HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-10-17 City Council Work Session PacketAgenda
City Council Work Session
City of Edina, Minnesota
City Hall Community Meeting Room
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
5:30 PM
I.Call To Order
II.Roll Call
III.Braemar Park Master Plan: Review and Comment on Engagement
and Design Development
IV.Braemar Golf Operational Update
V.Adjournment
The City of Edina wants all residents to be comfortable being part of the public
process. If you need assistance in the way of hearing ampli)cation, an
interpreter, large-print documents or something else, please call 952-927-8861
72 hours in advance of the meeting.
Date: October 17, 2023 Agenda Item #: III.
To:Mayor and City Council Item Type:
Reports / Recommendation
From:Rachel Finberg, Park Planner
Item Activity:
Subject:Braemar Park Master Plan: Review and Comment on
Engagement and Design Development
Discussion
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
Review and comment on preliminary concept presentation.
INTRODUCTION:
Braemar Park Project has been progressing through design refinement and components have reached the 30%
design level. A staff report is attached outlining the project progress as well as our public participation plan. This
report includes the content presented and reviewed by the community and their recorded
feedback. Neighborhood, community, staff, stakeholders, and Parks & Recreation Commission feedback have
been incorporated into revised designs being presented by SRF, our design consultant, during the work session.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Braemar Park Master Plan Staff Report
Braemar Park Engagement Plan and Community Comments
October 17th, 2023
Mayor and City Council Members
Rachel Finberg, Park Planner
Braemar Park Master Plan: Review and comment on engagement and design development
Information / Background:
Located in the southwest corner of Edina, the 500 acre Braemar Park is the largest recreational space in the City of
Edina. Home to Braemar Golf Course, Braemar Golf Dome, Braemar Arena, Braemar Field, Courtney Fields, and
South Metro Public Safety Training Facility, this recreation and training complex draws users from the region to
participate in a wide range of activities that Edina Recreation has to offer. The Braemar Park master plan created in
2017 with the help of residents and community members utilizes even more recreational opportunities for this vivid
landscape and park. City council approved the master plan on January 3rd, 2018. On November 8th, 2022 voters
approved via referendum a local option sales tax to allocate $8.1 million of project funding for implementation and next
phases of the Braemar Park master plan.
Project planning and design efforts are moving forward for completing final design and constructing improvements in
the park. Additional stakeholder and public engagement have occurred and will continue to occur during preliminary
and final design to integrate comment and feedback into the design process.
The approved master plan designed by SRF is now being further refined to integrate elements of master plan design as
shown below. A project team led by SRF are working on trail designs and site features including but not limited to
pedestrian trails, mountain biking trails, and natural resource restorations. Another project team led by WSB are
working on Courtney field complex improvements. Because of the variety of project components set forth in this
master plan the Parks and Recreation Department found it important to coordinate, yet separate project components
in order to get the most knowledgeable consultant services. Many of these components and elements require
additional design to ensure feasibility, sustainability, and overall constructability are attainable.
STAFF REPORT Page 2
Project Progress and Feature Status Updates:
I. Walking Trails (starting Spring 2024)
a. Soft Surface Parkland Trails
SRF proposed trail alignments for soft surface trails to maximize ADA accessibility. Connector loop to
Hilary Lane and Courtney Fields Complex
b. Boardwalk Trails (starting Summer 2024)
SRF working on alignments for boardwalks and shared pedestrian pathways. Existing boardwalk system
would be removed and a new boardwalk would be installed after regulatory approvals. Preliminary
discussions with Nine Mile Creek and Army Corps of Engineers has taken place about trail systems within
established conservation easements.
c. Mixed Use Trails on Hilary Lane and Braemar Blvd (anticipated 2025)
Trail designs and timeline to be coordinated with Engineering and implementation of state aide upgrades.
This project is identified as the next Edina initiated state aid funded project.
II. Mountain Biking Trails (starting Spring 2024)
a. Proposed 7.7 miles of Trails with difficulty levels from easy to medium.
b. Trail Features to increase difficulty levels at different locations throughout design.
c. Designed with natural features.
d. City staff exploring maintenance partnerships.
III. Cross Country Ski Trails (starting Winter 2023/24)
a. Proposed trail concept layouts being designed with Golf staff. Goal of trail system 5K or more of mixed
used skate, ski, and potential for walking/ snowshoe
b. Equipment currently being ordered that maximizes uses and flexibility.
IV. Pickleball (TBD)
a. Survey available on Better Together Edina to evaluate player needs.
b. Site requirements and feasibility explored within 500 acre Parkland.
V. Courtney Fields Baseball Complex Improvements (starting Fall 2023-Summer 2024)
a. Request for Proposals out for Field Lighting package.
b. Lighting Infrastructure being designed.
STAFF REPORT Page 3
c. Playground location identified and playground survey available on Better Together Edina
d. Netting options are being costed and considered by City and Stakeholders
e. Field condition upgrades to grading and irrigation are being costed.
f. Additional upgrades identified by stakeholders are being pursued and prioritized.
g. Scheduled meetings with EBA and EHS representatives allow for project momentum and feedback
VI. Wayfinding signs and trail connections (starting 2024-2025)
a. Layouts being evaluated for connections with existing paved trails and future connections with trail
systems.
b. Crossings and coordination of roads and trail uses are being evaluated. Technology and innovative
solutions are being pursued.
c. Staff and Mountain Biking Community partnerships are being pursued to update trail conditions and
both rider and pedestrian expectations.
VII. Natural Resources (starting Winter 2023/24-2026)
a. Resource Environmental Services (RES, formerly Applied Ecological Services, AES) is conducting a
study in the northwest portion of Braemar Park to test a variety of buckthorn removal and control
methods (including different cutting techniques, application of herbicide or not, and use of prescribed
fire) in an effort to identify opportunities for reduced use of herbicide, better ecological response,
and cost savings. See Appendix D for additional study information.
b. Edina Mountain Biking and other Rider organizations have volunteered to assist in hauling cut buckthorn
from identified plots.
VIII. Parking and Access (TBD)
a. Braemar arena NW parking lot resurfacing and lighting upgrades were completed in Spring 2023.
b. Studies are currently being conducted by ISG to examine Braemar Golf Dome as well as Braemar Golf
Courses parking needs.
IX. Arena Improvements (TBD)
a. The City is evaluating publicly solicited applicant proposals for Owners Representative for the Braemar
Arena project. A staff recommendation will be made to City Council for approval.
b. Additional project team members will be solicited based on timeline and advisement of Owner
Representative.
c. Phasing and project scope will be finalized based on vote outcome in November.
Engagement Feedback:
I. Public Participation
The Public Participation Plan for Braemar Park and trails is attached to this report. Staff has engaged the community
through multiple methods including stakeholder and neighborhood meetings, an open house, and better together Edina
surveys and open comments. Attached is all community comments given during open house and open comment, as well
as on Better Together Edina.
A. Neighborhood Meeting 8.29.2023
A meeting was held with neighbors of Braemar Park to update them on the Master Plan and the process. Staff
presented original concepts and outlined project processes. Staff and consultants answered questions and
facilitated a discussion with neighbors.
B. Community Open House 9.06.2023
An open house event was held at Braemar Backyard Rink. Members of the community including neighbors,
stakeholder groups, and other community members were encouraged to attend and provide comments for
design incorporation. Staff and consultants from all master plan disciplines were present to answer questions
and engage in conversation about the project. Comments were collected on refined concepts including
Courtney Fields Layout, Trails, Natural resources.
C. Better Together Edina
STAFF REPORT Page 4
Comments were collected on Braemar Trails and Courtney Fields concepts. Survey data is also being collected
on Playground needs and Pickleball needs.
II. Parks and Recreation Commission
As part of workplan initiative 1.6.2 the Parks and Recreation Commission received a presentation of proposed
concepts for Braemar Trails and Natural Resources as well as Courtney Fields concepts. The Commission
asked questions regarding mountain biking mileage, trailheads, restroom facilities, peak hauling, mountain biking
team involvement in trail designs, and the vegetative buffer. Park Planner Finberg also gave an update on
Courtney Fields and the design for trails. The Commission asked questions regarding fees, internal trail work,
events, and total referendum costs. The Commission asked and provided the following specific comments.
Commissioner Pfuhl asked what is the total amount of mountain biking miles that are there. It was
noted approximately 7.7 mile at this stage of design.
Commissioner Ytterbo asked are local mountain biking teams involved in how these trails are
designed. It was noted they have a representative from the Edina Mountain Biking Team who gave
some of the initial input. Also, MORC is another organization that has given input as well as there is an
executive team that has been giving input. They have been gathering a lot of feedback.
Commissioner Ytterbo asked regarding the middle berm or boardwalk and the long prairie grass is the
idea to have something natural and growing separated. It was noted that the idea is to have a vegetative
buffer for multiple reasons, one to create a third corridor for you but also because that breaks up the hard
surface as well so that would help them also in their permitting in going through those wetland areas.
Commissioner Ytterbo asked if there would be a maintenance plan, and this should be on the same
maintenance plan as the natives around it so this will all be a maintained area. They will be cognizant of what
species are seeded within these strips. Most of the hiking trail will not be asphalt but will be a soft surface like
a Class 5 which will lend better to the vegetation.
Chair Doscotch asked on the big loop walking pedestrian trail, what is the total from connection to
connection where you have a start and finish to do the loop, how long is it. It was noted there are multiple
starting points and different areas to loop but it is approximately a little over 3 ½ miles. Commissioner
Doscotch asked does someone have to walk 3 ½ miles to do the loop. It was noted that they do have
smaller loops within the system, it would just be you need to go out and come back. It was also noted that
the main reason for that is to avoid conflict between mountain bikes and pedestrians.
Commissioner Ytterbo commented he is very excited that they are optimizing the land and he is thinking
about the long-term side of things and asked is it being weighed as they are starting to develop the
maintenance and equipment needed. He knows they’ve talked a little bit about budget and fees but how is
this going to be maintained because it doesn’t look like it’s a fee generated system, how is it going to work. It
was noted from general funding. It was also noted that the mountain biking community does a lot of work on
trails internally whether it be Midwest Off-Road Cycling Association (MORC) or even the high school team,
they are required to do so many hours of volunteer work. Also, not having the built features will help with
that because they are not going to necessarily go out there and do inspections. They are going to depend a
little bit more on the teams to tell them when something needs to be fixed and managed.
Commissioner Welsh asked if they will be having any events or competitions. It was noted this facility will
not have events and competitions but will be used for riding and practice. They are looking at what was
voiced by the high school team which was skills development. Also noted there is going to be a lot of people
but it’s not a destination point. They are going to allow teams to have practice and they have talked about
STAFF REPORT Page 5
the aspect of identifying and acknowledging when those practice times would be and get that information to
the public.
Commission Pfuhl asked if there will be a liaison with MORC and Parks & Recreation. It was noted that
MORC will internally give updates on their trails, but they will still need to communicate with the non-
community and that is where their role will be. The person going to walk there isn’t checking the app for the
mounting biking trail.
Chair Doscotch asked about the feedback from the Gleason neighborhood that showed up at the open
house. It was noted they had a very respectful dialog. It was more of a timing what does it look like, distances
away, how are you going to be operating, etc. It was also noted that most people were excited and
interested in the project and staff relayed to them their commitment to keeping them informed as they
continued to move forward because there is a lot going on with it.
Commissioner Ytterbo asked if this will overlap with the arena because he knows they border each
other, will the plans for the arena come into play with the plans for everything else that is going on at
Braemar. It was noted they are separate and won’t be contingent on each other.
Chair Doscotch commented on the volume of utilization management on those trails and how that will
work. It was noted that hopefully in the future people will know the busiest times of day and the quietest
times. Commission Ytterbo asked how it will be enforced. It was noted they would not close the trails; no
one would get exclusive use. They need to make sure that people are aware of the activity that is occurring
and to choose wisely.
Braemar Park Implementation Next steps
The project’s trajectory and next steps in the process are to continue into the design development stage. This stage will
further refine concepts into specific materials, methods, and requirements for components and features. This refinement
will allow for more accurate costing and estimating to ensure the project stays within approved budget. After designs
are completed, construction documents will be created for bidding. Projects will then be quoted or bid, and necessary
contracts will come to council for approvals. Due to the complexity and variability of components multiple contracts
and numerous vendors will be contracted. The timeline for construction will vary by component and project readiness
of feature. Numerous components will possibly trigger permitting or review by building inspections, watershed, and
other regulatory authorities.
Action Requested:
Review and provide comments at this stage of the Braemar Park master plan implementation process. Next steps for
review will be construction contract approvals.
Attachments:
A. Proposed Braemar Trail Alignments 9.06.2023
B. Proposed Natural Resources Plan 9.06.2023
C. Proposed Courtney Field Concepts 9.06.2023
D. RES Study Summary
Braemar Park Trail Improvements Job No. 16340September 6, 2023
SOUTHWEST
SEGMENT
NORTHWEST
SEGMENT
BRAEMAR BLVD
HWY 169
W 74TH ST
W 76TH ST
W 78TH ST
DEWEY HILL RD
SOUTH
SEGMENT
EAST
SEGMENT
7.7 MILES OF MOUNTAIN
BIKE TRAILS
FIGURE 1: Park Context Map
V A L L E Y VIE W R D
HILARY LN
Park Context Map
Braemar Park Trail Improvements Job No. 16340September 6, 2023
FIGURE 2: Northwest Segment Trail Map
EXISTING BRIDGE
FUTURE PARKING EXPANSION
SIGNAL DETECTION AND ACTUATION FOR BIKE/
PEDESTRIAN CROSSING
MTB Trail - Green
MTB Trail - Blue
Hiking Trail
Shared Use Trail
Paved Trail
Paved Trail (Existing)
MTB Trail Hub
Trail Staging Area
Trail Parking (Existing)
Trail Crossing
Pond / Lake
Wetland
100 Year Flood Area
0 100 250 500 FT
North
P
P
BRAEMAR BLVD
HWY 169 FRONTAGE RD
V A L L E Y V I E W RD
.75 MILE LOOP
.75 MILE LOOP
.35 MILE LOOP 1.9 MILES
TOTAL
Northwest Segment Trail Map
Braemar Park Trail Improvements Job No. 16340September 6, 2023
REMOVE EXISTING BOARDWALK
SIGNAL DETECTION AND ACTUATION FOR BIKE/ PEDESTRIAN CROSSING
FIGURE 3: Southwest Segment Trail Map EXISTING BRIDGE
TEMPORARY TRAIL CLOSURE DURING HEAVY TRUCK HAULING EVENTS
P
BRAE
M
A
R B
L
V
D
HWY 169 FRONTAGE RD H W Y 1 6 9
.80 MILE LOOP
.30 MILE LOOP
.40 MILE LOOP .30 MILE LOOP .25 MILE CONNECTOR
2.1 MILES
TOTAL
MTB Trail - Green
MTB Trail - Blue
Hiking Trail
Shared Use Trail
Paved Trail
Paved Trail (Existing)
MTB Trail Hub
Trail Staging Area
Trail Parking (Existing)
Trail Crossing
Pond / Lake
Wetland
100 Year Flood Area
0 100 250 500 FT
North
P
Southwest Segment Trail Map
Braemar Park Trail Improvements Job No. 16340September 6, 2023
FIGURE 4: South Segment Trail Map
EXISTING BRIDGE
REMOVE EXISTING BOARDWALK
PROPOSED BRIDGE AND BOARDWALK CROSSING EXISTING TRAIL ACCESS
EXISTING TRAIL ACCESSBRAEMAR BLVDEXISTING T R A I L N
E
W TRAIL .70 MILE CONNECTOR
.7 MILES
TOTAL
WETLAND MITIGATION SITE
MTB Trail - Green
MTB Trail - Blue
Hiking Trail
Shared Use Trail
Paved Trail
Paved Trail (Existing)
MTB Trail Hub
Trail Staging Area
Trail Parking (Existing)
Trail Crossing
Pond / Lake
Wetland
100 Year Flood Area
0 100 250 500 FT
North
P
South Segment Trail Map
Braemar Park Trail Improvements Job No. 16340September 6, 2023
Varies8’2’
SHOULDER HIKING TRAIL MOUNTAIN BIKING TRAIL
Varies 6’
SHOULDERBUFFER
South Segment Shared Use Trail on Existing Trail Corridor
Braemar Park Trail Improvements Job No. 16340September 6, 2023
.50 MILE LOOP
SERVICE PATH
CROSSING
Trail Staging Area
Trail Parking (Existing)
Trail Crossing
Pond / Lake
Wetland
100 Year Flood Area
FIGURE 5: East Segment Trail Map
0 100 250 500 FT North
MTB Trail - Green
MTB Trail - Blue
Hiking Trail
Shared Use Trail
Paved Trail
Paved Trail (Existing)
MTB Trail Hub
P
P
EXISTING TRAIL ACCESS
NATIVE VEGETATION BUFFER
2.5 MILE LOOPHILARY LNJOH
N H
A
R
RIS
D
R
GLEASON R D W
7
8
T
H
S
T
3.0 MILES
TOTAL
East Segment Trail Map
Braemar Park Trail Improvements Job No. 16340September 6, 2023
Oak Forest / Woodland
Aspen Woodland
Altered Forest / Woodland
Oak Savanna / Woodland
Upland Shrub-Scrub
Prairie
Upland Non-Native Grassland
Lowland Forest / Woodland
Lowland Shrub-Scrub
Lowland Non-Native Grassland
Emergent Marsh / Wet
Meadow
Open Water
100 Year Flood Area
0 1/8 1/4 MI
North
BRAEMAR BLVD
HWY 169
W 78TH ST
FIGURE 1: Plant Community Map
HILARY LN
Restored Restored
Unrestored Unrestored
OAK FOREST / WOODLAND OAK SAVANNA / WOODLAND
Plant Community Map
REMOVE / REDUCE PAVING IN THIS AREA TO ALLOW FOR EXPANDED GREEN SPACE / WARM UP AREA. MAINTAIN TRAIL CONNECTION TO NEIGHBORHOOD
NEW FOUL / FAIR POLES ON ALL FIELDS
MAINTENANCE AREA TO REMAIN. POTENTIAL FUTURE EXPANSION TO NORTH
ADD TRAIL CONNECTION TO BATTING CAGES
IMPROVED BACKSTOPS, TYP.
PROTECTIVE NETTING IN DUGOUTS, TYP.
SHADE CANOPY, TYP.
VERTICAL NETTING (FOUL PROTECTION)
NEW FIELD LIGHTING, TYP.
VERTICAL NETTING (FOUL PROTECTION)
3 BATTING CAGES (45’ X 55’)
3 BATTING CAGES (45’ X 70’)
VERTICAL NETTING (FOUL PROTECTION)
FIELD MAINTENANCE TRAIL
VERTICAL NETTING (FOUL PROTECTION)
EXISTING TRAIL TO NEIGHBORHOOD
VERTICAL NETTING
EXISTING SCOREBOARD
PLAY AREA APPROX. 8000 SF +/-
NEW OUTFIELD FENCE SAFETY CAPS ON ALL FIELDS, TYP.
OVERHEAD NETTING AREA(TO BE REPLACED- POLES AND NETTING)
EXISTING TREES, TYP.EXISTING SCOREBOARD
EXISTING SCOREBOARDHWY 169FRONTAGE RD.EXISTING PARKING
VA
L
L
E
Y
V
I
E
W
R
D
.BRAEMER BLVDADJUST TRAILS FOR NEW LIGHT CONFIGURATION. TYP.
EXPAND LEVEL GREEN SPACE FOR WARM UP AREA
EXISTING BLEACHERS TO REMAIN, TYP.
- ADD DRAINAGE SYSTEM TO OUTFIELD- UPDATE IRRIGATION SYSTEM
UPDATE IRRIGATION SYSTEM
RELOCATED SHEDS
EXISTING SCOREBOARD
DUMPSTER ENCLOSURE SWALEK:\022715-000\Graphics\Courtney Fields MasterplanCourtney Fields | Master plan
Edina, Minnesota
August 09, 2023 | WSB Project number: 022715-000 Scale in Feet
200’0’100’50’25’
Innovation Leadership Program | Application | 1
2022 Innovation Leadership Program Project:
Braemar Park
1. Goal –
The goals of this research are:
1) Inform and influence RES’ approach to invasive brush removal and control, providing our contracting
group with a competitive advantage in bidding, winning, and executing these types of projects.
2) Educate internal RES staff about our findings and best practices for achieving forest/woodland
restoration goals efficiently, effectively, and safely, with minimal use of chemicals. This will be
accomplished through regional or national presentations/webinars to RES staff and will benefit our sales,
ecological planning, contracting, and safety programs.
3) Advance the science and externally promote RES’ “ecological approach” to restoration and
management through conference presentations, publications, and/or other venues. Documenting and
promoting approaches to ecological restoration and management that reduce reliance on chemicals will
also benefit RES’ public and client relations.
2. Team Member(s) –
Kim Chapman, PhD (MN - Consulting) – Mentor
Fugui Wang, PhD (WI - Geospatial) - Experimental Design; Statistics
Doug Mensing, MS (MN - Consulting) – Project Manager
Ben Staehlin, MS (MN - Consulting) – Field Ecologist
Michael Lopez (MN - Consulting) – Field Ecologist
Matt Lasch (MN – Contracting) – Contractor Manager
Steve Salaba (MN – Contracting) – Forestry Mowing Expert
Aaron Kubichka (WI – Contracting) – Prescribed Fire in Forests/Woodlands Expert
Evan Deegan (Regional EHS&S Specialist – Safety) – Safety Advisor & Documentarian
3. Methods –
Innovation Leadership Program | Application | 2
In brief, our study will evaluate the cost, effectiveness, and safety of three (3) different invasive brush removal
treatments, with an emphasis on the use of fire. The City of Edina, Minnesota (a long-standing client of RES) has
partnered with us in this study (see letter of support, attached). In the City’s Braemar Park we have identified an
oak-dominated woodland that is severely infested with invasive common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica). This 8-
acre woodland (Figure 1, red outline) will be field assessed and divided into three treatment areas that are
comparable in size, environmental conditions (e.g., soils, aspect, moisture regime), canopy cover, invasive shrub
cover/density, and herbaceous cover. All treatment areas contain fire-dependent plant communities, and will have
sufficient oak leaf litter and/or other fine fuels to carry a surface fire (Figure 2). Figure 1 shows our anticipated layout
for the three treatment areas.
The three treatments would consist of the following methods applied over the course of two years:
A. Year 1: Hand-cut & stump-treat (herbicide); Year 2: Foliar spray (herbicide) (Conventional)
B. Year 1: Forestry mow (no chemical used); Year 2: Fire (no chemical used) (Mow & Burn)
C. Year 1: Fire (no chemical used); Year 2: Fire (no chemical used) (Burn Only)
We will evaluate pre-treatment vegetation conditions and then conduct two post-treatment sampling visits:
the growing season before the second treatment and the growing season after the second treatment. Field data
will be collected in 27 permanent plots (10m x 10m), with nine plots established in each treatment area.
Figure 1 illustrates one such plot (yellow square) for scale. Data collected in each plot will include:
Shrub cover (divided into invasive/non-invasive species)
Shrub stem count (by species, groupable into invasive/non-invasive species; by stem diameter size; and
live/dead)
Herbaceous cover (by species, groupable into invasive/non-invasive species)
Leaf litter and/or other fine fuel (type; percent cover; and average depth/density)
During implementation of the treatment methods over the course of two years, RES Contracting staff will track
separately for each of the three treatments all costs (e.g., staff time, equipment, materials) and the quantity of
herbicide used. This will enable us to quantify efficiency and potential cost savings among
treatments. Vegetation sampling (conducted by RES Consulting staff) and subsequent statistical analysis will
enable us to evaluate and quantify the ecological effectiveness of the three treatments. Observation and video
documentation of a woodland prescribed burn will be conducted by Evan Deegan and narrated by Matt Lasch
for sharing with other RES staff to convey safe burning practices in woodlands. The quantity of herbicide
used in the study will also inform the safety of the different treatments in terms of potential human exposure
and potential environmental impacts.
The project’s success comes from answering several important questions, including:
1. What methods are most effective and the least expensive for restoring woodlands infested with
invasive brush? This will help RES Contracting when selecting the best method of control and help
increase RES’ competitiveness and profit margins.
2. What methods result in the greatest improvement in vegetation community health (measured by
native species cover, diversity, and richness)? This will advance the science and result in better
ecological outcomes for RES projects.
3. How susceptible to fire is invasive brush of a certain size? For instance, will 3” diameter stems of
buckthorn be killed or only stressed by prescribed fire, or will fire kill all 1” stems? This will inform
when and where fire may be feasible as opposed to a waste of effort.
Innovation Leadership Program | Application | 3
4. Can RES’ forest/woodland restoration and management practices be adjusted to reduce chemical use
and/or to increase safety? This will help address the public’s growing concern regarding herbicides
and help RES to better protect our employees and the environment.
4. Schedule –The study schedule is below, organized by the six major tasks. Each task represents a project
milestone, and the final report represents the primary deliverable. Other deliverables are addressed under
Questions 9 and 10.
1. Pre-treatment Sampling (July/Aug 2022)
In all treatment areas, document woody and herbaceous vegetation in 27 permanent plots (9 in each
treatment area).
2. Treatment Effort #1
A. Hand-cut & stump-treat (dormant season, mid-Nov 2022 to mid-March 2023)
B. Forestry mow (dormant season, mid-Nov 2022 to mid-March 2023)
C. Prescribed fire (Fall 2022)
3. Post-treatment Sampling #1 (July/Aug 2023)
4. Treatment Effort #2 (Fall 2023)
A. Foliar spray
B. Fire
C. Fire
5. Post-treatment Sampling #2 (July/Aug 2024)
6. Analyze Data & Prepare Report (Sept-Dec 2024)
The final report will summarize the study intent, methods used, findings, and conclusions.
Innovation Leadership Program | Application | 4
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN I BRAEMAR MASTER PLAN I CITY OF EDINA 1
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
PLAN/REPORT
BRAEMAR MASTER PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
DATE: August 29, 2023
PREPARED BY: Perry Vetter, Parks Director; Rachel Finberg, Park Planner;
BRAEMAR TRAILS AND COURTNEY FIELDS IMPROVEMENTS
PROJECT PURPOSE
- Further refine and create details for features within the approved Braemar Park master plan.
- Staff will update City Council at completion of schematic design with community feedback and
how that has been incorporated in proposed designs.
- Staff will make a request for purchase for construction contracts, City Council will decide award.
TIMELINE
Complete:
- Master plan engagement was initiated summer of 2017 and continued through Fall or 2017 with
final master plan approval January 3rd, 2018. Appendix A includes Community Engagement Log
for master plan creation.
Future:
- Master plan implementation will include refining concepts and features laid out in approved
2017 master plan. Fall and Winter of 2023 staff will involve community in reviews and collect
comments for incorporation into designs. Staff will consult the community for feedback on
components for programming and features.
- Implementation would occur based on identified phases starting in 2024 and extending through
2025.
STAKEHOLDERS
- Residents
- City Council
- Parks and Recreation Commission
- Internal project team
- Braemar Hills, Indian Trails, Prospect Knolls,
Dewey Hill, and other Edina neighborhoods
- Edina Baseball Association
- Edina Mountain Bike Team
- Mountain Biking Associations
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN I BRAEMAR MASTER PLAN I CITY OF EDINA 2
ROLES
RESIDENTS
Expertise in sense of place, neighborhood feel, neighborhood needs, public attitudes, community values,
desired amenities.
- Provide expertise on values of community and neighborhood
- Review concepts
- Identify and communicate questions and concerns
CITY COUNCIL
Decision-making body.
- Share feedback received from stakeholders with the project team to allow for response and
incorporation
- Decide funding level and source
- Define level of service
- Set parameters for improvements in parks
- Approve contracts
PARKS AND RECREATION COMISSIONS
Advisory to the City Council. Review and provide comments for design development phasing.
- Encourage awareness of the project within the community
- Mountain Biking and Pedestrian Trail System
- Courtney Field Upgrades
- Natural resource restoration development and phasing
- Site Upgrades
STAFF
Expertise in engineering, natural resources, transportation planning and safety, street and utility
construction, parks and recreation, and landscape architecture.
- Develop design based on technical expertise and professional judgement
- Communicate costs, values, barriers, constraints, and impacts (budget pillars and values
viewfinder)
- Consider and collect feedback from stakeholders
- Provides timely responses to questions and inquiries
- Seek direction from Council on political decisions and operate within parameters set by Council
- Describe how public influences concept design
- Creates, initiates, and documents engagement process and decisions
- Closes the loop with the public
- Implements the decisions made by Council
LIST OTHER ROLES AS APPLICABLE
Feedback groups will also be consulted through public engagement and outreach to provide comments
and information to help staff and consultants incorporate needs as they apply to programming and use.
Feedback on concepts will be collected from residents, users, parks and recreation commissioners, and
council members for incorporation into final designs.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN I BRAEMAR MASTER PLAN I CITY OF EDINA 3
IN SCOPE (WHAT WE KNOW)
- Approved Master Plan Components including:
o Pedestrian Trail Layouts
o Mountain Biking Trail Layouts
o Courtney Field Playground design
OUT OF SCOPE
- Roadway Reconstruction elements such as street width, sanitary sewer and water
improvements
- Wetland and upland habitat requirements. These are set forth by DNR, Nine Mile Creek, and
Army Corps of Engineers as they apply to conservation easements and regulations.
- Golf course site features and playability needs.
- Braemar Arena parking and site needs.
- Cross Country Ski layout will be based on maintainability and Golf Course playability needs.
- Courtney Field improvements.
CONSIDERATIONS DRIVING DESIGN & SCOPE
- Approved 2017 Master Plan
- Funding approved with 2022 Referendum
- Regulatory requirements
- Stakeholder needs
- No impacts to Golf operations
- No impacts to Baseball operations
- No impacts to Arena operations
LEGAL OR TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Nine Mile Creek Watershed District Rules
2. Minnesota DNR rules
3. Requirements set forth in easements
4. City ordinances
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
The City is seeking input from community members as they develop and refine features approved in the
original 2017 Braemar Park Master Plan. The City anticipates the community will contribute feedback
that can help define and highlight priorities that can impact phasing, specifications, and implementation.
The community of users and neighbors will help integrate their needs for programming and access that
will refine designs to meet and exceed these expectations.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN I BRAEMAR MASTER PLAN I CITY OF EDINA 4
OVERALL OBJECTIVES
- Identify community-driven specifications and accommodations in designs
- Gather information on goals and concerns of components
- Utilize this feedback in design stages
EXPECTATIONS
- What can participants expect?
o To learn about features of Braemar Park
o To contribute their knowledge about park usage and identify specific needs
o To acknowledge balance and tradeoffs between different needs and user groups
- What can participants influence?
o Participants will help to determine development direction for specific features including
pedestrian trails, mountain biking trails, Courtney fields playground, and other site
upgrades as identified and developed.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATON LEVEL INFORM/INVOLVE
INFORM
- Goal: Provide the public with balanced and objective information to assist them in
understanding the problems, alternatives, and/or solutions.
- Promise: Timely information will be provided.
INVOLVE
- Goal: Work directly with the public throughout the process to ensure that public issues and
concerns are consistently understood and considered.
- Promise: Ensured direct reflection of concerns and issues in the alternatives developed and
explanations given concerning how public input shapes choices.
TECHNIQUES – INVOLVE
INFORM/INVOLVE
- Better Together Edina Website
o Project Updates
o Project Timeline
o Files and Resources
o Surveys
o Design Feedback
o Questions and Answers
- Feedback Groups
o Help confirm design goals
o Review and comment on
concepts and features
- Neighborhood Meetings
o Gather feedback on progress
and collect concerns
o Keep neighborhood informed in
process and next steps
- Public Open House
o Collect input on design
concepts
o Answer community questions
o Connect community and project
team
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN I BRAEMAR MASTER PLAN I CITY OF EDINA 5
- Social Media
o Promote events
o Promote updates and
engagement points
o Report project milestones
DECISION PROCESS
Objective Meet with
Stakeholders and
Feedback groups to
establish baseline
of design
Host neighborhood
meeting to update
on features,
engagement points
and answer
questions
Gather online and
in person input
and comments for
incorporation into
design and review
by City Council.
Reflect comments
collected in final
conceptual design
including
specifications,
features, phasing,
and
implementation
approach.
Inform public on
final designs and a
construction
schedule for
projects. Update
communications to
reflect disturbance
planning.
Ensure Master Plan
components have
been developed and
evaluate if any
additional barriers
or needs have
occurred because of
the project or
process. Anticipated Outcome Establish needs of
organizations and
accessibility
requirements.
Establish
community
concerns and
priorities to be
incorporated in
designs and phasing
Incorporate
comments and
address concerns
about
accessibility, use,
and barriers from
community,
stakeholders, and
Parks and
Recreation
Commission.
Use feedback to
identify and alter
conceptual
components
including design
elements and
implementation
plan.
Get stakeholders
excited about
project and
process. Keep
public fully
informed of
progress.
Close the loop on
project cycle and
evaluate project and
establish any
changes or impacts
needing further
investigation or
refinement Timeline Summer 2023 August 29, 2023 September 6 -26,
2023
October 2023
City Council Work
session
Winter/Spring 2023 Summer 2023
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A: 2017 Public Engagement Log
APPENDIX B: 2023 Public Comment Log from Open House and Better Together Edina
APPENDIX C: Parks and Recreation Commission Review and Comment Minutes September 12th 2023
CLOSE THE
LOOP
PRESENT FINAL DESIGNS AND ACTION PLAN
REFINE
CONCEPTS
PRESENT INITIAL CONCEPTS FOR FEEDBACK
SHARE
INFORMATION
SET GOALS AND DESIGN OBJECTIVES
City of Edina Braemar Park Master Plan City of Edina Braemar Park Master Plan142 143BRAEMAR PARK COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT LOGTYPEDATE METHODDETAILSFirst community meeting promotion (July 26 meeting) 7/19/2017 NextdoorSent to 13,839 subscribersFirst community meeting promotion7/19/2017 City Extra direct emailSent to Parks & Rec news list - 1,547 subscribers, 550 opensFirst community meeting promotion7/19/2017 Facebook4,025 reachSpeak Up, Edina! promotion7/21/2017 Facebook6,037 reachFirst community meeting promotion7/24/2017 Braemar Golf Facebook628 reachReminder first community meeting 7/25/2017 NextdoorSent to 13,839 subscribersFirst community meeting reminder7/25/2017 Facebook837 reachInaugural community meeting 7/26/2017 Meeting at Braemar Golf Clubhouse About 50 attendees provided ideas for the parkSpeak Up, Edina discussion8/1/2017SpeakUpEdina.org 68 comments received through Aug. 31First Braemar Park Survey8/4/2017 Online survey732 respondents through Aug. 31Speak Up, Edina discussion promotion8/7/2017 City Extra direct emailSent to Parks & Rec news list - 1,547 subscribers, 535 opens; Neighborhood - 121 recipients, 69 opensSpeak Up, Edina! reminder8/7/2017 Facebook858 reachBraemar Park project page launches on EdinaMN.gov 8/8/2017EdinaMN.gov/BraemarParkMasterPlan1,084 page views as of early November 2017First survey solicit for responses8/7/2017 Facebook557 reachFirst survey website promotion8/9/2017 EdinaMN.gov and Facility sitesSurvey promotion and links added to Parks & Rec main page, pages of Facilities in Braemar ParkFirst survey solicit for responses8/9/2017 Facebook3,751 reachFirst survey solicit for responses8/10/2017 NextdoorSent to 13,839 Nextdoor subscribersFirst survey promotion8/10/2017 City Extra direct emailSent to Parks, Braemar Field, Braemar Arena, Braemar Golf Course and Neighborhood lists - 2967 recipients, 1011 opensReminder first survey email8/21/2017 NextdoorSent to 13,839 subscribersFirst survey reminder8/23/2017 Facebook2,464 reachFirst survey reminder8/30/2017 Facebook2,231 reachSecond community meeting promotion (Sept. 18)9/8/2017 NextdoorSent to 13,839 subscribersSecond community meeting promotion9/8/2017 Facebook1,951 reachSecond community meeting promotion9/13/2017 City Extra direct emailSent to Parks & Rec news list - 1,547 subscribers, 476 opens; Neighborhood - 176 receipients, 78 opensReminder second community meeting9/14/2017 NextdoorSent to 13,839 subscribersSecond community meeting promotion9/14/2017 Facebook1,462 reachSecond community meeting9/18/2017 Braemar Golf Clubhouse51 people signed in and gave feedback on early conceptsSecond Survey - Concept Alternatives9/29/2017 Online survey450 respondents through Oct. 18Community Engagement Log
Second Survey solicit for responses10/2/2017 NextdoorSent to 13,839 subscribersSecond survey solicit for responses10/2/2017 City Extra direct emailSent to Parks, Neighorhoods, BGC and Braemar Arena lists - 2792 recipients, 988 opensSecond survey solicit for responses10/2/2017 Facebook5,412 reachThird community meeting promotion (Oct. 23)10/12/2017 NextdoorSent to 13,839 subscribersNotice of Braemar Park and Arden Park meetings10/12/2017 City Extra direct emailSent to Parks and Neighborhoods - 1959 recipients, 594 opensThird community meeting promotion10/23/2017 Facebook3,968 reachThird community meeting10/23/2017 Braemar Golf Clubhouse27 people signed in at meeting Third Survey - Open ended questions on Preferred Concept 10/27/2017 Online survey202 respondents through Nov. 8Third survey solicit for responses 10/30/2017 NextdoorSent to 13,839 subscribersThird survey solicit for responses 10/30/2017 Facebook3,515 reachThird survey solicit for responses 11/1/2017 City Extra direct emailSent to Parks, Neighborhoods, Braemar Arena lists - 1,941 recipients, 651 opensNote: Most Facebook posts also posted to City Twitter account, which has about 7,400 followersSurveys created by Communications staff via SurveyMonkeyCommunity meeting promotionSurvey promotionCommunity meeting Speak Up, Edina Project webpage
Braemar Park Concepts Community Comments
DATE FEATURE NOTES TYPE
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Berm Turns: berms and rollers Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Berm Turns: boardwalk berm Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Berm Turns: like Wirth along parkway Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Berm Turns: big fun berms Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Berm Turns: big wide berms Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Berm Turns: combo of tight and flowy berms Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Berm Turns: downhil hill trail with lots of berms "bobsled" Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Berm Turns: fun swoopy berms Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Berm Turns: giant high berms Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Berm Turns: Leb. And Lake Marion Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Berm Turns: mini berms, flowy trails Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Berm Turns: more berms! Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Berm Turns: well banked corkscrew berms Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Berm Turns: wood berms Open Poll
BTE Comment Braemar Biking Features
Not too many switchbacks- Don’t build the trail with so many switchbacks to increase
mileage at the expense of speed or fun trail flow. Lone lake did a really good job with this.
The Loppet trails at Theodore Wirth have too many switchbacks to maintain speed.
Matt Teasdale
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Other?: black climbs and blue/black features would be great Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Other?: bridges or skinnies Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Other?: create nice jump line on hill alogside 169 like flying carpe diem at Tioga Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Other?: create very challenging sections, riders all better, lets keep challenging them! Open Poll
DATE FEATURE NOTES TYPE
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Other?: drinking fountain at trailhead to fill water bottle Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Other?: fast sections like Elm Creek Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Other?: give us climbs to practice Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Other?: good clear signage Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Other?: have a simple wooden walkway along the wetlands on south side like Duluth trail
near UMD campus Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Other?: have an easier skills park by intersection Gleason and Braemar and a harder skills
park top of east ridge like Cuyuna Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Other?: leave as many roots and rocks as possible Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Other?: like Lebanon hills have practice loop that kids can also learn on Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Other?: log pile filters like Lebanon, skinnies like Carver, rock line like Carver Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Other?: make fast flowy downhills Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Other?: make some hard lines! Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Other?: maybe have picnic tables/bathrooms/water bottle filler at entrance Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Other?: skill park Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Other?: we need a repeatable trail loop Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Other?:building like the trailhead at Theo Wirth Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Other?:encourage trails that are more challenging (with some green) riders have become
stronger, trails like hawks ridge in chaska or xcel in Shakope have limited use/application Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Other?:make green/blue/black so every skill level can have fun on trail Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Other?:pump course with jumps,drops,and table tops Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Other?:skills/features among/within trail Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Rock Drops: avoidable doable drops Open Poll
Page 2 of 8
DATE FEATURE NOTES TYPE
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Rock Drops: Challenging drops to build up to Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Rock Drops: Drops Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Rock Drops: Example of desired features Cuyuna DrawPoint Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Rock Drops: Important to see all of these on trail Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Rock Drops: Like Lebanon Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Rock Drops: Lots of jumps Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Rock Drops: Make like sledgehammer at cuyuna Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Rock Drops: Mandatory Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Rock Drops: Monarch Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Rock Drops: Monarch is good Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Rock Drops: Wooden drops like Cuyuna Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Rock Gardens: variety of features with pass option for people to avoid Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Rock Gardens: challenging downhill rock gardens Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Rock Gardens: doable rock gardens , challenging but not too challenging Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Rock Gardens: double rock gardens, challenging but not too challenging Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Rock Gardens: flat rock gardens Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Rock Gardens: kids have gotten way better! More chal;enges! Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Rock Gardens: like Lebanon Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Rock Gardens: Look to Monarch for examples Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Rock Gardens: mix of medium and expert/hard rock gardens Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Rollers/Jumps/Table Tops: kids have gottem way better, more challenges yeah! Open Poll
Page 3 of 8
DATE FEATURE NOTES TYPE
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Rollers/Jumps/Table Tops: larger jumps on harder trails Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Rollers/Jumps/Table Tops: progressive jumps Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Rollers/Jumps/Table Tops: big downhill tabletops like southwest at Wirth Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Rollers/Jumps/Table Tops: jumps Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Rollers/Jumps/Table Tops: jumps like Monarch Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Rollers/Jumps/Table Tops: Like Monarch new section Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Rollers/Jumps/Table Tops: log jumps like at xcel Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Rollers/Jumps/Table Tops: more rollers please! Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Features Rollers/Jumps/Table Tops: progressive height in jumps Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Trails *THUMBS UP* Edina MTB team Open Comment
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Trails Add Easier skills park like Lebanon here on corner of Hillary and Gleason, leave golf hole
alone Open Comment
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Trails As natural terrain as possible (like Murphy or Lebanon)Open Comment
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Trails Big Berms like Theo Wirth along parkway Open Comment
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Trails Braemar Golf Parking- This parking as trail head. Create a simple wood bridge between
ponds Open Comment
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Trails Bridge over Braemar Blvd Open Comment
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Trails Can area north of golf dome be a compact skills area, utilize the elevation, loops w/drops,
skinnies, and table top jumps. Pump track?Open Comment
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Trails Can't wait to be this guy (rock drops rider)Open Comment
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Trails Consider adding cross lights or safety thing to add safety @ crossing over braemar blvd
(behind arena to training center)Open Comment
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Trails Create Facebook/Instagram for trail communications Open Comment
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Trails Edina Mountain Bike Team Supports Open Comment
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Trails I can't wait to get ENDURO!Open Comment
Page 4 of 8
DATE FEATURE NOTES TYPE
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Trails I don't even Mountain Bike and I support!Open Comment
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Trails Make it rougher, not flowy like Murphy or parts of Lebanon hills Open Comment
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Trails Maps at trailheads Open Comment
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Trails Nice to connect all sections by bike, Good design Open Comment
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Trails NW segment -Put easy green trail down the middle where the walking trail is now. Put blue
outside ride on edge of hill then down big hill by batting cages Open Comment
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Trails Put parktool bike stations in main hubs of trail Open Comment
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Trails Recreate "Tunnel of Love" boardwalk with canopy of trees Open Comment
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Trails Simple wood ride way along wetland like Duluth Open Comment
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Trails Skills Area: Skinpies/ slow obstacles, Flat area, Dips and Jumps Open Comment
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Trails SW Segment- Jump line like Flying Carpe Diem at Tioga Open Comment
BTE Comment Braemar Biking Trails
Thank you. Your proposed trail maps appear to be an excellent use of underutilized terrain.
As a local resident and superannuated mountain biker I regularly ride "The Mountains of
Edina" and other than the occasional off lease dog walker on the east side, I rarely meet
anyone on the higher parts. Will MORC be involved with Braemar trails? Will it be managed
more like Minnetonka's Lone Lake? Lone Lake is nicely designed, well used, well
park/volunteer maintained, and great exercise.
Smshk
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Trails Utilize NW segment as "skills" section pump track, dips, skinnies, using the elevation (north
of Braemar Golf Dome)Open Comment
9/6 Open House Braemar Biking Trails We would love both family friendly trails and high/middle school appropriate level biking
trails. Our family will use both Open Comment
BTE Comment Braemar Park Comment
Many trees in the north of the park (by the mark terrace drive ) have died in the past 7-8 years
after the construction of valley view road. The beautiful Forrest has unfortunately turned into
wet land. Can we please invest some fund to improve the wetland condition ?
Evergreen
BTE Comment Braemar Park Comment
To help make Braemar family friendly in the winter the grounds staff should mow the hill,
adjacent to the practice fairway, next to the main entrance, facing Hilary Lane in late fall so
the tall weeds are not inhibiting the sliding hill when snow comes. This was a very popular
sliding hill families could use up until about three years ago when the decision was made to
quit mowing it for winter. This hill is not on the golf course so there would be no damage to
the course. There is close, safe, off street parking. It used to be the best sliding hills in Edina
with many kids and families utilizing it.
John
Page 5 of 8
DATE FEATURE NOTES TYPE
9/6 Open House Braemar Pedestrian
Features Boardwalks: Nice boarwalks in boggy areas Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Pedestrian
Features Boardwalks: Yes Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Pedestrian
Features Boardwalks: Yes by the creek Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Pedestrian
Features Other: Lighting Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Pedestrian
Features
Other: Lighting, Seating area: Bench+Picnic Tables, Water fountain/ fill station, bathrooms
and changing station for parents with babies Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Pedestrian
Features Other: Will the hiking trail be cleared in the winter? That would be great Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Pedestrian
Features Overlook/ Seating: Pretty Overlooks Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Pedestrian
Features Wayfinding: "You are here" style maps at intersections Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Pedestrian
Features Wayfinding: Informational/ educational signage Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Pedestrian
Features Wayfinding: Maps at Trailhead Open Poll
9/6 Open House Braemar Pedestrian Trails $900,000+ for walking path seems excessive, maybe walk on gravel or fix Bredeson Open Comment
9/6 Open House Braemar Pedestrian Trails Currently great views from existing walking paths hate to lose those Open Comment
BTE Comment Braemar Pedestrian Trails Disappointed to see hiking paths on east side of park disappear. Could those be retained
while carving the narrower mountain bike trails?John
BTE Comment Braemar Pedestrian Trails
I am concerned about the elimination of the existing hiking trail that runs along the ridgeline
of the hills in the Northwest and East segments of the proposed plan. The views are
spectacular, and it is one of the things that makes the existing hiking trail special. The
proposed plan moves the hiking trail to a lower elevation and shifts the grand views to the
mountain bike trail. There are four main hills on the West and East sides of Braemar Golf
Course. One hill in the NW segment, two hills in the SW segment, and one hill in the East
segment. Is it fair that the mountain bike trail system would get to occupy the highest points
on all four hills? I don't think so. I suggest keeping the existing hiking trail along the ridgeline
on the NW and East segments and incorporating it with the proposed mountain bike trail
plan. There is an opportunity to develop a new ridgeline trail for the mountain bike system on
the two hills in the SW segment since there is not a main hiking trail on either hill.
Lane Jorgensen
BTE Comment Braemar Pedestrian Trails Improved walking path/conditions along breamar boulevard between gleason and frontage
road.
Gregory
KoneznyPage 6 of 8
DATE FEATURE NOTES TYPE
9/6 Open House Braemar Pedestrian Trails Overall Really excited about this hiking trail Open Comment
9/6 Open House Braemar Pedestrian Trails Please leave walking trails along the ridge. I ust the often and would hate to lose them to
bikes Open Comment
BTE Comment Braemar Pedestrian Trails
Some commenters have claimed shared hiker/biker trail are unsafe. That is not accurate, as
Minnesota has been doing sharing for almost 25 years in a variety of situations without issue.
However, the implementation of the shared trail in the southern area is the worst possible
idea: separated, but not, shared but not. Either keep the hiking trail completely separate, with
a split rail fence designating the separation or share them completely in a single multi-use
(hiker/biker) pathway. Both ideas (delineated separation or completely shared) have shown
themselves to be workable in many other trail systems across the state.
Joshua Wayne
BTE Comment Braemar Pedestrian Trails Very concerned about shared mountain biking and pedestrian paths. As depicted, with a
modest grass strip separating the two, it seems unsafe John
9/6 Open House Braemar Pedestrian Trails Very Excited for Hilary Lane walking path!! Will be safer than walking on the road Open Comment
9/6 Open House Braemar Pedestrian Trails We would love great waking/hiking trails that connect to existing trail system Open Comment
9/6 Open House Braemar Pedestrian Trails Will there be lighting?Open Comment
9/6 Open House Courtney Fields Comment 4' Fence where possible for better spectator view Open Comment
9/6 Open House Courtney Fields Comment Brick/Pad backstop w/netting going up (home plate)Open Comment
9/6 Open House Courtney Fields Comment Grandstand Seating like Eden Prairie HS field for Field 1 Open Comment
9/6 Open House Courtney Fields Comment Locker Room for HS Teams Open Comment
9/6 Open House Courtney Fields Comment Outfield Seating- Field 1 bleachers near path in right field Open Comment
9/6 Open House Courtney Fields Comment Outfield Seating- Field 3 for people who cannot walk down hill Open Comment
BTE Comment Courtney Fields Comment The path from the Valley View roundabout to Braemer Field walking track should be
protected for walkers and plowed in the winter.Edina Mom
9/6 Open House Courtney Fields Comment Turf- Currently too many rainouts Open Comment
9/6 Open House Courtney Fields Comment Turf- Fundraiser if possible by baseball people Open Comment
9/6 Open House Courtney Fields Trails Plow paved trails @Courtney (someone used to do this but stopped)Open Comment
9/6 Open House Cross Country Ski Trail
Update Bridge by the dome Open CommentPage 7 of 8
DATE FEATURE NOTES TYPE
9/6 Open House Cross Country Ski Trail
Update Consider plowing paved golf cart paths in Braemar Golf Course in Winter Open Comment
9/6 Open House Cross Country Ski Trail
Update Consider Snow shoe rentals Open Comment
9/6 Open House Cross Country Ski Trail
Update Fat biking trails among XC skiing Open Comment
9/6 Open House Cross Country Ski Trail
Update Hoping for well groomed skate and classic trails. Would love to see 7 KM Open Comment
9/6 Open House Cross Country Ski Trail
Update Improve food service at Braemar Golf Open Comment
9/6 Open House Cross Country Ski Trail
Update Improve golf facility Open Comment
9/6 Open House Cross Country Ski Trail
Update Keep snowshoe trails separate from ski trails (apart from bridges)Open Comment
9/6 Open House Cross Country Ski Trail
Update Many over 1,000 Edina Students on Cross country team, build in snowmaking Open Comment
9/6 Open House Cross Country Ski Trail
Update No skate in the woods, Classic only double tracked in the woods as much as possible Open Comment
9/6 Open House Cross Country Ski Trail
Update
Remember we have a huge ski team plus local youth ski groups and large adult ski
community Open Comment
9/6 Open House Cross Country Ski Trail
Update Separate XC Ski and Walking Path Open Comment
9/6 Open House Cross Country Ski Trail
Update Snowshoe trail in woods not just open tracks Open Comment
9/6 Open House Cross Country Ski Trail
Update Take advantage of view in SW corner by HWY 169 Open Comment
9/6 Open House Cross Country Ski Trail
Update Warming house, lights for night skiing Open Comment
Page 8 of 8
Draft Minutes☒
Approved Minutes☐
Approved Date:
Minutes
City of Edina, Minnesota
Edina Parks & Recreation Commission
Braemar Golf Course
September 12, 2023
7 p.m.
I. Call to Order
Chair Doscotch called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
II. Roll Call
Answering roll call were Commissioners Doscotch, Ites, Luangrath, Pfuhl, Spanhake, Weaver,
Ytterbo and Student Commissioners DiLorenzo and Holtey
Commissioner Welsh arrived at 7:14 p.m.
Staff Present: Staff Liaison Perry Vetter, Assistant Director Parks & Natural Resources Tom Swenson,
Assistant Director Recreation & Facilities Tracy Petersen, Park Planner Rachel Finberg, General
Manager Patty McGrath, Recreation Supervisor Amanda Clarke and Administrative Coordinator Janet
Canton
III. Approval of Meeting Agenda
Motion made by Weaver to approve the meeting agenda. Motion seconded by Pfuhl. Motion
carried.
IV. Approval of Meeting Minutes
Motion made by Weaver to approve the Aug. 8, 2023 minutes. Motion seconded by Pfuhl.
Motion carried.
V. Special Recognitions and Presentations
A. Welcome Student Commissioners
Staff Liaison Vetter introduced the new student Commissioners Alessandra DiLorenzo
and Sonja Holt.
VI. Community Comment
None
VII. Reports/Recommendations
A. Edina Aquatic Center Update
Assistant Director Petersen introduced General Manager Patty McGrath. General Manager
McGrath shared highlights of the summer for the Edina Aquatic Center, including pop-up events,
season dates, after-hours swimming event, and their continued relationship with two different
swim clubs. The Aquatic Center had 118 total rescues of swimmers, ages 3-71. She updated on
concessions, staffing, inspections, and entrance updates. The Commission asked questions
regarding the capacity of the Aquatic Center, 2024 fees, and the history of attendance spikes.
Draft Minutes☒
Approved Minutes☐
Approved Date:
B. Summer Youth and Special Event Programming Update
Assistant Director Petersen introduced Recreation Supervisor Amanda Clarke. Recreation
Supervisor Clarke recapped the summer programs and events, including sports, gymnastics,
dance, inclusion in the traveling team program, art therapy classes, and pool classes. Programs
were offered at eight different parks, and there were 5,232 visits in total. Challenges included the
poor air quality days and lower participation at August camps. The Giving Garden at Lewis Park
has donated 191 pounds of fresh produce to the youth so far this year. Recreation Supervisor
Clarke updated on some upcoming events that are coming up for the fall season. The
Commission asked questions regarding neighborhood fun nights,
C. 2023 Work Plan Initiative 1.6.2: Braemar Park Implementation Review and
Comment
Staff Liaison Vetter introduced Park Planner Rachel Finberg, who gave a presentation to the
Commission on the Braemar Park Implementation. Park Planner Finberg gave an overview of the
project including the phases schematic design (SD), design development (DD), and construction
document (CD) and the importance of the commissions review and comment. Park Planner
Finberg gave an overview of the proposed pedestrian and bicycle trail alignments by segments as
well as the Courtney Fields proposed upgrades, she then opened the floor for Commission
members to comment on the proposed designs.
The Commission asked questions regarding mountain biking mileage, trailheads, restroom
facilities, peak hauling, mountain biking team involvement in trail designs, and the vegetative
buffer. Park Planner Finberg also gave an update on Courtney Fields and the design for trails. The
Commission asked questions regarding fees, internal trail work, events, and total referendum
costs. The Commission asked and provided the following specific comments.
Commissioner Pfuhl asked what is the total amount of mountain biking miles that are there. It
was noted approximately 7.7 mile at this stage of design.
Commissioner Ytterbo asked are local mountain biking teams involved in how these trails are
designed. It was noted they have a representative from the Edina Mountain Biking Team who
gave some of the initial input. Also, MORC is another organization that has given input as well as
there is an executive team that has been giving input. They have been gathering a lot of feedback.
Commissioner Ytterbo asked regarding the middle berm or boardwalk and the long prairie grass is the
idea to have something natural and growing separated. It was noted that the idea is to have a vegetative
buffer for multiple reasons, one to create a third corridor for you but also because that breaks up the
hard surface as well so that would help them also in their permitting in going through those wetland
areas.
Commissioner Ytterbo asked if there would be a maintenance plan, and this should be on the same
maintenance plan as the natives around it so this will all be a maintained area. They will be cognizant of
what species are seeded within these strips. Most of the hiking trail will not be asphalt but will be a soft
surface like a Class 5 which will lend better to the vegetation.
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Chair Doscotch asked on the big loop walking pedestrian trail, what is the total from connection to
connection where you have a start and finish to do the loop, how long is it. It was noted there are
multiple starting points and different areas to loop but it is approximately a little over 3 ½ miles.
Commissioner Doscotch asked does someone have to walk 3 ½ miles to do the loop. It was noted
that they do have smaller loops within the system, it would just be you need to go out and come back.
It was also noted that the main reason for that is to avoid conflict between mountain bikes and
pedestrians.
Commissioner Ytterbo commented he is very excited that they are optimizing the land and he is
thinking about the long-term side of things and asked is it being weighed as they are starting to develop
the maintenance and equipment needed. He knows they’ve talked a little bit about budget and fees but
how is this going to be maintained because it doesn’t look like it’s a fee generated system, how is it
going to work. It was noted from general funding. It was also noted that the mountain biking
community does a lot of work on trails internally whether it be Midwest Off-Road Cycling Association
(MORC) or even the high school team, they are required to do so many hours of volunteer work.
Also, not having the built features will help with that because they are not going to necessarily go out
there and do inspections. They are going to depend a little bit more on the teams to tell them when
something needs to be fixed and managed.
Commissioner Welsh asked if they will be having any events or competitions. It was noted this facility
will not have events and competitions but will be used for riding and practice. They are looking at what
was voiced by the high school team which was skills development. Also noted there is going to be a lot
of people but it’s not a destination point. They are going to allow teams to have practice and they have
talked about the aspect of identifying and acknowledging when those practice times would be and get
that information to the public.
Commission Pfuhl asked if there will be a liaison with MORC and Parks & Recreation. It was noted that
MORC will internally give updates on their trails, but they will still need to communicate with the non-
community and that is where their role will be. The person going to walk there isn’t checking the app
for the mounting biking trail.
Chair Doscotch asked about the feedback from the Gleason neighborhood that showed up at the open
house. It was noted they had a very respectful dialog. It was more of a timing what does it look like,
distances away, how are you going to be operating, etc. It was also noted that most people were
excited and interested in the project and staff relayed to them their commitment to keeping them
informed as they continued to move forward because there is a lot going on with it.
Commissioner Ytterbo asked if this will overlap with the arena because he knows they border each
other, will the plans for the arena come into play with the plans for everything else that is going on at
Braemar. It was noted they are separate and won’t be contingent on each other.
Chair Doscotch commented on the volume of utilization management on those trails and how that will
work. It was noted that hopefully in the future people will know the busiest times of day and the
quietest times. Commission Ytterbo asked how it will be enforced. It was noted they would not close
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the trails; no one would get exclusive use. They need to make sure that people are aware of the
activity that is occurring and to choose wisely.
D. 2023 Work Plan Initiative 1.6.4: Alternative Funding Sources Review and Comment
Commissioner Doscotch presented the Alternative Funding Sources report that was put
together by the initiative group. He gave an overview of the main points of the report and asked
that the Commission would be ready to discuss and ask questions at the next meeting.
E. 2023 Commission Work Plan
Initiative #1 – Support Fred Richards Park Implementation.
Initiative #2 – Support Braemar Park Implementation. Nothing additional to add.
Initiative #3 – Support Braemar Arena Implementation.
Initiative #4 – Alternative Funding Sources. Nothing additional to add.
Initiative #5 – Comparable Community Parks/Recreational Opportunities. Commissioner Pfuhl
asked the Commission to email her what outside of Edina recreation Commissioners were involved in
during the summer months.
Initiative #6 – Parks & Recreation Presentations. Commissioner Weaver updated that he is working
to find updated funding numbers and will have questions for the Commission at the next meeting.
F. 2024 Work Plan Development Discussion
Chair Doscotch updated on the two components that have been discussed: the curing of the first three
initiatives and the development of an initiative related to the climate action plan. Commissioner Pfuhl
asked if there was a way to enhance recycling efforts to enhance the park system. Chair Doscotch
discussed a way to incorporate resident-user experience enhancement into an initiative, what system-
wide changes to make based on quantitative information from residents, and the league issues. The four
items that seem to have most interest are the three from last year plus the climate action plan.
Motion: Evaluate the feasibility and ability to increase community gardens based on need and
opportunity in the park system to do so.
Motion made by Luangrath to approve Initiatives 1, 2, 3, plus the community garden. Motion
seconded by Spanhake. Motion failed.
Doscotch refined the motion to be the following: evaluate the upcoming need for shelters to evaluate
actions to either standardize or not and consider potential climate-related factors that may be involved.
The standardized items should be comparative and look at what other communities are doing. This
would be the fifth initiative.
Motion made by Luangrath to approve the five initiatives for the 2024 Work Plan. Motion
seconded by Spanhake. Motion carried.
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VIII. Chair and Member Comments
Commissioner Ites asked about the update on the trails at Lewis Park.
IX. Staff Comments
A. Upcoming Meetings and Events
October 3, 2023 will be the presentation of 2024 Work Plan.
Monday, November 13, 2023 will be regular meeting, due to Election Day.
X. Adjournment
Motion made by Pfuhl to adjourn the Sept. 12, 2023 meeting at 9:29 p.m. Motion seconded
by Luangrath. Meeting adjourned.
Date: October 17, 2023 Agenda Item #: IV.
To:Mayor and City Council Item Type:
Reports / Recommendation
From:Joseph Abood, General Manager Braemar Golf
Item Activity:
Subject:Braemar Golf Operational Update Information
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
None, information for discussion only.
INTRODUCTION:
Staff will provide an informational update on Braemar Golf operations and any overlap with the Braemar Park
master plan initiatives.