11-02-2017 Parks & Rec Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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SEH | 10901 Red Circle Drive Minnetonka, MN 55343 Little Canada Park System Master Plan Confidential Listening Sessions 10/12/2017 Consultants spoke with nineteen individuals including representatives of the City Council, Parks and Recreation Commission and city staff on September 27 and 28, 2017. Summary / Key Takeaways The Parks and Recreation Commission is in a period of transition, ushered in by a change in internal leadership. There is momentum towards revitalizing the commission and having it take a more active role in advising the City Council in matters pertaining to parks, trails and recreation programs. This is different from how the commission has historically operated. Programming has taken a dip in recent years. The City is struggling to navigate trends in organized athletics and declines in participation in traditional sports. Such as little league, softball, etc. LCRA (Little Canada Recreation Association) earns a significant amount of money thru charitable gambling/bingo and distributes proceeds in support of youth recreation in LC. Common Themes: • Improving connectivity throughout the City (including across 35-E) through off and on street trail improvements is a top priority • The Master Plan needs to be a user friendly reference guide • The WOW factor facility / feature should be geared towards Little Canada residents, not outsiders or as a regional destination • Community history and culture make LC unique and this could help drive or inform the design of a WOW factor feature or facility • Parks need to evolve from good to great which should include newer, more unique play equipment, improved accessibility, more diverse facilities and features • Overall maintenance and condition is very good, this needs to continue • Public relations/social media needs to be improved • Splash Pad is a serious consideration as a future enhancement, maintenance and operations need to be clearly described and understood by all • Need to address unique soil conditions underlying the sports fields at Pioneer Park • Need additional flexible field space to accommodate soccer demand • Staffing needs include grant writing and volunteer coordination • Need to engage minority groups within the community on an ongoing basis • Facility additions and enhancements should expand role of parks beyond traditional playgrounds and sports fields such as plazas and seating areas for community gathering, increased access to nature, social spaces, picnicking, winter activities, etc.