Parks and Recreation Board

MAPLE GROVE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 18, 2021 Government Center via WebEx) 7: 02 p. m. Regular Meeting The Regular Meeting was called to order by Chair, Bill Lewis at 7: 02 p. m. Chair Lewis stated that due to the COVID- 19 pandemic, this regular meeting of the City of Maple Grove Parks and Recreation Board will be conducted both via attendance at the Council Chambers, as well as via electronic means in a video conference. Consistent with current State and Federal pandemic guidance, it has been determined that due to the health pandemic; a meeting format allowing for complete open, in -person attendance is not practical, nor currently prudent. As a result; the full Park Board are not physically present at the regular meeting location, only the Chair, three additional Board Members, the Director of Parks and Recreation and Superintendent of Parks and Planning convene on site. The current maximum capacity of the Council Chambers is 28 total. There are 10 Board Members and staff already present, leaving 18 spots available for other attendees. Members of the general public are encouraged to monitor the meeting electronically by streaming online and/ or to use the written public comment process which are read publicly aloud. These comment forms are available online and must be presented by 4: 30 pm the day of the meeting to be included. Video of the meeting is available on the City' s website following our meeting, on the next day. Board Members Present in the Chambers were Chair, Bill Lewis, Vice Chair, Present John Fenn; and Board Members Ken Helvey and Andy Mielke and attending online via WebEx were Board Members Deb Syhre, Debbie Coss and Kelly Cunningham. Board Members Board Members absent was: None. Absent Also Present Also present in the Chambers were: Phil Leith, Council Representative; Chuck Stiffer, Director; Ben Jaszewski, Parks and Planning Superintendent; Ed O' Donnell, IS Director; and Park Board Meeting February 18, 2021 Page 2 Jan Clark, Recording Secretary; one Police Officer and 14 residents. Attending online via WebEx were: Aimee Peterson, Superintendent of Recreation; and Lisa Jost, Community Center Manager. Approval of Agenda Chair Lewis called for any changes to the agenda. The Director replied there were none Motion made by Vice Chair Ferm, seconded by Board Member Coss to approve the agenda for the February 18, 2021 meeting as presented. Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were seven ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Public Comment One non -agenda public comment was received and read aloud by Chair Lewis: Tesla Kasten, address: 7860 Juneau Ln N I am part of a group on Facebook that is made up of folks in the city interested in building community gardens. I love that Maple Grove is so invested in parks and outdoor recreation. I think a community garden program would be a wonderful and necessary addition. Miscellaneous Board Board Member Cunningham noted that she really likes the new Member Reports scoreboard in the ice arena. Chair Lewis stated that he really likes seeing pictures of Parks and Recreation facilities and people enjoying our amenities in the promotional piece that is mailed out. He added that he especially liked the aerial photo of the community center, and that he appreciates staff and all their marketing efforts. Miscellaneous Staff Director' s Report: The Director stated the City Council did Reports approve the pre -design consultant agreement to re -start our planning of the Community Center project. He noted that the next step is the bonding request with the State due in mid -May. Superintendent of Parks and Planning' s Report: Ben Jaszewski gave an update of capacity levels effective Monday at Park Board Meeting February 18, 2021 Page 3 the dome and Central Park; noting that the group capacity in the dome will be 220, the batting cages 8, staff 1- 3, and walkers up to 12. Ben stated that the skate loop at Central Park capacity will go up to 200, the warming house 20, the patio 25 and staff 1- 3. Ben gave a progress report on the Gleason Fields project, noting that the plans and specifications phase is nearing 60%, but not quite there. He added they' re still on track to go to bid the 'end of March or early April. Ben acknowledged the Parkkeepers now on the crew, noting that cumulatively, they add up to 120 years of service. Ben stated that with last month' s hire, we are now 2 short of full- time staff. He noted that the Parkkeepers are doing a great job and working hard, including helping set up for the Wonders of Winter event. Chair Lewis noted it is nice to see the individual photos and we appreciate all they' re doing. Superintendent of Recreation' s Report: Aimee Peterson stated that two spring publications are out right now, one was delivered to mailboxes and the other is the full guide listing all the details and is available online. She noted that these are a group effort, working with all the programmers and the particulars of the programs being offered. Aimee noted that the aerial photo of the community center was taken by Gopher Aerial which is a local business. Aimee stated that spring registration is just around the corner, with over 300 programs being offered, including the popular spring and summer youth athletics. She added that general registration starts February 24th and swim registration February 25th Aimee noted that with the new and higher capacity limits, staff will be increasing senior programming. Aimee highlighted the outdoor pickleball court information in the mailed promotional guide to identify where and when people can play pickleball and the two types of play; dedicated play and open play. She added that staff will also be working on some signage. Park Board Meeting February 18, 2021 Page 4 Aimee displayed the submittals and winner of the Black History Month art contest. Aimee noted that this Saturday from 1: 00- 4: 00 pm is the Wonders of Winter event at Central Park that will include new events such as professional kite flyers and ice bowling. She showed photos of Parkkeepers creating the ice bowling game at Central Park for the Wonders of Winter event. She added that it is great to see the special events and the park divisions working together to put on these great events. Aimee noted that the last two Indoor Farmers Markets are scheduled for Sundays, March 18 and April 18, after which the outdoor market season begins in the middle of May. Aimee stated that snowshoe rentals at $ 15 for three days or $ 35 for one week will begin in the next couple of weeks. Board Member Syhre noted that she and her husband thought it was nice to see the Facebook posts recognizing the Parkkeepers working on the ice bowling lanes. Community Center Manager' s Report: Lisa Jost highlighted the impacts of the recent capacity changes, noting that the ice arena changed from 150 to 250. She added the options are opening up now for room rentals to start having social gatherings based on capacities of the room. Lisa noted that it also opens up two additional lap lanes for lap swimming. Lisa stated that they are getting increased calls regarding party requests that include food and beverages. Lisa acknowledged the Ice Arena Annual Report from James Beckius, Lead Arena Technician, who is doing a good job managing the ice arena and projects, managing changes due to Covid and communicating the restrictions to users; all with limited full- time staff. She noted that ice rentals is one area that has remained strong, adding that there is a change coming in the rental software this year. Chair Lewis spoke his appreciation for Community Center management guidance and staff flexibility in view of all the modifications to the capacity guidelines in the Community Center. Park Board Meeting February 18, 2021 Page 5 Council Liaison' s Report: Council Member Leith noted that current topics the City Council is working on include Police body cams, a new grant program for local businesses, Main Street update project has three concept plans that are now being evaluated, and the Annual State of the City will be aired in conjunction with the I94 Chamber of Commerce broadcast. Council Member Leith stated that two new businesses will be opening in Maple Grove; Bob' s Furniture in the old Toys R Us location and Banfield Pet Hospital in the old Schuler Shoes location. Council Member Leith noted that the Lions continue to move forward with the Concert On The Lawn and have secured September 18th as the date. He noted they are working with a national talent who will hopefully be signed and confirmed soon. CONSENT BUSINESS Consent Business Motion made by Board Member Helvey, seconded by Board Member Cunningham to approve the Consent Items as presented. A. Minutes — January 21, 2021 Regular Meeting B. Disbursements C. PT Employees D. Authorize Personnel Recruitment — Community Center Services Coordinator E. 2021 Portable Toilets Contract F. Special Use Permit and Fee Waiver Request - MGCO G. Special Use Permit and Fee Waiver Request — Friends of the Angel Chair Lewis noted that he is glad to see that the Friends of the Angel are moving forward with their 2021 events, as the Angel of Hope is one of the places we have done really well; it means a lot to countless people and the events are deeply meaningful to so many. Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were seven ayes and no nays. Motion carried. OLD BUSINESS Park Board Meeting February 18, 2021 Page 6 Old Business, Item A Chair Lewis noted that this is a discussion item on the agenda, Cricket Grounds and do not have a recommended action from staff. Update Council Member Leith stated that he gets a lot of questions about the duties of the Council and the Park Board and how do they intertwine. He noted that the Park Board is responsible for acquisition, development, improvement and maintenance of all city parks and trails. The Park Board is also responsible for the operation of the community center and all recreation programs provided. They are basically a combination of the City Council and Planning Commission, but for parks, trails and recreation programs; so when they are looking at a new amenity or improvement to an existing park or trail, they work closely with staff who do the research on what is involved, what' s allowed, what are the benefits, and what are other cities doing in this area. They get public input and try to answer all concerns regarding the item. Because of all that, the Mayor and Council are in full support of the Board and their decisions. The Council and Board do work closely on some projects, and Council Member Leith stated that he personally knows how many hours they put in to go over the research and the pros and cons of every decision they make, because they do care about the city and what they can do to make it better. Chair Lewis reiterated this is an action that staff does not have any staff direction to the Board on. He explained the order this item will progress tonight; stating staff will give their reports, written comments that were received will be read aloud, and then residents in the Chambers who want to speak will have an opportunity to do so, with a limit of three minutes per person. Following public comments, Board Member will have time to ask questions for clarity. Board Members will then have the opportunity to make any further determinations in the status of this project. The Director noted that staff is glad to provide additional information tonight and hopefully clear up any misinformation that has been circulating. Ben Jaszewski stated that in May of 2018 the Board was asked to consider adding a cricket pitch to an existing athletic field to serve the growing interest of cricket in the community. Ben noted that when staff started looking at different locations that Park Board Meeting February 18, 2021 Page 7 were large enough to potentially work, one consideration that was deemed important was to retain the multi -use aspect of the existing field. He detailed the dates and project steps through the present. Ben noted the essential criteria that needed to be met in order to add a cricket pitch to an existing field; a 60- yard radius area available, flat enough for a 12 foot by 100 foot pitch, ability to line mark the field, remain a multi -use field, not presently heavily programmed, restrooms available and adequate parking. Ben noted that staff did verify that the cricket pitch would fit in with the master plan as developed in the 2018 Comprehensive Park System. He pointed out the Master Plan tells us to explore adding facilities for non- traditional sports, expand programming and special events while adjusting for current trends for the entire community. Ben noted that they looked at every neighborhood park, playfield and school site to find an adequate location. He displayed 4 samples of park sites and the impediments that they presented, stressing they did check all park sites city-wide. He displayed the location of a future school site in the northwest corner of Maple Grove, but stressed that the development timeframe is still unknown. Ben displayed aerial photos of the cricket pitches in neighborhood parks like Lakeland Park in Brooklyn Park and Nesbitt Park in Eden Prairie. Ben displayed a graphic of the parking lot at Boundary Creek and pointed out 91 parking stalls, as compared to the average neighborhood park at 23 stalls. He stated that the restrooms are open during parks hours from 6: 00 am to 10: 00 pm. He stated that in comparison, an average neighborhood park is 17. 9 acres while Boundary Creek is 90. 3 acres. Ben noted that ballfields are currently be rented by OMGAA and are typically weekdays and approximate 2- 4 evenings per week. He added we currently do not have any rentals or programming on the multi -use field, but there is a high probability that there will be programming in the near future. Ben stated that the cricket user group that staff has been working with to find space for is comprised of 150- 175 Maple Grove residents and numbers about 60% youth and 40% adult. Park Board Meeting February 18, 2021 Page 8 He added their anticipated use of the cricket pitch is from May through September on weekends for 4 +/- hours per day and limited evening use on weekdays. Ben reviewed the current status, noting in 2019 the field posts were removed, 6 trees were transplanted, and 4 unhealthy trees were removed. Ben stressed the field is intended for Parks and Recreation programming and potential games and practices. He added the main component of this project is not make this field proprietary for cricket, but to keep it a multi -use field. The design that' s proposed would be a seamless transition from natural grass to turf, and if a cricket pitch is installed, it could still be used for lacrosse or soccer with some additional line marking. The Director referred back to the graphic displaying where the cricket pitch is located and noted that it is a strip of artificial turf located in the center of a large field resulting in the amount of construction being fairly small. Chair Lewis confirmed that the artificial turf is 12 feet by 100 feet. Chair Lewis read aloud the following Public Comments: Crystal Lewis Home Address: 10503 103rd Ave North Our neighborhood BC playground is not structured to host cricket. One game alone has a minimum of 22 players and 4 umpires. Back- to- back games will have 50+ vehicles vying for spots, and this does not include spectators. The parking lot cannot support this. What are the plans for managing this & enforcing speed limits so my children can safely bike on Boundary Creek Terrace? You propose we give up our peaceful playground every summer weekend for what? Noise, traffic, trash? No. Jenny Trainor Home Address: 10624 Wellington Lane North While a cricket pitch seems like a fun idea, where are the numbers to support this? Where is the Maple Grove cricket team? Why is our community building such a HUGE and expensive project for a sport with so few numbers here? The Boundary Creek Park is already being utilized by residents who live close to it for dog walking, running, playgrounds, soccer fields, football, tennis, hockey, iceskating, and walking. It is a habitat for the monarch butterfly. What value does this project for current us Park Board Meeting February 18, 2021 Page 9 Bob Henke Home Address: 10350 Valley Forge Ln I wish to express my opposition to construction of a cricket pitch in Boundary Creek Park. While park usage seems to have dropped since the soccer/football goals were removed, I feel that a pitch would be addressing a very small percentage of the MG population at the expense of the other sports and uses. And, needless to say, I wasn't pleased to see trees cut to make room for the pitch. It seems that whole area was being re -developed to accomodate one sport only. Ryan and Stacey Saetveit Home Address: 10551 Monticello Ln N We are dismayed to hear that plans to put in a cricket pitch in our neighborhood park is under consideration again. This does not belong in a neighborhood park, one that does not have adequate access to parking and facilities. It is our understanding that this plan did not come from the residents who actually live in the Boundary Creek Neighborhood. We need to preserve our green spaces for the children and families that enjoy the parks in our neighborhood. Consider a " high use" area. Scott Carlson Home Address: 10705 Quaker Ln N I am writing to oppose the construction of a cricket field in Boundary Creek Park. I feel that this would be a poor use of this open space. That area is used for kids playing soccer and football practice. Not to mention there is a lack of ample parking in the area near the field. If there is demand for cricket it should be played at Fernbrook athletic fields where there is already synthetic turf and more parking space. Sarah Carlson Home Address: 10705 Quaker Lane N. I am writing to object to tearing up a field at Boundary Creek Park to install artificial turf for cricket games. Many of our children use that field for football and soccer practices and games. Boundary Creek park is a neighborhood park and does not have sufficient parking space, resulting having to use residential streets to park on. There are already artificial turf fields in Maple Grove with parking access, why not use those? Jay Frazer Home Address: 10570 Union Terrace Lane I would like to state my strong objection to putting a cricket pitch at Boundary Creek Park. Due to the park' s large size and the fact that the parking lot would be located a long distance from the cricket Park Board Meeting February 18, 2021 Page 10 pitch, cars are most likely going to park on Boundary Creek Terrace and surrounding neighborhood streets. This was the case when soccer games took place at the park and it was a mess. We don' t need to repeat of a past mistake. Patty Mortenson Home Address: 10510 Nathan Ln N I am a resident of Boundary Creek. While I have no objection to the game of cricket, I do object to having one of our green spaces ripped up and revamped with artificial turf in the middle of our neighborhood park so that cricket players ( not residents of our neighborhood) can use the fields on weekends, park on our residential streets, and limit access to the park for our neighbors. I hope the Board listens to the residents of BC. We do not want this! Karen Coddington Home Address: 10795 108th Av N Please, please do not approve the cricket field development. We DO NOT want this replacing the fields that we have! This is not being built for the residents and this is a residential park for our neighborhood! I strongly disapprove of our neighborhood park bring taken away and being replaced by a cricket field. Please vote NO! Board Member Helvey read aloud the following Public Comments: Stacey Saetveit Home Address: 10551 Monticello Ln N I do not oppose cricket or those who play it. What I oppose is that the park board set forth a plan before considering neighborhood impact and input. None of the other cricket pitches in other metro cities are in neighborhood parks. Find a location that can accommodate the growth of the sport, while not impacting a quiet neighborhood park. Survey the neighborhood before you break ground! Todd Kuglin Home Address: 10364 Boundary Creek Terrace The Cricket pitch in a small neighborhood is the wrong place for this!!! The area doesn' t have enough parking and with where the field is they will park on Boundary Creek Terrace. We already have to many folks flying down that road. We add all the parked cars and bad things are going to happen. This really belongs over by the Maple Grove High School which has the room and parking for this. Who is going to fix my lawn when folks can't figure out how to stay on the road and wreck my grass?? Park Board Meeting February 18, 2021 Page 11 Kim Andersen Home Address: 10267 Pilgrim Lane N Cricket pitch at Boundary Creek Park. I am STRONGLY AGAINST it. This is a park for our neighborhood use and does not have capacity for hosting this. There is not enough parking, no restrooms, and the potential uptick in traffic on our neighborhood streets is unacceptable, especially when we are the ones to pay for them. This should be moved to a place that can handle all of these issues, like the Fernbrook Playfields, Arbor Lakes, or Maple Grove high school, NOT Boundary Creek Park! Bill Brohman Home Address: 10480 Nathan Ln N This is still a short sighted and ill informed decision. You are talking about installing a high traffic amenity into a small neighborhood park. How about access to this site? Have you done any traffic studies for the project and the increase of cars speeding though our neighborhood? Where will they park, this site has a limited parking lot? There has to be a better site on the west side of town where the person who wants this actually lives, instead of destroying our park. Michelle Potratz Home Address: 10599 104th Ave N Regarding the cricket pitch that has been proposed at Boundary Creek Park, please, DO NOT allow this to happen. Main concern is the safety of our neighborhood. Parking will be a nightmare. People will not park in the lot designated for the park, because it's too far from the park. Street parking clogs our streets, our cul- de-sac will not be spared, & we have small kids in our neighborhood. Leave the cricket pitch for areas that have much more space AWAY from residential ( i.e., Belle Plaine) Kevin Rassier Home Address: 10507 102nd Ave N, Maple Grove, MN 55369 I have concerns about the proposed cricket field in the Boundary Creek neighborhood. The space proposed for the field is a coveted green space for numerous activities from residents who walk and live near the park. There is NOT an adequate adjacent parking option to that field. Parking on Boundary Creek should not be an option due to safety concerns and traffic congestion. Therefore, the lack of parking and bathroom facilities would need to be addressed prior to consideration. Ruthie Miller Home Address: 10009 107th Avenue North Park Board Meeting February 18, 2021 Page 12 Please do NOT add cricket pitch to Boundary Creek Park. I believe we have enough ball fields, ice rink and youth play areas. Please don't saturate our park with additional athletic facilities. Can't one be built at the much bigger Elm Creek park? I would like the city control the lily pads on boundary creek pond instead. The lily pads year after year are getting worse and choking out fish and other wildlife in the area. If you want to pass this along to city council that would be great!. Richard Anderson Home Address: 10111 103rd PI N My wife and I are very concerned about the lack of parking and the extra noise that will come with the addition of a cricket pitch at Boundary Creek Park. We already have to deal with spill -over parking in the adjacent streets just from the ball games that go on now with the inadequate parking lot. We' ve lived here since 1977 and we were told by the builder that the park would be kept as a nature park with no car traffic. Adding a cricket pitch only makes that promise worse. Vice Chair Fenn read aloud the following comments: Harlan Van Wyhe Home Address: 9963 107th PI N I am concerned about designating and increasing the intensity of use with Cricket Pitch, and potential impacts on use of the area for fall youth soccer and football programs. I do not know the open space is underutilized as -is. I am in favor of preserving the open space; planting trees in anticipation of ash tree loss; developing family oriented party facilities, pickle -ball court, broad -based uses; and trail repairs. I'm opposed to regular traffic from other communities in neighborhood parks. Mary Schultz Home Address: 10520 Nathan Lane I am writing in response to the proposed cricket pitch plan for Boundary Creek Park. I oppose to this plan based on a number of reasons including the planned space is like a postage stamp, closely surrounded by walking/ bike paths, a wooded area and a slope into a neighborhood. Additionally, the very limited parking already shared by 2 Ball fields and a play park is inadequate considering the cricket use will be 4 times per week. Kelly Noah Home Address: 10402 106th PI N Regarding the proposed cricket pitch at Boundary Creek Park, I support Maple Grove installing the first pitch in a larger park with more parking. A neighborhood park is unsuitable for a novel draw Park Board Meeting February 18, 2021 Page 13 like a cricket pitch until we have a better understanding of the volume of use and parking concerns. Visitors who drive to scheduled activities on the west side of Boundary Creek often park in the neighborhood, which is not well -suited to a volume of on - street parking, rather than the east parking lot. J. M. Digatono Home Address: 10645 Boundary Creek Terrace I strongly oppose the addition of a cricket pitch to Boundary Creek Park. This is a neighborhood park, with no bathroom facilities or parking areas to support such an addition especially in the proposed area. Even baseball games cause people to park up and down Boundary Creek Terrace and to drive on to my lawn to turn around at 106th Place. There is already too much traffic on Boundary Creek Terrace. Many of us walk in the street because the sidewalk is too narrow, and too broken up to be safe. Barbara Tonn Home Address: 10225 Quaker Ln No. I don' t understand why you would even think about putting a cricket field in the middle of a residential neighborhood. I don' t know of anyone who plays cricket. It would ruin this beautiful park. Why would you put this in a neighborhood? Who would it service? Are there any cricket leagues in Maple Grove? I am opposed to building this cricket facility. Michael & Monica Mattson Home Address: 10706 107th PI N Since our letter won' t be read: Does not fit city def. of Neighborhood park w/ service area of Neighborhood. No communication to residents from start, feedback would have come from start if informed, not in 2019 when few letters were sent. Parking is not adequate, esp. during summer ball games. 2 nights/ week & all weekend isn' t light duty when our neighborhood can' t use area. Can find nothing for youth, only competitive adult for Continental Cricket. Soccer goals removed/ partial turf = not multi use. Don Borsch Home Address: 10581 102nd Pl. I do not understand why you want to put in a Cricket field in a small neighborhood park. I still cannot find any Cricket leagues based in Maple Grove. 98%+ of the residents of MG don' t know what Cricket is! It will be mostly used by other communities thus increasing traffic in the streets around the park. In the summer, the park is used for youth baseball and the parking lot is full. Now you will have cricket players parking there which means they will be parking in the streets. Please reconsider Park Board Meeting February 18, 2021 Page 14 Donald J Kasprzyk Home Address: 10627 107th PL N I have lived in this neighborhood since 1977 and coached soccer and softball teams on these fields with my and neighborhood children and their families. The average age of the neighborhood is older so now we need to use our neighborhood assets and taxes to provide pickleball courts for young and older people to maintain their health. I believe a cricket pitch would degrade the neighborhood and not help the city image. S Petersen Home Address: 10012 107th Avenue N I am concerned about having a cricket pitch at Boundary Creek Park. I' m British & have lived opposite a cricket field in the UK. Matches are many hours long, often involving a tea break, & played every Sunday. We have limited parking & toilet facilities for teams, spectators & non -cricket visitors/ other events. Plus, no waste bins by the proposed site. Also worried about the additional noise & excessive use of the park to the detriment of kids/ locals, & safety of pedestrians on the walking paths. Dawn & Scott Engelman Home Address: 10391 Boundary Creek Terrace We still question if a current, rather than future neighborhood park or community play field as described in 2040 Comprehensive Plan makes better sense. A community play field would address the potential expansion of this growing sport as it draws attention in our own community and beyond. Parking issues need to be addressed due to Internet posting Boundary Creek Terrace and not park and no directions to parking lot. We need signage on 101 st, Zachary and Jefferson Highway. The floor was then opened to public comments by in -person residents. Gerald Anderson, 10396 Boundary Creek Terrace, spoke in opposition to the cricket pitch, siting it doesn' t fit the definition of a neighborhood park, Boundary Creek Park acreage is mostly water, parking lot and restrooms too far away, no turf cricket fields in any local states so will be very unique, Lakeland Park in Brooklyn Park was scheduled last year for cricket every Saturday and Sunday from May 14 through September 24, if other teams want to practice it could end up being more than just 2 days a week, the uniqueness of this field could end up being a regional draw, and the field belongs at a school site. Park Board Meeting February 18, 2021 Page 15 Chair Lewis read aloud two Public Comments that inadvertently got missed: Chris and Sheila Judd Home Address: 10433 105th Ave N Please consider a different location for cricket. The Boundary Creek Neighborhood is a quiet residential area with many who enjoy the park space and trails. While cricket is a great sport for MG, this is not the best location. What happens in the next 5- 20 years if the interest in cricket grows? If the cricket pitch is developed, then the space is only dedicated to cricket. Concerns include: additional noise, traffic, parking issues, litter, safety, artificial turf and neighbors can' t use it. Paula Bongartz Home Address: 10416 Boundary Creek Terrace Cricket Pitch - My husband, Michael and I are opposed. To tie up a neighborhood park every Wednesday, Thursday evening and every Saturday and Sunday ( for at least 6- 8 hours) leaves no time for family time to play ball, fly kites, run with kids.... The parking will be a nightmare- parking lot associated with this area is hard to find and street parking is easier, closer to the field. Cars parked on both sides of the street is a hazard. Mail not delivered due to no access. Feasibility studies?? The floor was re -opened to public comments by in -person residents. Julie Anderson, 10396 Boundary Creek Terrace, spoke in opposition to the cricket pitch, siting that Boundary Creek Park was such a benefit to our community during Covid, necessary for physical and mental well-being, and was a peaceful and calming area to have for their use. Suzanne Koch, 10440 Boundary Creek Terrace, spoke in opposition to the cricket pitch, reading the definition of a neighborhood park from the Comprehensive Plan and stated Boundary Creek does not fit within that definition, parking issues due to the distance to the parking lot, distance of the restrooms, environmental impact to wildlife due to loss of green space, lack of communication to residents during the development of this project, the length of the season, how many days and hours per week would be taken up, if there is indeed a youth cricket association, and the Eden Prairie' s cricket pitch is not scheduled for any other sport. Bill Burczek, 10432 102 PI N, spoke in opposition to the cricket pitch, siting that Boundary Creek is a large park due in part to the large amount of natural spaces, there is a petition with over 500 Park Board Meeting February 18, 2021 Page 16 signatures on it opposed to the cricket pitch, and children need this outdoor space and playtime especially now with Covid. Chuck Morin, 10053 104' Ave N, spoke in opposition to the cricket pitch, siting the Continental Cricket Club information on the internet shows a 40 and over team and a T20 which he believes is a 20 and over team so all adults that compete at a regional level, there is no mention of any youth players at all, they currently have 4 facilities available to use within 15- 25 minutes away, should Maple Grove tax dollars be used for a sport that excludes females from participating, this club has been known to use fields without a permit, and are any other neighborhood parks being used for any adults sports. Ben DuBay, 10707 107th PI N, spoke in opposition to the cricket pitch, siting contradictions about the park from the May 16, 2019 meeting being a unique field in the city and in the region, very little communication to the Boundary Creek residents before the contract was awarded, in addition to the circulating petition there is opposition being circulated on the Change. org website, doesn' t fit the definition of a neighborhood park, kids use this park on a daily basis, how does a special interest group using the park 4 out of 7 days a week serve the residents of Boundary Creek, the game will be played by others outside of the community and does not serve the residents of Boundary Creek, and will overburden the park system. Randy Janssen, 10584 104' PI N, spoke in opposition to the cricket pitch, siting that the field is right next to Boundary Creek Terrace and nobody is going to walk all the way from the parking lot, that Boundary Creek Terrace has a blind curve and is dangerous for kids trying to cross the street when both sides are full of parked cars, parks like Maple Grove Senior High or Central Park that have bigger restrooms and concession stands are a better choice, Boundary Creek might be a larger park but there' s a lot of woods and ponds, and this is being done for a group who does not live in the area. Clara Sandberg, 9357 Union Terrace Lane, spoke in favor of a cricket pitch at Boundary Creek noting that neighborhood parks are for more than just the immediate neighborhood, but for the whole city. Ms. Sandberg stated that the small park close to her house has very little parking, but she doesn' t mind because parents are conscientious about keeping their kids safe and it is a joy to see children playing ball and enjoying what is usually an empty space. She added that she feels a cricket pitch is an excellent addition to the park system and fulfills the strategic goal of providing space for unique sports and she is looking forward to having a unique sport to observe within walking distance from her home. Park Board Meeting February 18, 2021 Page 17 Matt Williams, 10238 Union Terrace Lane, noted that he is just now fact -gathering, but after speaking with neighbors he started thinking about what it means to have a neighborhood park and to have access to the park where kids can just run around in. He stated he thinks the cricket pitch decisions are not being driven by the park neighbors, but rather being forced. He added he will continue to pursue his interest in understanding more of the details of this moving forward. Sandeep Hirekerur, Shadyview Lane, Maple Grove. Mr. Hirekerur stated he is speaking on behalf of the Continental Cricket Club of Maple Grove and he has heard several misconceptions; the diversified community that wants to see a cricket pitch in Maple Grove does not expect the world' s best cricket field in the region; the 40 and over and 20T leagues do not reflect the age of the participants, but rather how many pitches the games allows, and the Cricket Club in Maple Grove actually does have a youth program, however not broadcasted on the website and they intend to improve that. He stated the parking lot at Boundary Creek does have 91 spaces, and on any given day cricket amounts to 20- 25 cars. He added that if anyone parks on the street instead of the parking lot, there could be options explored to prevent that. He stated we are here to feel included and not to cause any trouble and this is a program that will support our community. Chair Lewis concluded the in -person comments and opened the meeting up for Board Member questions. Chair Lewis clarified that if there any questions for Mr. Hirekerur, he will allow him to answer, which is not to give him any further time, but to just provide clarity. Vice Chair Fenn inquired if there is the potential for us to do youth and adult cricket programming to further expose the community to the sport? Aimee Peterson, Recreation Superintendent, replied that just like any other new sport, we do like to introduce people to diverse and different sports, much like we did with pickleball. Cricket is one of the recreation trends that we will look at for possible programming and perhaps generate some opportunities for all residents to have the chance to play. Board Member Helvey asked Ben to review again the goals and objectives stated in the Comp Plan for our overall mission system -wide. Ben read excerpts from the 2018 Comp Plan Guiding Principles; • Identify and implement park and recreation programs which meet the community interests for enhancing leisure time including social, recreational, education and physical opportunities, • Support and encourage the cultural Park Board Meeting February 18, 2021 Page 18 diversity of Maple Grove residents through inclusive programs and facilities, * Educate and provide opportunities that encourage healthy life styles, fitness and physical well-being for all residents of the community, * Adapt to new recreation trends and community desires by providing new facilities and programs, and updating existing parks and facilities over time, Provide athletic fields and facilities to serve the needs of informal athletics and non- traditional Explore adding sports, * facilities for non- traditional Continually evaluate the sports, * focus of youth and adult programming to include and address current trends. Board Member Helvey stated that to clarify, the intent here is not to install artificial turf over the entire circle area, but just a 12 feet by 100 feet strip of turf in the middle. Ben verified that is correct. Ben also noted that in regards to the comments about the cricket grounds at Nesbitt Park and Lakeland Park that those designs are quite different from the Boundary Creek proposed design, as they are ag- lime base fields, one has a rollout portable turf, while others have built- in turf; neither format lends itself for use by other sports. Ben stated that our design has a seamless transition between the artificial turf and the natural grass, so that is why we are able to keep the field as multi -purpose. Board Member Helvey asked for verification that if Continental Cricket wanted to reserve the field for their exclusive use, there would be rental requirements just like any other user and would not be able to displace anyone else on the field without said permit. The Director replied that a permit is not required on any field for a pick-up game of any sport; however if a group wanted time reserved for their exclusive use, they would need to obtain a permit and pay the corresponding fee. Board Member Mielke noted that he appreciated revisiting the goals stated in the Comp Plan and noted that the Board does follow those guidelines for consistency. He noted that the research that was done to find an underutilized and large space, made Boundary Creek a good choice. Board Member Mielke stated he would like to hear other options available for the parking proximity issue with possible parking restrictions on Boundary Creek Terrace, although that would probably effect on - street parking for residents also. Park Board Meeting February 18, 2021 Page 19 Ben Jaszewski, Superintendent of Parks, observed that it' s difficult to force people to park in a parking lot and restricting on -street parking does impair the residents also. He noted that the cricket club is well aware that we want them to park in the parking lot, and we could perhaps add that to their permit. Board Mielke inquired about the other cities that were referenced with cricket pitches, and if any are in neighborhood parks. Ben replied Nesbitt and Lakeland are neighborhood parks and Fair Oaks is a school site. Board Member Syhre inquired that when staff looks at making reservations for different user groups, would they not overbook the fields so as to overwhelm the parking lot. Ben replied they would not. Chair Lewis asked for clarity of whether staff plans to use the park for multiple sports on the other fields on the same day and how that gets managed. The Director replied that Boundary Creek has always had a multi -purpose field, ballfields, hard courts and playground and that is why the parking lot was designed for 90 spaces. When a user group requests a field permit, staff looks specifically at where to place them so as to not overtax the facility. If parking lot usage goes beyond capacity, staff makes changes to manage that site differently. He added this is an issue that has happened in the past and we have experience and professionalism in that area. Chair Lewis stated that if this proceeds, he would need assurance from Mr. Hirekerur of the Board' s expectation in regards to parking in the lot and not on the street and relaying that to his club members. Board Member Coss noted that this cricket field takes up nearly the same amount of space that a soccer field does, so in many ways they are just playing a different game in the same space and she likes the idea of adding new games to our variety of what we do. Board Member Coss added that she likes the idea of bringing cricket in, but cautioned we must be careful of parking problems. She noted that the definition of a neighborhood park does not mean only children from the immediate neighborhood can play in that park, but from all over Maple Grove, such as soccer teams that play there could be from the other side of town. She noted that all Maple Grove Park Board Meeting February 18, 2021 Page 20 residents are welcome at all Maple Grove parks. Board Member Coss stated it appears that sportsmanship is an important part of the cricket game, and she would like to see Parks and Recreation staff do some programming for cricket lessons. Aimee Peterson said it would be great to have some intro cricket classes; maybe even using volunteers from the local Cricket Club. Board Member Coss asked Mr. Hirekerur that if someone wanted to play cricket in Maple Grove, how would they go about that? Sandeep replied that they do have a website and they also have videos and coaching clinics to educate people regarding cricket. He added that the younger players are not introduced to hard -ball cricket. Vice Chair Fenn stated that he appreciates everyone' s comments and they are not taken lightly. He stressed that a neighborhood park does serve the neighbors, but it also serves the general public. We have hosted many organized activities of open field sports, and cricket is basically the same number of people, same size field and the same number of cars. We often repurpose parks, especially when we have an underutilized facility, so it' s not new to us; we like to promote new and diverse activities. He added the field will continue to be multi- use, so we can still play other sports on it. He noted that we are not taking any amenities of the park away; people will still be able to utilize the normal day- to- day use of the park. Vice Chair Ferm concluded that Boundary Creek meets the criteria for size, parking and restrooms and he is recommending that we take this off pause and proceed with the project. Chair Lewis asked if there are any Board Members in opposition to take this project off pause and proceed as has been previously approved. Hearing none, Chair Lewis stated this project is now off hold and project will proceed. NEW BUSINESS New Business, Item A Lisa Jost stated the condenser has been in service since 2008 West Arena and due to its age and level of corrosion, staff is proposing a Condenser replacement to be done in May during shut down of the ice arena. Lisa noted it is budgeted for in the 2021 Equipment Replacement — Reserve fund. Authorize Project Park Board Meeting February 18, 2021 Page 21 Motion made by Board Member Syhre, seconded by Board Member Mielke to approve authorizing the west rink condenser replacement project at the Maple Grove Community Center Ice Arena and direct staff to seek quotes. Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were seven ayes and no nays. Motion carried. New Business, Item B Ben Jaszewski noted this is a 164- unit apartment complex Subdivision — Village located within Park Service Area 24. Lakes 14th Addition Motion made by Vice Chair Ferm, seconded by Board Member Cunningham to approve the preliminary and final park dedication requirements on The Village at Arbor Lake 14th Addition plat pursuant to Maple Grove Subdivision Ordinance, Chapter 30: 18, Provision of Land for Public Use: Applicant will fulfill the park dedication requirements on the plat with a cash dedication based upon the commercial dedication rate in effect at the time the plat is released by the City for recording. Applicant may pay the fee at any time after the final plat has been approved by the City Council, but it must be paid before the plat is released for filing with the County. The final cash dedication is based on the rate at the time the dedication is paid. Rates are reviewed annually by the City Council at their first meeting in February. This may affect the final cash dedication requirements. Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were seven ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Adjournment Motion made by Board Member Cunningham, seconded by Board Member Mielke to adjourn. Chair Lewis stated that this cricket pitch issue has been fraught with tension and stress, and he appreciates the residents' passion. Chair Lewis stated that he also appreciates staff for providing an on -going amount of information and clarity. He noted that he respects the Board for their integrity in managing the process; we are doing the best we can do with the facilities Park Board Meeting February 18, 2021 Page 22 we have, which is what the Board is appointed to do. He thanked Council Member Leith and the entire Council for their strong collaboration and support. Upon call for the question, on a voice vote, there were seven ayes and no nays. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 9: 17 p. m. Respectfully submitted, Jan Clark, Recording Secretary and Chuck Stifter, Director Parks and Recreation Board City of Maple Grove