreation in
Mendota Heights? 1
What programs, services and events is the City already offering that you are aware of? 2
What is the City currently doing well in Parks and Recreation? 3
What does Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Department need to improve on? 4
What gaps in services in programs/offerings need to be considered as we plan for the
changing needs of the community? 5
A large part of the current Mendota Heights parks system was funded through the means
of a referendum in the late 1980’s. Since then, some new or additional facilities have
been financed through Park Dedication fees from new construction. The City does have
some field use fees for organized sports, and the City has been fortunate to have
received some grants. However, the majority of parks and recreation improvements
come from property taxes. Given this information, what options and resources are
available to us for funding park and rec activities? 6
101 9b5.
Mendota Heights Parks and Rec Stakeholders Feedback Session May 24, 2021 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Mendota Heights Parks and Rec
Strategic Plan • Stakeholder Session • May 2021
Name Organization What is one word or image that
comes to mind to describe Parks &
Recreation in Mendota Heights?
William McNally W. St. Paul/Mendota
Heights Rotary president
connected
Katie Lowe YMCA Programs
Anna Judge Dakota County CDA Walkable
Karla Rapp ISD 197 Facility Scheduler Active
Laurie McFaul Resident/homeowner and
owner of Mindful Music
and Arts (early childhood
music classes)
minimal
Elisa Manny K-12 Athletics Family friendly
Frances Beth Jacob Beth Jacobs Congregation Outdoors
Ann Hathaway Resident Pleasant
Judd Fenlon Grand Real Estate
Advisors
Community
Tom Stevens MHAA Softball Kids
Bryce Anderson MHAA Lacrosse Smile
Jean London Tennis Group Rejuvenation
John Kenney Saint Thomas Academy Accommodating
Master Boltz The Gym: Boltz’s Family
Martial Arts
Parks/Kids
Greg Geiger MHAA Soccer / Skatepark Opportunity
Kaan Cercioglu MHAA Football No Lights
Lisa Wolf Salvo Soccer Club Community
Adam Smith Community
Mike Cashill At Home Apartments Connected
102
Mendota Heights Parks and Rec Stakeholders Feedback Session May 24, 2021 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Laura Jacobson MOMS Club of Mendota
Heights
Kid-friendly
Lisa Grathen ISD 197 Director of
Community Education
community
What programs, services and events is the City already offering?
lacrosse sports, frisbee Golf Lessons
Youth sports
schools
Flag football
Paved Trails
Sports - baseball, socco
summer youth field trips
ice skating on marie
Trails
ice skating
Summer camps
Canoe rentals or is it just racks?
Softball and baseball
playgrounds
5K run
Playgrounds
lacrosse sports, frisbee Dog Park
facility rental
Skateboard park
Skatepark
Pickleball Frisbee
Tennis lessons
playgrounds
Activities for Children
Music in the parks?
Fire station
Summer Youth Field Trips
Flag football Ice Skating
Ponds
103
Mendota Heights Parks and Rec Stakeholders Feedback Session May 24, 2021 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Question 1: Megan
What is the City currently doing well in Parks and Recreation?
Family Programming partnerships
Playground equipment seems to be updated +1 +1
Neighborhood centered ice rinks, tennis, basketball courts, playgrounds and ball
fields
+1
Process for field allocation
Non-covid era LOTS of youth opportunities for summer
Maintenance of existing field space +1
Lots of great green space that is mowed and maintained regularly +1+1
Pickleball courts are on fire ~ always see groups using those
Did a nice job explaining covid expectations on their website for renters
Many walking/biking paths throughout the city +1+1
Great that pickleball nets were installed on hockey rink in Marie Park
Ice rinks well maintained +1+1+1
Great that pickleball nets were installed on hockey rink in Marie Park, instead of
taking away green space, clever use of unused seasonal space
+1
Process for reserving tennis courts
Good sharing of field space and taking care of the parks & fields
Appreciate garbages placed inside the walking path between walking path thru lillydale
and valley park?
Seeking input from community members +1+1+1
Dog clean-up bags are helping +1+1
Nice pavilion space in parks
Closer to Valley Park paths seem to be cleared of snow relatively quickly +1
Skate park is visible--not hidden away--activities are viewable +1
Restrooms are available and clean (even with porta-potties) +1+1
104
Mendota Heights Parks and Rec Stakeholders Feedback Session May 24, 2021 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Staff are a pleasure to work with when reserving space +1+1 +1
Question 2: Karie
What does Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Department need to
improve?
Field lights at mendakota +2
turf fields +2
Lights (i.e. MHAA football and soccer wants lights added at Mendakota) +4
dugouts covers +1+1
lacrosse rebounder wall +1
Resurfacing tennis courts
Dislike the surface on the fenced in courts at valley park
+1
Art/Music - interactive events in park space +1 +1+1+1
Prepare for growth of lacrosse programs
Walking trails for elderly residents +1
Designated walking paths without bikes/rollerblades allowed so that seniors are not afraid
to use them
Well maintained trails that are free of hazards such as bulging asphalt, etc. +1
Additional trails through the north part of mendota heights
+1
Listing of locations of parks, trails, etc. +1+1
Partnerships ( Community Ed) +1 +1
More pickleball and better designed +1
Additional dog parks +1
Indoor room facilities for neighborhood event
Dog park could use something in the space besides just the grass - trees or areas to
explore. My dog goes there and sits there wondering what there is to do. :-)
Mendakota is a dated model for fields, built for beer league softball or adult +1+1+1
105
Mendota Heights Parks and Rec Stakeholders Feedback Session May 24, 2021 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
leagues. Remodel into kid sized ball fields, smaller fields, concessions, lights and
water play at mendakota
Pavilion? Adjacent to valleypark tennis court could use an update / clean up /new tables
etc
More frequent resurfacing of trails
Adult art offerings
+1
Many of the tennis courts don’t drain properly after rain, and that’s also true for Marke
Park pickleball court, Marie ball field doesn’t drain well either
Fitness facilities indoors
+1
Skatepark maintenance and improvements
+1+1
Older adult programming +1
Dedicated football-lined field in Mendota Heights (Kensington is a possibility)
Outdoor fitness facilities
Better water accessibility at Mendakota (faucets?)
Fountains within the ponds to control algae growth
Splash Pad +1+1
Covered outdoor area at Marie Park (for cookouts, etc.) +1
Bounce-back wall for tennis courts (one-sided tennis court) +1
Removal of par 3 golf course (not profitable; costs taxpayers money; would be a
good spot for the turn field)
+1
Having a general schedule (calendar) for events so we know what is available and when
(we know what is open/available and we know what is going on so we don’t just show up
and find out it isn’t)
Drop box outside city hall for facility reservations
Additional netting for safety at smaller baseball fields
Question 3: Irina
106
Mendota Heights Parks and Rec Stakeholders Feedback Session May 24, 2021 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
What gaps in services in programs/offerings need to be considered as we
plan for the changing needs of the community?
Upgrading playgrounds (that’s been great)
More planned events at playgrounds (for small children who are at home during the day)
Map of all different walking paths, designated walking paths for seniors Aging
tennis players have access and are kept in order
+1
Mendakota Park is not utilized to its full potential. Youth can only use 2 days per
week. What West St. Paul has done with Harmon Park is a shining example of what
is possible.
+2
No idea where all the parks are , how to go about reserving a spot at the park
(information about the park, registration, way finding)
+1
Park reservation system +2
Information about the events, how to engage and participate +1
Social media presence
Activities for the seniors in the community +1
Courts being used for dog parks - not good for court - better
communication/signage
+1
Enjoy the Mailings/Newsletter on what kids can sign up for (summer programs)
Prepare of growing lacrosse programs
3rd parties giving skate lessons
Condition of the skate park +2
Dirt bike/mt bike friendly space
Indoor facilities for classes
Online access to services, programs, reservations, etc. (virtual program
opportunities)
+1
Indoor communal space for residents to rent for card groups / class space for
private instruction/ book clubs / knitting clubs / youth association planning
meetings, etc.
+1
Lots of kids playing pickup basketball at Marie Park in the evenings!! Would be
great if more than 1 park had usable courts for this
+1
Intergenerational activities and opportunities
Indoor clubs/groups (i.e. bridge or exercise or mah jong)
Community water park
107
Mendota Heights Parks and Rec Stakeholders Feedback Session May 24, 2021 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Community center that can host receptions/conferences +1
Shade trees near the playgrounds +1
Adult sports leagues (e.g. basketball, volleyball, soccer); alleviating the competition
for playing space taken by kids
+1
Cross-promoting activities and/or finding partners for activities within the region/area; who
does something really well - leverage that
Prepare for growth in soccer (i.e. field space)
Gaming for youth
Modifications for electric cars (e.g. charging, etc.)
Space for flying / racing drones
Dedicated football field
Question 4: Jeremy
A large part of the current Mendota Heights parks system was funded
through the means of a referendum in the late 1980’s. Since then, some new
or additional facilities have been financed through Park Dedication fees from
new construction. The City does have some field use fees for organized
sports, and the City has been fortunate to have received some grants.
However, the majority of parks and recreation improvements come from
property taxes. Given this information, what options and resources are
available to us for funding park and rec activities and services?
Advertising (could be banner, not permanent features) +1
Local Rotary Club Donation To the city
Sponsorship (naming rights) +2
Partnership with local organizations and businesses, schools, community
education
+2+1+1
Federal or state grant(s) +1
Pull Tabs +1
Volunteer --groups in charge of projects (like adopt a highway) +2
Approaching South Roberts St Business Association
Mendota Days (or similar events as fundraisers) +1+1
Rallying groups who want specific amenities to do fundraising for their cause +1
108
Mendota Heights Parks and Rec Stakeholders Feedback Session May 24, 2021 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Membership fee (or pay-to-play/use facilities) +1
Concert in the park series to raise money +1
Additional Tax for this purpose, levy +1+1+1+1
(capital campaigns) 5 year fundraising goal
Bring in larger events with the ability to generate revenue (concessions) or use
ticket sales for event
+1
Silent Auction to raise funds
HOPEFUL
Creating additional conversation opportunities within the community.
Mendota Heights listening to what people really want.
City will put $$ into the skatepark - time to invest in it either in its current location or a more visible and
welcoming location
I’m hopeful that we can find funding to do a few of these things. I always feel sad when I have to go to Eagan
or WSP or even IGH to do some of the things I like to do
So glad that the city is making this attempt to listen and ask for input
Looking forward to hearing more from the city - timelines; when will we see action being taken
I am hopeful that our older population whose families may have aged out of youth sports, or those who
no longer have students in our schools will see the value in supporting these efforts to keep MH a
great place to live.
DOUBTFUL
Spinning wheels - going nowhere
Disappointed that the city hasn’t already taken action - we've done band-aid solutions; want our parks to reflect
the pride in our community; our community needs to shine
Disappointed that we have done some things “on the cheap”
109
Mendota Heights Parks and Rec Stakeholders Feedback Session May 24, 2021 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
QUESTIONS
Please look into having a regulation baseball field available to the community. Only STA and Sibley have
regulation fields.
Are there data that would help the city make some hard decisions about eliminating certain programs and
facilities and reallocating those $$ to activities and spaces which might be more efficient use of facilities
Not sure what the City wants to provide. What is the vision for services and programs that fits our community
size. we can't be everything to everyone, we are not the size of Eagan or even WSP.
KEY INSIGHT
Appreciate being asked and being included in the conversation
I am hopeful that our older population whose families may have aged out of youth sports, or those who no
longer have students in our schools will see the value in supporting these efforts to keep MH a great place to
live.
110
STRATEGIC PLANNING CALENDAR 2021-2022
Priori�zing Needs, Securing Funding, and Execu�ng the Plan Building a Connected Community Atrac�ng and Retaining Qualified Employees and Volunteers
What Who When
2021 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Beyond Update
Rela�onship w/Mendota
Heights Founda�on
City Staff,
Commissioners, City
Council
City Administrator met with the Founda�on to discuss their mission, vision and
goals and how the City could benefit from the Founda�on. The Founda�on has
been asked to present to the City Council and PRC in Q1 of 2022.
Establish Natural Resources
Commission
Ryan/Krista Staff is working to finalize Commission by-laws and commissioner application
timeline. The Natural Resource Commission is slated to begin in Q1-2022.
Priori�ze wants and needs City Staff,
Commissioners City
Council
Work session held in July to priori�ze requests to City Council for FY 2022
budget. This will be an ongoing project.
Research Parks Referendum City Staff Staff is working to research details for a parks referendum. Staff is scheduling
mee�ngs with ci�es that have conducted recent referendums for park
improvement projects. City Council will need to determine if this is moved
forward.
Commit to alloca�ng Par 3
expiring funding to Parks
and Rec
City Council
Community engagement list
of mee�ngs
Meredith,
Commissioners
Staff will meet with commissioners Meyer and Smith to compile a possible list
of community engagement mee�ng possibili�es for 2022. This list will be
brought to the Commission to review in January.
Bike and pedestrian plan
ini�ated with consultant
Ryan Applica�on for grant funding was submited on October 15. Staff is wai�ng to
hear back if the City was successful.
Website remodel-secure
funding, hire contractor
Cheryl Included in the final FY 2022 budget was $60,000 for a website redesign. Staff
intends to have a new website launched by Q3.
Demographics-obtain data
and start analyzing
Meredith Staff has completed compiling a narra�ve for a more formal Parks and
Recrea�on Strategic Plan based on informa�on from Hue Life. Staff was asked
by the Council to do more research in regards to demographics.
Programming-develop
calendar of events and
funding
Meredith Funding was approved in the 2022 budget along with addi�onal staff to carry
out this ini�a�ve.
Establish volunteer program City Staff The Assistant City Administrator is leading this ini�a�ve. A City Volunteer plan
will be presented to the Commission in Q1, with an an�cipated launch in April.
Add staff to address
addi�onal programming
needs/wants
City Administrator Included in the FY 2022 budget was the addi�on of a Parks and Recrea�on
Manager. The City Administrator will be bringing a job descrip�on to the City
Council to approve on December 21.
111 9b6..
DATE: December 14, 2021
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Meredith Lawrence, Recreation Program Coordinator
SUBJECT: Recreation Update
Staff has been working to plan the City’s 2022 Winter Fest, which will be called, “Mendota Heights
Frozen Fun Fest.” The event will take place the weekend of February 4-6. Staff is working to
finalize the details. Below is a rough draft plan; details are still working to be finalized.
Friday, February 4
•Community Hike in Valley Park (4:00pm-5:00pm)
Saturday, February 5
•Ice Sculpture Making at Market Square Park (10:00am)
•Food Trucks and Band at Mendakota Park (2:00pm-5:00pm)
o Snow Person Making Contest on Soccer Field
Sunday, February 6
•Ice Fishing at Roger’s Lake Park (9:00am-11:00am)
•Family Kickball Tournament at Mendakota Park (2:00pm-5:00pm)
*Coloring Contest throughout the weekend online*
112 9c.