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2022-04-12 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda Packet CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Tuesday, April 12, 2022- 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. March 8, 2022 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. Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan Update 8. New Business a. Consideration of Permanent Pitching Mound at Victoria Highlands b. 2021 Parks, Recreation, and Par 3 Annual Review c. Adopt a Park Program Presentation 9. Unfinished Business a. Community Engagement Outreach Update b. Park and Recreation Strategic Planning 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. 1 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. 2 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS, DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING MARCH 8, 2022 The March meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. 1. Call to Order – Chair Bob Klepperich called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. 2. Roll Call – The following Commissioners were present: Chair Bob Klepperich, Commissioners: Jaffrey Blanks, Patrick Cotter, Stephanie Meyer, Michelle Muller, and Amy Smith; absent: Commissioner Dan Sherer and Student Representative Niko Hess. Staff present: Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence and Assistant City Administrator Kelly Torkelson. 3. Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 4.Approval of Agenda Motion Meyer/second Blanks to approve the agenda AYES 6: NAYS 0 5.a Approval of Minutes from February 8, 2022 Regular Meeting Motion Cotter/second Smith to approve the minutes of the February 8, 2022 Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting. AYES 6: NAYS 0 6. Citizen Comment Period (for items not on the agenda) None. 7.Acknow ledgement of Reports Chair Klepperich 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 Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence stated that the City is still looking for employees for the upcoming season, noting that all information is available on the website and at City Hall. She stated that staff is preparing for the upcoming golf season; preparing equipment and training staff. She stated that the course opening will be weather-dependent. She stated that the annual report for Parks and Recreation and the Par 3 will be presented to the Commission at its next meeting. She provided details on the adult/youth scramble which will be held on Saturday, April 9th at 9 a.m. Commissioner Meyer asked if the Commission is still interested in hosting something for the opening of the Par 3. Ms. Lawrence stated that planning staff did not believe the Planning Commission would be interested. She asked how many of the Commission members golf that would be interested. She noted that April would be a busy month with other City events but stated that staff could attempt to plan if there is interest. 3 Commissioner Cotter commented that there does not seem to be much interest. Commissioner Muller noted that members of the Commission could participate in the scramble in April if desired. 7.b Recreation Update Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence provided the schedule for Tour de Rec. She stated that summer recreational programing has opened and some programs are already filled. She highlighted summer recreation programing, field trips, and other events. Commissioner Smith asked the number of participants allowed in the different sports camps. Ms. Lawrence replied that it would depend on the camp, ranging from ten to 20 children. Commissioner Smith asked how temperature readings are done, noting differences between Friendly Hills and Marie Park. Ms. Lawrence provided details on the process, noting that some of the numbers may be altered due to when staff was at that location. She noted that there were staffing issues at some of the warming houses therefore readings were not always taken during the different times of the day. Commissioner Cotter commented that it is amazing how fast recreational programming fills and believed that it was great to have these offerings in Mendota Heights. He appreciated the partnerships with other communities and encouraged staff to pursue additional opportunities. He asked if there was interest in the pickleball programming. Ms. Lawrence confirmed that there was interest in the pickleball programing, although it is not yet full. She noted that it’s a program run by the City, therefore if it fills, additional opportunities could be added. Chair Klepperich asked if there would be a mailer with the recreational programming. Ms. Lawrence stated that the City chose a postcard option to advertise recreation registration and the full information is available on the City website. 7.c Parks Improvement Update Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence provided an update on the Wentworth warming house project, dugout and fence work project, dog park, Mendakota dugouts, ribbon cutting for Friendly Hills pickleball courts, and mound request for Victoria Highlands notification for neighbors. She stated that the City Council considered the lighting request for the Friendly Hills pickleball courts, noting that the Council did not approve the request and directed staff to look further into park lighting. She noted that staff met with the frequent park users in January in preparation for permit submission. Chair Klepperich stated that he drove by Civic Center Park and noticed people taking measurements where dugouts would go, noting that perhaps more bids would be received for the project. Commissioner Cotter asked how long bidding would be open for the warming house project. 4 Ms. Lawrence was unsure but noted that bid opening would occur on March 30th and bids would be brought to the Council on April 5th. Commissioner Cotter stated that there has been a lot of discussion regarding the user groups and asked if there was resolution for the request for earlier permitting for tournaments. Ms. Lawrence stated that the Council adopted the fee schedule and users can petition the Council for a fee reduction if desired. She stated that user groups will be required to go through solid waste and recycling training through the City. She noted that they were unable to find resolution on the tournament deadline. She stated that the City changed the date for tournament permit submission to accommodate MHAA, but applications were not submitted on the date the City Council agreed to. She stated that staff is continuing to address issues with MHAA. Commissioner Cotter asked if he understood correctly that the City changed the submission date for tournament permitting as requested by MHAA, but then MHAA did not submit permit requests on that date. Ms. Lawrence stated that MHAA did not submit the permitting request on the earliest date it could have and instead submitted a week or so after. She noted that staff still worked within the 21-day review period to review the requests. She stated that tournament dates were permitted within that review window. She stated that the conflict arose from City reservation of the facility on a date which MHAA requested, noting that the City receives priority for its own facilities. Commissioner Cotter stated that perhaps MHAA is invited to the June Commission meeting in order to discuss fall sports. He commented that it would be nice to have an open line of communication with MHAA at least twice per year. Chair Klepperich stated that he would enjoy meeting some of the other user groups similar to the communication the Commission has had with MHAA baseball. Ms. Lawrence agreed that it would be helpful to hear from MHAA as a whole rather than just one sport/segment. Commissioner Muller recognized that City sponsored events, such as the Touch a Truck event, takes a lot of planning and takes priority over requests from other users. Ms. Lawrence confirmed that the City does take priority and alerted user groups of that date in December in attempt to avoid conflict. She stated that the City has chosen not to host other events at that location in order to allow other users groups to use the facility. Motion Meyer/second Blanks to acknowledge the staff reports. AYES 6: NAYS 0 8. New Business 8.a City Publications Survey Assistant City Administrator Kelly Torkelson stated that the City completed a resident survey using an online survey tool to gain input on the City’s publications. She reviewed the results of the survey and how staff used that information in attempt to have the best communication with residents. 5 Chair Klepperich stated that when speaking to a resident today, the resident was not aware the Mendota Magazine is not a City publication. Commissioner Meyer noted that she has received similar questions as to whether the City creates that publication. She stated that perhaps the invitation for the Mayor to comment within the magazine causes confusion. She noted that perhaps the magazine could make it clearer that the Mayor is speaking as an invited guest. Chair Klepperich thanked staff for the excellent job in providing this information. Commissioner Meyer recognized that residents are interested in road projects and asked if staff has thoughts about how to better inform residents. Ms. Torkelson stated that residents can be directed to City staff and noted that information is also available on the City website. She stated that the City newsletter will also feature spaces for communication of the top interests identified through the survey including road projects. 8.b Community Engagement Outreach Groups Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence stated that in the past the Commission has expressed interest in community engagement and holding listening sessions in the community related to parks and recreation. She stated that community engagement is important as it helps to drive recreational programing and ensure that people are happy with the projects in the parks. She commented that Commissioners Smith and Meyer have volunteered to assist staff on this topic and have provided a list of user groups in the community. She stated that the Commission should determine what it would like to gain from this process, specifically the questions it would like asked to ensure the information provided through the engagement is purposeful. She reviewed the list of user groups developed thus far. Commissioner Meyer commented that there are different ways to look at community engagement, noting that she sees it as a way to do community organization, promote the visibility of the Commission, spread information about parks and recreation, and gathering feedback. She stated that this will also be a way to identify leaders in the community and people that would be passionate about a project. Commissioner Smith echoed the comments of Commissioner Meyer. She stated that getting these groups together will help to identify programing gaps and additional programing ideas. She stated that there could also be more points of contact for upcoming community events to increase participation. Chair Klepperich stated that originally, he thought the list was long but now understands the purpose. He stated that he does have concerns that some of the hot topics will continue to come through (splash pad, dedicated pickleball courts, senior center) and wanted to see other topics discussed as well. He stated that perhaps an online survey could be done along with this project to provide another dimension. He volunteered to meet with the Foundation. Commissioner Cotter asked if the Foundation should be invited to join a Park Commission member in meeting with these various groups. He noted that it would provide an opportunity for the group to become more visible and network in the community. He stated that if people want senior centers and splashpads, there needs to be support from the community as a whole. He noted that the Commission is being tasked with a vision for the short and long term and 6 therefore this input will be important. He noted that identifying financial mechanisms will be important for park projects. Chair Klepperich asked how the Commission would like to move forward on this. He believed that they should ask the community to identify both short term and long term wants and needs. Commissioner Blanks stated that he would like the group to identify what they want out of this process in order to determine if this is the right list of groups. He noted that will also help the group develop the related document. He stated that he would love to participate in meeting with the groups. Ms. Lawrence commented that three members of the Commission can attend a meeting without triggering an open meeting. She stated that in the past this has been done in pairs and believed there is value in having two members. She confirmed that three Commission members could be on a subcommittee. Commissioner Meyer believed that the goal is to provide visibility of the Commission, inform the public of offerings and opportunities, to come back with common themes and interests, and to identify leaders in the community. She stated that she would like to keep the last question and second to last question but believed the playground-related questions could be replaced with items that were discussed during the strategic planning process. Commissioner Blanks appreciated that input. He noted that perhaps some specific questions would be developed for some users, such as MHAA. Commissioner Muller commented that she does not believe the general community is aware of the parks replacement schedule. She stated that this could be an opportunity to educate the public on budgeting, how decisions are made, and why a splashpad has not been a feasible option for the community. She stated that input was received from previous meetings that identified the wants and therefore believed that the ideas from Commissioner Meyer would be a good focus. Commissioner Cotter noted that last time the attempt was to gather information while the purpose of these meetings would be to educate the public on what has been done and what is being done. He agreed that it would be helpful to identify leaders. He stated that in addition to developing questions to be answered, it will be important to develop a list of things the Commission would like to communicate to the public. Ms. Lawrence challenged the Commission to think about how this process can help to fill in the gaps that were identified in the strategic planning process for the parks. She provided an example of senior programing and what programs that group would be interested in. She challenged the group to think about what they can get from people in terms of the recreation opportunities they would like to see in the community. She explained that there are more funds budgeted for programing and therefore it would be helpful to gain input on programing concepts for different age groups such as teens and seniors. She stated that there are some user groups that have made their voices loud and clear and noted that there are others that have not been addressed. She stated that Night to Unite could also be used for the members of the Commission to gain input from their own neighborhoods. Commissioner Cotter stated that it sounds like there is a need to identify programming ideas and wants and perhaps that should be the focus rather than facility wants. 7 Ms. Lawrence stated that one of her goals for the year is to discuss recreational programing more and receive input from the Commission on that topic. Commissioner Meyer stated that it would be helpful to split up the user groups and by the next meeting, have a contact person identified for each group and knowledge of the availability of the group. The members of the Commission volunteered to reach out to different user groups on the list. Commissioners Meyer, Muller and Smith volunteered to work on the informational sheet with questions for the Commission to review at its next meeting. 9. Unfinished Business 9.a Frozen Fun Fest Recap Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence stated that the City hosted the first Frozen Fun Fest in February and recapped the events that took place. She noted that portions of the weekend were successful and other portions were not successful. She stated that the weather played a factor. She welcomed input from the Commission on the event as staff begins to think about the event for next year. Commissioner Meyer stated that the ice sculpture carving was great in concept, but it was hard to get a good turnout because of the weather. She asked if the cost was worth the planning and setup. She asked whether it would make sense to combine that with the food truck portion. Ms. Lawrence stated that she did not have the costs present and noted that the vendor took care of setup. She believed it was a reasonable cost but noted that could be a multi-day event and could also be located in Market Square to bring customers to the local businesses. Commissioner Meyer noted that perhaps that could be combined with the snow sculptures. She stated that the food trucks are a great idea but believe the window of time of 2 to 5 p.m. was a tough time as it is not a mealtime. She stated that if that window is going to be used, perhaps the offerings are more treat/snack related. She noted that families seemed a bit confused about the snow sculpture event. Ms. Lawrence commented that there was not snow to sculpt with as it was not wet snow, so that element was scratched. Commissioner Meyer noted that perhaps that event does not move forward because it is so weather dependent. She suggested a vendor market with crafts for sale. Commissioner Smith suggested a snowshoe shuffle which could be a timed event but was unsure how many people have snowshoes. She noted that perhaps the City could partner with REI to provide snowshoes. She stated that she liked the community hike as it introduced her to residents she has not typically met. She stated that the outdoor concert and food truck were great offerings, noting that people were out searching for the medallion. She believed the medallion and color contest should stay as those were popular. She stated that perhaps the weather deterred people from participating in the kickball tournament. 8 Commissioner Meyer suggested incorporating local talent to bring out more members of the community, such as a school choir or band. She noted that is fun for the kids, but it also draws family that would come to watch. Commissioner Smith stated that instruments may be tricky in the winter temperatures. Ms. Lawrence stated that staff struggled to find food trucks that operate in the winter as was finding a band. Commissioner Muller asked if there was a reason that date was chosen, as it aligned with the Saint Paul Winter Carnival. Ms. Lawrence noted that date was chosen based on availability of staff and a short planning window. She stated that staff will be able to do a better job in planning as this event moves forward. She recognized that the weather will always be a factor as you cannot predict that. Commissioner Muller asked if the City could have food trucks that serve alcohol. Ms. Lawrence replied that the City requires all food trucks to have a Mendota Heights license and one requirement is that alcohol is not allowed. She commented that the City would have to have a beer garden, with wristbands and service only in a fenced in area. Commissioner Muller asked if music in Market Square park could be included as that would allow people to go to the different restaurants. Ms. Lawrence commented that staff could look into that. Commissioner Muller commented that it was a fun event. She agreed that the medallion was a hit. She noted that perhaps boot hockey is offered rather than kickball as that would utilize the rinks. She stated that the nice thing about music at Mendakota is that there were a lot of families on the playground. Chair Klepperich stated that there is ample parking at Mendakota compared to Market Square. Commissioner Meyer commented that staff did an excellent job developing the clues for the medallion. 9.b Park and Recreation Strategic Planning Update Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence reviewed the monthly strategic planning update with the Commission. 10. Staff Announcements Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence shared the following announcements: • The City is attempting to fill seasonal staffing positions for the Par 3 and recreational programs • Other events can be found on the city’s website 11. Student Representative Update None. 9 12. Commission Comments and Park Updates Commissioner Smith • The improvements at the dog park with the brush clearing provides better sightlines to the street parking • Friendly Hills hockey rink was well used during the cooler temperatures Commissioner Cotter • The Commission has come a long way since its strategic planning • Wentworth Park has had use of its ice rink during the cooler temperatures and looks forward to the updates for the warming house Commissioner Blanks • April 7th Tour de Rec will be held at Mendakota • Noticed young kids playing basketball at Valley Park on a court that had been cleared of snow • Encouraged residents to clean up after their dogs Commissioner Muller • Kensington has been quiet • People have shoveled the skateboard ramps at Rogers Lake for use • Congratulated Ms. Lawrence on the new position Commissioner Meyer • Marie Park had fantastic activity with the ice skating • Thanks to City staff for their hard work on recreational opportunities and new flyers • Congrats to Ms. Lawrence on her position Chair Klepperich • Visited Victoria Highlands and Ivy Hills and did not notice much activity but the trails were nicely plowed • The next meeting will be Tuesday, April 12th at 6:30 p.m. • Thanked staff for their participation tonight 13. Adjourn Motion Blanks/Second Meyer to adjourn the meeting at 8:26 PM AYES 6: NAYS 0 Minutes drafted by: Amanda Staple TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 10 DATE: April 12, 2022 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Meredith Lawrence, Parks and Recreation Manager SUBJECT: Par 3 Update Season Open The course opened for the season on April 1. The course was busy from April 1-3, but then saw snow and rainy conditions, which resulted in a course closure for a few days. Maintenance staff has been working hard to get the course’s amenities available; including footgolf, patio furniture, and carts. Staff has been training new and existing clubhouse employees. Junior/Adult Golf Championship The City hosted its first ever Junior/Adult Golf Championship at the Par 3 on Saturday, April 9 at 9:00am. The event was a recreational two-person scramble tournament like the pro’s do in Orlando. This event had good registration numbers. Seasonal Par 3 Employment Opportunities The City is now accepting applications for the following Par 3 seasonal positions: Clubhouse Worker, Golf Assistant, and Golf Instructor. Positions are open until filled. Application materials are available for download from the City’s website or at City Hall. Equipment Acquisition The City Council approved the following pieces of equipment: Aerator, Workman/Topdresser and Sandpro. Staff has been working with MTI Distributing to take possession of these pieces of equipment. There has been a manufacturing delay so the estimated arrivals are as follows: • Aerator: End of May • Sandpro: December • Workman: October • TopDresser: June 11 DATE: April 12, 2022 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Meredith Lawrence, Parks and Recreation Manager SUBJECT: Recreation Update Tour De Rec 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. • May 5 (6:00pm-7:00pm)- Mendota Elementary Gymnasium Kids Garage Sale In collaboration with West Saint Paul and Inver Grove Heights, the City is hosting its first ever Kids Garage Sale. The event will take place on Saturday, April 30 from 10:00am-Noon. Registration is full for sellers, but all are welcome to come and buy from our young entrepreneurs. Admission is free. Touch a Truck Join us for a behind the scenes tour and get up and close to tons of big rigs on Saturday, May 14 (Sunday May 15 is rain backup)—fire trucks, police squads, mowers, plow trucks and more! Activities will include kids’ games, photo opportunities, and a food truck. The event will take place at Mendakota Park. The event is free. Summer Concert Schedule One of the goals of the Commission/City Council for 2022 was to increase the number of Summer concerts. Below is a list of the scheduled concerts for the year: May 4: Kallian and Blackwater @ Mendakota (6:30-8:00pm) May 18: Tiger Ries @ Market Square Park (6:00-7:30pm) June 1: Teddy Bear Band @ Mendakota (6:00-6:45pm) June 15: Skipping Stones @ Market Square (6:30-8:00pm) June 29: DJ Party Unit @ Mendakota (6:00-6:45pm) July 13: Up South @ Market Square (6:00-7:30pm) July 27: Sons of Groove @ Mendakota (6:30-8:00pm) August 12: Funktion Junction @ Mendakota (6:30-8:00pm) August 24: Rockin Hollywoods @ Mendakota (6:00-7:30pm) 12 Seasonal Recreation Employment Opportunities The City is now accepting applications for the following seasonal positions: Tennis Instructor, Tennis Assistant, Pickleball Instructor, and Pickleball Assistant. Positions are open until filled. Application materials are available for download from the City’s website or at City Hall. 13 DATE: April 12, 2022 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Meredith Lawrence, Parks and Recreation Manager SUBJECT: Park Improvement Update Wentworth Park Warming House Update Staff has scheduling a bid opening date of April 13 with a possible award of the project at the City Council meeting on April 19. Barbeau Architects is currently seeing pricing this year of around $250-$300 per square foot. The estimated range of the warming house would be $300,000 to $360,000. Dugout Quotes Staff is brining quotes for dugout covers and necessary fence work to be conducted at Victoria Highlands, Valley Park, and Civic Center to the City Council on April 19 for consideration. The three sets of dugouts and fence work came in around $70,000. Mendakota Dugouts-Concrete Work The contractor has completed installing the dugouts at Mendakota. Staff has a contractor on board to add concrete to where the dugouts open. Currently there is grass there that staff is worried will get torn up once the season starts. This is the final piece of the project completion and is an additional $8,800. Pickleball with Public Safety and Ribbon Cutting The Mayor will cut the ribbon to officially open the Friendly Hills Pickleball courts at 5:30pm on Thursday, April 21. Our Police and Fire crew will be on site playing pickleball with the community following the ribbon cutting. This event is free to the community. Special Park Fund Balance Currently the Special Parks Fund is showing a balance of $560,000 as of 4/7/22. 14 DATE: April 12, 2022 TO: Parks & Recreation Commission FROM: Ryan Ruzek, P.E., Public Works Director SUBJECT: Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan Update INTRODUCTION Mendota Heights contracted with consulting firm HKGi to develop a city-wide Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan. This plan is funded through a Statewide Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) grant from Dakota County and the Minnesota Department of Health. This plan is required to evaluate benefits and impacts to SHIP priority populations (people 60 or older, children, and people with low incomes or others experiencing a health disparity) which will occur through a targeted public engagement process. The city is currently in Phase 1 of the engagement process which involves an online engagement to solicit broad feedback on areas within the city that work well or have problems for bicycle and pedestrian access and usability. This online engagement includes a Survey Monkey survey and a Social Pinpoint Map. Links to these online platforms are posted on the city website, social media, and provided on the attached flyer. Comments for this phase will be accepted until April 28, 2022. Phase 2 of the public engagement will kick off in June and include additional survey questions with the goal of presenting draft recommendations to solicit input and thoughts on implemtation. The will be a community open house meeting included with this phase. The draft plan is scheduled to be presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission at their meeting on July 12, 2022. ACTION REQUIRED The Commission is asked to complete the survey and mapping application ahead of the meeting and help share this engagement activity with the public or others that would like to provide feedback on the city bike and pedestrian plan. 15 16 DATE: April 12, 2022 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Meredith Lawrence, Parks and Recreation Manager John Boland, Public Works Superintendent SUBJECT: Consideration of Permanent Pitching Mound at Victoria Highlands INTRODUCTION The Mendota Heights Athletic Association (MHAA) has requested a permanent pitching mound be installed at Victoria Highlands Ball Field. At the April 12 meeting, the Parks and Recreation Commission is asked to hear a presentation from staff on the feasibility of installation and allow residents to speak regarding the proposed project. BACKGROUND MHAA requested this item in the Fall of 2021 at a Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. Staff brought the request to the November 9, 2021 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, where the item was discussed. The Commission recommended approval of the installation of a permanent pitching mound at Victoria Highlands, with the condition that MHAA cover 50 percent of the final project cost. The City Council reviewed this item on November 16 and asked for staff to engage the surrounding neighbors regarding the proposed change and research options for an improved portable mound. After the November 16 meeting date, staff started researching portable pitching mound options and prepared a notice to be sent to homes within 500 feet of the Victoria Highlands Park Boundary. Notices were sent on March 8 and residents were encouraged to attend the April 12 commission meeting to provide input on the proposed project. The Victoria Highlands field is utilized primarily for youth baseball, whether formal or informal, as well as softball, pickup wiffleball, kickball, and for general use to practice pitching/catching. When MHAA reserves/uses the field for baseball they utilize a portable pitching mound at the site. This is the practice at many of the fields in the City. Currently, Civic Center and Hagstrom King are the only two City-owned fields with permanent pitching mounds. Fields without mounds include: Mendakota (4), Friendly Hills, Ivy Hills, Marie, Valley and Wentworth. 17 DISCUSSION In researching permanent and temporary pitching mounds, staff has learned that permanent pitching mounds can be constructed out of aglime or clay. Aglime Permanent Mound Pros: • Cheaper than clay • Requires a lower level of maintenance from public works staff Cons: • Less durable than clay • Needs a water source to knit the material back into wear areas (Victoria Highlands Park does not have a water source/irrigation on site) • The mound needs to remain covered at all times (unless staff is watering it or it is being used). If not covered there is a potential the mound will wash away or materials will migrate away • Aglime does not hold its shape well Clay Permanent Mound Pro’s: • More durable than aglime Con’s: • More expensive than aglime • A higher level of maintenance from public works staff will be needed • A clay mound needs a water source to properly maintain the mound (Victoria Highlands Park does not have a water source/irrigation on site) • The City will be required to have clay material on hand to do small repairs; after each game ideally • Staff will need to regularly top dress the calcinated clay to manage moisture • Needs to remain covered at all times (unless staff is watering it or it is being used) to avoid washouts Temporary Mound Pro’s: • Cheaper in the long run • More durable than aglime and clay • Consistent surface providing more safety to the pitcher • Limited maintenance-wear areas will still develop in landing areas, but will last longer than permanent mound • Provides more versatility for the field as the distance from the mound to the plate changes by age group o Installing a permanent mound will limit the use on this field 18 Con’s: • Requires two adults to move it if the field is requested to be used for another activity or if another baseball team wants to use the field and has different pitching mound dimensions—the technology has come a long way since MHAA last purchased a temporary mound After discussing the project with reputable vendors, staff was advised that a clay mound is not recommended for this field. Without having a water source, it is extremely difficult to ensure a quality and safe playing surface. With the necessary water, clay mounds need grooming 2-3 times a week to keep the consistency of clay within range. The Public Works Superintendent has concerns about the staff time needed to keep this mound in quality shape without a water source. It is also difficult to keep clay mounds from being contaminated with aglime on a field without infield turf. Victoria Highlands field does not have infield turf. If aglime and clay are contaminated, they make a “mushy” substance that is difficult to work with and play in. Costs for a clay mound are estimated at $3,500 and would need infield grading work completed, which costs an additional $750. An aglime pitching mound is approximately $2,000 and would also need infield grading work completed, which costs an additional $750. Attached is an option staff has found for a quality temporary mound: Victory Mound: Portable Game Pitching Mound • Made with Reinforced Fiberglass • Covered with turf • No lips or edges • 6″H, 7’6″W, 9’6”L • 180 lbs. • Landing Area: 5’1″ Price: $3,195 Attachments: Notice Mailed to Residents within 500 feet of the Park Photo of Temporary Mound MHAA Currently Uses Option #1 for Temporary Mound Emails/Correspondence (Staff has received from residents) Data on Mounds from Other Cities BUDGET IMPACT: If a permanent or temporary mound is desired, the Commission will need to recommend to the City Council how this project would be funded. RECOMMENDATION: Staff is recommending the purchase of a temporary mound for the Victoria Highlands Field. The temporary mound provides more safety in regards to a uniform surface, the ability for the mound to be moved quickly so the field in Mendota Heights can remain multi-purpose and can be 19 suitable for a large range of baseball players, it limits time requirements needed from park maintenance staff, and will save money in the future in regards to ongoing maintenance. ACTION REQUESTED: The Commission is asked to make a recommendation to the City Council in regards to the installation of a pitching mound at Victoria Highlands. 20 NOTICE OF REQUEST TO ADD A PERMENANT PITCHING MOUND TO VICTORIA HIGHLANDS PARK FIELD VICTORIA HIGHLANDS PARK 1700 DIANE ROAD MENDOTA HEIGHTS MN, 55118 This notice is informing you that the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission, at its regular meeting on April 12 at 6:30pm, will discuss a request from residents to add a pitching mound to the existing baseball field at Victoria Highlands Park. The City Council/Parks and Recreation Commission would like to make area residents aware of the proposed addition before moving forward with a decision based on the request. Persons with comments about the addition of a permanent pitching mound at the Victoria Highlands Park field are asked to attend the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on Tuesday, April 12 at 6:30pm at the Mendota Heights City Hall Council Chambers, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, Minnesota. There will be time during the meeting for those with concerns to voice their opinion. Questions or comments related to this notice may be directed to Meredith Lawrence, Parks and Recreation Manager at (651) 255-1354 or email mlawrence@mendotaheightsmn.gov 21 CURRENT TEMPORARY MOUND USED AT VICTORIA HIGHLANDS 22 VICTORY MOUNDS: PORTABLE GAME PITCHING MOUND 23 From:Breanna Zarmbinski To:Meredith Lawrence Subject:Victoria highlands park pitching mound Date:Sunday, March 27, 2022 9:46:10 AM Hello Meredith, My husband and I live near the Victoria Highlands Park and received the city notice of adding a pitching mound to the existing ball field. We are unable to attend the Parks and Recreation meeting in April but wanted to express our support of the project. We think it would be a great addition! Thank you. Sincerely, Breanna Zarmbinski and Paul Shrewsbury 916 Adeline Court Mendota Heights MN 55118 Sent from my iPhone 24 From:Steven Greenstein To:Stephanie Levine Cc:Meredith Lawrence Subject:FW: Notice or Request to Add a Permanent Pitching Mound to Victoria Highlands Park Field Date:Thursday, March 31, 2022 7:40:25 PM Greeting Stephanie- We hope this note finds you and Jimmy well. Time is flying and we’ll soon be returning to Mendota Heights for hopefully another enjoyable late spring and summer. We’re writing you in response to the Notice of Request to Add a Permanent Pitching Mound to Victoria Highlands Park Field. Meredith Lawrence was so kind to respond to our questions in depth about this proposal (see below). We will not be able to attend the April 12 meeting at which this will be discussed, so we’re voicing our concerns via this note. As original residents of Victoria Highlands (30 years now, can you believe it!), we’ve seen many changes in and around our neighborhood (and of course throughout the community). Most have been positive, but unfortunately some of those in Victoria Highlands have not. The upgrade of the ball field in the park a few years ago is one of those. When Sid Bream developed Victoria Highlands 30+ years ago, the park was designed as a neighborhood park for the Victoria Highlands residents and adjacent surrounding neighborhoods, not a community wide baseball/recreation field – witness the very small area available for parking (just 6 spaces, if I recall). Upgrading the field a few years ago has transformed the neighborhood into an auto thoroughfare on most summer evenings- exactly the time when neighbors historically take peaceful walks in and around the park, often with their dogs. Since upgrading the field, we have been subjected to a steady stream of vehicles and noise (most commonly large pickups and SUVs packed with kids and equipment), who, given the lack of parking on the park grounds, park their vehicles on the streets, often in front of our houses, impeding normal traffic flow, not to mention co-opting use of the park for the neighborhood residents as originally designed. Had we realized at the time the impact upgrading the field would have had on our neighborhood, we would have made our objections known. We’re not going remain silent again this time. We’re very concerned that transforming the current pitching mound into a permanent one will now expand the group of kids who would use the field (to older aged kids), intensifying use of the field further, generating more traffic and noise and further limit the use of the park for the neighborhood residents as originally designed. As you and Jimmy live a few blocks away, you may be unaware of the unique issues with 25 noise that our small neighborhood currently suffers with. Although these factors preceded the upgrade of the ball field a few years ago, the upgrade significantly exacerbated the problem and has further eroded the excellent quality of life we once enjoyed there. Since we moved into our home those many years ago, the Mnpls Airport Authority has added the new terminal C at the airport and a new east-west runway. Prior to that development, we rarely saw or heard jets taking off from the airport. Since the runway was added, we now regularly see and hear jets flying just south of Hwy 62 out our back door and when weather is inclement, jets are rerouted directly overhead our neighborhood heading north. Our neighborhood also directly abuts Interstate 35E as it curves around the back of those homes on Diane Road and the end of Douglas Road before crossing Marie Ave.; once we open our windows in the spring, we’re subject to intensive and unremittent highway road noise. Additionally, a commercial establishment (a group home for physically challenged adults) was grandfathered into the developer covenants when Victoria Highlands was built. Although unobtrusive, employee staff, service vehicles and guests frequent the facility adding yet more traffic and noise to our small, 40 home neighborhood. Now with our mini Target Field in the dead center of the neighborhood, noise and traffic is incessant and unabating during the warm weather months and has significantly impacted our quality of life and enjoyment of living in the area. We cannot think of another single-family home neighborhood in the entire city that is subjected to the kind of traffic and noise as ours- if so, we’d be interested to know the others and whether any of them also have a high traffic, community-wide athletic facility in the middle. The fact that the current configuration of Victoria Highlands is reserved for baseball EVERY day of the week from April through July is a frightening thought considering the other forms of traffic and noise we have to deal with, let alone what would presumably transpire once a pitching mound is made permanent. Although upgrading the Victoria Highlands Park ball field a few years ago is now water under the bridge, rather than continue to develop Victoria Highlands baseball park and further aggregate this problem, why can’t other nearby parks such as Wentworth, Marie or Valley be developed for youth baseball to share the noise and traffic burden? Unlike Victoria Highlands, which requires park users to drive into and out of the heart of our neighborhood, none of these other ball parks are situated deep within their respective residential neighborhoods (they are more adjacent to them) and all currently provide more off street 26 parking. Whether or not this suggestion gains traction, we strongly recommend against any further changes to Victoria Highlands park that would cause more intensive use of the facility with an increase in traffic and noise. We could be wrong, but we doubt many of our Victoria Highland neighbors will appear at the April 12th meeting to raise similar concerns; we chalk this up more to apathy and lack of knowledge about the details of the change, however, should a more detailed communication of the change and its impact on traffic and noise be provided to neighborhood residents in advance, possibly through a limited resident survey, we believe many neighbors who share our concerns about traffic and noise will voice them. We look forward to seeing you and Jimmy upon our return. Feel free to contact me with any questions. Regards, Steve and Stephanie Greenstein 923 Douglas Road From: Meredith Lawrence <MLawrence@mendotaheightsmn.gov> Sent: Monday, March 14, 2022 10:29 AM To: Steven Greenstein <slg56@comcast.net> Subject: RE: Notice or Request to Add a Permanent Pitching Mound to Victoria Highlands Park Field Hi Steven and Stephanie— Thanks for reaching out and for asking some great questions! The City has had a request to add a permanent pitching mound to the Victoria Highlands field. Currently the field is a multi-purpose field that can be used for softball, kickball, wiffleball, etc. and when it is used for baseball there is a portable mound that is utilized. The attached photo (Pitching Mound-Perm) is a good representation of what a permanent pitching mound looks like. They are typically constructed out of clay or aglime. If you have ever been to a MLB game, this is the same type of mound you’d see at their field. Pitching mounds are utilized for baseball, but are not used for softball, kickball, wiffleball, so by adding a permanent pitching mound it would limit the usage of the field to only baseball. The City only has permanent pitching mounds at Civic Center and Hagstrom King fields. Currently users utilize a temporary pitching mound at the field when it is used for baseball. See attached photo (Temporary Pitching Mound). Temporary Pitching Mounds can easily be added or taken off the field for various user groups/activities. 27 Essentially the decision we are seeking engagement on is whether the users should continue using a temporary mound that would enable the field to be multi-purpose, or if the City should add a permanent pitching mound that would limit the field to only baseball. Users have said that a permanent mound would provide a higher quality playing surface, but a higher quality temporary pitching mound could provide this same amenity in staff’s opinion. By adding a mound the field could be used for ages 11 and up. As for the use of the facility increasing if a permanent pitching mound is installed, I cannot say. The main user of this facility is the Mendota Heights Athletic Association (MHAA). Currently they have Victoria Highlands permitted for the following in 2022: April 4-July 30 Every Monday-Friday: 5:00-9:00pm Every Saturdays: 8:00am-1:00pm Every Sundays: 4:00-9:00pm It is my understanding MHAA currently uses Victoria Highlands only for baseball at this time. Thus, there is not much additional time the site could be reserved, but by adding the permanent pitching mound the association has said the field would be more desired for games than with the existing portable mound. Removal of a permanent pitching mound is not impossible, but it is not a quick task. I think if a permanent mound is installed, it would likely remain as the cost of installation is not cheap and it would then be considered “the norm” for the site. If you would like to discuss further, please give me a call. I am happy to answer any questions you may have. Thanks, Website | Connect Meredith LawrenceParks and Recreation ManagerCity of Mendota HeightsDirect: 651-255-1354Credentials: CPRP, CPSI From: Steven Greenstein <slg56@comcast.net> Sent: Saturday, March 12, 2022 10:36 AM To: Meredith Lawrence <MLawrence@mendotaheightsmn.gov> Subject: Re: Notice or Request to Add a Permanent Pitching Mound to Victoria Highlands Park Field Greeting Meredith: I recently received the above referenced notice and have a few questions I hope you can answer for us as we’re out of town until mid May and won’t be able to attend the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on April 12. Can you please describe what this pitching mound is, i.e., will the current mound be raised 28 somehow or will a separate mound be constructed in its place elsewhere on/near the baseball field? What is the purpose of this raised pitching mound, i.e., will it facilitate an older group of players to now use the field vs. the younger kids who currently use it? If so, do you anticipate more intensive use of the facility going forward as a result of this change? Please describe how this pitching mound is permanent; will this made of poured concrete or other material which makes removal impractical? Thanks very much, Steven & Stephanie Greenstein 923 Douglas Road Mendota Heights 29 1 Meredith Lawrence From:Adam Crepeau <adamrcrepeau@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, March 24, 2022 4:54 PM To:Stephanie Levine; Ultan Duggan; John Mazzitello; Jay Miller; Joel Paper Cc:Nick Sattler; Meredith Lawrence; Ryan Ruzek; Cheryl Jacobson Subject:Re: Mound Request Approval at Victoria Highlands Park City Council:    Please work swiftly.  Our baseball program doesn't have enough mounds for all of our fields.  Purchasing a $4000+ full  length game mound, that still is a safety concern, is not in our planned budget.    When I heard the parks and recs committee approve the mound in my presence last fall, I never in my wildest  imagination expected approval to be in limbo 5 going on 6 months later.    The opinions of people who don't use or permit the field are moot, if you can't see this please get out of the way.    Listen to your community and be brave: The baseball community wants a baseball field to have a baseball mound.      Adam Crepeau  1016 Douglas Rd  MHAA Board Member & Baseball Commissioner    On Thu, Mar 24, 2022 at 3:43 PM Meredith Lawrence <MLawrence@mendotaheightsmn.gov> wrote:  Hi Nick:     We are in the process of receiving feedback from the public on this request. All correspondence will be provided to the  Commissioners in the agenda packet that is available April 8. Correspondence that is received between the packet  being released and the meeting start time will be provided to the Commissioners at the meeting on April 12. The notice  did provide the public meeting as the platform to speak directly to the Commission to voice concerns, so some may  provide comments at that time as well.     The information provided to the Commission will then be given to the City Council in preparation for their April 19  meeting.     Once the Parks and Recreation Commission makes a recommendation to the City Council and the City Council makes a  decision, I will be in contact with MHAA leadership on next steps.      Thanks,  30 2        Website | Connect    Meredith Lawrence  Parks and Recreation Manager  City of Mendota Heights   Direct: 651-255-1354  Credentials: CPRP, CPSI     From: Nick Sattler <nsattler@verticalxchange.com>   Sent: Thursday, March 24, 2022 2:33 PM  To: Meredith Lawrence <MLawrence@mendotaheightsmn.gov>  Cc: Adam Crepeau <adamrcrepeau@gmail.com>; Stephanie Levine <SLevine@mendotaheightsmn.gov>; Ultan Duggan  <UDuggan@mendotaheightsmn.gov>; John Mazzitello <JMazzitello@mendotaheightsmn.gov>; Jay Miller  <JMiller@mendotaheightsmn.gov>; Joel Paper <JPaper@mendotaheightsmn.gov>; Ryan Ruzek  <RRuzek@mendotaheightsmn.gov>; Cheryl Jacobson <CJacobson@mendotaheightsmn.gov>  Subject: Re: Mound Request Approval at Victoria Highlands Park     Can you please let us know what the correspondence was?      Thanks,  Nick  Sent from my iPhone    On Mar 24, 2022, at 2:30 PM, Meredith Lawrence <MLawrence@mendotaheightsmn.gov> wrote:     Hi Adam:     The notice was mailed to residents within 500 feet of the park on March 8. The City has received  correspondence from two residents, which will be included in the staff presentation to the Commission  on April 12 and the City Council on April 19.  31 3    Thanks,         Website | Connect    Meredith Lawrence  Parks and Recreation Manager  City of Mendota Heights   Direct: 651-255-1354  Credentials: CPRP, CPSI     From: Adam Crepeau <adamrcrepeau@gmail.com>   Sent: Thursday, March 24, 2022 2:17 PM  To: Meredith Lawrence <MLawrence@mendotaheightsmn.gov>  Cc: Nick Sattler <nsattler@verticalxchange.com>; Stephanie Levine  <SLevine@mendotaheightsmn.gov>; Ultan Duggan <UDuggan@mendotaheightsmn.gov>; John  Mazzitello <JMazzitello@mendotaheightsmn.gov>; Jay Miller <JMiller@mendotaheightsmn.gov>; Joel  Paper <JPaper@mendotaheightsmn.gov>; Ryan Ruzek <RRuzek@mendotaheightsmn.gov>; Cheryl  Jacobson <CJacobson@mendotaheightsmn.gov>  Subject: Re: Mound Request Approval at Victoria Highlands Park     Meredith:     I have not seen the notice.       Do we have no feedback at this point or did the notice solicit feedback through phone calls or email?     Adam     On Thu, Mar 24, 2022 at 11:02 AM Meredith Lawrence <MLawrence@mendotaheightsmn.gov> wrote:  Hi Nick:  32 4    Thanks for checking in on this project request from MHAA. A notice regarding the mound request was  mailed out to residents within 500 feet of the Victoria Highlands Park boundary on March 8. The  notice provided details on the opportunity residents will have to provide feedback to the Parks and  Recreation Commission at their meeting on April 12.     Staff plans to bring this item to the City Council for consideration on April 19.      Thanks for your patience through the process.          Website | Connect    Meredith Lawrence  Parks and Recreation Manager  City of Mendota Heights   Direct: 651-255-1354  Credentials: CPRP, CPSI     From: Nick Sattler <nsattler@verticalxchange.com>   Sent: Thursday, March 24, 2022 10:26 AM  To: Stephanie Levine <SLevine@mendotaheightsmn.gov>; Ultan Duggan  <UDuggan@mendotaheightsmn.gov>; John Mazzitello <JMazzitello@mendotaheightsmn.gov>; Jay  Miller <JMiller@mendotaheightsmn.gov>; Joel Paper <JPaper@mendotaheightsmn.gov>  Cc: Meredith Lawrence <MLawrence@mendotaheightsmn.gov>; Adam Crepeau  <adamrcrepeau@gmail.com>; Ryan Ruzek <RRuzek@mendotaheightsmn.gov>  Subject: RE: Mound Request Approval at Victoria Highlands Park     Mendota Heights City Council,     I wanted to follow up with you regarding the pitching mound addition to Victoria Highlands Park to  see where we are at in the process.  Thank you, Mayor Levine and Council Member Paper, for taking  the time to call and speak with me on this issue.  I would also like to thank Council Members Miller  and Mazzitello for emailing me back.    33 5    As I stated in my original email back on February 17th, I’m hopeful to have a mound installed and ready  for play by the week of April 18th of this year.  Since there is no public objection to having a mound  installed there, and with the warm weather that we have had over the last week and a half, I think  there should be ample time to get this done by the start of baseball season.  I took the liberty of doing  a materials cost breakdown (paying retail prices) so you can have an accurate understanding of what  the cost would be (on the high end).     Mound Materials  2 – 8 Inch Nails ($0.76 x 2) = $1.52  2 – 18 Inch Spikes ($3.98 x 2) = $7.96   250 ft of Braided Nylon Twine = $5.50  2 ‐ 4‐pound shakers of AquaSmart = $12.45 X 2) = $24.90  30 – 50 pound Bags of Turface Mound Clay =  ($33.33 X 50) = $1,666.50  25 bags of Turface MoundMaster Clay Blocks = ($5.03 X 25) = $125.74  5 bags of Turface infield conditioner = ($17.53 X 5) = $87.65  1 Pitching Rubber = $32.39     Materials Total: $1,952.16 + tax     Finally, as I have stated earlier, I have a group of citizens (including a licensed contractor) willing to  pay and do the work on building this mound so the parks and rec department would not need to  supply any labor and it would cost the city nothing.  It was made clear to me by Mayor Levine that this  is unfortunately not an option at this time.  My main concern is for the safety of the Mendota Heights  kids who will be playing baseball on that field all year long and for the kids that they will be playing  against.  The portable mounds are not big enough and are a safety concern to me and every other  parent in our community who has a kid playing baseball there.  If there is any additional information I  can provide or assistance I can offer, please let me know.     Thank you for your time and I will look forward to hearing from you soon.       Respectfully,  34 6 Nick Sattler  1041 Marie Ave. W  Mendota Heights, MN 55118  651‐245‐6432     From: Nick Sattler   Sent: Thursday, February 17, 2022 2:52 PM  To: Stephanie Levine <slevine@mendotaheightsmn.gov>; uduggan@mendotaheightsmn.gov; John  Mazzitello <jmazzitello@mendotaheightsmn.gov>; jmiller@mendotaheightsmn.gov;  jpaper@mendotaheightsmn.gov  Subject: Mound Request Approval at Victoria Highlands Park     Mayor Levine and City Council of Mendota Heights,     My name is Nick Sattler and I live at 1041 Marie Ave. W. in Mendota Heights.  I’m writing to you all  today regarding something that in my opinion shouldn’t have even been brought in front of you for  your attention with everything that you have going on right now.       In October, the Parks and Rec board APPROVED and recommended that a permanent pitching mound  be installed at Victoria Highlands Park.  Parks and Recreation Director Lawrence felt that she needed  to bring this request to your attention (which I’m not sure why as what is the point of having a Parks  and Rec Board then?), and you so heard about it at the November 16th City Council meeting.  At that  meeting you all decided that you need to inform the surrounding neighbors about this request and  that you would be able to have a decision in December, but no later than January.  I have looked  through the minutes of the City Council meetings for the last two months and I haven’t seen any  issues or negative input from the public on having a pitching mound installed?  My question then is  why isn’t hasn’t this been approved and slated for implementation as soon as the ground thaws?     The City Council and Parks and Recreation Director have asked MHAA to jump through numerous  hoops in order to make this small request happen.  The MHAA Baseball Commissioner Adam Crepeau  has spent hours at Parks and Rec meetings and working with their members to understand why this  mound is needed for the safety of the kids who will use it.  He has been asked to submit information  from other cities on how many parks have pitching mounds and why it will benefit our youth and our  city.  Commissioner Crepeau has also worked with MHAA Softball Commission Tom Stevens and  gotten his approval that MHAA Softball has no interest in using Victoria Highlands Park for softball  games.  Finally, Commissioner Crepeau has also offered money and volunteers to help install this  mound, so the city has virtually no cost, but has been met opposition on this from Parks and  Recreation Director Lawrence and Public Works Director Ruzek.  35 7    In summary, based on your city council minutes, the following questions regarding this proposal were  brought up below with answers in RED.     Mayor Levine, Councilor Duggan, & Councilor Mazzitello wanted neighborhood feedback – No  documented objections received in December or January   Councilor Mazzitello & Councilor Miller wanted to know if softball wanted the fields – MHAA  Softball does not use or want to use Victoria Highlands Park   Mayor Levine wanted to understand age groups using mounds – 8‐year‐old kids on up use  mounds.  Currently, the age 11‐year‐old field (Hagstrom King) and 13 year old field (Civic  Center) have mounds, but age 12 (Victoria Highlands) does not.     Cost & Labor – MHAA has volunteered to install and pick up half the cost, but Parks & Rec  Director Lawrence and Public Works Director Ruzek don’t want the help.     I’m a parent to a 12‐year‐old boy, but I’m also a parent to a 14‐year‐old girl and I have extensive  experience with coaching both boys and girls sports including baseball and softball.  There will be two  baseball teams of Mendota Heights kids using Victoria Highlands field 4‐6 days a week this summer  while also hosting 20+ other teams to games there.  A portable mound is more of an injury risk to  these kids and is more of an eye sore to the look of the park from the street.  I’m asking as a longtime  resident of Mendota Heights to approve this request or feel free to contact me anytime if you have  any questions or concerns regarding this project.  My Cell phone number is 651‐245‐6432 and I can be  reached anytime.     Thank you for your consideration of my request and I will look forward to hearing from you soon.     Kind regards,  Nick Sattler     To help protect your priv acy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.     Nick Sattler Partner, Executive Director nsattler@verticalxchange.com www.verticalxchange.com O: 952-224-7613 M: 651-245-6432 F: 952-736-9362 36 8 4580 Scott Trail, Suite 100 Eagan, MN 55122   To proyopriMicOffpred autc dod opicfroIntFack  ToproyopriMicOfpred auc dod opicfroIntLin   TopryoprMit Oprd auc dod opicfroInTw               37 CITY NUMBER OF BALL FIELDS NUMBER OF PERMENANT PITCHING MOUNDS PERECENTAGE Mendota Heights-Current 11 2 18.182% West Saint Paul 10 1 10.000% Eagan 38 3 7.895% Little Canada 5 1 20.000% Woodbury 50 6 12.000% Cottage Grove 54 10 18.519% Rosemount 26 3 11.538% Prior Lake 31 6 19.355% Bloomington 85 12 14.118% Mendota Heights-If Added 11 3 27.273% 39 DATE: April 12, 2022 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Meredith Lawrence, Parks and Recreation Manager SUBJECT: Parks, Recreation, and Par 3 Annual Review INTRODUCTION At its meeting on April 12, the Parks and Recreation Commission will hear a presentation from staff on the 2021 accomplishments in relation to Parks, Recreation, and the Par 3 Golf Course. Attachments: 2022 Program Offerings Annual Report ACTION REQUESTED This presentation is for informational purposes only. However, the Parks and Recreation Commission is welcome to provide feedback for the 2022 year to staff. 40 REGISTRATION OPENS 9 A.M. TUESDAY, MARCH 1 City of Mendota Heights | Page 1 Parks & RecreationMendota Heights Register for events and programs at mendotaheightsmn.gov or in person at City Hall during business hours. SUBSCRIBE to eNEWS mendotaheightsmn.gov FACEBOOK MHParksandRec CITY HALL BUSINESS HOURS Mon–Th: 7am–4:30pm | F: 7–11:30am PARKS & RECREATION 651-452-1850 STAY IN TOUCH REGISTER EARLY Watch for deadlines and register at least one week prior to the program start. Capacities may be limited and programs may fill quickly. Cancellations occur if there are not enough participants for an activity. FEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Residents with a parent on active military duty or who receive free and reduced meals through ISD 197 may be eligible for 50% off of golf lessons, tennis lessons, or Safety Camp (up to $150). Contact Park & Rec for details. NEW & FAVORITE PROGRAMS Our most popular programs have returned, along with new ones including pickleball lessons for adults. Learn how to play one of the fastest-growing sports! Many of the returning youth programs feature new themes and activities to enjoy. W ITH SUMMER PROGRAMS SURE TO BRING SMILES 41 Teis Program City of Mendota Heights | Page 2 Little’s Tennis Lessons · Ages 4-6 This is an introduction to tennis using mini nets and junior tennis balls. Parents and chaperons are encouraged to stay. $50 per participant Day Dates Time Session Location Th June 16, 23, 30, July 14, 21, 28 8-8:45am 1 Visitation Th June 16, 23, 30, July 14, 21, 28 8:50-9:35am 2 Visitation Th June 16, 23, 30, July 14, 21, 28 9:40-10:25am 3 Visitation Th June 16, 23, 30, July 14, 21, 28 10:30-11:15am 4 Visitation Th June 16, 23, 30, July 14, 21, 28 11:20am-12:15pm 5 Visitation M June 13, 20, 27, July 11, 18, 25 5:15-6pm 6 Marie Park M June 13, 20, 27, July 11, 18, 25 6:15-7pm 7 Marie Park W June 15, 22, 29, July 13, 20, 27 5:15-6pm 8 Marie Park W June 15, 22, 29, July 13, 20, 27 6:15-7pm 9 Marie Park Sat June 18, 25, July 9, 16, 23, 30 8:30-9:15am 10 Marie Park Sat June 18, 25, July 9, 16, 23, 30 9:20-10:05am 11 Marie Park Youth Tennis Lessons · Ages 7-12 Join us to learn the game and have fun improving your skills while doing drills and playing matches. Children will be divided into groups based on ability: beginner, intermediate, advanced. $50 or $100 per participant depending on session Day Dates Time Session Cost Location M/Tues/W June 13-July 27 8-8:50am 1 $100 Visitation M/Tues/W June 13-July 27 9-9:50am 2 $100 Visitation M/Tues/W June 13-July 27 10-10:50am 3 $100 Visitation M/Tues/W June 13-July 27 11-11:50am 4 $100 Visitation Sat June 18, 25, July 9, 16, 23, 30 10:15-11:15am 5 $50 Marie Park Sat June 18, 25, July 9, 16, 23, 30 11:30am-12:30pm 6 $50 Marie Park (No class the week of July 4) In-House Tennis League · Ages 8-14 Instructors will divide participants into singles and doubles play each day and will be on hand to keep the matches moving. Instructors will provide coaching on serving, strokes, footwork, scoring and strategy. Players must be able to play matches and score prior to the program beginning. $125 per participant Day Dates Time Location M/Tues/W June 13-July 27 Noon-12:55pm Visitation (No class July 4-6) YOUTH 42 Tiger Tots Lessons · Ages 4-6 This program features the basics of golf strokes and etiquette, while focusing on the love of the game. Each participant will receive a souvenir ball and hat. All participants must have their own golf clubs. Mondays · $35 per participant Day Dates Time Session Class Location Mondays June 13-27 8-8:40am 1 Class 1 MH Par 3 Mondays June 13-27 8:50-9:30am 1 Class 2 MH Par 3 Mondays June 13-27 9:40-10:20am 1 Class 3 MH Par 3 Mondays July 11-25 8-8:40am 2 Class 4 MH Par 3 Mondays July 11-25 8:50-9:30am 2 Class 5 MH Par 3 Mondays July 11-25 9:40-10:20am 2 Class 6 MH Par 3 Mondays Aug 1-15 8-8:40am 3 Class 7 MH Par 3 Mondays Aug 1-15 8:50-9:30am 3 Class 8 MH Par 3 Mondays Aug 1-15 9:40-10:20am 3 Class 9 MH Par 3 Golf Program City of Mendota Heights | Page 3 Beginner Junior Golf · Ages 6-12 This course is meant for students new to golf or with very little experience. All participants must have their own golf clubs. Each Session is Monday through Thursday (Fridays are designated makeup dates). $90 per week Days Week Time Location M-Th June 20-23 ∙ Week 1 10:30am-12:15pm MH Par 3 M-Th June 27-30 ∙ Week 2 10:30am-12:15pm MH Par 3 M-Th July 11-14 ∙ Week 3 10:30am-12:15pm MH Par 3 M-Th July 18-21 ∙ Week 4 10:30am-12:15pm MH Par 3 M-Th July 25-28 ∙ Week 5 10:30am-12:15pm MH Par 3 M-Th Aug 1-4 ∙ Week 6 10:30am-12:15pm MH Par 3 M-Th Aug 8-11 ∙ Week 7 10:30am-12:15pm MH Par 3 M-Th Aug 15-18 ∙ Week 8 10:30am-12:15pm MH Par 3 Intermediate Junior Golf · Ages 8-14 Play rounds of golf while perfecting strokes and techniques. This program is meant for students with golf experience who are familiar with the rules and able to play a round of golf. All participants must have their own golf clubs. Each Session is Monday through Thursday (Fridays are designated makeup dates). $90 per week Days Week Time Location M-Th June 20-23 ∙ Week 1 1-2:45pm MH Par 3 M-Th June 27-30 ∙ Week 2 1-2:45pm MH Par 3 M-Th July 11-14 ∙ Week 3 1-2:45pm MH Par 3 M-Th July 18-21 ∙ Week 4 1-2:45pm MH Par 3 M-Th July 25-28 ∙ Week 5 1-2:45pm MH Par 3 M-Th Aug 1-4 ∙ Week 6 1-2:45pm MH Par 3 M-Th Aug 8-11 ∙ Week 7 1-2:45pm MH Par 3 M-Th Aug 15-18 ∙ Week 8 1-2:45pm MH Par 3 Junior Golf League Ages 6-15 Children must know the game of golf and be able to play unsupervised. Children will play in groups of four. All participants must have their own golf clubs. Select a tee time in the given time range when registering. $125 per participant Wednesdays June 15-Aug 3 · 9-10:45am · MH Par 3 Fridays June 17-Aug 5 · 9-10:45am · MH Par 3 YOUTH 43 Mayer Arts Musical Theater Camps Mayer Arts believes teaching the arts is not only providing training for those who are serious about learning but also to just have fun! They teach proper technique, terminology, body awareness, and an appreciation for the arts so that students will not only find a love for the arts but also build healthy habits and self-esteem. No experience is necessary; participants should wear comfortable clothing and lightweight tennis shoes or dance shoes. Friends and family are invited to a special performance beginning the final thirty minutes of the last class. Moana · Ages 4-8 The ocean is calling! We will dance and sing to the music from Moana and put together our own musical! everyone will learn how to put together a professional show from start to finish. Learn how to properly speak lines, block a scene, develop a character, and more. We will also play fun creative games. $99 per participant M/Tu/W/Th Aug 1-4 9am-noon HPNC Sing 2 · Ages 7-12 You and your friends want to put on a show in a glamorous Redshore City! Let’s work together to make that happen. We will learn music and choreography from Sing 2 and create our own musical. $99 per participant M/Tu/W/Th Aug 1-4 1-4pm HPNC HPNC=Harmon Park Neighborhood Center ARTrageous Adventures Camps ARTrageous Adventures unleashes the creative power within people of all ages by creating programs that connect people to themselves, their community, and the diversity of the world. They believe that living is an art and that you should live life ARTrageously! Minnesota Rocks! · Ages 5-11 Explore our awesome state as we paint, sculpt, and collage iconic images of people, places and events that all reflect Minnesota. We will also listen to music from local musicians and hear folk stories about Minnesota legends. $70 per participant ARTrageous Hogwarts · Ages 5-11 Jump on the Hogwarts Express at platform 9¾ as we create art inspired from the Harry Potter series. Sculpt a mandrake root, paint Hedwig the Owl, and design your own magical wand and spell book too. $70 per participant Somewhere Over the Rainbow · Ages 3-6 Slide down the rainbow into an enchanting world filled with color, unicorns, and other magical creatures as we create art from the stories we read. $40 per participant ARTrageous Animal Jamboree · Ages 3-6 Safari into the heART of the jungle one day and the deep desert the next as we explore the animals that live there and create art inspired by them. $70 per participant Day Dates Time Ages Cost Location MINNESOTA ROCKS! M/Tues July 11&12 10am-12:30pm 5-11 $70 HPNC ARTRAGEOUS HOGWARTS W/Th July 13&14 10am-12:30pm 5-11 $70 HPNC SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW F July 15 10am-12:30pm 3-6 $40 HPNC ARTRAGEOUS ANIMAL JAMBOREE M/Tues July 25&26 9:30am-noon 3-6 $70 HPNC HPNC=Harmon Park Neighborhood Center City of Mendota Heights | Page 4 Art & TheaterYOUTH44 eld TripsYOUTH Minnesota Twins Game · Ages 8-14 Thursday, June 23 | 9am-4:30pm Come cheer on the Minnesota Twins as they battle against the Cleveland Guardians at Target Field. Bus drop-o and pickup at Harmon Park Neighborhood Center, WSP. $36 per participant Conquer Ninja Warrior · Ages 6-12 Thursday, July 14 | 8:30am-3:30pm In the morning participants will train and compete like ninjas, and in the afternoon we will refuel with lunch, play group games, and have playground time. Bus drop-o and pickup at Kaposia Park, SSP. $32 per participant City of Mendota Heights | Page 5 Edina Aquatic Center Ages · 8-14 Thursday, Aug 4 | 8:30am-4pm Slide down the Pirate’s Plunge, zip across the Shipwreck Express, and swim in the Lagoon. Participants will have playground time and lunch at the nearby park, followed by a fun-filled afternoon at the Aquatic Center. $38 per participant Tech AcademyYOUTH Image courtesy of Conquer Ninja Gym Image courtesy of City of Edina Multiplayer Minecraft: City Builder · Ages 7-13 Tuesday, June 21 | 6-8pm at Thompson County Park Activity Center, WSP Minecraft is a sandbox-building game dominating the world of video gaming for the past several years. Collaborate with fellow students to construct a city! Students will take home their completed world files at the end of class. Beginners and experienced Minecrafters alike will love this action-packed camp! We will be using the PC/JAVA Edition of Minecraft. Bring a USB drive to save your creations. $35 per participant NEW 45 City of Mendota Heights | Page 6 Sports CampsYOUTH Sports Unlimited Camps Backyard Games Camp · Ages 5-10 We will introduce your child to some of our favorite backyard games such as wieball, bocce ball, and croquet. These activities will help your child develop coordination, flexibility and an appreciation for games you can play in your own backyard. $82 per participant Basketball Camp · Ages 5-10 This camp is designed to introduce the young athlete to the sport of basketball through skill development and small group games. Sta will focus on helping children learn the rules of basketball while working on team play and sportsmanship. Children will be divided by age and skill level. $82 per participant Flag Football Camp · Ages 5-12 Sta will focus on helping children learn the rules of flag football while working on team play and sportsmanship. Individual skills taught: passing, catching, kicking along with learning the strategies of oense and defense. $82 per participant Ninja Warrior Camp · Ages 4-6 This camp gives participants an opportunity to have fun testing their skills and abilities with various obstacles: tunnel crawl, cones weave, noodles crawl, mat rolls, parachute run, fitness ladders, hula hoop jump and hurdles. A dierent course is set up each day: Who will be Ninja Warrior of the day? $82 per participant Multi-Sport Camp · Ages 6-12 The multi-sport atmosphere helps children explore soccer, flag football, non-contact lacrosse, and basketball or baseball in a day-program setting. No pressure, just lots of fun while these young athletes participate in all four sports through unique games. $82 per participant Sand Volleyball Camp · Ages 6-12 Learn the rules of volleyball while working on team play and sportsmanship. Individual skills taught: spiking, serving, setting, and hitting. $82 per participant Day Dates Time Ages Cost Location BACKYARD GAMES CAMP M/Tu/W/Th June 20-23 9am-noon 5-10 $82 Marie Park BASKETBALL CAMP M/Tu/W/Th June 27-30 9am-noon 5-10 $82 St. Thomas Academy FLAG FOOTBALL CAMP M/Tu/W/Th July 11-14 9am-noon 5-12 $82 Kensington South Park NINJA WARRIOR CAMP M/Tu/W/Th July 18-21 9am-noon 4-6 $82 Harmon Park MULTI-SPORT CAMP M/Tu/W/Th Aug 1-4 9am-noon 6-12 $82 Sports Complex SAND VOLLEYBALL CAMP M/Tu/W/Th Aug 8-11 9am-noon 6-12 $82 Rogers Lake Park SafetyCamps Safety Camps Join the West St. Paul and Mendota Heights Police, Fire, and Recreation Departments for a day filled with fun activities, while learning how to be safe & healthy in our daily lives. Participants will experience hands-on learning about fire safety, stranger danger, first-aid, and much more. Lunch, snacks, and a Safety Camp t-shirt are included with registration. Safety Camp is made fresh each summer with new special guests and activities—we look forward to seeing new and returning faces every year! Little Tykes Grade K-2 $20 per participant Registration closes July 18 or when filled. Friday · July 29 · 8am-4:30pm Harmon Park Neighborhood Center Safe Kids Grade 3-5 $40 per participant Registration closes Aug 8 or when filled. Tues, Aug 16 & Wed, Aug 17 8am-4:30pm Harmon Park Neighborhood Center YOUTH 46 FascinangFridays YOUTH FRI Ages 6-12 Join us at Harmon Park on Fridays throughout the summer for action-packed, all-day activities and games with age-appropriate curriculum. This program will promote the development of friendships, good sportsmanship, and positive peer interactions. Each day will include the splash pad. $23 per participant per Friday Date Time Cost Location Silly Science June 17 8am-4:30pm $23 Harmon Park Warming House Beneath the Sea June 24 8am-4:30pm $23 Harmon Park Warming House Inventors Workshop July 8 8am-4:30pm $23 Harmon Park Warming House Just Add Water July 15 8am-4:30pm $23 Harmon Park Warming House Sports of All Sorts July 22 8am-4:30pm $23 Harmon Park Warming House Kickball with Cops and Firefighters Aug 5 8am-4:30pm $23 Harmon Park Warming House Outdoor Explorers Aug 12 8am-4:30pm $23 Harmon Park Warming House City of Mendota Heights | Page 7 Free Drop-In Program Ages 6-12 Join us for the City’s traveling program that brings recreation to local neighborhood spots. Sta will set up activities and equipment for youth to enjoy. There will be games, sports, arts, crafts and more! Supervision is only provided during the times that are listed. FREE - no registration required Day Date Time Location Tues June 14 1:30-2:30pm Mendakota Park Tues June 21 12:30-1:30pm Southview Park Tues June 28 1:30-2:30pm Mendakota Park Tues July 12 1:30-2:30pm Harmon Park Tues July 19 12:30-1:30pm Southview Park Tues July 26 1:30-2:30pm Mendakota Park Tues Aug 2 12:30-1:30pm Harmon Park Tues Aug 9 1:30-2:30pm Mendakota Park Tues Aug 16 12:30-1:30pm Southview Park 47 City of Mendota Heights | Page 8 Intro to Pickleball Lessons Ages 16+ Classes are for those who have little to no pickleball experience. Learn the basic strokes and rules of the game. Wednesdays · $75 per participant Day Dates Time Session Location Wed June 1-July 6 6-7pm 1 Friendly Hills Wed June 1-July 6 7:15-8:15pm 2 Friendly Hills Wed July 20-Aug 24 6-7pm 3 Friendly Hills Wed July 20-Aug 24 7:15-8:15pm 4 Friendly Hills Women’s Golf League Take some “me time” and stay fit at the Par 3 Golf Course. Sign up on your own or with a foursome for league play. All levels of experience are welcome! You will have a standing tee time between 3 to 7 p.m. for the entire season. Available league times can be seen on our website. All participants must have their own golf clubs. Wednesdays · $145 per participant May 25-Aug 10 · 3-7pm standing tee time · MH Par 3 Adult Tennis Lessons All classes are taught by USTA-trained instructors. Thursdays · $75 per participant per session Beginner Classes are for those who have little to no tennis experience. Learn the basic strokes and begin to rally. All participants will be given a new tennis racket. Day Dates Time Session Location Th June 2-July 7 6-7pm 1 Marie Park Th July 21-Aug 25 6-7pm 2 Marie Park Intermediate Classes are for those continuing to develop stroke consistency and accuracy while learning net play, court coverage, and match strategy. Players are ready for formal, organized play if they choose. Day Dates Time Session Location Th June 2-July 7 7:15-8:15pm 1 Marie Park Th July 21-Aug 25 7:15-8:15pm 2 Marie Park Adult Beginner Golf Lessons Join us at the Par 3 Community Golf Course. Lessons will teach players golf etiquette, basic strokes, and strategy. Each class will be limited to six players to ensure one-on-one attention. All participants must have their own golf clubs. Tuesday evenings · $75 per participant Day Dates Time Class Location Tues June 7, 14, 21, 28 5:30-6:25pm 1 MH Par 3 Tues June 7, 14, 21, 28 6:30-7:25pm 2 MH Par 3 Tues July 12, 19, 26, Aug 2 5:30-6:25pm 3 MH Par 3 Tues July 12, 19, 26, Aug 2 6:30-7:25pm 4 MH Par 3 Tues Aug 9, 16, 23, 30 5:30-6:25pm 5 MH Par 3 Tues Aug 9, 16, 23, 30 6:30-7:25pm 6 MH Par 3 Adults & Seniors Adult Bags League · Ages 21+ Join us for a six-week bean bag league: register by June 30, 2022. • Each team must roster two players with the option of adding two players on a sub list; only two compete in each match. • Co-ed league • League standings are maintained • Team champions will receive an end-of-season trophy • All game equipment is provided The team captain should register each team. Team members will be required to sign a waiver the first day of the program. Thursdays · $50 per team Day Dates Time Location Th July 14-Aug 18 6-7:30pm WSP Sports Complex Horseshoe Pit Area NEW 48 SAVE THE DATE The public is invited to attend aKIDS GARAGE $ALE Saturday, April 30 10AM - Noon Veterans Memorial Community Center Inver Grove Heights Special Events Junior/Adult Golf Championship Join us for a recreational two-person scramble tournament just like the pro’s do in Orlando. All participants must have their own golf clubs. $20 per team Saturday · April 9 · 9am shotgun start · MH Par 3 Ocer Scott Patrick Memorial 5K Register for the 17th Annual Ocer Scott Patrick Memorial 5K Walk/Run to benefit Special Olympics. Registration is $30 before June 4 or $35 on the day of the event. Registration forms are available at City Hall or online. Awards will be given for the first three males and female winners in the following age categories: 19 and under, 20-49 (Open Division), and 50 & over (Master Division). Award ceremony and prize drawing will take place upon conclusion of the race near the finish line. $30 per participant before June 4 Saturday · June 4 · 9am · Market Square Park Cli Timm Memorial Fishing Derby Ages 13 & under Bring your fishing pole and come down to the fishing pier to catch “the big one!” Prizes will be provided for all participants. Each child should bring an adult with to help them fish and to supervise. We will be providing snacks and beverages. One lucky participant will win a Minnesota Lifetime Fishing License. Children will be put into groups that will rotate doing many dierent activities to ensure the pier is not overcrowded. $10 per participant Thursday · July 21 4-7pm Rogers Lake Pier NEW Kids Garage Sale Ages 6-15 Calling all young entrepreneurs! Are you looking for ways to make money? Do you have an item you’d like to sell? The Kids Garage Sale will be perfect for you. Each participant registered will receive one poster board to promote their items, one table (6’x8’), and one chair. Participants are in charge of handling all sales and must bring cash for change. All leftover items must be taken home. This is a great opportunity for kids to make decisions on their own, learn money management, and gain confidence. $5 per participant Saturday · April 30 · 10am-Noon Veterans Memorial Community Center, IGH NEW FIND A TREASURE SUPPORT YOUTH & REDUCE WASTE City of Mendota Heights | Page 9 49 Touch-a-Truck Join us for a behind the scenes tour and get up and close to tons of big rigs—fire trucks, police squads, mowers, plow trucks and more! Activities will include kids games, photo opportunities, and refreshments. FREE - no registration required Saturday · May 14 · 10am-noon (May 15 rain date) Mendakota Park Parking Lot City of Mendota Heights | Page 10 FrEvents Pickleball with Public Safety & Ribbon Cutting Join us for recreational pickleball play with Mendota Heights Public Safety on the new courts. FREE - no registration required Thursday · April 21 · 5:30-7pm Friendly Hills Park NEW Meet New Friends & Enjoy Casual Biking Tune up your bike, grab your helmet, and join your community on a monthly bike ride. Register for this free program to receive details on routes at least one week prior to each monthly ride. Folks on Spokes rides are casual with an emphasis on social. All ages are welcome; the fitness level of the routes is anticipated as follows: • Routes will range from seven to fifteen miles with stops every three to four miles • The average pace will be eight to ten miles per hour • Routes will often be on trails that go out and back; rides start and finish at the same location • Routes will take place in Mendota Heights or neighboring cities FREE - registration required to receive dates, times, and route information. Rides take place montly in May, June, July, and August. NEW Parks & City Celebration The annual City of Mendota Heights Celebration brings the community together to connect with neighbors and celebrate the beauty of our parks and city. FREE - Aug 12 - 14 Watch for more information to-be-announced. 50 Parks & Recreation Year in Review2021 City of Mendota Heights 51 Overview •Parks & Recreation •Field & facility use •Recreational program review •Park improvement projects •Strategic planning •Marketing and communications •2022 plans •Par 3 •Rebranding initiative •Marketing and communications •Usage review •Financial review •Programs/events •Capital improvements •2022 plans •Q&A Year in Review 2021 52 Parks & Recreation Field & Facility Use Baseball/Softball Fields Soccer Fields Picnic Shelter Football Tennis Courts Lacrosse Hockey Rink Baseball/Softball Fields Soccer Fields Picnic Shelter Football Tennis Courts Lacrosse Hockey Rink Civic Center 666.0 Friendly Hills 461.0 180.0 2.5 Hagstrom-King 728.0 Ivy Hills 409.0 Kensington 950.0 31.5 222.0 Marie 598.0 245.5 Mendakota 1,368.3 326.0 191.0 268.0 Rogers Lake 151.0 Valley 494.0 17.0 Victoria Highlands 704.0 Wentworth 270.0 52.5 TOTALS 5,698.3 1,456.0 445.5 268.0 245.5 222.0 0.0 Use by Hours Total Use by Hours 8,335.3 445.5 1,456.0 5,698.3 268.0 245.5 222.0 0.0 53 Parks & Recreation Warming Houses/Ice Rinks Usage Year in Review 2021 •Friendly Hills and Marie Park warming houses were open •No data—utilized a new staffing model •Rinks were busy and continue to be •2022 all warming houses are open to the public 54 Parks & Recreation Recreational Program Review •Offered •Sports Camps •Safety Camp •Art Camps •Theater Camps •Gymnastics Program •Tennis Camps •Golf Camps •Tour De Rec •Cliff Timm Fishing Derby Year in Review 2021 55 395 Parks & Recreation Recreational Program Review participants 4 Gymnastics Camp (2021) 30Safety Camp 16 Theatre Camp 40Fishing Derby 100 Tour de Rec (Est.) 53SportsUnlimited Camps Par 3 Golf Programs not included Tennis Camp (Youth + Adult) 132 20Art Camps 56 Parks & Recreation Recreational Program Review 174 Softball participants •“D” level softball league (men’s and women’s) •13 softball teams total Year in Review 2021 57 Parks & Recreation 2021 Events Held •Summer Concerts •Movie Night •Officer Scott Patrick Memorial 5K •Park Celebration Weekend •Trick or Teeing Event at the Par 3 •Camping Skills Demonstration •Glow Dash •Bogey with the Red and Blue •See A Truck Event Year in Review 2021 58 Parks & Recreation Park Improvement Projects Image source: Town Square TV Superhero Masquerade Video Year in Review 2021 59 Parks & Recreation Strategic Planning •Commissioners, City Council, and Staff participated in strategic planning to prioritize needs and wants •Outcome: •Strategic Planning Document •Planning Calendar •Asset Management Plan •Capital Improvement Plan •Discussions regarding budget needs, staffing, and new opportunities Image source: Town Square TV Superhero Masquerade Video Year in Review 2021 60 Parks & Recreation Marketing & Communications Year in Review 2021 •New: Postcards mailed to all Mendota Heights addresses for Summer Recreation Registration, and Parks Celebration/Fall Recreation •New: Digital summer rec catalog •New: Special events promoted on outdoor sandwich board signs at select parks and City Hall •New: Special events promoted on the digital fire station display •Events promoted on website, Friday eNews, social channels, and printed newsletters 61 Parks & Recreation 2022 Plans •Expand Programming •New Special Events •Additional Staff •Execute the Strategic Plan •Utilizing Postcards •Summer 2022 Offerings Image source: Town Square TV Superhero Masquerade Video Year in Review 2021 62 Par 3City of Mendota Heights Year in Review 2021 63 Par 3 Rebranding Initiative •Unveiled new logo in 2021 •Work was completed in house •Brand aesthetic spoke to the Par 3’s values •Goal was to maintain consistency of the brand image by utilizing the logo on all course materials •Updated: signage, marketing materials, pro shop products, staff uniforms, scorecards 64 Par 3 Marketing & Communications Year in Review 2021 •New: E-publication News from the Nine introduced; 580+ subscribers by year end and growing •New: Summer Rec Postcard mailed to all Mendota Heights addresses promoting the course and lessons/leagues/events 65 Par 3 Usage Review 6,000 7,935 8,424 14,283 15,618Total Rounds Sold by Year 2019, 2020, and 2021 total rounds are without Groupon sales Year in Review 202120172018201920202021 66 696 1653 1542 1784 1888 785 76 327 3138 2881 2470 2568 1962 937 748 1678 2285 2305 2673 2306 1758 1157 257 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 March April May June July August September October November Rounds Sold by Month 2019 -2021 2019 2020 2021 Par 3 Usage Review Year in Review 2021 67 Par 3 Financial Review (Note: unofficial until audit) Year 2021 Revenue $246,336 Expenditures $214,909 Operating Surplus $31,427 68 Par 3 Recreational Program Review participants 53 Friday Junior League GOLF LEAGUES 52 Wednesday Junior League 126 Golf Camp + Adult Lessons 219 participants LESSONS & CAMPS 185 114 Wednesday Night Women’s League 59 Tiger Tot Lessons 69 Par 3 Special Events Year in Review 2021 PGA Minnesota Junior Golf ‘Sota Series Minny Tour •Took place on July 6, 2021 •Designed for youth with little or no experience in competitive golf 70 Par 3 Projects Year in Review 2021 71 Par 3 2022 Plans Year in Review 2021 •Rebranding initiative continued •Expanding youth and adult programs at the Par 3 (camps, leagues, tournaments) •Re -evaluating maintenance best practices/procedures •Updating Par 3 Asset Management Plan •Continuation of rolling CIP planning 72 Parks & Recreation Year in Review2021 City of Mendota Heights 73 DATE: April 12th, 2022 TO: Park and Recreation Commission FROM: Kelly Torkelson, Assistant City Administrator SUBJECT: Adopt-a-Park Program Presentation INTRODUCTION: Volunteering is a rich opportunity for both the City of Mendota Heights as well as the participating community members. Through volunteering with the City, community members gain an opportunity to serve the Mendota Heights community, to learn about municipal operations, services, staff and programs, and to build connections with neighbors. The City is currently working on the development of a formal volunteer program and volunteer policy for the City. Staff is seeking input from the Park and Recreation Commission regarding the development of an Adopt-a-Park Program as a component of that new volunteer program. BACKGROUND: Other communities that have Adopt-A-Park programs typically assign a park or an ongoing project to a group to provide service to over a specified length of time, such as to pick up litter in a park twice a year for two years. An Adopt-A-Park program, if implemented, would function under the purview of the city’s volunteer policy, but with additional distinctions that define the program. Creating a consistent structure in which the Adopt-a-Park program could function would better facilitate participation, ensure clear communication, and ensure consistent implementation. As a part of the proposed volunteer program, staff have identified volunteer opportunities that have existing community interest and developed service descriptions for these opportunities. An example of a service description is included in your packet. Service descriptions are a critical component of the city’s volunteer program as they define roles, expectations, scope, and requirements for each opportunity. Several of the identified volunteer opportunities identified by staff fit within the traditional activities of an Adopt-a-Park program, however, they lack the automatic ongoing commitment that usually defines an Adopt-a-Park program. They include: - Invasive Species Removal - Landscaping - Park Clean Up 74 RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that a proposed Adopt-a-Park program utilizes the existing service descriptions for the volunteer program and integrates them into a structure with an exclusive and ongoing service commitment for an assigned group. An ongoing service commitment, such as through an Adopt-a Park program, would be a generous donation of time and service to the city from a volunteer group. Recognizing that contribution publicly, such as with a plaque in the park, could also further advertise the program and the corresponding groups that participate. ACTION REQUESTED Staff seeks guidance from the Park and Recreation Commission regarding the staff recommendation as well as how long of a service commitment the commission would be interested in implementing in the program. Additionally, staff would like direction regarding how the commission is interested in recognizing the contributions of the volunteer groups in the Adopt-a-Park program. 75 Purpose: To keep Mendota Heights City Parks and Trails clean and safe for the community to enjoy. Service Length: One-time with group Time Commitment: Usually 1-2 hours per event, depending on clean- up need. Qualifications/Desired Skills: - Enjoy being outdoors - Ability to work independently without staff supervision - Can follow through on a commitment - Passion for keeping Mendota Heights Parks and Trails safe and clean Service Duties: Park Cleanup volunteers will be responsible for ensuring our parks remain clean and welcoming to the public. Duties may include picking up litter, piling up branches, raking leaves and cleaning playground equipment. Outcomes/Learning Opportunities: This is an opportunity to give back to the community while spending time within our Mendota Heights Parks and Trails. On-boarding: Every volunteer is required to complete the city contact form. Training Requirements: Every volunteer will receive role specific training. Special Instructions (optional): All volunteers are required to wear appropriate clothing for cleaning-up event. Gloves, hat, protective eyewear and sunblock is strongly recommended. 76 DATE: April 12, 2022 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Meredith Lawrence, Parks and Recreation Manager SUBJECT: Community Engagement Outreach Update BACKGROUND At the March Parks and Recreation Commission meeting the Commission discussed their ideas for community engagement. The Commission identified the following community groups and assigned a commissioner to reach out to the group leader to obtain more information. •Mendota Heights/West Saint Paul Rotary: Jaffrey •Mendota Heights Foundation: Bob •Linden Apartments: Jaffrey •CDA Building: Patrick •Mendota Heights Apartments: Amy •Tennis Users: Amy •Pickleball Players: Amy •Dog Park Users: Steph •MHAA Softball: Amy •MHAA Soccer: Patrick •MHAA Football: Patrick •MHAA Lacrosse: Michelle •Heritage PTA: Steph •Somerset PTA: Jaffrey •Mendota PTA: Michelle •Friendly Hills PTA: Michelle •Garlough PTA: Jaffrey •Highschoolers: Michelle •Master Gardeners: Steph •MOM’s Club (informal group): Dan •ECFE Groups: Dan 77 Commissioners Meyer, Muller and Smith met after the March meeting to update the toolkit and questions needed to conduct the engagement sessions. DISCUSSION The Commissioners present should update one another on the group leader they connected with and their group’s availability. RECOMMENDATION Staff, Chair Klepperich, Vice Chair Blanks, and Commissioner Meyer will meet after the joint City Council and Parks and Recreation Commission work session to finalize the draft toolkit to be reviewed at the May Commission meeting. 78 DATE: April 12, 2022 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Meredith Lawrence, Parks and Recreation Manager SUBJECT: Park and Recreation Strategic Planning Update BACKGROUND INFORMATION: In June, 2021 the Parks and Recreation Commission participated in 12 hours of strategic planning with Hue Life, the City’s consultant. At the strategic planning sessions members of the Commission and City Council discussed goals for the future of Parks and Recreation in Mendota Heights. Included is the planning calendar that staff is utilizing to ensure progress. Each month staff will provide an update on the strategic planning calendar. The City Council and Parks and Recreation Commission held a joint work session on February 17 to discuss the strategic plan in regards to process, priorities, and funding. Next steps in regards to budget prioritization include: •April 25: Joint PRC/CC Work Session to discuss specific projects •May: PRC make budget 2023 recommendations to City Council •June/July: Staff will work on Budget Improvement Packages (BIPS) for desired 2023 projects and work with Finance Director on financing options •August: Staff will meet with City Council in budget work session to present requests •September: City Council will set preliminary budget for 2023 •December: City Council will set final budget for 2023 RECOMMENDATION: Informational Only. 79 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 Administrator, Parks and Recrea�on Manager The Founda�on presented to the City Council on January 18. A link of the mee�ng presenta�on was provided to commissioners in order to beter understand the Founda�on’s mission, vision, and goals. Establish Natural Resources Commission Public Works Director, Natural Resource Coordinator The City Council will appoint the members of the Natural Resource Commission on April 19. The first meeting will take place May 11. Priori�ze wants and needs Parks and Recrea�on Manager, Commissioners, City Council Joint work session was conducted on February 17 to review the strategic plan and priori�ze wants and needs. Another work session has been scheduled for April 25 to review the Park Improvement Wish List. Research Parks Referendum City Administrator, Parks and Recrea�on Manager 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 This will be discussed during budget development mee�ngs in August. Community engagement list of mee�ngs Parks and Recrea�on Manager, Commissioners A list of groups for community engagement has been iden�fied. Commissioners have started contac�ng group leaders to find a �me to meet. The Commission is working on the toolkit for the engagement sessions and working to iden�fy a goal/purpose for the engagement. Bike and pedestrian plan ini�ated with consultant Public Works Director Staff was successful in receiving a grant and the City Council approved a professional services contract for the plan with HKGi in February. Work is underway for the project. Website remodel-secure funding, hire contractor Assistant City Administrator Included in the final FY 2022 budget was $60,000 for a website redesign. Staff intends to have a new website launched by the end of Q4. Staff is currently in the process of reaching out to vendors to get more informa�on. Demographics-obtain data and start analyzing Parks and Recrea�on Manager Staff has updated 2022-2026 CIP and Asset Management plans as well as researched future demographic projec�ons as part of the next phase of strategic planning. Programming-develop calendar of events and funding Recrea�on Program Coordinator Funding was approved in the 2022 budget along with addi�onal staff to carry out this ini�a�ve. New events and programming have been added for 2022. Establish volunteer program Assistant City Administrator The City Council established a volunteer program on April 5. Staff will be bringing op�ons for an Adopt-a-Park program to the Commission on April 12. Add staff to address addi�onal programming needs/wants City Administrator The City Council approved the hiring of a new Recrea�on Program Coordinator on April 5. The new employee will begin employment with the City on April 18. 80