ITEM: 3.1 Approval of Minutes - Jim Kappelhoff, Park and Recreation Director
Title
APPROVAL OF APRIL 24, 2012 PARK BOARD MINUTES
Background
UNAPPROVED
CITY OF BLAINE
PARK ADVISORY BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
7:00 p.m.
The Blaine Park Advisory Board met in the Council Chambers of City Hall on Tuesday, April 24, 2012.
1. Chair Walthour called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Commissioners Bird, Langenfeld, Leathers, Markle, Knapp and Chair Walthour.
Members Absent: Commissioner Das
Staff Present: Jim Kappelhoff, Park and Recreation Director and Tom Godfrey, Program Supervisor.
2. Approval of Minutes: March 27, 2012
Motion by Commissioner Bird to approve the minutes of March 27, 2012 as presented. Motion seconded by Commissioner Leathers. Motion approved unanimously.
3. Open Forum for Citizen Input
Zach Vine of 280 Palomino Lane of Lino Lakes stated that he is 1-1/2 miles from Eastside Park in Blaine. He stated that he uses Blaine's parks often and his dog particularly loves them. He stated that he has been thinking of what can be done to improve health in the community and increase use of the parks. He stated that public venues for health improvement are important. He stated that at the community or national level health is important. He reviewed that the government program called Healthy People 20/20 has instilled public health indicators and health objectives. They include increasing the time Americans spend in exercise which has a recommendation of 2-1/2 hours per week. He stated that another objective is to have muscle strengthening activity for two days of the week. He reviewed that poor health is Blaine is indicated with the adult obesity rate. He commented that citydata.com listed the adult obesity rate in Blaine as 27.7 percent and the Minnesota state average is 25.9. He reported that Blaine's adult diabetes rate is also higher than the state average. He stated that Blaine's park and trail system makes up 557 acres. He stated that he has noticed the parks used more by children than adults. He stated that an adult friendly park would address this issue. He recommended a fitness trail be part of a Blaine Park. He provided a copy of an equipment illustration to see how this would be useful. He stated that a circuit style workout would be used with this system with cardiovascular conditioning, muscle endurance, muscle strength, balance and flexibility. He stated that two Minnesota cities have them; Shoreview and Eagan. They have obesity rates that are lower than the state average. He reviewed that the system is adaptable by modifying the stations and activities by the participant's ability level. He stated that the actives encourage community involvement. He stated that a variety of companies make equipment for this. He mentioned a company, Landscape Structures, Inc. in Delano, Minnesota which makes rugged and effective equipment. He noted that Fit Trail has a 10 station system for around $6,000. He explained that the system is fairly inexpensive. He recommended implementing this in Eastside Park off of 107th Lane NE in the larger area. He stated that there is a trail and residents living nearby. He suggested using a fitness trail in other parts of Blaine also. He stated that this could improve the quality of life in Blaine.
Boardmember Bird asked what brings Mr. Vine to present this topic.
Mr. Vine stated that he came across fitness trials when researching a project for school and expanded on that by researching what is available in his surrounding community. He asked staff if a system like this has been used before.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff stated that 20 years ago they offered something like this at Happy Acres Park and it is no longer there. He stated that they have not reconsidered using this type of updated equipment.
Chair Walthour asked if Fridley still has a fitness trail by the Mississippi.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff stated that he believes they do in the Regional Park.
Boardmember Bird stated that he would be interested in looking into the idea of fitness trail equipment further.
Chair Walthour asked what park could be considered.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff suggested looking at wooded trails. He suggested Lochness Park, Pioneer Park and Happy Acres Park.
Chair Walthour asked if Mr. Vine would work with staff on this idea.
Mr. Vine stated that in Bucher Park in Shoreview there is a sign to see a doctor before starting exercise and instruction is given for equipment use.
Chair Walthour expressed appreciation to Mr. Vine for bringing this to their attention. He asked that staff contact Mr. Vine when information has been researched and is going to be brought before the Board again.
4. New Business
Chair Walthour welcomed back David Knapp who is filling in for Boardmember Newland who retired from District 1. He reported that Mr. Knapp is the chairman emeritus who served on the Blaine Park Board for over 16 years. He commented that he expects to learn a lot from him.
Boardmember Knapp expressed appreciation to the Mayor for appointing him to the Park Board interim position.
4.1 Staff report on 2011 fall recreation program
Program Supervisor Godfrey reviewed that quarterly reports are presented on recreation programs. He reviewed that the Park and Recreation staff is comprised of Director Jim Kappelhoff; Senior Center Coordinator, Ann Genosky; Program Supervisor, Tom Godfrey; Secretary, Dianne Heitkamp; Senior Center Director, Shelly Johnson; Program Supervisor, Jerome Krieger and Program Supervisor, Nate Monahan.
Program Supervisor Godfrey reviewed a large fall community event, the fourth annual World Fest held on Saturday, September 17, at Town Square Park. He commented that over 1,000 people attended. He reported that entertainment and activities are free to the public for this event. He reviewed for the second year now they charged $5.00 for a set of ten tickets. These tickets could be used for the 10 food venders. He explained that the money is used to give a stipend back to the food vendors. He commented that reviews are completed for the event and there were no complaints from two years ago. He stated that participating restaurants this year were: Acapulco, Buca, Carbone's Pizzeria of Blaine, Chili's, China Inn, Dosa King, Glockenspiel and Deutschland Meats, HotWok Delivery, Jimmy John's and Umbria Pizza. He reviewed that there was a variety of entertainment which included Aztec Dance Troupe, CAAM Chinese Dance Theatre, Rince na Chroi School of Irish dance, The Dancing Glitters, Titambe West African Ensemble, The Twin Cities Nyckelharpalag, Unlimited Next level Drill and Dance Team, Voice of Culture and a Zumba demonstration. He reviewed that interactive and cultural booths included Anoka County Health, Chinese Heritage Foundation, Cilongo Foundation, Emma B. Howe Family YMCA - diversity committee, Glimpses of India, Hmong Folk Art Inc., IAsian Language Institute, Phancy Face Painting, Airbrushing and Henna, the Minnesota Indonesian Society and Spring Lake Park foreign exchange student program. He stated that there was tremendous support from local businesses with $1,670 from local business sponsors. He commented that Target donated water and provided volunteers, and Wal-Mart donated pop. He added that a $3,000 grant was received from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council. He reviewed that there was an essay contest held for students ages 10-15 for the second year. This focused on diversity in the community.
Program Supervisor Godfrey reviewed the Winter Holiday Celebration. He commented that over 850 were in attendance. He listed the free activities which were crafts, a hayride, coloring contest, Bingo, refreshments, marshmallow roast, and a visit with Santa. He explained that a new music feature was caroling. He commented that Oak Haven Park Church caroled throughout City Hall during event. He commented that Spring Lake Park High School provided their brass quintet and Blaine High School provided their Chamber Orchestra. He reviewed that during the fall there were free Sounds of the City indoor concerts presented. They were held in October and November which brought in over 170 people combined. They listened to St. Peter Street Stompers Jazz Band and the Fairlanes.
Program Supervisor Godfrey reviewed the fall youth programs offered 68 classes and events which is up seven from last year. He commented that 985 participants were in the programs. He noted that some programs included: dance, drama, arts and crafts, music and guitar lessons, science and nature, tae kwon do, field drips, teen events and after school programs. He explained that the Park and Recreation department partnered with some community dance and fitness facilities to offer classes such as: Intro to Dance, Hip Hop Dance, Mommy and Me exercise/activity classes, and Ballerina Beginners. He reviewed that popular youth events during the fall were Morning at the North Pole which was full both Saturdays it was presented. He commented that 183 kids and over 400 people attended which included parents. He noted that the Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt and family dance was held at Aquatore Park. There were 128 kids ages 10 and under in attendance along with their parents. He explained that they also hosted Barnyard Boogie at Aquatore Park which had 63 kids age 8 and under in attendance with their parents. He commented that 144 children attended the princess party. They were ages 8 and under who were accompanied by an adult. This was changed this year and hosted at Blaine City Hall.
Program Supervisor Godfrey reviewed adult programs and athletics. He commented that 40 classes and programs were offered which included 1,433 participants. He explained that a very popular program is Moms on the Run which had 36 participants last fall. He reviewed additional classes are dance and art classes, Zumba, Pilates and yoga. He reviewed that there are casino trips, first aid, fitness classes and CRP. He explained that they have combined with facilities for adult programming which includes: QC Dance Studio, Heat Yoga and Golds gym. He reviewed that for fall adult athletics there were 57 softball teams, 17 kickball teams, 8 football teams and 5 basketball teams.
Program Supervisor Godfrey commented that 4,481 Seniors participated in the Senior Program activities. He reviewed that 574 seniors participated in a special event and 531 were in various educational programs. He commented that 3,871 meals were served in the fall at the Senior Center, averaging 44 people a day. He reviewed that over 150 people participated in the jewelry sale. He noted that the McKinley Elementary School choir performed to a crowd of over 90 seniors. He reviewed additional events which included casino trips, chefs meal, harvest dinner, Halloween Party, jewelry sale, New Year's Party, cribbage, lutefisk dinner, Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinner, Oktoberfest Celebration and McKinley Elementary School Choir. He added that monthly birthday parties from September through December averaged 131 participants which was up by 13 participants per month on average. He commented that new events were a speaker talking about diabetic foot care, Anoka Northern Stars 4-H group put on a talent show and CVS Pharmacy provided flu shots as a new vendor this year.
Program Supervisor Godfrey commented that Blaine Park and Recreation facility use included eight parks which were Aquatore, Aurelia, Blaine Soccer Complex, Sunnyside, Happy Acres, Town Square Park, Blaine Baseball Complex/Miracle League Field and Airport Park. He added that they also used Blaine City Hall, Victory Links Clubhouse and Schwan's Super Rink Dance Studio. He included that they also used three schools, Fire Station #3 and four private facilities. He reviewed that for soccer and football field use there were 115 soccer teams and 390 soccer games were played. He added that 1,120 soccer practices were held. He stated there were 33 adult football games and 307 youth football games (up 54 from 2010). He reviewed that in the fall there were 336 adult softball games and 107 adult kickball games which is up 25 from 2010. He commented that community facility use included a number of parks: Aquatore, Aurelia, Blaine Baseball Complex, Blaine Soccer Complex, Happy Acres, Jim Peterson Athletic Complex, Lake Side Commons Park, Sunnyside and Town Square Park. Groups using the facilities included Blaine/Spring Lake Park Athletic Association, Youth Football, Blaine soccer Club, Blaine Little League, Businesses, Residents and Blaine Park and Recreation. He reviewed that building reservations were up 90 from last fall making a total of 311. There were 65 park shelter reservations which were up 34 from last fall. He commented that Lakeside Commons Park Pavilion is a reason for the increase in reservations as it has become increasingly popular. He reviewed that on-line registrations are popular. He indicates that there were 838 online fall registrations and 474 mail/fax/in-person registrations. Online registration equaled 64 percent of total registrations. Registrations done online are up 509 from last fall. He asked if there are questions.
Chair Walthour thanked Program Supervisor Godfrey for his presentation. He commented on the continued growth of the programming and participation. He asked for the date of the upcoming World Fest.
Program Supervisor Godfrey replied that it will be held on Saturday, September 15.
Boardmember Leathers commented that he is continually impressed with the programming that Blaine Park and Recreation offers for the community. He stated that his own family participates and enjoys the activities. He acknowledged the work staff has done to create partnerships with the private sector in establishing programming.
Informational only.
4.2 Recommendation of final concept plan for Legacy Creek Park.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff presented a background and summary of the recommendation of final concept plan for Legacy Creek Park. He reviewed the comparison of similar parks and their amenities. He reported that 19 of the comparisons had trails, 10 had tot lots, 9 had basketball courts, 8 had shelters, 1 with parking space and none had a ball field. He reviewed the concept plans.
A neighborhood meeting was conducted at the March Park Board meeting for
residents located in the Legacy Creek and Savanna Grove developments to
discuss the proposed concept plan for what is currently known as Legacy Creek
Park. At this meeting, staff presented the park design concept and then received
comments from both the residents and Board Members.
Staff is now bringing back several park concept plans that reflect the comments
received at the neighborhood meeting. The comments include the following:
1. Adding parking.
2. Adding a ball field.
3. Relocating the multi-use court.
4. Relocating the trail for more open space and possible ice skating rink.
Additionally, staff has attached a Comparison of Existing Park Amenities for
Legacy Creek Park illustrating similar parks and their facilities as this was also
discussed last month.
Six concept plans are attached with this item for the Park Board to consider. Staff
is requesting the Park Board recommend a final plan for staff and to move
forward with the park development.
Concept 1: Original plan that was presented at the neighborhood meeting. No
changes.
Concept 2: The basketball multi-use court is relocated on the east side of the
trail allowing more open space.
Concept 3: Original plan with 5 parking spaces added in a bump out area next
to the park.
Concept 4: Basketball multi-use court is moved more to the east and the trail is
moved to the south end of the park allowing more open space. Five
parking spaces added in a bump out area next to the park.
Concept 5: Ball field added to the northeast corner. Basketball multi-use court
is connected to trail in south end of the park. Five parking spaces
added in a bump out area next to the park.
Concept 6: Same as Concept 5, except no ball field.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff noted that the Park Board can recommend one concept plan or a combination of features into a concept plan for staff to move forward in developing the park.
Boardmember Markle confirmed that parking along the Parkway may not be available. He agreed that five parking spaces seems adequate as most park users will be neighbors. He asked about the timing of the project. He explained that the neighborhood is not complete. He asked if access will be maintained to allow people to use the parking spaces.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff stated that prior to road improvements they would need to create some temporary parking space for access. He stated that the roadway ends 100 feet from the park.
Boardmember Markle stated that if parking is provided he would like to make sure it is accessible. He asked if the development will be 2-5 years from completion.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff agreed and believes two years would be his estimate based on development. He offered to provide temporary parking, which would be gravel, following additional development in Legacy Creek.
Boardmember Markle asked if parking is available on the nearby feeder road. He asked if a request could be made of the developer to provide parking there.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff stated that the developer has been easy to work with and does not see a problem with having a designated parking area for use at the park.
Boardmember Markle stated that he likes the trail concept of numbers 2-6 to create a larger play area. He stated that he is not as supportive of the baseball field as that is well established in the city. He stated that he would support it if organized practices would be held there but if it is just for pickup games he is less supportive of it. He asked if organized practices would be held there.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff stated that he does not see organized practices held there as it is a small park. He stated that this would create traffic issues. He pointed out that none of the parks of similar size have ball fields.
Boardmember Markle commented that a ball field would require grooming and maintenance. He expressed support for concept 4 and 6.
Boardmember Bird asked for concept 5 what the distance is between the infield and the age 5-12 playground.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff stated that it is about 180 feet.
Boardmember Bird asked if there is any area north of 125th where children can play ball.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff stated that there is not at this time for a neighborhood park.
Boardmember Bird expressed support for Concept 5 or 6. He supported putting the half-basketball court to the south end which would leave a larger open space. He commented that residents were interested in an ice skating area. He commented he likes the parking space and trail to the south.
Boardmember Leathers explained that he is interested in maximizing the open space play area. He supported moving the trail to the south where it connects to the sidewalk and out to the adjoining neighborhood. He stated that he was not supportive of parking but seeing that it may not be available on the parkway he has changed his mind. He commented that he does not like when neighbors have cars continually parked in front of their home because of a lack of parking. He stated that he liked the basketball court spread out from the amenities but more than that he would like to create a larger open space. He stated that he is concerned that there is not a backstop for playing ball but one is not needed to create a pickup game. He expressed support for concepts 4 and 6 with more support for concept 6.
Boardmember Langenfeld stated that he was initially a fan of the ball field and is concerned now that parking will be an issue. He stated that pickup games can be held if an open space is provided without an official ball field. He expressed support for concept 6.
Boardmember Knapp asked if there was a concept about possibly changing Savannah Grove Park for future use.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff stated that some residents wondered if some childrens activities or amenities could be developed in the Savannah Grove Park. He stated that Savannah Grove Park is a passive park where you can have a quiet walk and sit on a bench. He stated that there are a lot of mature trees that would need to be taken down to expand the park.
Boardmember Knapp stated that he is in agreement with concept 6.
Chair Walthour stated that he is also in agreement with concept 6. He stated that he supports the trail on the parks southern end. He commented that in concept 4 the basketball court removes some of the trail. He stated that the citizens will get the best park with concept 6 from his point of view.
Boardmember Markle asked if staff has considered changing the names of the two parks and combining it to one park.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff stated that there has not been movement on this topic. He stated that if there is feedback to rename the two parks or changing it to one name this can be done. He suggested mailing out a survey while the park is being developed to see if the community would like to keep two park names or would like to change it to one name.
Boardmember Markle supported contacting the community to ask about the name change. He stated that Savannah Grove Park has plans for picnic tables.
Recommendation
Motion by Commissioner Markle to recommend to the City Council to recommend to staff Concept 6 as the final plan for developing Legacy Creek Park. Motion seconded by Commissioner Langenfeld.
Motion approved unanimously.
Katie Kirchner of 3540 127th Avenue asked if there will be swings with the ages 2-5 and 5-12 plan for playground equipment.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff stated that there will be another neighborhood meeting where the equipment will be considered.
Ms. Kirchner stated that she went to Fillmore Park as it is supposed to be similar to the proposed park. She commented that the swings were moved over in a separate area. She asked if there needs to be plans to create space for the swings.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff stated that the ages 5-12 container area is large enough to include swings in it. He explained that the playground development will involve the neighborhood.
Ms. Kirchner supported the choice of concept 6. She explained that she likes the big open play area. She commented that she liked the ball field also.
4.3 Hidden Ponds Park Feature
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff presented the background of Hidden Ponds Park. He stated that this is timely as the Earth Day event was hosted here just recently.
This mini park is located west of Central Avenue and approximately ½ from the Baseball Complex to the north and Little League Park to the south. The 2.32 acre park is part of the Sand Creek Estates 5th Addition and was acquired from the developer through park dedication in 1998.
At their November 1999 meeting, the Park Board received a petition from 132 residents in the development requesting the City to begin building a "to be named later" park on the land acquired at 114th Avenue and Polk Street. In September 2000 a neighborhood meeting was conducted at the Park Board meeting to receive resident input and suggestions on what facilities should be planned for the park. Many ideas were shared by the 21 residents who attended. Staff prepared a preliminary site plan from the resident's requests and brought it to the October Park Board meeting for discussion with residents. The plan shown included ½ basketball/multi-use court, playground for ages 2-5, open shelter, open grassy play area, designated play area and an entrance trail from Polk Street. Also, a playground and park naming committee was formed with 6 resident volunteers. Two meetings were conducted by the committee resulting in 4 different playground manufacture plans and eleven (11) suggested park names. In January of 2001, another neighborhood meeting was conducted to choose the playground plan and the park name.
The playground chosen was for both ages 2-5 and 5-12 and was recommended by the Park Board and approved by the City Council in February. The park name chosen from a list of 11 names was Sandcreek Park. However, the Park Board did not recommend the name because it was the same as a park in Coon Rapids and it sent back to committee. Another round of names was selected and in March of 2002, Hidden Ponds Park was officially chosen by 6 votes over Polk Street Park. This was nearly a year after the park was completed.
In 2004, the Natural Resource and Conservation Board recommended and the City Council approved the purchase of 5.35 acres of open space land adjacent to the east side of Hidden Ponds Park. The City of Blaine also maintains an eight (8½) acre parcel on the north side of Hidden Ponds Park that includes a man-made 4 acre pond and ½ acre island. To the north of this parcel the County owns 8 acres of undeveloped land with approximately the same size pond. In 2010, a nearly ½ mile bituminous trail loop around the pond, a trail going east connecting to Ulysses Street and a .10 mile soft trail into the open space were constructed, and all originating from Hidden Ponds Park.
In 2012, Hidden Ponds Park was host to the annual Earth Day event where approximately 80 volunteers participated in park, open space and trail clean-up, planting of a 12' Autumn Maple tree and presentations on Buckthorn control and native plant species.
The City of Blaine can be proud of Hidden Ponds Park from the harmony that both park and open space amenities can bring to the community.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff noted that Grace Schrunk of the Natural Resource Conservation Board provided pictures that she took last year. He commented that there are bituminous trails and a woodchip trail. He reviewed that there were presentations on Buckthorn and destroying invasive species. He reviewed pictures of trees being planted.
4.4 Other
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff stated that he has several items to update the Board on. He commented that the Jefferson Park Shelter which was presented by a Boy Scout had plans approved by Council and the Inspections Department. He stated that this project will begin on Sunday. He reviewed that Council approved the purchase of the Lexington Avenue Complex, a 40 acre complex east of Lexington which will include an athletic complex. He stated that for the curling complex there has been no movement on this. He explained that financing is being reviewed. He commented that on May 5 there is a dedication at the Baseball Complex for the Killebrew Memorial Miracle League Field. This is at 1:00. He stated that Anita Killebrew will be present and may speak. He commented that samples of Killebrew root beer may be available and TC Bear will be present. A new sign will be unveiled.
Boardmember Markel asked about the time of the event.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff stated it is at 1:00.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff stated that the triathlon has maxed out in registrations with 303 participants, 229 individual participants and 74 team relay participants. He reviewed that 40 percent of participants are Blaine residents. This will be held on May 19 at 8:00 a.m. at Lakeside Commons Park. He stated that for Earth Day there were 80 participants. He stated that for the egg hunt there were 800 participants at Airport Park.
Boardmember Knapp asked about the community gardens. He suggested adding this to the fall report and taking credit for it.
Park and Recreation Director Kappelhoff stated that it will be in the spring or summer quarter report.
Boardmember Knapp stated that he will be giving a presentation for the gardeners during the kick off which will be in a week at City Hall. He will speak on pollinators and their preferences.
5. Old Business
None.
6. Adjournment
Commissioner Leathers motioned to adjourn. Commissioner Bird seconded the motion. Motion approved unanimously.
Chair Walthour adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Beth Bostrom
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
Recommendation
By motion, approve the April 24, 2012 Park Board Minutes.