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Home My WebLink About02-07-2022 Park Commission PacketAGENDA City of Orono Park Commission Meeting for Monday, February 7th, 6:00 PM Orono Council Chambers, 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356 952-249-4600 / www.ci.orono.mn.us Audience Members: Please sign in for the public record if you wish to address the Park Commission. The sign in sheet is in the lobby. The Park Commission is an advisory body to the City Council. If action is taken on any items on this agenda, it will be scheduled for an upcoming City Council meeting. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA CALL TO ORDER. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. 1. November 1st, 2021 Park Commission Meeting Minutes. PUBLIC COMMENT. PRESENTATION. CHAIRMAN’s REPORT. 2. Park Commission Assignments Update. 3. Park Commission Goals Update. 4. Park Commission Meeting Calendar STAFF REPORTS. 5. Parks Update. 6. Projects Update. SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS. 7. Golf Course Rebranding. a. Commissioner Stofer presents PowerPoint. COMMISSIONERS REPORT. 8. Commissioner’s Updates. a. Long Lake Waters Association – Earth Day 2022. Commissioner Berg presents ADJOURNMENT. MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, November 1, 2021 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 1 of 4 CALL TO ORDER Chair Roath called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL The Orono Park Commission met on the above-mentioned date with the following members present: Chairman Brian Roath, Commissioners Janice Berg, Rick Carter, Kjersti Duval, Casey Hudson, and Taylor Stephens, and Gordy Stofer, and Alternate Commissioner Cameron Porter. Representing Staff were Adam Edwards and Josh Lemons. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair Roath led the Commissioners and those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. SEPTEMBER 7, 2021 PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Carter moved, Hudson seconded, to approve the September 7, 2021 Park Commission Meeting Minutes. VOTE: Ayes 7, Nays 0. PUBLIC COMMENTS Michael Miller, a 35 year resident of Orono lives on Fagerness Point and would like to publicly recognize Judy Fezenmeier who has taken it upon herself to tend the flowers and plants at Antoine Park in the neighborhood. With the drought this year it was a big challenge and he said the garden looked fabulous. PRESENTATION a. PICKLEBALL PRESENTATION Caroline Melberg, 1290 Lyman Avenue, gave a presentation about pickleball and noted many in attendance are in support of or play pickleball themselves. She explained the unique aspect of the game and that it is the fastest growing sport in the United States. Ms. Melberg is before the Park Commission to discuss dedicated pickleball courts, as currently players play on tennis courts that are lined for pickleball which is not the right experience for true pickleball. A dedicated court means one spends less time chasing balls, it is much more accessible, there is a consistent net height, and the lines are not as confusing. She noted if the players are using the school courts they are also competing with them for court time. Other communities are considering pickleball for the future including Wayzata, Mound, Long Lake, Spring Park, Maple Plain, and others have lined tennis courts and may be considering dedicated courts although she does not know. Ms. Melberg stated all of the courts they play pickleball on are busy and it is a drive for residents to drive over to Long Lake, Minnetonka, and Delano for dedicated pickleball. Many times one will show up and wait for a court to open up. Eagan just built 8 courts, Edina has built 8 courts, and given the demand in Orono 6-8 courts would be ideal; the courts are approximately the size of a volleyball court whereas a tennis court is the size of 4 pickleball courts. Ms. Melberg noted a noise factor to the game and costs which are estimated at $35,000-$45,000 per court, and other options MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, November 1, 2021 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 2 of 4 such as lighting and porta-potties versus bathrooms. Funding could come from State grants and fundraising, as well as the City. Stofer asked Ms. Melberg how long the playing season is. Ms. Melberg noted indoor they can play all year and outdoor some play when the temperature is even in the 40’s when the ground is dry. Katie Gronberg, 110 Leaf Street, noted a group of them played the previous year through February bringing shovels and squeegees to clear the courts. Chair Roath noted many play indoors at the Westonka Activity Center (WAC) and the Orono Community Center and asked what the availability is in the winter. Ms. Melberg shared that the Orono Community Center has some mornings where they play 7am-9am and one night per week. For those who work during the day it can be a challenge. Mike Hoffman, 3640 Hoffman Avenue, shared the WAC has hours Monday-Friday from 8am-11am and Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings from 7:30pm-9:30pm, as well as Saturday mornings, and Sundays. It gets very busy in the winter and there is a wait for court time. Duval asked where the growth is happening and whether there will be league or youth play in the future. Ms. Melberg replied youth play is a big area because schools are teaching it in physical education and the fastest growing segment of players are ages 38-45 years old. Carter asked if the group can help the Commission look at which parks make the most sense for pickleball. Ms. Melberg noted they do have some thoughts and Commissioner Berg also met the group to discuss pickleball. Two parks that might make sense are Bederwood Park and Hackberry Park. Peter Hitch has been working with Wayzata on the project and explained that the City gave half of the funding while the pickleballers raised the rest. Wayzata also wanted them to pay for half of the maintenance of which there is not that much of a cost for pickleball. He explained the fundraising process they used, noting other grant opportunities are available. Chair Roath noted the Park Commission will continue to work with the group to find something that works. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT a. WELCOME NEW COMMISSIONERS MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, November 1, 2021 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 3 of 4 Chair Roath is happy to welcome Commissioners Gordy Stofer, Kjersti Duval, and Alternate Cameron Porter to the Park Commission. He announced there is still one opening on the Park Commission and if anyone is interested they are always looking for good people. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. SUMMIT BEACH PLAYGROUND DISCUSSION City Administrator/Engineer Edwards noted they have been looking at Summit Beach for the past few years and at the direction of the Commission, a Committee was set up to explore what the playground might look like. Edwards showed various options on screen. Chair Roath noted the beach is very busy over the summer and the park itself is a little dated with no equipment there which is why they hoped to look into a more natural-looking play structure. Alisa Benson, 1220 Lyman Avenue, gave a presentation on standard metal and plastic play structures, noting many of the current parks are not designed for children with limited mobility due to illness or injury. She spoke about what a natural play area is, noting that these spaces incorporate the surrounding landscape, vegetation, elements like wood, boulders, logs, sand, stepping stones, grasses, and perennials to create a play area that is accessible to all ages and there are opportunities to use large motor skills. The spaces are not overly manicured but just like nature and encourages seeing, touching, and smelling the elements. Another benefit of a natural play area is that the land dictates the design…if a slide were to be considered it would be built on the existing slope, rather than 6-8 feet in the air. She continued speaking about children’s development and the way they could incorporate a natural play area. The Commissioners thanked Ms. Benson for the presentation. Chair Roath noted 2022 is when the Park Commission will review the options and will then bring a recommendation to the City Council and it will be their decision on whether to move forward. COMMISSIONER REPORTS a. PARK ASSIGNMENTS REVIEW Chair Roath stated the Park Commission finalizes goals in the January meeting. He asked everyone to think about what roles they may like to take for the rest of this year and as they plan for 2022. He walked the group through each of the parks and the Commissioners volunteered for assignments in each area. b. COMMISSIONER UPDATES Carter noted there is a non-profit 501c3 established called the Big Island Legacy. The Board has decided to transition it to support all parks and of the four current Board members, three are ready to move on. He noted this is an open request for possible board members and there is no commitment to live in Orono. STAFF REPORTS a. PARKS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN (CIP) REVIEW MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, November 1, 2021 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 4 of 4 Edwards stated they spent most of the last work session talking about the CIP; Staff briefed the City Council at their last work session on the Parks CIP. The City Council did not have any guides to change anything and noted it is available online. b. CRYSTAL BAY PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS Edwards shared the plan is to go in and replace some pieces of equipment. The City has received some proposals and they are still waiting to hear from some vendors, noting the budget is $65,000. c. PARKS STAFF UPDATE Park Superintendent Josh Lemons noted they will be hiring a full-time parks employee. There is now a gate at Lydiard and he stated they are using many of the public works employees to get some of the projects done. They have been working on winterizing throughout the City, over-seeding soccer fields, and fixing turf on fields. They are prepping for the skating rink at Casco Point and are also prepping for the Tree Lighting Event coming up on December 4, 2021. ADJOURNMENT Carter moved, Hudson seconded, to adjourn the Orono Park Commission meeting at 8:02 p.m. VOTE: Ayes 7, Nays 0. ATTEST: _________________________________________ Brian Roath, Chair Park Commission City of Orono The Park Commission advises the City Council on matters of maintenance and use of park facilities, preservation of natural re sources and promotion of environmental awareness MISSION STATEMENT The City of Orono will provide effective guidance through public policy established from citizen involvement, by empowering staff to implement best practices to prepare Orono for any challenges of the future and by ensuring a positive customer experience, su perior municipal services and provide a safe community for the residents, businesses and customers to live, work and play in. Fr o m C i t y C o d e Members. The park commission is composed of seven members, who serve staggered three-year terms. The director of public services and one council member shall be members of the commission ex officio and without vote and are in addition to the seven-member commission (Code Section 22-32) VISION STATEMENT To be the residential community of choice and remain widely recognized for its preservation of natural rural beauty, quality of life, and recreational assets. Powers & Duties. The park commission shall be only an advisory body to the City Council. The commission shall study and consider the continuing needs of the city for parks and recreation areas and facilities of all kinds, including but not limited to problems involving public use of Lake Minnetonka and other lakes in the city, and portions of its shorelines. The commission shall report to the council. (Code Section 22-33) CITY OF ORONO GOALS To provide consistent high levels of customer service to our residents and balance the enforcement of city codes To maintain sustainable funding for infrastructure while maintaining a stable tax levy To create a culture of continuous improve ment by providing efficient and reliable government services To adopt best practices into city processes to ensure the high quality services are provided in an ever -changing environment 2022 Focus Parks / Function Purpose Committee Members Lead * Goals Timeline / Milestones (PC-Park Commission Lead; S-Staff Lead; CC-City Council, V-volunteers) Summit Beach Special steering committee for masterplan Jan Berg * Brian Roath Kjersti Duval Rick Carter 1. Finalize playground concept 2. Submit grant request to help fund playground equipment for 2023 project 3. Provide feedback and direction on LLRC proposal 1. August 2022 2. March 2022 application for 2023 project (PC,S) 3. Fall 2022 Community Events at Parks & Fundraising for Events and Projects Special steering committee to develop a plan for an annual holiday tree lighting ceremony and other events at City Parks Jan Berg (Tree Lighting)* Brian Roath Special steering committee to develop a plan for an annual holiday tree lighting ceremony and other events at City Parks Goals for this subcommittee are: 1. Draft a schedule of annual community events held at Orono parks, hosted by the Commission/City Council. The plan should propose a budget for each event. 2. Create a fundraising structure for the tree lighting and other possible future events. Create documents explaining the program. 3. Establish relationship with 501C3 1. March 2022 – Annual schedule of events complete (PC) 2. June 2022 – Holiday Tree Lighting Kick-off Meeting (PC) October 2022 – Holiday Tree Lighting Plan Complete (PC) December 2022 – Holiday Tree Lighting Event 3. Fall 2022 Standing Committee to explore opportunities for improvements and additions to trials throughout the community. Rick Carter * Taylor Stephens Kjersti Duval 1. Luce Line-Dakota Trail Connection - Maintain engagement with TRPD, HC, and MCES (#5 in Comp Plan) 2. XC Ski Trails – Implement at Golf Course; explore other parks, including Big Island 3. Lowry Woods – Implement trail access to Luce Line; explore xc skiing (#7 in Comp Plan) 4. Mountain bike trails – determine location; partner with MORC; develop plan 5. County Road 19 – evaluate a plan to connect Navarre Dakota Trail to Narrows Bridge 6. Diamond Lake Trail – Request an update Golf Course Standing committee for Golf Course Initiatives Gordon Stofer* Brian Roath Taylor Stephens 1. Upgrade kitchen to allow for expanded menu 2. Explore outside food options (Vendors, food trucks, etc.) 3. Golf course re-brand 4. Personnel change and Marketing for course (New clubhouse manager, marketing golf course and social events) 5. Establishment of golf course subcommittee 6. Install permanent gate at golf course entrance 7. Establish Golf Course Subcommittee (Subcommittee will explore opportunities for business development strategies, year-round activities, and events focused on golf) 1. When funding is available – 2023 (PC, S, CC) 2. May 2022 – Schedule throughout season with clubhouse manager (PC, S) 3. April 2022 – Rollout beginning of season (PC, S) 4. February 2022 – New hire in February (S) 5. February 2022 – Schedule regular meetings (PC, S) 6. December 2022 – Gate installation before closure (S) 7. Hackberry Park Master plan Special steering committee for masterplan development Casey Conrad Hudson* Brian Roath Gordon Stofer 1. Create “vision” for the park (Timing and specifics for the park will remain unknown) 1. Fall 2022 Crystal Bay Park Master Plan Special steering committee for masterplan development Casey Conrad Hudson* Brian Roath Kjersti Duval 1. Execute playground equipment upgrades 2. Continue to refine long-range master plan for the park 1. May 2022-September 2022 Pickle Ball Cameron Porter Rick Carter 1. Identify potential locations in existing parks 2. Develop a short and long-term plan for pickleball courts in the City of Orono Cancelled. Issue/Question/ or Guidance needed. Completed As of January 4th , 2022 Park Lead Commissioner 2022 Focus / Activity / Initiative Antoine Park Taylor Stephens Bederwood Park Rick Carter Big Island Rick Carter Casco Point Park Jan Berg Casco Point Rink Brian Roath Casco Point Beach Jan Berg Crystal Bay Playground Casey Conrad Hudson French Creek Preserve Jennifer Klaahsen Hackberry Park Casey Conrad Hudson, Brian Roath Highwood Nature Trail Casey Conrad Hudson Golf Course Brian Roath Livingston Tower Taylor Stephens Lowry Woods Rick Carter Lurton Park Taylor Stephens, Casey Conrad Hudson Lydiard Beach Jan Berg Navarre Playground Taylor Stephens Pleasant View Rick Carter Saga Hill Brian Roath Sandy Beach Jan Berg Seven Nations Park Casey Conrad Hudson Summit Beach Jan Berg Donation Garden Casey Conrad Hudson Trails Trail Lead Commissioner 2022 Focus / Activity / Initiative East Long Lake Trail Rick Carter, Taylor Stephens Wayzata Blvd Trail Willow Drive Trail Brown Road Trail County Road 6 Trail Lake Access Points Site Lead Commissioner 2022 Focus / Activity / Initiative All Jan Berg Review, Establish standards. Su Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 1 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 2 4 5 6 7 8 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 9 11 12 13 14 15 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 16 18 19 20 21 22 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 23 25 26 27 28 29 27 28 27 28 29 30 31 30 Su Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 3 5 6 7 8 9 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 10 12 13 14 15 16 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 17 19 20 21 22 23 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 24 26 27 28 29 30 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30 Su Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 3 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 10 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 17 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 24 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Su Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 1 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 2 4 5 6 7 8 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 9 11 12 13 14 15 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 *12 13 14 15 16 17 16 18 19 20 21 22 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 23 25 26 27 28 29 27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 30 17 10 17 Mo 11 18 25 11 Election Dates October November December Park Commission Work Session at 6:00 p.m. Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m.Council Work Session at 5:00 p.m. Council Meeting w/ Truth in Taxation at 6:00 p.m. Park Commission Meeting at 6:00 p.m. Planning Commission Meeting at 6:00 p.m. Planning Commission Work Sessions Scheduled and Posted as Needed 5:30 p.m. Official Holidays 10 H E * July August September January February March April May June Mo 3 24 4 31 31 24 Mo 18 25 3 Mo 4 CITY OF ORONO 2022 OFFICIAL MEETINGS CALENDAR DRAFT Parks Department Update Winter Activities Snow Plowing •Sidewalks (Navarre, Brown Rd, City Hall) •Parks (Parking lots, skating rinks, golf course) •Trails (Dakota, East Long Lake, and Independence Trails) Equipment Maintenance •Golf course equipment •Reels and Blades sharpened and height of cut set for season •Preventive maintenance finished Pond Dredging •850 yards removed from pond •Will improve irrigation performance Ice Rink •Partnership with the Orono Youth Hockey Association •Lots of activity from the community Other Updates •Preparing orders for food and beverages at golf course •Hiring seasonal staff for clubhouse, golf course maintenance, and parks maintenance •Clubhouse Manager and Events Coordinator search Orono Public Golf Name change and Rebranding Proposal January 2022 Orono Golf Course –Rebranding Effort A Brief History •Edward P.Walsh was granted the first patent for the Orono Golf Course property in 1859 (when the State of Minnesota was less than two years old) •On their property,the Walsh’s had ordinary farming activities as well as an extensive fruit and berry business.Apple orchards extended over considerable acreage on both sides of what is now Orono Orchard Road, hence the sub-division name of “Orono Orchards” •In 1924,Frank Walsh (son of Edward Walsh)decided to plat and sell the property.Streets and avenues were platted on both sides of Orono Orchards Road. •Leo Feser,the first Superintendent at Woodhill Country Club,worked out an agreement to buy the land where the golf course now sits over time from Mr.Walsh in 1924. Orono Golf Course Founder: Leo Feser (1899-1976) Orono Golf Course –Rebranding Effort A Brief History (Continued…) •With very basic means,the golf course was laid out and “constructed”that very same year (1924) •With help form Woodhill’s groundcrew,1925 saw continued improvements to the course and despite the still modest conditions,play doubled that year •The present clubhouse was built in 1926 and was the Feser’s home for the next 38 years. •Orono Golf Course was originally called “Orono Orchards Golf Course” •Orono Orchards was the first privately owned public golf course in the State of Minnesota •It was also the first public golf course in the state to have grass greens (all municipal courses had sand greens in 1924)…and is the same durable strain of bentgrass that Woodhill has (“Woodhill Bent”) •In 1964,management was turned over to Tom Wasgatt who lived in the until it was sold to the Village. Early scorecard for Orono Orchards. For many years the scorecard carried the slogan,“The little golf course with the family atmosphere” Orono Golf Course –Rebranding Effort A Brief History (Continued…) •Past scorecards and monument sign “Orono Golf” entrance sign (ca. 1970’s) Orono Golf Course –Rebranding Effort Case for Rebranding: •With such a rich history and beautiful setting,Orono Golf Course needs a name &logo that projects a classic and tasteful brand for a golfing experience that is social,fun,challenging yet playable,and played in a charming settling that can be enjoyed all seasons •Orono GC has had two of its best years ever the past two seasons.It is very important that we keep these people coming back. •Changing name back to “Orono Orchards Golf Course”with a new logo is well timed,as we enter this newly-energized era and also approach the 100-year anniversary in 2024 Orono Golf Course –Rebranding Effort Case for Rebranding: •This new brand can be used more marketing effort that will increasingly rely on social media o Facebook &Instagram (most important)–where younger golfers are spending all of their time prom a marketer’s perspective.A sufficient social media program does not cost very much and can be an extremely impactful marketing tool,if done properly o Consistency is key o Important to have someone on staff involved (i.e.General Manager) o Posting cadence should be regular and consistent in its look and tone.With leagues,junior leagues and other social events,there will always be reasons to keep people updated •Updated Website o Doesn’t need to be fancy but needs to adequately convey the brand as a place you want to keep coming back to o Should have good integration with the tee time reservation system •Physical items needed:New scorecards,pin flags,walk off mats,repaint the monument stone,tee box signs •Estimated Cost:$5,000 -$7,500 Orono Golf Course –Rebranding Effort Reasons to Re-brand Current Logo: Challenges: •Dated look and feel •Directly refers to golf only •Not versatile for different seasons •Limitations for apparel Orono Golf Course –Rebranding Effort Rebrand Logo Considered: Option #1 -Traditional Option #2 -Traditional Option #3 -Retro Option #4 -Modern Option #5 -Modern Option #6 -Classic Orono Golf Course –Rebranding Effort Characteristics: •Classic typeface often used in the early 90’s (Apple,Nike,Oakley,etc.) •Approachable yet traditional styling (serif font) •Orono Orchards can refer to a place for more that just golf (multiple seasons,winter activities,etc.) •Many options for apparel Recommended Logo: Orono Golf Course –Rebranding Effort Recommended Logo: Orono Golf Course –Rebranding Effort Recommended Logo: Orono Golf Course –Rebranding Effort Recommended Logo: Orono Golf Course –Rebranding Effort Recommended Logo: Orono Golf Course –Rebranding Effort Pin Flag Ideas: Orono Golf Course –Rebranding Effort Monument Sign: Orono Golf Course –Rebranding Effort Apparel/Swag Concepts: Orono Golf Course –Rebranding Effort Next Steps: •Further evaluate timing strategy with Golf Course Staff (Including new GM) o Explore lead times for Painting monument sign New Scorecards Pin Flags Walk Off Mats Tee Box Signs Apparel New/updated website o Coordinate Social Media with new GM “OronoOrchardsGolfCourse”Instagram handle has already been secured Ideally this would be done in tandem with the kitchen upgrade project and new website Would like to have this rolled out by the start of the 2023 season at the latest (and possibly still this year) Will report back once we have studied lead times further