HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-06-2024 Park Commission PacketAgenda
Parks Commission Meeting
Tuesday, February 6, 2024, 6:00 PM
City Council Chambers | 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
952-249-4600 /https://www.oronomn.gov/
1. November 6, 2023 Park Commission Minutes
2. Pickleball Masterplan
3. Golf Course Pavilion
4. Park Commission 2024 Goals
Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Approval of Agenda
Approval of Minutes
Public Comment (limit 3 minutes per person)
For items not on the agenda. To add a comment, approach the podium, state your name and address.
Comments are limited to three (3) minutes. No action will be taken.
Presentations
Staff Report
Chair Report
Commissioner Reports
Adjournment
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1
Date: February 6, 2024 Item: 1
Presenter: Josh Lemons, Parks & Golf Superintendent
Section: Approval of Minutes
Title: November 6, 2023 Park Commission Minutes
AGENDA ITEM
Exhibits
11.06.2023 Park Commission Minutes.pdf
2
MINUTES OF THE
ORONO PARK COMMISSION
November 6, 2023
6:00 o’clock p.m.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Page 1 of 5
ROLL CALL
The Orono Park Commission met on the above-mentioned date with the following members present:
Chair Brian Roath, Commissioners Michael Huddy, Janice Berg, Rick Carter, Kjersti Duval, Cameron
Porter and Sandy Rasmussen, alternate. Representing Staff was Park Director Josh Lemons.
Chair Roath called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Porter moved, Huddy seconded, to approve the agenda as proposed. VOTE: Ayes 7, Nays 0.
MINUTES
1. AUGUST 7, 2023 PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Duval moved, Berg seconded, to approve the minutes of the August 7, 2023 Park Commission
meeting as submitted. VOTE: Ayes 7, Nays 0.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
STAFF REPORTS
2. ADOPT-A-PARK PROGRAM
Park Director Lemons talked about a plan to determine the needs of the parks and which parks need an
adopter. Staff is in the process of creating documents that can be distributed and are aesthetically
pleasing. Commissioners on the subcommittee suggested also making it possible to adopt spots like a
flower bed or an activity site rather than a whole park.
Rasmussen asked about ideas for outreach.
Lemons mentioned the website, newsletter and utility bills as well as the brochure that is being developed.
3. PICKLEBALL AT THE DONATION GARDEN
Lemons reported the City recently had a well-attended open house where four possible lay-outs for
pickleball at the Donation Garden site were presented. He said there are two questions – can they
introduce pickleball and can it be done without disrupting the Donation Garden. He walked the
Commission through the various proposals. Layout A would be for six courts with the Donation Garden
remaining in place plus a community garden. Bolton and Menk developed another design, Layout B, with
12 pickleball courts, more parking and completely moving the Donation Garden. In Concept C there
would be nine courts with a portion of the Donation Garden remaining. Layout D has 9 pickleball courts,
a little smaller parking lot and the Donation Garden remaining at it is. He said the commission would look
at the proposals in more depth in January with cost estimates, and in February they would be looking for a
recommendation from the Park Commission to go to the City Council. Lemons said they are still going
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MINUTES OF THE
ORONO PARK COMMISSION
November 6, 2023
6:00 o’clock p.m.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Page 2 of 5
through the data from the open house. There were a range of comments from wanting the maximum
number of courts to wanting the most possible while not impacting the Donation Garden to wanting to
add nothing more to the area besides the Garden.
Carter asked about data on pickleball needs.
Rasmussen highlighted the number of courts and usage from neighboring community and said no
community has as many courts as needed but it does come down to costs. She noted that the costs can
vary widely depending on amenities added, such as lights. She said what they are hearing from pickleball
players is more courts are needed rather than amenities. She urged the commission to involve the
pickleball community in the decisions as even something like court color is important to players.
Duval said she likes the options and the pairing but wanted to make sure the logistics of access to the
Donation Garden is considered.
Roath pointed out that the Donation Garden is also important to the community. He opened up the
discussion to public comments.
Janie Delaney, 1315 Woodhill Ave., said she thought pickleball and the garden are a good combination
but was concerned about all the new hardcover and how run-off might affect the garden. She said she has
visited other communities like Victoria to see their courts and noted outdoor courts generally close down
for the winter. She also said wind fences might be needed because the site can by windy. She asked about
fundraising for the project.
Lemons said it is early in the planning process but that Bolton and Menk thought they would be able to
create enough of a holding pond to deal with any run-off.
Rasmussen said the pickleball players have formed a West Lakes Pickleball Club that could include
fundraising and she has been looking at possible funding sources. She suggested the project start with a
pledging process and when enough money is pledged, move forward.
Lemons said they would continue to study grants and other funding sources.
Jack Reily, 2130 Shadywood Road, said he supports the project, noting that there are pluses and minuses
to each proposal. He said he thought 12 courts was going too far but that the City should settle on nine.
He said he felt it was incumbent on the City to come out of the January work session with a proposal and
costs so the pickleball community can get to work. He also said it would be important to the consider the
needs of the Donations Garden so there would not be opposition from those interests going into
fundraising.
4. 2024 PARKS COMMISSION MEETING CALENDAR
Lemons said the calendar for 2024 had been tweaked from previous years. The draft calls for four
quarterly meetings in February, May, August and November plus two work sessions in January and June.
Porter said the work session in June would be the last work session of the year and with the need to talk
about CIPs it may be necessary to add another work session in October.
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MINUTES OF THE
ORONO PARK COMMISSION
November 6, 2023
6:00 o’clock p.m.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Page 3 of 5
Lemons said if meetings are added the commission should commit to the schedule, not add and decide to
drop later.
Commissioners agreed an October work session would be needed and asked to have one added for Oct. 7,
2024
5. 2024 PARKS DRAFT CIP
Lemons said much of the CIP is driven by goals set at the beginning of the year. It includes the Hackberry
Park Masterplan with a focus in 2024 on the design phase. The City has applied for a youth sports grant
for the park but it is not known if the application will be successful. Construction is slated for 2025-26.
Rasmussen asked about the increase in projected costs for Hackberry since the last time the commission
looked at the CIP.
Lemons cited changes in layout for the multi-use field plus irrigation and drainage. He said irrigation is
key for sports fields. Funding could impact the timing and scope of the project. Community sports
organizations may be asked to donate or apply for grants for items that are important to them. If the
money is not there it may be necessary to wait a year or two, he said.
Another item in the CIP is the draft proposal for pickleball at the Donation Garden site, Lemons said.
There are still a lot of variables with the options being considered.
The Lurton Park Parking Lot is a definite need, he said, as there is not enough parking for the dog park.
They are hoping to gain 10 to 15 parking spaces which would almost double available parking. This
would get more vehicles off the shoulder along Highway 12 which is dangerous, he said. The park has an
endowment and also parking passes are sold.
The Golf Course has become an enterprise fund so it is funding itself, Lemons said, but they are looking
at purchasing two walk mowers for the greens which should eliminate wear on the greens from the riding
mower.
Rasmussen asked about the enterprise fund and a financial reserve for the golf course if there is a down
year. She said the Parks Commission does not see the total picture of City funding for parks and would
consider that an education item.
6. PARKS DEPARTMENT UPDATE
Lemons said it was a great year for the Parks Department. The Golf Course is closed but had almost
16,000 rounds played in 2023, an increase of about 1,000 rounds from the previous year. Rounds have
been trending up since COVID but play does not support the concern that golf courses were just doing
better because of COVID. He said one factor in the increase was the junior leagues and events. Although
they don’t bring in as much per round, youth play is important for the future of the sport, according to
Lemons. Leagues were successful. The mixed league has been maxed out in participation. In addition to
the rounds, they are seeing a more diverse crowd coming into the golf course, he said. Food options are
still limited but they are trying to listen to customers. Finding enough staff continues to be a problem
although the employees they have are great.
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MINUTES OF THE
ORONO PARK COMMISSION
November 6, 2023
6:00 o’clock p.m.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Page 4 of 5
The drought this year was tough for all the parks, he said, but they are beginning to catch up with the fall
rains. They have started planting more drought tolerant grasses mixed in with existing turf.
The Tree Lighting will be Saturday, Dec. 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. They will be asking for Park Commissioners
and others in the community to volunteer. This will be the fourth annual tree lighting event.
Berg noted the sponsorship program that was put in place this year to find sponsorships for the tree
lighting and other events. She asked that it be sent out to the Commission so that everyone is familiar
with it.
Lemons said the goal would be to promote the program, not solicit specific dollar amounts.
Rasmussen asked about the process of soliciting donations and any policies about naming rights or other
recognition.
Berg said the sponsorship program is for events so that would be totally different.
Porter said how to recognize donations is something that needs to be considered.
Penny Saiki, 2874 Casco Point Road, asked about the need to purchase two walking mowers for greens at
$10,000 each and having them depreciate at the same rate.
Lemons said to have one walk mower out at a time is unrealistic. The goal is to get finished and get off
the greens as early as possible in the day before golfing begins.
SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORT
7. X-COUNTRY SKIING AT ORONO ORCHARDS GOLF COURSE
Carter reported for the trail subcommittee that a group of interested parties had met at the golf course to
come up with a course that would work for the high school cross country team and the public. He said he
is confident they will get something going this year. He said it would be possible for the public to use the
course while the team is practicing.
Rasmussen suggested the tree lighting would be a good time to raise public awareness on the X-country
course.
CHAIR REPORT
8. CHAIR’S UPDATES
Roath said they had covered a lot that evening and he looked forward to continuing to work with
subcommittees leading up to the January work session. He said he had recently been invited to talk to his
nephew’s Boy Scout troop about community responsibility and reminded everyone that the next day was
an election day in some parts of the community.
COMMISSIONER REPORTS
6
MINUTES OF THE
ORONO PARK COMMISSION
November 6, 2023
6:00 o’clock p.m.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Page 5 of 5
9. COMMISSIONERS’ UPDATES
Carter said there had been another successful summer at Big Island Park. Docks and bathrooms had been
used appropriately. Use of the shelter could be increased.
Duval said it was a wonderful summer at Lurton Park despite the stresses with parking.
Porter said he appreciates what has been done with the trees at Crystal Bay Park.
ADJOURNMENT
Carter moved, Berg seconded, to adjourn the Orono Park Commission meeting at 7:30 p.m.
VOTE: Ayes 7, Nays 0.
ATTEST:
_________________________________________
Brian Roath, Chair
7
Date: February 6, 2024 Item: 2
Presenter: Josh Lemons, Parks & Golf Superintendent
Section: Staff Report
Title: Pickleball Masterplan
1.Purpose:
The purpose of the action item is to seek a recommendation from the Park Commission to adopt the Pickleball
Masterplan.
2.Background:
In 2021, a number of residents requested that the Park Commission explore the possibilities of
adding pickleball into the Orono parks system. The Park Commission formed a sub-committee to
explore ideal locations where outdoor pickleball could be introduced while meeting some basic
requirements. An early proposed location was at the Orono Golf Course. After further
consideration, the Park Commission decided to explore alternative locations. Within the last year,
the sub-committee and staff have proposed that pickleball be added to the property behind Fire
Station #1. This site also hosts The Donation Garden. The property behind the fire station is ideal
in that it will not displace other activities, it is far enough away from residential areas, and it will
provide ample room for courts and parking.
3.Summary:
The goal of the design is to focus on the basic minimum requirements set by staff and the Parks
Commission. The Parks Commission is recommending nine courts, fencing, sufficient parking,
and minimal to no disturbance of The Donation Garden. The design should generally follow the
concept drawing. The desire is a cost-conscious approach with a focus on core pickleball
amenities. Additional amenities can be reviewed at a later phase if requested.
4.Funding:
Funding of the project will be dependent on donations, grants, and some city funds if available.
5.Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends adopting the Pickleball Masterplan and moving to design. During the design
phase, there will likely be opportunities for additional input on specific design elements.
6.Park Commission Action Requested:
Motion to Recommend Adoption of Pickleball Masterplan
AGENDA ITEM
Exhibits
2024-01-29 Donation Garden Concept
8
\\goldenvalley4\h\ORNO\0T6132381\CAD\C3D\132381_GIS-layers.dwg 1/29/2024 3:21:11 PMR
Donation Garden
City of Orono
Concept Sketch
January 2024
R
FEETSCALE
0 30 60
HORZ.
Existing
Donation
Garden
Portable Restroom
& Garbage
New Tree (typ.)
9 Pickleball
Courts
Parking Lot (48 Spots)
Existing Fire
DepartmentWillow Dr N12' Walk (typ.)
Stormwater Pond
40' Utility Easement
9
Date: February 6, 2024 Item: 3
Presenter: Josh Lemons, Parks & Golf Superintendent
Section: Staff Report
Title: Golf Course Pavilion
1.Purpose:
The purpose of the action item is to seek a recommendation from the Park Commission to approve
the building of a pavilion at the Orono Orchard Golf Course
2.Background:
The Park Commission and staff developed a golf course masterplan in 2017 which included items
such as a deck for the clubhouse, a fire pit, and a pavilion. These items were viewed as a way to
increase enjoyment for the customers of the golf course, and also for the golf course to use as a
year-round park. In the recent pickleball proposal at the golf course, the pavilion and fire pit were
reintroduced into that plan. This plan has since been removed but the desire for a pavilion and
other amenities is still present.
3.Summary:
The Orono Lions approached the city with a request to partner on a project to build a pavilion at
the golf course in time for the 100-year anniversary celebrations at the course. The Lions have
proposed building a pavilion that would maintain similar characteristics to the clubhouse, thus
keeping with the aesthetics of the surrounding area. The Lions have proposed building a simple
24' x 40' pavilion to be placed on the left side of the #3 fairway, close to the parking lot. The
Lions will submit a building permit for the project and look to have the project completed by early
June, just before the 100-year anniversary celebrations. The purpose of the pavilion is that it can
serve as a meeting place for golfers, private events, and general park use. The need for this
amenity has been apparent for quite some time and it would be a welcomed addition to the golf
course.
4.Funding:
This project would be funded through donations and city funds.
5.Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the project. The pavilion will allow for more opportunities such as
corporate and private events at the golf course, golf course customer use, and year-round park use
for activities such as the Tree Lighting Event. This is also a great opportunity to partner with a
charitable organization in Orono to make improvements to the community.
6.Park Commission Action Requested:
Motion to Recommend Approval of Golf Course Pavilion Project
AGENDA ITEM
Exhibits
24-1-26 A1 Exterior Renderings.pdf
24-1-26 A2 Floor Plan.pdf
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Date: February 6, 2024 Item: 4
Presenter: Josh Lemons, Parks & Golf Superintendent
Section: Staff Report
Title: Park Commission 2024 Goals
AGENDA ITEM
Exhibits
2024 Goals and Committees.pdf
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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. From City Code 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 limit ed 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 enf orcement of city codes
To maintain sustainable funding for infrastructure while maintaining a stable tax levy
To create a culture of continuous improvement 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
2024 Focus
Parks / Function
Purpose Committee Members
Lead *
Goals Timeline / Milestones
(PC-Park Commission Lead; S-Staff Lead; CC-City Council, V-volunteers)
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.
1. June 202 – Holiday Tree Lighting Kick-off Meeting (PC)
October 2024 – Holiday Tree Lighting Plan Complete (PC)
December 07, 2024 – Holiday Tree Lighting Event
Trails Standing Committee to explore
opportunities for improvements and
additions to trails throughout the
community.
Rick Carter *
Kjersti Duval
Gordy Stofer
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
3. County Rd 19 Trail Marking
4. Lowry Wood Connection to Luce Line
5. Mountain Bike Trail at Orono Orchard Golf Course
1. Ongoing (S)
2. Plan in place, awaiting ideal conditions
3. Ongoing (PC, S)
4. Ongoing (PC)
5. Planning stage beginning early 2024 (PC, S)
Golf Course Special steering committee for Golf
Course Initiatives
Gordon Stofer*
Cameron Porter
1. Plan for 100 Year Anniversary
1. February 2024 – June 2024 (S, PC)
Pickleball Special steering committee to
develop a plan for pickleball in
Orono.
Sandy Rasmussen*
Brian Roath
1. Develop masterplan for pickleball in Orono
2. Initiate design phase
1. Ongoing (PC, S)
2. February 2024 (CC, S)
Adopt-a-Park Special steering committee for
development of the Adopt-a-Park
program
Cameron Porter*
Michael Huddy
1.Develop adopt-a-park standards and literature 1. In Process (PC, S)
2. Completion by July 2024 (PC, S)
Antoine Park Special steering committee for
masterplan development
Michael Huddy*
Cameron Porter
1. Determine needs and potential improvements of park 1. Spring/Summer 2024 (PC, S)
Lurton Park Standing Committee to explore
improvements and events at the
Lurton Dog Park
Brian Roath*
1. Parking Lot Expansion Project
2. Explore community event opportunities at Lurton Dog Park
1. In Process (S, CC, PC)
2. Spring 2024
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Park Lead Commissioner 2024 Focus / Activity / Initiative
Antoine Park Michael Huddy
Bederwood Park Rick Carter
Big Island Rick Carter
Casco Point Park Cameron Porter
Casco Point Rink Brian Roath
Casco Point Beach Jan Berg
Crystal Bay Playground Cameron Porter
French Creek Preserve Kjersti Duval
Hackberry Park Gordon Stofer
Highwood Nature Trail Brian Roath
Golf Course Gordon Stofer
Livingston Tower Brian Roath
Lowry Woods Rick Carter
Lurton Park Brian Roath
Lydiard Beach Jan Berg
Navarre Playground Cameron Porter
Pleasant View Rick Carter
Saga Hill Brian Roath
Sandy Beach Jan Berg
Seven Nations Park Gordy Stofer
Summit Beach Jan Berg
Donation Garden Michael Huddy
Trails
Trail Lead Commissioner 2024 Focus / Activity / Initiative
East Long Lake Trail Rick Carter, Kjersti Duval, Gordy Stofer
Wayzata Blvd Trail
Willow Drive Trail
Brown Road Trail
County Road 6 Trail
Lake Access Points
Site Lead Commissioner 2024 Focus / Activity / Initiative
All Jan Berg, Cameron Porter, Michael Huddy Review, Establish standards.
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