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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012.03.14 Parks PacketCopies to. I. 7:00pm II. 7:05pm III. 7:45pm IV. 8:30pm Agenda Parks Commission, City of Hugo March 14, 2012 7:00 pm Council Chambers, City Hall Commission Members, City Staff Approve Minutes From February 8, 2012 Meeting Recreation Programs- Spring and Summer Lions Park Planning Adjournment Next Meeting -April 11, 2012 -1- Parks Commission March 14, 2012 Backaround Memo Approve Minutes From February 8, 2012 Meeting Staff recommends approval of the minutes from the February 8, 2012 Parks Commission meeting. II. Recreation Programs- Spring and Summer Staff will present information on the following recreation programs planned for the spring and summer: • Skate Camp- June 25 & 26 • Walking Club/ Health Lectures • Skyhawks Sports Camps o Mini -hawk: 9:00am-12:00pm, August 13-17, ages 4-7 o Flag Football: 1:00pm-4:00pm, August 13-17, ages 7-12 • Hugo Geocaching Adventure- Starting May 1, prizes awarded October 15 • Outdoor Movie Night • Roaming Recreation III. Lions Park Planning Staff recommends discussion on the next steps of planning Lions Park. A memo is attached with options. -2- Parks Commission March 14, 2012 Minutes Parks Commission, City of Hugo February 8, 2012 7:00 P.M. Council Chambers, City Hall Call to Order Present: Joan Benner, Rachel Berger, Kris Birch, Chris Boland, Roger Clarke, Mat Rauschendorfer, Jim Taylor, Tom Windisch Absent: Dave Strub Staff Present: Scott Anderson, Public Works Director Shayla Syverson, Parks Planner Debi Close, Parks Secretary Jim Taylor called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. I. Approval of Minutes from January Meeting Windisch made a motion, Clarke seconded to approve the minutes of the January 11, 2012 Parks Commission meeting. All Aye. Motion carried. II. Update on City Identity Workshop Parks Planner, Shayla Syverson updated on the January 11, 2012 City Identity Workshop. Tom Windish represented the Parks Commission at the Workshop and provided an update on discussion. At the workshop, discussions had included what Hugo has to be proud of. The Parks Commission agreed that they have been actively building community identity for several years with forward thinking in developing quality parks which give residents a great place to live and play. Hugo has a huge youth population and the services (schools, programs, etc) to support families. Hugo has partnered with the school districts and sports organizations to build community-based programs and has been transitioning to offering recreation programs for several years. A sense of community will build from within- people want to be here and are proud and happy with what Hugo has to offer. Irish Avenue Park Sub -Committee Parks Planner, Shayla Syverson updated on the meeting that was held with the stakeholders requesting direction of how to proceed in planning Irish Avenue Park. At the last sub -committee meeting, it was determined that long term goals needed to be assessed including maintenance planning and keeping the surrounding residents informed. Scott Anderson Public Works Director informed of grants available that can be applied for to assist in tree growth or maintenance. The Parks Commission discussed moving forward with planning of Irish Avenue Park as a commission using the feedback from the sub -committee and the Parks Plan. Clarke made a motion, Taylor seconded to work as a Commission on identifying the short term/long term goals for Irish Avenue Park. All Aye. Motion carried. IV. Community Forest Grant Application Michael Marier addressed the Parks commission with a new proposal for his Eagle Scout project with intent of planting trees at Arbre Park. Scott Anderson, Public Works Director, suggested application be sent in to the Department of Natural Resources for a Community Forest Bonding Grant that could be applied to this project with a small match. City Staff will submit the application for a Community Forest Bonding Grant V. CIP and Grant Plan Shayla Syverson, Parks Planner, presented an updated Capital Improvement Plan to determine prioritizing and budgeting, continuing the Parks Commission discussion from their December meeting. Taylor reminded that the CIP is a guideline of how the funds could be used if additional funding became available through grants, donations, etc. The importance projects are determined and reviewed annually and budgeted. Discussions included looking at using City properties A. Other Mayor Fran Miron was in the audience and provided an update on recent discussions of the City Council. An update on the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail was given. Clarke made a motion, Berger seconded to direct staff to work with Washington County in planning the extension of the Hardwood Creek Trail from 145`h to 140`h and to look at the grade and ensue that the trail is accessible and easy to maintain. All Aye. Motion carried. VI. Update on Recreation Programs Shayla Syverson, Parks Planner gave an update on the Snow Jam that was held on January 21't 2012. Approximately 200 kids turned out with lots of fun to be had with inflatables, snacks and the live DJ. The February 3`', 2012 Movie night was another success with Kung Fu Panda. Postal Credit Union stated they will sponsor the remaining movie nights for the season. The next movie will be Puss and Boots on March 23rd 2012. The sledding Party is still on for February 11th, 2012. With lack of snow and none in the forecast the itinerary has changed to encompass a scavenger hunt, cocoa/snacks and to continue the bonfire if enough participants show up. VII. Adjournment Berger made a motion, Windisch seconded to adjourn the meeting at 9:44 pm. All Aye. Agenda Number: j �I CITY OF HUGO PARKS COMMISSION REPORT TO: Parks Commission FROM: Shayla Syverson, Parks Planner SUBJECT: Lions Park Planning DATE: March 2, 2012 for the meeting of March 14, 2012 1. INTRODUCTION The Parks, Recreation and Open Space Commission included planning Lions Park in the 2012 Goals and there are funds in the 2012 budget. In the most recent Capital Improvement Plan, site planning and construction of a shelter were designated unfunded projects in 2014. 2. PROJECT BACKGROUND: At the meeting of July 19, 2010, the City Council approved construction of improvements at Lions Park which included a new fenced skate park and resurfacing of the existing tennis courts. Council members asked about the future master park plan. At the November 10, 2010 meeting, the Park, Recreation and Open Space Commission was addressed by Pete Peterson of the Hugo Lions Club. Peterson informed that the Lions Club is interested in constructing a park shelter in Lions Park because an additional structure is needed in lieu of tent rental for large events such as Good Neighbor Days. At their June 8, 2011 meeting, the Parks Commission discussed a scope of services for the master planning of Lions Park from Landform in the amount of $7,000- $10,000. At the meeting of July 20, 2011, the City Council discussed whether it was necessary to hire a consultant at this time or if City staff could solicit public input and interest, and if decided, a consultant could be hired at a later date. Staff was directed to begin coordinating a master planning process for Lions Park, and include the Lions Club and any other major stakeholder in this process. -1- Lions Park Planning March 14, 2012 3. DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES: Public Workshops were held on September 27 and October 18, 2011. The Lions Park Master Plan Development Guidelines outline the goals and possible implementation established by residents in the public planning process. The following are listed as goals for the development of Lions Park: Ensure that Lions Park is safe and functional. 2: Emphasize Hugo's country charm and character through design of Lions Park. 3: Offer unique recreation facilities and attractions to support a variety of ages, interests and seasons, fitting a community park. 4: Build community spirit. At their meeting of November 9, 2011, the Parks Commission discussed the Lions Park Master Plan Development Guidelines and agreed that the development guidelines outlined key goals and concepts. The City Council approved guidelines at their meeting of November 21, 2011. 4. OPTIONS: The Parks Commission has discussed putting together conceptual drawings of the development of Lions Park. The Parks Commission could take the following steps to put together concept drawings:. Determine the scope of improvements and prepare preliminary designs for next phases: a. Park shelter? b. Parking lot? c. Stormwater? d. Other? 2. Determine cost estimates for phase 1 3. Determine revenue sources: city, Lions Club, Wilson Tool, other donors, grants, etc. The Parks Commission could choose to hold evening public meetings, hold workshops at the Parks Commission, or put together a sub -committee. The Parks Commission could also choose to involve a consultant to assist with the drawings through a RFP (request for proposals). Consultants would submit written proposals which the Parks Commission could evaluate. The proposals would include information on their services for planning and drawing, meeting participation, types and number of drawings, and the associated costs. Instead of hearing proposals, the Parks -2- Lions Park Planning March 14, 2012 Commission could choose to use the planning consultant appointed by the City Council, Landform. Landform has assisted in the majority of the planning projects in Hugo and has a history of working with residents, elected officials and staff with the city's park projects. Stakeholders including the Lions Club and residents were essential in putting together the development guidelines and could be involved in any of the above settings. 5. CONCLUSION: Staff recommends that the Parks Commission: 1. Consult with an architect (such as Landform) to prepare a feasibility study. 2. Create a sub -committee with stakeholders and users to determine the scope of improvements in step 1. The sub -committee could meet before the regularly scheduled Parks Commission meeting to make it easy to participate. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Lions Park Development Guidelines 2. Parks Commission CIP -3- Lions Park Planning March 14, 2012 Lions Park Master Plan Development Guidelines Drafted November 3, 2011 INTRODUCTION Lions Park is one of the most well known parks in the City of Hugo. It is currently the location of Good Neighbor Days. The community festival is put on annually by the Hugo Lions Club. The park is used throughout the warmer months for family reunions, company picnics and other gatherings. Repairs were made to the existing tennis courts and skate equipment was installed in the summer of 2010. At that time, the City Council discussed additional improvement and future development. It was decided that a master plan should be put together to ensure that all future investments into development at Lions Park build toward the public's long term vision of the park. HISTORY OF LIONS PARK Lions Park was the only public active recreation park in Hugo for many years. There were once lit fields that attracted people from all over the metro to see baseball games in Hugo. Lions Park was home to the first playground in Hugo. The property was once the location of Hugo City Hall and a water tower. Hugo City Hall has since been re -built on property adjacent to Lions Park. At the time of creating this plan, Lions Park has the following features: 2 little league baseball fields (used occasionally by White Bear Lake Community Services and Recreation) A 50' by 120' fenced, concrete surface skate park 2 tennis courts/pickleball courts 1 basketball half -court Four square game surface Playground equipment 3+ stall garage building used by the Lions Club for Hugo Good Neighbor Days Park shelter with 10 picnic tables Former Public Works Garage used by the Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf GUIDING DOCUMENTS The 2030 Comprehensive Plan shall be studied in conjunction with using these design guidelines for Lions Park. Lions Park Page 1 of 5 Development Guidelines HugA! o Parks Plan- 2030 Comprehensive Plan The City of Hugo 2030 Comprehensive Plan includes the Parks, Trails, and Open Space Plan. It is an update to the Parks Master Plan that was adopted in 1998. The current plan details existing and future parks, trails, and open space. The description of Lions Park outlines it as a community park, serving several neighborhoods and the community as a whole. Community parks should be easily accessed via trails and major roads. They should offer unique amenities and provide adequate parking and restroom facilities. Lions Park is described as currently serving as a community park and "continues to function as a significant central gathering area for the community and hosts large events such as Good Neighbor Days." Downtown Plan The City of Hugo Downtown Plan and Design Guidelines was approved April 10, 2007. The plan details how the downtown area, which surrounds Lions Park, will develop. The downtown plan is pedestrian oriented. Future development will include unique businesses and shops, traditional residential blocks, and mixed- use developments with office space and multi -family housing. Life -cycle housing which will be a draw to senior citizens is also anticipated to be developed. Although a community center and public library are shown adjacent to the park on the Downtown Master Plan, the park was discussed as having active park features. PLANNING PROCESS One of the 2011 goals of the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Commission was to do concept planning for Lions Park and develop a long term vision for how the park will be used and what the park will look like. The Commission discussed hosting public planning workshops. They desired to invite residents to participate that live the neighborhood surrounding the park and all Hugo residents. Public Workshop #1 A public workshop was held on September 27, 2011. Stakeholders were invited including the Lions Club, the Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf, surrounding property owners and the public. A Visual Preference Survey was conducted in which workshop participants were asked to rank fifty different images on a scale of 1 (like) to 5 (dislike). The images included a variety of park uses and features. After small group discussions, the images were narrowed down to 6 pictures of parks that they preferred. Discussions included having a multi -use park shelter that could be used year-round and serve as a focal point in Hugo. The shelter was envisioned to build community spirit and be a gathering place and used for Lions Park Page 2 of 5 Development Guidelines CA'eo things such as performing arts, farmers markets, youth events, Hugo Good Neighbor Days, and as a covered ice skating rink. Also, the park should satisfy the needs of the nearby residents with park features such as play equipment, walking paths, open space and other neighborhood park amenities. Landscaping should be used to compliment the features and beautify the park. The following images were selected by residents at the workshop to demonstrate options for how the park may look. They are concepts only. Figure 1: Holiday Decorations Building Community Spirit Figure 2: Open Space Surrounded by Landscaping and Capped by a Performance Shelter Figure 3: Walking Paths, Benches, Landscaping and the Gazebo Accommodate Senior Citizens Figure 4: Shelter That Doubles as an Amphitheater for Youth Activities, Performances and Other Community Events Figure 3: Playgrounds, Open Spaces and Other Park Amenities Accessible by Sidewalks Figure 4: Large Pavilion Used Year -Round For Events, Athletics, and Other Community Lions Park Page 3 of 5 Development Guidelines tHirgo Public Workshop #2 Using the feedback gathered at the first public workshop, residents discussed guidelines for future development at a public workshop held on October 18, 2011. Goals were brainstormed, utilizing desirable park qualities described at the first meeting. Lions Park was envisioned to continue to be used for significant community events and be a highlight of the Hugo Parks System. DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES Goal 1: Ensure that Lions Park is safe and functional. Guidelines: Provide adequate parking, restrooms and lighting for park users. Utilize pedestrian lighting and minimize light pollution. Consider access points of the park when determining the layout of park features such as parking, sidewalks, trails and gathering places. Connect the park to the trails, bike paths and sidewalks to provide pedestrian access to the park. Provide connections throughout the park which offer safe, off-street pedestrian options. Take advantage of opportunities to expand the park with development and changes in the downtown area. Goal 2: Emphasize Hugo's through design of Lions Park. Guidelines: country charm and character Consider rain gardens and other natural landscaping. Provide continuity between the design of the park and the design of the downtown. Encourage master gardeners and other professionals to assist with construction and maintenance of landscaping. Encourage holiday lighting and other decorations to beautify the park in the winter. Lions Park Page 4 of 5 Development Guidelines H_ Cii o' ugo Maintain picturesque view sheds. Consider construction of a gazebo or other major focal point. Goal 3: Offer unique recreation facilities and attractions to support a variety of ages, interests and seasons, fitting a community park. Guidelines: Design park amenities to be flexible in use so as to be used for different purposes in different seasons such as a skating area that may serve as the location for a flea market or a warming house that may double as a concession stand in the summer. Consider unique features such as a skating rink, large picnic pavilion with modern kitchen facilities, walking paths and band shell. Encourage use of the park for performing arts such as movies, concerts, dances and art displays. Maintain open green spaces suitable for carnivals, Good Neighbor Days and other large events. Provide a multi -use park suitable for significant community gatherings and which provides recreational amenities to the adjacent residential neighborhoods. Provide a playground for the adjacent residential neighborhood. Goal 4: Build community spirit. Guidelines: Provide and encourage use of facilities for community building events such as Hugo Good Neighbor Days, carnivals, flea markets, farmers markets, and more. Consider the park a hub; centrally located in the city and adjacent to prominent public buildings and downtown commercial district. IMPLEMENTATION The Lions Park Design Guidelines shall be used by the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Commission as well as the City Council and staff whenever an improvement the Park is to be made. Lions Park Page 5 of 5 Development Guidelines ugo Nob CITY OF HUGO PARKS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN PROJECT WISH LIST* YEAR FCOST PRIORITY Trail System Improvements 2012 $10,000 Heritage Ponds Landscaping 2012 $10,000 Arbre Park Tree Planting 2012 $5,000 Park Rules Signs 2012 $3,000 Skating Rink Boards 2012 $2,000 Irish Ave. Park Interim Improvements 2013 $20,000 Trail System Improvements 2013 $10,000 Lions Park 2014 $20,000 Site Planning Trail System Improvements 2014 $10,000 Irrigation of Fields at 2014 $15,000 Beaver Ponds Lions Park Shelter 2014 $1,000,000 Trail System Improvements 2015 $10,000 Lions Park Refrigerated 2015 $40,000 Ice Skating Rink Trail System Improvements 2016 $10,000 Lions Park Playground 2016 $100,000 and Landscaping Trail System Improvements 2017 $10,000 Irish Ave Park 2017 $20,000 Master Site Plan Fable Hill Park 2017 $20,000 Development * Projects listed on the wishlist will be possible only if funding becomes available such as through grants or park dedication requirements.