Parks & Recreation Commission
Regular MeetingOakdale, MN · April 19, 2022
Minutes
REGULAR MEETING
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
City of Oakdale
April 19, 2022
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the Oakdale Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, April 19,
2022, 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: Glen Giacoletto
Commissioners: Jan Cunningham
Mark Giannini
Freddie Jiles
Steve Meyer
Also Present: Jim Romanik, Public Works Manager
Jeff Koesling, Parks Superintendent
Julie Williams, Recreation Superintendent
Jake Ingebrigtson, City Council
Quorum Present: YES ☒ NO ☐
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Meeting Minutes, March 15, 2022
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER GIANNINI, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
CUNNINGHAM TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING OF MARCH 15, 2022 AS PRESENTED.
6 AYES 0 NAYS
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN UPDATE – Jim Romanik
Walton Ballfield 5 through 8 Rewiring - A contract has been signed with Short Elliott Hendrickson
Inc. (SEH). SEH will determine the scope of the project and should submit a design by May 13. There
are no plans in place for the previous wiring, and a wiring plan will be in place going forward.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
APRIL 19, 2022
Page 2
Guthrie Park Shelter Reroofing – One bid has been received. Contractors have been behind and
busy with projects. Mr. Romanik is hoping a second contractor will submit a bid in the next week or
so to continue forward.
Walton Skate Park – A contract has been signed with American Ramp Company to reseal and caulk
the ramps before or after Summerfest. The parks crew will do temporary repairs on structures for
safety until American Ramp arrives to complete the project. The ramps will look brand new. The slab
is in pretty good shape and will have minor cracks patched. Skaters are out enjoying the park
tonight.
PARKS UPDATE– Jeff Koesling
Field Maintenance – The weather has been an issue with rain tomorrow, and 50 to 70 degree
temperatures for a few days will be followed by lows in the high 20s next week. Crews hope to get
on the fields early next week if possible. Teams want to play and adult leagues are looking to start
on May 1. A Toolcat sunk eight inches on the infield; fields won’t hold a tractor with the drag. It is
frustrating that the ground in some areas is frozen solid.
RECREATION UPDATE – Julie Williams
Early Summer Newsletter – The early summer newsletter is now available online with summer
program registration beginning Thursday, April 28. The full summer newsletter will be mailed to
residents mid to late May.
Mystery Egg Hunt – The past Saturday was a success with over 200 kids plus their parents and
grandparents all bundled up in the chilly weather. Thanks to sponsors Keller Williams Realty Larry
and Vickey Eberhard for providing donuts and doing a raffle for two new bikes.
Best Snow Sculpture of Oakdale Contest – It was hard to choose from the nine participants who
submitted creative entries. The winner was the Koenig family with a large glowing castle you could
crawl through.
Community Walk – 160 participants have signed up in the first two weeks for the walk season
underway. The number is lower than normal and may be due to the colder weather. Warmer
temperatures will likely bring out more walkers.
Park Clean Up Week – Oakdale Recreation will provide trash bags and thank you gifts for volunteers
the week of April 25. Call 651-747-3860 to choose a park to clean.
Junior Master Gardeners – The annual program is taught by a Master Gardener and is full this year
with 30 registered kids.
Pickleball Courts – Courts opened for the season in March. Both May and June Pickleball Adult
Lessons have filled with 20 players in each session.
Warming House Report – Ice Rink Coordinator Nathan Timmons reported that the two portable
warming houses were successful. There were lots of skaters at Eastside Park.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
APRIL 19, 2022
Page 3
Commissioner Cunningham asked if there will be temporary warming houses next year.
Superintendent Koesling predicted there will be, if the Commission recommends it, and decision is
passed by the Council. They worked phenomenally, numbers were up, and it was a great year for
ice once it was established after Christmas.
Chair Lockhart added that the City is not in the stage of building permanent warming houses.
COUNCIL UPDATE – Jake Ingebrigtson
Walton Field Use – Councilmember Ingebrigtson asked Superintendent Koesling about the
reasoning this year that the youth travelling baseball team doesn’t get to use fields at Walton Park
when they did last year.
Mr. Koesling informed that last fall, City Administrator Chris Volkers told Oakdale Adult Softball
Association Organizer Curt Russell to fill up as many nights as possible because the numbers were
down. Thursday nights were originally used by senior girls, who since disbanded. After Covid-19, the
numbers were down and there were open nights. This year, the numbers are way up and there are
not open nights.
Chair Lockhart added that the Oakdale Athletic Association (OAA) is also fielding a lot of parent
questions. The answer they are given is that the field use is purposed for adult play, and if there are
open nights, they try to get OAA in there.
Councilmember Ingebrigtson hopes that the development of Willowbrooke may offer opportunities
for new fields in its parks.
Mr. Koesling updated that he met with the developer last week. Willowbrooke will have a commons
area and two smaller park areas. Willowbrooke will not hold a four field complex. The park areas
are small and may not even hold one field. The park planning process will have three phases. One
park will be planned at a time in consideration of funding, and there is a desire to involve
surrounding residents in the planning process.
Chair Lockhart also heard that open/common parks would be planned, versus field parks.
Councilmember Ingebrigtson noted that as Oakdale develops its remaining land, the focus of park
planning will be improvements to the parks we have.
Mr. Koesling informed Commissioner Cunningham that a pickleball court is possible in
Willowbrooke.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Park Tours – Mr. Lockhart will email suggested dates for the Commission to tour three parks. Parks
will be selected based on playground age. Some older playgrounds were installed in 1995. The last
park tour was in the fall.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
APRIL 19, 2022
Page 4
Commissioner Meyer asked Superintendent Williams if the neighbors could be informed of the park
tour, so that they have the opportunity to visit the park and share their comments.
Commissioner Cunningham recalled being approached by residents with good feedback on past
tours.
Tree Board – Vice Chair Giacoletto informed that the April 30 Arbor Day Tree Giveaway has an online
registration for the available trees. The event will be held rain, shine, or snow.
Wellness 50+ - Commissioner Cunningham shared that on Wednesday, May 11, Fitness Instructor
Susan Weum will teach how to use the Oakdale Nature Preserve Exercise Stations at her class
Fitness Fun in the Park. Registration is at www.oakdalefun.com or 651-747-3860. There will also
be a $20 Bike Maintenance Class at the Discovery Center on Monday, April 25 at 10 AM. To sign
up, visit the Wellness 50+ Twin Cities Meetup page. The class will be taught by Kerri Kolstad from
Wahoo Adventures, and include a bike ride to Gateway Cycle if it isn’t raining.
ADJOURNMENT
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER MEYER, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GIANNINI TO
ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION, DATED APRIL
19, 2022, AT 7:21 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
April 15, 2022
Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners:
Enclosed is your packet of information for the regular Parks and Recreation Commission meeting
to be held on April 19. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in the Oakdale City Hall Council Chambers,
1584 Hadley Avenue.
Jim Romanik, Public Works Manager will update the commission on the rewiring of the Walton
Ballfields, Skateboard Park, and Guthrie Park shelter re-roofing project. Finally, the commissioners
will 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
REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 19, 2022
7:00 PM
Oakdale City Council Chambers
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. March 15, 2022
5. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REVIEW
a. OLD BUSINESS
i. Walton Ballfield 5 – 8 Rewiring Update, Romanik/Koesling*
ii. Guthrie Shelter Update*
iii. Walton Skateboard Park Update*
b. NEW BUSINESS
6. OTHER
a. Council Liaison Update(s), Koesling/Williams
b. Commissioners Comments
c. City Council Update, Ingebrigtson*
7. ADJOURNMENT
*Items marked with an asterisk have no accompanying materials
The next regular Parks and Recreation Commission meeting will be held May 17, 2022
REGULAR MEETING
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
City of Oakdale
March 15, 2022
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the Oakdale Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, March
15, 2022, 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: Glen Giacoletto
Commissioners: Jan Cunningham
Mark Giannini
Steve Meyer
Also Present: Jim Romanik, Public Works Manager
Jeff Koesling, Parks Superintendent
Julie Williams, Recreation Superintendent
Absent: Freddie Jiles, Commission Member
Jake Ingebrigtson, City Council
Quorum Present: YES ☒ NO ☐
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Meeting Minutes, February 15, 2022
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER CUNNINGHAM, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
GIANNINI TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR
MEETING OF FEBRUARY 15, 2022 AS PRESENTED.
5 AYES 0 NAYS
VOTE CHAIR/VICE CHAIR – Chair Lockhart
Chair Lockhart opened nominations for chair. He nominated Commissioner Meyer.
Commissioner Meyer nominated Chair Lockhart to continue as chair.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MARCH 15, 2022
Page 2
Chair Lockhart closed nominations and the commissioners cast their ballots.
Superintendent Williams tallied the votes. Three to two, Chair Lockhart won.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER MEYER, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GIACOLETTO TO
APPROVE CHAIR LOCKHART TO CONTINUE HIS ROLE AS CHAIR.
5 AYES 0 NAYS
Chair Lockhart opened nominations for vice chair. He nominated Commissioner Meyer.
Commissioner Cunningham nominated Commissioner Giacoletto.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER MEYER, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GIANNINI TO
CLOSE NOMINATIONS.
5 AYES 0 NAYS
Superintendent Williams tallied the votes. Three to two, Commissioner Giacoletto won.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER MEYER, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CUNNINGHAM
TO APPROVE COMMISSIONER GIACOLETTO AS VICE CHAIR.
5 AYES 0 NAYS
WALTON BALLFIELD 5 THROUGH 8 REWIRING – Jim Romanik
Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc. (SEH) will be partnering to help develop a project plan with Mr.
Koesling and Mr. Romanik. Based on estimates, the project will be tight within the $40,000 budget
due to price increases across the board with construction and labor. The best results will consider
cost and Oakdale Athletic Association (OAA) as the end user of the ballfield outlets. SEH will assist
with design, coordination, and bidding with contractors. There are options in how to bury the conduit;
direct bore or open trench bury. There will be less disruption to the season’s ball players if we bore
the line. The original plan was burying more wire than necessary along the perimeter, and SEH has
proposed a cost savings plan that Mr. Romanik is pretty confident will fall within the budget. We are
awaiting a cost of service proposal to move forward.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN UPDATE – Jim Romanik
2022 Projects – Updates will be forthcoming for the Guthrie Shelter Reroofing and Walton Skate
Park Repair Projects now that spring snow melt will allow the opportunity to meet with contractors
and develop plans.
Chair Lockhart asked how long the skate park will be down.
Mr. Koesling predicted repairing the skate park would take a couple weeks.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MARCH 15, 2022
Page 3
Manager Romanik recalled the last action on the project was made by Director Brian Bachmeier,
who had contacted American Ramp about resurfacing ramps. Superintendent Koesling
recommends more repairs, and the next step will be to reach out to American Ramp again for
recommendations.
Chair Lockhart confirmed that the skate park’s repairs have an $115,000 budget.
PLAYGROUND REPLACEMENT RECOMMENDATION – Jim Romanik
Manager Romanik explained that vintage 1995 to 1998 playground parts are increasingly difficult
to find and more costly to repair or replace. A slide section at Eberle Park was damaged by fire due
to vandalism, and without the option to replace the older piece, a whole new slide was an expensive
purchase. Council is seeking a recommendation for a playground to be replaced when funding
becomes available.
Referring to a list of the Oakdale park system’s playground installation dates, Superintendent
Koesling suggested Tanners or Eberle for playground replacement. Tanners Park has high use with
its beach and summer rentals. While Tilsen has an older playground, it is not a high volume use
park.
Chair Lockhart agreed with Tanners and Eberle as the top contenders, considering Northdale too
for its high use. He suggested starting with the oldest playground and working that way through the
list.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER CUNNINGHAM, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
GIANNINI TO RECOMMEND THE TANNERS PARK PLAYGROUND FOR REPLACEMENT.
5 AYES 0 NAYS
Commissioner Cunningham commented that because Eberle is slated in the Capital Improvement
Program for resurfacing and a location considered for a court addition, that it may be possible to
save costs by combining projects, dependent on the timing of the budget.
Chair Lockhart found Eberle on the Capital Improvement Plan for 2023. Adding a playground set is
a different project category from improvements that include resurfacing. The possibility of adding a
volleyball or pickleball court at Eberle has not been decided.
Mr. Romanik agreed with Commissioner Cunningham that there may be some benefit to timing a
playground replacement with a volleyball or pickleball project, by being able to save time and costs
with landscaping and restoration.
Commissioner Meyer filled Mr. Koesling in, following his extended work absence, on planning for
the addition of pickleball and volleyball courts to Oakdale’s park system by referencing Director
Bachmeier’s report on tentative park locations, with maps sizing the courts within available park
spaces.
Commissioner Cunningham showed that report to Mr. Koesling.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MARCH 15, 2022
Page 4
PARKS UPDATE– Jeff Koesling
Ice Rinks and Warming Houses – Using the trailers as temporary warming houses was successful,
with rink use going up this year. Recreation Coordinator Nathan Timmons has created a rink report
for the season that will be shared at next month’s meeting. When surface conditions dry up, the
semi will pull the trailers out. There is no extra cost on waiting for the removal, as the price paid was
for the season.
Chair Lockhart cautioned warmer weather may bring out vandals who may target the trailers.
Summer Seasonal Public Works Staff – Public Works is in the process of hiring for their six seasonal
staff positions for those ages 18 and up. Applications are being taken and one has been received.
There is one seasonal returning from last year. Streets takes one seasonal, and so does Forestry.
RECREATION UPDATE – Julie Williams
Indoor Market – The 2 Sisters will perform live music to wrap up the last Indoor Market this
Saturday. It has been a good year, ending the season with approximately 18 vendors. Nathan
Timmons does a great job coordinating the markets, and will now start to focus on the Farmers
Market.
Warming Houses – The rinks are now closed for the season. Public Works did a great job
maintaining the rinks and quickly clearing the ice after snow events.
Artist of the Month – Shelita Kelly will be displaying mid-March through April.
Best Snow Sculpture of Oakdale Contest – Seven entries have been received for the “Snow Castle”
theme contest running through March 31. The snow is melting quick! The winner will receive a $100
Target Gift Card.
Maple Syrup – The annual activity will be held Sunday, March 20 from 1 to 3 PM at the Discovery
Center. The full class of 35 participants will learn how maple syrup is made and how to tap trees.
Indoor Garage Sale – Signs and advertising will begin this week for the Indoor Garage Sale taking
place Saturday, March 26 from 9 AM to 1 PM. Typically 400 to 500 shoppers attend. The event
booths, two tables per booth, are full with 23 sellers.
Superintendent Williams informed Commissioner Cunningham that there will also be an Oakdale
Citywide Garage Sale this year. The city wide event is now organized by the Oakdale Area Chamber
of Commerce.
Mystery Egg Hunt – The big spring event will take place on Saturday, April 16 from 9 to 11 AM. A
maximum of 200 kids and their families hunt for eggs, play games, and make crafts. There are also
face painters, a petting zoo, and prize drawings. Thanks to Larry and Vicki Eberhard of Keller
Williams Realty who will be returning to provide donuts and raffle two kids bikes.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MARCH 15, 2022
Page 5
Summer Program Instructors – Applications are being taken through the end of March, with
interviews held in April. Pay starts at $14 an hour. Only a couple applications have been received.
Special Early Addition of the Summer Newsletter – Summer registration begins April 28. The early
newsletter will be available early April, online only.
Community Walk – The community walk begins April 1. The 2022 end of season rewards have been
changed to the following tiers: maximum reward is a $25 gift card for 150 miles walked, 100 miles
walked will receive a $10 gift card and t-shirt, and 25 miles walked will receive a $5 gift card.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Wellness 50+ - Commissioner Cunningham announced a new Meetup website for Wellness 50+
events. View and register for events in Oakdale and Washington County by visiting
www.meetup.com/Wellness50-TwinCities/.
Annual Arbor Day Tree Giveaway – Vice Chair Giacoletto attended the Tree Board’s quarterly
meeting two hours ago. Details were determined for the tree giveaway, taking place Saturday, April
30 between 9:30 and 11:30 AM. Tree choices include three deciduous and one evergreen; Blue
Beech, Common Hackberry, Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry, and Medora Juniper. City Forester
Loren Cota felt online registration should open tomorrow. The drive up aspect worked great last
year and will continue this year.
ADJOURNMENT
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER MEYER, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CUNNINGHAM
TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION, DATED
MARCH 15, 2022, AT 7:27 PM.
5 AYES 0 NAYS
Respectfully submitted,
Laura Linzmeyer
MEMORANDUM
TO: Christina Volkers, City Administrator
FROM: Julie Williams, Recreation Superintendent
DATE: April 15, 2022
SUBJECT: April 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. Summer Programs – Our early summer program guide is now available online. The full
summer newsletter will be mailed to residents mid to late May. Summer program registrations
will begin on Thursday, April 28.
2. Mystery Egg Hunt - Our annual Mystery Egg Hunt will be held on Saturday, April 16. Always
one of our most popular events of the year, 200 kids will search the grounds of the Oakdale
Nature Preserve for hidden eggs. Larry and Vickey Eberhard of Keller Williams Realty will again
provide donuts and raffle off two bikes.
3. Best Snow Sculpture of Oakdale Contest – We received 9 creative “Castle” entries this winter.
It was truly difficult picking just one winner after receiving photos and videos showing off the
spectacular castles. Congratulations to the Koenig family for submitting the winning snow
sculpture, a large glowing castle that you could even crawl through! Thank you to everyone
who participated.
4. Community Walk - The popular Community Walk is underway! Over 150 participants have
already signed up through the first two weeks of the program.
5. Park Clean Up – The annual Park-Clean Up is scheduled for the week of April 25. We currently
have a number of volunteers signed up to clean a variety of parks throughout the city. Trash
bags are provided and each participant will receive a thank you gift. Thank you to all
volunteers!
6. Junior Master Gardeners - Our annual Jr. Master Gardener class will be held on Sunday, April
24. Participants will stop by Discovery Center to decorate pots and plant seeds of their choice.
The event is full!
7. Pickleball - The Pickleball courts opened for the season in late March. Lessons will begin on
May 3 and are currently full. We do have a couple of openings for the second session
beginning in June.
Best Snow Sculpture Award Winner
The Koenig Family
2022 Winter Warming House/Ice Rink Report
No holiday break skating this year. Rinks did not open to public skating until the beginning of
January, with all four rinks open by January 7th.
No accident or incident reports filed this season!
Walton Hockey rink was the final rink to close for the season, on March 4th. The three other
rinks all closed on March 1st. It is hard to compete with the March sunshine.
Rink attendants and skaters loved the new trailer warming houses at Walton and Eastside. They
were comfortable, bright, spacious and warm, and the rink attendants appreciated having such
nice conditions for working.
Out of the three hockey rinks, Eastside Park was skated the most this season with over 565
skaters. Walton Pleasure rink recorded the same amount of skaters as Eastside.
Northdale Rink was used the least of the four rinks, recording over 230 skaters this season
compared to over 500 two years ago. This could have to do with the upgraded ice conditions at
Walton Hockey.
Very few storms and bad weather this season, keeping the rinks open for continues
weeks without storm or weather closures and resets. Public Works typically could clear
rinks by the next day after a snow event.
Road Signs stating “Ice Rink Here” with arrows were placed at the rinks! Great feedback
was received from new skaters, some saying that they never even knew the rinks were
there.
Summary
Total Days of Open Ice: 51 out of 54 days of season
Dates: January 3rd through March 4th (Walton Pleasure opened first, Walton Hockey last to close)
Number of Staff: 10 rink attendants throughout season- three went back to college after January
Total Hours Warming House were open: 929 total hours warming houses opened
Total Number of Skaters: 1784 total skaters
Walton Pleasure Rink
Days Open: 54 (Opened January 3 and closed Tuesday, March 1)
Days Closed: 3 (Jan 23, Feb 6, 22)
Last Full Season (2020): 49 Days Open, 16 Days Closed
Total Skaters: 566 recorded skaters (414 skaters last season)
Total Hours Opened: 262 hours recorded (232 hours recorded last season)
Walton Hockey Rink
Days Open: 53 (Opened January 7 and closed Saturday, March 5)
Days Closed: 4 (Jan 23, Feb 6, 21, 22)
Last Full Season (2019): 18 Days Opened, 17 Days Closed
Total Skaters: 417 skaters recorded (106 skaters recorded in 2019)
Total Hours Opened: 236 hours recorded (91 hours open in 2019)
Northdale Hockey Rink
Days Open: 50 (Opened January 7 and closed Tuesday, March 1)
Days Closed: 4 (Jan 23, Feb 6, 21, 22)
Last Season (2020): 45 Days Open, 13 Days Closed
Total Skaters: 236 Skaters recorded (491 skaters last season)
Total Hours Opened: 215 hours recorded (203 hours last season)
Eastside Hockey Rink
Days Open: 50 (Opened January 7 and closed Tuesday, March 1)
Days Closed: 4 (Jan 23, Feb 6, 21, 22)
Last Season: No Warming House
Total Skaters: 565 skaters recorded
Total Hours Opened: 215 Hours recorded
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