HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Workshop Packet 3-02-16Falcon Heights City Council Workshop
City Hall 2077 W Larpenteur Ave. 6:30 p.m.
AGENDA
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
1)Curtiss Field Recommendations
If you have a disability and need accommodation in order to attend this
meeting, please notify City Hall 48 hours in advance between the hours of
8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at 651-792-7600. We will be happy to help.
BLANK PAGE
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
The City That Soars!
Item Curtiss Field Recommendations
Description There are a number of factors that contributed to the recommendations in front
of you. They include, but not limited to flooding issues, aging park equipment
that were also not ADA compliance, a septic tank under the playground
equipment, and updates to the Park Master Plan.
In 2015, the City hosted two Open Houses on November 9th and November 18th
and conducted an online survey for three weeks. The result of the survey is
attached.
Based on the survey results and feedback from the open houses, there are four
common themes:
1.Shelter
2.Greenspace
3.Beautify the Park
4.Amenities for all ages
Budget Impact Any enhancements to the park will have a direct impact on future budgets.
Most of the available monies have been used for demolition, electrical,
preparing the site for KaBoom and WSB’s Park Master Plan.
Attachment(s) •Survey Results
•Park Commission’s Recommendations
•Site Map
Action(s)
Requested
No formal action is requested, but staff is seeking direction for the next steps.
Meeting Date March 2, 2016
Agenda Item Workshop 1
Attachment Survey Results, Park Commission’s
Recommendations, & Site Map
Submitted By Sack Thongvanh, City Administrator
Families, Fields and Fair __________________________ Page 1 of 25
BLANK PAGE
Page 2 of 25
To: Falcon Heights City Council
Re: Parks and Recreation Commission Recommendations
Date: February 3rd, 2016
Mayor Lindstrom, Council Members –
Per Standing Rules as defined in Falcon Heights’ Administrative Manual, the Parks and
Recreation Commission “…is to serve in an advisory capacity to the city council on all policy
matters relating to public parks and facilities and recreation programs.”
In recent history, the Parks and Recreation Commission recommended updating the Parks Master
Plan in 2013 and with council’s approval, this was completed in 2014. During that process,
commissioners sought feedback from residents concerning desires in the Falcon Heights Parks
system.
However, during 2014 and 2015 the city experienced issues complicating the process, leaving
uncertainty regarding next steps. Due to ongoing flooding at Curtiss Field, the city was
approached by Capital Region Watershed District regarding the implementation of a water
storage system to alleviate flooding. The city was also a recipient of a grant which provided a
brand new playground at Curtiss Field. Ultimately, both processes included considerable
construction and eventually changed the original Parks Master Plan. As the new playground was
implemented, it changed the footprint of the Parks Master Plan; however, the Parks and
Recreation Commission decided it would be a good opportunity to build on the momentum of
the successful implementation of a new playground.
In the fall of 2015, the Parks and Recreation Commission hosted two Open Houses and an online
survey for three weeks soliciting residents’ desires for next steps at Curtiss Field. Residents were
notified of this effort via post-card mailers, city weekly e-news, and a local newspaper through
social media. The commission took the results of those surveys and Open Houses, included
findings from the 2014 Parks Master Plan, and have formed the following recommendations.
Overall Guidelines
Continue ongoing maintenance to ensure safety is a priority. From time to time the City
of Falcon Heights utilizes playground/park ‘audits’ through various organizations that
highlight areas of concern. Through different organizations, the city can understand
priorities for safety as well as identify legitimate concerns. These efforts should be
conducted at all parks.
Continue understanding ADA compliance and improve access where possible. All new
construction (including the new playground at Curtiss Field) is fully ADA compliant, but
there are many amenities within each of the parks that are non-compliant. Understanding
requirements and opportunities for improvement allows the city to set priorities when
making improvements to city parks. These priorities are for all parks.
Page 3 of 25
Priority Group A is a set of priorities that can be implemented in the near future:
Update Curtiss Field to create a more ‘complete’ feeling. This includes replacing
sidewalks connecting the park to Iowa Ave (including curbs) and reconnecting the
sidewalk system on the east side of the pond connecting the playground to Idaho Ave.
Finally, replacing access from the parking lot to the playground at Curtiss Field making
access fully ADA compliant. Staff can create estimates of cost and time for these
projects.
Residents expressed interest in maintaining green-space at Curtiss Field for general use;
additionally, they requested the replacement of the backstop near the north east corner of
the park. Staff can create an estimate of cost for replacement.
Create Landscape Plan at Curtiss Field. The Commission aggress that the City Forrester
should continue to explore ways of including more successful tree plantings to beautify
the park. Additionally, the commission would be interested in soliciting volunteers to
implement and maintain plantings throughout the park to help beautify Curtiss Field.
The Commission would like to update the Parks Master Plan after Council has decided
on priorities moving forward. While the Parks Master Plan may not serve as literal
‘blueprint’ for parks, it does serve as a guiding document to help create priorities in the
future.
Priority Group B is a set of priorities that require long-term planning:
The most recent effort to solicit desires of residents aligned with desires revealed through
the Parks Master Plan, specifically regarding the replacement of a building at Curtiss
Field. During construction in 2014 and 2015, the city discovered it was in the city’s best
interest to demolish the park building. The building would primarily serve as a place for
programming, special events, rentals, and as a warming house for skaters in the winter.
The Commission also found that if the council decides to pursue a building, plumbing is
desired. Finally, the commission recommends that considerations regarding placement of
the building include concerns of residents.
Other Considerations
The Commission received considerable feedback from residents, both positive and
negative. Other recommendations include installing a sandbox area and a splash pad if
space is available.
The use of a basketball court was the most divided response as can be viewed from the
survey results. However, as residents are most interested in green space, the commission
found that a basketball court and or permanent base would eliminate much of any
remaining green space. As basketball hoops available in the area, there isn’t an
immediate need for additional hoops at Curtiss Field. Finally, the commission continues
to recommend a safe trail system connecting parks within the city as included in the
existing Parks Master Plan.
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0
Community Feedback – Curtiss Field Updates
Introduction
After the recent installation of a new playground at Curtiss Field (1551 W Iowa Ave, Falcon
Heights, MN 55108) in June of 2015, Falcon Heights’ Parks and Recreation Commission desired
to update planning and create a recommendation to the City Council on next steps for Parks
Planning. The commission along with city staff wanted to reach out to city residents to further
understand the priorities of residents. Through Open Houses (2), surveys hosted online and in
person and through general feedback, the efforts revealed the following results.
Methodology
City Staff utilized as many communication channels as possible to promote the survey and Open
Houses. Through city mailers sent to every resident, online postings (city website, weekly e-
news emails, Facebook, and Twitter), announcing on broadcast City Council meetings, and
posters at parks/some local businesses the commission attempted to contact as many residents as
possible to participate.
Open Houses were held at Falcon Heights’ City Hall on November 9th, 2015 from 7pm – 8pm
and on November 18th from 5:30pm – 6:30pm.
For those not able to attend either of the two meetings, surveys were available online and in
person at Falcon Heights City Hall. They were available for three weeks starting Monday,
November 9th, available through Monday November 30th.
Results
Results in this packet include feedback from Open Houses and survey results.
Table of Contents
Page 1 Communications
Page 2 Survey Used
Page 6 Demographics on Survey Participants
Page 8 Survey Responses
Page 19 Feedback from Open Houses
Page 5 of 25
1
Communications
Example of mailers sent to all residents of Falcon Heights:
Example of online/email/poster used:
Page 6 of 25
2
Survey used to solicit feedback:
Falcon Heights' Parks and Recreation Commission along with City Staff want to hear the opinions
of residents for upcoming opportunities for Curtiss Field.
Falcon Heights Parks and Recreation Commission is seeking your input! Open Houses will provide an
overview of recent history of Curtiss Field and a discussion on what is desired for next steps.
Open Houses at City Hall
2077 W. Larpenteur Avenue
Monday, November 9, 2015 from 7-8pm
Wednesday, November 18, 2015 from 5:30-6:30pm
The purpose of this survey is to guide the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Staff in the
direction the residents of Falcon Heights would like to see their parks move forward. Specifically, the city
is interested in resident's opinions regarding Curtis Field building on the momentum of the recently
installed playground.
Please take the survey only once, any surveys done numerous times from the same computer will
not be counted.
*Street Address:
Email Address:
Please rate the following statements on a scale of 1-5
(5-Strongly Agree, 4-Agree, 3-Indifferent, 2-Disagree,1-Strongly Disagree)
A new park building/shelter is important for Curtiss Field:
5
4
3
2
1
Indoor plumbing within a new building is a priority instead of the use of porta-pottys:
5
4
3
2
1
Page 7 of 25
3
A basketball court is a priority at Curtiss Field:
5
4
3
2
1
A hockey rink is a priority at Curtiss Field (this includes temporary OR permanent structure including
boards and a concrete slab):
5
4
3
2
1
A pleasure rink is a priority for Curtiss Field (an open skating area with no boards):
5
4
3
2
1
Creating a permanent base that could accommodate skating and hockey in the winter as well as
basketball, tennis, pickleball and other sports in the summer is a priority at Curtiss Field:
5
4
3
2
1
Leaving remaining open space (green space) is a priority for Curtiss Field:
5
4
3
2
Page 8 of 25
4
1
Picnic space is a priority for Curtiss Field (including shelters and/or open space).:
5
4
3
2
1
Are there amenities not listed in the survey you would like to see at Curtiss Field?:
Is there any other information or opinions you have about Curtiss Field you would like to share with the
Parks and Recreation Commission and City Staff?:
Demographics help staff understand survey participation rates and determinants of influence on answers.
This section is not required, but completion is appreciated. Thank you.
Age:
Under 18 years old
19 - 25 years old
26 - 35 years old
36 - 45 years old
46 - 55 years old
56 - 65 years old
Over 65 years old
Page 9 of 25
5
How long have you been a Falcon Heights Resident?:
Less than 1 year
1 - 3 years
4 - 10 years
11 - 15 years
16 - 20 years
21 - 25 years
More than 25 years
I am not a Falcon Heights Resident
Please indicate in which neighborhood you live:
1. University Grove/1666 Coffman
2. Falcon Woods
3. Maple Court
4. Tatum, Lindig, Fairview
5. Commonwealth Terrace Cooperative
6. NW of Snelling/Larpenteur
7. SW of Snelling/Larpenteur
8. Hollywood Court
9. Falcon Heights Town Square
10. Northhome
11. NE of Snelling/Larpenteur
12. NW Cleveland/Larpenteur
13. University of Minnesota Campus
14. Minnesota State Fair
Page 10 of 25
6
Demographics of Respondents:
58 Surveys were completed and approximately two dozen residents attended Open Houses.
Map of Respondents to Survey
Page 11 of 25
7
Age of Respondents to Survey
Years as a resident of Falcon Heights via Surveys
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
Age of Respondents Age of Respondents
Under 18
19 - 25
26 - 35
36 - 45
46 - 55
56 - 65
65 +
NA
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
< 1 1 - 3 4 - 10 11 -
15
16 -
20
21 -
25
25+
Years as a Resident Years as a Resident
< 1
1 - 3
4 - 10
11 - 15
16 - 20
21 - 25
25+
Page 12 of 25
8
Survey Responses
Please rate the following statements on a scale of 1-5
(1-Strongly Disagree, 2-Disagree, 3-Indifferent, 4-Agree, 5-Strongly Agree)
0
5
10
15
20
25
1 2 3 4 5
A new park
building/shelter is
important for Curtiss
Field:
A new park
building/shelter is
important for Curtiss
Field:
1
2
3
4
5
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
1 2 3 4 5
Indoor plumbing within
a new building is a
priority instead of the
use of porta-pottys
Indoor plumbing within
a new building is a
priority instead of the
use of porta-pottys
1
2
3
4
5
Page 13 of 25
9
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
1 2 3 4 5
A basketball court is a
priority at Curtiss Field
A basketball court is a
priority at Curtiss Field
1
2
3
4
5
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
1 2 3 4 5
A hockey rink is a
priority at Curtiss Field
(this includes
temporary OR
permanent structure
including boards and a
concrete slab)
A hockey rink is a
priority at Curtiss Field
(this includes
temporary OR
permanent structure
including boards and a
concrete slab)
1
2
3
4
5
Page 14 of 25
10
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
1 2 3 4 5
A pleasure rink is a
priority for Curtiss
Field (an open skating
area with no boards)
A pleasure rink is a
priority for Curtiss
Field (an open skating
area with no boards)
1
2
3
4
5
0
5
10
15
20
25
1 2 3 4 5
Creating a permanent
base that could
accommodate skating and
hockey in the winter as
well as basketball, tennis,
pickleball and other
sports in the summer is a
priority at Curtiss Field
Creating a permanent
base that could
accommodate skating and
hockey in the winter as
well as basketball, tennis,
pickleball and other
sports in the summer is a
priority at Curtiss Field
1
2
3
4
5
Page 15 of 25
11
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
1 2 3 4 5
Leaving remaining
open space
(green space) is a
priority for Curtiss
Field
Leaving remaining
open space
(green space) is a
priority for Curtiss
Field
1
2
3
4
5
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
1 2 3 4 5
Picnic space is a
priority for Curtiss
Field (including
shelters and/or open
space)
Picnic space is a
priority for Curtiss
Field (including
shelters and/or open
space)
1
2
3
4
5
Page 16 of 25
12
Q9 - Are there amenities not listed in the survey you would like to
see at Curtiss Field?
sandbox water feature in summer Is there any other information or opinions you have about
Curtiss Field
?: I'd like to see a soccer/football field as well here.
I liked when we used the building at Curtiss for Park and Rec kids' activities. I'd like to see
(for others' kids) a way to store supplies and a sink for between activities and snacks. Big
enough for tables and chairs to be moved around for games and teaching activities.
Definitely some sort of bathroom needs to go in!
An official path from sidewalk's end on the east - at Iowa Avenue -connecting with the west
sidewalk (just past the brick utility building) would show the city is aware of pedestrian needs.
A gravel path along the north wall of that brick structure and trimming low-hanging branches
would help a lot.
The "two holers" posing as trash receptacles are REALLY an embarrassingly dumb idea.
Aesthetically pleasing landscaping, i.e. Japanese garden, or rock,tree, with pond oasis.
I would like whatever is selected to accommodate all activities (skating, basketball, football,
baseball, etc.) to the extent possible.
I think it would be nice to have a water feature such as a spout or 2 like those is a splash deck
or one that is connected to a climbing rock and/or sandbox. There are a variety of these type
features from large to small such as at Bruce Russell Park or Tamarack Nature Center to name
2. Maybe some soccer goals and a water fountain again.
The only concrete Id like to see is the sidewalk to the left/east of the retention pond/chain link
fence replaced. It is hard for strollers to get to the playground from Idaho ave - through the
muddy walk way
Native plant/pollinator demonstration gardens with structured planting style - similar to
Silverwood Park. Kid Friendly Art
A Community Garden?
Green space that had handicapped accessible paths and walkways.
More trees and better landscaping that serves as a filter and barrier to sound from Snelling
Ave.
A way to connect this to our city in a more engaging way.
More lights More signs More visibility Bring back the back stop Cameras
Page 17 of 25
13
More Lighting security cameras better signage earlier park time like 9pm.
Possible garden plots or maintained wildflower garden sections close to the gazebo & walking
paths.
Backstop for baseball/softball (sand lot type field) Soccer nets available during non-snow
season - even if it means checking them out of city hall or daily drop-off/pick-up by city staff.
A berm/buffer with trees and foliage to block Snelling Ave and provide a park feel.
Landscape throughout the park. Plants to attract birds, butterflies, etc, Improve green space
grading and turf to prevent low areas for water to pool after rain.
Re-pour sidewalk so it again circles the pond.
Add street lamps along the sidewalk for improved visibility and safety. (I like the street lamps
St. Paul uses in their neighborhoods.)
Beauty! The pond needs to look attractive, signage should be attractive, and the park should
look clean and welcoming. I strongly suggest more flowers and color.
We'd love to have the backstop back for pick up t-ball/baseball games... don't know why that
was ever removed and our son misses it.
I am not in favor of more impermeable spaces, please use the field as it is for general purpose
skating rink (over grass vs. concrete)
At least two basketball hoops one at 10ft one at 8ft for kids
Would like a drinking fountain.
Other idea, bmx/ mountain bike pump/ dirt track/ skills area....small section like there is
outside the Lebanon hills mtn bike trail. Have a few piles of dirt available and let the
neighborhood kids build jumps and stuff for their bikes
YES! 1) a fence around the playground so kids do not wander off, 2) return of the native
plants that were around the fence that is around the lake, 3) a few flower gardens in or around
the park (volunteers could agree to maintain these gardens), 4) the Shelter Building be put
where the "shade area" is and not near any neighbors' house, 5) either replace the mulch under
the toys with sand - or some other materials that the kids can dig in, and/or build that big
sandbox that was mentioned, 6) give attention to the winter skating rink (you can attend the
hockey rink too, but not to the neglect of the other rink), 7) if the decision is made to put that
"permanent base" in for a basketball court, etc. I do NOT want it to take up all the green space,
8) a shorter basketball court would be preferable to a full sized court, in my opinion, 9) I would
like to see a backstop returned to the corner of the field so kids - and other - can play a little
softball, or Tball, or catch, etc. 10) I would like the park to be able to offer summer activities
for the neighborhood kids, so the families can just walk to their local park, and 11) I love the
idea of a "splash park/pad" at the park. They are so much fun and cooling in the summer. I
think that about covers it. Thank you
Page 18 of 25
14
A fence around the playground. This is a dangerous situation for toddlers or any child that
doesn't realize the height the playground is perched on. They could fall off the "platform" that
the playground is built on. I have been amazed that this playground was left like this.
Also, we have been there when the water is oozing out from the playground area after a rain. It
is absolutely gross! We have been there when the walkway is flooded.
Playground equipment should be appropriate for older children as well as very young children.
More trees added Pathway around pond
more barrier with Snelling Ave, visual & sound
Drinking fountain Fence around playground More privacy/barriers to Snelling Paved sidewalk
from Idaho
Splash pad, filed goal posts, bigger playground, rockwall/bordering wall/little bit bigger
Page 19 of 25
15
Q10 - Is there any other information or opinions you have about
Curtiss Field you would like to share with the Parks and
Recreation Commission and City Staff?
I think a permanent base is a very poor idea. You can look down our street and see the dip in
each yard where septic tanks once were. There was just a lot of digging and disruption to
Curtiss with the addition of the culverts. There will be a lot of settling which will ruin any
permanent base that is put in. After all the money we have repeatedly paid to "fix" problems at
Curtiss-- please do not create a new one. In addition, I was not impressed with the way planned
changes to Curtiss have been communicated recently. And I strongly feel that there needs to be
a half basketball court at the very least to meet the needs of ALL our neighborhood residents.
That was heavily used.
I liked that the green space went from rink to field. The kids skated in winter and learned ball
skills during the summer from P & R staff. Don't want to just be nostalgic, but do think that's
what kids seem to like. Also would ideally see some nice native landscaping in the park.
Complete the area around the play structure with grass, sidewalks. It presents as a poorly
managed project. Creates mistrust of those supervising the work.
It's a very small playground and did not engage my 3 year old long, plus without a bathroom
we were forced to leave. Adding a sandbox or some diggers or something of that nature would
be fun for little ones.
The city must find a way for staff doing park maintenance to feel ownership in the park. As a
teen in high school I had a summer park job on the mowing crew. We had pride in our job and
in keeping parks looking GOOD. That conscientiousness seems lacking here.
Adding street names to the map below would help survey respondents identify their
neighborhood.
I would like to see an expedited, transparent timeline of completion with whatever is decided
upon.
It has been perfect as a green space. I would love for it to stay that way.
The park built tends to accommodate younger children so it would be nice the new space to
accomodate school-age and older children, which is a large demographic in the Northhome
neighborhood that abuts the park.
It is really nice to be able to fly kites, play ball, and just run around in the green space. I look
forward to the return of sidewalks and for the grass to fill in. I also hope there will be more
trees put in around the peripheral for shade areas. Thank you for planting those along Snelling
Ave.
Page 20 of 25
16
This is a small park and I would like to see the green space remain. Less concrete slab. It is a
park.
Because it's right on Snelling I don't feel like tons of green sapce is s important, same with
picnic space. I don't really want to picnic while Snelling traffic cruises by at clse to 50 MPH.
I'd rahter go to Community park for open space where it is a little quieter. I think having
Curtiss be more about amenities makes sense.
Is it true the city only owns one of the parks and the UofM can take back one with 30 days
notice?
This park is a great space for park and rec programming. Having a building, plumbing, picnic
area, and a hard surface will make it more usable. It can also be a great space for community
gatherings. It is in a sad state right now.
It would be great to see the city put up the hockey rink each year, but I'm not sure a permanent
base is needed (unless it is for structural reasons not outlined here). I'd also love to have a half-
court, at least, for basketball - but without eating too much into the green space.
Respect for the neighbors, who live close to the park.
Older children need parks too.
There should be a 9pm closing on the park. Nothing good happens there after dark. Signs
posting this would be great, also a neighborhood watch sign would be nice too. along with
more lights around the path. A permanent base would take up half the field in which kids
practice tee ball and soccer. leaving not a lot of room. Curtice Field is a great family toddler
park lets keep it that way.
I like that its a family park along with the residents. Great toddler and younger kid park. Keep
open green space for tee ball and soccer.
It would be nice to have in the near future some adult enrichment classes in the building on
weekends or family oriented exercise program on the weekends @ the park. For example,
Yoga in the park. Family-weekend- work-out.
We believe Curtiss Field should remain a well-maintained neighborhood park.
Without a dedicated P&R fund there should be careful consideration in expanding.
As the city continues to grow, having green space is a valuable refugee.
There is inadequate shade from adjacent trees in summer months. Need to plant more around
East, South, West side of small child area.
Page 21 of 25
17
would reiterate a basketball court is priority for me. However, instead of one full court, do two
half courts facing each other, maximizing space, and allowing different levels of talent to play.
This park is a visual representation of our city, it is so visible to so many people. This park
needs to look attractive.
Since this is such a small park, it might be useful to use funds for a high quality building at
Community Park.
It would be nice to have more trees planted to create a barrier between the park and Snelling
Avenue.
We don't need the Gazebo... it is a hangout for bad behavior and is never used. It looks cute,
but without proper lighting it attracts the wrong type of people. I think the city should either
support proper lighting or get rid of it.
If you do porta potties it would be nice to have some sort of wood enclosure around them or on
the sides to make them look nicer.
I think permanent bathrooms would be nice but I think they would get used for some not so
good things and or get vandalized
I would appreciate good communication between the Council, Park and Rec Committee, and
the rest of us in the neighborhood. If we express a desire for certain things - or not certain
things - and are wishes cannot be honored or accommodated, I would like to hear why, who is
making the decisions, if there is some compromise possible, etc. We need on-going reports,
please
We are really disappointed that whoever is responsible for the original project has left the area
in such an unusable mess. The ball field seems several feet lower than it was before. It has
been a mess every time it rains. The sidewalk was removed so we have to walk across the
parking area. Plus the entry was not finished. The coordination, planing and implementation
of this project was very poorly done.
Small park - in terms of amenities, less is more.
scale should be small, neighborhood type park
It would be neat if there was info there about the history of the location, how it was once an
airfield. I believe it is the birthplace of Northwest Airlines…
Overall better appearance; looks like kind of a mess these days. Maybe more trees to help with
adding shade & providing more sound/visible barrier to Snelling. I find myself driving my
young kids to other parks in the area rather than just walking down the block to CF. The quick
playground overhaul with the Vikings left a lot to be desired.
Page 22 of 25
18
away from houses
While efforts to solicit community input regarding Curtiss Field are appreciated, I am
disappointed in the survey and don't feel it can be answered in a way that provides valid and
useful information. Unfortunately that makes the survey and the process feel somewhat
disingenuous- I'm sure not the intention. The wording of the questions could be misleading.
Residents who intend to offer thoughtful input may be instead be answering without benefit of
complete information.
For example: Replacing the shelter could be nice- ONLY IF it was located on/near the original
footprint (5), NOT in any other location (1). Hockey would be desirable ONLY IF the rink was
flooded and attended as it has been for more than 50 years (5), NOT if there is a permanent
hard surface structure (1). Basketball could potentially be appropriate in the park again
ONLY IF It is in a small space with one hoop, comfortable for parent/child or a couple of
players, NOT if it is in a large permanent structure that encourages full-court games and large
groups of young adults. Porta-Potties are an unappealing eyesore for the immediate neighbors
and those using the park, as well as providing a hidden space to practice undesirable behavior
(and I personally have rarely seen families who are using the park use the porta-potties). Of
course plumbing in a building would be nice, but NOT if that requires a building that abuts a
neighborhood home. In the past, the park building was rarely open and indoor toilets/plumbing
rarely available to park patrons (outside of skating season).
This is a small neighborhood park that cannot and should not be expected to be all things. It
has served the community well in its past incarnations, with the focus being on green space,
playground for toddlers-elementary aged kids, seasonal skating, and a walking path for
strollers and seniors. There are plenty of nearby recreational resources for a "bigger" park
experience with adult activities (eg: tennis, basketball, Frisbee, pickleball, workout stations,
etc). Curtiss Field is a neighborhood/community treasure. Keep it simple.
Page 23 of 25
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Responses provided during Open Houses
Curtiss Field Open House
Feedback
Monday, Nov 9, 2015
7 p.m.
City Hall, 2077 W. Larpenteur Ave.
City of Falcon Heights
Parks & Recreation Commission
1. No concrete slab, want more green space!
2. They want their backstop back!
3. The park should be geared towards smaller kids (since local schools aren’t open to
public during school days)
4. Possibly a water feature for summer (Big like Splash Pad or Small like Bruce Russel park
feature)
5. Sandbox would be great
6. Building where it was before, not by the houses
7. Plumbing would be nice
8. Sidewalks around the pond
9. Get rid of basketball courts (keep them gone.) Those w/young kids are glad they don’t
have the bigger kids causing safety concerns for little ones running around
10. Enclose the playground in a fence again to keep the kids contained and away from pond
11. Soccer nets would be nice
12. More trees along houses
13. Sidewalk by the utility building (right now just mud and rocks)
14. Gazebo can come down
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20
Curtiss Field Open House
Feedback
Wednesday, Nov 18, 2015
5:30 p.m.
City Hall, 2077 W. Larpenteur Ave.
City of Falcon Heights
Parks & Recreation Commission
1. Would like a fence back up around the playground, to keep toddlers/young children
from leaving the area (easier for parents/grandparents to keep watch)
2. Would like a building/shelter, though not near resident homes
3. Would like a sandbox
4. Would like more effort put into the general skating rink – flat surface, more grooming,
more uniform shape, etc. Seems like most effort is put into hockey rink but pleasure
skaters need smooth/flat surface as well… and larger
5. Prefer a half-sized basketball court instead of full size
6. Would like to see the backstop returned and/or soccer goals
7. Would like the sidewalk finished (preferably ASAP!) to loop around pond and connect
with rest of sidewalks. Needed for residents with mobility issues.
8. Would like native plants/grasses around the pond to hide the ugly chain link fence
(which is needed for safety)
9. Would like to see more landscaping in the park – that is easy to maintain, salt tolerant,
etc.
10. Possibly create a volunteer gardening team/committee? to maintain park plantings
11. Create a salt barrier of some type (bushes, mound, etc.)? from Snelling Ave
12. Do NOT put up a sound barrier privacy fence. Neighbors like to be able to see inside the
park for safety
13. “Less is More”: people can bring their own portable soccer nets and things like that;
prefer open green space
14. 12 year old child asked for more swings and other stuff for bigger kids
15. For the tables and benches that are not bolted down, label them “Property of Falcon
Heights” in case they disappear. Bolt the down? Not sure as people like to move the
around.
16. Would like to see more Park and Rec programming at this park, so whatever is needed
for that (a shelter?) they’d like to see that in the Park plan
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