City Council

CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL and PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION WORK SESSION AGENDA JUNE 2, 2021 3:15 pm Fire Station 2121 Dodd Road, Mendota Heights 1. Call to Order 2. Parks and Recreation Strategic Planning Discussion 3. Adjourn DATE: June 2, 2021 TO: Mayor, City Council, Parks and Recreation Commission, City Administrator FROM: Cheryl Jacobson, Assistant City Administrator SUBJECT: Strategic Planning Session Background Information The following information is provided as background in support of the June 2 strategic planning work session: 1. Work Session Agenda 2. Park Listing from the City’s Comprehensive Plan 3. POLCO Survey Results: The City conducted an online survey from May 7 to May 21. 4. Stakeholder Listening Session Results: HueLife facilitated a listening session with external stakeholders on May 24. The overarching focus question was: What needs to happen in the next 3-5 years for Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation to be financially sustainable and engaging, while encompassing the needs and wants of all residents?  Parks and Recreation Strategic Planning Session 1 City Council and Parks & Recreation Commission AGENDA 3:15 – 3:30 Welcome & Introductions 3:30 – 3:45 Opening Context 3:45 – 4:15 Reviewing POLCO Survey & Stakeholder Listening Sessions Data 4:15 – 5:00 Visioning Workshop part 1 5:00 – 5:30 Break 5:30 – 6:15 Visioning Workshop part 2 6:15 – 6:30 Identifying Themes 6:30 – 7:30 Blocks Workshop part 1 7:30 – 7:45 Break 7:45 – 8:45 Blocks Workshop part 2 8:45 – 9:15 Debrief and Next Steps City of Mendota Heights Parks & Facilities Acres Nature Basebal Soccer Tennis Basketbal Vol eybal Areas Trails Softball or Playground Equipment Picnic Area/ Shelter Hockey/ Skating Rinks Parking Fishing Dock/ Piers Restro m Facilities Civic Center Hal ) next to City 4XX X X Copperfield Ponds East of Huber Drive at Cheyen e Lane) 24. 9 X P X Dog Park 1360 Acacia Blvd) X Friendly Hills Park South of Decorah Lane -east of Pueblo Lane) 15. 5X P XXX X3 X X XX X Friendly Marsh Park north of Cheyen e Lane between Apache &Huber) 555 Mendota Heights Road) 9. 33.4 X P X Hagstrom- King Park 6XP XX X X X X Historic Pilot Knob 2100 Pilot Knob Road - Acacia Blvd. & Pilot Knob) 25. 5 X XX Ivy Hills Park 645 Butler Avenue –between Butler &Maple Park Drive) 9. 3X P XX X X3 XXX 640 Mendota Heights Road) Kensington Park 2627 Concord Way / 14.6 X PX X F XX E X XC Market Square Park The Vil age of Mendota Heights) 0. 5X X Marie Park 1780 Lilac Lane – NW corner of Lilac & Marie Avenue) 6. 2 X P XX X XX X X Mendakota Park SW Corner of Dodd Road Me&ndakota Drive) 19. 7X X X YX XX X EX X C Roger' s Lake Park 1000 Wagon Wheel Trail- east of I- 35E) 9. 2 XX X3 X 4X XE X X X Sibley Athletic Complex 1 Henry Sibley High School - Marie & Delaware) 11 XX X F X 2 XXC Valley Park 821 Marie Avenue West–east of I- 35E) 94. 4 X XXX X3X X X X Valley View Heights SE corner of Cul en Avenue & Timmy Street) 0. 7 XX 3 X Victoria Highland Park 1700 Diane Road- betwe n Victoria, Douglas & Diane) 6. 7 X X X3 X X X Wentworth Park 739 Wentworth Avenue) 10.5 X P X X X X 3 XX X X X TOTAL 295. 7 1. Sibley Athletic Complex is a joint use facility owned and operated by ISD # 197 3. Half- court only.2. ISD # 197 maintains 12 tennis courts at Henry Sibley High School 4. Sand volleyball court – all others Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan Input Survey Results FINAL 05/ 25/ 2021 Number of Survey Respondents: 143 Where Respondents are from: 73% were from Mendota Heights; 21% from other areas- Cottage Grove; Eden Prairie; Oakdale; Richfield; St. Paul; West St. Paul; and 6% from unknown locations. Where Respondents Are From All Other Areas, 6% Mendota Heights Unknown Area Mendota Heights, 73% All Other Areas Unknown Area, 21% Mendota Heights Respondents by Voting Precinct Precinct 5 Precinct 1 23% 23% Precinct 1 Precinct 2 Precinct 3 Precinct 4 Precinct 4 Precinct 5 14% Precinct 2 18% Precinct 3 22% Page 2  All Respondents By Age 25-34 5% Unknown 21% 25-34 35-44 35-44 31% 45-54 75+ 4% 55-64 65-74 75+ 65-74 13% Unknown 55-64 45-54 10% 16% 64% of respondents had children 17 or under living in the household 26% of respondents were or had household members age 65 or older Q1. In your opinion, what areas should be given priority over the next 10 years? Give a point value to each of the following potential areas of investment in Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation. You have a total of 10 points. Base your points on how important each item is to you and/ or family (the higher the points the more important the item is to you). Creating new programming for YOUTH 18% Creating new programming for ADULTS 11% Updating aging parks and recreation facilities and 41% amenities Adding new parks and recreation facilities and 29% amenities Page 3 X)= the number of times mentioned in responses Q2. What is the single most important public park/ recreation amenity that you think is missing in the City' s park system? Topic: TRAILS, WALKING PATHS, SIDEWALKS = ( 23) Trail along Delaware Single track mountain bike trail/ mountain bike trails/ mountain bike course = ( 7) Bike paths connecting parks/ bike paths in general = ( 3) Better and safer bike trails connecting parks and neighborhoods = ( 2) A small extension of the bike path connecting directly to Hampshire drive at Hagstrom King Park. A path/ sidewalk trail, so bikers and walkers are not forced to enter the parking lot or the busy Mendota heights road. Currently many people exiting the path go over existing grass anyway. Bike trails/ walking paths- more connectedness between parks/ neighborhoods. Especially crossing busier roads. These are used by all ages for a wide variety of activities and increase safety, property values and are a great investment despite the cost and hassle to implement. A community with a great network of paths is simply more desirable by most people. Walking trails that are stroller and wheelchair friendly Cross country ski trails This isn' t directly related to the park/ rec offerings, but we are seriously lacking in sidewalks in general, which would allow for our children to safely access more parks in our city. Dodd Rd and Wentworth are examples of two roads that desperately need sidewalks. More and more families are moving to Mendota Heights, and our kids and their friends are constantly ( and nervously) biking on these busy streets not equipped for kids and bikes. Coordinated, comprehensive trail system for walking and biking. One that connects amenities in the city and recognizes the increasing traffic on key arteries like Doddand Delaware Trails! On Dodd but elsewhere too. Eagan, Apple Valley, most suburbs have better pedestrian and cycling infrastructure than we do. Better paving on trails. Lighted paths Page 4 Topic: SPLASH PAD/ POOL/ WATER FEATURE = ( 18) Would love to see collaboration with Sibley Pool Topic: NATURAL SPACE/ NATURAL PLAY AREAS/ NATURAL RESOURCES = ( 14) We only are developing space for games and meetings, not paying attention to the natural world for instance in Valley Park - why don't we support control of invasive species and control of erosion, interpretive, interactive information, things that will help both young and old interact with the native world right in their community. I am told that our citizens value our green spaces and natural surroundings, but if it is all ball fields and picnic pavilions ( which are important) there won' t be a natural world to interact with. We need to take care of our natural assets before they degrade to a point of no return. Naturalized spaces. We need to be more pollinator friendly. Less grass, more native plants in the parks. Native/ wild undeveloped open space, dark sky areas. Planting of pollinators and " bee lawns" to replace outdated and harmful green carpet lawns in the parks. A dedicated effort to maintain and improve the natural resource ecology. Less grass and asphalt, more trees and perennials for habitat and enjoyment. Let' s get some species diversity! Hire some natural resource professionals! The landscape of our city should be the first priority. Planting more native trees, shrubs and prairie. The landscape is enjoyed by every citizen of our city whether walking, biking or driving through the city. We are losing our open space and access to nature. I worry that we spend too much money on built infrastructure rather than natural infrastructure. Herbicide/ pesticide FREE public walking areas. Protection and enhancement of the natural resources in our parks -buffers, trees, etc when giving points for updating of parks we also are referring to updating the vision of our parks as natural areas not just more stuff. Consider all aspects of the parks not just how much u can add to make it bigger. Consider the environment and also the people that live near or on park edges. Consider the small neighborhood feel of the parks and plan more appropriately for the small parks not just bigger and more. Points for adding new parks was only for creating more natural areas or to relieve some of the overcrowding at our smaller parks. Page 5  Larger native plantings, open spaces to wanter and educational information about the natural environment, e.g. pollinator- friendly, brid-friendly and clean water-friendly spaces and education. Note: another rusty patched bumble bee was sighted on Oheyawahe/ Pilot Knob on May 19, 2021. A focus on the “ health” of our parks and open spaces. Taking care of our trees, managing invasive species, maintaining healthy planting for birds and pollinators. Pollinator protection, avoidance of pesticides and herbicides; nature preservation. Natural green space - trees, natural habitat, forests Topic: MAINTENANCE ( 9) I think we have plenty of options for residents (tennis, pickle ball, softball, baseball, walking trails, hockey, figure skating, golf, skatepark). I would focus our dollars on maintaining these facilities, especially the skate park which seems like it has been neglected, but still popular. Maintenance - weeds, brush, paving of trails. Care and updating of ice rinks Well maintained ice rinks ( see skyline park in Eagan) and an updated skate park ( see Rosemount) again, this restricts to one season, which doesn’ t provide opportunity for adequate data collection. Eco- friendly landscaping and maintenance Trail and natural resources maintenance Mini of the bike trails are in need of repair Just keep things clean and maintained/ maintain what we have/ keep updated = (3) Topic: FIELDS AND FACILITIES Community Center/ Recreation Building/ Community meeting room = (4) Small bandshell for outdoor concerts/ Amphitheater = (2) Pavilions = ( 2) A community place with reasons to gather in the spring, fall and summer. Mendakota should be repurposed for school aged kids (5 to 11 years old). It looks like it is currently setup for adult softball, which is not a reason why families are attracted to our city. Mendy could be a gem in this city. It would attract others from neighboring Page 6 communities who want to be apart of our city. Property values will rise. One just needs to look at Harmon Park in WSP and the outdoor amenities of the HealthEast Sports Center in Woodbury to get an idea of what could be at Mendakota. Smaller ball fields, will enable the addition of other fields or amenities, shade in the common areas between a pinwheel set of 4 fields, a splashpad and playground within sightlines of the fields, and space to grill and run hot concessions will really transform the community engagement in that park. Dugouts at Mendakota complex/ Covered dugouts at baseball fields = (2) Need more park space for youth sports. Mendakota as a complex is small and dated Wheelchair accessible playground Move past traditional playground structures and create more natural play/ nature play areas. These are more beneficial for children than traditional playground structures. More traditional playground equipment with bridges slides and forts. The newer stuff doesn’ t spark imagination. Would like obstacle courses added in areas such as Valley Park, Kensington, and Rogers Lake ( others also). IGH has some on their paths and they are amazing. Pickleball courts/ dedicated pickleball courts = (4) Disc golf course = (3) Wall ball court More soccer fields are desperately needed. Better baseball and soccer fields Turf fields Community Gardens = ( 2) Water sources at each park - drinking and washing hands Bathrooms/ permanent & clean public restroom facilities/ plumbed bathrooms/ decent bathrooms/ winter porta pots for walkers, xc skiers, snow shoers = (5) Priorities of existing parks that need a makeover Dog parks/ Friendly and clean off leash dog park. Acacia is a mess. = (2) In the winter, a really nice large skate rink and pathway rink with a nice warming house! In the summer it could be used for roller blading etc Page 7 Topic: REPAIR/ UPDATE THE SKATEPARK = ( 16) A structurally safe and modern skatepark should be the city's top priority. The current skatepark is incredibly popular but past its usable lifespan. The skate park at Roger' s Lake is in disrepair and needs some help. I think it is very important to keep it in the place it is in because of the shaded natural surroundings. Gets the older kids out into nature while doing something they love. Mendakota is to open and busy for them. When my kids were skaters the park was not there. They had no place to skate and ended up at various parking lots and used the curbs and streets to perfect their skills. Skater culture is really good for them, back then they were called " strait-edge" skaters, meaning no drinking, drugs, or other bad stuff,just skating. In my opinion these teens are underserved in our city. There are no after school or extra curricular activities available to them so they create their own and hang out skating. Please keep it where it is and kept up so it is safe. An updated, safe skatepark geared towards all roller sports ( scooters, rollerblades, bmx bikes and skateboards) of all ages. A push park for new or young skaters to ramps and skate features for more experienced skaters. Our community offers all other amenities such as pickle ball, tennis courts, volleyball, numerous ball fields, parks but not a safe skatepark. I think we should have a state of art park including advanced skate park. The park facilities across MH are mediocre and our skate park is used much to often to let it become a pile of trash. I do not understand why we’re not investing in new ramps, rails, and equipment at the skate park. We should definitely use funds to invest in our community and I hope our local leaders start listening to their residents. Maintenance/ Renovations to the skate park that keeps our youth out of the streets and in our parks partaking in physical outdoor activities , socially engaging others in the neighborhood and team building by helping younger skaters out at the park Topic: MISCELLANEOUS Seating for adults Ponds that don’t smell It would be nice to add a place to have a beer/ food truck at one of our many parks. Beauty. Our parks are quite utilitarian now. They need landscaping, flowers, maybe even outdoor art (statues, etc.) Page 8  Introducing people to just view nature in our natural parks, don' t add fairy gardens and manmade decoration. Have residents help with care of our natural areas so they understand not to use invasive species, not to damage trees and plantings Open undeveloped space before what we have is turned into playgrounds and athletic field which there are already enough available throughout the county Lighted areas Boating, canoeing, sailing Gear checkout Responsive park board.! Acceptance and support of citizen effort to decorate a public seasonal tree, create an off-road bike trail (I.e. Valley); or build better skate park jumps. Oh and it would be nice to have a kids splash pad. Helping wildlife deal with all the new homes and traffic Support for non-human nature. Parks are for all species, not just humans. Activities for teens Using our own fields for soccer instead of highest bidder, we have to play in wsp. More parks, curtail development, use land to change plantings to environmentally valued plants. Plant more trees!, Take down the fence on Wagon Wheel trail and put in a fishing dock Topic: NOTHING/ NONE = ( 4) Q3. What is the single most important program, activity, or event thatyou think is missing in the City' s recreational offerings? Area: EVENTS 4th of July fire works City festival Outdoor gatherings for music\ movies All ages outdoor concerts/ Music events/ Events like outdoors music = (3) National night out parties Tour De Mendota Heights Cycling Event Community wide/ inviting events for neighbors of all ages Page 9  Working with the baseball and softball programs to put together a carnival/ festival at Mendakota each summer. Environmental awareness. Earth day events. Winter park festival Quarterly get togethers Art events for all ages to join and create Farmers Market Area: YOUTH PROGRAM OR ACTIVITY Love the camps but so many have waitlists, add more capacity to the camps Youth archery More nature based activities to get kids involved with Great River Greening, recycling, composting, etc. Hosting youth sports tournaments should be prioritized. Youth/ teen/ older teen health and fitness opportunities. Programs for smaller kids(2-4 years old) Youth Programs/ Programs for teens = (2) Children' s activities that are NOT during the work day Summer day camps DEI activities for school aged kids Programs tailored for ASD & other different- needs youth Skatepark, which can offer both open use for youth as well as lessons/ programs and/ or competitions. Area: ADULT PROGRAM OR ACTIVITY Adult boot hockey tournament Adult leagues = (2) Mens par 3 golf league Something for adults that's not a concert or a sport. What are other cities doing? Adult Volleyball and basketball leagues Adult volleyball Page 10 Area: GENERAL PROGRAM OR ACTIVITY Volleyball League Kickball league Fishing League/ Fishing = (2) Basketball Summer 3 on 3 basketball tournament Organized community golf program Mountain biking = (2) Swimming/ Swim lessons = ( 2) More managed skate programs Gymnastics or dance Enabling organizing for pickup games- soccer meet x night, baseball meet x night, basketball meet x night, pickle ball meet x night. Just an informal reservation to serve as incentive to let people get together and use the facilities. Could be as simple as a posted sign - Tues eve meet for informal pickleball/ adult softball/ kid soccer/ teen basketball etc. Might be worth a try as a low cost way to get higher utilization and serve the community? Hiking groups Free outdoor exercise classes for people of all ages and abilities. Year-round fitness programs Teaching about climate change Fishing camp Naturalist activities-- flora+fauna identification walks, community planting/ park revitalization efforts, etc. Splashing in a splash pad! Environmental education/ Nature education/ programming for kids and adults = (3) Urban Regenerative Agriculture Native American heritage Area: MISCELLANEOUS Nothing. I have lived here for over 60 years. Our children grew up here without Page 11 amenities some think are missing. They are not unless current residents are unable to entertain themselves without help. I don't have any complaints. You are doing a great job. We just need to maintain what we have without our taxes going up. Acceptance and support of citizen efforts. You don't need to hire an park and recreation expert" to tell you what facilities and programs are needed when local kidsbuild their own skate board jumps and off-road trails or your adult citizens decorate a winter season tree. These are obvious community needs. They are staring you in the face. Why don' t you help them so they are done right. Using communal nature space to promote and be the role model for natural lawn care. Perfect grass is toxic and ugly. Set a beautiful example in programming and in practice of how the community can be less toxic and change our obsession with " the perfect lawn". Hunting/ gathering, fishing, natural open spaces for walking, wildlife viewing, nighttime sky. Senior Center/ Community Center/ Recreation center. The Grove is rather far, and is the closest one. With WSP YMCA gone, gyms and pools are hard to come by = (3) Rogers Lake, boating access between 2 parts of lake. Incredible potential for great canoe and kayaking fun of two halves if Rogers Lake were joined. Easy to do at culvert on wagon wheel trail. How to engage parks in a way that supports habitat for all species. I want to see parks and rec begin to demonstrate how to cultivate herbicide/ pesticide/ fertilizer-free yards. Doing so would create opportunities for programming on birding, foraging, plant collecting. We need a radically different approach to outdoor engagement and parks and rec can lead the way on that. Education and incentives to encourage and teach people how to create pollinator friendly spaces in our yards. Guided or self-guided nature trails and natural history information about our open spaces, e.g. a walking tour of the restoration efforts at Valley Park. Natural space that is not mowed - more interactive activities pertaining to the assets Mendota Heights has. Understanding that the parks are not just amenities for people it is the only space left Page 12 for nature. Teaching the importance of our natural areas. Nature is great and beautiful on its own, and doesn' t need art and junk hanging from trees to make it beautiful, which takes away the beauty of nature itself. Teaching how not to destroy nature as has been done by making own trails and forts in our only natural space left. Something on the Mendota Heights website about our natural offerings, walking and being in nature Can' t think of anything that isn' t offered in the Tri-District Page 13 Listening Session Mendota Heights Parks and Rec Strategic Plan • Stakeholder Session • May 2021 7:00 Welcome and Introductions 7:15 Context and Overview 7:30 Small Group Discussions 8:10 Report Out and Debrief 8:25 Closing What is one word or image that comes to mind to describe Parks and Recreation in Mendota Heights? 1 What programs, services and events is the City already offering that you are aware of? 2 What is the City currently doing well in Parks and Recreation? 3 What does Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Department need to improve on? 4 What gaps in services in programs/ offerings need to be considered as we plan for the changing needs of the community? 5 A large part of the current Mendota Heights parks system was funded through the means of a referendum in the late 1980’ s. Since then, some new or additional facilities have been financed through Park Dedication fees from new construction. The City does have some field use fees for organized sports, and the City has been fortunate to have received some grants. However, the majority of parks and recreation improvements come from property taxes. Given this information, what options and resources are available to us for funding park and rec activities? 6 Mendota Heights Parks and Rec Stakeholders Feedback Session May 24, 2021 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.  Mendota Heights Parks and Rec Strategic Plan • Stakeholder Session • May 2021 What is one word or image that Name Organization comes to mind to describe Parks & Recreation in Mendota Heights? William McNally W. St. Paul/ Mendota Heights connected Rotary president Katie Lowe YMCA Programs Anna Judge Dakota County CDA Walkable Karla Rapp ISD 197 Facility Scheduler Active Laurie McFaul Resident/ homeowner and minimal owner of Mindful Music and Arts (early childhood music classes) Elisa Manny K-12 Athletics Family friendly Frances Beth Jacob Beth Jacobs Congregation Outdoors Ann Hathaway Resident Pleasant Judd Fenlon Grand Real Estate Advisors Community Tom Stevens MHAA Softball Kids Bryce Anderson MHAA Lacrosse Smile Jean London Tennis Group Rejuvenation John Kenney Saint Thomas Academy Accommodating Master Boltz The Gym: Boltz’ s Family Martial Parks/ Kids Arts Greg Geiger MHAA Soccer / Skatepark Opportunity Kaan Cercioglu MHAA Football No Lights Lisa Wolf Salvo Soccer Club Community Adam Smith Skatepark Work Group Community Mike Cashill At Home Apartments Connected Mendota Heights Parks and Rec Stakeholders Feedback Session May 24, 2021 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Laura Jacobson MOMS Club of Mendota Kid-friendly Heights Lisa Grathen ISD 197 Director of Community community Education What programs, services and events is the City already offering? lacrosse sports, frisbee Golf Lessons Youth sports Paved Trails schools Flag football Sports - baseball, socco Trails ice skating summer youth field trips Summer camps ice skating on marie Canoe rentals or is it just racks? Softball and baseball Playgrounds playgrounds 5K run lacrosse sports, frisbee Dog Park facility rental Skatepark Skateboard park Pickleball Frisbee Tennis lessons Activities for Children playgrounds Music in the parks? Summer Youth Field Trips Fire station Flag football Ice Skating Ponds Mendota Heights Parks and Rec Stakeholders Feedback Session May 24, 2021 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Question 1: What is the City currently doing well in Parks and Recreation? Family Programming partnerships Playground equipment seems to be updated + 1 +1 Neighborhood centered ice rinks, tennis, basketball courts, playgrounds and ball 1 fields Process for field allocation Non- covid era LOTS of youth opportunities for summer Maintenance of existing field space + 1 Lots of great green space that is mowed and maintained regularly + 1+1 Pickleball courts are on fire ~ always see groups using those Did a nice job explaining covid expectations on their website for renters Many walking/biking paths throughout the city + 1+1 Great that pickleball nets were installed on hockey rink in Marie Park Ice rinks well maintained + 1+1+1 Great that pickleball nets were installed on hockey rink in Marie Park, instead of 1 taking away green space, clever use of unused seasonal space Process for reserving tennis courts Good sharing of field space and taking care of the parks & fields Appreciate garbages placed inside the walking path between walking path thru Lillydale and valley park? Seeking input from community members + 1+1+1 Dog clean-up bags are helping + 1+1 Nice pavilion space in parks Closer to Valley Park paths seem to be cleared of snow relatively quickly + 1 Skate park is visible--not hidden away--activities are viewable + 1 Restrooms are available and clean (even with porta-potties) + 1+1 Staff are a pleasure to work with when reserving space + 1+1 +1 Mendota Heights Parks and Rec Stakeholders Feedback Session May 24, 2021 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Question 2: What does Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Department need to improve? Field lights at mendakota + 2 turf fields + 2 Lights (i.e. MHAA football and soccer wants lights added at Mendakota) + 4 dugouts covers + 1+1 lacrosse rebounder wall + 1 Resurfacing tennis courts 1 Dislike the surface on the fenced in courts at valley park Art/Music - interactive events in park space + 1 +1+1+1 Prepare for growth of lacrosse programs Walking trails for elderly residents + 1 Designated walking paths without bikes/ rollerblades allowed so that seniors are not afraid to use them Well maintained trails that are free of hazards such as bulging asphalt, etc. + 1 Additional trails through the north part of mendota heights 1 Listing of locations of parks, trails, etc. + 1+1 Partnerships ( Community Ed) + 1 +1 More pickleball and better designed + 1 Additional dog parks + 1 Indoor room facilities for neighborhood event Dog park could use something in the space besides just the grass - trees or areas to explore. My dog goes there and sits there wondering what there is to do. :-) Mendakota is a dated model for fields, built for beer league softball or adult 1+1+1 leagues. Remodel into kid sized ball fields, smaller fields, concessions, lights and water play at mendakota Pavilion? Adjacent to valleypark tennis court could use an update / clean up /new tables etc More frequent resurfacing of trails Adult art offerings + 1 Mendota Heights Parks and Rec Stakeholders Feedback Session May 24, 2021 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.  Many of the tennis courts don’t drain properly after rain, and that’s also true for Marke Park pickleball court, Marie ball field doesn’ t drain well either Fitness facilities indoors + 1 Skatepark maintenance and improvements + 1+1 Older adult programming + 1 Dedicated football- lined field in Mendota Heights ( Kensington is a possibility) Outdoor fitness facilities Better water accessibility at Mendakota ( faucets?) Fountains within the ponds to control algae growth Splash Pad + 1+1 Covered outdoor area at Marie Park (for cookouts, etc.) + 1 Bounce-back wall for tennis courts (one-sided tennis court) + 1 Removal of par 3 golf course (not profitable; costs taxpayers money; would be a 1 good spot for the turn field) Having a general schedule ( calendar) for events so we know what is available and when we know what is open/ available and we know what is going on so we don’t just show up and find out it isn’t) Drop box outside city hall for facility reservations Additional netting for safety at smaller baseball fields Question 3: What gaps in services in programs/offerings need to be considered as we plan for the changing needs of the community? Upgrading playgrounds ( that’s been great) More planned events at playgrounds ( for small children who are at home during the day) Map of all different walking paths, designated walking paths for seniors Aging 1 tennis players have access and are kept in order Mendakota Park is not utilized to its full potential. Youth can only use 2 days per 2 week. What West St. Paul has done with Harmon Park is a shining example of what is possible. No idea where all the parks are , how to go about reserving a spot at the park 1 information about the park, registration, way finding) Mendota Heights Parks and Rec Stakeholders Feedback Session May 24, 2021 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Park reservation system + 2 Information about the events, how to engage and participate + 1 Social media presence Activities for the seniors in the community + 1 Courts being used for dog parks - not good for court - better 1 communication/signage Enjoy the Mailings/ Newsletter on what kids can sign up for (summer programs) Prepare of growing lacrosse programs 3rd parties giving skate lessons Condition of the skate park + 2 Dirt bike/ mt bike friendly space Indoor facilities for classes Online access to services, programs, reservations, etc. (virtual program 1 opportunities) Indoor communal space for residents to rent for card groups / class space for 1 private instruction/ book clubs / knitting clubs / youth association planning meetings, etc. Lots of kids playing pickup basketball at Marie Park in the evenings!! Would be 1 great if more than 1 park had usable courts for this Intergenerational activities and opportunities Indoor clubs/ groups ( i.e. bridge or exercise or mah jong) Community water park Community center that can host receptions/conferences + 1 Shade trees near the playgrounds + 1 Adult sports leagues (e.g. basketball, volleyball, soccer); alleviating the competition 1 for playing space taken by kids Cross- promoting activities and/ or finding partners for activities within the region/ area; who does something really well - leverage that Prepare for growth in soccer ( i.e. field space) Gaming for youth Modifications for electric cars ( e.g. charging, etc.) Space for flying / racing drones Mendota Heights Parks and Rec Stakeholders Feedback Session May 24, 2021 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.  Dedicated football field Question 4: A large part of the current Mendota Heights parks system was funded through the means of a referendum in the late 1980’s. Since then, some new or additional facilities have been financed through Park Dedication fees from new construction. The City does have some field use fees for organized sports, and the City has been fortunate to have received some grants. However, the majority of parks and recreation improvements come from property taxes. Given this information, what options and resources are available to us for funding park and rec activities and services? Advertising (could be banner, not permanent features) + 1 Local Rotary Club Donation To the city Sponsorship (naming rights) + 2 Partnership with local organizations and businesses, schools, community 2+1+1 education Federal or state grant(s) + 1 Pull Tabs + 1 Volunteer --groups in charge of projects (like adopt a highway) + 2 Approaching South Roberts St Business Association Mendota Days (or similar events as fundraisers) + 1+1 Rallying groups who want specific amenities to do fundraising for their cause + 1 Membership fee (or pay-to-play/use facilities) + 1 Concert in the park series to raise money + 1 Additional Tax for this purpose, levy + 1+1+1+1 capital campaigns) 5 year fundraising goal Bring in larger events with the ability to generate revenue (concessions) or use 1 ticket sales for event Silent Auction to raise funds Mendota Heights Parks and Rec Stakeholders Feedback Session May 24, 2021 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Zoom Chat Comments: HOPEFUL Creating additional conversation opportunities within the community. Mendota Heights listening to what people really want. City will put $$ into the skatepark - time to invest in it either in its current location or a more visible and welcoming location I’m hopeful that we can find funding to do a few of these things. I always feel sad when I have to go to Eagan or WSP or even IGH to do some of the things I like to do So glad that the city is making this attempt to listen and ask for input Looking forward to hearing more from the city - timelines; when will we see action being taken I am hopeful that our older population whose families may have aged out of youth sports, or those who no longer have students in our schools will see the value in supporting these efforts to keep MH a great place to live. DOUBTFUL Spinning wheels - going nowhere Disappointed that the city hasn’ t already taken action - we've done band- aid solutions; want our parks to reflect the pride in our community; our community needs to shine Disappointed that we have done some things “ on the cheap” QUESTIONS Please look into having a regulation baseball field available to the community. Only STA and Sibley have regulation fields. Are there data that would help the city make some hard decisions about eliminating certain programs and facilities and reallocating those $$ to activities and spaces which might be more efficient use of facilities Not sure what the City wants to provide. What is the vision for services and programs that fits our community size. We can't be everything to everyone, we are not the size of Eagan or even WSP. KEY INSIGHT Appreciate being asked and being included in the conversation I am hopeful that our older population whose families may have aged out of youth sports, or those who no longer have students in our schools will see the value in supporting these efforts to keep MH a great place to live. Mendota Heights Parks and Rec Stakeholders Feedback Session May 24, 2021 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.