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07092024 PRC Agenda Packet CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING AGENDA July 9, 2024 at 6:30 PM Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Pledge of Allegiance 4. Approval of the Agenda The Commission, upon majority vote of its members, may make additions or deletions to the agenda. These items may be submitted after the agenda preparation deadline. 5. Approval of Minutes a. Approve Minutes from the June 11, 2024 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting 6. Public Comment - for items not on the agenda Public comments provide an opportunity to address the Commission on items which are not on the meeting agenda. All are welcome to speak. Individuals should address their comments to the Commission as a whole, not individual members. Speakers are requested to come to the podium and must state their name and address. Comments are limited to five (5) minutes. No action will be taken; however, the Chair and Commissioners may ask clarifying questions as needed or request staff to follow up. 7. Acknowledgement of Reports Items on the Acknowledgement of Reports are approved by one motion of the Commission. a. Par 3 Update b. Park Improvement Project Update c. Recreation Update d. Park System Master Plan Update e. Parks and Recreation Strategic Planning Update Page 1 of 25 8. New Business a. Consideration of Ivy Hills Basketball Enhancement Project 9. Old Business 10. Staff Announcements 11. Student Representative Update 12. Commissioner Comments and Park Updates 13. Adjourn Next Meeting August 14, 2024 at 6:30 PM Information is available in alternative formats or with the use of auxiliary aids to individuals with disabilities upon request by calling city hall at 651-452-1850 or by emailing cityhall@mendotaheightsmn.gov. Page 2 of 25 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS, DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA DRAFT PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING MINUTES JUNE 11, 2024 The June meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. 1. Call to Order – Chair Jaffrey Blanks called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. 2. Roll Call – The following Commissioners were present: Chair Jaffrey Blanks, Commissioners: Tica Hanson, (arrived at 6:35 p.m.) Michelle Muller, Jo Schifsky, and Michael Toth; absent: Commissioner Stephanie Meyer, Dan Sherer, and Student Representative Meg Murphy. Staff present: Parks and Recreation Director Meredith Lawrence, Recreation Program Coordinator Willow Eisfeldt, Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek, Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie, and Parks Summer Intern Sydnee Yengo. 3. Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 4. Approval of Agenda Motion Muller/second Schifsky, to approve the agenda. AYES 4: NAYS 0 5.a Approval of Minutes from May 14, 2024 Regular Meeting Motion Schifsky/second Muller to approve the minutes of the May 14, 2024 Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting.AYES 4: NAYS 0 6. Citizen Comment Period (for items not on the agenda) None. 7. Acknowledgement of Reports Chair Blanks read the titles of the three updates (Par 3, Recreation, Park Improvement, Park System Master Plan, and Park and Recreation Strategic Planning Updates) and polled the Commissioners for questions. Parks and Recreation Director Meredith Lawrence introduced the new Parks Summer Intern Sydnee Yengo and reviewed some of the tasks she will assist with. 7.a Par 3 Update Parks and Recreation Director Meredith Lawrence commented that the Par 3 is off to a good start and provided statistics from the month of May, noting that rain has had a slight impact on the number of rounds. She stated that there was an underground leak in the irrigation system which has been repaired. She provided an update on capital projects for this year as well as ongoing maintenance activities at the course. She stated that there has been an increase of vandalism at the Par 3 and therefore staff continues to attempt to mitigate that behavior. Commissioner Toth asked if the irrigation system is repaired internally by staff or contracted out. Ms. Lawrence commented that the seasonal Par 3 staff work to address those types of issues. She stated that if the issue goes beyond the scope of her and the Par 3 staff, they would contract out for that service. Page 3 of 25 5a. Commissioner Hanson arrived. 7.b Recreation Update Recreation Coordinator Willow Eisfeldt stated that the seasonal camps and programs have begun and provided an overview of the current offerings for youth and adults. She stated that the Parks Celebration is planned to occur August 9th – 11th and will feature a number of parks throughout the community. Commissioner Schifsky stated she attended the Tour de Rec fishing event today and commented that all the children were having a great time. 7.c Parks Improvement Update Parks and Recreation Director Meredith Lawrence provided an update on recently completed projects as well as the status and timing for upcoming park projects. 7.d Park System Master Plan Update Parks and Recreation Director Meredith Lawrence provided an update on the Park System Master Plan process. 7.e Parks and Recreation Strategic Planning Update Parks and Recreation Director Meredith Lawrence reported that there have not been many major changes and provided a brief update. 8. New Business 8.a Trail Improvement and Maintenance Plan Summary Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek provided background information on the City improvement and maintenance plans. He provided an overview of the Trail Improvement and Maintenance Plan (TIMP) as well as an overview of the park and trail system. He reviewed the existing trail system and the goals of the TIMP, TIMP project details, and the proposed trail system over the next five years. Commissioner Toth asked about a trail that he did not see on the map. Mr. Ruzek replied that is shown on the existing trail system map, but not the proposed improvement map. Commissioner Muller referenced a trail connection from Marie and commented that segment was not showing on Google maps. Mr. Ruzek replied that there is an improvement project at the Lilydale lift station, so a segment of the trail is closed along with the Mendota bridge. Commissioner Muller noted a trail connection that was discussed at Hagstrom King at the last meeting and was surprised to see the timing of that potential project shown later than discussed. Mr. Ruzek replied that the intention was to complete that connection with the Hampshire Drive road project and if the Commission recommends that to be done sooner, special park funds would need to be used. Page 4 of 25 Commissioner Muller commented that she believes that people in the neighborhood would like to see that done prior to 2028. 9. Unfinished Business 9.a 2025 Budget Recommendation Parks and Recreation Director Meredith Lawrence reviewed the budget timeline and provided information on the 2024 budget, including the total general fund budget and individual budgets for recreation, parks maintenance, and the Par 3. She reviewed the Council strategic priorities, which are used in the budgeting process. She stated that at the May meeting the Commission narrowed the potential list of projects for 2025 to ten and provided further direction to staff. She stated that since that time staff were able to better refine the project details and estimates for certain items and presented that information to the Commission. She stated that a survey was then conducted of the Commission members on the preferred priorities for the 2025 projects and reviewed those results. She asked for input on the Commission on the rankings which resulted from the Commission survey, explaining that not all ten projects will be approved by the Council which is why the prioritization is important. She stated that the parks and Par 3 CIPs have not yet been updated and noted that staff will bring those back for further review once a recommendation for the 2025 budget is completed. Commissioner Muller commented that she did not believe that the Commission desired to update two playgrounds and therefore believes that the Valley playground could be removed from the list. Commissioner Toth commented that each member was allowed the ability to rank the projects, and everyone has their reasons for their own rankings. He stated that he does accept the list as proposed with the understanding that the bottom three may not be included in the final budget. Commissioner Muller agreed, noting that she would feel comfortable recommending the list through project six. She also recognized that would use the balance of the special parks fund, which may not be replenished, and therefore the Council should be made aware of the need for a funding source in the future. Commissioner Toth stated that there is already something at Rogers Lake that has been updated recently, and therefore if there is a decision needing to be made on shelters, he would prefer to do Valley and delay Rogers Lake. Ms. Lawrence commented that she would agree that this list would provide equity in terms of both location and amenities throughout the parks system. Chair Blanks asked if the Council has provided direction on the park's budget for 2025. Ms. Lawrence replied that she does not have such a recommendation. She noted that the Parks System Master Plan completion will time up nicely later this year to continue the discussion on funding needs for the parks in the future. She recognized that not all the projects on the list may be approved and therefore she wants to be confident that the preferences of the Commission are known if items are removed from the list. Commissioner Muller asked if there would be a cost savings for bidding certain projects together, such as the basketball court projects. Page 5 of 25 Ms. Lawrence agreed that could be an option. Chair Blanks commented that he would want to see project seven included in the list and the Commission agreed. Adrian Waltz, 642 Hampshire Drive, commented that he and his neighbors hope that the Hagstrom King connection would be on the priority list for 2025 as that area is heavily used by the neighborhood. He commented that people currently walk and bike through the grass. He commented that the improvement would benefit walkers, accessibility, and for anyone using wheels such as strollers and bikes. He stated that if the picnic area at Valley Park is going to be improved, he would hope that the playground is going to be updated as well. He noted that playground currently does not include much for older kids. He commented that many of the features at the park are older and people will not be drawn to the picnic area if the amenities are outdated. Ms. Lawrence suggested that staff provide clarity to the Hagstrom King connection to ensure everyone is on the same page. Mr. Ruzek provided additional details on the proposed connection, noting that two different connections were mentioned. He stated that staff assumed that the Hampshire Drive connection would occur with the 2028 road project and would then be funded through the street project. He noted that both connections could be included with the road project and then not use special parks funds, but would then be delayed to 2028. He confirmed that staff could reach out to some of the direct neighbors if that is desired as well. Commissioner Schifsky commented that she would support completing that project as soon as possible to provide access. Ms. Lawrence noted that the portion of the project as described had the estimate of $30,000 and therefore wanted to ensure that was the desired segment. It was confirmed that the other segment described by Mr. Ruzek is proposed to be completed with the road project in 2028. Commissioner Schifsky stated that she would support adding that additional segment and not waiting for the road project. Commissioner Muller noted that would complete a missing link in a larger trail circle. Ms. Lawrence commented that staff could provide updated information on that additional segment to include in the request to the Council if that is desired. Commissioner Toth asked if there is an estimate of funds that would potentially be saved by combining the two trail projects into one, rather than completing one next year and another in the future. Mr. Ruzek confirmed there would be some savings as costs continue to rise each year but did not feel comfortable attempting to provide a percentage or figure that could be saved. Commissioner Schifsky commented that the Commission seems to fully support both segments, noting that there was also support from the community expressed. Page 6 of 25 Commissioner Muller commented that Two Rivers Athletic Association provided an email communication with their priorities and provided a summary of those requests and how she believes that the Commission has addressed those or will address those in the future. She noted that the Commission discussion was well underway before receiving this communication. Ms. Lawrence commented that user groups were asked to provide their requests by April 1st. She stated that she will continue to work with TRAA to gain their input on the field renovation project suggested for 2025. Commissioner Muller recognized that the Commission ranked the playground replacement at Ivy Hills as the highest and therefore that will move forward as the recommendation in 2025 and noted that the Valley Park playground will most likely then move forward as a recommendation in 2026. Motion Blanks/second Muller to recommend that priorities one through seven move forward to the City Council with an update to the Hagstrom trail connection as discussed.AYES 5: NAYS 0 Ms. Lawrence noted the proposed budgets for the Par 3 and recreation budgets and explained how staff develops those. Commissioner Muller recognized the need for an online tee reservation system and therefore would support whatever is necessary to bring that to fruition. Chair Blanks agreed and noted that a security camera system would also help to mitigate the vandalism that is occurring. Ms. Lawrence commented that staff also continue to look into options for a stronger internet connection to provide those services without fiber. She confirmed the consensus of the Commission that the online tee reservation system, stronger internet service, and security cameras would be priorities for 2025. Commissioner Muller asked if members from the public can request a reservation for a picnic shelter online or for field use requests. Ms. Lawrence commented that service is available for picnic shelter requests, noting that staff still review those requests for approval/denial. She was unaware of a system available like that for field use. She explained how staff reviews the field use requests from user groups. 10. Staff Announcements Parks and Recreation Director Meredith Lawrence shared the following announcements: •Noted July fireworks which will occur before the next meeting •Great opportunities for recreation are available online •Thanked seasonal staff for all the work they do •Other events can be found on the City’s website 11. Student Representative Update None. 12. Commission Comments and Park Updates Page 7 of 25 Commissioner Hanson •Commented that she is listing her home for sale and will be moving to Eagan, therefore this will be her last Commission meeting •It has been a pleasure to serve on the Commission Ms. Lawrence thanked Commissioner Hanson for her service and the things that she has advocated for in her time on the Commission. She noted that Commissioner Hanson will also be recognized at an upcoming Council meeting. She stated that the Council will consider the resignation of Commissioner Hanson at their next meeting and will then authorize the posting for the vacant seat on the Commission. She reviewed the timeline, noting that she would hope that a new Commissioner would join the Commission in August. Commissioner Schifsky •Commented that she has enjoyed serving with Commissioner Hanson •Ivy Hills and Wentworth are both looking great, and residents were happily enjoying both parks Chair Blanks •Valley and Market Square parks are both great •Music in the Park has been great with good attendance •Valley continues to be well used by the public as well Commissioner Muller •Kensington is lush, green and looking good •Has noticed many people playing pickleball at Friendly Hills •All the parks are great noting that her family visits many of the parks throughout the community Commissioner Toth •Thanked Commissioner Hanson for her service •The users at the skate park are enjoying the new amenities and the amenity is well used •He continues to remind park users about the fishing pier at Rogers Lake •This is a great time of year to gather at the parks but encouraged users to keep an eye on their children, noting the recent loss of life of a young child in another community 13. Adjourn Motion Schifsky/Second Toth to adjourn the meeting at 8:14 PM AYES 5: NAYS 0 Minutes drafted by: Amanda Staple TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Page 8 of 25 7.a Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Date: July 9, 2024 Agenda Item: Par 3 Update Item Type: Action Item Department: Parks and Recreation Contact: Meredith Lawrence, Parks and Recreation/Assistant Public Works Director Action Request: Informational Item-- No Action Requested Background: Season Statistics Although an extremely wet season, the golf course has had a successful first few months of golf for 2024. The following rounds have been played thus far in 2024: •March: 261 •April: 1,923 •May: 2,664 •June: 3,395 •Schools: 263 Golf Course Conditions The month of June was an extremely wet month, with excessive rainfall. The course has been wet and there were a few days that staff did not allow gas carts to go out in order to ensure no turf damage occurred. Maintenance staff worked to maintain the course, shifting schedules to ensure the turf was properly maintained. The turf is experiencing a fair amount of clover in the rough, which will result in the need for an additional chemical application. In addition, staff is planning to fertilize the entire course this year, which is typically completed every few years based on need. Financial Report Page 9 of 25 At the time of the packet release, the most up-to-date financial report was not complete. Staff plans to provide the financial update to the Commissioners during the July meeting. Increased Vandalism The Par 3 continues to see a heightened amount of vandalism throughout the course property. Staff are trying to be creative on ways to mitigate vandalism without having a camera system on a fiber optic network. Fiscal and Resource Impact: None. Attachments: None Page 10 of 25 7.b Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Date: July 9, 2024 Agenda Item: Park Improvement Project Update Item Type: Action Item Department: Parks and Recreation Contact: Meredith Lawrence, Parks and Recreation/Assistant Public Works Director Action Request: Informational Item--No Action Requested Background: 2023 Projects Outstanding •Roger's Lake Skate Park Improvements: COMPLETE (Ribbon Cutting Occurred May 22) •Wentworth Park Tennis Court Resurfacing: COMPLETE 2024 Project Update The following projects were included in the 2024 budget: Marie Park Hockey Rink Acrylic Surfacing for Pickleball (Budget: $30,000)-- Fund Balance Approved: $26,985 Project Timeline: Mid-July, 2024 Mendakota Park Fiber Installation- Cameras, Door Access (Budget: $100,000)-- Special Parks Fund Approved: $108,710.60 Project Timeline: July, 2024 Marie Park Dugout Addition/ Baseline Fencing (Budget: $30,000)-- Special Parks Fund Approved: $26,240 COMPLETE Park System Master Plan (Budget: $75,000)-- Special Parks Fund Approved: $85,970 Project Timeline: 2024 Calendar Year Wentworth Pickleball Installation (Budget: $30,000)-- Special Parks Fund Approved: $23,550 Page 11 of 25 COMPLETE Marie Park Ball Field Resurfacing (Budget: $10,000)--General Levy Approved: $7,704.05 COMPLETE Updates will be provided as projects move along. Special Parks Fund Currently, the Special Parks Fund is showing an estimated balance of approximately $432,500 as of July 1, 2024. Approved projects for 2024 impacting the Special Parks Fund balance include the following: Mendakota Park Fiber Project: $108,170.60 Park System Master Plan: $85,970 Wentworth Pickleball Installation in Hockey Rink: $23,550 (Nets, Posts, Post Work Not Included) Marie Park Dugout Addition: $26,240 These projects, once funded, will leave the balance at approximately $188,000. Fiscal and Resource Impact: None. Attachments: None. Page 12 of 25 7.c Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Date: July 9, 2024 Agenda Item: Recreation Update Item Type: Action Item Department: Parks and Recreation Contact: Willow Eisfeldt, Recreation Program Coordinator Action Request: Informational item-no action requested. Background: Upcoming Events Magic in the Park is a new event this summer at Thompson Park in West St. Paul. This event will feature a free Magic Show from 3:00-4:00 PM on Thursday, July 11 with free crafts and ice cream from 4:00-5:00 PM. Music in the Park continues through July and August. July concerts include The Barsolo Brothers on Wednesday, July 10 and Buster Phalen performing on Wednesday, July 24. The Cliff Timm Memorial Fishing Derby will be on Thursday, July 18 from 4:00-7:00 PM. Registration is $10 for this program and there are still spots remaining. All participants will receive goodies that equate to $10+ while at the Derby. Register at mendotaheightsmn.gov/register. Parks Celebration Parks Celebration is just over one month away, occurring from Friday, August 9 through Sunday, August 11. Highlighted below is the schedule of events for Parks Celebration: •Friday, August 9 at 4:30-8:00 PM: Food Truck Festival at Mendakota Park. Join us for 8+ food trucks and family-friendly live music. •Saturday, August 10: Passport to Parks: An all-day event featuring different events at different parks! Start with free morning yoga at Ivy Hills Park from 7:30-8:45 AM, Kid's Fest from Noon-2:00 PM at Friendly Hills Park, Hooked on Heroes Fishing from 3:00-4:30 PM at Roger's Lake Page 13 of 25 Park, and Family Movie Night at 8:30 PM at Mendakota Park. •Sunday, August 11 at 8:00 AM: Parks Celebration Pickleball Tournament. This is a free tournament. Register online at mendotaheightsmn.gov/register •Sunday, August 11 at 8:00 AM: Bogey with the Red and Blue. This is a free event where community members can golf with a public safety member. Registration is required, limited space available. Fiscal and Resource Impact: None Attachments: None. Page 14 of 25 7.d Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Date: July 9, 2024 Agenda Item: Park System Master Plan Update Item Type: Action Item Department: Parks and Recreation Contact: Meredith Lawrence, Parks and Recreation/Assistant Public Works Director Action Request: Informational Item-- No Action Requested Background: Staff has been out in the community meeting with resident groups and stakeholders to encourage participation and to foster discussion surrounding Phase 1 of Community Engagement. Engagement for Phase 1 ended on May 22 with the following data on participation: •513 unique visitors participated in the online survey tools for a total of 680 contributions •46 individuals participated in the focus group listening sessions •120 teens and children were visited in their respective classes as part of the direct connect •505 individuals engaged in conversations with staff during pop-up events Staff continues to meet bi-weekly with the consultant and will continue to do so until the completion of the project. The Project Team has met with the consultant in order to prepare Engagement Phase 2 materials, which will be released to the public in mid-July. A project update will be presented to the City Council at the July 16 Work Session at 5:00pm. Commissioners are encouraged to attend. Fiscal and Resource Impact: None. Attachments: 1.Commissioner Engagement Sign Up 070124 Page 15 of 25 MASTER PLAN COMMISSIONER ENGAGEMENT To sign up, email Meredith Lawrence mlawrence@mendotaheightsmn.gov, up to three commissioners can attend each event in an official capacity. Event Date and Time Location Commissioner(s) Frozen Fun Fest Ice Block Party Friday, February 9 (4-6pm) Friendly Hills Park Michelle Muller Jaffrey Blanks Frozen Fun Fest Ice Fishing Saturday, February 10 (9-11am) Rogers Lake Park Michael Toth Jaffrey Blanks Frozen Fun Fest Valentine’s at the Village Saturday, February 10 (5-8pm) Market Square Park Frozen Fun Fest Puzzle Competition Sunday, February 11 (9-Noon) (Noon-3pm) Mendota Elementary Steph Meyer Jo Schifsky Pickleball with Public Safety Thursday, April 25 (5:30-7pm) Friendly Hills Park Jo Schifsky Tica Hanson Touch a Truck Saturday, May 11 (10am-Noon) Mendakota Park Jaffrey Blanks Jo Schifsky Music in the Park Wednesday, May 15 (6:30-8pm) Market Square Park Jaffrey Blanks Spring Pickleball Tournament Saturday, May 18 (8am-Noon) Marie Park Jo Schifsky Tica Hanson Music in the Park Wednesday, May 29 (6:30-8pm) Market Square Park Jaffrey Blanks Steph Meyer Music in the Park Wednesday, June 12 (6:30-8pm) Market Square Park Jaffrey Blanks Dan Sherer Music in the Park Wednesday, June 26 (6:30-8pm) Market Square Park Jaffrey Blanks Jo Schifsky Music in the Park Wednesday, July 10 (6:30-8pm) Market Square Park Jaffrey Blanks Dan Sherer Cliff Timm Fishing Derby Thursday, July 18 (4-7pm) Rogers Lake Park Michael Toth Music in the Park Wednesday, July 24 (6:30-8pm) Market Square Park Jaffrey Blanks Music in the Park Wednesday, August 7 (6:30-8pm) Market Square Park Jaffrey Blanks Dan Sherer Parks Celebration Friday Food Truck Fest Friday, August 9 (4:30-8pm) Mendakota Park Michael Toth Jo Schifsky Parks Celebration TBD Saturday, August 10 TBD TBD Michael Toth Parks Celebration Sunday Pickleball Tournament Sunday, August 11 (8am-Noon) Marie Park Music in the Park Wednesday, August 21 (6:30-8pm) Market Square Park Dan Sherer Music in the Park Wednesday, September 4 (6:30-8pm) Market Square Park Page 17 of 25 7d.1 7.e Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Date: July 9, 2024 Agenda Item: Parks and Recreation Strategic Planning Update Item Type: Action Item Department: Parks and Recreation Contact: Meredith Lawrence, Parks and Recreation/Assistant Public Works Director Action Request: Informational Item-- No Action Requested Background: Included is the planning calendar that staff is utilizing to ensure progress. Each month, staff will provide an update on the strategic planning calendar. Fiscal and Resource Impact: None. Attachments: 1.PRC Planning Calendar 2024 Page 18 of 25 2024 STRATEGIC GOALS TIMELINEACTION ITEM STRATEGIC INITIATIVE RESPONSIBILITY Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec UPDATE Completion of Park System Master Plan All Parks and Recreation Director Engagement Phase 1 closed on May 22. The next phase of Engagement will open in mid-July. Currently this project is on schedule. Finalize Sponsorship, Donation, and Event Policies Sustainable Funding Source for Parks and Recreation Parks and Recreation Director The sponsorship policy has been approved by the City Council and is in effect. Staff will begin work on the donation and event policies next. Work with businesses (Village and Plaza) for Event Engagement A Leading Community with Invested Partners Parks and Recreation Director/Recreation Program Coordinator Cupid’s Crawl with businesses was held as Frozen Fun Fest. Music in the Park started in May. Work with the City of West Saint Paul to determine if a joint facility is feasible. A Leading Community with Invested Partners City Administrator/ Parks and Recreation Director West Saint Paul has a new subconsultant for the project—the City of West Saint Paul will be including a question on the potential Community Center as part of their statistically valid survey this Summer. Create Trail CIP Program Greater Connection to the Natural Environment Public Works Director This item was presented at the June meeting. Update Trail Maps to Be More Accessible A Safe, Connected, Walkable and Bikeable Community Parks and Recreation Director/Senior Engineering Technician The interactive online map for the Mendota Heights Park System has been completed and is now launched on the City’s website. Diversify Programming Offered (Senior and Teen Programming) Vibrant and Diverse Community Programming Recreation Program Coordinator The Coffee, Cards and Cribbage series is in full swing. The Summer Adult Walking group took place in 2023 and has started in 2024. Summer 2024 will provide new opportunities for seniors and teens. Coordinate Ongoing Community Engagement Plan for Commissioners Effective Two-Way Communication with an Informed Community Commissioners Commissioners discussed engagement at their April work session. Roles have been assigned. Continued Success of the Volunteer in the Parks (VIP) Program All Commissioners and Staff Page 19 of 25 7e1. 8.a Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Date: July 9, 2024 Agenda Item: Consideration of Ivy Hills Basketball Enhancement Project Item Type: Action Item Department: Parks and Recreation Contact: Meredith Lawrence, Parks and Recreation/Assistant Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek, Public Works Director Lucas Ritchie, Asssitant City Engineer Action Request: The commission should review the concept layout for the proposed basketball court at Ivy Hills Park and make a recommendation to the City Council regarding next steps. Background: Excess soil material generated from the adjacent Emerson Avenue Improvements project requires a location to stockpile said reclaimed material. Given the various recreation activities planned for the park and the need for the existing parking stalls to not be inundated during construction, staff have identified a location on and directly adjacent to the existing basketball court at Ivy Hills Park. The contractor has indicated that the excess material generated can be compacted and left in the low area of the park at no cost to the City, allowing for a suitable base for a future park improvement. Staff are proposing to utilize the graded space to increase the size of the existing basketball court from half court to full court along with a north-south orientation more suitable for use of the park, based on community feedback. Additional storm sewer is to be included with the grading activities to allow for proper drainage due to the change in elevations from the fill material. With the potential enhancement of the basketball court from a half court to a full court, a notice letter was mailed to residents within 500 feet of the park location on June 24. In the letter, staff encouraged residents with comments regarding the proposed project to attend the July 9 meeting to voice their opinion. Correspondence received by staff prior to the release of the packet is included in the meeting Page 20 of 25 materials. Correspondence from residents received after the release of the packet will be provided to the Commissioners at their seat the evening of the meeting. Based on the feedback received thus far from residents, staff is looking to install a temporary basketball hoop within the tennis courts to ensure there is a safe space for neighborhood kids to play basketball. Fiscal and Resource Impact: A sizable portion of the soil material costs are considered incidental due to the stockpiling activities relating to the Emerson Avenue Improvements project. Staff will request pricing for the improvements not included, which would be considered City costs. Funds for the proposed improvements are to stem from the various available utility funds. Attachments: 1.Ivy Hills Park BB Court Concept Layout 2.Email #1 3.Email #2 4.Email #3 Page 21 of 25 »»»»»»»»»»»»»» »»»»»»»»»»»» »»»»»»»BUTLER AVE IVY HILL DR1066 1086 1100 623 645 1089 1087 1085 1083 This imagery is copyrighted and licensed by Nearmap US Inc, which retains ownership of the imagery. It is being provided by Dakota County under the terms of that license. Under that license, Dakota County is allowed to provide access to the “Offline Copy Add-On for Government”, on which this image services is based, at 6-inch resolution, six months after the capture date, provided the user acknowledges that the imagery will be used in their normal course of business and must not be resold or distributed for the purpose of direct commercial benefit or gain. By accessing this imagery, the user acknowledges these terms and affirms compliance. https://gisimg.co.dakota.mn.us/mrsid/base_aerialphotography_2020_sprg/ Nearmap_DakotaCounty_SIGNED.pdf 0 60 SCALE IN FEETDate: 6/14/2024 Ivy Hills Park Basketball Court Legend Sanitary Sewer - Mendota Heights»Storm Sewer - Mendota Heights Hydrant - SPRWS Water Main - SPRWS CI DI Concrete Basketball Court 48' x 80' 3' Reclaim Fill Limits Proposed Future Rain Garden (To be constructed with future project) Proposed Storm Sewer Protect Existing Tree Page 22 of 25 From:Danette Parr To:Meredith Lawrence Subject:Ivy Falls Park Date:Monday, July 1, 2024 4:27:33 PM Good afternoon Meredith. My name is Danette Parr and I live with my family in the Ivy Falls neighborhood (with my husband and our 10,14 and 19 year old). We frequent the Ivy Falls Park. In addition to our own children, we have seen a lot of the tweens and teens from the neighborhood enjoying shooting hoops at the park. We noticed its absence shortly after it was removed and we miss it. We understand the area will be utilized for roadwork staging. We are crossing our fingers that the court will be restored and are hopeful that will allow an opportunity for some grading to raise up the area a bit and correct the water from collecting on the court. If the Commission finds it appropriate to add a send hoop, that would be amazing! We realize it wouldn’t be a regulation size court, but it would allow for a little more fun for the neighborhood. We appreciate that the park offers the basketball court and a healthy recreation option that doesn’t involve mind numbing video games. We very much support this option being restored once the road project is complete. Thank you Commissioners for the effort you put in to keep or parks the jewels they are and thank you to Meredith and her staff-we appreciate you! By the way, the trail extension from Sylvandale to the park has been a game changer for our neighborhood and provides a connection that we really appreciate (it gets a lot of use)-thank you for following through on this thoughtful planning. Thanks again. Danette and Chad Parr Page 23 of 25 8a2. From:Samantha Gemberling To:Meredith Lawrence Subject:Ivy Falls Park Date:Tuesday, July 2, 2024 6:41:02 AM Good Morning- I wanted to send a note in support of the Ivy Falls basketball hoop. There are about 30 kids on Woodridge drive alone who can and will use that hoop once the draining issues are addressed in that part of the park. While the playground and tennis courts are great, the basketball hoop gives kids another way to get outside and get pick up games going which build community. Thanks for considering its re- installation. -Samantha Gemberling Sent from my iPhone Page 24 of 25 8a3. From:Ethan Johnson To:Meredith Lawrence Subject:Ivy Falls Court Restoration Date:Tuesday, July 2, 2024 2:04:06 PM Hello Mendota Heights Parks Commission, I am emailing you to lend our family support to a sport court expansion project at the Ivy Falls Park in the location of the recently removed basketball hoop. I have 8 children ages 17 to 1 year. On our street alone (Woodridge Drive), there are 25 kids under the age of 18, and 30 kids if you include the first house across the street on Sylvandale. This is just a representative sample of the kids in the surrounding Ivy Falls Neighborhood. The basketball hoop, although undersized, aged and frequently flooded, was an attractive meeting place for many kids in the neighborhood. I hope you will strongly consider replacing it and updating the court area to correct for the flooding issues and to make it a full-sized court. Families will appreciate having an updated outdoor amenity in the neighborhood. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Elizabeth Johnson 734 Woodridge Drive 6513007891 Page 25 of 25 8a4.