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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012.01.11 Parks PacketCopies to. I. 7:00pm II. 7:05pm III. 7:30pm IV. 7:50pm V. 8:10pm VI. 8:30pm Agenda Parks Commission, City of Hugo January 11, 2012 7:00 pm Council Chambers, City Hall Commission Members, City Staff Approve Minutes From December 14, 2011 Meeting Introduction of New Commissioners Oath of Office Update on City Identity Workshop Update on Recreation Programs Presentation of the 2011 Annual Report Adjournment Next Meeting - February 8, 2012 -I- Parks Commission January 11, 2012 Background Memo Approve Minutes From December 14, 2011 Meeting Staff recommends approval of the minutes from the December 14, 2011 Parks Commission meeting. Introduction of New Commissioners At their meeting of December 19, 2011 the Hugo City Council approved the appointment of Chris Boland and Joan Benner to the Parks Commission. The vacancies on the Parks Commission were from the resignation of Derek Larsen and the expiration of Noel Schmidt's term. The City Council held interviews for the vacancies for all of the City of Hugo's boards and commissions on December 6, 2011. There were 4 applicants for the positions. Parks Chair Jim Taylor participated in the interviews. Parks Commissioners are appointed for staggered 3 year terms. At their meeting of December 19, 2011, the City Council also approved the reappointment of Commissioner Kris Birch. Birch, Boland and Benner's terms will expire on December 31, 2014. The new Parks, Recreation and Open Space Commissioners will be sworn in. III. Update on the City Identity Workshop The Planning Commission and Economic Development Authority held a joint workshop on December 15, 2011 to discuss the City's Identity. City Council members and Parks Commissioners were invited to participate. Commissioner Tom Windisch represented the Parks Commission. Participants reviewed the city of Hugo's Comprehensive Plan and looked at the goals of the Commissions and the Council. Discussions included what other cities are known for, what Hugo has to be proud of and what is working against Hugo in forming an identity. IV. Update on recreation programs An update will be given on upcoming recreation programs. "The Smurfs" Movie Night, January 6 at Oneka Elementary Snow Jam, January 21 at Oneka Elementary. Movie Night, February 3 at Oneka Elementary Sledding Party, February 11 at Oak Shore Park -2- Parks Commission January 11, 2012 V. Presentation of the 2011 Annual Report Staff will present the 2011 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Annual Report. The report showcases the accomplishments of the Parks Commission and is presented to the City Council. It is also made available residents and other public. -3- Parks Commission January 11, 2012 Minutes Parks Commission, City of Hugo December 14, 2011 Council Chambers, City Hall Call to Order Present: Rachel Berger, Roger Clarke, Mat Rauschendorfer, Dave Strub, Jim Taylor, Tom Windisch Absent: Kris Birch, Noel Schmidt Staff Present: Scott Anderson, Public Works Director Shayla Syverson, Parks Planner Anna Wobse, Accounting Clerk Jim Taylor called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. I. Approval of Minutes from November Meeting The minutes of the November 9, 2011 Parks Commission meeting were reviewed and no changes required. Guest Presentations The agenda was amended to include a presentation from Bunnie Peterson, a 45 year resident of the City of Hugo and a former Parks Commission member. Bunnie presented her concerns for the development of the Egg Lake property directly across from City Hall. She is concerned that the property will be developed and all the trees will be removed and the view of the lake blocked. Bunnie would like the parcel to stay a passive park for all the citizens of Hugo to enjoy. She also expressed her concern for the lack of trails on the east side of Highway 61, and the dangers that this imposes for bikers and walkers. The Parks Commission reassured Bunnie that the Downtown Development Plan calls for green area and public spaces; they also shared with her that trail development is included in their goals for the upcoming years. The Commission thanked Bunnie for coming forward with her concerns and ideas. -1— Parks Commission December 14, 2011 II. Land Donation from the Molitor Family Parks Planner, Shayla Syverson presented on the proposed Excel Energy Training Center to be built on the Molitor property and the donation of Outlot B from the Molitor family to the City of Hugo. Excel Energy is requesting approval to construct a training center at 13676 Fenway Boulevard North. The property is currently owned by the Molitor family. Under the Park Dedication Policy, commercial and industrial development is exempt from paying park dedication fees. The Molitor family is proposing to donate Outlot B, an 8.3 acre woodland and wetland parcel to the City of Hugo. The east side of Outlot B is adjacent to Fenway Boulevard and the west side of Outlot B is adjacent to Clearwater Creek Preserve Park. The Parks Commission discussed the very valuable trail connections that could be made with the donation of this property. Commission members thanked the Molitor family for this very generous offer. Berger made a motion, Windisch seconded to recommend that the City of Hugo accept the donation of Outlot B from the Molitor family. All Aye. Motion Carried. III. Health Up and GO Wellness Challenge 2012 Parks Planner, Shayla Syverson discussed the 2011 Health Up and GO Wellness Challenge and asked Council for feedback on what should be continued for the 2012 Health Up and GO Wellness Challenge. Syverson stated that the Statewide Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) Grant made a lot of things possible in 2011, but the program is not dependent on the grant for 2012. Ideas discussed by the Parks Commission included; concluding the walking club at Festival Foods and having a presenter show citizens healthy options, yoga classes, kettle ball classes, silver sneakers and self- defense classes for women and children. The Parks Commission directed staff to work with the Health Sub -Committee to expand the Health Up and GO Wellness Challenge and to explore new class opportunities for 2012. IV. Recreation Program Planning 2012 Parks Planner, Shayla Syverson presented on the 2011 and 2012 recreation programs and budgets; including the ideas that were brainstormed at the November 9, 2011 meeting. The Parks, Recreation and Open Space Commission has been actively expanding recreation programs and building relationships with the citizens and local businesses over the past three years. The sponsorships from these local organizations help make the recreation programs possible, by helping to offset the incurred expenses. Most of the programs offered in 2011 will continue to be offered in 2012, along with the possibility of adding Geocaching and a Roving Recreation Program. The Parks Commission wants to add activities that get citizens out into their neighborhood parks and both Geocaching and Roving Recreation are perfect examples. -2— Parks Commission December 14, 2011 The Parks Commission directed staff to continue exploring programming ideas and to report to the City Council the programs that are continuing. V. Goal Setting Parks Planner, Shayla Syverson presented an updated list of the 2012 goals that were discussed at the November 9, 2011 meeting and also asked the Parks Commission to discuss the five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). 2012 goals include park, trail and open space development; continuing current recreation programs and implementing new ones; using the current athletic facilities to their fullest capabilities; and marketing the parks and the City of Hugo. The Parks Commission discussed the five-year CIP and agreed to focus on paying the current bond payments and saving money for future development. They discussed various project expenditures that may arise in the upcoming years budget including; park planning, park landscaping and trail development. Windisch made a motion, Berger seconded to approve the 2012 goals and five-year Capital Improvement Plan as discussed. All Aye. Motion Carried. VI. Set the Date for the 2012 Sleddina Part Parks Planner, Shayla Syverson asked the Parks Commission to set a date for the City of Hugo's annual sledding party held in Oak Shore Park. The Parks Commission directed staff to schedule the 2012 Sledding Party for Saturday, February 11`h from 1:OOpm until 4:OOpm. VII. Adiournment Windisch made a motion, Clarke seconded to adjourn the meeting at 9:48 pm All Aye. -3— Parks Commission December 14, 2011 The following pictures are the reasons for my coming here tonight to ask that the Hugo Parks Commission seriously consider dealing with the City of Hugo for the purpose of purchasing the parcel of land shown in the pictures. In particular, the property from Highway 61 to the edge of Egg Lake and from the south edge of recently cleared land (where the large trees start) to the north edge where present buildings are located. This piece of property in the only really attractive area when one drives through Hugo on Highway 61. With the available land and/or empty buildings that are now along there, I cannot see any justification to destroy that grove of large trees in order to put up bricks and mortar for more empty facilities with "For Sale" or "For Lease" signs. 1 sincerely believe you will be doing Hugo a huge "favor" by incorporating a passive park in this area. Any building along there, even with leaving a couple of trees, would defeat the purpose. Imagine for a moment, a nice family oriented restaurant, outdoor seating, path to the lake (?) with a little dock to sit and enjoy a morning cup of coffee, ice cream on a summer afternoon, or just simply relaxing in a little bit of nature. Of course, the City could also just "turn over" this parcel to the Parks Commission, thereby "giving" something to the long time residents of the "East Side" of Hugo!! z 11 Pt HaLi�rl f,�n7Tanning •ILI r L tai%i- r (:r � 1 � j is f' -i 1i -.'ilk 1- ti ��tty do v Lei y./ 11 c, - 14 L i Yv e CC'V-"P ' l u I_ 6 1 L O ' be ale f it- 0 L.L EL i 1 I q Df i v�4 d YDS �c urs t 1 YCe S pc c e I I 9 ro 4�0 10 ,i7 WI- � k, 5 C - vu ( � L 1C, -I a ( T (fry -I p � J w «r m ore a ...............: AGENDA CITY IDENTITY WORKSHOP THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2011 @ 7pm 7:00 PM 1. Call to Order and Roll Call 7:05 PM 2. Introduction and Background 7:10 PM 3. Staff Presentation 7:30 PM 4. Discussion and Next Steps 8:00 PM 5. Adjournment Pac,yj' PIc.Ln fftm o CL-Cnp. PIct.o Chapter 3: Policy Plan 3.1. VISION The City of Hugo will be a unique, sustainable community that respects the environment and serves its residents. The community will strive to be a desirable place for residents of all ages. The citizens have repeatedly expressed their preference for the retaining the "rural" lifestyle of Hugo. The goal is rooted in preservation, to the greatest extent possible, the essence of a rural way of life while encouraging a variety of land uses to meet the needs of the community. The objective is to blend the local variety of lifestyles into a peaceful and prosperous coexistence by creating mutual compatibility of local land uses within the community. Natural resources will be protected and natural corridors will flourish in the community. All residents will be able to enjoy the natural environment with carefully planned trails and connections. Facilities for horses, bicyclists and pedestrians will prosper in the community to encourage healthy living for all residents. Neighborhoods will be unique and carefully planned with innovative techniques to ensure a high quality of life for all residents. There will be a diversity of housing to support and promote the livability of the community. Neighborhoods will provide walkable, pedestrian -friendly accessibility. Development will be focused along the CSAH 4, Highway 61 and CSAH 8 growth corridors where the dense residential areas and businesses will be located. Development will be encouraged in Downtown Hugo, which is the heart of the community. 3.2. GOALS AND STATEGIES These goals and implementation strategies will be tools to help guide the City decision- making process. COMMUNITY CHARACTER 1. Provide for a variety of residential, commercial, industrial, institutional and agricultural land use opportunities within the community. Strateoies: • Encourage lifecycle housing opportunities. • Continue agricultural land uses in eastern Hugo where such uses are economically viable. Promote opportunities for commercial services to expand the tax base and provide employment opportunities. Enforce development standards to maintain a high-quality standard of living. cnapcer s 3-1 Policy PlanC ugooaor • Encourage a variety of social opportunities for residents. 2. Maintain the unique rural quality and small town feel of the community through thoughtful planning. Strategies: • Encourage development that preserves open spaces and creates connections to natural areas. • Develop Downtown Hugo as a livable, pedestrian -friendly town center within the City of Hugo. • Maintain and enhance the quality of development through the design and performance standards. • Encourage a sense of community by maintaining and creating distinct neighborhoods. • Identify areas within the community that could benefit from special plans or more study. • Identify areas that have conflicting land uses and develop solutions to mitigate current and future problems. • Develop and create safe road patterns and traffic calming measures to establish safety for all modes of transportation. • Maximize public service efficiencies through effective planning and management practices at the local level. • Encourage and utilize citizen participation in the local decision-making processes. • Maintain open spaces, natural resources and viewsheds that contribute to the character of the community. LAND USE AND GROWTH 3. Maintain a diversity of land uses that allows for urban development while preserving rural and agricultural lands. Strategies: • Promote urban development in areas where public infrastructure is available to support such development. • Prepare and adopt a land use plan that designates compatible land uses to minimize conflicts as development occurs. • Provide transitions between rural and urban areas through zoning and other performance standards. • Promote continued commercial -agricultural use of the land and prevent the decline of agriculture in the City's economy. • Maintain options for agricultural landowners to develop their property. • Protect the ability for existing rural non-farm lifestyles to co -exist in an agricultural setting. • Create a land use plan that supports the preservation of natural resources and permanent open space. Chapter 3 3_2 Policy Plan ugo 4. Support the development of a land use plan that responds to regional growth strategies while maintaining the character and vision of the community. Strategies: • Determine areas within the community that could support and enhance regional growth strategies and goals. • Create a land use plan that considers adjacent land uses in neighboring communities. • Enhance and update the zoning ordinance to support the goals and visions of the community. • Identify and utilize county, state or federal programs to encourage retention of the natural resources in the City. • Preserve and respect existing character and development within the City, while accommodating and serving new development in an environmentally - friendly and economically -sustainable way. • Encourage growth in areas within proximity to key infrastructure including transportation corridors, water, waste water and community facilities. 5. Encourage environmentally -friendly development in all areas to promote a sustainable land use pattern. Strategies: • Identify areas that would be suitable for conservation development. • Support open space planning and use it to develop tools and techniques to support conservation development and other low impact development alternatives. • Work with land owners, developers and stakeholders to identify land that could contribute to green corridors and stormwater management areas. • Encourage development of land uses according to function, minimizing land use conflicts and/or damage to the environment. NEIGHBORHOOD PATTERN AND HOUSING GOALS 6. Provide a variety of housing types at a range of values to support a sustainable community. Strategies: • Provide safe and adequate housing for all people, regardless of age, income or ethnic background. • Create ordinances that support the City's desire to have well designed and maintained housing at all levels. • Provide live -work housing options within the community to allow for a diversity of residents within the community. • Encourage developments to include a variety of housing types. • Explore zoning methods that allow neighborhoods with mixed housing types and or other appropriate uses within residential areas. Chapter 3 3-3 Policy Plan CH46 • Create and maintain a level of affordability options through the community's housing stock. 7. Implement policies that will allow the opportunity for the development of 877 new affordable housing units between 2011 and 2020. An affordable housing unit is a unit priced at or below 30% of the gross income of a household earning 60% of the Twin Cities median family income (or $46,200 in 2005). 8. Promote the development and preservation of a supply of quality housing that is affordable at all income levels and at all stages of the life cycle. Strategies: • Provide opportunities for the development of high quality housing that is diverse in terms of ownership, price, type, and style. This diversity shall include large lot residential parcels, as well as life cycle and affordable housing. • Encourage residential developers to include housing affordable to low- and moderate -income residents and local employees as part of their developments in order to provide a range of mixed -income housing throughout the community. Subsidized housing shall not be concentrated in any one neighborhood. • Provide financial or technical assistance, as may be appropriate, to developers of affordable housing for low- and moderate -income residents. • Encourage the development of housing for residents with special needs, including accessible housing for persons with disabilities. • Support efforts to assure equal access to housing opportunities within the City. • Support projects and programs that meet Hugo's needs for low- and moderate -income life cycle housing opportunities. • Provide an adequate supply of land guided for Medium Density Residential, High Density Residential, and Mixed Use. • Allow higher density elderly housing in areas guided for lower density residential land uses. 9. Promote development patterns and densities that link housing with services and facilities, employment areas and all forms of transportation, particularly future public transit and non -motorized forms of transportation. Strategies: • Support residential development that makes efficient use of available land with adequate public infrastructure. • Provide opportunities for housing affordable to low- and moderate -income residents in areas that are conveniently located and accessible to places of employment, commercial areas, public uses, and future transportation facilities. • Locate higher density residential uses near the Highway 61 corridor where future mass transit is possible. Chapter 3 3-4 Policy Plan tile6 10.Ensure that all housing and neighborhoods within the City are well maintained. Strategies: • Support local programs that provide financial assistance for maintenance and rehabilitation of older and lower cost housing. • Encourage programs and activities that support the physical enhancement and maintenance of neighborhoods. • Encourage and expand projects that enhance the infrastructure within older neighborhoods, such as the street reconstruction program 11.Support strong, vibrant neighborhoods throughout the City. Strategies: • Encourage methods of subdivision design to protect and enhance environmental features and amenities. Create and strengthen the appearance of City gateways and key transportation corridors through streetscaping, design standards, zoning, trails, lighting, sidewalks, signage, and other tools. Develop and enforce design, performance, development and site planning standards, incentives and resources to ensure quality development. Create a high-quality neighborhood environment in every development throughout the community. 12. Promote pedestrian -friendly neighborhoods. Strategies: • Encourage the integration of multi -modal access including parking, sidewalks, bike paths, and park and rides within new developments. • Enhance and maintain design standards that support a livable, pedestrian - friendly community. • Ensure that residential neighborhoods have adequate access to parks and trails and that parks and green space are integrated into developments. • Create connections between neighborhoods, parks and business to promote a walkable community. • Encourage development in Downtown Hugo to provide living, shopping and work opportunities to residents. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 13. Promote balanced commercial and industrial development that will better serve the full range of needs of local residents. Strategies: • Explore the use of TIF (tax increment financing) districts as needed to support the City's redevelopment goals. • Create commercial and industrial districts where a variety of commercial operations may expand. Chapter 3 3-5 Policy Plan u" ao g • Provide areas where businesses with outside storage are encouraged to locate. • Promote commercial development along Highway 61 and CSAH 8. • Encourage commercial development that supports the small town quality of Hugo. • Create ordinances to limit building size. • Strengthen commercial and industrial design standard ordinances to ensure that new development reflects the character of the community. 14. Provide quality development that will insure an expanded tax base and employment opportunities for residents. Strategies: • Provide opportunities for local residents to be employed at home or within the community. • Promote local business and industry in order to increase the local tax base and increase local employment. NATURAL RESOURCES 15.Protect and enhance the natural environment through sound land stewardship practices. Strategies: • Maintain ordinances to protect shoreland, floodplain and wetland areas. • Encourage buffers around wetland and shoreland areas. • Explore tools to encourage preservation of trees and other significant natural resources. • Continuing to support Washington County's groundwater plan. 16. Preserve significant open spaces and natural systems. Strategies: • Identify key viewsheds and natural resource corridors and consider methods to encourage their preservation. • Evaluate the use of a cluster housing ordinance or similar tools to permanently preserve open space in rural Hugo. • Strengthen ordinances to protect natural resources. • Provide education about natural resource preservation to increase understanding about the process of identifying significant natural resources. • Preserve key natural areas and make them accessible. • Support programs to educate and encourage community awareness and involvement focused on preservation of open spaces, natural resources and viewsheds throughout the City. Chapter 3 3-6 Policy Plan tae6 GOVERNANCE 17. Provide for efficient and effective administrative services which will meet the needs of the City of Hugo. Strategies: • Provide adequate staff to administer the City's statutory requirements. • Maintain the use of professional consultants to provide specialized services, until such services are deemed ineffective or are no longer cost-effective. • Encourage innovative and creative approaches to planning, engineering, and City governance. • Support the development and testing of alternative solutions to typical engineering and planning problems. • Implement the Comprehensive Plan though the subdivision ordinance, zoning ordinance, building code and other City documents. • Promote a sound financial planning program for capital improvements and relating those improvements to need, location and proper timing. • Maintain open communication for problem solving between staff, decision - makers and the public to find the best solution to planning and engineering issues within the community. • Encourage staff to monitor land planning approaches in other communities and government bodies for innovative solutions facing the City. • Prevent unnecessary cost, duplication and inefficiency in providing needed facilities and services. • Provide cost effective services to minimize impacts to taxpayers. 18. Work with adjacent jurisdictions and regulating agencies to promote a collaborative approach to planning. Strategies: • Include and invite participants from surrounding jurisdictions in planning activities that also have implications for their future. • Continue to explore and actively pursue opportunities to share services with surrounding jurisdictions to improve efficiency, reduce costs and avoid unnecessary duplication. 19. Provide opportunities for community and resident involvement in all aspects of the planning process. Strategies: • Inform residents and community members of important community events through publication in the local newspaper, or other forms of media. • Encourage participation at all community meetings, including Planning Commission, Parks Commission, Economic Development Authority, and City Council. • Hold community events that focus on the City's decision-making, particularly as it relates to land use and development. Chapter 3 3-7 Policy Plan C46 20. Protect the health and safety and welfare of the residents of Hugo through efficient and effective public safety systems. Strategies: • Continue to monitor the contract for police protection to ensure it meets the needs of the residents with the City's fiscal capacity. • Continue to monitor the effectiveness of the volunteer fire department to ensure it meets the needs of the residents within the City's fiscal capacity. • Explore City ownership of police equipment and employment of police personnel only if the contractual police protection is deemed ineffective or is not cost-effective. • Maintain the program for vehicle replacement and reconditioning for fire department operations. • Encourage continuing education for volunteer fire department personnel. INFRASTRUCTURE 21. Provide a transportation system that is designed and maintained to encourage development in accordance with Hugo Land Use Guide Plan. Strategies: • Promote a transportation system which minimizes impacts on the natural environment and which enhances local aesthetics. • Provide for safe, convenient and efficient movement of people and goods throughout the City. • Provide another east -west route through the City. • Encourage development of the interchange at 1-35E and CSAH 4. 22. Plan and provide public facilities in an orderly and economic manner. Strategies: • Maintain the existing infrastructure to maximize cost efficiencies in development of public projects. • Encourage multi -use functions in public buildings to provide for economy in government and make the most efficient use of these facilities. • Promote good design for public buildings that will allow for future expansions or accessory uses. • Work with the State, County and/or neighboring communities to coordinate public infrastructure improvements and services. • Protect the local environment and water supply through installation, maintenance and monitoring of on-site sewer systems. • Provide sanitary sewer service within the Urban Service Area as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan. • Provide a City water distribution system to meet City needs in compliance with State standards. • Discourage leapfrog development. Chapter 3 3-8 Policy Plan Ceo 23. Provide for a system of parks and open spaces which will satisfy both the active and passive recreational needs of all citizens. Strategies: • Preserve significant open spaces and natural areas. • Identify and develop parkland to maximize local natural features and existing infrastructure. • Promote preservation of natural features and public access when development occurs along the shorelines of streams, lakes and public wetlands. • Recognize regional and county park, trail and open space plans. • Provide a trail system that links local and regional park facilities within the community. • Enhance public parks and open space in accordance with the Capital Improvements Plan (CIP). • Maintain hunting and fishing opportunities within the City. • Maintain opportunities for AN and snowmobile use in the City. Chapter 3 3-9 Policy Plan t4o' This page intentionally left blank. Chapter 3 3-10 Policy Plant4e6 Credit Union presents: MOVIE NIGHT AT THE GYM Friday, January 6 Doors Open at 6:30pm Movie Starts at 7:00pm At Oneka Elementary School 4888 Heritage Parkway, Hugo Free! For more information, call the City of Hugo at 651-762-6342. For information about other programs offered by the City of Hugo, please check out the City of Hugo on facebook or look under "Parks and Recreation" at www.ci.hugo.mn.us. This event is open to all residents of Hugo and all members of 1 not sponsored by the WHL Area School District and this flyer wa The City of Hugo and Postal Credit Union are proud to present "The Smurfs" (PG). Bring your friends, family and blankets to enjoy a movie in the gymnasium! Popcorn is pro- vided by the Hugo Fireflies. Free will donations are ac- cepted. Snacks provided thanks to the Udstuen family. The City of Hugo is proud to present the third annual lif�HCity of ugo The Oneka Gym will be rocking with edited music by a live DJ, as well as a wacky world bounce, toddler play land, giant slide and jump castle. Enjoy family fun out of the cold and snow! aturday, Jan. At Oneka Elenie ntary School $5 per child with pre -registration $8 per child at the door A pm Parents/ Care Providers are free! To pre -register, please send a registration form and payment to Hugo City Hall (14669 Fitzgerald Ave. North in Hugo, MN 55038). Registration forms are available at Hugo City Hall or to print at www.ci.hugo.mn.us. )i Oneka Elementary School is located at 4888 Heritage Parkway North in Hugo. This is a family event for children ages 1-10. Spawaud 4: A w.SB A& Ale & Assoc' JOHNSON/TURNER 4 LAKE AREA BANK ,� Friends Serving Neighbors Since 1915 This event is not sponsored or endorsed by WBL Area School District #624 and this flyer is not printed at their expense. City of ugo City of Hugo Hugo City Hall 14669 Fitzgerald Ave. N. Hugo, MN 55038 Phone: 651-762-63400 Fax: 5651-426-2859 www.ci.hugo.mn.us The City of Hugo has an abundance of natural resources and open space areas including a large number of lakes, wetlands, woodlands and other natural amenities that make it a prime location for outdoor activity and recrea- tion. The City has made an effort to preserve many of these spaces as active and passive parks. As Hugo continues to grow, the City will need to provide additional parks, trails and recreation programs and opportunities that meet the needs of its residents. The Parks Commission works to provide immediate and long-term strategic guidance and direction for the development of parks for the citizens and City of Hugo. The nine member Commission is made up of volunteers appointed by the Hugo City Council. The Commission meets once a month on the second Wednesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. The meetings are open to the public and held at Hugo City Hall. Looking Ahead... 2012 Park Goals The Parks, Recreation and Open Space Com- mission approved 2012 goals at their December 14, 2011 meeting. The following were in- cluded: • Develop vision for short-term and long- term uses at Irish Avenue Park. • Plan Lions Park. • Coordinate Hardwood Creek Trail connec- tion between Moth and 145th. • Continue to look for grants. • Develop a priority list for trail develop- ments review Trails Plan. • Develop a landscaping plan for Heritage Ponds Park. • Continue Movie Nights, Snow Jam, Volun- teer Day, Skate Camp, Tour de Hugo and Soccer Camp. • Start a Roving Recreation Program. Hold nature programs in the Hanifl shelter. Start a geocaching program. Hold the Health Up and GO Wellness Challenge in 2012. Hold a Silver Sneakers program. Ensure the operation of the Hanifl Concession Stand. Coordinate addi- tional tourna- ments at the Hanifl Fields Athletic Park. Monitor the use of the ball fields. Continue to pro- mote parks and Continue to explore addi- programs . tional uses of Irish Ave- nue Park. ECity of Ugo 2010 Parks Commissioners: Jim Taylor, Chair Rachel Berger, Vice Chair Derek Larsen Roger Clarke Noel Schmidt Tom Windisch Kris Birch Mathew Rauschendorfer David Strub Inside this issue: Hanilf Shelter 2 Grand Opening Wellness Chal- lenge Tour de Hugo Heritage Ponds Park Irish Ave Park Planning 2011 Accomplishments of the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Commission The Parks, Recreation and Open Space Com- mission completed several major projects in lou. This annual report recaps some of their major accom- plishments. The Parks Commission completed several park development projects in 2012. Improvements were made at Hanifl Fields Ath- letic Park and Heritage Ponds Park. The Commis- sion worked on concept Irish Avenue Park planning of both Lions Park and what has become known as Irish Avenue Park. The Parks Commission expanded recreation pro- gramming to include a skate camp, soccer camp, a pickleball pro- gram, walking club and family bike ride. Use of athletic facilities are expanding with tournaments and op- eration of a concession stand at Hanifl Fields Athletic Park. The Parks Commission continues to find new ways to promote and expand the parks and recreation op- portunities throughout Hugo for residents. 2 Residents Plan for the Future of 2 Lions Park 3 3 Rec Program Suc- 3 cesses 2012 Parks Goals 4 Parks Commis- 4 sion Information The Parks Commission held two public workshops to put together develop- ment guidelines for Lions Park. Residents, including members of the Hugo Li- ons Club and elected offi- cials discussed how the park could be used and designed in the long-term. Development Guidelines were approved by the Parks Commission and Hugo City Council that ensure that changes are in keeping with the long-term vision of the park. Guidelines include: • Ensure Lions Park is safe and functional. • Emphasize Hugo's country charm and char- acterthrough design. • Offer unique recreation facilities and attractions to support a variety of ages, interests and seasons, fit- ting a community park. • Build community spirit. The guidelines will be used to direct all future changes at Lions Park. 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.