7.1. SR 09-20-2004
Item 7.1.
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Bill Maertz, Parks and Recreation Director
DATE: September 15, 2004
SUBJECT: Parks Update
Park Development
Work is continuing at Highlands West to resolve drainage issues and improve the
appearance of the park. Benches are on order and the basketball court is scheduled for
sealing and striping.
The Three Rivers Soccer Association has expressed an interest in collaborating with the City
in the development of soccer fields. Staff is currently working on cost estimates for lighted
and irrigated fields that would fit on outlot K, adjacent to the Youth Athletic Complex.
Park Projects
Sherburne County Soil and Water Conservation District has approached staff about doing a
demonstration rain garden at Orono Park. The rain garden would use native plant material
to f:tlter pollutants out of storm water before it enters Lake Orono. The conservation district
would pay 75% of the cost, with the City's portion consisting of labor and/ or material.
In response to resident's requests staff has explored possible locations for an off leash dog
park. The NE corner of Lions Park has been identified as a potential location and the Park
Commission expressed interest in pursuing this option. Staff will be meeting the Lions Club
in October to discuss this issue with them and explore the potential for financial support of
this project.
Park PoJi<;y
The Park Commission voted to recommend a tobacco use in parks policy. This policy is a
compromise, which does not prohibit tobacco use in City Parks, but prohibits tobacco use
within 50 feet of playgrounds and youth activities. Staff will bring this policy to the City
Council for consideration in October.
Recreation
Hot Topic(s) ofthe Month
Internet registration is going well. We have 25% of our registrations currently coming from
customers using the new website. Our goal is to see 600/0 or better through self-service.
Some of the other steps we have taken to encourage use of the new system are setting up a
laptop at our front counter for the public to register and putting information at each of the
computers at the library. With our next program guide, we will no longer accept phone
registrations. This will create a paper trail for all registrations - they will either enter it
themselves or fill out a registration form.
Our next program guide will be delivered October 6'h and cover November/December. The
following guide for January /F ebruary will be full color and an updated format to promote
our new Parks and Recreation Department.
August Programs
Programs running in August include T -ball, Lions Den Summer Camp, U Pass, Skating
Academy, Golf Lessons, Golf League, Wiggles and Giggles, SPARK, Great Games, Extra!
Extra!, Art Express, Mad Scientists, Just Imagine, Tennis, Eager Elks T-ball Class, Eager
Elks Soccer, Eager Elks Sports Sampler, Field Trips, Tumbling, Cheerleading, Young
American Self Defense, Baseball Camp, Soccer Camp, Power Play Sports Camp, and Field
Games Sports Camp, Summer Soccer League, Entertainment in the Park, and Art in the
Park.
Facili(y Use
We reserved a total of 929 hours of use for city facilities. 193 hours of this is field use. 196
hours is for Lions Park Center and the remainder is for miscellaneous park and park shelter
use.