10.0. PRSR 09 10 2014 ElkMemorandum
River
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Michael Hecker,Parks and Recreation Director
Date: September 10,2014
Subject: Parks and Recreation Master Plan Report
The Parks and Recreation Master Plan Committee include Parks and Recreation Director
Michael Hecker,Recreation Manager Steve Benoit,Parks Supervisor Rodney Schreifels,Park
Planner Chris Leeseberg and Park Commission Members,Mark Ahlness and Ryan
Holmgren.
The time frame for this project has been updated with a document to be presented to the
Parks and Recreation Commission in November for approval. The updated timeline will be
discussed at the September 10 Commission meeting.
Attached is an update and priorities memo from HKGI. It is recommended that the Parks
and Recreation Commission discuss and refine the list of project at the September 10
meeting. HKGi staff will also present an overall update to the Commission.
A summary of the August 20 Open House is also attached to this report.
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N:\Departments\Parks and Recreation\Commission\Packets\2014\09-10-14 PRC Packet\10.1 Parks and Recreation NATURE
Master Plan Report 9-10-14.docx
MEMORANDUM Hoisington Koegler Group Inc.
To: City of Elk River Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Paul Paige,Lil Leatham,and Kevin Clarke(HKGi)
Subject: Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update&Priorities
Date: 9/4/14
Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update and Priorities
An Open House was held August 20th 2014 to obtain community input on draft recommendations,signature park
concept plans,and priorities for the future. A summary is attached for your review.
The consultant team has put together a draft list of priorities. The list considers input from the community,the
Parks and Recreation Commission,and City Staff throughout the project process. Priorities are grouped into two
categories:
• Momentum Projects-characterized by projects that are shorter term,more manageable,create impact,
address immediate needs,and are likely achievable within the current CIP structure.
• Vision Projects-characterized by projects that are larger,longer term,require additional
actions/research,and may require finding additional funding.
At the Park and Recreation Commission's September 10th meeting we would like to discuss and refine this list.
Momentum Projects
• Omo Park
o Skate Park
o Adult Fitness Features
o Splash Pad
o Restrooms
o Parking lot paving(to follow concept plan)
o New and extended trail(to follow concept plan)
• YAC
o Restrooms-YAC
o Parking Lot Paving
o Finish Building
o Maintenance Shed
o Field Lights—(1-6)
o Playground
• Woodlands Trails Park-Maintenance Shed
• Lighting for outdoor neighborhood ice rinks
• Bailey Point Nature Preserve improvements
• Close trail gaps(coordinate needs with CIP)
123 North Third Street,Suite 100,Minneapolis,MN 55401-1659
Ph(612)338-3800 Fx(612)338-6838 www.hkgi.com
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• Complete trail connection between Mississippi River/Main Street and the Great Northern Trail
• Sign trail connections as part of the Signage and Wayfinding Plan
• Park signage as part of the Signage and Wayfinding Plan
• Conduct a comprehensive recreation facilities study to evaluate the Senior Activity Center,Ice Arena,
Lions Park Center,and the Barn and determine if they should be renovated,replaced on their current site,
or consolidated into a centrally located facility
Vision Projects
• Turf Multi-Use Field(in conjunction with School District)
• Fieldhouse(in conjunction with School District)
• Ice Arena
• Woodlands Trails Park -Nature Center/Chalet
• Orono Park-Miracle Field
• YAC-Additional Pinwheel
• Baseball Town Field
• Community Center
• Add bluff lands to the park system along the Mississippi River as opportunities allow
RIA
Hoisington Koegler Group Inc.
Creative Solutions for Land Planning and Design
Open House Summary
Held:August 20,2014 5:00-8:00
City Hall,Elk River,MN
Approx.60 people attended(31 signed in)
A community open house was held on August 20th,2014 to get input on draft recommendations and
priorities for the future. Approximately 60 people attended.The meeting was open house format with
display boards organized by topic area. Topics covered were:
• Welcome and Project Overview
• Needs Assessment and Community Survey Results
• Input on draft recommendations and strategies for the following topic areas:
o Strengthen Trail Connections
o Parks and Recreation Facilities
o Connect to the Rivers
o Arts
o Programs
• Input on Draft Concept Plans for the following parks:
o Bailey Point Nature Preserve
o Orono Park and Dave Anderson Athletic Complex
o Youth Athletic Complex
o Lion John Weicht Park
o Woodlands Trails
Opportunities for input included:
1. Talking with City staff and consultants about plans,ideas and suggestions.
2. Indicating what participants like,don't like,ideas,and priorities for the future by writing on the
displays and by placing red and green dots on the displays.
3. Providing ideas,suggestions,and comments on an individual comment card.
Input Overview
The open house was heavily attended by those interested in the Ice Arena and Pinewood Golf Course.
Overall there continues to be support for trail projects,maintaining existing park facilities,restrooms in
parks,improvements to the Ice Arena,the Youth Athletic Complex,Dave Anderson Athletic
Complex/Orono Park,and the addition of a skate park.
123 North Third Street,Suite 100,Minneapolis,MN 55401-1659
Ph(612)252-7140 Fx(612)338-6838
Summary 7.2.2014
August 20,2014 Open House,Elk River Parks and Recreation Master Plan
The following are written comments collected at the meeting organized by topic area. Numbers indicate
the number of green and red dots for each recommendation.
Strengthen Trail Connections
Recommendations:
1. Close trail gaps between existing trails to create a more connected trail network. 6+
Strategies
a. Provide ped-bike crossings of Highway 169 at V2-mile intervals in the Urban Service
Area and 1 mile intervals outside of the Urban Service Area. Provide grade separated
crossings where feasible.
b. Create north/south spine east of Highway 169.
c. Prioritize gaps to parks,schools,downtown,and transit.
d. Provide for bicycles on Main Street 3+
2. Make the existing system more usable and improve the user experience.2+
Strategies
a. Add lighting,way-finding,and bike racks in key areas. 2+
b. Add on-road bike facilities to supplement the trail system where opportunities allow.
c. Extend fall,winter,and spring use plowing designated winter routes.
3. Create Connections to the Great Northern Trail.4+, 1-
4. Expand the trail system along with community growth. 5+
Strategies
a. Create trail extensions shown on the trail plan.Identify and update priority projects on an
annual basis.
b. Coordinate new trails with city,county,and state road construction and reconstruction
projects and consider grade separated crossings at the time of road construction.
c. Where feasible,provide paved trails that create community connections away from roads
in greenway corridors.
Comments:
• N/S Spine is less important than E-W connections 1+
o Hard to get downtown and to post office
• Trail connections to connect city(Neighborhoods to Neighborhoods)
• Disagree with extending to Zimmerman—Past 2215`St is hardly used and the flies are killer due
to the dump
• Meadowvale is a high priority gap.Need to get to library, etc. safely.
Improve existing parks and facilities
Recommendations:
1. Respond to changing community needs and recreation trends.
Strategies
a. Improve undeveloped park land and add new parks along with community growth.
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Summary 7.2.2014
August 20,2014 Open House,Elk River Parks and Recreation Master Plan
b. Meet changing recreation needs by adding key facilities such as a skate park,splash pad,
and pickle ball. 1+
c. Complete needed improvements to specific parks(see map). Prioritize improvements
based on replacement needs and available funding.
d. Provide restrooms in community parks and athletic complexes.3+
2. Continue to provide recreation opportunities that appeal across generations.
Strategies
a. Provide safe,accessible walking,and biking loops within parks and as part of the larger
trail network. 3+
b. Continue to provide hiking access to high quality natural areas.
c. Improve access to water oriented recreation(beaches,docks,boat launches,fishing
opportunities,etc.). 4+
3. Increase access to indoor recreation.
Strategies
a. Explore partnership opportunities with the school district,athletic organizations,and
others to provide a field house and/or domed turf fields within the city.
b. Conduct a comprehensive recreation facilities study to evaluate the Senior Activity
Center,Ice Arena,Lions Park Center,and the Barn and determine if they should be
renovated,replaced on their current site,or consolidated into a centrally located facility.
7+
4. Improve outdoor athletic facilities.
Strategies
a. Make improvements to the Youth Athletic Complex,Oak Knoll,Dave Anderson Athletic
Complex(see park concepts).
b. Improve partnership with schools to provide access to athletic fields/facilities.
c. Consider addition of artificial turf field(s)for uses such as soccer,football,lacrosse,and
rugby. 1+,1-
5. Continue to ensure the safety of all park facilities through regular maintenance and equipment
upgrades. 2+
6. Reduce on-going maintenance costs over time by replacing outdated park elements with high
quality materials and outdated maintenance equipment with higher efficiency models.2+
7. Actively manage high quality city-owned natural areas. 1+
8. Support volunteers to assist with maintaining parks,trails,and natural resources. City does not
become dependent on them for the success of the facility. 2+
Priorities for the Future
1. Capitalize on Hockey Day MN interest by updated or new ice arena. 2+
2. Ballpark and Hockey Rink @ Trout Brook Park
Comments:
• Pinewood
o Country club is a more difficult course than Pinewood
• If city closes Pinewood I would go out of the area to an executive course
(Ostego)
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Summary 7.2.2014
August 20,2014 Open House,Elk River Parks and Recreation Master Plan
o You could raise fees at Pinewood
o Kick Golf as an alternative
o Pinewood is an establishment that can be used by both young and old!
o Keep Pinewood!!!
• Miss Oaks
o Repair and upgrade playground 1+
• Lots of kids in neighborhood
• More swings—toddler swings
• Bike rack—kids drop bikes in no parking zone daily 1+
• Ice Arena and Activity Center 6+
o Showers in ice arena
• Trott Brook Farms Park
o Add hockey rink and softball field 1+
• Oak Knoll
o Shade
• General
o Splash pad anywhere
o Need to address park needs post mining—lake amenity
o Water fountain access l+
Connect to the Rivers
Recommendations:
1. Improve riverfront connectivity 5+
Strategies
a. As opportunities arise consider adding riverfront property to the City's park system. 1-
b. Improve wayfinding signage to increase awareness of existing riverfront parks and trails
1+
2. Connect public riverfront property with pedestrian and bicycle trails. 9+
3. Improve Bailey Point Nature Preserve. 1+,4-
4. Acquire Houlton Farm Property 5+,5-
Comments:
• Acquire Houlton Farm Property
o People need to be made award this will support hunting w/in city farms
• Connect neighborhoods to trails prior to the river 1+
Programs
Recommendations:
1. Provide high quality,diverse program offerings for all ages(children,teens,families,adults,and
seniors).
Strategies
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Summary 7.2.2014
August 20,2014 Open House,Elk River Parks and Recreation Master Plan
a. Provide high quality early childhood programs.
b. Provide for families with events,drop in activities,and intergenerational activities.
c. Focus adult programs on fitness and wellness.
d. Increase focus on teen activities. Consider:
i. Developing a volunteer program where teens assist with trail and natural resource
maintenance.
ii. Holding an annual special event for grades 9-12 with music and games.
iii. Engaging youth in the program design to ensure it is relevant,well attended,and
high quality.
2. Expand senior programming as the baby-boomers age.
3. Ensure equitable financial access to programs.
Strategies
a. Continue scholarships for low income residents.
b. Provide some low/no cost options.
4. Improve indoor facilities. 7+
Strategies
a. Conduct a comprehensive recreation facilities study to evaluate the Senior Activity
Center,Ice Arena,Lions Park Center,and the Barn and determine if they should be
renovated,replaced on their current site,or consolidated into a centrally located facility.
b. Improve partnership with the Y to better meet City program needs.
5. Host community events that facilitate community interaction and foster community pride and
identity.
6. Continue to evaluate programs and adjust program mix based on customer feedback demand,and
trends.
7. Continue to work with partners to provide high quality programs and limit program overlap
Comments:
• Need new arena(3 Sheets)with senior center
Arts 1+
Recommendations:
1. Incorporate public art into the park system.
Strategies
a. Commission artists to design art into infrastructure,such as benches,railings,picnic
shelters,park wayfinding,community gateways,signage,etc.
b. Add arts pieces to signature parks. For example Orono Park,Lion's Park,and the Great
Northern Trail.
2. Increase arts programming.
Strategies
a. Continue to hold the Riverfront Concert Series at Rivers Edge Park with community
partners.
b. Partner with the Arts Alliance,and local artists to create programs that engage the larger
community with artists.
c. Partner to provide temporary visual art displays in public buildings and local businesses.
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Summary 7.2.2014
August 20,2014 Open House,Elk River Parks and Recreation Master Plan
d. Produce an annual art event to raise awareness and support for the arts(for example an
art parade in conjunction with the County Fair,a music parade,etc.).
3. Establish funding and management systems to support a sustainable public art program.
Strategies
a. Consider development of an arts dedication ordinance.
b. Allocate budget for arts programs and infrastructure.
c. Revise staff job description to incorporate public art related tasks.
d. Develop additional support systems,funding sources,gifts,and private partnerships.
e. Plan and budget for maintenance of any physical art installations.
Comments:
• Public art should fall under the Arts Alliance only.
Signature Parks
Lion John Weicht Park
• Relocation of Ice Arena 17+
• Paths for experiences and programming 1+
• Retain frisbee golf program 1+
• Lake and wetland habitat restoration 2+
• Boys and Girls Club partnership 2+
• Earthwork,dredging,and soil replacement 3+
• Comments:
o Currently, we have to go to other cities for ice time, training facilities, and tournaments.
Our family spends a lot of time and dollars in cities with modern facilities. The rink is not
inviting and is outdated. The lack of showers is also a negative.
o With a relocation and upgrade in facilities recreation activities,parks, trails, and outside
programs like weddings could do very well and be a win/win for Elk River.
o Now is the time to move avoiding cost with an upgrade.
o Need 3 sheets(Full 85x200)all indoor.
o What happens to old arena/history—need more information on costs of renovations vs
new. Not looking for higher fees/taxes.
o Like the idea of 3rd open air arena
o Keep dog park
o If relocating and spending money to upgrade look at adding a third indoor sheet instead
of an outdoor sheet
Woodlands Trails
• Develop forestry management plan 1+
• Building at Woodland Trails 1+
• Trail Connections 3+
• Develop strategies for mitigating the impacts of mining 1+
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Summary 7.2.2014
August 20,2014 Open House,Elk River Parks and Recreation Master Plan
• Comments:
o Can there by a short lighted trail for skiing at night?
o Like the building idea for programming
o Developing updated maintenance and equipment storage area is a really good idea
o Understand restrictions of applying for regional park designation for legacy funding?
o [Move building to west of lake]
• Pros: On Ridge, well(water amenity),staging area, tuck over hill, skating
• Cons:More trail needed
Youth Athletic Complex
• General support for all areas suggested/highlighted on map
• Dedicated baseball/softball fields 4+
• Support and trailing facilities(i.e.batting cages,bullpens,warm up areas,etc.)4+
• Lights at YAC 5+
• Development of buildings that have flush toilets and potentially concessions,storm protection,
and storage options 3+
• Additional open fields 3+
• Covered dugouts/shade 4+
• Comments:
o I love the full'plan
o Water and restrooms @ YAC!
o Great Plan!!
o Covered areas for soccer and La crosse is necessary as well—they run constantly 1+
o Like the open but shaded dugouts
Orono Parks and Dave Anderson Athletic Complex
• General support for all areas suggested/highlighted on map
• Comments:
o Bring back the skate park
• Concern with location by highway 2+
o Like the idea of Orono as signature park
o Miracle League Baseball field would be a great addition
o Elk River High School needs more field/gym space for adapted sports
o Public pool
o More public access to the Y splash pad 2+
o Needs porta potty or restroom
Other Comments
• Parks and Recreation Needs
o It is very important to me and other seniors to reopen Pinewood Golf Course.It helps me
stay out of my recliner.I have written a letter to the members of the city council and
expressed my feelings and thoughts.
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Summary 7.2.2014
August 20,2014 Open House,Elk River Parks and Recreation Master Plan
o Trails connecting neighborhoods- over connections 1
o Improvements to arena—Lobby
o Concessions and restrooms @ Orono
o Better park facilities in Windsor Park Neighborhood—Only have private park
• Future Priorities
o It is disappointing to me that the city has not capitalized on Hockey Day MN to—at the
very minimum—upgrade the arena. I think our youth and family have earned a new
arena—but at the least provide them a decent current arena.I think the city is hiding
behind this overall plan to avoid their obligations
o Trails
o Arena
o Neighborhood parks(over destination)
o River not that important
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