09-05-2017 Park Commission Packet

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Brian Roath reported on the status of a plan to install sport court surfaces in Orono parks, which included a recent meeting with a Sport Court representative. The Sport Court representative said that a major cost issue would be the condition of existing foundations. Three primary locations are being considered: • Replacement of the existing half court basketball surface at the Navarre Park • Installation of a full court surface at Crystal Bay • Installation of a full court surface at Hackberry The Navarre option could cost as much as $50,000, assuming removal of the existing surface and repouring of a new one. A similar half court surface was installed at Spring Park. In that case, funding was provided by the MinnesotaTwins. Brian indicated he would also get a bid for a full court installation at Hackberry, as part of a grant application to the Hennepin Youth Sports Program administered by the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission. However there was agreement that replacement of the Navarre half court would be the Park Commission's first priority. Brian mentioned that Tonka Bay received a $10,000 grant for a $25,000 installation, which required the City or other sources to provide the remaining $15,000. Brian and Julie Ruegemer will write the Orono grant proposal, which is due in early November. It was noted that it would be necessary to get a commitment from the Council for additional matching funds as part of the application. Jan Berg suggested also considering local businesses as a source of matching funds. Policy for rental/ reservation of Park Space Update — Subcommittee (Brian, Natalie and Beth) Beth Davis brought up initial considerations on development of a policy for private rental of Orono park facilities. In addition to Beth, the subcommittee considering this includes Brian Roath and Natalie Williams. The subcommitte needs to complete a list of what facilities would be available, what minimum number of people would be required and how this would impact the present requirement for a Special Event Permit. Rick Meyers suggested that a good starting point for the subcommittee would be to discuss the possibilities and issues with Chief of Police Correy Farniok. Big Island Report The status of Big Island is currently being reviewed by a committee of Orono individuals that include representatives from the Park Comnmission. Rick Carter reported on some of the activities and issues being tackled by this new committee. Activities already underway have included the first of several volunteer clean-ups, plans for regular mowing, and a storage facility, which has been approved by the City Council. Creation of a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation to manage the island is being considered and a Master Plan using Waconia's Coney Island as a prescendent is also planned. Additional meetings are planned and Rick noted that input from the Minnehaha Watershed District will be important to any new proposals. Park Maintenance Update- DJ Goman DJ discussed park maintenance from an overall staffing standpoint, noting that in addition to the Director the Public Works Department staff includes eight workers, of which two are supervisors and four have at least 25 years of service. The department has many responsibilities in addition to park maintenance and is working hard to meet the expectations of the reactivited Park Commission as it develops improvement plans for Orono's various parks. Commision members noted this was an important perspective to keep in mind as plans are prioritized. No additional topics were discussed and the workshop adjoured at 3pm. Notes compiled by Bryce Johnson.