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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRCAgenda_95Apr19i PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Wednesday, April 19 7:00 p.m. CITY HALL AGENDA A. CALL TO ORDER: B. ROLL CALL: Benson - Schugel -Nicholson _ Schaefer -Weisberg _ Wickhem _ Kriegler _ Hustad C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND MINUTES OF: February 15, 1995 D. REPORTS, REQUESTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: D-1. Community Playroom Program Update D-2. Falcon Heights School Site Improvement Project Update D-3. 1995 Summer Recreation Program D-4 Commission Meeting Time ADJOI:IRNMENT Meeting Date: 4/19/95 Agenda Item: D-1 CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION ITEM DESCRIPTION: Community Playroom Program Update SUBMITTED BY: Carol Kriegler, Parks and Recreation Director REVIEWED BY: EXPLANATION / SUMMARY: The Community Playroom opened it's doors for use on February 6th. Since then, the playroom has maintained operating hours on Monday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to noon, Tuesday evenings from 6:00 to 8:OOp.m., and Thursday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Attached is a record of session attendance as well as the corresponding revenues. In attempt to determine how well the Community Playroom is functioning and how it might yet be improved, a survey was sent to the homes of all families who have visited the playroom either at the open house or during a regular session. A copy of the survey results is attached. A playroom Round Table discussion is scheduled for Monday evening, April l~ at Falcon Heights United Church of Christ. The purpose of this meeting is to again gain user input and suggestions as well as to explore volunteer opportunities and ideas for community participation. Carol Kriegler will give a brief report on the general well-being of the program, survey results, round table discussion, and improvements yet planned for this spring. PLAYROOM ATTENDANCE Date Dav Attendance Fees Recd 2/6 Mon. 17 520.50 2/7 Tues. 4 8.50 2/9 Thurs. 10 18.00 2/13 Mon. 7 7.50 2/14 Tues. 6 11.00 2/16 Thurs. 6 3.50 2/20 Mon. 18 29.50 2/21 Tues. 7 13.50 2/23 Thurs. 22 38.50 2/27 Mon. 13 20.00 2/28 Tues. 6 8.50 3/2 Thurs. 6 8.50 3/6 Mon. 6 7.50 3/7 Tues. 8 13.50 3/9 Thurs. 6 11.00 3/13 Mon. 10 11.00 3/14 Tues. 2 3.50 3/16 Thurs. 8 10.00 3/20 Mon. 9 13.50 3/21 Tues. 14 18.50 Card Fee Recd 547.50 20.00 20.00 27.50 Page 2 Playroom Attendance Date Dav 3/23 3/27 3/28 3/30 4/3 5/4 5/7 Thurs. Mon. Tues. Thurs. Mon. Tues. Thurs. Attendance 9 14 7 13 18 6 7 Fees Recd 18.50 25.00 8.50 26.00 32.50 8.50 13.00 Card Few 520.00 FALCON HEIGHTS PLAYROOM SURVEY Thank you for your recent visit to Falcon Heights' playroom. It would be greatl appreciated if you would take a few minutes and complete the followin y This survey is being conducted in an attempt to better serve our gplayroom participants. A stamped, self-addressed envelope is enclosed for your convenience. Thank you. 1. Like other city recreation programs, the playroom is intended to be financially self-supporting. That is, user fees need to cover associated program operating costs. Currently, a visit to the playroom costs $2.50 a tot or $3.50 per family. Multiple visit cards are available at a cost of S20 for 10 tot visits or $27.50 per family. Do you consider a visit to the playroom to be appropriately priced? 32 ^ Yes 19 ^ No -The .50 is a hassle. Even $2 would be fine. This is not Discovery Zone. - yes, with the card - for families, yes; I was charged $5 for 2 daycare kids plus my own child. I can't afford S5 very often - for a program that's just starting up, yes; I hope to see a decrease in the future 2. Does the current fee affect the frequency at which you choose to visit the playroom? 23 ^ Yes 27 ^ No -yes, also some neighbors do not come because fee is a little high 3. What fee would you recommend be set for a playroom visit? 20 ^ No change, $2.50/tot 12 ^ $1 /tot 8 ^ S 1.50/tot 7 ^ $2.00/tot - 52.00 tot/family (same) - Roseville library has some toys and videos, free. - $2.00 would be nice but it's still cheaper than commercial places - prefer $1.00 but could go with S 1.50 and 52/50/family - $1 or less. How does the city finance maintenance of public parks? Can playroom be free? 4. Currently the playroom's hours of operation are as follows: 9:00 A.M. -Noon, Mondays & Thursdays 6:00 P.M. - 7:45 P.M., Tuesdays Does the current schedule provide you with ample opportunity to visit the playroom? 30 O Yes 19 ^ No -Monday or Wed. evenings would also be convenient - never there before 9:30 - would like Tues. a.m. rather than Mon. a.m. - I work full time, so I would like more p.m. scheduled - adequate, not ample - one more morning What additional hours, if any, might you suggest? - more evening hours - add Wed. a.m., delete p.m. Do people use the evening hours? I would think most would need daytime. - possible Sat. a.m. - I just happen to have problems with Mon. and Thurs. mornings - an afternoon maybe - more mornings - Thurs. eve., additional morning session - 9:00 -Noon on Wed. - Wed or Fri. a.m. - add an afternoon - Sat. a.m. - afternoon 12:30-2:30 - Sat., Sun. mornings or 1 more evening - another evening - both work, would appreciate more evening hours - afternoon time for 4-5 + yr, olds - Sat. a.m.? - 2 or 3 evenings (in summer and if it's raining, it would be wonderful) - Sat. a.m., other evening hours 5• Would a later weekday opening (9:30 A.M.) cause you any inconvenience or make the program any less appealing? 4 ^ Yes 45 ^ No -most parents of young children have difficulty getting anyplace before 9:30 and 2 1 /2 hrs, is a long enough session - it would be better for me as I have 2 kids to get ready - due to toddlers lunch and nap schedules, you can't stay open much past noon - so this would reduce time its open. With 3 hour span, more people can come if visits are staggered. - yes, I like to start my day early 6. Are there any special programs or activities that you would like to see offered through the playroom? (i.e. art and craft activities; movement classes) If so, what? - all or any of above - yes to movement, also music - no arts & crafts, most too young - arts & crafts would be fun for my almost 5 yr. old - craft activities for preschool/prekindergarten - simple crafts/art materials are nice for socializing medium; water/sand table conducive to conversation; movement classes - have music in background. Coloring books/crayons - expose to various art materials, not making identical projects - art activities or some organized games - an art activity during each session would be nice - arts and crafts sounds fabulous - arts & crafts and movement classes sound good - some adult led movement or music activities and occasional art activities would be nice - an area for older children to do art activities (maybe outside toy room?) - movement exercise for 10 minutes; story being read to the group or fingerplay. - activities or games that invite children to play with each other; i.e. building a community tower, "ring-around-the-rosy", making mural; an occasional "theme party" - small motor -coloring/paint, etc. - art, books, reading - music - something like gym class in school. Different sports every week, etc. - puppet story time - art & craft project 1 morning a week - story time; short games; dances for the older children - arts and crafts, dance, movement, storytime - movement classes sound fascinating - good examples, mats for tumbling, rhythm instruments - arts & crafts, movement classes 7. What qualities or features do you like about the playroom? - large climbing/slide gym - large variety of new, attractive "toys" & facilities - friendly, courteous attendant - safe, small, friendly - kitchen, puppet show, ball tent - lots of fun things for toddlers, chance to chat and meet other parents - play equipment for toddlers - easy access, new & clean environment; bright, colorful toys; close bathrooms, changing table - trampoline, puppets, tent w/balls, book corner but need more than one chair there - meeting other parents; nice equipment; contained space; good variety of activities; focus on larger items, not the same toys everyone has at home - nice selection of toys and equipment - variety of toys and activities - nice variety of toys for all ages - toys are great but not alot for older ones -seem to be more for young toddler - safe equipment, pleasant atmosphere - safe area to play in -variety of toys and space between them - bright color of toys; music playing softly in background; new carpet - love the diaper changing area. Also the bulletin board and the opportunity to post ads or information. Like the kitchen area with menus and play food as it encourages creative play. Stationary "walkers" are nice for those with very young children. Room is bright and appealing. Also nice to have a bathroom right in the room. - great toys, clean, safe - size, equipment - all equipment is for toddlers, no big kids, small group size, clean and bright, happy atmosphere -great opportunity to meet families in neighborhood - community conversation with other parents/children; nice play equipment and toys; safe caring atmosphere - variety of toys - ball tent -carefully monitored; slides - climbing toys that are too big to have in your home - wide variety of activities for the kids; clean, neat and well supervised; bright and cheerful - variety of toys - the toys and supplies are numerous, well-balanced and accommodate ample age-ranges. My compliments to the apparently educated and experienced people who selected them. Good work!! - great kitchen play area - gross motor equipment, toys for active 3 yr. olds - location is close to home and in a church, neighborhood feeling - relaxed atmosphere, child initiated activities - convenient, affordable, low-key 8. How might the playroom be improved? - more activity opportunities for 3-5 yr. olds - supervised group activities for "older" age groups (3 yr. old) - another/more of above - somewhere out of reach of kids to plug in radio/tape player - a few more things/activities for preschoolers - it's wonderful the way it is -not large enough for wagon; remove cribs if not used - Nice for under 3 yr. olds; not much for 4-5 yr. olds - Playroom staff should be easily identifiable; staff should enforce policies like no food and one person at a time on the tramp. Staff needs to be consistent with these policies. Some items may present choking hazards for kids under 3. Small plastic utensils (spoons, forks) and the black wheels from the Krinkle Blocks can be very dangerous. If budget is such, can some different equipment be rotated in every so often to keep things fresh and interesting? - adequate space for kids to do an art activity - can be crowded, more space would be nice - I do daycare so I bring 3-4 children. The cost was a real problem. I understood that the $3.50 cost does not apply if they are daycare children. Cost is too much. -add simple puzzles, more fine motor activities such as duplos and a sensory table - very nice for kids 12-14 mos. Need more for 3 and 4 yr olds. as they get bored fairly quickly - art projects available (easel painting, etc.) - more larger plastic Food in House play area; more soft balls, cloth; posters on walls -ABC or 123, Sesame St. or Barney - Rotate toys. I'd like to be able to have a cup of coffee in the room while I watch my children - with only 14 children allowed at one time, my biggest fear is to get there and it would be full! How about paying in advance for certain sessions and know there's room? - have you considered charging a higher fee for non-residents? Other community centers do. - larger space - more room, not that it's too crowded. - set up to give toddlers a wide variety of activities. Preschoolers could use large building toys - playroom too small for amount of equipment -need more space; expand it to include outdoor activities in the summer - fix the room next door for pre-schoolers 3-4 - the tramp seems dangerous to me -bigger space! - more space would be good but I'm guessing that a pretty scarce resource! 9. The playroom is staffed by paid attendants whose responsibilities include serving as program host, being of general assistance to users and enforcing program policies. Attendants are welcome to bring along their own children free of charge. Would you be interested in being a part of a small staff (4-5) that would be scheduled to cover operating hours? 6 ^ Yes 32 ^ No 9 ^ Maybe - yes if hours can coordinate with morning kindergarten - yes, would consider - yes, would consider - maybe in fall of '95 -yes Thank you very much for your assistance. OTHER COMMENTS: Thank you for making this happen! Please return the survey by March 22nd. Thanks for asking for our input! Are there other ways (besides staffing) that people can help? Publicity, book donations, casette tapes, whatever. Let us know via the bulletin board. Thanks again for getting this going. Meeting Date: 4/19/95 Agenda Item: D-2 CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION ITEM DESCRIPTION: Falcon Heights School Site Improvement Project Update SUBMITTED BY: Carol Kriegler, Parks and Recreation Director REVIEWED BY: EXPLANATION / SUMMARY: At the Falcon Heights School Site Improvement Committee's last meeting (Feb. 6), a consensus was reached on a schematic plan. It was agreed that, with assistance of the City's engineer, the plan would be further explored and refined. The plan includes the following: A. Excavating and general turf improvement. This would include grading of the east side of the site to eliminate the drop in grade in the area 80 to 100 feet east of the existing NE baseball backstop. This would allow an easterly shift of both ball fields with no net loss in open space between the fields. The adjustment to the east would result in a gain of space on the west side of the site that would be improved with a hardcourt, play equipment, and misc. site amenities. It would be necessary to seed all disturbed areas. (est. cost $6,000) B. Infield construction. With the shift in the location of the ball fields, it would be necessary to construct two new infields and replace (or reinstall) the baseball backstops. (est. cost $5,000) C. Hardcourt construction. A quality hardcourt is recommended for the area just off the N.W. wing. The hardcourt would be approximately 40' x 70', color-coated with boundary lines and keys, and include both standard and jr. height basketball standards. (est. cost $12,000) D. Play equipment. Designed with the intent of serving children 10 years and older, play equipment would be located just south of the hardcourt in a north/south "progression" oriented fashion. (est. cost dependent on number of desired play elements. For budget purposes, site preparation and installation costs will run 25-40% of equipment costs.) E. Misc. site amenities. Amenities such as waste receptacles, park benches and picnic tables would be installed. (est. cost $2,500) Since the last Commission meeting, the City's engineer has reviewed the plans, refined and confirmed budget estimates, and verified the site's topographical elevations. Currently the engineer is assisting with design developement - - further refinement of the specifications and locations of the proposed improvements. A site plan including the proposed improvements will be available for review at the meeting. It is hoped that the school site improvement project would be conducted following the completion of summer community recreation and little league programs with consideration for making the fall seeding window. The next site improvement committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 1. Meeting Date: 4/19/95 Agenda Item: D-3 CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION ITEM DESCRIPTION: 1995 Summer Recreation Program SUBMITTED BY: Carol Kriegler, Parks and Recreation Director REVIEWED BY: EXPLANATION /SUMMARY: The 1995 summer recreation program flyer was distributed to area elemenatary schools the week of April 10. A copy of the brochure is attached. A number of new programs are planned in addition to the traditional programs. The Commission may want to discuss arrangements related to a couple of the summer's special events - -ice cream social entertainment, "Friends of Curtiss Field" picnic, or any desired neighborhood based "special events". Meeting Date: 4/19/95 Agenda Item: D-4 CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION ITEM DESCRIPTION: Commission Meeting Time SUBMITTED BY: Carol Kriegler, Parks and Recreation Director REVIEWED BY: EXPLANATION /SUMMARY: With the onset of spring and summer and the subsequent change in people's schedules, it's been requested that the Commission consider a possible change in meeting time. Please review your calendars and be prepared to consider some possible new meeting times.