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 October 15, 2021 Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners: Enclosed is your packet of information for the regular Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to be held on October 19. 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. 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, October 19, 2021, 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MEETING, SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 CITY COUNCIL UPDATE: JAKE INGEBRIGTSON MANAGEMENT REPORTS a) PARKS CIP – BRIAN BACHMEIER b) PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE – JEFF KOESLING c) RECREATION UPDATE – JULIE WILLIAMS ALL OTHER ITEMS a) COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS ADJOURNMENT The next regular Parks and Recreation Commission meeting will be held November 16, 2021 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers.  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  COMMISSION MEMORANDUM To: Oakdale Park Commission From: Brian Bachmeier, Public Works Director/City Engineer Date: October 19, 2021 Subject: Draft 2022-2026 Park Capital Improvement Program Background The Oakdale City Council reviewed the Park Commissions list of project and rankings at their October 12th workshop. Initial Draft CIP Based on the results of the Park Commission member rankings, a draft CIP was presented to the council for review: 1-Oct-21 DRAFT PARK IMPROVEMENTS CIPYEAR PROJECT TOTAL PARK DESCRIPTION PROJECT COST RESERVES 2022 Walton Ballfield 5-8 Rewiring $40,000 $40,000 2022 Guthrie Park Re-roofing $12,000 $12,000 2022 Eastside Park Volley Ball Court $25,000 $25,000 2022 Eberle Park Pickleball Court $100,000 $100,000 2022 Park Improvements $177,000 $177,000 2023 Walton Skate Park Repairs $115,000 $115,000 2023 Oakdale Park Trail Repaving $360,000 $360,000 2023 Northdale Park Volley Ball Court $50,000 $50,000 2023 Park Improvements $525,000 $525,000 2024 Walton Ballfield Lighting Upgrade to LED $450,000 $450,000 2024 Guthrie Volleyball Court $25,000 $25,000 2024 Park Improvements $475,000 $475,000 2025 Tanners Park Playground Replacements $80,000 $80,000 2025 Eberle Park Parking Lot and Trail Repaving $100,000 $100,000 2025 Community Garden $10,000 $10,000 2025 Park Improvements $190,000 $190,000 2026 Tilsen Park Playground Replacement $80,000 $80,000 2026 Tanners South Parking Lot Repaving $200,000 $200,000 2026 Golfview Pickleball Court w/Lighting $150,000 $150,000 2026 Eastside Park Tennis Court Practice Wall $16,500 $16,500 2026 Park Improvements $446,500 $446,500 Finance Director Jason Zimmerman prepared and projection of the capital park fund. The projection indicates the park fund will encounter a deficit as early as 2023. The council appreciated the list and recognizes the need to provide additional funding for park projects. Over the next several months they will be evaluating funding levels and sources for park improvements identified by the commission and in anticipation of park development needs in the Willowbrooke development. To avoid any project delays, it was suggested that priority be given to projects that improve safety, benefit the most users, and preserve the park amenities. In addition the council indicated that we should advance our playground replacement program from a 30 year replacement cycle to a 25 year and start next year. They would appreciate a recommendation from the Park Commission on which playground structure should be replaced in 2022. With those objectives in mind the revised draft park CIP is as follows: 13-Oct-21 DRAFT PARK IMPROVEMENTS CIPYEAR PROJECT TOTAL OTHER PARK OTHER FUNDS DESCRIPTION PROJECT COST FUNDS RESERVES COMMENTS 2022 Walton Ballfield 5-8 Rewiring $40,000 $40,000 Explore OAA Donation 2022 Playground Replacement $80,000 $80,000 2022 Guthrie Park Re-roofing $12,000 $12,000 2022 Walton Skate Park Repairs $115,000 $115,000 2022 Park Improvements $247,000 $40,000 $207,000 2023 Oakdale Park Trail Repaving $360,000 $360,000 2022 Eberle Park Pickleball Court $100,000 $100,000 2023 Northdale Park Volley Ball Court $50,000 $50,000 2023 Park Improvements $510,000 $510,000 2024 Walton Ballfield Lighting Upgrade to LED $450,000 $450,000 2024 Guthrie Volleyball Court $25,000 $25,000 2024 Park Improvements $475,000 $475,000 2025 Tanners Park Playground Replacements $80,000 $80,000 2025 Eastside Park Volley Ball Court $25,000 $25,000 2025 Eberle Park Parking Lot and Trail Repaving $100,000 $100,000 2025 Community Garden $10,000 $10,000 2025 Park Improvements $215,000 $215,000 2026 Tilsen Park Playground Replacement $80,000 $80,000 2026 Tanners South Parking Lot Repaving $200,000 $200,000 2026 Golfview Pickleball Court w/Lighting $150,000 $150,000 2026 Eastside Park Tennis Court Practice Wall $16,500 $16,500 2026 Park Improvements $446,500 $446,500 Park Commission Action Requested The park commission should review this list and if appropriate provide a recommendation for city council consideration. The park commission should also identify which playground structure to replace in 2022. MEMORANDUM TO: Christina Volkers, City Administrator FROM: Julie Williams, Recreation Superintendent DATE: October 15, 2021 SUBJECT: Monthly Update – October 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. Farmer’s Market Re-Cap - The market wrapped up on Wednesday, October 13. It was a great season, with extended dates through mid-October, to help out the fall produce vendors and an optional half hour added to the end of the market. We were joined by a variety of food trucks this season including KCM Eggrolls, Smokn BBQ, and local favorite Taqueria Los Paisanos Mexican food truck. Apples, pumpkins and squash were a late season hit and the market was able to supply an awesome variety of treats and baked goods from Bitmad Bakery and Campsite Treats. The weather held up all season, with only a few rainy days, but the remainder were extremely hot and sunny. We look forward to keeping the extended dates next season into October, which was a big hit. 2. MEA with Kidcreate Program – The department has partnered with Heartwood Church to provide a reduced cost art program and lunch through Kidcreate during the MEA break. 3. Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt – Our annual Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt will take place on Thursday, October 28 from 7 to 8:30 PM at the Discovery Center. Kids will hunt for pumpkins along the luminary lit trails of the Oakdale Nature Preserve. Halloween balloon twisting, a dance party, ghoulish games, pumpkin decorating, spooky treats, glow necklaces and a bonfire are all part of the fun event this year. 4. Pumpkin Carving Contest – The department is again hosting a pumpkin carving contest, open to all ages and skill levels. The pumpkins will be displayed during our Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt where the attendees will vote on the winners. Prizes will be awarded in three categories: Best, Spookiest, and Bumpkin Pumpkin (carvers 12 and under). You do not need to be registered for the Pumpkin Hunt to participate. Pumpkins will be accepted at the Discovery Center Oct 24 through October 27. 5. Artist of the Month – Jeanne Dziuk and Terri Hibbard are friends passionate about nature with a returning display of locally photographed wildlife. Terri focuses on birds; a Bald Eagle in flight, Pileated Woodpeckers visiting their nest, perched Chickadees, and fluffy owlets. You will find a raccoon peeking out of a hole in a tree, dancing swans, and a coneflower with a bird clasping its stem among Jeanne’s artwork. All photos on display are tastefully framed in barn wood or materials that complement the photo within. This display is a community favorite, taking rare sightings of wildlife found in the Oakdale Nature Preserve and locally, and making them viewable in the gallery. 6. Art Discovery Fair - The annual Oakdale Art Discovery Fair returns on Saturday, November 20, from 10 AM to 3 PM. The event has been pushed a little later in November this year, to get the local artists and holiday shoppers closer together in the shopping timeline. Shoppers will engage with the creators themselves to connect with a unique gift. There will be live music 10 AM to 12 PM by the 2 Sisters. So far, 18 artists have applied, with only a few booth spaces still open. 7. Indoor Market – The first Indoor Market of the season will be held Saturday, November 13 from 9 to 1 PM at the Discovery Center. Three markets will be held (Nov 13, 27, Dec 11) before the holiday season wraps up, so this will be a great opportunity to shop for local gifts and treats. The market will include favorite local vendors Bitmad Bakery, Cincotta Family Farms, Ruhland’s Strudels, and much more. Non-food vendors will include Usborne Books, Soy Wicks & Sticks, and Jan’s Sweatshirts & Knits. We look forward to inviting back all vendors from last season and adding new participants as well. 2022 dates include January 8, 22, February 5, 19, March 5, and 19. 8. Rink Attendants – The department is currently taking applications for Ice Rink Attendants. The season will run December through February (weather permitting). Apply by November 8.