Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016.02.062016 Annual Report of the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission City Council February 6, 2017 1 Parks Commissioners Dave Strub, Chair Cathy Moore-Arcand, Vice-Chair John Pontrelli Mathew Rauschendorfer Nicole Schmid Ranell Tennyson Vacancy Rachel Berger, Alternate Member 2 The Parks Commission started 2016 with their annual goal setting. They have 5 primary focuses: trails, Lions Park, Irish Avenue Park, Reviewing plans and polices, and providing recreation opportunities to residents 3 BEFORE AFTER Oneka Lake Boulevard Road Reconstruction Project Their first trail related goal was to support construction of a trail along Oneka Lake Boulevard with the road reconstruction project. The trail was constructed and the final connection to HWY 61 will be completed in 2017. 4 Their second trail goal in 2016 was to Identify trails that would not be built with development or road projects This work started with an updated trail plan 5 The Commission had discussion and exercises over several meetings to look at where trails are planned., what might trigger their construction, and to identify gaps or missing links. The other goal was to identify trails that would not be built with development or road projects. This discussion took place over three meetings. It included a review of the trails plan and a close study of the existing and planned trail network. The Trail Development Policy which helps establish priority of trails that are not likely to be built by normal means (a road reconstruction project or property development). Examples of the partnerships and planning that went into the construction of existing trails were discussed. An exercise was conducted to identify missing links in the trail system. Exis February 10: Review Trail Plan March 9: Review updated planned and existing trail maps, compare urban vs. rural development options May 11: Reviewed Trail Policy, identified focus trails, “triggers” of trail development in the urban area, and rural trail construction partners e existing and approved sidewalks and trails map, which included several changes. ting and planned trails will be reviewed again with the comprehensive planning process. 6 Hardwood Creek Trail Improvements Rest stops/ kiosks, benches and cohesive way finding signage installed in 2016 Kiosks at CR4 and City Hall Washington County worked with the snowmobile club and other organizations on a signage plan for the Hardwood Creek Trail throughout 2015 and part of 2016. In the fall of 2016, the County removed all of the old signage and replaced it with new way finding signs. Kiosks were also built at CR4 and City Hall. 7 New Trails in 2016 Elmcrest Avenue Prairie Trail There were several trail projects that the Parks Commission were happy to see constructed in 2016. 8 New Trails in 2016 Rosemary Way Fable Hill There is a new Trail Connection to Clearwater Creek Preserve through Fable Hill 9 USBR 41 The Commission (and the Council) formally supported US Bike Route 41 which goes through Hugo on its way from St. Paul to Grand Portage. It has been formally named the North Star Trail and approved 10 Lions Park City Council joint workshop on April 28 Tour of the park Review concept plan and development guidelines Update on development of adjacent properties and infrastructure Discussion on financing options Feasibility Study approved Draft of phasing plan was presented in the fall by WSB On April 28, a joint workshop with the City Council was held to discuss the next steps of Lions Park. A tour of the park started off the discussion. The Development Guidelines approved in 2011 and the concept plan approved in 2015 were reviewed. Discussion included infrastructure needs and financing options. A feasibility study by WSB and Associates not to exceed a cost of $17,000 was approved following the workshop. The study will i n c l ude how r e - development of the park may be phased and a cost breakdown 11 Irish Avenue Park Approve a vision for future uses of the park Promote the vision and the temporary uses of the park to residents This will be continued in 2017 No complaints have been made about the track since it has been available for use. It has not seen a lot of use. A neighborhood meeting was held August 12, 2015 in response to the electric remote control car track and other complaints. There have been other calls to the Sherriffs Department due to people being in the park after dark, motorized vehicles, etc., but they are comfortable continuing to monitor things and are not recommending any be done at this time. The summer and winter trails were maintained the same as in previous years. 12 Goodview Avenue Property The Parks Commission always includes “responding to resident input” on their goals and values being responsive with resident input. In November of 2016, a neighborhood meeting was held to discuss the future of the Goodview Avenue City-owned property. This discussion continues. been known to hang out there, and some bad behavior has been reported. The neighbors have asked that the Commission do something to stop the problem. Over 300 notices were sent out to the adjacent properties inviting residents to participate in a discussion The Parks Commission has long valued working with residents and responding to their input. Complaints have been received regarding the 2.34 acre city-owned property off of Goodview Avenue. Pedal bike jumps have been built at the property, youth have about the short and long term future of the property at a meeting on November 9. Residents shared mixed opinions of what should be done with the property from selling it to continuing to allow youth to use the property. 13 Cove Park The Parks Commission reviews residential developments with the Park Dedication Policy and the Trails and Parks Plans. In 2016, a couple concepts were reviewed. Cove Park and some of the planned trails were constructed in Cleawater Cove. 14 McCollar Park At a Grand Opening held on September 10, McCollar Park , a community collaboration was celebrated. McCollar Park resulted from a variety of contributions. Several years ago, Pratt Homes dedicated the land to the City of Hugo as part of their park dedication requirements. The property remained passive until the additional homes in the neighborhood and a request from residents generated interest in a playground. To satisfy the park dedication requirements of the 4th Addition, Pratt Homes installed the park shelter, planted trees, installed irrigation, and graded the property . The HOA approached the Parks Commission and offered to make a financial contribution of $20,000 towards purchase of play equipment. The Parks Commission included the remaining $50,000 needed for the playground in their Capital Improvement Plan . At a neighborhood meeting held on April 13, Burke equipment from St. Croix Recreation was selected. Shortly following, the playground design was finalized and construction began. Hugo Public Works did concrete and grading work, put in sod, and made irrigation adjustments. The main feature is a spinning net structure. McCollar Park is the first Hugo park to include fitness equipment. The Park is named in honor of Mac McCollar and the McCollar family whom were the former owners of the property on which the Fable Hill neighborhood now sits. 15 Evaluate the recreation needs of Seniors Moving on to the Commission’ recreation efforts, in 2016 there was an emphasis placed on on providing programs for seniors. Some programs were not successful. However, work continues with the community forum on seniors being held in partnership with WBLAS, several communities and senior organizations. Two outcomes include the WBA Guide to Senior Housing, which includes housing options located in Hugo. And the Senior Housing awareness day in which Hugo senior businesses participated. Staff has been closely involved., especially with the group focused on recreation. Staff has been on a steering team that is coordinating the next steps- there will be a final community forum in February with a final report to be presented to the public. 16 Partnerships White Bear Lake Area Schools Hugo Business Association Tour de Hugo Planning Group Tech Tac Toe Washington County Library Washington County Public Health Hugo Senior Club Consortium of Lake Area Senior Services Hugo Fire Department Hugo Lions Club Strengthening partnerships is very important to the Parks Commission and drives their vision for providing recreation programs. These are groups that the City of Hugo Partnered with in some form in 2016. White Bear Lake Area Schools Hugo Business Association Tour de Hugo Planning Group Tech Tac Toe Washington County Library Washington County Public Health Washington County Parks Hugo Senior Club Consortium of Lake Area Senior Services Hugo Fire Department Hugo Lions Club Miron Century Family Farm 17 Recreation Programs The year started with 3 well-attended movie nights in the gymnasium at Oneka Elementary School. Assistance was given to the Hugo Business Association as they held Kidz ‘N Biz again this year on April 30. Over the summer of 2016, Tech Tac Toe was brought in for the second year to host fun STEM camps for a variety of ages. These included Droids & RC Vehicles Lego Star Wars, Extreme Movie Making Fun- Minecraft and Star Wars, and Amazing Lego Robotics. The City ‘s collaboration with the Washington County Library system expanded to include WBLAS Extended Day program at the Story Strolls. The Big Fun Show was held at Hanifl Fields Athletic Park and received rave reviews. Mac- Phail Center for Music’s Animals Make Music preschool program was held at City Hall. City Staff hosted Park Play Days every Wednesday morning which went to 11 different parks and had fluctuating attendance. The big highlight was the new bounce castle which replaced the former bounce castle which lasted over 10 years. 18 Recreation Programs The fall brought the annual Tour de Hugo bike ride. Approximately 400 people participated... about 100 participated in the free family 6 mile with Principals Dahlem and Healy. About $3,000 in funds raised for Hugo parks. Also in the fall, the number of visitors checking out the geocaches placed in Hugo parks also picks up significantly. A Matter of Balance and another program for active seniors were attempted but did not have enough participation carryout the program. Zootopia was shown at Hanifl Fields Athletic Park in September to an audience of approximately 40. 19