HomeMy WebLinkAboutPrk Staff Report - Tennis Camp
STAFF REPORT
DATE: March 19, 2018
REGULAR
ITEM #: 7
MOTION
TO: Parks Commission
FROM: Ben Prchal, City Planner
AGENDA ITEM: Tennis Camp
REVIEWED BY: Emily Becker, Planning Director
BACKGROUND:
The City of Lake Elmo has been approached by Alex Krol a member of the Professional Tennis Registry
and certified tennis instructor. Alex is also the owner of Minnesota Tennis Camps and has approached
the City with the idea of a public/private partnership. The proposal is outlined further below.
PROPOSAL:
The City would allow the tennis camp to have our public courts reserved for specific times during the day
throughout the summer. Alex is proposing that the hours of the camp range from 12:00 to 5:00 PM with
children 10 and over practicing for 5 hours and children 9 and under practicing for 3 hours. The camp will
run Monday through Friday and last for 12 weeks during the summer. With the partnership the City would
advertise for the camp through Facebook and the Fresh. Beyond that there is not expected to be anymore
involvement from the City.
Being that the camp is intended to turn a profit the City will need to enter into a contract with Alex. The
proposal has been included as an attachment and the City attorney would review/establish a contract for the
City. The proposal that Alex submitted stated that 18% of earnings would be paid to the City before
expenses were accounted for (at this time staff does not want to project for earnings). Staff believes this
would be a good opportunity for the City to earn funds to invest back into City courts. This could also
include the painting of lines for Pickle ball.
Impact to Users:
The courts would be reserved to facilitate the needs of the camp form the currently proposed hours of
12:00 - 5:00 PM. It is possible that residents would like to use the courts at that time. Though, keep in
mind that there are several locations for users to play. Such as Tablyn, Pebble, and Oak Land Park Jr. High.
However, the school courts do have a restriction on them. Fortunately staff had a chance to speak with the
Schools Manager of facilities/Site operations and they indicated that residents could not use the courts when
school activities were being held. This could include a physical education course or school tennis practice.
Though, school activities would take up far less time on the courts during the summer. Currently there is
a 3m tennis group that will be reserving those courts starting at 5:00 PM for 3 nights a week. As stated
before Alex is proposing that it run for 5 days a week. If the commission finds the number of days to be
too intrusive we can reduce the number.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is not expected to be a fiscal impact to the City. Instead this is an opportunity to earn funds to reinvest
back into City park facilities.
Parks Commission
ISSUE BEFORE THE COMMISSION:
How would the Parks Commission like to proceed with allowing the reservation of tennis courts for a tennis
camp? Should the commission like to proceed staff is looking for feedback on:
- Which courts should be used
- Are five days a week reasonable
- Are the hours of 12-5 appropriate
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff feels that this would be a good opportunity for the City to expand its parks program by providing an
opportunity for local youth to be involved in an activity while using Lake Elmo facilities. Staff also does
not necessarily see that there is a huge difference between this proposed use and how ball fields are used
for youth baseball. Also, the proposed contract would only be established to run for one year (season).
This way if there did happen to be issues the City could easily opt out or make the appropriate adjustments.
Staff recommends approval of the proposal with amendments.
“Move to recommend approval of staff to work with Alex Krol on the tennis camp proposal with
amendments”
OPTIONS:
1) Recommend approval of staff to work with Alex Krol on the proposed tennis camp.
2) Recommend denial of the proposed tennis camp.
3) Recommend approval of tennis camp proposal with amendments.
ATTACHMENTS:
Proposal with comments
Images of current city courts
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