Parks & Recreation Commission
Regular MeetingOakdale, MN · September 21, 2021
Minutes
REGULAR MEETING
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
City of Oakdale
September 21, 2021
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the Oakdale Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday,
September 21, 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 Cook
Commissioners: Jan Cunningham
Glen Giacoletto
Mark Giannini
Steve Meyer
Also Present: Jake Ingebrigtson, City Council
Brian Bachmeier, City Engineer
Julie Williams, Recreation Superintendent
Absent: Freddie Jiles, Commission Member
Jeff Koesling, Parks Superintendent
Quorum Present: YES ☒ NO ☐
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Meeting Minutes, August 17, 2021
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER GIANNINI, SECONDED BY VICE CHAIR COOK TO APPROVE
THE MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING OF AUGUST 17,
2021 AS PRESENTED.
6 AYES 0 NAYS
COUNCIL UPDATE – Jake Ingebrigtson
Capital Improvement Plan Project Ranking Survey - Councilmember Ingebrigtson thanked the
commissioners for participating in the survey. The rankings are helpful moving forward and if
additional funds become available.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
September 21, 2021
Page 2
Park Tour – Commissioner Cunningham thanked Councilmember Ingebrigtson for his insight during
the park tour. It was helpful to do the tour prior to completing the survey.
Councilmember Ingebrigtson realized all the little maintenance projects can creep up when he saw
the skate park and when Mr. Lockhart pointed out deteriorating sidewalks.
Chair Lockhart said that repairs will take on a large value if maintenance isn’t done a little at a time,
and noted the staffing shortage over the last few years.
Electric at Walton Ballfields 5 through 8 – Mr. Ingebrigtson has had conversations with the City
Administrator and Engineer about the proposed project. The project is listed on the agenda and
survey. The athletic fields are a priority, though the City must pick and choose among other projects.
Chair Lockhart acknowledged that the project is a big-ticket item. If the City doesn’t move forward
on the project in 2022, the Oakdale Athletic Association will have to consider purchasing
generators. He worries about running a motor and muffler near 2nd through 4th grade kids.
UPDATING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN (CIP) – Brian Bachmeier
2021 CIP Projects Update - Director Bachmeier provided an update on 2021’s projects:
• Resurface Guthrie Park Basketball Court – the court was paved a week ago Saturday. Along
the court has been backfilled to get grass to stabilize. It is an ideal time to be seeding. Next
on the schedule is striping, then replacing the backstops. By the first part of October, the
project should be completed.
• Remodel Walton Kitchens – While on the list for fall completion, it is difficult to address all
the projects with Superintendent Koesling being out. Director Bachmeier hopes for his return
in the next week or so.
CIP New Projects Ranking Report - Mr. Bachmeier reported on the commission member ranking of
CIP projects. At the last meeting, it was requested that commissioners rank projects that have been
discussed and an opportunity was given to suggest new projects for consideration.
He summarized that volleyball and pickleball were new projects receiving the most support. He
presented the top rankings in this order:
1. & 2. Volleyball Courts at Eastside and Northdale Park
3. Pickleball at Eberle Park
4. Volleyball at Guthrie Park
5. Community Garden
The projects that followed included more volleyball courts, acquisition of the Brockman Property
(next to Bethke Park), pickleball at Golfview Park, the Eastside Park Tennis Practice Wall, with the
last project on the list being the Passages of Oakdale.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
September 21, 2021
Page 3
Commissioner Giannini asked where volleyball at Northdale will go. Last month it was noted that
Field 2 was not used by the Oakdale Athletic Association (OAA) and a fence could be put up to
segregate baseball on Field 1. However, there are three soccer fields there too.
Mr. Bachmeier indicated a volleyball location at Northdale Park north of the parking lot where there
is sufficient space, though would require extensive grading. The location wasn’t easily found. The
want is for it to be near the picnic shelter.
Chair Lockhart added that considering Field 2 is overgrown, instead of taking out earth from the
north side, it may be a good spot for pickleball or volleyball. The idea was thrown out there, but not
planned.
Director Bachmeier agreed that the concern with that location for a new court is that it would impact
more than just baseball.
Recreation Superintendent Williams reported that Northdale Park is popular for picnic shelter
reservations. There is a strong following of volleyball players choosing Northdale, if this is helpful in
decision making moving forward.
In reply to a concern that Commissioner Giannini had regarding Northdale Park’s entrance sign
becoming overgrown, Superintendent Williams said that Parks Superintendent Koesling or Director
Bachmeier can look into maintenance.
Director Bachmeier continued that the commissioners also suggested new projects:
• Convert unused horseshoe lanes into cornhole at Horseshoe Park.
• Add volleyball or pickleball at the Brockman Property, if acquired, or the new Willowbrook
Development
• Stripe all existing tennis courts for pickleball
Commissioner Meyer explained that his son attended the University of Wisconsin River Falls, where
he saw concrete cornhole in the park. The material prevents damage or theft and does not require
replacing sand fill like horseshoes.
Chair Lockhart indicated that only four horseshoe lanes appear used.
Commissioner Giannini added that the unused lanes are the ones in the middle.
Commissioner Giacoletto commented that younger generations are not playing horseshoes, and
some of the lanes with grass growing show a lack of use.
Commissioner Cunningham supports cornhole, and credited Mr. Giannini for the original idea. Then,
she elaborated on volleyball or pickleball at the Brockman Property would be a good location
because there is room for parking, and a flat area that could be utilized. She located pickleball
courts with color coded striping done well at Ivywood Park, off Inwood Avenue, south of 10th Street.
CIP Maintenance Projects Ranking Report - Director Bachmeier then presented the maintenance
project rankings.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
September 21, 2021
Page 4
1. (Priority) Rewiring Walton Ballfields 5 through 8
2. Guthrie Park Reroofing
3. Walton Skatepark Resurfacing (repair/replacement of ramp)
4. Oakdale Nature Preserve Trail Repaving (three remaining sections)
5. LED Walton Ballfield Lighting
6. Eberle Park Repaving of Parking Lot and Trails
Commissioner Cunningham presented an idea to combine a new pickleball project and the
maintenance project of repaving the parking lot and trail at Eberle Park into the same year.
Mr. Bachmeier agreed that it would make complete sense with economies of scale and similar
products of concrete and paving.
Chair Lockhart recalled that Eberle Park’s maintenance project had been slated for 2024.
Future Considerations of Tot Lots - Councilmembers also want replacement of aging tot lots
considered in future programming. Playground equipment generally lasts about 30 years before
parts become difficult to find and replace. He listed the installation year of Oakdale’s oldest
playgrounds:
• 1995 Tanners Park
• 1998 Tilsen and Eberle Parks
• 1999 Northdale, Guthrie, and Tower Parks
• 2002 Golfview Park
Chair Lockhart reported Guthrie in pretty good condition, remembering one spot with paint peeling.
Mr. Bachmeier replied that some parks don’t take a lot of abuse, while others get heavier use and
are more susceptible to vandalism. Walton Park often is targeted. Replacing tot lots will need to be
included in subsequent years when programming the CIP.
Commissioner Cunningham reported that she visited Oakfield Park and learned that the neighbors
are not receptive to pickleball or volleyball at the location. There is no room for a parking lot there.
She also learned that daycares are asking why the old tot lot was removed. The daycares want
equipment purposed for smaller kids than what was newly installed.
In reply, Mr. Bachmeier reported that equipment was installed in 2019 after what was thought to
be an inclusive process to gain feedback from daycares. An effort was made to address the daycare
suggestions and provide facilities in the new playground. He is sorry to hear that the mark wasn’t
hit.
For the concern about new courts being added to a park, abutting property owners adjacent to parks
a lot of time oppose park projects if approached because they do not want more noise, activity, and
people next to their property. The net needs to be expanded to consider the wants of the whole
neighborhood.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
September 21, 2021
Page 5
Working toward making a recommendation to the Council for inclusion in the fall’s 2022-2026 CIP,
Mr. Bachmeier will return with a more developed CIP list and cost estimates. He thanked the
Commission for their participation and valuable comments.
RECREATION UPDATE – Julie Williams
Touch a Truck – Held last Tuesday, on a great though windy day, there was a great turnout of over
800 attending. There was free ice cream, concessions for purchase by the Maplewood/Oakdale
Lions Club, a variety of vehicles, and the Suburban Community Channels on site creating a video
recap of the event. Special thanks to Oakdale’s Public Works, Police, and Fire for participating with
their vehicles.
Farmers Market – The market is rolling along, winding down with four weeks remaining. The Star
Tribune visited, highlighting the Oakdale Market in an article on diversity in the metro area. Music
has returned, along with the showcasing of local organizations. Fall products are arriving, including
squash, pumpkin, and canned goods.
Artist of the Month – Tammy Wolfe is featuring her nature photography the month of September.
Her photos have been featured by the Sierra Club, Minnesota Conservation Volunteer, and Birds &
Bloom Magazine among others. She has nice work and has also been making sales.
Wellness 50 First Aid CPR and AED Class – The class will be held this Thursday from 6 to 7:30 PM
at the Discovery Center. The free class is offered by Wellness 50+ in partnership with Oakdale
Recreation and Fire for ages 16 plus. There are openings; call to be added to the list.
Be Safe Personal Protection Program – On Thursday, October 7, the free program at the Discovery
Center will teach how to keep yourself safe in a variety of threatening situations. The class is taught
by Parks and Recreation Commissioner Glen Giacoletto and Oakdale Police Officer Michelle Stark.
Call to sign up.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Tanners Ballfield - Commissioner Meyer suggested that the wind block/batter eye at Tanners
Ballfield be painted instead of replaced.
Chair Lockhart replied that paint would be prone to flaking. A replacement could also be extended
to the right center to cover the batter/catcher eye. When Parks Superintendent Koesling returns,
they can try to track down a company.
Honoring Jane Klein – Commissioner Cunningham mentioned last month that Jane Klein passed
away. She was a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission, Tree Board, and Master
Gardener. The committee is working on viable options to honor her and will report on updates.
Commissioner Giacoletto reported that a motion was made earlier in the afternoon by the Tree
Board to name the spring tree giveaway the Jane Klein Memorial Tree Giveaway. The Master
Gardeners are considering some type of memorial and approaching the City Council.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
September 21, 2021
Page 6
Councilmember Ingebrigtson fully supports a memorial, just need to decide what. He suggested
renaming the Acorn Award the Jane Klein Award.
Visit from Police Chief – Commissioner Meyer inquired about a visit from the new Police Chief to
discuss policing the parks.
ADJOURNMENT
A MOTION WAS MADE BY VICE CHAIR COOK, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CUNNINGHAM TO
ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION, DATED
SEPTEMBER 21, 2021, AT 7:35 PM.
6 AYES 0 NAYS
Respectfully submitted,
Laura Linzmeyer
Agenda
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
September 17, 2021
Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners:
Enclosed is your packet of information for the regular Parks and Recreation Commission meeting
to be held on September 21. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in the Oakdale City Hall Council
Chambers, 1584 Hadley Avenue.
The focus of the meeting will be to discuss the Park CIP and your survey results. The commissioners
will also be updated on current and upcoming 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, September 21, 2021, 7:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MEETING, AUGUST 17, 2021
CITY COUNCIL UPDATE: JAKE INGEBRIGTSON
MANAGEMENT REPORTS
a) PARKS CIP – BRIAN BACHMEIER
b) RECREATION UPDATE – JULIE WILLIAMS
ALL OTHER ITEMS
a) COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS
ADJOURNMENT
The next regular Parks and Recreation Commission meeting will be held
October 19, 2021 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers.
REGULAR MEETING
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
City of Oakdale
August 17, 2021
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the Oakdale Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, August
17, 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 Cook
Commissioners: Jan Cunningham
Glen Giacoletto
Mark Giannini
Freddie Jiles
Steve Meyer
Also Present: Jake Ingebrigtson, City Council
Brian Bachmeier, City Engineer
Julie Williams, Recreation Superintendent
Absent: Jeff Koesling, Parks Superintendent
Quorum Present: YES ☒ NO ☐
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Meeting Minutes, July 20, 2021
A MOTION WAS MADE BY VICE CHAIR COOK, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CUNNINGHAM TO
APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING OF
JULY 20, 2021 AS PRESENTED.
7 AYES 0 NAYS
UPDATING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN (CIP) – Brian Bachmeier
Director Bachmeier introduced the kick off to updating the CIP, where the commission will be
identifying projects to look forward to the next several years. First, he reviewed the status of 2021’s
projects:
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
August 17, 2021
Page 2
• Oakdale Nature Preserve Trail Repaving – The south loop paving project is wrapping up.
Paving is the final item with grading along the edges. Seeding and stabilization will occur in
the next week or so to complete the project.
• Walton Shelters – The roofs are replaced.
• Remodel Walton Kitchens – The project is pending and to be addressed in fall, post-rental
season.
• Oakdale Nature Preserve Sign Replacement – The “Oakdale Park” cedar signs were replaced
with the name “Oakdale Nature Preserve” in four locations.
Two projects were advanced because other 2021 projects came in under the amount budgeted:
• Guthrie Basketball Court – The surface was removed and basketball uprights. This week, the
grading will be reestablished. The paving contractor does not have a definitive date, but will
be coming in to a prepared site and need a half day’s work to complete. Park crews will be
putting in foundations for the backstops to progress the project.
• Oakdale Nature Preserve Tennis Resurfacing – The court at Granada and 45th Street is
waiting on the contractor’s schedule. The spring estimate was honored.
• Parks without Borders – No projects identified in 2021.
When updating the CIP, it is the time when new projects are considered. The following projects were
requested by groups who approached the City and the projects were noted by Mr. Bachmeier:
• Pickleball Courts – The Pickleball Club is interested in adding new courts.
• Volleyball Courts – Pop up volleyball, privately installed courts, have been found in City parks
and are being placed in ballfield outfields. This is an indication of an unmet need. Three
parks with volleyball activity could be potential project locations; Northdale, Eastside and
Guthrie.
• Practice Wall at Eastside Tennis Court – Residents have asked for the replacement of a
practice wall that was removed several years ago.
• Walton Rewiring of Fields 5 through 8 – The ballfield power wires have been unable to be
traced. Rewiring is needed for power to function. A new wiring system will connect to a feed
point and circuit breaker.
• Community Garden- The City considered a community garden ten years ago. Information was
collected from the past park commission and City staff and Council decision making.
The program ranking survey will divide the projects into two different rankings; new, for projects not
currently in the park system, and maintenance/replacement. The exercise at the next meeting will
talk about the funding sources available, which funds are appropriate to direct towards
maintenance projects versus funding more appropriate for new projects. The commission members
will complete the exercise before the next meeting by ranking the projects from 1 to 13, with 1 being
most important and each project having a single number to represent its ranking. The new projects
list includes:
• Brockman Property Acquisition – Timing is beyond the City’s control and will be dependent
on when the property owner is ready to sell. The City wants to be ready to buy.
• Passages of Oakdale Park – The park is 40 acres of City owned property east of 120, in the
vicinity of Larpentuer Avenue and Hill Murray School. The undeveloped nature park features
wetlands and woods. The Department of Natural Resources conservation easement limits
park uses to passive trails and boardwalks. There cannot be any structures (buildings,
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
August 17, 2021
Page 3
fences, active recreation facilities). Several years ago, a concept plan was created and a
significant cost was determined for the development of trails and boardwalks.
Commissioner Giacoletto commented that a $4 million project is difficult to rank without
knowing the details of the cost relating to the improvements that would be done.
Director Bachmeier will share the concept plan to give the background information of the
project to the new commission members.
• Pickleball Courts with Lighting – There is certainty to estimating costs of paving, fencing, and
screening, but it is hard to estimate the cost of site preparation. A location would need to be
identified.
• Pickleball Courts without Lighting – It is $50,000 to include lighting.
Mr. Bachmeier replied to Chair Lockhart that if pickleball were added at Eberle, it would be
located to the west of the shelter. Eberle and Golfview were identified as pickleball locations
because they have off street parking available. There is a shelter at Eberle, and Golfview is
flat. He will send the court dimensions to Chair Lockhart for the park project concepts. If a
court were added at Oakfield, it would avoid the pipeline. The shortcoming at Oakfield is the
on-street parking only.
• Volleyball Courts- Tanners Lake is the only park with a volleyball court. It has a perimeter of
concrete, sand, drain tile, and permanent posts for netting. A new court will be a sand court.
Commissioner Giacoletto noticed the popularity of night volleyball as he watched leagues
playing under lighting while he visited South Dakota. He wondered if there would be interest
in lighting in Oakdale for a volleyball court.
Director Bachmeier informed that pickleball courts require two posts for lighting, and
volleyball may require either one or two posts. Lighting would be an additional cost that is
not listed.
• Eastside Tennis Court Practice Wall – The practice wall will not be made of plywood; it will
be made of a concrete composite that lessens noise and is weather resistant. There will be
no need to paint. The wall would be positioned along the north fence, on the east side of the
gate; approximately the width of one court.
• Community Garden – The project is estimated at $10,000.
• Commission Suggested Park Improvements – Commission members have the opportunity
to suggest park improvements.
Next, Director Bachmeier listed the CIP’s maintenance projects:
• Guthrie Park Shelter Reroofing
• Walton Ballfield Lighting Upgrade to LED
• Walton Skatepark Resurfacing
• Paving the Oakdale Nature Preserve next phases (25% complete, 75% remaining)
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
August 17, 2021
Page 4
• Parking Lots at Tanners and Eberle Parks
• Walton Fields 5 through 8 rewiring
• Commission Suggested Park Projects
Mr. Bachmeier directed the commissioners to submit their rankings to Director Bachmeier by
Monday, September 13. He will then compile the rankings and present the group results in the next
packet.
Commissioner Cunningham suggested a park tour to the Passages of Oakdale.
Chair Lockhart replied that the Passages of Oakdale is inaccessible. The park tour will include
looking at the lighting at Tanners, Guthrie Park, and Tower and Horseshoe Parks on the south end.
Commissioner Meyer suggested including Eastside.
Director Bachmeier informed Commissioner Giacoletto that the repaving of the Tanners Lake
Parking Lot is done in phases to avoid the disruption of park uses.
Director Bachmeier informed Commissioner Jiles that when volleyball is played on grass, the court
becomes trampled to dirt and the pop-up volleyball relocates. Sand is recommended because it is
durable and repairable. Eastside and Northdale both have damage in the ballfield area because of
the popup volleyball during this dry year.
Chair Lockhart suggested the east field at Northdale, known as Field #2, to be repurposed for
volleyball. The other field is used. Field #2 is not used by the Oakdale Athletic Association, who
considered netting to improve the field but did not install it because of cost and concerns with birds
getting caught. If Field #2 were repurposed for volleyball, and an outfield fence could be put in for
Field #1, that could segregate the baseball.
Director Bachmeier is open to the suggestion. Otherwise, the location between the parking lot and
shelter is too close with the balls. A location north of the parking lot can be considered but would
require grading of the hill.
Commissioner Meyer added that the mound on Field #2 had been removed two years ago. There
would be an issue if the space is purposed for soccer.
Commissioner Giacoletto suggested that existing tennis courts be striped for pickleball at Walton
and Oakdale Nature Preserve. Eastside is striped for pickleball. The tennis lines are white and
pickleball lines are blue. The same net is used for either sport.
Director Bachmeier can consider the striping cost. He will confirm with Mr. Koesling what was in the
original proposal for the Oakdale Nature Preserve. In reply to Chair Lockhart, he said that the
Pickleball Club has requested lighted courts.
COUNCIL UPDATE – Jake Ingebrigtson
Councilmember Ingebrigtson had no updates.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
August 17, 2021
Page 5
RECREATION UPDATE – Julie Williams
Summer Wrap Up – The camps have concluded for the busy summer. Great seasonal staff did a
fantastic job in a unique situation. All went well in the end.
Movie in the Park – Friday, August 13 “Onward” was shown at Walton after being rescheduled from
a storm night. Stipe Concessions food truck was there. An estimated 2-300 attended. The second
movie will be “Trolls World Tour” on September 3.
Councilmember Ingebrigtson suggested an area for kids to dance to the movie.
Fall/Winter Newsletter – The next season’s newsletter, covering months October through January,
will be released mid-September.
Artist of the Month – Joel Carlson photographed Oakdale firefighters during training events. Viewing
the photographs gives a sense of what takes place to train the firefighters.
Amped Up Entertainment – A performance by magician Brian Richards of ACME Magic Factory
wrapped up the series. 100-150 attended each event.
Touch a Truck – On Tuesday, September 7, 30 to 40 vehicles, free ice cream, and the Maplewood
Oakdale Lions with concessions will be at the Walton Park Parking Lot.
Commissioner Jiles informed Commissioner Meyer that the event taking place last Sunday at
Walton Park was a church rave, raising money for a new church. Commissioner Jiles had stopped
by for good food.
Mrs. Williams added that the Walton Park Shelters and other park location shelters have been
extremely busy.
Mrs. Williams replied to Chair Lockhart that warming houses are anticipated for the winter ice rink
season. She will connect with Park Superintendent Koesling and Director Bachmeier on the details.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Remembering Jane Klein – Commissioner Cunningham informed that former Parks and Recreation
Commissioner Jane Klein has died. She was very involved with the Master Gardeners and Tree
Board. Organizations are seeking ideas to honor her, such as naming and event after her, or
donating a tree. She was a great person who did her best for Oakdale and will be very missed.
Community Gardens – Commissioner Giacoletto was surprised at the amount of work and draft
writing of a standard operating policy for the lengthy community garden concept plan. The interest
ten years ago in the project was tabled and forgotten, while neighboring communities like
Maplewood and North Saint Paul adopted community garden plots ten years ago. They can be
contacted for the results; if the gardens were worthwhile, if the project is still being done, if it has
expanded or contracted and if, in general, it was accepted.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
August 17, 2021
Page 6
Park Tours – Chair Lockhart reminded that Park Tours will start at Tanners on Saturday at 10 AM.
South end parks including Tanners, Tower, Guthrie, Horseshoe, and Eastside will be toured.
ADJOURNMENT
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER JILES, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CUNNINGHAM TO
ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION, DATED AUGUST
17, 2021, AT 7:38 PM.
7 AYES 0 NAYS
Respectfully submitted,
Laura Linzmeyer
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
To: Oakdale Park Commission
From: Brian Bachmeier, Public Works Director/City Engineer
Date: September 21, 2021
Subject: Draft 2022-2026 Park Capital Improvement Project Ranking
Background
Here are the results of the rankings submitted by the Commission members for new projects:
New Projects Lockhart Cook Cunningham Giacoletto Giannini Jiles Meyer Total Median Ranking by Total Ranking by Median
Volleyball Court - Eastside Park 4 6 3 3 1 17 3 1 1
Volleyball Court - Northdale Park 3 2 4 2 7 18 3 2 1
4-PickleballCourts w( without lighting) - Eberle Park 7 1 8 0 4 20 4 3 2
Volleyball Court - Guthrie Park 5 7 5 4 2 23 5 4 3
Community Garden 2 5 2 11 5 25 5 5 3
Volleyball Court - Oakdfield Park 6 0 6 5 8 25 6 5 4
Brockman Property Acquisition 9 3 1 9 6 28 6 6 4
4-Pickleball courts (with lighting) - Golfview Park 11 0 11 0 9 31 9 7 6
Eastside Park - Tennis Court Practice Wall 1 4 9 6 11 31 6 7 4
4-Pickleball Courts (with lighting) - Eberle Park 12 0 10 0 10 32 10 8 7
4-Pickleball Courts (without lighting) - Golfview Park 8 7 7 7 3 32 7 8 5
Passages of Oakdale Park Development 10 0 12 10 12 44 10 9 7
In addition we received several commission member suggestions for new projects, they include:
New Projects
Commissioner Suggestion: Horseshoe Park-turn 2 or 3 horseshe lanes into cornhole
Commissioner Suggestion: Aquire Brockman property, add pickleball/volleyball
Commissioner Suggestion: Willowbrook - pickleball/volleyball
Commissioner Suggestion: Stripe all existing tennis courts for pickleball
The results of the rankings submitted by the Commission members for maintenance projects are:
Maintenance/replacement Projects Lockhart Cook Cunningham Giacoletto Giannini Jiles Meyer Total Median Ranking by Total Ranking by Median
Walton Park (ballfields 5-8) rewiring 1 4 4 3 1 13 3 1 3
Guthrie Park Re-roofing 2 6 2 4 2 16 2 2 1
Walton Skate Park Resurfacing 3 2 1 8 4 18 3 3 2
Oakdale Park Trail Repaving 4 0 5 7 3 19 4 4 4
Walton Ballfield Lighting Upgrade to LED 7 1 3 2 7 20 3 5 2
Eberle Parking Lot and Trail Repaving 6 3 6 5 5 25 5 6 5
Tanners South Parking Lot Repaving, Tennis Courts to 2nd 5 5 7 6 6 29 6 7 6
In addition we received several commission members suggestions for maintenance projects, they
include:
Maintenance/replacement Projects
Commissioner Suggestion: Repair Walking Path D…..(5-8)
Commissioner Suggestion: Replace Bearth field out field fence, wind block to another color than white, extend to right center
Commissioner Suggestion: Repair cracks and holes in ramp modules and elsewhere in skate park (safety hazard)
Park Commission Action Requested
It is recommended we have a discussion regarding the results of the rankings and the suggested projects.
MEMORANDUM
TO: Christina Volkers, City Administrator
FROM: Julie Williams, Recreation Superintendent
DATE: September 17, 2021
SUBJECT: Monthly Update – September 2021
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. Touch-A-Truck Recap - This year’s event was held on Tuesday, September 7 from 5 to 7 PM.
Vehicles and equipment from Public Works, Fire, PD and others were on hand for kids to touch,
climb and explore. Participants young and old were treated to ice cream treats from Mik Mart
Ice Cream. The Maplewood/Oakdale Lions Club provided concessions. Special thanks to
Public Works, PD and Fire Department who always help make this an amazing community
event. Over 800+ attended! Take a look at Suburban Community Channel’s great video of
the event. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sATjhlvfnPM
2. Farmer’s Market - The Star Tribune stopped by while working on a story regarding diversity in
the metro area and highlighted the market, see attached article. Music has returned as “The
2 Sisters” performed live on August 25 and September 13. Local organizations have also had
the chance to build their brand at the market, including Warrior Nutrition (in the 10th Street
Plaza), and the Metro Gold Line project. Fall products, squash, pumpkins, and fall canned
goods are finally arriving. The market is winding down, only 4 weeks left!
3. Artist of the Month - Enjoy the nature photography of Tammy Wolfe this September at the
Oakdale Nature Preserve. Tammy shoots photos of ducks in her backyard pond in Lake Elmo,
has a knack for spotting owls and nesting birds, and has captured stunning images of Bull
Moose while hiking with her camera. Her photos have been featured by the Sierra Club,
Minnesota Conservation Volunteer, and Birds and Bloom magazine, among many others. See
attached bio.
4. 1st Aid/CPR/AED Class - On September 23 from 6 to 7:30, the Wellness 50+ is partnering with
the Oakdale Fire and Recreation Departments to offer a free first aid, CPR, and AED training
class to those ages 16 and up at the Discovery Center. Contact the Recreation Department
to sign up.
5. Be Safe! Personal Protection Program - Wellness 50+ is offering a free personal protection
program on Thursday, October 7 at the Discovery Center. Martial arts instructor, Glen
Giacoletto and Michelle Stark from the Oakdale PD will discuss how to keep yourself safe in a
variety of threatening situations. Contact the Recreation Department to sign up.
___
LOCAL
From farm country to the suburbs,
Minnesota's diversity climbed the past
decade
Census shows clusters of growing racial and ethnic populations
By Jessie Van Berkel (https://www.startribune.com/jessie-van-berkel/6370530/) Star Tribune
AUGUST 21, 2021 — 6:17PM
Anna Turner's family moved from Hugo to Oakdale in July, hoping to find a "melting
pot."
As she and her daughter perused stands selling hair bows and vegetables at the Oakdale
Farmers Market on Wednesday, she said they found what they were looking for here.
Turner, who is white and whose husband is African American, said they landed in a
diverse neighborhood with more amenities — and one where they finally secured a home
after being outbid on nine other properties.
A couple of stalls down, Oscar Hernández sold burritos and tortas from his Taqueria
Los Paisanos food truck and reflected on his changing community.
"I've been living here for almost 18 years and I can see how the population has more
diversity," said Hernández. "There's more Asian people around, more Hispanic people,
all different cultures."
Oakdale is among a cluster of suburbs north and east of St. Paul that have seen some of
the biggest jumps in diversity in the metro area, according to new census data. But racial
and ethnic diversity have not climbed just around the Twin Cities over the past decade.
The percentage of people who identified as a race other than white increased in every
region of the state, from farm country along the Iowa border to small towns hugging the
North Shore.
Nearly a quarter of Minnesotans (https://www.startribune.com/5-takeaways-from-the-
2020-census-data-for-minnesota/600087683/?
utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=politics&refresh=true)
are Black, Indigenous or a person of color, compared with just 10% of the state's R E N E E J O N E S S C H N E I D E R • STA R T R I B U N E
population in 2000. Minority residents accounted for all of the state's growth over the Ella Vang, 8, handed Aubree Turner, 4, a
past decade, as the number of non-Hispanic white residents decreased cucumber at the Farmers Market in Oakdale
(https://www.startribune.com/census-shows-minnesota-s-diversity-growing-white- this month. Aubree’s racially blended family
population-sees-first-ever-drop/600087299/) for the first time ever — a change that may
be due, in part, to more people identifying as multiracial.
Some cities and counties are diversifying much faster than others. Suburbs like
Maplewood, North St. Paul, Landfall and Oakdale saw some of the biggest metro
increases in their diversity index scores. That index measures the likelihood that two
randomly selected people from a community would be different races and ethnicities.
Twin Cities metro suburbs became more diverse
Diversity across the Twin Cities metro area increased the past decade,
particularly in suburbs around eastern St. Paul and exurban Minneapolis.
CHANGE IN DIVERSITY INDEX BETWEEN 2010 AND 2020
+4 +8 +12 +17 +20
Coon
Rapids
Corcoran
Medina North St.
Paul
MPLS.
ST.
PAUL
Newport
Maplewood Mayor Marylee Abrams said that in her 2 ½ decades living in the city, she
has seen examples of increasing diversity "everywhere. Everywhere." In the local school
district, two-thirds of students identified as a race other than white, or two or more
races. At the Maplewood Mall, the number of businesses owned by people of color has
climbed.
City leaders and local vendors and shoppers at the Oakdale Farmers Market listed many
of the same reasons that more people of color are living in the area, including good
schools, proximity to family, and, as Abrams described, "very attractive affordable
housing opportunities here on the East Side that they may not have been able to find in
Minneapolis and St. Paul."
Do This To Easily
Clean Toilet
But even more than the northern metro, Waite Park saw the highest jump in its diversity
index score. The St. Cloud suburb went from 18% nonwhite in 2010 to 42% in 2020. St.
Cloud also saw a major boost in diversity, with its population of color doubling to 32%.
About half of Waite Park's housing stock is multifamily units, and that housing appeals
to many families of color, along with the city's retail, commercial and industrial
presence and many minority-owned businesses, City Administrator Shaunna Johnson
said.
An influx of Somali immigrants and Somali Americans accounts for much of the change
in St. Cloud and Waite Park, said political science associate professor Pedro dos Santos,
who is on the board of #UniteCloud, an organization aimed at resolving tensions around
racial, religious and other differences.
His family moved to St. Cloud four years ago from a small town in Iowa. The city's
increasing diversity was part of what drew him to a job there, said dos Santos, a
Brazilian immigrant who said he wanted his children to see "there's different ways of
being a kid and growing up."
"There are growing pains that happen when there's demographic changes," he said of his
community. "I moved here knowing that there are 'problems' but excited that these are
actually problems that have solutions and eventually will get better, because people will
realize they just have to live with each other."
In the southwest corner of the state, Nobles County — home to Worthington — saw the
biggest percentage jump of any county in its nonwhite population. County
Commissioner Gene Metz said the area started to change with an influx of Southeast
Asian refugees after the Vietnam War, and now many Hispanic and Karen immigrants
are moving to Nobles County.
The local meatpacking industry has expanded over the past 10 years, continuing to draw
workers, along with other farm and construction work, Metz said. The number of
different languages and dialects spoken at meatpacking plants and schools has created
challenges, he said.
"But we would not survive without it," he said. "Because the labor force we need to keep
our farm economy robust depends on it."
Diversity increasing in Minnesota cities
The cities that saw the biggest change from 2010 to 2020 in the percent of
their population who identified as either Hispanic or a race other than white.
MINNESOTA CITIES WITH AT LEAST 15-POINT INCREASE IN NONWHITE POPULATION
% nonwhite % nonwhite
2010 2020
| |
Hilltop 37% 71%
Landfall 38% 63%
Mahnomen 41% 61%
Butterfield 35% 53%
Maplewood 27% 44%
Waite Park 18% 42%
North St. Paul 21% 37%
St. Cloud 17% 32%
Brewster 8% 27%
Browerville 7% 23%
Hancock 5% 23%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80%
Among cities with a 2020 population of 500 or more.
MaryJo Webster, Star Tribune • Source: U.S. Census Bureau
While census data show diversity climbing, experts say communities of color have
historically been undercounted, and 2020 was likely no exception. Minnesota had the
country's highest census response rate at 75%, helping it narrowly hang on to its eight
congressional seats. (https://www.startribune.com/four-things-the-new-census-data-tell-
us-about-redistricting-in-minnesota/600087896/?refresh=true)
"The highest in the nation, yeah, clap, clap, clap. But guess who are the 25% that didn't
do the self-response? ... People of color, because of fear, or people in rural areas too,
because of lack of connectivity to [the] internet," said Mónica Hurtado, one of many
people who urged historically undercounted communities to participate.
She almost did not get involved, fearing it would lead to Homeland Security raids or
deportations in the Latino community. But when she found out more about the data
confidentiality and heard one key fact, she changed her mind. In 2010, she said there was
a significant undercount in north Minneapolis, where she lives. As a result, she said the
community lost out on millions of dollars in government funding — something she
wanted to ensure did not happen again.
Hurtado, who's from Colombia, looked into her ancestry and found she was Indigenous
and European. She was among a growing number of people across the nation who noted
they are more than one race in their census form. Minnesota saw the number of people
who described themselves as multiracial climb from 1% of the population in 2000 to 2%
a decade later. It's now at 4%.
"I see the number of multiple race people and I think, those people were there. We
haven't had a huge baby boom," said Carolyn Liebler, an associate professor of sociology
at the University of Minnesota. But she said heightened racial awareness after George
Floyd's killing may have changed things. "People who were identifying as white — the
thing about the 2020 moment made it so they decided to report their multiple races."
Liebler said fewer people identifying solely as white likely contributed to the number of
white, non-Hispanic Minnesotans declining slightly for the first time. The Census Bureau
also provided people with more space to describe their race.
Minnesota remains significantly less diverse than the nation as a whole. But of the 25
most populous metro areas in the U.S., Metropolitan Council researchers said the Twin
Cities was 10th highest in percentage growth of people of color.
Racial minorities made up the majority of residents in 17 cities statewide with
populations of 500 or greater, including St. Paul and Pelican Rapids. And in the metro
area alone, there are 24 cities where the majority of children are Black, Indigenous or
people of color, said Met Council research manager Joel Huting.
"Overall, the region's youth — or people under 18 — are 46% BIPOC," Huting said. "If you
want to know what the future is going to look like, look to the youth."
Data editor MaryJo Webster contributed to this report.
Jessie Van Berkel • 651-925-5044
Jessie Van Berkel writes about Minnesota government and politics at the Star Tribune. She previously
covered St. Paul City Hall and local government in the south metro. Twitter: @jessvanb
jessie.vanberkel@startribune.com jessievanb
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