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4.3. SR 05-19-2003MEMORANDUM Item 4.3. TO: FROH: DATE: SUBJECT: Mayor and City fqichele McPhersoll~Director of Planning May 19, 2003 Park and Recreation Commission Update Attachments · Description: Adopt-A-Park Program · Adopt-A-Park Application Form · Adopt-A-Park Guidelines Section Drawing - Highlands West Park · Park Concept - Highlands East and West Parks At its May meeting, the Commission discussed the park concept plans for Royal Valley Park with the adjacent neighborhood, approved a number of major park uses for Lions Park, and recommended approval of an Adopt - A - Park Program and the revised concept plan for Highlands East and West Parks. Adopt - A - Park Program Darlene Nickols, Elk River resident, has approached City staff regarding the establishment of an Adopt-a-Park program. The Adopt-a-Park program is intended to provide an opportunity for individuals and groups to contribute to the community by making park areas deaner, safer, and more attractive as outlined on the attached Adopt-a-Park program description. She is willing, with staff assistance, to organize, recruit, and meet with prospective volunteers and volunteer groups. The primary responsibility initially would be for groups to monitor the park on a weekly basis (weather permitting) and to inform staff regarding park needs such as the occurrence of vandalism or the need to replace equipment. If volunteers elect to become more "ambitious" and Would like to pose a more intensive project, staff will bring those to the Park and Recreation Memo to the Mayor and City Council May Park and Recreation Commission Update May 19, 2003 Page 2 Commission for formal approval, especially since it is likely that these types of projects would require additional expenditures of City funds. The Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council approve the Adopt - A - Park program. Staff~ that the City Caxo'ddconaewith the C_omixsion's ~ Highlands EastJVVest Park Plan Per the Commission and Council direction, staff met with neighborhood representatives on Friday, April 18, 2003 to discuss the overall park concept plan for Highlands East/West Parks. Approximately 10 neighbors were in attendance, the majority from east of Auburn Street, and one representing west of Auburn Street. The group walked the west half of the East Park area and the east half of the West Park area to determine the best location for an active play area. It was agreed that the best location for an active play area (playground and full court basketball) is the easterly portion of Highlands West. There is an existing curb opening for a street connection in this area, which can be used to the City's advantage for the creation of a small parking area (2-3 cars). A berm can be created to buffer the adjacent residential home from the playground structure and basketball court. The attached layout indicates the revised park concept plan. Highlands East would have walking trails and native plant community restorations. Per the Council's direction, the closest structure to the overhead electrical transmission lines is the comer of the basketball court at 101 feet. The Commission voted 6-1 0ackett abstaining), to recommend that the City Council approve the revised plan. Staff ~ that the City CoeoxSI appmu? the revised plan for Highlands East ~ West Parks. S:KPLANNINGKMichele McPherson\CCREPRTS\5 19 P & R Update.doc Adopt-A-Park Program The City of Elk River Parks Department sponsors the Adopt-A-Park program, which was implemented to obtain volunteer assistance for the Parks Department staff in the maintenance and improvement of park areas throughout the city. The Adopt-A-Park program involves recruiting and organizing individuals, community groups, and businesses to care for areas that need extra attention, such as city parks. The Adopt-A-Park program is a partnership between the City and individuals or groups. The individuals and groups who become involved in the Adopt-A-Park program are contributing to the betterment of the community by making park areas cleaner, safer, and more attractive. Any individual, neighborhood, group, or organization can Adopt-A-Park as a volunteer project. A letter of understanding, which clarifies the commitments of the participating individual or group and the City, will be signed by the individual or by a representative of the group and a representative of the City. Citizen ideas and suggestions about park area improvements are appreciated. The City of Elk River will place a sign in your park crediting you or your organization for their assistance. Individual or Group Commitments: 1. The Adopting individual or organization commits to a one-year period of adoption. At the end of that year an individual or organization can renew, change parks (if available) or terminate. 2. Monitoring of the park is to be done on a regular basis, usually at least once a week during the warm season, and as weather permits in the cold season. 3. The Adopting individual or groups will be asked to assist with litter and debris removal, reporting vandalism and identifying any hazards in their adopted areas. City Commitments: 1. The Parks Department will continue to provide regular maintenance of the park. 2. The Parks Department will provide trash bags and will be responsible for collecting and disposing of the filled bags. The City reserves the right to terminate an individual or group's participation in the program with or without cause. Please call the City of Elk River @ 763-441-7420 for an application or you can also fred program information on the City's website at www. d.elk-river.mn.us CITY OF ELK RIVER ADOPT-A-PARK APPLICATION FORM Organization/Last Name: Contact Person: ( Name on Adopt-A-Park sign will appear as written on this line) Street Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: ( ). - Fax: ( ) E-mail: Number of Persons in Group: Park Preference if any: I (We) have read and agree to abide by the policies and regulations adopted by the City of Elk River regarding the Adopt-A-Park Program. Nallle~ Signature: Date: Signature: Date: City of Elk River CITY OF ELK RIVER ADOPT-A-PARK GUIDELINES Thank you for partnering with the City of Elk River to improve the quality of our parks. Listed below you will find information to help you fulfill your commitment. Monitoring of the park is to be done on a regular basis, usually at least once a week during the warm season and as weather permits in the cold season. The adopting individual or groups will be asked to assist with litter and debris removal, reporting vandalism and identifying any hazards in their adopted parks. 1. General Questions on Adopt-A-Park Call: 441-4910 2. Minor Improvements Call: 441-4910 3. Garbage Problems Call: 441-4910 4. Storm Damage Ca11:441-4910 5. Major Improvements Call: 441-4902 6. Vandalism in Park Call: 911 Safety Guidelines The following safety guidelines are provided to participating groups for the safety of the participants and park personnel. Organizations must provide adequate supervision for participants who are under 15 years of age or younger Prior to commencement of any project, an Adopt A Park coordinator will present safety guidelines to volunteers We ask that partners not perform any activities outside of their physical capabilities The use of power tools and motor-driven equipment is prohibited Wear appropriate clothing and shoes, use sunscreen Work during daylight hours Beware of bees, poison ivy, poison oak and other irritants, wear repellent Drink plenty of liquid on hot humid days Be aware of traffic when working close to roadways Avoid picking up discarded syringes and/or needles coming in contact with unknown chemicals Avoid unfamiliar animals/pets ~m~ve~~ HIGHLANDS EAST & WEST ~'7,',/2oo3 1 DRAWN BY: SECTION AT BERM AND PLAYGROUND CUL $CNf: ~/~"= ~'-o"