HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-07-2026 - Agenda Packet Park Commission - Work SessionAgenda
Parks Commission Work Session
Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 6:00 PM
City Council Chambers | 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
952-249-4600 /oronomn.gov
Roll Call
Work Session Item
Hackberry Park Update
Park Commission 2026 Goals
Adjournment
Sign up for email notifications at oronomn.gov
1
Date: April 7, 2026 Item:
Presenter: Joe Ruthenberg, Superintendent - Parks, Facilities
Section: Work Session Item
Title: Hackberry Park Update
1.Purpose:
For staff to give an update on the Hackberry Park project.
AGENDA ITEM
2
Date: April 7, 2026 Item:
Presenter: Joe Ruthenberg, Superintendent - Parks, Facilities
Section: Work Session Item
Title: Park Commission 2026 Goals
1.Purpose:
To establish Park Commission goals for 2026 that align with the goals set by the City Council.
AGENDA ITEM
Exhibits
2026 Goal Work Sheets -Parks.docx
3
Goal: Parks Asset Management: Standard Management and Improvement of Parks
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.
Establish Direction for the Park Commission:
Define meeting structure, clarify roles, and
develop clear short- and long-term goals.
Develop Council-Driven Park Priorities:
Categorize parks and assess current use,
community needs, and future park space
requirements.
Implement Hackberry Park Redevelopment:
Advance planning, coordination, and execution of
approved redevelopment improvements
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:
Organize the Meeting, and establish
short- and long-term goals.
Create a Categorization of Parks
Review categorization of the parks
It aligns with all of
the city’s broader
goals.
Complete the
Hackberry project in
2026, the other
measurables will
require constant
reevaluation and
updates.
Implementation Plan
Objective (Steps to achieve
the goal) Task / Action / Project
(Action to achieve the Objective)
Timeline /
Milestones
(when)
Responsible
Person(s)/Gro
ups
(Who)
Resources
Required
(Include cost and
funding Source)
Success Criteria / Metrics (how
success will be measured) Status /
Results
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
1 Establish Commission Roles
and Focus Area
2 Develop short- and long-term
Park commission goals and
integrate them into meetings.
3 Park Commission will give
input on the parks portion of
the comp plan
Next work
session in Feb
City Council, Park
Superintendent &
Park Commission
Staff 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
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
3. Project Initiation &
Framework Development,
4. Council input and direction,
5. Park use & needs
assessment, draft prioritization
6. Categorization plan,
7. Council review and adoption
Starting at the
Feb parks
meeting and
continuing
through the
spring for
adoption in
April/May for
budget season
City Council, 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.
4
Hackberry Park 8 Complete design and begin
work on Hackberry Park
improvements
Complete final
design, present it
to parks
commission and
then council for
approval.
Put project out
for bid followed
by construction.
City Staff $900,000 with a
majority coming
from the parks
budget, some from
youth
organizations.
Park project completion.
5