Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPARKS COMMISSION RETREAT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (2)PARKS COMMISSION RETREAT – 9/28/2013 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY – draft SESSION 1: ROLE AND MISSION OF THE LAKE ELMO PARKS COMMISSION WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE PARKS COMMISSION: The group discussed their perspectives on the purpose and mission of the parks commission, namely, why does it exist. The importance to the city of a vibrant parks commission was also discussed, especially in the light of growth and quality of life for residents. It was agreed that the parks commission is an advisory body regarding parks and open space recreation and has no statutory authority. The group reviewed the “Benefits of Parks and Recreation” from Oakdale and suggested similar language be added to the overview of Lake Elmo Parks: Health: Access to parks and recreation facilities leads to healthy lifestyles for people of all ages Environmental: Parks, open spaces, and trails play a key role in preserving water and air quality, reducing congestion, and protecting wildlife Community: Parks and recreation sources give communities a vital identity. Well-maintained, accessible parks and recreation facilities are key elements of strong, safe, family-friendly communities. Economic: Parks enhance property values, contribute to healthy and productive workforces and help attract and retain businesses A revised parks commission mission statement for consideration: “The Lake Elmo Parks Commission serves as an advisory committee to the City Council and city staff and makes recommendations to the Council on all matters relating to parks, trails, parkland development, and recreational uses of the city’s open space.” WHAT IS YOUR INDIVIDUAL ROLE AS MEMBERS OF THE PARKS COMMISSION: The group identified the following as roles they fulfill as individual members of the parks commission: Advocates for park improvements and trail development Provide critical review of park proposals and recommendations Be a role model for the city Conduct research on best practices and make well informed recommendations Be a champion for parks and recreational spaces within the city Be visible in the city’s parks and be willing to interact with residents and learn about the experiences Model a sense of ownership and pride regarding the parks and recreational spaces WHAT CAN WE DO RIGHT NOW TO IMPROVE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PARKS COMMISSION: The group identified the following issues in order to improve their effectiveness right now: 3-4 month agendas in support of short and long term goals Feedback from Council regarding action taken on recommendations from the parks commission Enable long term, big picture thinking Organizational Chart (city staff and commissions) Establish sub committees within the commission to work on specific topics and projects Be accountable for outcomes Encourage community involvement with parks and park development Develop a 5 year plan for significant park improvements and begin to implement Engage in the development and design of parks in new residential developments Establish a liaison between the city council and parks commission Conduct annual workshops for parks commission SESSION 2: BUILDING TRUST AND IMPROVING THE RELATIONSHIP WITH CITY COUNCIL WHAT IS TRUST: The group was asked to comment on what trust means to them: Open Communication – speak freely without fear of repercussion Mutual Respect Confidence Clarity Being pragmatic in your thinking Understanding and accepting the intent of another Caring for the common goal and of others as individuals TRUST WITH CITY COUNCIL: The group discussed their trust with City Council and was asked to evaluate the current level of trust they felt with City Council on a scale of 1 (Good) - 10 (Poor). Responses ranged from 4 to 8, the average of the responses was 6.1. Group commented on what they felt was contributing to the lack of trust with City Council: Relationships have been damaged, work needed to move forward and develop mutual respect Belief that issues going to council from the parks commission have been handled poorly Feels that issues brought to council aren’t taken seriously after commission does the research and makes the recommendations No feedback from Council on why suggestions or recommendations are rejected Issues come to parks commission that are already in motion with no prior notice As a recommender of policy, the group discussed what they felt they needed from City Council to establish a better level of trust? The following issues were identified: Timely communication on issues of importance Better understanding of what council wants and expects from the parks commission Feedback on recommendations from commission (timely and specific) What does the council need from the parks commission for the upcoming meetings Improved connections with council, eg, annual workshops, integrated meetings, etc. Encourage and advocate for more community involvement in city parks SPEAK YOUR PEACE: The city has launched an initiative called “Speak Your Peace” designed to improve the level of civility in our public discourse. The group was asked to identify the one element of the nine tenets of Speak Your Peace that needs to be improved the most. Show respect (2 votes) Seek Common Ground (2 votes) Repair damaged relationships (1 vote) Listen (1 vote) SESSION 3: TAKEAWAYS FROM THE PARK SURVEY The group discussed what they learned from the park survey. Responses included: Trails and connectivity Maintenance needs Unmet needs and possible uses (items identified that we currently don’t have) Lack of park awareness and possible indifference due to lack of response Need for full bathrooms Amenities Nature observation is highly valued Importance of neighborhood parks (due to high ranking for proximity to home) The group discussed future park priorities and, based on the survey results, was asked the general areas of concentration that the parks commission should focus on. Each of the 6 commissioners present identified their choices. The following areas were identified followed by the number of commissioners who voted for that priority. Trails (6) Conservation and Trees (5) Equipment (4) Gathering improvements; eg, bathrooms, shelters, etc. (4) Recreational programs (3) Nature education (1) Health and fitness (1) Park safety (1) SESSION 4: IDENTIFYING THE UTILITY OF OUR PARKS: REGIONAL, COMMUNITY, AND NEIGHBORHOOD Lake Elmo is blessed with a variety of parks, which serve different geographies, purposes and fulfill different needs for residents. In framing this discussion, the City Administrator took the group through an analysis of the definition of different categories of parks. The discussion then focused on the Lake Elmo city parks but acknowledged the impact of the Lake Elmo Park Reserve (operated by Washington County) and Tartan Park (operated by 3M). REGIONAL PARK: large in size (>20 acres) that serves the entire community and perhaps county for the purpose of larger events. These parks are generally typified by large natural, areas, wide open fields, and destination recreation that is not provided in smaller parks. Our regional park would be Sunfish Lake Park. The group discussed the attributes that could/should be included in Sunfish Lake Park. Observation tower Picnic shelters and grills Nature Center Programming; eg, naturalist program or other forms of outdoor education Passive uses Promote wildlife Improve access, eg, paving, improve parking lot Security; eg, gate, cameras, increase utilization Trail improvements Signage; eg, interpretive and directional Control invasive species COMMUNITY PARK: medium in size (between 10-20 acres) that serves a quadrant or section of a municipality for the purpose of larger gatherings, organized athletic events, and specific recreational opportunities (swimming, dog park, etc.). These parks would normally be accessible by trail or sidewalk and have facilities that include parking and restrooms. Our community parks would include: VFW/Lions, Reid, Tablyn, Pebble, Demontreville, and Carriage Station. The group discussed attributes that could/should be included in our community parks: Parking Support for organized activities Destination spot Specific uses Permanent restrooms Something for everyone Shelter / gathering Trails / connectivity Nature trails and observation areas Community programming It was also suggested that we should be encouraging neighborhood HOA’s to hold events and gatherings in their community parks. Neighborhood Park: small in size (<5 acres) that serves a cluster of homes or neighborhood for the purpose of play or small gathering. Our neighborhood parks would include: Kleis, Cardinal Ridge, and Stonegate. The group discussed attributes that could/should be included in our neighborhood parks. Benches and picnic tables Small playground Open space Trail connectivity Shelter or shade No parking requiredthat Small gathering space for events It was also noted that there is trend in neighborhood parks toward open space with no prescribed use. In addition, there was agreement by the commission that we need to explore various methods of encouraging use of all our parks. SESSION #5: PARKS COMMISSION 2014 PLAN OF WORK The City Administrator took the group through a variety of discussions and exercises aimed at identifying priorities and allocating funds in the pursuit of a plan of work for the parks commission for 2014. Priorities for Existing Parkland Funds: There is approximately $900k in the parkland fund. The group discussed how those funds should be allocated over the next 5 years. Each member of the group was asked to provide their recommendation for allocating the parkland funds. The following represents the “average” allocations of the group regarding approximately what percentage of the parkland funds should be used for the following categories: Trails and Pathways: 30% Revitalization of current parks: 25% Destination Features: 15% Establish new parks: 10% Parking and Safety: 10% Nature and conservation: 10% It was also suggested that we should maintain a minimum balance in the parkland funds of approximately 10-15% of the current balance or about $100k. It was also recommended by the group, based on these priorities, that a budget of $300k would be proposed for parkland spending in 2014. 2014 Plan of Work: The group participated in an exercise designed to identify specific projects for 2014 and rank their order of preference. Some projects would result in specific work to be done and some were planning future projects. In addition, project costs for each project are shown, if possible. Specific projects: Signs: (4 firsts, 1 third) ? Break ground on Sanctuary Park: (1 first, 2 seconds, 1 third) $100,000 Public restroom for Reid Park: (1 first, 1 second, 1 third) $ 80,000 Include Tablyn Park with trail grant Update one Playground set as needed $ 8-10,000 Establish Plan to promote Parks (Alyssa will develop) ? Trees and maintenance in Carriage Station Park ? Planning projects: LERT start for Lake Elmo Regional Park: (5 firsts, 1 second) - Plan $12,000 Audit to improve community parks (1 first, 5 seconds) – Plan ? Identify Eagle and other volunteer projects: (3 thirds) ? Explore location for mountain bike trail: (3 thirds) ? The group also specifically discussed the needs for Sunfish Lake Park in 2014: The following items were identified as priorities: Tree Planting $20,000 Paving Surveillance / cameras West entrance use / pit planning Execute against Kathy Widen’s plan Create task force to study and recommend activities for Sunfish Lake Park Pam Hartley also submitted her thoughts regarding a 5 year and 10 year plan for the Parks Commission 5 year plan: Improve our significant parks Implement Lake Elmo Regional Trail System to connect our schools, old village, and neighboring communities Develop parks and trails in our new developments that will benefit new residents and link them to the LERT, the old village and all of Lake Elmo 10 year plan: Complete implementation of the trail system so that all residents can walk and bike safely throughout the city Thoroughly review the undeveloped parks for opportunities to develop and provide recreational facilities that will improve neighborhoods Continue to add amenities the each of our existing parks The group felt the retreat was very helpful in framing their priorities and developing their work plan for 2014 and thanked Mike, Dean, and Alyssa for their work during the retreat. The group also thanked each other for their trust and cooperation as parks commission members.