HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017.09.20 Park MinutesMinutes
Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission
Meeting of September 20, 2017
Hugo City Hall, 7:00 pm
Call to Order
Present: Roger Clarke, Cathy Moore-Arcand, Mat Rauschendorfer, Nicole Schmid, Dave Strub,
Ranell Tennyson
Absent: John Pontrelli
Staff Present: Scott Anderson, Public Works Director
Shayla Denaway, Parks Planner
Anna Wobse, Accounting Clerk
Strub called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm.
1. Approval of Minutes from August Meeting
Moore-Arcand made a motion, Clarke seconded to approve the minutes of the August 16, 2017 Parks
Commission meeting as presented.
Ayes — Clarke, Moore-Arcand, Rauschendorfer, Schmid, Strub
Abstained —Tennyson
Motion carried.
2. Existing Perks Survey
Parks Planner, Shayla Denaway provided the Commissioners with photos and brief histories of the current
parks in Hugo. The majority of the neighborhood parks are around ten years old. The parks have been well
maintained throughout the years with seasonal maintenance, playground inspections, annual repairs, and
the replenishing of soft surfacing. Over the years trees and landscaping have matured and partnerships for
use and maintenance have been built. Even though no major issues have been identified by residents, there
may be opportunities to make minor enhancements to Hugo's parks.
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Hugo currently has 18 parks, including: Arbre, Aspire, Clearwater Creek Preserve, Cove, Beaver Ponds,
Diamond Point, Frog Hollow, Hanifl Fields, Heritage Ponds, Irish Avenue, Lions, McCollar, Oakshore, Oneka
Lake, Rice Lake, Tower, Val Jean, and Victor Square. Playground equipment can last anywhere from 15 to 25
years.
Staff is seeking approval from the Parks Commission to do an in-depth review of the current conditions at the
parks and then bring back recommendations for improvements and upgrades to the Commission. Denaway
asked the Commissioners to share with staff if they see any issues at the parks and to share any ideas that
they may have for improvements at the parks. The Commissioners felt that this would be a great opportunity
to refresh and enhance Hugo's existing parks. They discussed the addition of exercise equipment, new
equipment, and benches to the parks, taking a look at the current landscaping at the parks, talking with the
surrounding residents to see what they feel is in need of improvement at the parks, and the prioritizing and
budgeting of the improvements and upgrades.
3. Updates from Staff
Parks Planner, Shayla Denaway provided the Commission with numerous updates:
With the closing of Withrow Elementary School, the School District has removed and sold the playground
equipment that was at the site. Denaway commented that residents have shared their concern regarding the
loss of the playground equipment.
The outdoor movie night in the park was held on Friday, September 8, 2017 at Hanifl Fields Athletic Park with
over 250 in attendance. The movie "Sing' was shown and the families enjoyed the meet and greet with the
Hugo Fire Department and the Washington County Sheriff's Office, and all of the emergency vehicles that
were on display.
The Tour de Hugo bike ride is being held on Saturday, September 23, 2017. It is projected that this year's ride
will be the biggest in the seven year history of this event.
Denaway informed the Commission that the online survey that was created to gain a greater understating of
the public's priorities for park development for the 2040 Comprehensive Plan was a success and 99 responses
were received. A draft of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan will be shared with the Parks Commission, the
Planning Commission, and the City Council at future meetings. After the draft is reviewed by the
Commissions and the City Council it will be available to be viewed by the public at an open house.
Every year the City undertakes one road reconstruction project. For 2018 the potential reconstruction project
will involve Oneka Lake Boulevard; east of 147th Street to Harrow Avenue and 157th Street to 1651h Street. If
the project moves forward the Parks Commission would need to decide what should be done with the trails
in that area. A public meeting would be held to gather input from the surrounding residents and then those
ideas would be brought back to the Parks Commission.
Commissioner Tennyson added an update on the Forest Lake YMCA Community Board. Derek Otto is the
new Executive Director of the Forest Lake YMCA, replacing Sharna Braucks. The splash pad is closed for the
season and the annual campaign is starting soon.
4. AdjOUrnment
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Moore-Arcand made a motion, Tennyson seconded to adjourn the meeting at 8:03 pm.
All Ayes. Motion carried.
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