HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.21.24 Park Minutes Minutes
Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission
Meeting of February Z1' ZO24
Present: Meredith St. Pierre, K4atKauschendorfer, Rane|| Tennyson
Absent:Valerie Boyd,James Compton, 6r, Cathy Mnore'Arcand' Emily McGinnity
NO QUORUM
Staff Present: Scott Anderson, Public Works Director
3hay|aDenavvay' Parks Planner
Max Gort' Associate Planner
5t. Pierre called the meeting to order at7:UOpm.
1. /\ppr0V8| Of Minutes from the ]BOUBrV 17, 7024 Meeting
Without a quorum, a motion could not be made to approve the January 17, 2024 meeting minutes.This
item has been tabled.
2. [lOek3 Place Trails Update
Parks Planner Shayla Denaway presented an update on the trail work on the City-owned outlot that is
situated between the developments known as Oneka Place and the Meadows at Hugo. With the
relatively light winter, the Public Works Department has been able to work on constructing the mowed
trails connecting the two developments.The mowed trails connect to existing paved trails at 161't St N,
162"u[t N, and Fenvvay Ct N. While there is still work to be completed, Denavvaystated that the trails
are in preliminary shape and can bewalked.
Commissioner Rauschendorfer asked if the long-term plan was to have the trails remain mowed trails.
Public Works Director Scott Anderson replied that they will remain mowed, and that there are some
lower-lying areas that could have improvements such as wood chips or gravel to reduce the mud.
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February z1'zUu4
3. Diamond Point Park Upgrades
Denaway presented an update on the neighborhood park project for 2024 in Diamond Point Park.
Proposed improvements include removing and replacing the old playground equipment and surfacing,
minor asphalt and concrete removals, landscaping repairs, resurfacing the basketball court, and a
suggestion from some members of the neighborhood to replace the sand volleyball court with a
pickleball court. Denaway stated that the current Parks Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) allows for
$200,000 to fund the project. Current cost estimates include $100,000-$150,000 for the playground
replacement, $5,000 for benches, and unknown costs for the playground removal, asphalt court repair,
and trail repair. Current cost estimates for the pickleball court's construction would total roughly
$56,000.
Commissioner Rauschendorfer, a resident of the Diamond Point development, commented that a few
people in the neighborhood have approached him regarding converting the volleyball court to a
pickleball court. Commissioner Tennyson commented that a pickleball court would be more utilized than
the current volleyball court.
Anderson commented that the basketball court only has one hoop, meaning that the full court-sized
asphalt pad could be reduced, potentially reducing the cost of asphalt resurfacing. Commissioner
Tennyson asked if a second hoop could be installed rather than reduce the playing surface.
Without a formal motion, the Commissioners present agreed that adding a second basketball hoop, and
converting the volleyball court into a pickleball court, would be a course of action heavily favored in the
neighborhood.
4. Bernin Park Construction and MnDNR Grant
Denaway presented an update on the planning for Bernin Park, as well as the construction happening
with the Shores of Oneka Lake Development to the north.The development is beginning construction of
its third phase, which includes the entirety of the planned trail along the western shore of the lake
connecting to Bernin Park.The development team has been constructing the trail much faster than
anticipated.
Commissioner Rauschendorfer asked how the lake shore trail in Bernin Park itself will cross the ditch
outlet on the north end of the property.Anderson responded that the trail will ideally swing to the west
of the outlet and avoid too much disturbance.
Denaway showed the draft construction plans with a disclaimer that Staff is already recommending
changes, including a sidewalk connection from the park trail to the cul-de-sac, giving walk-in users easier
access. Current construction plans include an informational kiosk near the parking lot, a paved trail to
the fishing pier, a paved trail along the southerly portion of the park, along with several other trails
consisting of different types of surfacing. Staff has indicated that they are not in favor of the proposed
paved trail to the wetland area, as it would incur significant tree removal without as significant of a
destination. Staff is also recommending that the proposed boardwalk not be constructed as it incurs
significant costs.
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February 21,2024
Denaway stated that the City is applying for funding through a MnDNR grant, which would reimburse up
to 50%of the construction cost, up to $350,000, but must the park have public involvement in the
design, must remain available for public use, must meet ADA standards, and must maintain a deed
restriction which the City currently has.The timeline of the grant application includes a pre-application
deadline of February 29, 2024, the final application deadline of April 1, 2024, notices of awards in the
summer of 2024, and ultimate park construction beginning in 2025. The City Council approved the grant
application at its February 5, 2024 meeting, and the Parks Commission will have the opportunity to
review the construction plans and final grant application at its March 20, 2024 meeting.
4. Adjournment.
The next Parks Commission meeting will take place on Wednesday, March 201h, 2024.
No official motion.
Meeting ended at 8:07 PM.
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February 21,2024