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 March 12, 2021 Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners: Enclosed is your packet of information for the regular Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to be held on March 16. The meeting will be held at 7 PM via Zoom. Zoom is an online platform that allows persons to “attend” the meeting via video or telephone. The City Council has asked the commission to provide input regarding a proposed policy on donations to Parks. The commission will also be updated on current and upcoming park projects and recreation programs. 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, March 16, 2021, 7 PM The Park & Recreation Commission meeting will be held via Zoom. Zoom is an online platform that allows persons to “attend” the meeting via video or telephone. Meeting link: https://zoom.us/j/94939904026?pwd=Q29rTm9TUU0vV3pJM0VMTzNaTU5hZz09 Meeting ID: 949 3990 4026 Passcode: 472403 Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799 CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MEETING, FEBRUARY 16, 2021 CITY COUNCIL UPDATE: JAKE INGEBRIGTSON MANAGEMENT REPORTS a) PROPOSED POLICY FOR REVIEW/COMMENT – DONATIONS TO PARKS; MEMORIALS, INSTALLATION, AND MAINTENANCE – JEFF KOESLING b) PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE – JEFF KOESLING c) RECREATION UPDATE – JULIE WILLIAMS ALL OTHER ITEMS a) COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS ADJOURNMENT SAVE THE DATE ANNUAL CITY COUNCIL AND ADVISORY BODY MEETING MAY 18, 6:30 TO 7 PM (TRAVEL TIME TO CITY HALL FOR REGULAR MEETING AT 7:30 PM) LOCATION: DISCOVERY CENTER, 4444 HADLEY AVE N The next regular Parks and Recreation Commission meeting will be held April 20, 2021 at 7:00 PM via Zoom.  REGULAR MEETING PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION City of Oakdale February 16, 2021 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the Oakdale Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, February 16, 2021, at Oakdale City Hall, 1584 Hadley Avenue, Oakdale, Minnesota. The meeting was called to order by Chair Lockhart at 7 PM. CALL OF ROLL On a call of roll, the following were present: Chair: Paul Lockhart Vice Chair: Jenny Nyberg Commissioners: Jan Cunningham Glen Giacoletto Mark Giannini Freddie Jiles Steve Meyer Also Present: Jake Ingebrigtson, City Council Jeff Koesling, Parks Superintendent Julie Williams, Recreation Superintendent Quorum Present: YES ☒ NO ☐ PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Meeting Minutes, October 20, 2020 A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER CUNNINGHAM, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER NYBERG TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING OF OCTOBER 20, 2020 AS PRESENTED. 7 AYES 0 NAYS CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR ELECTION – Paul Lockhart A motion was made by Commissioner Meyer, seconded by Commissioner Nyberg to nominate Paul Lockhart to the position of Chair. Chair Lockhart was re-elected as presented to the position of Chair. 7 AYES 0 NAYS PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION February 16, 2021 Page 2 For the position of Vice Chair, Commissioner Giacoletto nominated Jan Cunningham and Chair Lockhart nominated Jenny Nyberg. Voting took place virtually using Zoom Chat. Superintendent Williams presented the results. The majority elected Jenny Nyberg as Vice Chair. Commissioners did a roll call to elect Jenny Nyberg as Vice Chair. 7 AYES 0 NAYS CITY COUNCIL UPDATE – Jake Ingebrigtson Council Liaison Assignments – The Council and Mayor decided that liaisons for commissions will be reassigned annually. Councilmember Ingebrigtson will serve as Parks and Recreation Commission’s Council Liaison for 2021. Commission Election – Councilmember Ingebrigtson congratulated Chair Paul Lockhart and Vice Chair Jenny Nyberg on their election. He enjoyed chairing the Planning Commission. New Development – Councilmember Ingebrigtson stood for questions. Chair Lockhart will bring Commissioner Cunningham’s question, about how park planning at Willowbrooke for $50,000 is going to proceed, to Director Bachmeier. Superintendent Koesling confirmed for Chair Lockhart that the Titan Park parcel on 4th Street had been sold. Work started three or four weeks ago on the lot. Councilmember Ingebrigtson would be inclined to return unused warming house money to the parks budget. A decision has not yet been made, but he will continue the discussion. Vice Chair Nyberg reported overhearing dog park users complaining that the dog park closes too early, and they are unable to exercise their dogs after work in the winter when the park closes a half hour after sunset. She suggested a set time replace sunset based hours. Councilmember stated that safety concerns are likely the reason that the dog park closes after sunset. He will inquire with the City Administrator what would be necessary to make a change to the park hours. Superintendent Koesling noted that police receive complaints from one party located across the street from, and who is in opposition to, the dog park. Mr. Koesling understands along with Vice Chair Nyberg that work hours ending at 5 PM, a park that closes with sunset based hours, and a winter sun setting at 4:30 PM, will be frustrating when dog owners can’t use their park. The park is not lit at night. The only lighting the park receives is from nearby street lights. PARKS UPDATE – Jeff Koesling Walton Hockey Refurbishing – Superintendent Koesling explained that the foundation struggled to keep ice at Walton Hockey since probably 2007. The center would disappear with the sun and crews would have to battle to keep ice on the rink. The existing foundation was removed and redone last spring and early summer. The rink has phenomenal ice this year. There has been heavy use. The PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION February 16, 2021 Page 3 rink is a great investment. Ice was not rented this year by Tartan Area Youth Hockey Association because of the warming house closure. Bearth Field – Chair Lockhart has in his possession a plaque for Bearth Field that was given by the Minnesota Twins. It will be installed at Tanners Lake Park this spring. Travelling teams are now forming and may utilize the Walton Park pinwheel to allow more time to work on the improvements at Bearth Field. RECREATION UPDATE – Julie Williams Spring Newsletter – Superintendent Williams reported that the spring newsletter hit Oakdale residents’ mailboxes a couple weeks ago. The newsletter includes programming for the February through May season. AARP Tax Aide – The Discovery Center is a tax assistance site. Covid-19 modifications for the popular program mean that only 100 taxpayers could be accommodated, and all appointments were filled after two days. Filling appointments usually takes weeks. The Discovery Center appointments will take place on Thursdays and Mondays and begin on Thursday this week. Indoor Market –The vendors are happy the markets have resumed in person again for the few dates left; February 20, March 6 and 20, from 9 AM to 1 PM at the Discovery Center. The scaled back markets feature ten vendors with social distance. Snowshoe Rentals –At least 60 snowshoers have rented snowshoes at the Oakdale Nature Preserve since the end of December. The cost is $5 for a two hour rental and sizes are available for adults and youth. Groups of six or more should call to make a reservation. Story Strolls –My Heart is Like a Zoo by Michael Hall can be read while strolling through the park using the Discovery Center Loop Trail. Washington County and Oakdale Recreation partnered and received a lot of positive feedback for the program. Suburban Community Channels featured the Story Stroll last week on their Youtube Channel with an interview with Youth Librarian Megan and Recreation Assistant Laura. Wahoo Adventures Snowshoe Bonfire – The annual luminary lit snowshoe trail throughout the Oakdale Nature Preserve will return Saturday, February 27. Kerri from Wahoo Adventures is offering a modified event with reduced capacity and staggered evening start times. Almost 100 snowshoers will participate. Art Discovery Fair – Vendors are signing up for the Saturday, March 27 rescheduled fair at the Discovery Center. Summer Program Instructors – Applications and job descriptions can be found on the website. Applications are accepted through the end of March and interviews are held in April. A few will be hired. Those interested can call Oakdale Recreation. Garage Sales – In reply to Commissioner Cunningham, Superintendent Williams informed that the City has two garage sale events. Oakdale Recreation is planning the Indoor Garage Sale. Plans for PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION February 16, 2021 Page 4 the Citywide Garage Sale are still in discussion. Superintendent Williams will get back to Commissioner Cunningham on the Citywide Garage Sale. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Wellness 50+ – Commissioner Cunningham shared that the Wellness 50+ Lake Elmo Snowshoe Event on February 2 had a good turnout. Looking ahead, a First Aide/CPR event with the Oakdale Fire Department will be planned for fall, and bike maintenance class will be taking place in the future. Both of these events do not have an age requirement. Wellness 50+ will team with the AARP and their Age Friendly Communities program. Those interested can email Julie Williams who will connect them with Wellness 50+. Wellness 50+ would like to learn requirements and find a suitable park for a community garden and peace pole. Maintenance of Donated Projects – Superintendent Williams informed that the Council is looking into ordinances for the maintenance of community gardens that are placed in City parks. She is currently keeping Wellness 50+ Bonnie Wilson informed on the conversation. Councilmember Ingebrigtson added that the Council had a heavy discussion last fall about what happens when funds run out for a donation the City receives and how we can maintain donations. The discussion hasn’t continued because Council has a lot on their plate right now, but he anticipates it will come back up. Councilmember Swedberg brought the item to the Council. He will follow up on this item with the City Administrator. Chair Lockhart explained that the commission walked through the Oakdale Nature Preserve to find donated plots with plantings but no maintenance. Capital Improvement Program Projects – Chair Lockhart will touch base with Director Bachmeier on the 2021 projects in the Capital Improvement Program so the commission can start looking forward toward 2022. Councilmember Ingebrigtson replied to Chair Lockhart, stating that the Parks budget was approved. He added that he is hopeful that the $1.9 trillion package discussed in Congress and $350 billion for states will pass, and that decision makers will allocate money to municipalities giving a bit of help. Superintendent Koesling reported that the four Oakdale Nature Preserve signs have been installed. The project was budgeted for $15,000 and came in at a cost under budget at $7,000. Welcome Freddie Jiles –Vice Chair Nyberg formally welcomed Commissioner Freddie Jiles to the commission. She shared that it is nice to have a new face and that she continues to share position openings for commissions, and seeks diverse representation though out the city whenever possible. ADJOURNMENT A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER CUNNINGHAM, SECONDED BY VICE CHAIR NYBERG TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION, DATED FEBRUARY 16, 2021, AT 7:43 PM. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION February 16, 2021 Page 5 7 AYES 0 NAYS Respectfully submitted, Laura Linzmeyer  COMMISSION MEMORANDUM To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Julie Williams, Recreation Superintendent Date: March 16, 2021 Subject: Proposed Policy: Donations to Parks, Memorials Discussion At its Feb 23 workshop, the City Council reviewed a policy relating to donations made to city parks from the public. The policy also speaks to memorial benches, plaques, trees, and pavers. The Council proposed a number of changes to the policy and asked that the Parks and Recreation Commission provide input/review the proposed changes. The recommendations will go back to the City Council for approval.  PROPOSED Standard Operating Policy City of Oakdale Policy Number: MIS-019 Pages: 1 Subject: Donations to Parks; Memorials, Installation, and Maintenance Date Approved: 1.0 General 1.1 The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines, standards, and procedures for the installation, care, and maintenance for donations to city parks, including benches, plaques, signage, kiosks, wayfinding, public art, trees, equipment, landscaping, and engraved pavers. This policy does not apply to buildings or land. 1.2 The city desires to encourage donations to its parks while at the same time manage aesthetic impacts and mitigate ongoing maintenance costs. 1.3 The city desires to provide members of the community the opportunity to remember or honor a loved one by purchasing a bench, tree, or plaque. 1.4 This policy will apply to all donations made after its approved date. Donations made prior to the adoption of this policy shall be subject to applicable sections of this policy. 2.0 Standards for Donations 2.1 The city and the community share an interest in ensuring the best appearance and aesthetic quality of its parks. Donations should reflect the character of the city park and be in keeping with all applicable park master plans and will be installed in such a manner that will not substantially change the character of a park or its intended use. 2.2 The community has an interest in ensuring that all donations to parks remain in good repair and the city has an interest in ensuring that the short- and long-term maintenance costs remain reasonable and does not create an undue or unknown burden to city parks staff. Donations must be of high quality to ensure a long life, stand up to general use, and be resistant to the elements and acts of vandalism. 2.3 The city has an interest in ensuring that the donor covers the full cost for the purchase and installation, where applicable, of their donation. The city also has an interest in ensuring that on-going maintenance costs do not negatively impact the resources available for said maintenance. Consequently, a significant factor in the city’s decision whether or not to accept a proposed donation to a park will be maintenance costs. 2.4 The city cannot accept donations from potential donors who represent a reputational risk to the city, e.g. individuals or organizations known to be involved in activities that contravene laws or city values. The city cannot accept donations that are deemed in appropriate or harmful to the city and shall not be in conflict with any provisions of federal, state, or municipal law. 2.5 The donation shall be the sole property of the City of Oakdale; the donor shall have no legal interest in the donation. The city may relocate the donation for any reason, including for safety, maintenance, or redevelopment of park land. The city will make a reasonable effort to notify donors of any significant change to the amenity; however, it is the donor’s responsibility to keep their contact information current with the city. 3.0 Review and Approval Process 3.1 The Parks Superintendent shall manage and process all donation proposals for city parks with the following exception: The City Clerk shall manage and process all paver orders for the Oakdale Veterans Memorial; paver installation shall be provided by the Parks Division. 3.2 The donor shall present a plan to the Parks Superintendent detailing the proposed location(s) for the donation(s) and maintenance needs, 3.3 The Parks Superintendent shall review all donation requests to ensure that they meet all donation standards of this policy and other respective city policies. The Parks Superintendent shall identify the anticipated lifecycle of the donation proposal and whether typical maintenance costs for the anticipated lifecycle would fall below or above $1,000. Typical maintenance costs are described as those that can be achieved by Parks Division staff and with equipment and tools in the possession of the Public Works Department. Proposed donations that will necessitate any atypical maintenance, such as a perceived difficulty in obtaining or recreating unique components or replacement parts or significant staff time will not be approved. 3.4 When typical maintenance costs will likely be at or below $1,000 for the anticipated lifecycle of the donation, the Parks Superintendent shall provide a written recommendation to the Public Works Director/City Engineer on whether or not the donation should be accepted by the city. Recommendations for approving donation requests should detail the item(s) being donated, proposed location(s), anticipated lifecycle of the donation, and associated maintenance costs. Recommendations denying donations requests should detail all reason(s) for the denial. The Public Works Director/City Engineer shall review the recommendation and provide it to the City Administrator for review/approval. 3.5 When typical maintenance costs will likely be above $1,000 for the anticipated lifecycle of the donation, the Parks Superintendent shall provide a written recommendation to the Public Works Director/City Engineer on whether or not the donation should be accepted by the city. Recommendations for approving donation requests should detail the item(s) being donated, proposed location(s), anticipated lifecycle of the donation, and associated maintenance costs. Recommendations denying donations requests should detail all reason(s) for the denial. The Public Works Director/City Engineer shall review the recommendation and provide it to the City Administrator. The City Administrator shall review the recommendation and present it to the City Council for review/approval. 4.0 Ongoing Maintenance 4.1 The Parks Superintendent shall manage the maintenance of all donations placed in city parks, as approved by the city, by regular and seasonal parks staff. 4.2 In planning projects to be performed by volunteers, the Parks Superintendent shall work with the city’s Volunteer Coordinator to identify landscaped areas in parks that can be maintained by  volunteers on an ongoing or one-time basis. Projects include weeding, trimming, pruning, and removal of dead plants. 5.0 Decorating or Adorning Donations 5.1 Decoration or adornment of donated items can interfere with routine maintenance and the appearance of the donated item. As such, decorations and adornments will be allowed to remain in place until such time as removed by the Parks Division. 6.0 Removal of Donation 6.1 Donated park items that are living, such as landscaping, flower beds, and trees, become city property upon planting. If a donated tree or landscaping becomes overgrown, unkempt, diseased or dies, the city will call for its removal and any associated memorial plaque will be offered to the donor. It is the responsibility of the donor to their keep their contact information current with the Parks Superintendent. 6.2 Donated park items (ie. benches, plaques, public art, etc.) become city property upon installation. If a donated park item becomes unserviceable or no longer meets a public need at its location, the city will call for its removal and any associated memorial plaque will be offered to the donor. It is the donor’s responsibility to their contact information current with the Parks Superintendent. 7.0 Memorials 7.1 The following memorials are offered by the city. Cost information is available on the city’s web site: www.ci.oakdale.mn.us (note URL) or by calling 651-730-2740. o Bench, Engraved, Concrete Pad o Tree, Planted, Species as Approved by the City Forester o Rock with Engraved Plaque o Engraved Plaque o Engraved Paver at the Oakdale Veterans Memorial Council Comments from February 23 Meeting: Section 2.4 “too ambiguous, subjective. Reword. See suggested wording. Consider not allowing engraved plaques, See 3.0 Consider only plaques that serve a public purpose (?) Include language about placement and limit of memorials. See suggested wording 3.2 Include language when an entity agrees to donate money for multi-years for a project (however, this policy says it does not apply to buildings or land donations). See suggested wording 5.1 Include language when the city needs to return monetary donations should a project not proceed. See suggested wording: 5.2 PROPOSED Standard Operating Policy City of Oakdale Policy Number: MIS-019 Pages: 1 Subject: Donations to Parks; Memorials, Installation, and Maintenance Date Approved: 1.0 General 1.1 The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines, standards, and procedures for the installation, care, and maintenance for donations to city parks, including signage, kiosks, wayfinding, public art, trees, equipment, landscaping, and memorials (benches, plaques, engraved pavers). This policy does not apply to buildings or land. 1.2 The city desires to encourage donations to its parks while at the same time manage aesthetic impacts and mitigate ongoing maintenance costs. 1.3 The city desires to provide members of the community the opportunity to remember or honor a loved one by purchasing a bench, tree, or plaque. 1.4 This policy will apply to all donations made after its approved date. Donations made prior to the adoption of this policy shall be subject to applicable sections of this policy. 2.0 Standards for Donations 2.1 The city and the community share an interest in ensuring the best appearance and aesthetic quality of its parks. Donations should reflect the character of the city park and be in keeping with all applicable park master plans and will be installed in such a manner that will not substantially change the character of a park or its intended use. 2.2 The community has an interest in ensuring that all donations, including memorials, to parks remain in good repair and the city has an interest in ensuring that the short- and long-term maintenance costs remain reasonable and does not create an undue or unknown burden to city parks staff. Donations must be of high quality to ensure a long life, stand up to general use, and be resistant to the elements and acts of vandalism. 2.3 The city has an interest in ensuring that the donor covers the full cost for the purchase and installation, where applicable, of their donation. The city also has an interest in ensuring that on- going maintenance costs do not negatively impact the resources available for said maintenance. Consequently, a significant factor in the city’s decision whether or not to accept a proposed donation, including memorials, to a park will be maintenance costs. Per Council: Reword 2.4 2.4 The city cannot accept donations from potential donors who represent a reputational risk to the city, e.g. individuals or organizations known to be involved in activities that contravene laws or city values. The city cannot accept donations that are deemed in appropriate or harmful to the city and shall not be in conflict with any provisions of federal, state, or municipal law. Alternate Wording Suggestion: 2.4 The city reserves the right to decline any donations if, upon review, acceptance of the donation is determined, in the sole discretion of the city, to be not in the best interest of the city. 2.5 The donation shall be the sole property of the City of Oakdale; the donor shall have no legal interest in the donation. The city may relocate the donation for any reason, including for safety, maintenance, or redevelopment of park land. The city will make a reasonable effort to notify donors of any significant change to the amenity; however, it is the donor’s responsibility to keep their contact information current with the city. This was at end of policy, but I think it should be moved here: 3.0 Memorials 3.1 The following memorials are offered by the city. Cost information is available on the city’s web site: www.ci.oakdale.mn.us (note URL) or by calling 651-730-2740. o Bench, Engraved, Concrete Pad o Tree, Planted, Species as Approved by the City Forester o Rock with Engraved Plaque o Engraved Plaque o Engraved Paver at the Oakdale Veterans Memorial Suggested New Wording: 3.2 The Parks Superintendent shall determine which parks shall allow memorials, the type of memorial(s) allowed in the parks, the total number of each type of memorial allowed in each park, and the specific location of memorial(s) allowed in each park. The Parks Superintendent shall maintain a detailed directory of parks where memorials may be placed, types of memorials that may be placed, and where memorials have been placed, and type thereof. 4.0 Review and Approval Process 4.1 The Parks Superintendent shall manage and process all donation proposals for city parks with the following exception: The City Clerk shall manage and process all paver orders for the Oakdale Veterans Memorial; paver installation shall be provided by the Parks Division. 4.2 The donor shall present a plan to the Parks Superintendent detailing the proposed location(s) for the donation(s) and maintenance needs, 4.3 The Parks Superintendent shall review all donation requests to ensure that they meet all donation standards of this policy and other respective city policies. The Parks Superintendent shall identify the anticipated lifecycle of the donation proposal and whether typical maintenance costs for the anticipated lifecycle would fall below or above $1,000. Typical maintenance costs are described as those that can be achieved by Parks Division staff and with equipment and tools in the possession of the Public Works Department. Proposed donations that will necessitate any atypical maintenance, such as a perceived difficulty in obtaining or recreating unique components or replacement parts, or significant staff time will not be approved. 4.4 When typical maintenance costs will likely be at or below $1,000 for the anticipated lifecycle of the donation, the Parks Superintendent shall provide a written recommendation to the Public Works Director/City Engineer on whether or not the donation should be accepted by the city. Recommendations for approving donation requests should detail the item(s) being donated, proposed location(s), anticipated lifecycle of the donation, and associated maintenance costs. Recommendations denying donations requests should detail all reason(s) for the denial. The Public Works Director/City Engineer shall review the recommendation and provide it to the City Administrator for review/approval. 4.5 When typical maintenance costs will likely be above $1,000 for the anticipated lifecycle of the donation, the Parks Superintendent shall provide a written recommendation to the Public Works Director/City Engineer on whether or not the donation should be accepted by the city. Recommendations for approving donation requests should detail the item(s) being donated, proposed location(s), anticipated lifecycle of the donation, and associated maintenance costs. Recommendations denying donations requests should detail all reason(s) for the denial. The Public Works Director/City Engineer shall review the recommendation and provide it to the City Administrator. The City Administrator shall review the recommendation and present it to the City Council for review/approval. New section, per Mayor Reinke’s comment to include language when an entity agrees to donate money for a few years for a project, like the Ted Bearth Memorial Ballfield and CM Zabel’s comment to provide refunds: Suggested New Wording: 5.0 Donations for Multi-Year Projects or Community Memorials 5.1 When an entity offers to donate to the city a partial monetary donation over pre-determined number of years in order to realize the completion of a specific project, excluding buildings, the city and the entity shall enter into a written agreement that includes: a. Amount of donation the entity will pay to the city each year. b. Entity to donate project to the city at completion of project.  c. Entity to release any claims of ownership at completion of project. 5.2 At such times that the city plans to create a memorial in the community and invites members of the public to make monetary donations to the city toward said memorial, such donations will be returned to each donator in the event that a determination is made that he memorial project will not proceed. 6.0 Ongoing Maintenance 6.1 The Parks Superintendent shall manage the maintenance of all donations placed in city parks, as approved by the city, by regular and seasonal parks staff. 6.2 In planning projects to be performed by volunteers, the Parks Superintendent shall work with the city’s Volunteer Coordinator to identify landscaped areas in parks that can be maintained by volunteers on an ongoing or one-time basis. Projects include weeding, trimming, pruning, and removal of dead plants. 7.0 Decorating or Adorning Donations 7.1 Decoration or adornment of donated items can interfere with routine maintenance and the appearance of the donated item. As such, decorations and adornments will be allowed to remain in place until such time as removed by the Parks Division. 8.0 Removal of Donation 8.1 Donated park items that are living, such as landscaping, flower beds, and trees, become city property upon planting. If a donated tree or landscaping becomes overgrown, unkempt, diseased or dies, the city will call for its removal and any associated memorial plaque will be offered to the donor. It is the responsibility of the donor to keep their contact information current with the Parks Superintendent. 8.2 Donated park items (ie. benches, plaques, public art, etc.) become city property upon installation. If a donated park item becomes unserviceable or no longer meets a public need at its location, the city will call for its removal and any associated memorial plaque will be offered to the donor. It is the donor’s responsibility to keep their contact information current with the Parks Superintendent. MEMORANDUM TO: Christina Volkers, City Administrator FROM: Julie Williams, Recreation Superintendent DATE: March 12, 2021 SUBJECT: March Program Update 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. Artist of the Month – Paintings by Bethany Finnern and select poems by Celinda Olive are on display this March at the Discovery Center. Bethany’s 2D pieces are described by the artist to be “like windows into a moment, a feeling, an idea, or a place in a story.” She layers shapes, colors, and textures to sculpt rhythm and balance. The body of work she has on display focuses on “heaven and earth dancing in and out of division and reunion.” Poet Celinda Olive collaborated to bring depth to the experience of Bethany’s display. Both enjoy a focus on mystery in crafting their artwork. 2. Indoor Market Re-Cap – Despite the multiple city facility closures this past year due to COVID-19, the Oakdale Indoor Market was still able to run for 5 of the scheduled 9 market dates. After a successful, and extremely modified market in November, the Discovery Center closed through January to the public. The modified market included a cap on vendors and customers, extra tables and spacing between vendor products and customers, hand washing stations, one way traffic flow, and hourly sanitizing of the building. The market successfully resumed in February and March with the same modifications, with over 250 customers coming through each date. Local favorites Natasha’s Pierogis, Ruhland’s Strudel, Cincotta Farms, and Bearwood Sugarbush, to name a few, all returned this season. Vendors and customers alike are very complimentary of the work put in to make the market a safe place for the community to shop. See attached comment posted on Facebook. 3. Mystery Egg Hunt – Staff is finalizing details for the annual Mystery Egg Hunt. The entire event has been modified, taking place outdoors with limited participants arriving at staggered times. Participants will find eggs hidden along the trails of the Nature Preserve and visit a number of stations along the route. The Easter Bunny will also make an appearance for a photo op. 4. Art Discovery Fair - Oakdale’s art fair returns with careful measures to ensure social distancing. Engage with the creators themselves to connect with an unexpected gift. Discover what individuals from the Oakdale art and craft community have been busy creating. The 2021 fair will feature returning artists selling pottery, paintings, greeting cards, artificial floral and also new vendors featuring handmade cribbage games, fleece blankets, cutting boards, photography, and wooden signs, among other products. See attached vendor flyer. 5. Best Snow Sculpture Contest – To date, we have received 7 entries. The theme this year is “Everyday Heroes”. Entries must be submitted by March 31. The winner of the $100 Target gift card will be contacted on Monday, April 1. Good luck to all participants! 6. Summer Programming – The special early edition of the summer recreation newsletter will be available online and in house early April. Early summer registration will begin on April 29. 7. Snowshoe Season– It’s been a great snowshoe season at the Oakdale Nature Preserve with over 90 rentals. Upcoming Programs 8. Sundae Bingo - Our annual spring Sundae Bingo will be held virtually on Sunday, April 11 from 1 to 3 PM. Participants will play 10 games and winners will pick up prizes at the Discovery Center. 9. Story Stroll - Our March story is 10 Rules of Being a Superhero by Deb Pilutti. Story Strolls are offered in partnership with Washington County Libraries. The stroll begins outside the door of the Discovery Center and loops through the park. Bring the kids and enjoy a walk through the Nature Preserve. 10. Community Walk – The popular Community Walk will resume April 1. There will be no changes to the program in 2021. We’re hoping for dry conditions on the trails!  THE CITY OF OAKDALE’S 8th ANNUAL SATURDAY, March 27, 2021 10 AM - 3 PM OAKDALE DISCOVERY CENTER 4444 Hadley Ave N. Oakdale, MN 55128 2021 ARTIST LIST  RICK AHARTZ, surreal art  AUDREY McCONVILLE, fleece  JUDEE BRAMSCHER, artificial blankets & photography floral arrangements  VIRGINIA PATRICELLI, paintings  ROBERT BUCKNER DESIGNS, & cards art, prints & books  DUMPSTER SPAGHETTI, 2D art  COSTELLO SEPULVEDA ART &  LIVINGWATERCOLOURS, DESIGN, acylic mixed media paintings, cards & books paintings & prints  MARILEE CREATIVE CONCEPTS,  ReLeaf CLAY DESIGN, pottery fine art & cards  FRED DEMKO, painted crystal  BYNIKCREATIONS, postcards, nail files notecards & prints  DASH WOOD DESIGNS, cutting boards, cribbage games & wooden signs www.oakdalefun.com