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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-29-18 Parks Packet CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS PARKS COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA MONDAY, JANUARY -29, 2018 6:00 P.M. AT CITY HALL I. Call to Order I1. Approval of Agenda III. Approve Parks Commission Minutes--December 18, 2017 (1) IV. Department/ Commission Liaison Reports A. Arborist B. Public Works Director C. Other/ Commission Liaison Report V. Visitors/Public Comment This is an opportunity for the public to address the Commission with questions or concerns not on the agenda. Please limit comments to three minutes. VI. Public Hearing None VII. New Business A. Comprehensive Plan--Parks and Trails (2) VIII. Old Business A. 2018 Budget and Capital Positions (3) IX. Annual Meeting of the Parks Commission (4) X. Reconvene Regular Meeting XL Informational A. Next Meeting: Monday, February 26 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall B. Council Meetings: Tuesday, February 13 at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 27 at 6:00 p.m. XII. Adjourn THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 1 CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS PARKS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Monday, December 18, 2017 at City Hall I. Call to Order: Chair Bye called the meeting to order. Present: Vice Chair Weyer, Commissioner Chirhart, Commissioner Johnson, City Administrator Johnson, Public Works Director Kegley, Arborist Danielson, and Commission-Liaison Liljegren. Absent: Commissioner Norton. I1. Approval of Agenda: Vice Chair Weyer, seconded by Commissioner Chirhart, moved to approve the Agenda. Carried 4-0. 111. Approve Parks Commission Minutes -- November 20, 2017: Commissioner Chirhart, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, moved to approve the Minutes. Carried 4-0. IV. Department/Commission Liaison Reports: A. Arborist: Arborist Danielson reported that she submitted the Tree City USA and Growth Award applications. She said that if the State approved the applications, the City would be named a Tree City USA for the 36"'year and a Growth Award winner for the fifth year. B. Public Works Director: Public Works Director Kegley reported that staff was flooding rinks, and they planned to open the rinks by December 26. C. Other/Commission Liaison Reports: None. V. Visitors/Public Comment: None VI. Public Hearings: None VII. New Business: None VIII. Old Business: A. 2018 Budget and Capital Positions: City Administrator Johnson reported that the Parks Commission held a worksession that evening discussing priorities and aligning capital costs with some of those priorities. He said staff would organize the worksession notes, and bring them back to the Parks Commission. Johnson reported that the City Council adopted their budget, and they fully funded the summer park program. IX. Informational: A. Next Meeting: Monday, January 22 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall B. Upcoming Council Meetings: Tuesday, January 9 at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 23 at 6:00 p.m. Parks Commission Minutes December 18, 2017 Page 2 of 2 X. Adjournment: Vice Chair Weyer, seconded by Commissioner Chirllart, moved to adjourn. Carried 4-0. Respectfully submitted, Jennifer Pinski City Clerk 3601 Thurston Avenue N, Suite 1 OO 2 Anoka, MN 55303 Phone: 763,231.58 10 Facsimile: 763.427.0520 TPCTPC[)RarningCo.con-i MEMORANDUM TO: Eric Johnson FROM: Scott Richards DATE. January 25, 2018 RE: Oak Park Heights — Comprehensive Plan 2018 TPC FILE: 226.10 The City of Oak Park Heights has recognized the need to update the Comprehensive Plan 2008 to both satisfy Metropolitan Council requirements and provide ongoing direction for development and land use, housing, community facilities, transportation, utilities, and parks and trails. Since March 2017, City Staff has worked with the Planning Commission on the Comprehensive Plan 2018 chapters. It is now necessary to have the Parks Commission provide input and develop the park and trail plan element to satisfy Metropolitan Council requirements. The City Council has recognized this as an update to the plan and not a totally new detailed document. The Parks Commission should review the draft text and map as attached. A list of some of the discussion points is as follows. Staff will follow up at the February meeting with the revised sections. Discussion Points Please find as follows discussion points to be discussed by the Parks Commission: 1 . The Parks Commission should review the Introduction section as well as the Existing Parks and Trails map for any changes or corrections. 2. The park issues in the Issues Identification section should be reviewed. This is a list from the 2009 Plan that should be updated with Parks Commission input. 3. The park goals and policies in the Goals and Policies section should be reviewed. This is a list from the 2009 Plan that should be updated with Parks Commission input. 4. The 2009 proposed plan maps for Autumn Hills Park, Brekke Park, Cover Park, Oak Park Crossing Park, Swager Park and Valley View Park are attached. The Parks Commission should review and suggest updates. 5. The draft Capital Park Needs Ranking as discussed by the Parks Commission in December is attached and will be discussed at the January meeting. Exhibits 1. Draft Parks and Trails Introduction, Physical Profile, Issues Identification, and Goals and Policies Sections. 2. Draft 2018 Existing Parks and Trails Map 3. 2009 Proposed Plan Maps for Autumn Hills Park, Brekke Park, Cover Park, Oak Park Crossing Park, Swager Park and Valley View Park 4. Draft Capital Park Needs Ranking Conclusion The Parks and Recreation Commission should review the issues listed above and provide direction to Staff. The revisions will be brought back to the Commission at their February meeting. Pc: Jennifer Pinski 2 PARKS AND TRAILS - INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION The Parks and Trail section of the Oak Park Heights Comprehensive Plan is built on the foundation created with the first Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail System Plan of 1995, the 1999 Comprehensive Park and Trail System Plan and the 2008 Comprehensive Park and Trail System Plan. The 2018 Comprehensive Plan acknowledges that the community is almost completely developed and anticipates that there will be little, if any, expansion of the City limits in coming years. The population growth and number of households is expected to grow slightly, to over 5,000 persons, and remain stable. It is expected that the City's population will continue to age, especially with the large numbers of elderly housing units. In recognition of the demographics of the community, this plan seeks to provide opportunities for recreation for all ages. The 2017 Community Survey asked residents about the current park and trail system and they stated that it was one of their favorite aspects of living in Oak Park Heights. Respondents had the following opinion regarding the condition of City parks and trails: 1 . Excellent — 23.2 percent 2. Above Average — 56.9 percent 3. Average — 16.2 percent Respondents utilization of a City Park or trail is as follows: 1. Every day — 17.0 percent 2. A few times per week— 37.8 percent 3. On occasion — 26.8 percent The City recognizes that the community is almost completely built out and new park land will not be created as a result of land subdivision. The continuing emphasis in coming years will be on improvements within the existing parks and trail connections within the community and connections to surrounding communities. �r Comprehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights Page 145 PARKS AND TRAILS - PHYSICAL PROFILE EXISTING PARKS AND TRAILS The Oak Park Heights park system offers numerous City parks distributed throughout the City and a trail system that nearly connects all parts of the community. The park facilities offer a full range of recreational activities. A list of the existing parks is as follows. A map of the existing park and trail locations is found on a following page. The City of Oak Park Heights contains six established parks. The parks vary in size, location, and service. Parks play an important role, not only in their overall recreational benefit to the residents of Oak Park Heights but as a crucial destination point directly related to the establishment of trails. All are interrelated and each portion from the park land itself, all the way down to a single picnic table or foot of trail, plays an important role in completing a recreational link, therefore adding to the comprehensive system. Valley View Park is the largest park within the City and is intended as a City-wide passive park for hikers, picnics and nature. It is viewed by the City as a very unique and positive amenity in the community given its dense vegetation, variation in topography, wetlands, and array of existing and potential uses. The park is an important link between the east portion of the City and Osgood Avenue (via its entrance drive, and/or through Brekke Heights or Valley View Estates residential subdivisions). Adjacent to the Valley View Park is Oak Park Crossings Park. Brekke Park is a high quality, intensively utilized City park intended as an active area for field games and a playground area for toddler age and older. It is located adjacent to State of Minnesota land controlled by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and serves as a community playfield for residents in the south-central portion of the City, primarily between Osgood and Oakgreen Avenues. The City will continue to work with the DNR to allow utilization of the property for open space, limited recreation and trails. In 2007, the City purchased the property at 5502 Osgood Avenue, adjacent to Brekke Park and created a disc golf course. Swager Park serves as a neighborhood playground along the linear park system. The park is fairly centralized within the community and is located within an Xcel Energy easement. A trail has been constructed within the easement from just east of Swager Park, through the City to Highway 5. " ,z I T, '7'4, Comprehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights Page 146 <r� PARKS AND TRAILS - PHYSICAL PROFILE Cover Park is the oldest and smallest park in the City and provides an active area for residents in the Village of Oak Park Heights neighborhoods who are otherwise somewhat segregated from the north and western portions of the City. A year-round park building, and parking lot was added in 2017. Autumn Hills Park and Haase Recreational Area serves as a neighborhood park and is surrounded by the Boutwells Landing senior community. The park serves as a focal point for residents from all areas of the City with the large play equipment area and a park shelter with restrooms. The recreational area features trails, utilities and natural areas adjacent to the Autumn Hills neighborhood and the Environment Living Center of the Stillwater Area High School. Oak Park Crossing Park is the City's newest park. It has a playground, park shelter, walking trails, and prairie grass plantings. It was developed on the former Allan S King ask disposal facility and is adjacent to Valley View Park. On the following page is a list of the existing park components for each of the six City parks. Trail connections have been constructed over the past two decades to provide important linkages between neighborhoods, commercial areas, and parks. In 1995, when the Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail System Plan was completed, the only trail routes available were a few sidewalks located in the area adjacent to the City of Stillwater and limited trail connections to existing parks. In the last 23 years, the City has developed an off-and on-street trail system that enables the pedestrian or bicyclist to move safely throughout the City. There are many linkages and crossings that must still be addressed. Currently, the trail system in Oak Park Heights includes 10.5 miles of municipal separated, off-street trails; 4.0 miles of municipal on-street trail routes-, 5.8 miles of State trails; and .3 miles of private trails. The City will continue to focus on making linkages, especially with development and redevelopment projects. North/south connections, especially along Oakgreen and Osgood Avenues, as well as crosswalks on or under these roadways, will continue to be a priority. The Existing Parks and Trails Map on a following page indicates the system current as of 2018. 'r Com rehensive Plan 2018 * City of Oak Park Heights Page 147 PARKS AND TRAILS - PHYSICAL PROFILE EXISTING PARK COMPONENTS Valley Brekke Swager Cover Autumn Oak Park View Park Park Park Hills Crossing Park Park Park Size 57 acres 13 acres 1.4 acres 1 acre 24 acres 35 acres Picnic Shelter with ath ✓ with bath ✓ with bath ADA ADA access access Baseball/Softball V Hockey Rink free ate free to ✓ ✓ ✓ Warming House with shelter ADA with bath with shelter access Basketball Court ti/ �/ ✓ Tennis Courts ✓ Soccer/Open Field youth only, Fall Play Set �/' f ✓ ✓ v/ ✓r Swing Set �/ �/ M/ ✓ ✓ Spring Animal ✓ Horseshoe Pit Grills Picnic Tables ;// ✓ f ✓ ✓ Bench/Seat �// �/ ✓ ✓ Bike Rack/Stand �/ �/ ✓ ' Trail/Path Connection �/ �/ r// ✓ ✓ ✓ Disc Golf Course ✓ Signage �/ �/ �/' y/ L/ ✓ Source: City of Oak Park Heights Comprehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights Page 148 PARKS AND TRAILS - PHYSICAL PROFILE INSERT EXISTING PARKS AND TRAILS MAP b �# Comprehensive Plan 2018 f, ` ` City of Oak Park Heights Page 149 + $— "I%illl���� nllnl■ iii I'i :.� iii �' �ii 'i�� I■ :INN _II �■■ I, ■■I,• .11 in == ��I■■ ' � � ■!■11111111�II � � �1�111111111 M � �► ■� x!11111111 r now / � ■ 111--11■� � � ��' 1 � 1■■ 1 ■■ .111►� • 1■� ��+■■II_ r) (IIID r�� ai■lu ���'' 11 � 1� I■■ ■■ mm■11■1■��■ � III 11■■1■ ■-■■��_��i�11:- :: ..11=:.:11 r ■� ■11.111 ■E■■�� -■ --.1 m - ----on :111111■1 - I DI/ �Illryt�lll 111 11■11111■t �� �=I/I����i , !1111111,■■ ��== ==/ VIII-lm■■• �� _I�I� m 7 _ten __ _ t■■■11111■■■11 � � ■©+■�I.i i��i tl�l ■�� ■ lllllllll■1_■i■���'I■1111.► �1r1._�Il...•sem, 111:uriu1= MR t 1111■■11 � � � �.■::: . II�IIIIIIIIIII ��. ■ � ••••- ■ ■I_' 1110 p����a■ milli 111■1■in - �� ■11.11■�����ll�,�=/ �_- �.�■■����1iii `ti �nnnm ■11111 1�■.��� X11 I� •�1■ll■lam il��� .. �I��■IIIA■ II ��� — — ° �■ - ���� ■ X111■ � 'r� ■ �: ®1 �'� • -_ ■ ■ roll: � ■.EN � 1 l I� 111111111 Il■ �_L1 11111. .III ■I■ � � __ uan al •�® � �:.,,,� � ► 111111► ���SII�►��' ���, �■ .. ��i�iiiiii' � PARKS AND TRAILS - ISSUES IDENTIFICATION NOTE: THE FOLLOWING ISSUES ARE FROM THE 2009 PLAN FOR DISCUSSION GENERAL PARK ISSUES • Provide opportunities for all ages to participate in lifetime fitness through the use of trails, tennis courts, cross-county skiing, and other activities. • Develop recreational and environmental education programs to familiarize people with the parks. • Decide if and how coordination with the recreational needs of the County, athletic associations, civic groups, etc. can be accomplished. • Create Oak Park Heights monument signs with plantings welcoming visitors to the City. • Year-round parking at parks and indoor recreational facilities are needed. • Plan for parks as a unified system with consistent hours of operation. • Determine whether existing and proposed park areas are desired for year-round or seasonal usage and what effect this will have on park facilities and design. • Discuss how park and playground buildings can be constructed to be compatible with surrounding urban or rural activities in regard to scale, design, color, setbacks, and materials. • Define the means by which park development can minimize impacts on adjacent properties, i.e., off-street parking, screening, landscaping, setbacks, etc. • Continue to explore joint park use with Oak Park Elementary and adjacent facilities. • Link all parks within the City through a system of trails. • Identify in what park situations lighting would be appropriate or necessary. It is possible that this may only be accomplished as plans for each park or trail are established. VALLEY VIEW PARK • Welcome the public to the park with an inviting landscaped entry. • Identify park boundaries and aid visitors in locating picnic and trail facilities with improved signage. • Allow safe access to the lower area of the park with an improved trail system. • Work with the Minnesota Department of Corrections on access on the north side of their property to connect the entrance road to the trail system. • Update the existing playground equipment including providing new swings and slide. • Develop recreation and environmental education programs that would familiarize people with the park. Comprehensive Plan 2018 ' , All City of Oak Park Heights Page 151 PARKS AND TRAILS - ISSUES IDENTIFICATION MOELTER/EXCEL PROPERTY (OAK PARK CROSSING PARK) • Obtain a commitment from Xcel Energy on potential development of active and passive facilities within the A.S. King Plant ash disposal facility. Potential improvements could include: a. Pavilion and Picnic Shelters b. Amphitheater with Terraced Seating c. Additional Trails d. Observation Platform e. Formal Gardens f. Parking Areas g. Playfields BREKKE PARK • Explore expansion and improvements to the existing Brekke Park picnic shelter. • Develop a Summer skateboard course on the concrete surface of the hockey rink. • Promote the disc golf course as an additional new amenity in the park. • Explore potential sale of a portion of the property along Osgood Avenue for single family purposes. • Work with Washington County on construction of a tunnel under Osgood Avenue to provide safe access from Brekke Park to the trail and park system to the east. • Consider the development of a parking lot on the property adjacent to Osgood Avenue. • Develop a park shelter/gazebo on the property adjacent to Osgood Avenue. • Improve and update play equipment. • Install additional facilities in the eastern portion of the park including a picnic shelter, landforms, tricycle raceway and plantings. • Consider a trail with an east/west orientation along the existing parking lot and edge of the park. • Consider purchase, if available for sale, of the DNR managed property to the south of Brekke Park. SWAGER PARK • Consider the park as a linear park segment within the trail system, rather than a destination in itself. • Create a landscape plan that provides additional trees and shrubs in the developed park area. • Provide benches, picnic tables within the park. Comprehensive Plan 2018 } City of Oak Park Heights Page 152 PARKS AND TRAILS - ISSUES IDENTIFICATION • Plant prairie grass/native trees in that area to the west of the developed park area, and including the area west of Oldfield Avenue. • Research and install non-conductive play stations within the park. • Provide exercise stations within this area. • Consider constructing permanent restroom structure. • Install treeffence screening along the northern boundary of the park. • Consider eventual removal or replacement of fence as needed along the south boundary of park with neighborhood involvement. • Provide lighting along trail and at the crosswalk at Oldfield Avenue. • The City shall take park land dedication for potential redevelopment area north of Swager Park. COVER PARK • Upgrades to building or new construction. • Improve/enlarge parking lot. • Maintain/improve perennial planting slope. • Repair hockey boards. • Consider integrating Cover Park with Moelter/Xcel Property. AUTUMN HILLS PARK AND HAASE RECREATIONAL AREA • Provide a tot lot for ages five and under. • Make all recreational facilities equipment disability accessible. • Develop an amphitheater area to the north of the park shelter. • Provide irrigation for grass and tree plantings within the park. • Provide a small interactive water feature. • Add bike racks near the park shelter. • Provide connections to the Boutwells Historic Village area to the south of the park and explore programs and cross-utilization of both facilities. GENERAL TRAIL ISSUES • Restore prairie areas where possible along the trail system. • Construct educational environmental kiosks and signs at Valley View Park, by City Hall, at Autumn Hills Park, and in other appropriate locations along the east/west trail corridor. • Provide benches, resting areas, picnic tables, water fountains, and exercise courses along trails. Comprehensive Plan 2018 ~ City of Oak Park Heights Page 153 PARKS AND TRAILS - ISSUES IDENTIFICATION • Complete the striping of the southern edge of the Andersen Office Building parking lot with a trail lane and stripe a crosswalk over Osgood with signage between Osgood and Valley View Park. • Separate active (or motorized) uses from passive (walking) use on City trail systems. Study whether certain motorized vehicles for elderly or disabled individuals may be allowed on the trail system. • Improve trail signage where necessary to (1) denote the type of trail; (2) to give direction as to where they lead; and (3) to warn vehicles of trail crossings, on- street routes, etc, for safety purposes. • Look at options and locations for lighting of trail corridors. • Assure that all new trail construction is disability accessible. • The size of trails involves two factors: width and length. The minimum recommended width for multi-use trails is eight feet, although it is beneficial in many situations to provide increased width depending upon the use and location. The length of trails should be varied to provide choices for users. • The location of trails within the community may be constructed in one of three general ways: 1) on street, separated by a painted line, 2) off-street, but parallel to the road surface like a sidewalk, or 3) completely separated from the road and not necessarily parallel to it. • Work with the City Engineer to define the right-of-way widths that are necessary to establish trails along designated roadways; for instances: an eight foot trail necessitates, at a minimum, a 20 foot easement and 10 foot level bench (construction) area. Many times, additional temporary easement areas are needed to grade surrounding areas. • Consider developing cross-country trails throughout the City. NORTHERN OAK PARK HEIGHTS TRAIL ISSUES • Link Oak Park Heights to Stillwater and Bayport by way of Mn/DOT's proposed trail on Highway 95. • Provide interconnections with the Stillwater trail system whenever possible. • Link Sunnyside to Mn/DOT's trail. • Link Sunnyside to the bluff area by way of Lookout Trail. • Find a way to link Lookout Trail to the west. • Link the homes west of Osgood Avenue to the south and east and define the best trail routes along both sides of Osgood Avenue to a point north of Highway 36 (possibly 62nd Street). • Provide access from the homes north of 62nd Street and east of Osgood Avenue to the area south of Highway 36. ^; Comprehensive Pian 2018 City of Oak Park Heights Page 154 p7 PARKS AND TRAILS - ISSUES IDENTIFICATION EASTERN OAK PARK HEIGHTS TRAIL ISSUES • Mn/DOT shall provide a bike trail along the south side of Highway 36 from Osgood Avenue to Peller Avenue. • Provide trails on both sides of Osgood Avenue through the City. • Provide access for those residents east of Osgood Avenue to safely cross Osgood Avenue and access the mall, Swager Park, and Brekke Park. • Define where the designated crosswalk(s) should be south of Highway 36 on Osgood Avenue. • Provide linkages and trails throughout the A.S. King Plant ash disposal facility once it is capped. • Provide interconnection with the Bayport trail system whenever possible. WESTERN OAK PARK HEIGHTS TRAIL ISSUES • Provide a trail on the north side of 58th Street from Oakgreen Avenue west to Memorial Avenue. • Connect the Highway 36 frontage road to 58th Street on the west side of Menard's. • Complete interconnections between the commercial and residential areas to the 58th Street trail and the Xcel easements trail system. • Link Baytown Township with the Oak Park Heights trail system. • Provide interconnection with the Lake Elmo trail system wherever possible. • Provide trails on both sides of Oakgreen Avenue. • Connect the Pondview Condominiums at the southwest corner of Highway 36 and Oakgreen Avenue to the rest of the trail system. • Provide safe crossings on Oakgreen Avenue. Comurehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights Page 155 PARKS AND TRAILS — GOALS AND POLICIES INTRODUCTION Goals and policies reflect the community's direction as it relates to its recreation system and provides more detailed guidance on park and trail development. Park and trail goals and policies were developed through an analysis of the issues identified in the Issues Identification phase of the process. Additionally, the policies were adopted to reflect the community's direction in land use growth and the resulting need for additional park land and facilities. As with any policy plan, it is important to read the statements together rather than as disjointed declarations. Although conceptual development may leave the map out of date, it is expected that policies are more enduring. NOTE: THE FOLLOWING GOALS AND POLICIES ARE FROM THE 2009 PLAN FOR DISCUSSION SYSTEM GOALS • Protect, preserve and improve environmentally sensitive areas and natural resources in all parks and trail corridor areas. • Establish and maintain recreation facilities that maximize participation and overcome physical or economic limitations which may prevent equal opportunity, regardless of age, race, sex, religion, or place of residence. • Plan and maintain an attractive and diverse system of parks that address the park needs of all segments of the community. • Provide linkages within Oak Park Heights as well as to neighboring communities and regional systems by a safe and convenient multi-use trail/sidewalk system. SYSTEM POLICIES • Develop an ongoing planning process for the establishment of parks and trails which responds to the Comprehensive Land Use Plan Policies as well as those identified herein. • Identify present and future park/trail needs on a regular basis for evaluation by the Park Commission and City Council. • Review the established park/trail plans on a yearly basis to ensure that needs and priorities are up to date. a k Comprehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights Page 156 i V ' .� �w PARKS AND TRAILS — GOALS AND POLICIES • Prepare a master plan for each component of the park/trail system to be used as the basis for development. • Promote public participation in the planning process via the Park Commission hosting forums for open discussion of issues, by newsletter, and the City's website. • Identify the means by which to implement park/trail administration and operations (i.e., by the Park Commission and City Council policies, procedures, and ordinances). PROGRAMMING/DEVELOPMENT POLICIES • Create and maintain an attractive, diverse, and interesting system of urban parks/trails. • Create a City-wide park and trail system designed to minimize conflicts between pedestrians and motor vehicles. • Minimize park and trail construction costs by constructing trails in conjunction with State, County, and City street improvements. • Work with Mn/DOT on trail/sidewalk connections and construction as part of the St. Croix River Crossing and Highway 36 improvements. • Parks and trails are constructed on a priority basis, according to capital improvement plan/available funds with the trail priorities as follows: o Trails along major streets which focus on pedestrian and bicycle safety and which provide direct access to City/regional destinations and parks. o Trails that will serve the most intensely used areas. o Trail construction within existing parks and upon municipal property. o Trail inclusion within new park/subdivision development. o Completion of links between existing trails and other communities. • Park priorities may be: o Establishment of parks in undeveloped areas or newer parts of the City. o Creation of neighborhood and community-wide parks. o Upgrade/improve upon existing park equipment. • Utilize utility rights-of-way for trails or linear parks. • Encourage the private sector to provide recreational opportunities/facilities. • Provide support facilities in conjunction with trail development. • Fully organize and outline new recreation programs prior to initiation and implementation. • Determine where the establishment of user fees is appropriate to combat recreation costs. • Determine under what circumstances unsolicited gifts and donations will be accepted if they are free of obligations or potential future impacts. � Comprehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights Page 157 Y. PARKS AND TRAILS — GOALS AND POLICIES • Determine under what circumstances volunteer efforts will be utilized to expand the City's recreational elements. • Active use recreation areas should be designed for year-round use with an established system of maintenance. • Park and playground buildings should be compatible with surrounding urban or rural activities with regard to scale, design, color, setbacks, and materials. • Park and trail development should minimize impacts on adjacent properties through provisions for, but not limited to- o Adequate off-street parking. o Appropriate orientation and location of buildings and activity areas. o Screening, buffering, and landscaping. o Adequate setbacks and physical separation. • Coordinate facility development with the needs of community residents, Parks Commission services, athletic associations, civic groups, etc. • Maximize park accessibility by City residents to best serve the area. • Coordinate yearly park events. • Consider the long-term costs of maintenance and operation in a facility's design and development. • Preserve existing physical site amenities (natural or man-made) and encourage the establishment of new site amenities when planning and developing park areas. FACILITY PURPOSE AND DESIGN POLICIES • Establish park and trail facilities which provide recreational as well as functional uses. • Provide varying types of trails to be used as the basis of planning and development for the multiple use trail system, defined as a comprehensive trail system for the integration of a variety of compatible non-motorized trail uses (pedestrian, bicycles, roller skating, cross country skiing, etc.). • Grades of trails should not exceed five percent to ensure disability accessibility or eight to ten percent for all others. • Design and construct trails according to the standards established by the National Park and Recreation Association, the State Department of Transportation„ and Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (see Trail Design Standards attached herein). • The inclusion of environmental sensitive areas (river frontage, native prairie, bluffs, unique vegetative associations, etc.) into park or trail facilities should be considered to contribute to the overall recreation system. Comprehensive Plan 2018 S `1 City of Oak Park Heights Page 158 PARKS AND TRAILS — GOALS AND POLICIES • Land for parks will be acquired, planned and developed according to the Park Classification System contained herein which specify the appropriate sizes, locations, service areas and equipment to best serve the City. • Prior to the development of each park area, a design plan will be prepared which shows the types, locations and sizes of proposed facilities and estimated costs. • Prior to the development of each park area, a design plan will be prepared which shows the types, locations and sizes of proposed facilities and estimated costs. • Park facilities and buildings should be compatible with surrounding urban or rural activities with regard to scale, design, color, setbacks, and materials. • Maximize park accessibility by City residents to best serve the area in which the facility is located by requiring either vehicular or pedestrian access to both (depending on the size and classification of park). • Potentially develop dual-use corridors incorporating bicycle and pedestrian corridors with ski touring or sledding routes during the snow season. • Maintain all trails in good repair and ensure that designated trail segments are kept open and clear of snow throughout the year unless designated as winter use trails. • Consideration shall be given to safety, visibility, and emergency access into parks when acquiring land or planning for their development. • Develop a policy for motorized vehicle use in City parks or on trail areas. • Bicycles shall only be allowed upon paved surfaces within the City as designated by ordinance. Mountain biking is allowed on trails designated for this purpose. • Develop, and update as needed, policies for mountain bike and in-line skate usage. • Define the types of parks which exist and are to be established in the City and develop policies for each (see Park Design Standards herein). MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION POLICIES • Provide for the efficient maintenance and operation of clean, orderly, controlled, safe, and attractive parks and trailways. Park maintenance and operation shall safeguard the physical condition of trailways from deterioration or damage due to weather, vandalism, or other natural or human causes. • Develop a clear and concise system of park and trail graphics and signage that direct people along trails and into parks to specific points of interest. • Define specific park and trail safety rules. PUBLIC RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY ISSUES POLICIES • Develop ways in which to promote citizen interest and involvement in the City's park and trail system. Comprehensive Plan 2018 ` ; r ;4� , City of Oak Park Heights Page 159 PARKS AND TRAILS — GOALS AND POLICIES • Continue to update and distribute the pamphlet that shows the trail routes, parks, service and public facilities. • Monitor characteristics of use, safety, and other factors periodically throughout the park and trail system. • Provide facilities/services to all residents of the community. • Develop ways to organize community recreation programs and facilities to maximize participation and overcome physical or economic limitations which may prevent equal opportunity, regardless of age, race, sex, religion, or place of residence. 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R s�y6iaP `Jed Neo jo A}!0 N pelf ueld I1eJ.L T)laed sainlea8 = saaniea� S44610H Wd MeO 10 43 s;uaw013 V9d pasodoJd s;uaw01314-Jed BURS!x3 r � RI l{k/ON 103aI5*$S •R PIa�3�11"C7 jo " ,..>.. 301 WO ILI, LJni r g _ _ yy T L +� m r I IL It s v, w =em Y 0 a=� o a 3w � 7 CL C M f U7 CD Q LO m •� •` m c 4 _ 7 to y s din d v� w _1 a ry O O N m � Q a aci m N LL w v m a d F` LL o as _ N m a o o r U' W AAA M MM^1' 1 1 JJ I F .s State Highway 36 eo Ration a' e s p r to�planj p. h d I p ate play r' equip tat asneeded r u Vsfiey View Rark 1 vad_ trail Connection lmprove•:entry.with,invitin.g landscaped areas ��r rrrrTrF; Existing Park Elements Proposed Park Elements City of Oak Park Heights Trails — Trails Park$Trail Plan Features ® Features City of Oak Park Heights N PROPOSED PLAN Boundary Valley View Park �.. ,+• `•,-+' ac` m<e•�^-•' -u-V• Source',8onestroo Engineering Feet The City of Oak Park Heights,& 0 250 500 1,000 NorthwestAa—cfated Cons Msnts, Page 3t aeeember,2008. 9 DRAFT Capital Park Needs Ranking — December 2017 Parks Walkthrough -Capital Needs Ranking-december 2417 Revised -a - Seorlrkg Dee -_- Park:arc Eleriert 2017 NOTES L:: 3 AUTUMN HILLS PARK Moretrees 1 removeand replace 5 ashtrees-in 2019 - -__- Tables;h2r&2s 3 Monitor cordition-replace as needed Refiigeiatci it park shelter 9 Completec Ashtrays 9 Completec No smoking signs by playground 1 Addwher2p2oplearesmoking Grass between shelterandplayground 9 Completed Bandshell D Deleted Splashpad D Deleted Replace playgroundequipment 3 Monitorcondition-butlowpriorityfornow. BREKKE PARK Swings-beth lowerand upper playgrounds 9 Completed Garbage containers-especially bydiscgolf 9 Completed B2rcF2satboth playgroures 9 Completed Replacestairs by parkshelter 9 Completed Climbing Play structures for olderchildren 3 Low Priority-older kids usirgother%cilities Trail conr 2cticrs to upper playground 2 Would be agoad trail connection,also upcat-.the trail accessway Replace hDck2r beards 1 lPerhaps a few rr�Dre years left,butwill r22 tD be fullyremoved Replace 2as2rr2rttiail are fence off 55th St. 2 Complete witl--sail connectiDr tD upp21 playgrDLrd OTHER CDrr2ctir.--iailtc,Baseballfielcs 3 This isth2 trail b2hindthe baseball fi2lcs arc tc thawildlife area CLEVER PARK New,•'Mov2ParkShelter&Rink 9 Completed Ar-tablesand Benches 9 Completed Improved Parking 9 Completec Add Guttersto new Cover Park Shelter 1 Very much r-.-.ded to avoid erosion and splash of mud on building. Gai cers/Friends ofthe Parks 3 This woLlc be forthe east side hill-staffaddresses this as needed butwould alwaystake volunteers GarbDs-In progress 9 Complete-- Ti ompletecTr ail Corrections-In progress 9 Completed-presumably the North-southtrailwayalong west side of Cover Park CDro2t2 Rirk D Deleted Accuails fcrconnectiontoOPCPark 9 Completed OTHER-M ob i I e Board for convertible rinks Deleted OAK PARK CROSSING PARK NAME THE PARK 9 Completed Benches 9 Completed Gazebos 9 Completed Trail-In Progress 9 Completec Conneettrail to V.V.Bridge 3 This wDt.Ic be a trail that runs along the eastern borderof Perro Pond, Splash Fac D-.letec Baseball Diamond Deletec B3threorr, D Deletec SM21'Fi2lc D Deleted WaterFcLrtains 2 Hot conditions on the site near playground,perhaps a surfacetap ofthe water. Addswir=cs 3 Law priority-dependsonfootingsfor swingbases Complete 2xistingtrail from parking lot 9 Completed Ac22x21cis22cuipm2nt 1 Add 2-3 units somehwreinthevicinity Accrr�eietablesteshelterarea 3 Monitor as needed. SWAGER PARK FitnessEcuiprnent 1 Add 23 units sorr�2v.�h2reirth2odrity-(not inaddibontoOPC-but see howthesego) Gauge irter2st/Letter-Fence(possiblychain link)(optional gates) D Deleted(Irrstallf2rcirgthat is ger2rally similar) ReplaceFerce/No Fence 1 Fencing is failing+/-600lireaifeet-should be replaced soon Ac-Playground 3 Leave as currently isinstallac. B2rcF2s 3 Adcvel-212able Accwaterservice/hydrant/Water Fountain 2 See ifa shallcwtap can be installed Ac c ccmmunitygardens 3 fthere is a groupwillirgtotake onthe responsibility. NEW-REPLACE PLAYGROUND 3 Law.See above. VALLEY VIEW Ac c GLtters 2 S h e If fD r s e rvi ng or Single Tables with no Seats 1 Ac c more Electrical outlets for serving 3 Re place Road 9 Completed Replace Parking Lot 9 Completed Deckon east sic-.Df park shelter 3 Extend north Bice cf park shelter 3 Trail cD r r 2 cti Dr to th 2 2 ast/through woods 3 Trail,t rr 2ctiDr to th 2 north/across ravine 3 Ext2rc the pacilier sheltertothe north D D212t2 Replai.,Acc•c ferce 2 Complete with Swager Park Fence 6CO+/-LF at VV Park Remove btcktherr@eastwoec2carea 2 Ongoing-SentencetoServe Plant treestD replace dying/de3c ti 22s 9 Competed Re place easerrrrt trai l off 02a rk A:v2 1 Re place with Fe nce Project-Replacement Add p icnic tables 2 Ongoing 3 4� City of oak Parr Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N . Box 2007. Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 • Phone (651)439-4434 • Fax 651) 439-8574 January 26", 2418 MEMO TO: Park Commission Memt ers FROM: Eric Johnson City mini t RE: Updated Priority Raicings.� 18 r As discussed at the Commission's meeting in December 2097 — I have compiled the comments and generalized rankings of various park projects and their respective priority scale. If the Commission would please review and let me know if there are any needed adjustments. This list is not a specific action to undertake any particular item as much depends on funding, timing and Council authority, But that stated, where Staff can complete some items it will try to do so within the confines of current budgets and programming. Parks Walkthrough - Capital Needs Ranking-December 2017 Re%1 s e d Scorins Dec Park and Element 2017 NOTES AUTUMN HILLS PARK fZ- E,,- z and re I:lac;.5 ash,trews- r;clace as!Ie.-;2 i" C ;-.Ed Replace playirc-,-,c 4.-,-L-- BREKKE PARK :i P ---,-as for NC E -,e- L is L E.i COWER PARK co--c Cc—E!Ec cc .c Park ShCzir i E c xi 2r o r,;r, sw z n C:S as g.1 f, .L;1.1 always take welLr,tears c i OAKPARK CROSSING PARK -.-E P.:,4 Z-t L Pcrc, S, Pad E, = Dj a rr,c,,, ;S L r,f,,.,. S.� E:j EC. SWAGER PARK �)E E-,; 8 E s z-t"y is inStaIie 7 PLU VALLEY VIEW L ZF,a Z e oc,--i2d ac; C! 7� P.ja ta r!yi ZL City of Oak Park Heights• 4 Memo To: Parks Commission From: Jennifer Pinski Date: January 26, 2018 Re: Annual Meeting For your convenience, I have provided you with a copy of Page 3 of the Parks Commission Bylaws. This will provide guidance for the Annual Meeting, Annual Meetings are to be held each year, with the nomination and election of Chairperson and Vice- Chairperson as needed (generally every other year as the terms for Chairperson and Vice- Chairperson are two years in length from the date of the Annual Meeting). At the January 2016 Annual Meeting, Aaron Bye was elected as Chairperson and Anthony Weyer was elected as Vice-Chairperson with both positions expiring January 2018. According to the Bylaws, no member shall serve as Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson for more than two consecutive years. However, a member may serve as Vice-Chairperson for two years and then Chairperson for two years, or in alternate or alternating order. Therefore, the current Chairperson could serve as a Vice-Chairperson for the next two years and the current Vice-Chairperson could serve as Chairperson for the next two years. Or, any other member of the Parks Commission could be elected to either position. Upon completion of the Annual Meeting, the new Chairperson will reconvene the Regular Parks Commission Meeting Agenda. ARTICLE 4 — OFFICERS, DUTIES AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS A. Officers. The officers of the Park Commission shall be Chairperson and Vice- Chairperson. B. Duties of the Chairperson. The Chairperson shall preside at all meetings, appoint Park Commission members to committees, appoint Park Commission representatives, rule on procedural questions (subject to reversal by a two-thirds (213) vote of those members in attendance), meet with all newly appointed members, exercise the same voting rights as other Park Commissioners and carry out such other duties as are assigned by the Park Commission or by the City Council. C. Duties of the Vice-Chairperson. The Vice-Chairperson shall act in the absence or inability to act of the Chairperson, and in such instances shall have the powers and functions of the Chairperson. D. Terms. The Park Commission officers shall be elected from among its appointed members. No member shall serve as Chairperson or Vice- Chairperson for more than two consecutive years. A member may serve as Vice- Chairperson for two years and then Chairperson for two years, or in alternate or Lating order. The election shall occur at the Park Commission's annual ing. E. Vote. Candidates for office receiving a majority vote of the entire membership (three-fifths (315), shall be declared duly elected. F. Date of Office. Newly elected officers and members shall take office at the annual meeting in January and which is an end date (sine die) for the preceding term year. G. Vacancies. Vacancies occurring in the offices of the Park Commission shall be filled immediately by the above election procedure. ARTICLE 5 — MEETINGS A. Annual Meeting. An annual organizational meeting shall be held in January of each year. Election of officers shall be conducted at that time. B. Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Park Commission shall be held at 6:00 PM on the third Monday of each month or as otherwise designated to account for legal holidays or other special circumstances as approved by the City Administrator. The meetings shall be held in the City Hall Council Chambers 3 OAK PARK HEIGHTS PARKS COMMISSION Member Aaron Bye Term First: November 2013 - December 2015 Second: January 2016 - December 2018 History 1012112013: Parks Commission recommended appointment to fill vacancy 10/22/2013: City Council appointed to fill vacancy 0112612015: Parks Commission appointed as Vice-Chair 01/26/2016: City Council appoints to another term 01/25/2016: Parks Commission appointed as Chair Officer Terms 2015 -2016: Vice-Chairperson 2016 -2018: Chairperson Anthony Weyer Term First: February 2015 - December 2017 History 01/26/2015: Parks Commission recommended appointment to fill vacancy 0112712015: City Council appointed to fill vacancy 0112512016: Parks Commission appointed as Vice-Chair Officer Terms 2016 - 2018: Vice-Chairperson Member David Johnson Term First: February 2015 - December 2017 History 0112612015: Parks Commission recommended appointment to fill vacancy 01/27/2015: City Council appointed to fill vacancy 12131/2017: Not seeking reappointment Officer Terms Member James Norton Term First: September 2015 - December 2018 0811712015: Parks Commission recommended appointment to fill vacancy and to serve History three year term 08/25/2015: City Council appointed to fill vacancy 12/31/2017: Resigned from Parks Commission Officer Terms Member Judith Chirhart Term First: May 2016 - December 2019 04/18/2016: Parks Commission recommended appointment to fill vacancy and to serve History three year term 04/26/2016i City Council appointed to fill vacancy Officer Terms THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK