The URL can be used to link to this page

9 PRSR 11-10-2021 Memorandum To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director Date: November 10, 2021 Subject: Director’s Report This report is a monthly highlight of department activities related to recent collaborations, strategic planning, staff changes/developments, and park operations. Active Elk River - Orono Park & YAC Our contracts with the general contractors of the Orono Park and YAC projects state completion dates the end of October. These dates are no longer possible as contractors continue to wait for supplies, permits and construction materials. In fact, the Orono Park pavilion ordered last April has still not arrived due to shipping issues. The bituminous bike paths were paved on October 22, inspected, and are now completed. The concrete paths, including the ADA access to the lake will not be completed until 2022. The final lift for the parking lots will also be completed spring of 2022. The splash pad and mechanical building were completed last week, but the test of the water features will not happen until spring of 2022. The skatepark feature is done but we are withholding final payment until Spohn Ranch addresses concrete work on the back side of the ramps. The work does not affect the skatepark function. It has been a challenge to keep skaters off the feature, so they are now allowed to use the skate park. We are working on a skatepark rules signs to post. The DNR informed us the $250,000 grant for Orono Park has been extended through December 31, 2022. It was originally through spring of 2022. The extension is due to project delays throughout the state. We are still waiting to hear about the skate park grant we applied for in April of 2022 – they have delayed their decision-making process several times. Ebert Construction provided an updated timeline for YAC with major completion now November 28, 2021. This does not include the YAC restroom building (separate contract). The four replacement concessions windows for those vandalized are expected by early February. Item: 9 The YAC restroom plumbing permit was approved by the State of Minnesota last week and the contractor worked expeditiously to install the plumbing. The building floor and asphalt path were also installed. The interior of the concessions building needs major work after moldy insulation was removed last week. Orono Park Pickleball Update On September 8, the Commission discussed and accepted the revised plan for the Orono Park pickleball courts. Attached is a letter from SRF’s Tim Wold regarding the cost share for the Orono Park pickleball courts. We have directed them to continue with the project consistent with the consensus of the Council. We will incur a charge of $11,750 for the slope orientation change from east/west, west/east to south/north. The letter states that New Look is responsible for the second or top lift of bituminous. SRF informed us on November 4 they are still waiting to hear from New Look. Orono Park Flagpole The flagpole location was approved in early October and believe it or not, it has already arrived and could be installed this month. A portion of the cost will be paid for by the flag runners. This was a $12,000 change order that includes the flagpole, lighting, conduit, and installation costs. Elk River Youth Lacrosse Deferment Elk River Youth Lacrosse president has yet to be named. The Commission recommended at the August meeting to place their deferment request on hold until a new president is elected. We plan to pursue a meeting with some of the board members in the coming weeks. Rivers Edge Commons Park Dock Work on the Rivers Edge Commons Park Dock project has stopped after the DNR required a “No Rise Certificate” be completed with a hydraulic analysis because a portion of the structure is not removable. The analysis ensures it will not cause a rise in flood stage. Staff is working with an engineering firm to meet this requirement. A DNR permit is required. We expect installation in spring of 2022. Great Northern Trail Partnership Great Northern Trail Partners recently facilitated a public engagement process to get community feedback on trial alignment options for extending the trail north of Zimmerman. Partners include Sherburne and Mille Lacs Counties and the Cities of Elk River, Zimmerman, and Princeton. The public engagement effort included an in-person event and online survey. A few Park Commissioners have provided their input to the process. We will soon start sharing this with the public. Country Crossings Park Basketball Court The new Country Crossing Park basketball hoops were damaged before arrival. The replacement lead time is now more than eight weeks, so this project will not be completed until Spring of 2022. North Valley is the contractor on this project. The final color surface will also be applied in 2022. 999999999999999999999999999999 9 99999 9 9 9 9 9 99999999999999999999999999999883.82DSP886.27885.78885.55884.66885.92884.82884.73884.85885.05885.05PEDC885.41885.46885.00884.80885.15885.91886.10VLTCEEPEDCPEDCVLTC886.16887.01885.48886.38886.63886.60886.48883.54883.32885.18886.53886.15886.00885.64884.77884.03883.34884.06885.17VLTCPEDCG883.66883.75884.26884.91MB886.51885.79886.52887.37887.03886.27885.91886.22886.06886.22886.16886.06885.34884.28883.54883.83884.23884.49884.26883.88XCXCXCE(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)1.1%884.28885.12 TC884.62 BC884.77 TC884.27 BC884.61 TC884.11 BC886.73886.14885.96 (FV)0.9%MATCH GRADES WITHEXISTING CONC. WALK, TYP.MATCH GRADESWITH EXISTINGCONC. WALK, TYP.884.67884.89886.73886.14886.73886.57886.36 (FV)MATCH GRADES WITHEXISTING CONC. WALK, TYP.886.57885.57885.48 (FV)886.56885.13885.57885.17885.53885.50886.18886.84885.26885.68884.95884.66 TC/BC884.81 TC/BC884.50886.76SILT FENCE, TYP.IPIP884.1795 LF 24" DIA. PERF.HDPE DRAINAGE PIPEIE: 879.25(BOTH ENDS)886885L5.41CONSTRUCTIONLIMITS, TYP.MATCH GRADESWITH EXISTINGCONCRETECURB ANDGUTTER, TYP.884.96885.35885.42885.09885.39885884.88 TC884.38 BC886.43886.430.9% 0.9% 0.9% 0.9% 0.9%PICKLEBALL COURT:MIN. SLOPE 0.83%MAX. SLOPE 1%I hereby certify that this plan,specification, or report was preparedby me or under my direct supervisionand that I am a duly LicensedLandscape Architect under the laws ofthe State of Minnesota.SHEETDATE:LICENSE #:PRINT NAME:REVISIONSDATENO.BYCHKDAPPRDRAWN BYDESIGNED BYCHECKED BYCOMM. NO.SIGNATURE:02013673-A2/25/2020TIMOTHY B. WOLD42164J. FILLMORET. WOLDK. GRIESHABERL3.1ORONO PARK CITY OF ELK RIVER GENERAL SITE IMPROVEMENTS GRADING ENLARGEMENT PLAN PICKLEBALL COURT AREA LEGENDEXISTING CONTOURPROPOSED CONTOURPROPOSED SPOT ELEVATIONINLET PROTECTIONSILT FENCECONSTRUCTION LIMITSIP895.2597/7/216TWKGTW UNISEX101UNISEX102UNISEX103UNISEX104MECH105105PICNIC SHELTER106E PED C PED C VLT CVLT C VLT C VLT C D D SP PED C VLT C WW WOODXC E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH)E(OH) E(OH) E(OH)PARKING LOT LIGHT, TYP. SAND VOLLEYBALL COURT LIGHTING TYP. I hereby certify that this plan, specification, or report was prepared by me or under my direct supervision and that I am a duly Licensed Landscape Architect under the laws of the State of Minnesota. SHEET DATE: LICENSE #: PRINT NAME: REVISIONS DATENO.BY CHKD APPR DRAWN BY DESIGNED BY CHECKED BY COMM. NO. SIGNATURE: 02013673-A 2/25/2020 STEVEN J. MCHENRY A. EMERSON A. EMERSON S. MCHENRY 46710 E1.1ORONO PARKCITY OF ELK RIVERGENERAL SITE IMPROVEMENTSSOUTH PARK LIGHTING ENLARGEMENT PLANB A A A A A D C C 6 D 2 16 2 5 3 2 2 3 4 5 5 3 5 3 6 6 6 6 7 LEGEND EXISTING LIGHTS COURT LIGHTS PARKING LOT LIGHTS CCTV CAMERA CONDUIT HANDHOLE FIBER VAULT FURNISH AND INSTALL BUILDING POWER FEEDER FROM SERVICE PANEL, SEE SHEET E1.0 FURNISH AND INSTALL HDPE WITH TRACER WIRE FROM NEW FIBER VAULT TO BUILDING MECHANICAL ROOM FURNISH AND INSTALL 24" X 24" X 24" FIBER VAULT. FURNISH AND INSTALL CAMERA HDPE WITH TRACER WIRE FROM FIBER VAULT TO FUTURE CCTV CAMERA AT LIGHT POLE. FURNISH AND INSTALL CONDUIT FOR LIGHTING FROM HANDHOLE TO BUILDING ELECTRICAL PANEL (BY OTHERS) IN MECHANICAL ROOM. FURNISH AND INSTALL 2P - 30A CIRCUIT BREAKER FOR VOLLEYBALL LIGHTING. FINAL LOCATIONS FOR LIGHTING TO BE DETERMINED BY LIGHTING MANUFACTURER UPON COMPLETION OF PHOTOMETRIC ANALYSIS. FURNISH AND INSTALL 2P - 30A CIRCUIT BREAKER FOR PICKLE BALL COURT LIGHTING AS PART OF BID ALTERNATE. FINAL LOCATIONS FOR LIGHTING TO BE DETERMINED BY LIGHTING MANUFACTURER UPON COMPLETION OF PHOTOMETRIC ANALYSIS FURNISH AND INSTALL ONE (1) 1P-20A CIRCUIT BREAKER FOR SPLASH PAD CONTROL AND ONE (1) 2P-40A CIRCUIT BREAKER FOR SPLASH PAD RECIRCULATING PUMP. COORDINATE WITH SPLASH PAD CONTRACTOR. PROPOSED SITE FURNISHINGS AND METAL OBJECTS NEAR THE SPLASH PAD SHALL BE BONDED PER CURRENT NEC SECTION 680.26. KEYNOTES: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 GREAT NORTHERN TRAIL /GAP ANALYSIS / PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY 07.09.2021 DF/ DAMON FARBER SURVEY COMMENTS 1. Some of the early gaps solution involve getting private land but do not indicate that - what is the plan if those land owners are not interested in selling? why would the trail not just move to parallel county 45 whenever the private lands are not available or in some cases where they are but are land locked by private land not available? 2. I feel very strongly about this trail not being a motorized vehicle trail as the majority of it that’s built already is not motorized. 3. I selected motorized use prohibited, but if the motorized use were on a separate trail adjacent to the bike trail, I would be okay with it. 4. Having served on the rails to trails task force myself for several years in the mid 90s it is amazing to me that this hasnt been accomplished yet. Excellent idea establishing gaps and requesting public comment on trail options. However, we well know that any of the trail options with a willing seller is the route that should be taken to make this trail ultimately possibly. Unwilling sellers is why we dont have this trail today. Thank you for continuing to plug away at this. 5. Based on the information I have seen to date, I am 100% opposed to developing this trail. Seems like such a waste of money, when there are already so many options for recreation. My property taxes go up double the rate my income does, but I have seen marginal improvement to the road past my property. The roads we all drive on should be improved long before a trail is built. 6. Thoughts to use to make decision: 1. Trail has trees for shade. 100% sun may limit use. 2. Easy navigation. 3. Least amount trafﬁc crossings. Build pedestrian bridges over or under roads. 4. I would like to see option for snowmobile use in winter, but no ATV use in summer. Trail may have less pedestrian trafﬁc in winter so share, but ATV trafﬁc too dangerous for increased trafﬁc in summer. 5. Concerned easements need to be written in a way to reduce losing them in the future -- see this with other trails (more hiking) 7. Good luck! We enjoy walking the trail and love the fact that it is now paved. Saw our ﬁrst and only barred owl! Spied a doe and her baby fawn yesterday. Thanks again. 8. If you spend the money, snowmobiles and atv should be allowed 9. The reason for choosing no motorized use on the trail north of Princeton is because there is already heavily used ATV trails through the ditches on the East side of 169. I don’t think it would be necessary to have ATV trails available on both sides of 169. 10. Option choices are made with the assumption of property owner willingness to sell or grant easement. My priority is to make the trail happen. Motorized vehicles along with non motorized use severely degrades the experience of non motorized users and is a safely concern for those on foot. I strongly prefer non motorized use where possible. SURVEY RESULTS Alternate 1 Alternate 2 Alternate 3 Alternate 4 Alternate 5 GREAT NORTHERN TRAIL /GAP ANALYSIS / PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY 07.09.2021 DF/ DAMON FARBER SURVEY COMMENTS (CONT’D) 11. Please do not allow motorized use on any portion of the trial. We own land next to current rail bed owned by Mille Lacs County and trespassing by motorized vehicles is a signiﬁcant problem. 12. I think it would be amazing to have a road bike trail. I dont feel safe riding around Milaca or Princeton and also wouldnt want to get hit by an ATV on the trail. Maybe it could be like the trail in Onamia and the trails are side by side? 13. The entire thing is a horrible idea. 14. From Zimmerman all the way to Milaca should be motorized use!!! Also, hope this is coming from the legacy fund. Will work actively against this, have more important issues our country should be using tax payers funds! 15. Id like to see the trail closer to 169 and away from private properties. We have a 10 acre hobby farm, and the proposed routes run very close to our home. My family chose our property for privacy, hunting, raising horses, and other recreational activities. Allowing the public to pass through our property infringes on our privacy and our ability to continue with our own recreational activities. 16. Please keep the trail within railroad ROW wherever feasible. If its easier to develop the trail along CR 45, e.g. between Zimmerman and 293rd, thats not a dealbreaker. I just really want a trail from Elk River to Milaca. And if youre working with the city of Milaca, yall might as well talk with them about developing the Brook Park to Saint Cloud corridor into a bike trail. 17. It is often hard to get folks to travel in anything other than the shortest way between two points. 18. This is a great project. I hope that the cities will also be adding more trails in the city limits for greater access to the GNT, and I do think this should be discussed in detail with Zimmerman, Princeton, and Milaca. More access to the trail will mean more riders. I would love to Load up my kids and drop them off and have them bike back home without me having to pick them up on the other side of town. 19. Love the current trail from Elk River to Zimmerman, hopeful it can be extended to Milaca, preferably on railroad bed w/out ATVs. 20. This will be a great trail. We’re excited to see it come together! 21. Would it be possible to keep trail away from Hwy 169.I would like to see the trail go north out of Princeton pass the schools and follow county rd 4 too Milaca away from hwy 169 noise.Would it be possible to do the same to if trail were further west of Hwy 169 to get to Milaca following a county road.I really wish to keep the trail away from a busy hwy.We have that issue with the trail between Albany and Sauk Center.Would it be possible to somehow get a trail to include the Sherburne Wildlife Refuge.Again keep up the good work on planning,much anticipated!!!! 22. Need to extend motorized vehicle use on full trail 23. I would recommend the trail alignment follow the west side of county road 45 north of county road 4 all the way through Zimmerman instead of jogging to the east as the option describes. There was no option to choose from for this proposal. 24. I love riding my bicycle on old railroad bed trails. Please try to retain as much of the original straight lines as possible without riding on roads. This could become a gem destination trail equal to others in Minnesota. 25. As an avid cyclist (4500 miles in the last 9 months) I know completing this trail will increase tourism and business will pop up along the route that support the bikers. Bikers will travel to the new trail and support the many businesses along the route. It would be great to stay as close to the original RR line if ﬁnancially possible. OVER 100 UNIQUE RESPONSES GREAT NORTHERN TRAIL /GAP ANALYSIS / PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY 07.09.2021 DF/ DAMON FARBER PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE FACILITATOR COMMENTS Stephanie Hillesheim Community Development Manager - Princeton I received very positive feedback from people who came to the Princeton area paths from County Road 9 to the north end of Princeton. A lot of “we don’t care what route as long as it is completed.” There were some concerns regarding the route currently in place having to go through the roundabout on the Rum River Drive and the 169 interchange and many people mentioned that it would be preferred to have a spur to downtown to encourage economic development. Overall the theme was positive. Chris Berg Director of Land Services – Mille Lacs County The main takeaways that I gained from the event: 1. Nearly everyone would prefer a bike trail only. 2. Connectivity is more important than the route. 3. Do not attempt to cross parcel 12-012-0600 a. Head west to Co Rd 5? b. Head east to Fireside Rd and around up to 120th Street? c. It’s a tough area – lots of wetlands. 4. Milaca did not engage with property owners in city limits, and their input is needed for that northern most gap. 5. City of Pease and area property owners are super supportive of the proposed bike trail. Gina Hugo Parks Coordinator – Sherburne County I heard 2 main themes: 1. Positive energy for the vision of a non-motorized recreational trail along the corridor – this theme carried less concern about exact placement of ﬁnal alignment 2. Concerns about trail running across the back of private property, coupled with concerns from other landowners about losing privacy along County Road 45 and safety concerns about home/property security. GREAT NORTHERN TRAIL /GAP ANALYSIS / PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY 07.09.2021 DF/ DAMON FARBER SURVEY RESULTS Alternate 1 Alternate 2 COMMENTS • Amenities located in town for trail users. • Too much trafﬁc and conﬂict in town. • Consider signage • Donor sponsorship rides/events to help fund trail maintenance. GREAT NORTHERN TRAIL /GAP ANALYSIS / PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY 07.09.2021 DF/ DAMON FARBER SURVEY RESULTS Alternate 1 Alternate 2 Alternate 3 Alternate 4 Alternate 5 Septic system next to corridor GREAT NORTHERN TRAIL /GAP ANALYSIS / PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY 07.09.2021 DF/ DAMON FARBER SURVEY RESULTS Alternate 1 Alternate 2 Alternate 3 COMMENTS • Minimize driveway crossings when possible to improve bicycle safety. GREAT NORTHERN TRAIL /GAP ANALYSIS / PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY 07.09.2021 DF/ DAMON FARBER SURVEY RESULTS Alternate 1 Alternate 2 GREAT NORTHERN TRAIL /GAP ANALYSIS / PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY 07.09.2021 DF/ DAMON FARBER SURVEY RESULTS Alternate 1 Alternate 2 Alternate 3 Alternate 4 GREAT NORTHERN TRAIL /GAP ANALYSIS / PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY 07.09.2021 DF/ DAMON FARBER SURVEY RESULTS Alternate 1 Alternate 2 Alternate 3 Alternate 4 GREAT NORTHERN TRAIL /GAP ANALYSIS / PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY 07.09.2021 DF/ DAMON FARBER SURVEY RESULTS Alternate 1 Alternate 2 (on corridor) GREAT NORTHERN TRAIL /GAP ANALYSIS / PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY 07.09.2021 DF/ DAMON FARBER SURVEY RESULTS Alternate 1 Alternate 2 Alternate 3 Alternate 4 GREAT NORTHERN TRAIL /GAP ANALYSIS / PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY 07.09.2021 DF/ DAMON FARBER SURVEY RESULTS Alternate 1 Alternate 2 Alternate 3 Alternate 4 COMMENTS • Prefer to see grade separated road crossings when possible to eliminate pedestrian vs car conﬂicts. GREAT NORTHERN TRAIL /GAP ANALYSIS / PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY 07.09.2021 DF/ DAMON FARBER SURVEY RESULTS Alternate 1 Alternate 2 Alternate 3 GREAT NORTHERN TRAIL /GAP ANALYSIS / PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY 07.09.2021 DF/ DAMON FARBER SURVEY RESULTS Alternate 1 Alternate 2 Alternate 3 COMMENTS • Would prefer most rural trail option heading into Pease. GREAT NORTHERN TRAIL /GAP ANALYSIS / PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY 07.09.2021 DF/ DAMON FARBER SURVEY RESULTS Alternate 1 Alternate 2 Alternate 3 COMMENTS • There is currently tresspassing ATV use within the corridor. • There is a US ﬁsh and wildlife nature preserve to the east of the corridor. • Deer hunting activity to east of corridor. • Gun range to east of corridor. • Alternate 1-3 go through private land that should be avoided. Gun Range Alternate 4 Alternate 5 to hwy 23 Wildlife preserve Alternate 4 to hwy 23 Alternate 5 GREAT NORTHERN TRAIL /GAP ANALYSIS / PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY 07.09.2021 DF/ DAMON FARBER SURVEY RESULTS COMMENTS Alternate 1 Alternate 2 Alternate 3 • Consider grade separated crossing at highway 13. • There are existing bike facilities north of highway 13. GREAT NORTHERN TRAIL /GAP ANALYSIS / PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY 07.09.2021 DF/ DAMON FARBER SURVEY RESULTS Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 COMMENTS • Consider an option with horse/equestrian trail adjacent to multi use trail. GREAT NORTHERN TRAIL /GAP ANALYSIS / PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY 07.09.2021 DF/ DAMON FARBER