Parks & Recreation Commission

City of Oakdale, Minnesota -established 1974-- Department of Recreation 4444 Hadley Avenue North Oakdale, MN 55128 (651) 747-3867 julie.williams@ci.oakdale.mn.us February 14, 2020 Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners: Enclosed is your packet of information for the regular Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to be held on Tuesday, February 18. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in the Oakdale City Hall Council Chambers, 1584 Hadley Avenue. A number of items will be addressed at the meeting. The Commission will vote on a new chair and vice-chair for 2020, instructions and ballots have been provided in your packet. Brian Bachmeier will also be discussing the installation of a swing set at Tilsen Park. Finally, the Commission will be updated on current and upcoming park projects. Should you have any questions regarding the upcoming meeting, or are unable to attend, please feel free to contact me directly at (651) 747-3867. Sincerely, Julie Williams Julie Williams  AGENDA Oakdale Parks and Recreation Commission Tuesday, February 18, 2020, 7PM Council Chambers, Oakdale City Hall CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE* APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MEETING, NOVEMBER 19, 2019 CITY COUNCIL UPDATE: COLLEEN SWEDBERG CHAIR/VICE CHAIR VOTE MANAGEMENT REPORTS a) TILSEN SWING DISCUSSION – BRIAN BACHMEIER b) PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE – JEFF KOESLING c) RECREATION UPDATE – JULIE WILLIAMS ALL OTHER ITEMS a) COMMISIONERS COMMENTS ADJOURNMENT The next regular Parks and Recreation Commission meeting will be held March 17, 2020 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers.  REGULAR MEETING PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION City of Oakdale November 19, 2019 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the Oakdale Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, November 19, 2019, at Oakdale City Hall, 1584 Hadley Avenue, Oakdale, Minnesota. The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Cunningham at 7:00 PM. CALL OF ROLL On a call of roll, the following were present: Vice Chair: Janet Cunningham Commissioners: Jane Klein Paul Lockhart James Roettger Jenny Nyberg Debbie Xiong Also Present: Colleen Swedberg, City Council Jeff Koesling, Parks Superintendent Julie Williams, Recreation Superintendent PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commission Workshop, October 1, 2019 A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER LOCKHART, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ROETTGER TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION WORKSHOP OF OCTOBER 1, 2019 AS PRESENTED. 6 AYES 0 NAYS Regular Meeting, October 15, 2019 A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER KLEIN, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER NYBERG TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING OF OCTOBER 15, 2019 AS PRESENTED. 6 AYES 0 NAYS PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 19, 2019 Page 2 CITY COUNCIL UPDATE – Colleen Swedberg Capital Improvement Plan - Councilmember Swedberg reported that the City Council has been working on the five year plan at their last couple of meetings. They hope to finalize some of the budgets at next week’s meeting. The focus is primarily on the next two years, as every year there is an opportunity to review the plan again. Hadley Avenue and Highway 36 Interchange – The three roundabouts are open and look nice. Some of the big equipment is now being hauled away. While the project is new and different, it is easy to drive once you’ve gotten the hang of it. Indoor Market – The Indoor Market starts this weekend. Check it out to find goodies and Christmas presents. PARKS UPDATE – Jeff Koesling Park Clean Up – Parks Superintendent Koesling reported that crews have been working south to north to clean Oakdale parks. They are halfway through the city, working between periodic snowfalls. Eastside was done yesterday before becoming too wet to continue. Parks and Streets Departments work side by side; crews and sweepers. If there is dry weather, crews will be able to get through the whole city. Some years, wet weather halts the cleanup and it has to pick up where left off again in spring. Summer Equipment – When inside, crews are refurbishing and inspecting mowers and summer equipment. Equipment purchases are also planned. There are three pieces that will be ordered in January. Specifications are being reviewed for next year. Trail and Sidewalk Repair – Using snow blowers on the trails mean that winter crews are planning the locations that sidewalk panels and any cracks need to be repaired. These repairs are important for safety, to avoid injuring someone or damaging equipment. Flooding Rinks – Staff is waiting for cold weather to come and stay so that rinks can be flooded. Walton Hockey Rink and Warming House – The Oakdale Update was printed before the Walton Hockey rink closure decision was made. The Public Works Secretary Miranda is aware of the closure and prepared to answer phone calls relating to the Walton Hockey Rink. Recreation Superintendent Williams added that the closure is currently listed on the city website and will be posted on Facebook too. Tilsen Park Swing Set – After speaking with the playground supplier, the cost to add a swing set could be anywhere from $6,000 to $15,000 for a general set of swings, depending on if adaptive swings are included. The build out of the border for the swing set would be done in house to save money. The area is available by building out from the east to the west, avoiding the ballfield and drainage ditch/swale. This project has to be worked into the budget. From there, it will be brought to the commission. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 19, 2019 Page 3 Oakdale Athletic Association (OAA) Proposal – Mr. Koesling is interested to see the changes the water table has at Tanners Lake Park this year. The high water table may push the fencing higher. Crews will fix the fencing. If dugouts are done, footings are not desired because the water table will push those slabs. Surface mounted is a better fit. He will share the details with Commissioner Lockhart. Commissioner Lockhart informed that the proposal is waiting to go through City Council, as the Commission had already made the recommendation. Public Works Director Brian Bachmeier was waiting on the meeting minutes so the proposal may be included in the next Council meeting. The Tanners Lake Park Bearth Field will take the majority of the OAA payment, but another park may also be able to fit into 2020. The City of Oakdale and OAA are excited to do the project. OAA had a really good month last month, and had tripled what they did the previous year in just one month. Without being able to advertise with flyers in the schools, the OAA is trying to advertise as much as possible in the hockey rink and with high school efforts. On December 2, an OAA sign will be put on the side of their building. Discovery Center New Siding – Mr. Koesling informed that there is a slight delay in the new siding coming to the Discovery Center. The project was set to start within a week or two of November 1. He met with the contractor last Friday and discovered that they had trouble matching the brown color of the garage to the building. They were prepared to get it ordered and start, but the project would interfere with the Winter Wonderland event at the Discovery Center on December 14. They have to wait to start until after December 14. There may be difficulty scheduling with the holidays. RECREATION UPDATE – Julie Williams Community Walk Recap – Recreation Superintendent Williams reported that 300 Oakdale residents participated in the program, and 198 received a gift card reward. It was a great year again with impressive numbers. The minimum reward was given to walkers who tracked 25 miles. 56 walkers received the highest reward; a $40 gift card for tracking 200 miles. The program is geared in the Oakdale Nature Preserve only. Participants that walked over 50 miles received a t-shirt from Big Frog Custom T-Shirts in Woodbury who partners with the program to provide the incentive. Pumpkin Carving Contest – Eight great entries competed in the pumpkin contest. The three winners were: Best Pumpkin – Lauren Berfeldt’s “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” Spookiest Pumpkin – James Thorp’s “Barfy” Bumpkin Pumpkin (Ages 12 and under) – September Strickland’s “Unicorn” Congratulations to the winners of this fun addition to the Halloween event. Santa Mailboxes – Collection boxes will be placed at the Discovery Center and City Hall just before Thanksgiving. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 19, 2019 Page 4 Santa Truck – Oakdale Recreation and Oakdale Fire partner to have Santa travel down Hadley on Thursday, December 5, from 6 to 7:35 PM. The fire truck starts at the North Fire Station and travels south to selected stops. Santa hops out of the truck to hand out candy canes to the waiting kids. Winter Wonderland – On Saturday, December 14, from 9 AM to 1 PM is one of Oakdale Recreation’s biggest events, having drawn over 2,000 participants last year with lots of activities. Event partners are the Oakdale Area Chamber of Commerce, Platinum Bank, and the Maplewood/Oakdale Lions Club. Indoor Market – The market kick-off will be Saturday, November 23 from 9 AM to 1 PM at the Discovery Center. It is a great location to shop for Christmas. 2019 Facility Rental Report – There were 57 permits issued for the Discovery Center and 221 permits issued for the picnic shelters. Comparing with the 2018 Facility Rental Report, the Discovery Center had 60 permits and picnic shelters had 222. The numbers are comparable and always are very close. These are good numbers. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Wellness 50+ Winter Wanderland – Vice Chair Cunningham introduced a kick off walk event that will take place January 18 at 12 PM at the Discovery Center. For more information, visit www.ci.oakdale.mn.us, or contact oakdalewellness50@yahoo.com. Areas for indoor walking will be presented, as well as outdoor groomed trail areas. Winter walking gear will be discussed and fitness expert Susan Weum will speak at the event. Wellness 50+ Vegetable Gardening & Recipe Share – Vice Chair Cunningham shared that Wellness 50+ will be passing out their one to two person family recipe books at the Vegetable Gardening Class at the Discovery Center on Monday, February 10, 2020 at 7 to 9 PM. Wellness 50+ Future Classes – Vice Chair Cunningham said the group is considering a summer walk again with details to come. They also had a successful fall CPR course and are looking to add a first aid course, likely in April. Wellness 50+ Future Classes – Vice Chair Cunningham said the group is considering a summer walk again with details to come. They also had a successful fall CPR course and are looking to add a first aid course, likely in April. Dog Park Planting Design – Commissioner Klein was on site considering designs to add natural shrubs, bushes, and trees to the dog park and observed that the use of the park is amazing. People gather at five o’clock to watch and care for their dogs. Owners are doing a great job picking up dog waste in this park. Other parks have dog waste problems; please take a baggie and clean up after your dog. Baggies are also supplied in parks in nice holders. Mr. Koesling added that there are over 20 Mutt Mitt Dog Bag Dispensers in the city. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 19, 2019 Page 5 ADJOURNMENT A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER ROETTGER, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KLEIN TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION, DATED NOVEMBER 19, 2019, AT 7:21 P.M. 6 AYES 0 NAYS Respectfully submitted, Laura Linzmeyer __________________________________________________________________ PROCESS ELECTION OF 2020 COMMISSION CHAIR STEP 1. Nominate candidates for the Chair position. Nominations do not require a “second,” but other members may “second” the nomination to show support. “Motion to nominate Commissioner __________ for the position of Chair.” STEP 2. When there are no new nominations to be made, someone should make a motion that nominations close. The motion to close requires a second. “Motion to close nominations for the position of Chair.” STEP 3. Election using the ballot provided. Commissioners write in their choice from those nominated and pass the ballots to staff for tabulating. STEP 4. Staff will announce results. STEP 5. Election of Chair requires a motion and a second. “Motion to elect Commissioner __________ for the position of Chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission for a period of one (1) calendar year.” ELECTION OF 2020 COMMISSION VICE CHAIR STEP 1. Nominate candidates for the Vice Chair position. Nominations do not require a “second,” but other members may “second” the nomination to show support. “Motion to nominate Commissioner __________ for the position of Vice Chair.” STEP 2. When there are no new nominations to be made, someone should make a motion that nominations close. The motion to close requires a second. “Motion to close nominations for the position of Vice Chair.” STEP 3. Election using the ballot provided. Commissioners write in their choice from those nominated and pass the ballots to staff for tabulating. STEP 4. Staff will announce results. STEP 5. Election of Vice Chair requires a motion and a second. “Motion to elect Commissioner __________ for the position of Vice Chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission for a period of one (1) calendar year.” Assumption of the roles of Chair and Vice Chair may commence immediately following the vote.  BALLOT Election of 2020 Parks and Recreation Commission Chair February 18, 2020 Please write in your choice for Chair from those nominated tonight: Chair: ___________________________________________________ Pass your ballot to staff when completed; votes will be tallied and announced immediately following the vote.  BALLOT Election of 2020 Parks and Recreation Commission Vice Chair February 18, 2020 Please write in your choice for Vice Chair from those nominated tonight: Vice Chair: ________________________________________________ Pass your ballot to staff when completed; votes will be tallied and announced immediately following the vote.  COMMISSION MEMORANDUM To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Brian Bachmeier, Public Works Director/City Engineer Date: February 18, 2020 Subject: Installation of a Swing Set at Tilsen Park Background An email was received in August 2019 from a resident on Upper 35th Street regarding a proposal of installing a swing set at Tilsen Park located at 35th Street North and Grovner Road North. The resident proposing the swing set attended the October 15, 2019 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting and believes that adding the swing set would increase the use of the playground structure for kids of all ages and abilities. The Park Commission indicated they would discuss the request at a future meeting. Staff Comments The existing playground footprint could be expanded to the west with a border and woodchips. The installation of a swing set at Tilsen Park is an appropriate “Park without Borders” project. Financial Implications A conservative estimate to install a swing, border, and ADA compliant bedding is $15,000. The Park 2020-2024 CIP does include $15,000 for a 2020 Park without Borders” project. Park Commission Action Requested The Park Commission should consider a motion to provide a recommendation to the City Council on the concept plan and if this project should proceed. Tilsen Park Swing Set Location From: Melissa Turnquist To: Brian Bachmeier Subject: Tilsen Park-playground Date: Thursday, August 8, 2019 1:40:15 AM Caution: This email originated outside our organization; please use caution. Hi Brian, I wanted to follow up with you from our conversation a week or so ago regarding interest & suggestion of having swings added to the playground at Tilsen Park. As I mentioned, I have been an Oakdale resident for the past 21 years, living 15 years on Hale Ave. across the street from Eberle Park and the past 7 years on Upper 35th St. (across the street from Tilsen Park.) I raised 3 daughters, (now grown & adults) walking to & from Eberle Park almost daily during the warm months enjoying all it has to offer, right along with the other families that too liked to frequent the Eberle park. It was a place where friendships and family bonding transpired. One of the most frequently used pieces of equipment, if not the most used; were the swings. As little ones would wait patiently next to the swings or trying to busy themselves elsewhere, they’d keep an eye out for a swing to open up and excitedly hurry to it. Over the years I have observed a distinct difference not just between these two parks but parks that offer swings and those that don’t. It is not the lack of business in the area, but the lack of use that I obverse looking out to Tilsen Park on a daily basis. The ball field is used regularly; with or without scheduled games. Practicing with several persons or just one on one. The playground area is completely different as it is rarely used, to almost never. It’s an unfortunate and sad reality, that I truly believe is due to what is, or isn’t offered on the playground site. The business and volume of people in the area from Upper 35th St. vs. Hale Ave; is no comparison; Upper 35th is by far more active with Oakdale residents. With an available & accessible park offered, yet it’s rarely used. Monkey bars and such of its similarity, where by arm, shoulder, wrist and hand strength are a must is not ideal for a large portion of the population. Therefore, sadly, leaving out several individuals. Swings are an important piece of equipment offered on playgrounds because they’re proven to provide benefits such as enhancing physical health, helping with coordination and significantly with balance; body awareness, improving upper body control and sensory integration, they’re a mood booster, they’re also known to improve mental health as well. And, let’s face it, they’re just plain fun. Without a doubt, I am most certain our Oakdale community would benefit from and truly enjoy swings at Tilsen Park. I have attached pictures and all its spaciousness in hopes for the consideration of swings to be offered at Tilsen Park for our community to enjoy now and for many, many years to come. Please keep me informed with regards to this proposal. I truly & sincerely appreciate it.                              Thank you!!                                                     Cordial,                                                     Melissa Turnquist Please discuss this and all the potential benefits it could have for the Oakdale community & residents. Sent from my iPhone MEMORANDUM TO: Craig Dawson, Interim City Administrator FROM: Julie Williams, Recreation Superintendent DATE: February 14, 2020 SUBJECT: Monthly Update – February 2020 The following information is provided to the City Administrator and Parks and Recreation Commissioners as information only. There is no need for any official commission, council, or administrative action; but rather, this is an effort by staff to keep you informed of the Department’s day-to-day operations. 1. Spring Newsletter - The Spring newsletter hit mailboxes a few weeks ago. The department has been busy taking registrations for upcoming programs. The newsletter covers the months of February through May. 2. AARP Tax Assistance - The Discovery Center acts as a Tax Assistance site for AARP every year. Volunteers are here every Monday morning through April 20. All appointments are booked! 3. Dog Sled Day – The department will host the Samoyed Association of Minneapolis/St. Paul at the Oakdale Discovery Center for our 2nd annual Dog Sled Day on Saturday, February 29. A half dozen furry friends and their owners, will stop by for an informational session on the Samoyed dog breed and the history of dog sledding. New this year, 25 kids had the opportunity to receive a dog sled ride! 4. Indoor Market - The Indoor Market kicked back into gear, after three great holiday markets! The market will continue to run twice a month through March. We even had an attendance record for a February market, 330 visitors, with a large handful stating that they had never been to the market before! The new Hadley/Highway 36 interchange makes for the perfect placement for visible market signs for those entering and leaving Oakdale. We are excited about the remaining markets, February 22, March 7, and 21. Stop by and see some of your favorite vendors, Bitmad Bakery, Natasha’s Pierogis, and Bearwood Sugarbush’s popular elderberry jam. Check out some of the new vendors too, Dawn Johnsons Gluten Free Bakery, Kinney Mini Farms microgreens, and essential oils from Tea Tree & Rose. 5. Snowshoe, Sip & Sample - 110 participated in the annual Snowshoe, Sip & Sample at the Discovery Center on February 14. Snow conditions were optimal but cold. Participants were able to warm up by the fire by making S’more’s and roasting marshmallows. Beer was sampled by Roma Brewery. Champagne and wine were sipped from BrightWines. Hy-Vee served a variety of appetizers and provided food demonstrations. Prizes were awarded every hour and participants enjoyed the always popular vintage game room. 6. Warming Houses/Ice Rinks – Warming houses and ice rinks are still up and running with minimal closures this year! The season typically ends end of February, early March. 7. Artist of the Month - The impressionistic works of Bethany Finnern are on display the month of February at the Oakdale Discovery Center Art Gallery. Bethany is inspired by exploring the mysterious and sublime nature of the interconnected complexities of life. Her observations and the appreciation she has of the world around us are painted as abstractions on her canvas. She can be contacted through her website, www.bethanyfinnern.com. She is happy to share information on her art and the process of making her pieces, sell a piece of artwork or create a commissioned piece, or just have a conversation. 8. Employment Opportunities - The department is now hiring Summer Recreation Program Instructors. Applications and job descriptions can be found on our website. We are accepting applications through the end of March. Interviews will be held in April. Upcoming Early March Programs 1. Family Skating Day – On March 7, the department will offer our annual free afternoon of skating at Tartan Arena.  End of 2019 Season - Oakdale Pickleball Club update. Memberships: Total of 104 paid members as of today. Last year we ended up with a total of 72 paid members. Attendance: We have played on 150 days in 2019. Average attendance has been 13.4 people per day. Sunday average attendance = 13.1 Monday average attendance = 14.7 Tuesday average attendance = 12.9 Wednesday average attendance = 12.2 Thursday average attendance = 12.1 Saturday average attendance = 15.9 End of Season: Thank you for helping to make the Oakdale Pickleball Club a success. Places to Play this Winter: I plan to send out a note today that lists some places to play in our area.