HomeMy WebLinkAbout2.21.2018 Parks Commission Agenda Packet
NOTICE OF MEETING
City of Lake Elmo Park Commission
3800 Laverne Avenue North
February 21, 2018 6:30 PM
AGENDA
1.Call to Order
2.Approve Agenda
3.Approve Minutes
a)January 17, 2018
4.Select a Chair and Vice Chair for the Parks Commission
5.Presentation - Drafted Parks Chapter for the Comprehensive Plan
6.Review Reid Park Mountain Bike Map and Agreements
7.Hammes 3rd Addition Final Plat – Update
8.Adopt a Park
9.March 2018 Meeting Agenda
a)Representatives for the Sally Manzara Intrepritive Center would like to give a
presentation/update on the project.
10.Staff Reports & Commission Update
a)Update on Central Greenway
b)Royal Golf Money for Park Dedication – Per the Development Agreement: The
Developer shall pay the City a cash donation of $1,000,000.00 upon the Royal
Golf Club at Lake Elmo 3rd Addition final plat being approved by the City, or upon
approval by the City of that phase of the development where the Tartan Park
ballfields are no longer able to be used by the City, whichever happens first.
a)Forest Management Plan 2018
11. Adjourn
Our Mission is to Provide Quality Public
Services in a Fiscally Responsible Manner
While Preserving the City’s Open Space
Character
***Note: Every effort will be made to accommodate person or persons that need special considerations to
attend this meeting due to a health condition or disability. Please contact the Lake Elmo City Clerk if you are in
need of special accommodations.
MINUTES
City of Lake Elmo Parks Commission
January 17, 2018
Members Present: Chair Frick, Commissioners Ames, Mayek, Olinger, Weeks
Members Absent: Commissioners Nelson, Nuenfeldt, Zeno
Staff Present: Public Works Lead Jamie Colemer, City Planner Prchal
The meeting was called to order by Chair Frick at 6:30 PM.
Approval of Agenda
Staff requested that the Adopt-a-Park item be moved to the February meeting.
Frick suggested that selecting a Chair and Vice Chair for the Parks Commission be moved to the
February meeting when more commission members were present.
Motion by Frick to approve the agenda as amended, seconded by Steele. Motion passed.
Approval of Minutes
Motion by Frick to approve the November minutes with the discussed changes, seconded by
Olinger to approve the minutes as amended. Motion passed.
Motion by Steele to approve the December minutes, seconded by Frick. Motion passed.
Public Presentation
Nadine Obermueller from the community spoke. Obermueller suggested the idea of using a
drove to take a video of the ballfields at the City parks. That maybe it could be
done by a High School student or Boy Scout and the City could post it to our
Website with a YouTube video link. Then if it was successful, expand to include
skating rinks, ski and bike paths, etc.
Reid Park Mountain Biking Proposal from SASCA
Prchal presented that Mountain Biking has been added to the Reid Park CIP to develop
mountain bike trails. SASCA has created other trails in the area, including Oak
Park Heights. They are suggesting a little over 2 miles of trail.
They have submitted a plan. There is a timeline that includes a contract in place by May, begin
construction in May or June, depending on weather. They will be doing the
construction with volunteer labor.
Ames asked if this plan is separate from Sunfish Lake Park. Frick asked for clarification
regarding the work Trail Source would be doing on Reid Park.
SASCA explained that they would be doing the construction at Reid Park, but working with Trail
Source, using his trail ideas for Reid Park and then also providing input into the
trail construction of Sunfish Lake Park.
Weeks asked if the two trails would attract different users or would they be duplicating the
same product in two parks.
Both Mayek and the SASCA representative explained that Reid Park would be a more simple,
flatter, beginner bike run. SASCA explained that there would be limited ability to
make it a more difficult route. So, if they would like to see two separate end
products, Sunfish Lake Park could have the ability to have the more difficult
trails.
Steele mentioned that there still has not been any information provided that listed other
opportunities for biking in surrounding communities. He feels the Parks
Commission is still undecided as to which park mountain biking should be
included in and feels that allowing bike trails to carve up two parks would be
unnecessary. Steele also suggested that the trails do not include the future park
expansion area that does have aggressive hills and could provide a more
advanced route.
SASCA responded that the trail in Oak Park Heights is used by the deer since they do not like to
walking through buckthorn. SASCA also mentioned the their interest in Reid
Park is due to the proximity to the High School and that it would allow students
the ability to ride directly to the park from the school instead of having to drive
to a location.
Weeks asked about maintaining the trails moving forward. SASCA explained they have existed
for 6 years and they have 90 families this year.
Frick mentioned that biking was included in the Reid Park CIP. Frick would like the opportunity
to get public comment.
Ames mentioned that biking would not carve the park more than hiking or skiing trails would in
a park.
Fick made a motion to work with SASCA to get the final details worked out, seconded by
Weeks. Motion passed.
2018 Parks Budget
Prchal stated that the Finance Committee put a restriction on spending. Park Dedication funds cannot
be used for purchasing vehicles.
Prchal explained that Park Dedication Funds come in at the time of Final Plat approval.
Ames asked if the 2017 numbers mean that the City is done spending in the parks listed, such as Savona
or if there will be more expenditures in 2018?
Colemer explained that all of the items for Savonna have been purchased, however due to weather they
have not all been installed. This will not require additional spending to that park.
Frick asked about the Royal Golf $1 million dedication to the Parks. Prchal did not have information on
the dedication and will check with Becker before reporting on it.
There was discussion regarding Sunfish Lake Park maintenance expenses and starting date.
No motion required for this item.
Begin Work on Demontreville Park and Tablyn Park
Prchal reported that he looked into the Fields For Kids grant through the MN Twins for
Demontreville Park. They have a deadline of March 9. The application will be
submitted with the Mahtomedi Baseball program.
Discussion about the removal of the basketball court in Tablyn Park included that the Parks
Commission has already recommended the removal due to lack of parking and
safety and the reluctance of City Council to spend money on the removal of an
existing amenity.
Ames made a motion to enhance the safety and increase capacity of the parking lot in Tablyn
Park by removing the existing basketball court and relocating the play structure
to the lower portion of the park, seconded by Steele. Motion passed.
February Meeting
Adopt-a-Park
Select a Chair and Vice Chair
Update on forest management of Sunfish Lake Park
Grant opportunities for mountain biking trails
Staff Reports and Commission Update
Prchal gave an update on Central Greenway. Prchal reported that City staff met with Washington
County staff on Dec 20th to discuss stakeholders and potential committee members.
Prchal stated he would be on the Technical Advisory Panel and Mayek would be serving
on the Community Advisory Panel. There will be a meeting for the Central Greenway in
February.
Prchal also gave an update on Trail Source. They have begun to design trails for Reid and Sunfish Lake
Park after Council gave their approval.
Frick asked if there was still a meeting scheduled with the Parks Commission regarding the 2040
Comprehensive Plan. Prchal explained that it would be a billable opportunity and that is
not something that the City would like to pay for. Frick expressed that the 2030 plan
included a meeting with the Commission. Frick requested the opportunity to review the
draft of the Comp. Plan.
Meeting adjourned at 8:26 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Tanya Nuss
STAFF REPORT
DATE: January 1, 2018
REGULAR
ITEM #: 6
MOTION
TO: Parks Commission
FROM: Ben Prchal, City Planner
AGENDA ITEM: Mountain Biking – Reid Park
REVIEWED BY: Emily Becker, Planning Director
BACKGROUND:
The Stillwater Area Scholastic Cycling Advocates also known as SASCA had contacted the City to
discuss the possibility of building mountain biking trails within Reid Park. The organization has
submitted their proposal which was reviewed at the January 17th park commission meeting. The idea to
construct the trails was on the 2017 CIP and is also on the 2018 CIP for the park. SACA does indicate in
their proposal that they will provide labor and tools. Staff has been working with SASCA to finalize the
details of the proposal and determine what would be expected from both parties.
History of Reid:
The land was once part of the Reid family farm and now contains a softball field with two play areas and a
bike/walking path that winds through a wooded area and around a pond. Reid Park is also one of the parks
used during Lake Elmo Jaycees annual Huff-n-Puff Days. The park has both passive and active uses. As
identified in the Reid Park Plan, description uses range from picnicking, plant identification, walking, sport
field use, and trail use (biking).
PROPOSAL:
Use:
As indicated in the proposal SASCA would like to install 2+ miles of mountain bike trails within Reid Park.
Though the primary design for the trials would be focused around the use of mountain biking, other groups
could use the trials as well. Such as hikers, walkers, trail runners, and winter users such as snow shoeing
and fat tire biking. The proposed timeline for the undertaking is approval by City Council in May, contract
agreement in May between Lake Elmo and SASCA, trail construction to begin in May (weather dependent),
and trail completion in August of 2018.
As with all parks it is the responsibility of the Public Works Department to perform and maintain all
amenities within the parks system including making sure trails are clear for use. However, in this case
SASCA has agreed to specifically maintain the mountain bike trails.
Wetlands:
Reid Park has two bodies of water that reside within the park. Neither of the lakes are located in the table
within the City’s shoreland ordinance nor do they appear on the DNR’s lake finder search. Though there
is a wetland within the park that does not mean biking would be restricted.
Impact on surrounding properties:
The park is predominately surrounded by residential properties except northern portion of the park. The
majority of the trail is kept internal and does not necessarily run along the neighboring property lines. With
Parks Commission
Page 2
the majority of the residential properties being towards the western side of the park, the proposed trail will
not run along those property lines as the walking trail does. The trail was also designed to be kept within
the tree line to mitigate any visual impact. With that said staff does not anticipate bikers would cause more
of a nuisance than other users within the park.
There is a pedestrian entrance from Easton Village which those residents more than likely would use as
access as opposed to the main entrance. There is an established entrance with a parking lot which we would
ask the riding team to use when they are building the trail as well as practicing together. Staff does not
anticipate users to fill the lot except on a few occasions when the park is reserved or an event is taking
place.
Impact to other users:
With the added amenity it is anticipated that the number of users in the park will increase. With the user
type expected to vary the majority of the proposed trail is designed to mitigate the number of times it will
cross over into another use (walking trails). The design of the trail is predominately located in areas which
do not have an established use, thus not actively used. It is important that the park be a safe and useful
amenity for all residents and visitors, though incidents may occur as with any use, staff feel that the
proposed design is appropriate.
Signage:
Where intersections occur trails would be marked displaying the direction of travel and expectations.
SASCA has agreed to provide intersection markers. The signs would be on both the walking trail as well
as the bike trail. There can also be signage placed at the entrance to further inform users of expectations as
well as conditions of trails after rain events. Such as: “Riders must wait 2 hours after a rain event before
trail use” and “Be good stewards remove all trash”. This type of sign is not being proposed by SASCA but
instead may be an addition down the road.
Lighting:
There is no proposal of lighting and the regular hours of park use would still apply.
Liability:
After communication with the City insurance carrier, there would be no increase of cost by adding this
amenity to the parks system. SASCA has provided proof of insurance and will include the City onto their
policy.
ISSUE BEFORE THE COMMISSION:
How would the Parks Commission like to proceed with developing a plan for mountain biking throughout
Reid Park, does the Commission find issue with the proposal?
FISCAL IMPACT:
Currently there would be no cost or increase in costs to the City. Costs would only come if the City would
choose to make further investments into the park.
OPTIONS:
1) Recommend approval of trail development as proposed by SASCA as well as the MOU.
2) Recommend denial of trail development as proposed by SASCA.
3) Amend the proposal and recommend approval of SASCA proposal and MOU.
Parks Commission
Page 3
RECOMMENDATION:
Given the current condition and manner in which the amenity will be added there appears to be a minimal
risk to the City financially and otherwise. The development would also provide a promising opportunity
for community involvement and connection to the Stillwater School District. Both staff and public works,
who would oversee the general maintenance and installment of the park, and agree that over its lifetime
this added use will not demand an increase on workload.
Staff recommends approving SASCA’s proposal and MOU to develop mountain bike trails within Reid
Park. “Recommend approval of trail development as proposed by SASCA as well as the MOU”
ATTACHMENTS:
• Final Concept Map
• Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
• Proof of insurance
• Costs
• Woodbury comments relating to their trail
• Radius map
Primary walking
Secondary walking
Proposed
single track
Re -route
Secondary
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MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN THE
Stillwater Area Scholastic Cycling Advocates
AND THE
City of Lake Elmo
Reid Park – Lake Elmo, MN
INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE
Stillwater Area Scholastic Cycling Advocates (SASCA) and the City of Lake Elmo (City) of MN are
interested in promoting mountain biking as an outdoor recreation and fitness activity and in developing
and maintaining quality trails for beginner to intermediate ability levels within Reid Park.
This memorandum identifies specific projects, including the design and construction of bike park
features, bike park maintenance, and mountain bike patrol activities, which SASCA volunteers have
agreed to provide as service to the City, establishes the responsibilities and conditions under which that
volunteer service will be provided, and delineates the responsibilities of the City.
This memorandum constitutes solely as a guide to the obligations, intentions and policies of the parties
involved. It does not serve as a legal agreement.
SCOPE OF THE AGREEMENT
Ownership of Improvements
All improvements, constructed on City park property, shall be, and remain the property of the City. All
materials including records, data, and other information acquired, developed or documented under this
MOU shall be the property of the originating party, unless otherwise mutually agreed upon by both
parties.
Term of Agreement
The term of this MOU shall start March 1, 2018, and extend through Feb 28, 2020. City and SASCA can
subsequently agree to extend this agreement on an annual calendar year basis with the approval of both
parties.
SASCA Volunteers
Volunteers assigned to work under this agreement at Reid Park are volunteers of SASCA and are covered
under the policies and procedures of SASCA in relation to volunteer organization and management.
Volunteers are not employees of or individual volunteers of the City, however they will receive training
enabling them to represent the relationship between SASCA and the City.
SASCA Responsibilities
• Provide technical support to the City in determining the location and design of technical features
consistent with the planned ability level of bike trails in accordance with International Mountain
Bike Association (IMBA) guidelines.
• Provide and supervise volunteers in the construction of approved technical features.
• Utilize tools owned by SASCA and the City tools that may be made available by the City Public
Works Director.
• Technical features and trail development must conform to IMBA guidelines and the City
approved designs.
• Train and supervise volunteers in appropriate construction techniques in accordance with IMBA
guidelines.
• Identify a crew leader and submit name to the City Planner.
• Coordinate work schedule and on-site public notification, when needed, with the City Planner and
Public Works Director.
• SASCA volunteers may use bikes in the on-site planning and testing of technical features and
trails prior to opening features to the public.
• Provide volunteers to assist with the inspection and hand-work maintenance of the trail.
• Ensure that all volunteers have received training in bike park inspection and maintenance
responsibilities.
• SASCA volunteers are authorized to sculpt and/or remove dirt as need throughout the biking area.
• Perform routine maintenance activities. In the event that SASCA is unable to safely and promptly
address an identified issue that may create an unsafe situation, the SASCA volunteer should
notify the City Public Works Director.
• Prior to making any bike trail alignment changes, submit recommendations to the City for any
significant alignment changes that may be contemplated by SASCA in carrying out the volunteer
duties as outlined in the MOU.
• Recommend to the City for consideration the types of trail, location and language directional,
cautionary and informational signs and install (if requested by City).
• A designated SASCA representative(s) may make recommendations to the City Planner and
Public Works Director as to when to close and re-open the bike trails due to poor conditions or
other unforeseen circumstances observed during bike patrol or maintenance activities.
• SASCA may provide volunteers identified and trained by SASCA as trail stewards to ride and
monitor the park trails.
• SASCA representatives should call 911 for emergency assistance. Contact the Washington
County Sheriff’s Office at 651-439-9381 specifically for non-emergency situations such as, to
report suspicious activity, uncooperative behaviors, or unauthorized bike park use.
• SASCA may not interfere with the enjoyment of park users and must abide by City Ordinances.
• In the event that larger equipment is needed, notice shall be given to the public works department
3 days in advance.
• During construction and maintenance SASCA must notify Public Works at least 48 hours prior if
work will be done on weekends.
• SASCA must get approval from Public Works prior to using any chemical treatments in the park.
• SASCA will coordinate with Public Works to determine when it is acceptable to use power tools
that may be heard by neighbors.
• SASCA shall provide supplemental indemnification policy to the City with regard to any claims,
causes of action or demands that might be brought against the City arising out of the uses
authorized by this Agreement; and further agrees to provide to the City evidence of insurance
coverage of at least $1,000,000 of combined single limits covering claims that might be brought
against them and/or the City that arise out of the uses authorized by this Agreement and to name
the City as an additional insured on their policy. This proof of insurance shall be provided to the
City Administrator prior to any construction commencing and subsequently not later than April
1st of each year.
• Volunteers must use the established main entrance and parking lot.
CITY OF LAKE ELMO RESPONSIBILITIES:
• To review and approve design and implementation plans for all agreed to volunteer activities.
• To purchase materials, if needed, to be used for maintenance and upkeep of approved technical
features and trail development.
• To loan hand-tools for construction and maintenance activities, upon request and approval of the
Public Works Director.
• To provide support for approved work on a schedule agreed to by the City Planner and Public
Works Director.
• To remove and dispose of yard waste; e.g. large quantities of buckthorn, generated during the
construction of the trail. SASCA must coordinate, in advance, with the Parks Department where
and when to leave the waste.
• To review and approve recommended technical features and trails construction schedules and
bike trail maintenance schedules.
• To recognize SASCA’s contributions for bike trail design and construction and volunteer
maintenance, support in appropriate signage at an appropriate location in a manner approved by
the City Planner.
• To notify SASCA of bike park closures or events which affect the use of the bike park for posting
on the SASCA web site.
Hold Harmless Agreement
SASCA and the City each agree that they will be responsible for their own acts and the results thereof and
shall not be responsible for the acts of the other party and the results thereof. Each party, therefor, agrees
that it will assume all risk and liability to itself, its agents or employees, for the injury to persons or
property resulting in any manner from the conduct of its own operations and their accepted
responsibilities found in this Permit. The City does not provide any warranty or certification that this area
is best suited for the planned uses by SASCA.
Termination of Agreement
This MOU may be terminated by either party upon delivery of 30-day written notice to the other party.
Amendment of Agreement
This MOU shall not be altered, changed or amended except by written mutual agreement of the parties
SASCA Contacts:
Calvin Jones Matt Lehmann
SASCA Board of Director SASCA Board Member
651-472-7187 651-387-8508
StillwaterMTB@gmail.com mattlehmann218@gmail.com
City of Lake Elmo Contacts:
Ben Prchal Rob Weldon
City Planner Public Works Director
651-747-3911 651-747-3941
bprchal@lakeelmo.org rweldon@lakeelmo.org
For Stillwater Area Cycling Advocates (SASCA) For City of Lake Elmo
_______________________Date____________ _______________________Date____________
NEED NAME AND TITLE NEED NAME AND TITLE
SASCA – Reid Park Single Track Natural Trail Proposal Rev. 2
February 14, 2018 Page | 21
ATTACHMENT C – Optional trail enhancements
Option Line item Cost
Signage Map at entrance $460
Rules sign $460
Support materials $150
Trail side work station Tool stand $800
Pump $400
All expenses shown are estimates. Options will be pursued with the Cities guidance provided
funding is available either from fundraising, third party donations or directly from the City.
Below is a dialog of comments which came from Woodbury’s Recreation Manager regarding Carver Lake
Park, their only park with multi use trails (purpose built for mountain bikes)
Woodbury’s Carver Lake Park has multiple amenities such as volleyball courts, beach, playground, and
picnic areas. The park also contains 6 miles of multi-use trails which have been specifically designed for
mountain bike use. With the trails being focused towards mountain bikers, all other trail users yield to
them. With the trail being a one way single track, there needs to be a level of respect between riders
and other trail and park users. The trails receive a wide range of cyclists from families with young kids to
more mature riders. It was indicated that the majority of riders are mature professionals between the
age of 30 and 40. Although there are more and more families and youth riding every year. It’s also a hot
spot for the HS league teams to practice and train.
It is to be understood that there could be some conflict between users especially when the trail crosses
over a paved walking trail. After the trail construction they have gone back to rework the intersections
to improve upon the safety and line of sight. Initially there were complaints and some are still received
on occasion but they are shadowed by the amount of compliments which are received by users. Now
that it has grown in popularity the park hosts youth and adult camps and clinics and one winter bike
race each year.
One note (added by Woodbury staff)– This is simply and briefly explaining Woodbury’s experience with
our off-road cycling trail and park users. By no means are we recommending that Lake Elmo build a trail.
It has to be a good fit for your community and we are not suggesting that you build or not build an off-
road cycling trail.
Item 6
PARKS COMMISSION COMMUNICATION
DATE: 2/21/18
ITEM #: 7
AGENDA ITEM: Hammes 3rd addition – Park update
SUBMITTED BY: Ben Prchal, City Planner
REVIEWED BY: Emily Becker, Planning Director
BACKGROUND:
Hammes received Final Plat approval on October 7, 2014.
A condition of Preliminary Plat was that a play structure be included within Goose Lake Park, but upon
further review, the Parks Commission proposed a different location at a later meeting in order to minimize
the removal of significant trees and the proposed location’s proximity to Keats Avenue. The developer has
included the totlot (to be Homeowners’ Association (HOA)-owned and maintained) within Outlot C, as
recommended by the Parks Commission.
ISSUE BEFORE COMMISSION:
Staff is providing an update on the status of the Hammes 3rd Addition Final Plat. The developer has already
received Preliminary Plat approval, which provides the developer development rights.
DETAILS/ANALYSIS:
• The Developer has already satisfied the requirements by dedicating 5.7 acres of park land to the
development, along with a cash contribution of $107,554 for park dedication requirements. The
developer will receive a credit from the cash amount due for the actual costs of Goose Lake
Park improvements including a 16-feet by 24-feet shelter, picnic table, bike rack, grill station,
retaining wall, fishing pier, canoe rack, concrete hard surface, woodland seed mix restoration,
landscaping and parking lot improvements.
• The park land dedication consists of Outlots A and E to the City for use of trails. It was
already determined at Preliminary Plat that parkland dedication credit would be provided for
these outlots.
• A boardwalk will be installed within the wetland area (shown on attached grading plan)
• A totlot will be installed within outlot C – Staff has recommended that a condition of Final
Plat approval be that Staff and the Parks commission review and approve plans for the totlot
prior to installation. (shown on attached grading plan)
• The play structure was to be included within Goose Lake Park, it has since been moved due to
concerns of its location to Keats Avenue and possibility of significant tree removal. The totlot
will be privately owned and maintained by the HOA.
ATTACHMENTS:
• Grading Plans – Showing Outlot A board walk, Outlot C totlot, and Outlot E trail
7699 Anagram Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
PHONE 952-937-5150
FAX 952-937-5822
TOLL FREE 1-888-937-5150
7699 Anagram Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
PHONE 952-937-5150
FAX 952-937-5822
1-888-937-5150
STAFF REPORT
DATE: 2/21/2018
REGULAR
ITEM #: 8
TO: Parks Commission
FROM: Rob Weldon, Public Works Director
AGENDA ITEM: Adopt-a-Park Program
REVIEWED BY: Ben Prchal, City Planner
Kristina Handt, City Administrator
BACKGROUND: During the August 8, 2017 Parks Commission Meeting direction was given to further
explore and create and Adopt-a-Park Program for Lake Elmo City Parks.
ISSUE BEFORE COMMISSION: Does the Parks Commission recommend adoption of the
accompanying Adopt-a-Park Program and recommend approval to the City Council?
PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS: An Adopt-a-Park Program would consist of very minor park
maintenance focusing on making parks more appealing. Volunteers would perform tasks such as general
spring, summer and fall clean-up to remove debris, flower planting, and weeding. All materials needed
would be provided by the city and coordinated through Public Works
Adopt-A-Park is a public service program for volunteers who are interested in cleaning up Lake Elmo’s
City Parks and making them more appealing to users. It is an excellent way for residents and organizations
to make a personal contribution to the community.
FISCAL IMPACT: There would be minimal fiscal impact for the cost of Adopt-a-Park signs. This cost
can be managed through the Parks General Budget. A volunteer program such as this may potentially save
the city money as it could reduce the need for public works staff to carry out minor maintenance activities.
OPTIONS: Recommend approval of Adopt-a-Park Program to City Council
Amend and then recommend approval of Adopt-a-Park Program to City Council
Deny approval of Adopt-a-Park Program
RECOMMENDATION:
“ Motion to recommend adoption of the City of Lake Elmo Adopt-a-Park Program to the City Council”
City of Lake Elmo Adopt-a-Park Program
Adopt-a-Park Program is a Public Service Program
Program Philosophy
To serve as an avenue for citizen involvement that will generate civic pride through personal
interaction and awareness.
Program Objective
To organize a volunteer effort to clean, beautify, develop and build pride in the city parks of
Lake Elmo. This program aims to generate a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for individuals and
organizations who participate in assisting with beautification of our city parks. Participants in
the Adopt-a-Park Program will assist in an effort to improve the appearance and quality of our
community and lead toward a cleaner, healthier environment.
Adopt-a-Park Information
Who can participate?
The program is open to individuals, families, groups, religious organizations, service
organizations, schools, businesses, and other community organizations.
What are the program benefits?
Participants will volunteer to positively impact the appearance, quality, and safety of our city
parks while creating teamwork and the satisfaction of bettering our city as a group. Participant’s
name/group/business will be acknowledged on an Adopt-a-Park sign placed in a designated area
of their adopted park
Program Guidelines
1. Entities may apply for parks on a first-come, first serve basis. Entity leader shall work
with the Public Works Department to evaluate size of park, number of volunteers, etc.
during application process. Applications are available on a year-round basis and are
available at City Hall.
2. Each group must have a Point of Contact Leader who will act as the representatives of the
organization. The Point of Contact must be eighteen (18) years of age or older and is
responsible for the following:
a) Complete Adopt-a-Park application and return to City Hall.
b) Communicate with Public Works Staff any issues or concerns with the program in
a timely manner.
c) Complete log sheets of volunteer hours and return them to City Hall in a timely
manner after work is completed.
d) Request and return any used city owned equipment or material to be used during
volunteering in the Adopt-a-Park program.
3. Adoption term will be for two (2) years.
4. All volunteers who are participating need to complete a waiver of liability BEFORE
service. Volunteers who are under the age of eighteen (18) must have a parent/guardian
co-sign a waiver of liability form and be supervised by an adult during service.
5. Groups must complete a minimum of one monthly park work event during spring,
summer and fall seasons.
6. Recommended service tasks include
a) Picking up Litter/Sticks/Rocks/Debris
b) Flower/shrub bed planting and maint.
c) Sweeping
d) Raking
e) Pulling weeds
f) Watering vegetation
g) Reporting graffiti, broken equipment, or other unsafe conditions
7. Other service tasks are available under supervision/direction of Public Works Department
and must be given appropriate approval from the department prior to work
beginning. These tasks include
a) Painting
b) Assisting with playground installation
c) Assisting with construction
d) Assisting with park events and programs
e) Other miscellaneous basic maintenance
8. The Public Works Department may provide supplies and equipment. Unused supplies
and Public Works equipment must be returned to the Public Works Department. The use
of power tools and ladders are not recommended and the city assumes no liability.
Safety
1. Service is to be completed during daylight hours and in good weather conditions.
2. Groups are required to supply a first aid kit and have the kit available for any incidents
that may occur during service.
3. Only approved tasks should be performed during service.
4. Utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) and wear protective clothing including work
gloves, sturdy shoes and long sleeved shirts and pants to prevent injury from sharp
objects, insect stings, sunburn and poison ivy.
5. Participants shall stay away from areas where chemicals have recently been applied or
other hazardous areas within the service area.
6. Groups should use sunscreen and insect repellent when necessary and have water
available for volunteers.
7. To avoid trespassing onto private property groups should/must stay within park
boundaries.
If you are picking up litter, use caution in handling collected items. Do not crush collected items;
broken or jagged objects could cause injury. Do not try to pick up heavy, large or hazardous
materials. Notify Public Works for pickup of these materials.
For office use only
Accepted: Y N
Park: _________________
Term Dates: ___________
Sign Date: _____________
ORGANIZATION/BUSINESS (name will appear on sign): ________________________________
GROUP CONTACT PERSON: _________________________ PHONE: _____________________
ADDRESS: _________________________________________ OTHER PHONE:______________
PERFERRED ADOPTION SITE 1st choice: __________________________________
2nd choice:__________________________________
ESTIMATED START DATE: ___________________
APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS ________________
Agency does not need to contact Public Works before work days for the following tasks: raking,
picking up litter/sticks, sweeping, or watering vegetation. Other tasks need approval from the Public
Works Department.
I, ________________________________________ represent _________________________________ in signing
this agreement to perform within the scope of the agreement as identified.
I understand that all contributions and project assistance are intended to contribute to the overall city park system
and are not intended to offset, nor replace, normal city budgets or maintenance operations. All contributions may
be accepted or rejected by the City of Lake Elmo.
I understand that participation is completely voluntary and that the activity is being offered for the benefit of the
named participant. I agree that the participants are participating in the activity at their own risk. I also agree that
the City of Lake Elmo, its agents and employees will not be liable for any claims, injuries or damages of any nature
incurred by the participants due to the negligence of the City, its agents or employees, arising out of or connected
with the activity. On behalf of myself of the participants, I expressly release and discharge the City of Lake Elmo to
use any photographs and/or video taken by the city of the individual named herein, in city informational
publications released to the general public.
_________________________________________ ___________________________________
Signature Date
Adopt-a-Park Agency Log Sheet
Agency Name_________________________________ Date(s)___________________
Adoption Site ___________________________________________________________
Hours Worked:______________________ Number of Volunteers: _________________
Total Number of Logged Hours this period: ____________________________________
Tasks performed: _________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Supplies and equipment used:________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Comments for park staff (unsafe areas, ideas, concerns) :__________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________ _______________________________
Contact Person Name Date