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09-15-08 Parks Packet
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS COPY PARKS COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA FILE Monday, September 15, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. Brekke Park — 5500 Omar Avenue I. Call to Order II. Approval of Agenda III. Approve Parks Commission Minutes — August 18, 2008 (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 Hearings None VII. New Business A. 2009 Parks Budget (2) VIII. Old Business A. Park and Trail Plan Update (3) B. Disc Golf Walkthrough (4) IX. Informational A. Next Meeting: Monday, October 20, 2008, 6:30 p.m. at City Hall B. Council Representatives: Tuesday, September 30, 2008 — Commissioner Nelson Tuesday, October 28, 2008 — Commissioner Wagner X. Adjourn ENCLOSURL' -1 CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS AVA PARKS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Monday, August 18, 2008 I. Call to Order: Commissioner Dougherty called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Present: Commissioners Estes, Wagner and Zeuli; City Administrator Johnson, Public Works Director Ozzello, Arborist Widin, City Planner Richards and Commission Liaison McComber. Absent: Commissioner Nelson. II. Approval of Av-enda,: Commissioner Zeuli, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to approve the Agenda as amended. Carried 4 -0. III. Approve Parks Commission Minutes — July 21. 2008: Commissioner Dougherty, seconded by Commissioner Estes, moved to approve the Minutes. Carried 4 -0. IV. Department /Commission Liaison Reports: A. Arborist: Arborist Widin reported that tree removal for the trail construction projects and disk golf course has been completed and additional tree removal and pruning is underway. She reported that she will be sending out another tree removal and pruning quote request to contractors on August 27 to be considered at the September 10 City Council meeting. Widin reported that the planting of new boulevard and park trees will take place on August 28 by St. Croix Tree Service. She stated that letters have been sent out to adjoining property owners advising them of the planting, and letters regarding tree care and watering will be sent out right after the planting. Widin reported that calls regarding Japanese beetles have decreased. She also reported that Emerald ash borer, a very serious pest of ash trees, has been found in eastern Wisconsin, Missouri, further south in Illinois and at another site in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. She stated that if residents note ash trees dying back from the top and sprouting at the lower trunk and base of tree, they should contact the City. Commissioner Wagner, seconded by Commissioner Zeuli, moved to accept the Arborist report. Carried 4 -0. B. Public Works Director: Public Works Director Ozzello reported that the department received a resignation from one of the park attendants who is going back to school. He stated that the department has been working on the disc golf course and working on weed control and poison ivy. Ozzello also reported that the park shelters will be open to Labor Day. Commissioner Dougherty noted that several trees have fallen on the Valley View trail and asked that someone clean them up. Commissioner Zeuli, seconded by Commissioner Estes, moved to approve the Public Works Director's Report. Carried 4 -0. Parks Commission Minutes August 18, 2008 Page 2 of 2 C. Other / Commission Liaison Reports: None V. Visitors /Public Comment: None VI. Public Hearings: None VII. New Business: None VIII. Old Business: A. Park and Trail Plan Update,: City Planner Richards reported that a Park and Trial update and photos were included in that evening's packet. The commission discussed possible irrigation for the grass at Autumn Hills Park, that the play structure at Swager Park needs to be replaced, and that possible callisthenic stations could be placed along the trails. B. Xcel Enerizv Flv Ash Site Expansion Proposal — Impacts on Citv Trails: Commissioner Dougherty, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, moved to recommend to the Council that there be a firm financial commitment about proposed park improvements as part of and prior to any authorization of a fly -ash site expansion. Carried 3 -0. C. City Hall Facilitv Update — Possible Trail Impacts: The commission discussed that they would like to keep trails around City Hall. IX. Informational: A. Next Meeting: Monday, September 15, 2008, 6:00 p.m. at Brekke Park B. Council Representatives: Tuesday, August 26, 2008 — Commissioner Estes Tuesday, September 23, 2008 — Commissioner Nelson X. Adi ournment: Commissioner Dougherty, seconded by Commissioner Estes, moved to adjourn at 8:06 p.m. Carried 3 -0. Respectfully submitted, Jennifer Pinski Administrative Secretary /Deputy Clerk x c Q,E r City of Oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N • Box 2007.Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 • Phone (651) 439 -4439 • Fax (651) 439 -0574 9/12/08 MEMO TO: Parks Commission FROM: Eric Johnson, City Admi ' t RE: 2009 Budget Enclosed is the preliminary operational budget for the 20 9 arks Operations. This will be reviewed at the Park Commission on 9/15/08. The City Council did review possible capital improvements for all departments and made several revisions. This data will be presented at the Parks meeting, but generally does seek to begin to provide funding for additional playground updates at Swager Park and Valley View Park as well as needed trail and road improvements at Valley View Park. y PARKS FIRST HALF 2006 2007 2008 2008 2009 FUND ACTUAL ACTUAL BUDGETED EXPENDED REQUESTED COMMENTS PERSONAL SERVICES 101 -44010 -101 SALARIES OF REGULAR EMPLOYEES $32,003 $42,800 $44,375 $19,067 $43,950 includes step & incentive inc. & less OT 101 - 44010 -102 SALARIES OF TEMPORARY EMPLOYEES $10,551 $14,936 $20,800 $10,600 $25,215 101 -44010 -103 PROFESSIONAL & CONSULTANT SERVICES $323 $0 $10,000 $0 $8,000 Bonestroo TOTAL PERSONAL SERVICES $42,877 $57,736 $75,175 $29,667 $77,165 CONTRACTUAL SERVICES 101 -44010 -201 POSTAGE $127 $247 $150 $38 $150 101 -44010 -202 TELEPHONE $1,821 $1,590 $1,720 $748 $1,700 average $135/mo +5% 101 -44010 -203 TRAVEL, CONFERENCE, SCHOOLS $752 $1,131 $540 $850 $540 101 -44010 -206 UTILITIES $3,235 $4,236 $5,300 $2,901 $7,310 current + 5% 101 -44010 -207 MAINT. /REPAIR OF BUILDINGS /STRUCTURES $225 $1,979 $8,000 $838 $5,000 4 bldgs, & park lighting 101 - 44010 -208 MAINTENANCE/REPAIR OF EQUIPMENT $431 $1,511 $5,400 $354 $7,400 add 5 picnic tables /yr plus $2,000 misc. 101 -44010 -209 MEETING PER DIEMS $1,050 $1,075 $1,500 $400 $1,500 101 -44010 -212 OTHER CONTRACTUAL SERVICES $23,561 $28,582 $37,000 $8,542 $55,000 $18,000 mow,$7,500 porta pot,$1,400 waste TOTAL CONTRACTUAL SERVICES $31,202 $40,351 $59,610 $14,671 $78,600 dump,$4,000 landscape .g,$1,500 Prairie Rest. $3,000 Cover hydra t,$15,00 prog,Misc. MATERIALS & SUPPLIES t 101 -44010 -301 CHEMICAL SUPPLIES $1,633 $604 $1,900 $121 $1,900 weed control, fertilizer / 101 -44010 -302 CLEANING SUPPLIES $67 $344 $150 $121 $200 101 -44010 -303 OFFICE SUPPLIES $43 $122 $125 $29 $125 101 -44010 -307 MOTOR FUELS & LUBRICANTS $345 $494 $660 $245 $800 20% increase 101 -44010 -308 SMALL TOOLS $233 $808 $1,000 $8 $2,000 Auger, fertilizer spreader, tools 101 -44010 -311 OTHER MATERIALS & SUPPLIES $8,947 $13,085 $11,300 $1,849 $11,300 rock, seed, forks for lift 101 - 44010 -312 UNIFORMS $248 $250 $400 $136 $315 PW split for 4 current TOTAL MATERIAL & SUPPLIES $11,516 $15,707 $15,535 $2,509 $16,640 FIXED CHARGES 101 - 44010 -403 RENT OF EQUIPMENT $236 $1,605 $1,200 $0 $600 101 - 44010 -409 PERA CONTRIBUTION $1,921 $2,655 $2,885 $1,239 $2,970 increase from 6.50% to 6.75% 101 - 44010 -410 FICA CONTRIBUTION $3,193 $4,322 $4,985 $2,209 $5,295 101 - 44010 -414 OTHER FIXED CHARGES $0 $50 $0 $0 $0 101 - 44010 -417 LICENSE/REGISTRATION FEE $3 $0 $10 $3 $10 TOTAL FIXED CHARGES $5,353 $8,632 $9,080 $3,451 $8,875 REVISED 8 -26 -08 2009 PRELIMINARY BUDGET Page 35 PARKS FIRST HALF 2006 2007 2008 2008 2009 FUND ACTUAL ACTUAL BUDGETED EXPENDED REQUESTED COMMENTS CAPITAL OUTLAY 101 - 44010 -505 MACHINERY & AUTO EQUIPMENT $1,123 $0 $800 $800 $0 TOTAL CAPITAL OUTLAY $1,123 $0 $800 $800 $0 OTHER EXPENSES 101 -44010 -940 GRANTS (LUCY WINTON ATHLETIC COMPLEX) $0 $0 $5,032 $0 $0 101 -44010 -940 GRANTS (HOCKEY ARENA) $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $0 $0 2008 was last year for grant TOTAL OTHER EXPENSES $15,000 $15,000 $20,032 $0 $0 `SEE BUDGETED PROJECTS AND EQUIPMENT REVOLVING FUND FOR PARK COMMISSION PROJECTS. REVISED 8 -26 -08 TOTAL PARKS $107,071 $137,426 $180,232 $51,098 $181,280 0.6% Increase 2009 PRELIMINARY BUDGET Page 36 ENCLOS (JRg - 3 j NORTHWEST ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS, INC. 4800 Olson Memorial Highway, suite 202, Golden Valley, MN 55422 Telephone: 763.231.2555 Facsimile: 763.231.2561 planners@nacplanning.com MEMORANDUM TO: Eric Johnson FROM: Scott Richards DATE: September 11, 2008 RE: Oak Park Heights — Park and Trail Plan Update — Introduction, Inventory, and Issues Identification FILE NO: 798.16 Please find attached the first sections of the Comprehensive Park and Trail System Plan to include the Introduction, Inventory, and Issues Identification sections. The Parks Commission should review these sections prior to the September 15, 2008 meeting to provide suggestions and corrections for City staff. The Parks Commission should focus on the existing conditions maps for each of the five parks. We should make changes to these so that they reflect current conditions. Also, the Parks Commission should focus on the Issues Identification section starting on page 15. The issues identified in this section will set the stage for the development of goals, policies and the plans for the final park and trail system plan. We look forward to our meeting with you on September 15, 2008. Please do not hesitate to call 763.231.2555 or email me at srichardsCc�,nacplanninq.com if you have any questions. CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS DRAFT COMPREHENSIVE PARK AND TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN SEPTEMBER 17, 2008 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Oak Park Heights Parks Commission Gina Bias -Zeuli Chuck Dougherty Pat Estes Beth Nelson Randy Wagner Oak Park Heights Mayor and City Council Mayor, David Beaudet Les Abrahamson Jack Doerr Mary McComber Mark Swenson Oak Park Heights City Administrator Eric Johnson Public Works Director Tom Ozzello City Arborist Kathy Widin City Planner Scott Richards, Northwest Associated Consultants, Inc. CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 1 Park and Trail Inventory 2 Population and Households 2 Existing Parks 5 Existing Park and Trail System Map 7 Existing Park Components Table 8 Existing Trails 9 Maps of Existing Parks 10 -14 Issues Identification 15 General Park Issues 15 Valley View Park 15 Brekke Park 16 Swager Park 17 Cover Park 17 Autumn Hills Park 17 General Trail Issues 18 Northern Oak Park Heights Trail Issues 18 Eastern Oak Park Heights Trail Issues 19 Oakgreen to Osgood Trail Issues 19 Western Oak Park Heights Trail Issues 19 Frontage Roads /Highway 36 Trail Issues 19 Planning Issues 20 Acquisition Issues 20 Development/Maintenance Issues 21 Recreation System Policies System Policies Acquisition Policies Programming /Development Policies Facility Purpose and Design Maintenance and Operation Public Relations and Community Issues Trail Facilities Master Plan Multi -Use Trail System On- Street Trails Grade - Separated Trails Overland Trails CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS Park Facilities Master Plan Valley View Park Brekke Park Swager Park Cover Park Autumn Hills Park Potential Park and Recreation Areas Proposed Park Plans Park Guidelines and Classification System Neighborhood Playground Neighborhood Parks Community Playfields Community Parks Mini Parks or Tot Lots Natural /Conservancy Area Schools City Park Service Areas Map Implementation Land Acquisition Park and Trail Dedication Fees Funding Options Capital Improvement Process Community Education Signage CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN INTRODUCTION The Oak Park Heights Comprehensive Plan, adopted in 2008, indicates that an update to the Comprehensive Park and Trail System Plan will be completed in 2008. The Comprehensive Plan included park inventory information and goals and policies as a separate chapter, but it specifies that a complete update of the Comprehensive Park and Trail System Plan would be completed as a follow up to the overall planning process. This Comprehensive Park and Trail System Plan is built on the foundation created with the first Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail System Plan of 1995, and the 1999 Comprehensive Park and Trail System Plan. In 1995 and 1999, the City was growing quickly and the 1998 Comprehensive Plan indicated a large area of potential annexation. The 2008 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 just 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 first section of the Comprehensive Park and Trail System Plan is a description and summary of the background inventory that provides the basis for the Comprehensive Park and Trail System Plan. The Inventory is followed by a chapter containing park and trail issues identified for each park and area of the City. The Issues Identification chapter contains more general constraints and opportunities the City faces in the implementation of its park and trail system. The Recreation System Policies chapter contains policies that reflect the community's general treatment of its recreational services and provide more detailed guidance on park and trail development standards. The Trail Facilities Master Plan chapter identifies trail routes that are part of the City's recreational facilities improvement plan. The Park Facilities Master Plan follows the policies and provides the direction and recommendations for park and trail planning and development. The Planning and Design Guidelines and Standards follow for parks and trails. Implementation is the final chapter of the Comprehensive Park and Trail Plan. Provide recreational facilities for all ages and areas of Oak Park Heights and link all MISSION parts of Oak Park Heights internally as well as to neighboring communities by a safe STATEMENT and convenient multi -use trail system. CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN 1 PARK AND TRAIL INVENTORY The first step in determining the needs of the City's recreational system is the identification of the existing conditions. Population and household projections will be reviewed, as well as school enrollment for those facilities that serve Oak Park Heights. This will provide a balance of information for park and trail planning purposes. The existing park and trail facilities were identified through site inspections by City staff, Park Commission members, and planning consultants. This identification process included location, size and physical amenities of the facility in question, as well as the condition and level of development of the facility, both of which may affect eventual use of the park or trail sites. The items inventoried for each facility were gathered with the goal of being able to place the parks and trails in the context of a system of recreational opportunities. The base line data provided in this effort helps the City to understand how its park and trail facilities fit together, and provides the information necessary to identify gaps or areas of need. The City of Oak Park Heights has had steady population growth since 1970. The POPULATION expanding residential and commercial sectors as well as the attractiveness of the AND community in its location in the St. Croix River Valley has resulted in the growth. By HOUSEHOLDS 2010, the community will be over 5,000 people with modest growth projected hereafter. Household and population growth of the community from 1970 to 2006 is found in the following table. HOUSEHOLD AND POPULATION GROWTH OAK PARK HEIGHTS 1970 1980 1990 2000 2006 { I Population I 1,238 2,591 3,486 3,957 4,676 { Households I 372 955 1,322 1,528 2,008 { Household Size 3.33 2.71 2.63 2.25 2.06 Source: U.S. Census 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000, Metropolitan Council The numbers above reflect the national and state trends of smaller household size. With limited residential available, the expected population will continue to grow but at a much slower rate. CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN PARK AND TRAIL INVENTORY The Metropolitan Council, in its 2030 Regional Development Framework, has Population, projected population, household and employment forecasts. These forecasts are Household, and accepted by the City as the basis for growth through 2030 and are found as follows: Employment POPULATION, HOUSEHOLDS AND EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS Projections OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2000 Census 2010 2020 2030 Population 3,957 5,500 5,400 5,700 Households 1,528 2,180 2,300 2,500 Employment 2,713 3,900 4,500 5,100 Source: U.S. Census 2000, Metropolitan Council As indicated above, the City will exceed 5,000 persons by the end of the decade. Once the City nears approximately 5,500 people, the population will likely level off. The 2020 population projection is expected to drop slightly and then increase to 5,700 by 2030. With no additional residential land available, it is expected the City's population will likely stabilize between 5,500 and 5,700 people. The household projections show a steady increase to 2,500 by the year 2030. The increase in households versus the stable population levels is due to the ongoing trend of lower household size. The City will experience limited infill development which will increase the number of households but likely not to the extent projected by the Metropolitan Council. Employment numbers are also projected to increase to a total of 5,100 by 2030. This again may be optimistic with the limited land available for future commercial development. The following table illustrates Oak Park Heights' population by age group. The table Age utilizes information from the 1990 and 2000 Census. In 1990, the labor force (ages Characteristics 19 -39) represented the largest age group, at 37.01 percent. In 2000 this age group (ages 18 -54) was again the City's largest, accounting for 34.72 percent of the total population. At 25.33 percent in 1990, the next largest age group for this Census year was school age children. In 2000, the second largest age group was the labor force (ages 40 -59), at 27.21 percent. The retired age group represented 12.4 percent of the total population in 1990, and 12.83 percent in 2000. It is expected that the retired age group will become the fastest growing segment of the population in the coming decade. Changes in the demographics of the City and surrounding area will have significant planning implications for the future. CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN 3 PARK AND TRAIL INVENTORY OAK PARK HEIGHTS POPULATION GROWTH BY AGE GROUP Age Group 1990 1 1990% 2000 2000% j School,Age. Under 18 883 25.33 I 863 21.80 1 Labor Force 19 -39 1,290 I 37.01 I I 1,374 34.72 40 -59 771 22.12 I 1,076 27.21 160 -64 110 3.16 136 3.44 Sub -Total 3,054 87.62 Sub -Total I 3,449 87.16 65 -69 124 3.56 122 3.08 170 -79 183 5.25 I 225 5.68 l 180+ 125 3.59 161 4.07 1 Sub -Total 432 12.4 Sub -Total 508 12.83 { TOTAL 3,486 100% 3,957 100% 1 Source: U.S. Census 1990, 2000 /Minnesota State Demographer The City of Oak Park Heights is entirely within Independent School District 834 (ISD School 834). The current, past, and projected enrollments for ISD 834 schools are as Enrollment follows: ENROLLMENT PROJECTIONS Stillwater Area Schools October 1, 20087 2012 Oct.1 K -6 7.9 10 -12 K -1 2 I Migration K -12 Change 2000 4,724 2,245 2,277 9,246 2001 4,760 2,208 2,332 9,300 161 -107 54 I 2002 4,692 2,245 2,340 9,277 139 -162 -23 2003 4,695 2,225 2,325 9,245 176 -208 -32 2004 4,518 2,175 2,338 9,031 6 -220 -214 1 2005 4,474 2,146 2,377 8,997 149 -183 -34 1 2006 4,431 2,149 2,390 8,970 211 -238 -27 2007 4,486 2,101 2,336 l 8,923 181 _ -228 -47 . 00 ;; 456 . , ., 2,085'. 08° _ 8,850.:) 142 >..: i ",: x` -215 2,0 " ,452 ; 2 ; °.2;298 " 8;833.,.. 16�a ::21 / � : y} ,,�: ;�, ?4".•.. 0 �173•:` „' "; , " ; • .um . 1•':> -2'21 '2'02 .2'231' 8,691:: 142" . " 2012 53. :2;008 8,575: 905 " .:.t ,�. 221 Source: Stillwater Area School District 834 CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN 4 PARK AND TRAIL INVENTORY The projections indicate a decrease in enrollment for District 834 for each of the next five years. This could be influenced the other way if the housing market rebounds in the next few years. The decrease in the population for people under 18 years of age will have an impact on the need for recreational programming and facilities required for this age group. The City of Oak Park Heights contains five established parks. The parks vary in EXISTING size, location, and service. Parks play an important role not only in their overall PARKS 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 start of a 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 the Allen S. King Plant ash disposal facility. Xcel Energy has closed portions of the disposal facility and created a trail system within the site. The City will continue to work with Xcel Energy to create a possible recreational facility when the disposal site is closed by 2010. 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 and trails. In 2007, the City purchased the property at 5502 Osgood Avenue, adjacent to Brekke Park. The City will include plans for the new park land in its complete update of the Park and Trail Plan in 2008. CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN 5 PARK AND TRAIL INVENTORY Swager Park serves as a neighborhood playground along the linear park system. The park is fairly centralized within the community and is located within a Xcel Energy easement. A trail has been constructed within the easement from just east of Swager Park, through the City to Highway 5. 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. 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 the new park shelter with restrooms constructed in 2007. 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. On the following page is a list of the existing park components for each of the five City parks. The map on a following page indicates the existing park and trail system. Efforts in recent years have been to complete the connections between parks and throughout the community. Additionally, as part of all residential and commercial development, new sidewalk and trail connections have been added. CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN 6 ■■ ■' IIIII ■11 11_ ull 11- -_ ■.I• ■_ in ■i in ■111 ■■ IIIII 11111. �- , _•= ee o wl _ -_ __ ■ __ =_ _- _ -_ - - ' IIIL 1111 �I� II 11■ .e =_ :M m :.:u == __■ e� � � �_� / ■Il i� J� ii i_ =i •■ -. a �\' :� _■ ■■ an IN- 1111 m! ?■ iii\ - ,��� _� - ■■ -'� - -_i .• ,�.�■ �,- -_ n O n g III= mom Em z: Emma !.= i■ . - _- ice ■1 � _: ■ . 111 111 ►Z■ _ ■ _ nr _� ■I��a1� ,. ,, _' � - I\ ��1111111■ . ■ 10 i II ■111 ■■ ��i ♦ ' �ji_ �� � �■ . r� � III ■11111 ■11 ■I� � ��. , �! ■�,����d� ` 11 •�� ■ • Ewpollip.- / ■ ■11■ 111111_ ' • ■ .rr1 �rr.��l ► ►�� �� �n1■u1111 1111 ■11 ■� �!1u ii�i�Il_ _I ■•,', ■. �� . JIIII•Ii ►11 ■11 I i NINE � - - = '•1111 III : -I� _ � � ■�\ � • WON Jim now / � I loll EV 10 Sol UMN W�� � . -- • y■IMY /l•g1•YV /'1W y'YI•Y•Y I•.■MY r � �C / ■.� • � - ■ ■- �f( �r +ilt � ■rdii� ■■ �C � ✓ j I / �/ ��I 'T1. tli>ti. - �iil■ ' -� ■I II ■� ■'i ►_�� ■a�� /,'i _` � �l.;y, /, � -- '��a r � 1 I �'� U.11111.�..1 � ■1■ f- ��- -� I� � � : t • s� �1�' / � ■�■ � � � �i � r �� � ! �J ` =- � dd�ii■i1i� ■+Yrr�� .�Y.i� 11 � � �,I' �'~ \ � �i ■■ ■■ ■ail' ■ ■� \` �j % I ':r �� , � ' 1• : :' !� — I •••11■11� : ■�I�` .I■un1■w1■ ■�I 11�,i� --------- III — - ■� J�1• — ��v + ' : ��//111► ���• 1 ■111 ■■ JIO��C mD� /� --� i► �■ g_■. -� NE ` / ii i �/ ■/ + �U� •111111 ( �������/ ♦ ]1D �■ 1 IIIU ■ j 'li ��\ : �� ■ . l., '. �� - �' - "' �� ; ■ 1111 ■. �� 11■� 11111 I I + / \� ■ 1�:,7�I�� 7/ /■ u� 111■ 11 /► - •/' �'✓ �� LIi• \: C_� in PON Ell in � � � s` ..� ,\ �.. � ■111 1•Jt � , � , '� �iN•�l :1� . 111 ■i■ :.. ■;i ■; .•.::: •,. �-' _ .` �� � — _ ����1 X1111111111 -i■ _■ ■B ■� %i �� III �� � .- '�, � �� = _ -_ -■ - 1 •! �'� � 4 elf .. • • - • • NAC PARK AND TRAIL INVENTORY EXISTING PARK COMPONENTS Valley Brekke Swager Cover Autumn View Park Park Park Hills Park Park Size 65 acres 13 acres 1.4 acres 1 acre 24 acres Picnic Shelter with bath �/ with with bath ADA access ADA access Baseball /Softball Hockey Rink free skate free skate Warming House with�elter V V ADA access with bath with shelter Basketball Court Tennis Courts Soccer /Open Field youtonly Fall Play Set V V V Swing Set Spring Animal Horseshoe Pit Grills �/ �/ V I / V Picnic Tables Bench /Seat Bike Rack/Stand Trail /Path Connection Trees /Shrubs Signage Source: City of Oak Park Heights CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN 8 r PARK AND TRAIL INVENTORY Maps of each of the parks and indicating existing conditions is found on the PARK MAPS following pages. A number of new trail connections have been constructed in Oak Park Heights over EXISTING the past few years to provide important linkages between neighborhoods, TRAILS 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 13 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. In the last few years, the City has focused on providing a complete east/west trail system throughout the entire community. In 2008, the City completed a linkage through Brekke Park to Osgood Avenue. Additionally, a link was made from 58th Street North to the existing trails within Valley View Park and the Xcel Fly Ash Reclamation Area. 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 also be considered. The Existing Parks and Bikeways Map on a previous page indicates the system current as of Fall of 2008. CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN 9 r ♦ .wt -------------- 0 State Highway 36 & A x ., t ' �t,�• _ t t O • 58th Street North z r— 1 _ reet o 56th St. et N ® r i . N uk �l 7 5 Vall y View Park Road City of Oak Park Heights Comprehensive Plan City of Oak Park Heights N Valley View Park NORTHWEST ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS, IN ' Source: Bonestroo Engineering, Feet The City of Oak Park Heights, & Northwest Associated Consultants. 0 175 350 700 September, 2008. Page P vR- s aF 55th Street N r ` • r „ I O , • • • O O C O O 0 O kating Tra o. O O G olf C c, O a� .r' 000 000 ; �aaiasY�rsarasrasi�'` �i- iiisra�lsr�a�anaaraaratraaraararranairau�sraarasrasraar� uaaraarairauaaraa�afran�iraua +ra *rafrttranarrs�na - rauauarr'naua ranavaaraira trarraar�sraaratrasia� aa,ra f' alYaraua raaranan�Elaaraarananrir '�'' u r - Bound City of Oak Park Heights City of Oak Park Heights N Comprehensive Plan Brekke Park NORTHWE5T A5$0CIATEO CONSULTANTS, INC. Fee} Source: Bonestroo Engineering, -se— oeo,. PAc-1 o,:.a Ii,n.vay. --- 2J� C -1— c.,1 _ -A t Feet The City of Oak Park Heights, & M 763.2312555 Fact'., 7632312561 0.111 -- ,-111 0 175 350 700 Northwest Associated Consultants. September, 2008. Page r a « a . .., '.. T •, - _ ' p ia # r n - 58th St N " - - , a� : O ���� y m Y I 4 f tt f, -a 7th St N I City of Oak Park Heights Comprehensive Plan City of Oak Park Heights N Swager Park Feet j J& NORTHWEST A SSOCIATED CONSULTANTS INC. Source:BonestrooEngineering 4900 Olwn Memorial Highway. suite 202. G.Id- Valley. MN 55432 0 125 250 500 The City of Oak Park Heights, & Telephone 783.231.2555 Fecaimile: 783.231.2581 pl— en—ple —,goom Northwest Associated Consultants. September, 2008. Page , ... M. LZilding V w 1 , 9 w:. C Q 3 L . �" az l I a � 58th Street w. . ,. to m , N City of Oak Park Heights City of Oak Park Heights Comprehensive Plan Cover Park NOR►NWSST ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS, INC. ...,...n,.,,..� ....,,.,» ,�..., ,n ,. •..,..,,.., . ".,,...m Feet Source: Bonestroo Engineering, 0 25 50 100 The City of Oak Park Heights, & Northwest Associated Consultants. September, 2008. Page MWW =... 58th St N- ee.. , - �' M iL . 40 f p 'rt µ w , s +� rw" ' NJ orW , a U u. - A rea < 4 t • F x < ro, Y Norwich Parkway N --- _ 3 r City of Oak Park Heights City of Oak Park Heights N Comprehensive Plan Autumn Hills Park GZVF NONTHWTST ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS, INC. Feet Source: Bonestroo Engineering, For 0 200 400 800 The City of Oak Park Heights, & 3231 :rr� Mi�r.+.ay. SC,e 202 CuIJ.v� Vdl,ry MN 664:2 2ff]2J, 2656 IC] 2312561 Northwest Associated Consultants. September, 2008. Page ISSUES IDENTIFICATION The Parks Commission discussed issues relating to existing parks and trails in meetings on August 18, 2008 and September 15, 2008. The following is a summary of issues raised by the Parks Commission and staff. ► Provide opportunities for all ages to participate in lifetime fitness through the GENERAL use of trails, tennis courts, cross - county skiing, and other activities. PARK ► Develop recreational and environmental education programs to familiarize ISSUES people with the parks. ► Decide if and how coordination with the recreational needs of the County, athletic associations, civic groups, etc. can be accomplished. P. 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. P. 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. ► Welcome the public to the park with an inviting landscaped entry. VALLEY VIEW ► Identify park boundaries and aid visitors in locating picnic and trail facilities with PARK improved signage. P. 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. CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN 15 ISSUES IDENTIFICATION ► Develop recreation and environmental education programs that would VALLEY VIEW familiarize people with the park. ► Obtain a commitment from Xcel Energy on potential development of active and PARK (continued) passive facilities within the A.S. King Plant ash disposal facility. Potential improvements could include: a. Pavilion and Picnic Shelters b. Amphitheater c. Additional Trails d. Observation Platform e. Formal Gardens f. Parking Areas g. Playfields ► Explore expansion and improvements to the existing Brekke Park picnic BREKKE shelter. ► Develop a Summer skateboard course on the concrete surface of the hockey PARK rink. ► Complete the disc golf course and promote in the community as an additional 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. ► Develop 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. ► Explore trail access to and from the Department of Natural Resources land. 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & SYSTEM EIGHTS PLAN 16 ISSUES IDENTIFICATION ► Consider the park as a linear park segment within the trail system, rather than SWAGER a destination in itself. PARK ► Create a landscape plan that provides additional trees and shrubs in the developed park area. ► Provide benches, picnic tables within the park. ► 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 tree /fence screening along the northern boundary of the park. ► Consider eventual replacement of fence along the south boundary of park with neighborhood involvement. ► Provide lighting along trail. ► Upgrades to building or new construction. COVER ► Improve /enlarge parking lot. PARK ► Maintain /improve perennial planting slope. ► Repair hockey boards. ► Provide a tot lot for ages five and under. AUTUMN HILLS ► Make all recreational facilities disability accessible. PARK ► 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. ► Encourage cross - country skiing by not clearing all of the trails in the Winter or providing groomed trails. ► Provide connections to the Boutwells Historic Village area to the south of the park and explore programs and cross - utilization of both facilities. CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN 17 ISSUES IDENTIFICATION ► Restore prairie areas where possible along the trail system. ► Construct educational environmental kiosks and signs at Valley View Park b GENERAL City Hall, at Autumn Hills Park, and in other appropriate locations along the east/west trail corridor. g ' TRAIL ► Provide benches, resting areas, picnic tables, water fountains, and exercise ISSUES courses along trails. ► Re- stripe the southern edge of the St. Croix Mall parking lot with a trail lane and stripe a crosswalk over Osgood with signage between Osgood and Valley View Park. e y ► Separate active (or motorized) uses from passive (walking) use on City trail elderly or disabl systems. Study whether certain motorized vehicles for ed 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. ► Link Oak Park Heights to Stillwater and Bayport by way of Mn /DOT's proposed trail on Highway 95. NORTHERN ► Provide interconnections with the Stillwater trail system whenever possible. ► Link Sunnyside to Mn /DOT's trail and to the proposed OAK PARK existing Aiple Marine property. Stillwater park on the HEIGHTS ► Link Sunnyside to the bluff area by way of Lookout Trail. TRAIL ► Find a way to link Lookout Trail to the west via County 23, ISSUES road, or 62nd Street, proposed frontage ► Link the homes west of Osgood Avenue to the south and east and define the best trail route along one or both sides of Osgood Avenue. ► Provide access from the homes north of 62nd Osgood Street and east of Os Avenue to the area south of Highway 36. g 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & P TRAIL SYSTEMIPLAN 18 ISSUES IDENTIFICATION ► Mn /DOT shall provide a bike trail along the south side of Highway 36 from Osgood Avenue to Peller Avenue. EASTERN ► Provide trails on both sides of Osgood Avenue through the City. OAK PARK ► Provide access for those residents east of Osgood Avenue to safely cross HEIGHTS Osgood Avenue and access the mall, Swager Park, and Brekke Park. ► Define where the designated crosswalks) should be south of Highway 36 on TRAIL Osgood Avenue. ISSUES ► 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. ► Continue to work with Andersen on an off - street trail on the south side of their parking lot. OAKGREEN ► Provide trails on both sides of Oakgreen Avenue. TO OSGOOD ► Connect the Pondview Condominiums at the southwest corner of Highway 36 and Oakgreen Avenue to the rest of the trail system. IS TRAIL ► Provide safe crossings on Oakgreen Avenue. SUES ► Provide a trail on the north side of 58th Street from Oakgreen Avenue west to Memorial Avenue. WESTERN ► Connect the Highway 36 frontage road to 58th Street to the west of Menard's. OAK PARK ► Complete interconnections between the commercial and residential areas to the 58th Street trail and the Xcel easements trail system. HEIGHTS ► Link Baytown Township with the Oak Park Heights trail system. TRAIL ► Provide interconnection with the Lake Elmo trail system wherever possible. ISSUES ► Define where trails should be along the entire length of Highway 36 frontage roads. FRONTAGE ► Cooperate with Mn /DOT to provide adequate crosswalks across Highway 36 to link with the Oak Park Heights and Stillwater trail systems. HIGH ROADS/ WAY 36 TRAIL ISSUES CITY OAK PARK 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & E TRAIL SYSTEM HEIGHTS PLAN 19 ISSUES IDENTIFICATION ► Identify a planning process for review and update of the Park and Trail Plan. Review may occur yearly, for instance, and comprehensive update of the plan PLANNING may occur every five years. Future park and trail needs should be evaluated ISSUES regularly by the Parks Commission in comparison to the plan. ► Define the means by which public participation can be a regular part of the planning process (meetings, surveys, etc.). ► Discuss the means by which to implement park /trail facilities (i.e., policies versus ordinances). ► Determine under what circumstances volunteer efforts would or could be utilized to expand the City's recreational elements. ► Consider including a map of the City park and trail areas, along with proposed routes, within a newsletter on a yearly basis to make citizens more aware of recreational opportunities. ► Determine if and where the establishment of user fees may be appropriate. ► Identify the acquisition means for parks /trails (i.e., dedication, purchase, eminent domain, donation) when each system is appropriate and what will be ACQUISITION the priority process. ISSUES ► Define the minimum width necessary for park access within a subdivision when located between two lots, as well as the screening /buffering and maintenance requirements. ► Discuss sources of funds to be utilized for acquisition of park and trail elements, i.e., dedication monies, capital improvement program, bond issuance, grant programs, etc. ► Establish who is responsible for establishment of approved park or trail areas within subdivisions (developer or City). CITY OAK PARK H 2008 C OMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM EIGHTS PLAN 20 ISSUES IDENTIFICATION ► Discuss what amount of maintenance is possible at the current staff level and DEVELOPMENT/ at what point additional staff persons would be needed to maintain the recreational system as it grows. MAINTENANCE ► Define ways in which to minimize park and trail costs, i.e., construction of trails ISSUES in conjunction with roadway improvements or at time of subdivision. ► Develop a policy on snow removal from trails. A plan for removal should be coordinated with the Public Works Department which identifies high priority trails which demand immediate snow removal attention and those that are given attention only when time allows. ► Determine if certain trails should not be maintained in the Winter but be Promoted for cross - country ski use. CITY OAK PARK HEGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM I PLAN 21 Flying high in Brekke Park Page 1 of 2 erqCLOSURE - S'tadribunexom ; MINNEAPOLIS - ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA Flying high in Brekke Park By ALLIE SHAH, Star Tribune August 26, 2008 It was his love for the game that got Eric Eaton thinking that Oak Park Heights could use a disc golf course. Eaton, 24, floated the idea to city leaders during his interview for an internship at city hall. He got the job and, eventually, the green light from City Council members to build the course at Brekke Park. Now the Hamline University graduate student is pushing hard to install the nine -hole disc golf course before his internship officially ends on Aug. 29. "It's been a long process, getting sponsors and all the equipment," he said. "It's been good for me to see how much goes into a [city] project, even on a small scale." For the uninitiated, the popular sport of disc golf is sometimes called the common man's golf, played by people of all ages. But instead of swinging a club at a golf ball, players fling Frisbee -like discs into "baskets" tied to poles. There are scores of courses all over the metro area, but none in the Stillwater - Bayport -Oak Park Heights area, city officials said. Eaton became a fan when he was a teenager growing up in Eau Claire, Wis. "I've been disc golfing since I was old enough to drive to the course," he said. "It's kind of been a passion of mine." He continued playing while he was at St. Cloud State University, earning his bachelor's degree in public administration. He's working on his master's degree in the same field now and said he hopes to become a city administrator one day. The disc golf course was just one of many projects that Eaton worked on during his internship, said his boss, city administrator Eric Johnson. City leaders liked the idea of having a disc golf course in Oak Park Heights, Johnson said, because it's low maintenance and relatively inexpensive. The estimated budget for the course is about $10,000, Johnson said, and the city has received about $4,000 from sponsors. "It's just one more amenity that we can offer at our parks," Johnson said. "It's certainly something that families can all do together, for free, to get outside a little." http: / /www. startribune. eom /template s /Print_This_Story ?sid =273 5 7124 9/12/2008 Flying high in Brekke Park ` Page 2 of 2 Brekke Park, near Omar Avenue, is one of five city parks. The new disc golf course will be in a wooded area of the park on land recently acquired by the city, Johnson said. "If the city ever decides to put some trails in, that will be a good connecting system with our trail system," he said. "It should all blend together well." Eaton said he originally designed the course to go around the park's baseball field. But the designs were revised to avoid having flying discs interfere with baseballs and soccer balls. The opening date hasn't been set, but Johnson said city hall will have the discs available for families to borrow and use in the park. Would Eaton like to see the course named after him? "For now, we're going with just Brekke Park," he said, laughing. Allie Shah • 651 - 298 -1550 © 2008 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. htt p : / /Www.startribune.com/templates /Print This_Story ?sid= 27357124 9/12/2008