2012.01.11 Parks Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 2 Hanifl Shelter Grand Opening Thanks to a generous donation by the Hanifl Foundation, construction started years before an- ticipated at the Hanifl Fields Athletic Park. A grand opening was held on June 19, 2011. A sub -committee planned the design of the shelter which includes a gathering room which is available to the public to rent, concession stand, and restrooms. Outside, the shelter features an open air pavilion over- looking the 5+ soccer fields and playground. The third phase of devel- opment, which was com- pleted in 2011, included the installation of the playground and land- scaping of the area sur- rounding the shelter. The playground features slides, swings, spinners and a climbing series. Additional development of the park maybe planned in the future. Health Up and GO Wellness Challenge Commences On April 30, 2011 a kick- off was held for the Health Up and GO Well- ness Challenge. The kickoff event included speakers, free health screenings, and many resources and health connections. The Well- ness Challenge continued for 147 days throughout the summer. A walking club met every Monday at City Hall. There were free health lectures, on- going health screenings and other opportunities for participants. Two new fitness classes were offered including Tai Chi and Nia. Several local health businesses part- nered to make the Well- ness Challenge possible including Hugo Chiro- practic, Boyd's Promos, Fairview Lakes Medical Center, Mary Silvaroli Daul, and Health East. The Wellness Challenge was funded by the State- wide Health Improve- ment Program. First Annual Tour de Hugo Family Bike Ride Held On September 17, 2011 the City of Hugo hosted the r first annual Tour de Hugo! The 11 family bike ride featured 5 1/2, 18, and 23 mile ride options. Some routes 2011 were supported and in- cluded rest stops. The rides started and finished at the Hanifl Fields Ath- letic Park and rode through beautiful Hugo. Following the ride, par- ticipants enjoyed a picnic lunch, bonfire, bike deco- rating contest and other activities at the park shelter. With over 50 bike riders participating in the first Tour de Hugo, the French themed fam- ily bike ride is sure to continue to be a success in future years. Parks, Recreation and Open Space Commission Page 2 Heritage Ponds Park Gets a Playground Construction of a playground at Heritage Ponds Park was a goal of the Parks Commis- sion in 2011 and capital im- provement project that was anticipated for many years. Heritage Ponds Park fea- tured a picnic Play- shelter and ground paved walking Installed path. According in July 2011 to the Parks Plan,the neighborhood is also served by recreation fa- cilities at Oneka Elementary School and Frog Hollow Park. As residential develop- ment continued in the area and the number of families with young children grew, the need for a playground emerged. The Parks Commis- sion invited the public to partici- pate in selecting the playground equipment at their February 9 and April 14 meetings. Feed- back from residents included a desire to have a playground that was natural in color scheme and low to the ground. The play- ground is very popular and fea- tures unique elements such as a stand-up seesaw, omni spinner and oodle swing. Trees were planted near the playground thanks to a generous donation. Irish Avenue Park Planning At their April 13, 2011 meet- ing, the Parks Commission heard a presentation by Gary Wilson and Dave Percival proposing to construct cross country running trails at Irish Avenue. They recom- mended to and the Council approved the formation of a sub -committee to work with Wilson and Percival. After appointments of representa- tives of the neighborhood, Planning Commission, City Council and Parks Commis- sion to the sub -committee, the group met on October 5, 2011 to discuss a plan for a multi -use facility that in- cluded running trails suitable for college and high school meets and practices. Addi- tional uses included winter ski, snowshoeing and horse trails. Before the scheduled second meeting, Percival and Wilson chose to no longer pursue construction of the trails. The sub -committee contin- ues to meet and is excited for the future of the park and providing additional recrea- tional uses of the recently - purchased property. "Better Parks equal better people." Hugo Resident First Soccer Camp and Movie Night in the Park are Hugo Successes Two of the largest recreation program successes of the Parks Commission of 2011 included hosting the first soccer camp and outdoor movie night at Hanifl Fields Athletic Park. The Soccer Camp was held July 25th -28th. The City of Hugo partnered with the White Bear Soccer Club. Over 90 youth signed up through the City of Hugo. Winter family movie nights at the Oneka Elementary gymnasium, have always been popular. In 2011, the Parks Commission wanted to to also show a movie in a park. On September 23, "Tangled" was shown at Hanifl Fields Athletic Park. A screen was con- structed by Hugo Public 2011 Soccer Camp Works which means more Participants at family movie nights in the Hanifl Fields Ath- park will continue to grow letic Park and be a huge success.