HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-09-2025 - Agenda Packet Park Commission - Work SessionAgenda
Parks Commission Work Session
Tuesday, September 9, 2025, 5:00 PM
City Council Chambers | 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
952-249-4600 /oronomn.gov
1. Guiding Document for Parks Commission
Roll Call
Work Session Item
Adjournment
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Date: September 9, 2025 Item: 1
Presenter: Joe Ruthenberg, Superintendent - Parks, Facilities
Section: Work Session Item
Title: Guiding Document for Parks Commission
1.Purpose:
The Parks Commission is in the process of developing a guiding document to serve as a
framework for future decision-making, priorities, and long-term vision.
2.Background:
The Commission has identified a need for a clear, consistent reference point that can guide
discussions, policy recommendations, and project planning. The guiding document is not a legally
binding plan, but rather a working framework to ensure alignment with community values and
established council goals.
Key points:
The document will summarize the Commission’s vision, values, and priorities.
It will serve as a reference tool for evaluating projects, partnerships, and proposals.
The intent is to maintain consistency over time while allowing flexibility as circumstances
change.
Once finalized, the document can be shared with the City Council, staff, and the public to
communicate the Commission’s role and direction.
Next steps:
Commissioners will review and refine the draft sections.
Input will be gathered from stakeholders as appropriate.
A final version will be adopted by the Commission and used as an ongoing reference.
3.Park Commission Action Requested:
Commissioners will review and refine the draft sections.
AGENDA ITEM
Exhibits
Orono Park Commission guiding principles 8.27.25.pptx
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Orono Parks Commission
September 2025 Work Session
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Our goals for today is to share and get your input
●Revisit the mission and vision for Orono
●Propose guiding principles on how we work
●Clarify our role
●Propose a future work plan
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Looking forward/Next Steps
September 9 Commission Working Session
Share approach and gain alignment with the Commission/Council partners
October 7 Commission Meeting
Adopt Guiding Principles, Statement of Purpose, and additional work
November City Council Meeting
Present Guiding Principles, Statement of Purpose, and new work to Council
January Commission
Build 2026 goals
February Commission
Finalize 2026 goals
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City of Orono MISSION
The City of Orono will provide effective guidance through public policy established from citizen
involvement, by empowering staff to implement best practices and to prepare Orono for any challenges of
the future and by ensuring a positive customer experience, superior municipal services and provide a safe
community for the residents, businesses and customers to live work and play in.
City of Orono VISION
To be the residential community of choice and remain widely recognized for the preservation of natural
beauty, quality of life and recreational assets.
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Orono's MISSION and VISION will be our NORTH STAR
when vetting ideas and bringing recommendations to the City
Council for input and approval
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Park Commission GUIDING PRINCIPLES in support of the
City of Orono DRAFT
●Lean towards investing in, protecting and taking care of what we have today
●Maintain a high quality of standards for our parks
●Carefully prioritize decisions about our parks that impact Orono’s natural/rural footprint as it relates to
hardscape and sports fields development
●Plan for the short and long term
●Have a future focus to planning that incorporates sustainability
●Seek to create community connections and participation from Orono residents
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Park Commission Statement of Purpose (PROPOSED) (DRAFT)
Representing all Orono citizens, the Park Commission advises City Council and staff on
matters related to city parks and trails, including natural areas and recreation assets.
The two primary areas of focus for the work are:
1) advise regarding park development and acquisition,
and
2) ensure the quality and condition of parks meets high standards.
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Duties of Park Commissioners per the city website (EXISTING)
●The Park Commission serves as a volunteer advisory body to the city. Its role is to study,
evaluate, and provide recommendations on the community’s ongoing needs for parks,
recreational areas, and facilities.
●The commission's responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
○Assessing current and future needs for parks, trails, and recreational facilities of all
kinds.
○Considering issues related to public use of Lake Minnetonka and other lakes within
the city.
○Reviewing concerns involving shoreline access, use, and preservation.
○While the commission does not make final decisions, it plays a critical role in advising
the City Council by gathering public input, studying challenges and opportunities,
and recommending actions that balance recreation, environmental protection, and
community enjoyment.
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Proposed New Work DRAFT
●Annual Review Process
○Compile a catalog of annual reviews of all Orono parks
○Present to City Council to better inform them on the current condition of our parks
○Complete by August, as input for budget process and prioritization
●Establish Park Standards
○By Park Type
○Discussed at May Parks meeting
○Ensures consistency for Annual Reviews
●Complete Long-term Plans ("Master Plans") for Every Park
○2026-27 project
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Roles and Responsibilities: Parks vs. Staff
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Role
Who
How
Daily Maintenance
Staff
Established
routines
Ensuring the
Quality of our parks
Commission & Staff
1)Employ
Standards
2)Annual Review
Development and
Acquisition
Commission & Staff
1)Long term Plans
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Looking forward/Next Steps
September 9 Commission Working Session
Share approach and gain alignment with the Commission/Council partners
October 7 Commission Meeting
Adopt Guiding Principles, Statement of Purpose, and additional work
November City Council Meeting
Present Guiding Principles, Statement of Purpose, and new work to Council
January Commission
Build 2026 goals
February Commission
Finalize 2026 goals
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