HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-03-2026 - Agenda Packet Park Commission - Regular MeetingAgenda
Parks Commission Meeting
Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 6:00 PM
City Council Chambers | 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
952-249-4600 /oronomn.gov
Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Approval of Agenda
Approval of Minutes
November 4th, 2025 Park Commission Regular Meeting 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
City Council Goals
Commissioner Updates and Recruiting
Chair Report
Commissioner Reports
Adjournment
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Date: February 3, 2026 Item:
Presenter: Joe Ruthenberg, Superintendent - Parks, Facilities
Section: Approval of Minutes
Title: November 4th, 2025 Park Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
1.Purpose:
Approve the Parks Commission Minutes
2.Park Commission Action Requested:
Approve the Parks Commission Regular Minutes from November 4th, 2025.
AGENDA ITEM
Exhibits
11.4.2025 Park Commission Minutes.docx
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Minutes
Park Commission Regular Meeting
Tuesday, November 4, 2025, 6:00 PM
City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
Page 1 of 2
Chair Roath called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
The Orono Park Commission members present: Chair Brian Roath, Commissioners Kim Carswell, Mollie
Reynolds, Michael Huddy, Janie Delaney, Gordy Stofer, and Jacob Selseth. Commissioners Absent: None
Staff present: Park Superintendent Joe Ruthenberg
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Carswell moved, Reynolds seconded, to approve the agenda for the Park Commission meeting as
submitted. VOTE: Ayes 7, Nays 0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. September 9, 2025, Park Commission meeting minutes
Roath moved, Carswell seconded, to approve the minutes of the September 9, 2025, Park
Commission meeting as submitted. VOTE: Ayes 7, Nays 0.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
STAFF REPORTS
2. Lake Access Orchard Beach Place
Staff gave an update, asking the Commission to recommend to City Council to mark the lake access at the
end of Orchard Beach Place.
Commissioners noted this had been recommended in 2022 but not followed through on, although the
access is used by the neighborhood. It is likely overgrown and will need to be cleaned up.
Les Delton, 1535 Orchard Beach Place, explained that he and his family have maintained the area for
more than 60 years, but are unable to continue, and he would like to see it marked and maintained as a
public park. He would also like to see a dock put in at some point. He outlined the level of usage in
different seasons.
Huddy moved, Delaney seconded, to approve recommending marking the lake access at Orchard
Beach Place. VOTE: Ayes 7, Nays 0.
3. 2026 Park Commission Meeting Dates
Staff shared recommended meeting dates for 2026 for either a Monday or a Tuesday schedule.
3
Minutes
Park Commission Regular Meeting
Tuesday, November 4, 2025, 6:00 PM
City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
Page 2 of 2
Commissioners asked if there was an advantage to Mondays or Tuesdays. All other bodies in the City
meet on Mondays. Some Commissioners suggested meeting monthly rather than four times a year with
work sessions in between, and scheduling work sessions at 5 p.m., conducting them as needed.
Commissioners worked out a schedule of meetings, mostly on Tuesdays, with added meetings and work
sessions.
Carswell moved, Reynolds seconded, to approve the recommended meeting calendar for approval
by the City Council. VOTE: Ayes 7, Nays 0.
3. Chair Appointment Discussion
Ruthenberg asked the Commission to recommend a chair and vice chair for 2026 to the City Council.
Roath gave some history and explanation of the role of the chair, indicating he did not plan to continue as
chair or on the commission but would work with the new appointees.
Commissioners discussed the role of chair and possible interest in serving. Only Delaney expressed a
willingness to serve. She was asked to share her view of the role of chair and why she wanted to serve.
Carswell moved, Huddy seconded, to recommend appointing Delaney as chair and herself as vice
chair. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0, Abstain 2 (Roath and Stoffer).
COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS
4. Park Commission Guiding Principles
The subcommittee presented the draft Park Commission guiding principles.
Carswell moved, Reynolds seconded, to approve the final version of the Park Commission Guiding
Principles and recommend them to City Council. VOTE: Ayes 7, Nays 0.
Additional subcommittee and project reports were given and discussed, including the Orono Orchards
Golf Course and Hackberry Park planning.
ADJOURNMENT
Carswell moved, Roath seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 8:18 p.m. to the first meeting in 2026.
VOTE: Ayes 7, Nays 0.
ATTEST:
_________________________________________
Brian Roath, Chair
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Date: February 3, 2026 Item:
Presenter: Joe Ruthenberg, Superintendent - Parks, Facilities
Section: Staff Report
Title: City Council Goals
1.Purpose:
To inform the commission on the City Council goals for 2026 related to the Park Commission and
parks, trails, and lake access points.
2.Background:
On January 12, the City Council and department heads held a work session to develop the City’s
2026 goals. The session began with a review of the City’s Mission, Vision, and Goals, followed by
an update on 2025 goals and current progress. Staff then provided context by outlining key
activities already planned for 2026.
Each council member presented three desired goals or outcomes for 2026, along with a public-
facing lens and a city opportunity. These ideas were grouped into common themes, resulting in six
draft goals. Small group breakout sessions refined the draft goals using SMART criteria, followed
by a council prioritization exercise. After the work session, staff began action planning and
assessing resource needs. The draft goals and supporting plans were presented and adopted at the
January 26 City Council meeting.
3.Summary:
Review progress and next steps to improve city parks through updated standards, clearer
processes, and defined roles. Discussion will focus on structuring Park Commission meetings and
goals, establishing Council-driven park priorities, and advancing implementation of the Hackberry
Park Revitalization Project to improve maintenance, decision-making, and long-term planning
across the park system in 2026.
The 2025 Park Commission Goals are included in the packet to review, and the Park Commission
guiding document.
A list from the comp plan is also included, with a categorization of parks that can be used as a
starting point for our review and updates.
4.Park Commission Action Requested:
To review the city council goals and use them to inform and shape park commission goals.
AGENDA ITEM
Exhibits
2026 Goal Work Sheets parks.pdf
2025_Parks_Commission_Committees_and_Goals_6.25.25.docx
Park commission guiding principles
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Park Facilities Table.pdf
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Goal: Parks Asset Management: Improve city parks through updating standards and processes. 2026 Priority: 3 Updated as of: 13 Jan 26 SMART Analysis Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve (Who, What, Where, Why). Measurable: What does success look like? Determine key metrics. (How much/many). Achievable/Attainable: What resources are required? Is the amount of effort required on par with the benefit of achieving the goal? Relevant: How does this goal align with city’s broader goals, values and objectives Time-Bound: Set a realistic deadline. 1. Create direction for the Park Commission: Structure the Meeting/ Develop Goals 2. Create Park Priorities from the Council: Categorize Parks, Use/Need of Park Space 3. Hackberry Park Redevelop Implementation Develop Process to ensure Park Standards are Maintained: Roles and Responsibilities for maintenance, Measure Amenities, Response/ Assess Park Equipment Hackberry: Communicate with the Public, Improve the Park, Structure the Park Commission: Categorize the parks, Organize the Meeting Budget for Maintenance ALL -Complete the Hackberry Revitalization project in 2026 -Continue Park Commission process improvements. - Implement Park Standards and improvement in 20026. Objective (Steps to achieve the goal) Task / Action / Project (Action to achieve the Objective) Timeline / Milestones (when) Responsible Person(s)/Groups (Who) Resources Required (Include cost and funding Source) Success Criteria / Metrics (how success will be measured) Create a consistent, efficient meeting structure Clarify Park Commission roles and focus areas Establish short- and long-term goals Align meeting agendas with adopted goals Establish Commission Roles and Focus Areas Next work session in Feb Park Superintendent & Park Commission Staff and Commissioner time - More efficient, focused Park Commission meetings - Clear direction and priorities for the Commission - Improved coordination between the Park Commission, staff, and City Council - Increased accountability and transparency in parks-related decision-making Develop Park Commission goals and integrate them into meetings. May 2026 Park Superintendent & Park Commission Staff and Commissioner time Create a consistent, efficient meeting structure May 2026 Park Superintendent & Park Commission Staff and Commissioner time Establish Council-driven priorities for City parks by categorizing park assets and evaluating current and future use, condition, and community needs to guide investment, maintenance, and long-term planning decisions Project Initiation & Framework Development Stat Feb Parks meeting Park Superintendent & Park Commission Additional funding for projects may be needed but prioritization over current projects may offset amount needed. - Completion of all phases by June, all parks evaluated use standardized criteria, and a clear categorization assigned to every park. - Council approved priority tiers established and integrated into CIP. - Increased clarity for staff, council and public on park decisions, improved park conditions and use. Council input and direction, park use & needs assessment June 2026 for budget season Park Superintendent & Park Commission Draft prioritization & categorization plan, council review and adoption Fall 2026 for CIP discussion Park Superintendent & Park Commission Hackberry Park Revitalization Project Complete Complete design and begin work on Hackberry Park improvements March 2026 City Staff/ consultant –>Parks Commission –> City Council $900,000 with a majority coming from the parks budget, some from youth organizations. Park project completion. Award Project May 2026 Staff -> City Council Construction Summer 2026 City Staff 7
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 enforcement 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
2025 Focus
Parks /
Function
Purpose Committee
Members
Lead *
2024 Goals 2025 Goals Timeline / Milestones
(PC-Park Commission Lead; S-Staff Lead; CC-City Council, V-volunteers)
Trails Standing Committee to
explore opportunities for
improvements and additions
to trails throughout the
community.
Jacob Selseth *
Janie Delaney
Rick Carter
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. North Arm Trail
To be created by commission committee members 1. Ongoing (S)
2. Check with Orono School about usage – Staff mark course
by Winter (PC, S)
3. Ongoing (PC, S)
4. Ongoing (PC)
Golf Course Special steering committee
for Golf Course Initiatives
Gordon Stofer*
Mollie Reynolds
Brian Roath
1. Course conditioning, tree management, landscaping near
clubhouse.
2. Explore outside food options (Vendors, food trucks, etc.)
3. Golf Course re-branding.
4. Sign replacement throughout the course.
5. Long term planning for clubhouse, maintenance shed and
irrigation.
6. Update Master Plan for Golf Course.
To be created by commission committee members 1. February 2025 – November 2025 (S, PC)
2. In process – Schedule throughout season with clubhouse
manager (S)
3. In process – Ongoing
4. In process- complete during 2025
5. Begin future planning & budgeting in 2025.
6. In process
Hackberry Park
Master plan
Special steering committee
for masterplan development
Gordon Stofer*
Jacob Selseth
Janie Delaney
1. Initiate grant applications
2. Implement design phase of project.
To be created by commission committee members 1. Spring 2025
2. on going
Antione Park Special steering committee
for masterplan development
Michael Huddy*
Brian Roath
1. Determine needs and potential improvements of park
To be created by commission committee members 1. Spring/Summer 2025 (PC, S)
Pickleball Special steering committee to
develop a plan for pickleball
in Orono.
Brian Roath
1. Fundraising
2. Initiate design phase
To be created by commission committee members 1. Ongoing
2. Ongoing
Adopt-a-Park Special steering committee
for development of the
Adopt-a-Park program
Mollie Reynolds *
Michael Huddy
1. Determine needs and potential improvements of park
2. Development recognition for volunteers.
To be created by commission committee members 1. Ongoing (PC, S)
Guiding
Commission
Document
Brian Roath *
Kim Carswell
Mollie Reynolds
To be created by commission committee members 1. Ongoing (PC, S)
Mayors
Monarch Pledge
Kim Carswell *
Jacob Selseth
Janie Delaney
To be created by commission committee members 1. Ongoing
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Park Lead Commissioner 2025 Focus / Activity / Initiative
Antoine Park Michael Huddy
Bederwood Park Mollie Reynolds
Big Island Rick Carter
Casco Point Park Kim Carswell
Casco Point Rink Kim Carswell
Casco Point Beach Kim Carswell
Crystal Bay Playground Mollie Reynolds
French Creek Preserve Kim Carswell
Hackberry Park Janie Delaney
Highwood Nature Trail Kim Carswell
Golf Course Gordon Stofer & Janie Delaney
Livingston Tower Jacob Selseth
Lowry Woods Janie Delaney
Lurton Park Kim Carswell
Lydiard Beach Michael Huddy
Navarre Playground Jacob Selseth
Saga Hill Brian Roath
Sandy Beach Kim Carswell
Seven Nations Park Mollie Reynolds
Summit Beach Jacob Selseth
Donation Garden Michael Huddy
Paved Trail
Trail Lead Commissioner
East Long Lake Trail Jacob Selseth, Rick Carter
Wayzata Blvd Trail
Willow Drive Trail
Brown Road Trail
County Road 6 Trail
Lake Access Points
Site Lead Commissioner 2025 Focus / Activity / Initiative
All Janie Delaney & Michael Huddy Review, Establish standards.
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Orono Parks Commission
Final version of guiding principles
November 4, 2025
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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
•Effective Guidance
•Maintain safe, accessible and high quality of standards for our parks and lake access points
•Invest in, protect and take care of what we have today
•Ground our decisions using good judgment employing accurate data and robust discussion
•Citizen Involvement
•Endeavor to bring our citizens together to facilitate connections, wellbeing, understanding diversity and peace
•Our parks reflect the diversity of Orono citizen needs
•Challenges of the Future
•Have a future focus to planning that incorporates sustainability
•Residential Community of Choice
•Plan for the short and long term
•Serve the needs of our residents and community's active sports
•Widely Recognized for the Preservation of Natural Beauty, Quality of Life and Recreational Assets
•Balance decisions that impact Orono’s natural/rural footprint when considering the addition of hardscape and outdoor
acitivities
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12
Park Commission Statement of Purpose
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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Proposed New Work
●Establish Park Standards
○By Park Type and lake access○Discussed at May Parks meeting○Ensures consistency for Annual Reviews
●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 July as input for budget process and prioritization
●Complete Long-term Plans for Every Park
○2026-27 project○Consider developing a mission/vision for each park○Review annually
●Identify and assess opportunities for new spaces for new parks
●Develop and execute a survey of residents
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Duties of Park Commissioners per the city website
●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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Park Acres Notes
Mini
Livingston Tower Park 0.2 X
Roberta Lee Antoine Park 1.3 X
Crystal Bay Park 2.3 X X X X X X X
Navarre Playground 1.1 X X X X X
Bederwood Park 9.05 X X X X X X X
Hackberry 3.58 X X X X X X X
Casco Point Ice Rink 3.1 X X
Community Parks
Casco Point Park 8.5 X X
French Creek Preserve 33.9 X X X X
Saga Hill Preserve 28.9 X X X
Big Island Nature Park 56.5 X X X X X
Lowry Woods 14.1 X X
Highwood Park 13.6 X X X
Seven Nations Park 3 X X ParkingRestroomsNeighborhood
Community playfields SwimmingTrail or Trail AccessNature AreaPicnickingFishingWinter Lake AccessPlaygroundSports FieldsBaseballBasketballGolfIce Skating16
Pleasant View Park 1.2 X
Casco Point Beach (36)0.3 X
Lydiard Beach 0.7 X X
Sandy Beach (19)0.28 X
Summit Park Beach 4.5 X X X
Browns Bay Molly’s
corner (1a)
Shoreline at Spates (2)0.02 Winter
Vehicular
North Shore Drive at
Baldur Park Road (4)
Boating and
bathing deeds
for
select parcels
Pedestrian year-
round, vehicles
x winter only
Eastlake Street (10)0.04 x Winter
Vehicular
Winter
snowmobiles
access, Fishing
Dock
X x X
Pedestrian
Access
Park Lane (15)0.04 X Fishing Dock
XWestlake Street (14)0.04
Bayside Rd. at Stubbs Bay Rd. (11)0.04
Gibbs Landing - Fox St.0.04
Winter
Vehicular
Crystal Bay Road (6)0.04
X X
0.04
Lake Accesses There are 50 lake access point below are those capable of support recreation activities. A comprehensive list is at Map 4E-2 and Appendix 4E-C.
0.04
17
Loma Linda Avenue (22)0.04 X Fishing Dock
Corral Road Extension Pedestrian
-34 Access
Pedestrian
Access
Pedestrian
Access
Carman Street (40)0.04 X Fishing Dock
Ferndale Road 1.8 x
Willow Drive 0.7 x
CR 6 0.6 x
Brown Road 0.7 x
Special Use Areas
Golf , Winter
Sledding and X-
X X X country Skiing
Off Leash Dog
Park
X XLurton Park 39
X
Trails
Orono Golf Course 45.6
X
Spring Street (39)0.04
Ivy Lane (38)0.04
X0.04
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Date: February 3, 2026 Item:
Presenter: Joe Ruthenberg, Superintendent - Parks, Facilities
Section: Staff Report
Title: Commissioner Updates and Recruiting
1.Purpose:
To inform the Park Commission of the resignations of Brian Roath and Janie Delaney, outline the
process for recruiting new commission members, and provide an update on the appointment of the
Park Commission chair and vice-chair.
2.Background:
Mr. Roath and Ms. Delaney have both resigned from the Parks Commission. Mr. Roath’s term was
set to expire on March 1, 2026, and Ms. Delaney’s on March 1, 2028. The City has initiated
recruitment efforts to fill the resulting vacancies and is coordinating a special City Council
meeting at the end of February to interview prospective candidates
AGENDA ITEM
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