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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-08-12 PARC MinutesDraft Minutes❑ Approved Minutes® Approved Date: 09/ 10/2024 7.1 Review and Comment: Edina Baseball Association Special Project Request for Countryside Park Staff Liaison Vetter stated that the Edina Baseball Association presented their Special Project Request for Countryside Park at their May meeting. Since that meeting, the City Council approved a Community Engagement Plan, which has been completed. Currently, comments from the Parks & Recreation Commission are needed. The following items were noted: • The Edina Baseball Association would like to replace the infields for the two baseball fields at Countryside Park with artificial turf. The outfields will remain natural grass. • The Edina Baseball Association would like to install scoreboards for the two baseball fields at Countryside Park. • The Edina Baseball Association asked for the ability to install lighting for the two baseball fields at Countryside Park. However, this request was withdrawn. • It was determined that Countryside Park is allowed to have a scoreboard. The maximum allowed space per scoreboard is 100 square feet. Up to 25% of the scoreboard can be used for sponsorship (advertising). Commissioner Spanhake asked how many of the community parks have artificial turf fields. It was noted there are no baseball or softball fields within the park system that are turfed. Commissioner Luangrath asked if the artificial turf would decrease the cost of maintaining the field. It was noted the answer to this question is unclear. However, the artificial turf installation would not reduce the number of employees. Rather than dragging and chalking the fields, there would be more attention to the safety and drainage of the turf. The discussion turned to the potential cost of replacement in approximately 15 years followed by a discussion relating to the reliability of the fields versus the need for additional fields. Commissioner Spanhake asked if the city has any contractual obligation to not use the space. It was noted the answer is no. Commissioner Spanhake also asked who would be overseeing the project. It was noted the city would likely oversee the project, but that decision has not been made yet. Chair Doscotch asked what it would cost the city to return the field to natural grass at some point in the future. It was noted it would likely cost the same amount as a replacement. There was discussion regarding the possibility of carcinogens associated with artificial turf. Chair Doscotch stated that he'd like to make sure the funding is secured prior to the initiation of the project. Commissioner Spanhake asked what the life expectancy is for the field upon completion of the project. It was noted the answer is between 10 and 15 years but because the field will be used for younger children the life expectancy will likely extend more towards the 15-year mark. However, some wear -and -tear should be expected in certain areas. Draft Minutes❑ Approved Minutes® Approved Date: 09/ 10/2024 Additional conversation ensued. Commissioner Luangrath commented that the artificial turf improves reliability, but not necessarily capacity. Adding artificial turf does not resolve the problem of 120 Edina children playing in other community leagues. Chair Doscotch stated that the uneven surface creates risks for participants and having the artificial turf will improve that issue. 7.2 Review and Comment: Fred Richards Park 30% Design Park Planner Finberg introduced Mo Convery, landscape architect from Confluence, who went over the 30% design phase. It was noted comments are vital at this phase because changes become more and more difficult to implement as the design phase progresses. Ms. Convery referred to a presentation that she was sharing with the Parks & Recreation Commissioners. While working with local and regional regulatory agencies, some realignments became necessary to protect some of the existing wetlands. The parking lot has shifted due to an existing wetland. To keep the needed parking capacity, the storage building that was originally proposed will need to be worked into some of the existing buildings on site. Ms. Convery pointed out an area that is being called a "Food Forrest" and a "Bird Sanctuary." She provided a 3D view of the entire park and pointed out a "Social Lawn" area. Ms. Convery stated that the original project called for the renovation of existing structures for the purpose of food service and restrooms. It has since been brought to light that a new building better suits these needs and is more cost-effective. Ms. Convery expressed the importance of disbursing "play elements" throughout the park. There will be sensory elements incorporated throughout the park with musical instruments and looking glasses being placed along the boardwalk area. The playground will be fully accessible, nature- themed, and incorporate many different materials. Ms. Convery stated that there were over 800 people who gave feedback, and the comments were mostly positive in nature. There were requests for dedicated dog areas and a splash pad, but the city has declined to pursue these amenities. She stated that the hope is to begin construction in the spring and summer of 2025. Additional conversation ensued regarding the fact that even though there will not be a "dog park," dogs will be using the park. There will be 12.5 acres of wetlands in the park. The current wetlands are low to poor quality, and the goal is to increase the quality. Draft Minutes❑ Approved Minutes® Approved Date: 09/ 10/2024 Chair Doscotch asked if any consideration had been given to the use of solar power for the park. It was noted the planning is not quite far enough along to consider it yet, but the idea was well received. It was also noted limiting the environmental impact as much as possible is the goal. General Park hours will be observed, and there will be safety lighting along the trails. Commissioner Pettit asked if there would be options for sports rental equipment at the park. It was noted possibly, that is something that will be looked at from a programming standpoint. Chair Doscotch asked for a description of how the pavilion will be used. It was noted currently, the main function will be for restrooms, storage, and some sort of food service. Additional conversation ensued. The discussion then shifted towards the specific use of sports courts within the Edina Parks system. Commissioner Pettit asked about the rules of the quiet zone. It was noted the quiet zones are part of the effort for a more inclusive playground area. Quiet zones help benefit children who tend to become overstimulated. Commissioner Spanhake asked for more details regarding what the people who live on the north perimeter of the park will be seeing from their yards. It was noted there will be a mix of berms while attempting to maintain the natural feel of the current landscape along with some natural - looking fencing. In general, these folks will basically see the wetlands. 7.3 2025 Commission Work Plan Development Chair Doscotch stated that the Work Plans currently run for a complete year. There are discussions ongoing as to whether the Work Plans should be two years in duration. At the City Council meeting in October, the Chair will present ideas for the upcoming year, Staff will then have an opportunity to review the ideas, and the City Council will ultimately approve the Work Plan in December that will begin in January. There cannot be more than four members assigned to each work plan initiative. Potential 2025 Work Plan Initiative Ideas: • Continuation: Review and Comment on Braemar Arena Implementation. It makes sense for this to continue into next year. The architectural selection should be made this week. • Continuation: Review and compare park shelter building amenities and functions. A rough draft is being reviewed. A professional services contract is also being drafted. There is a firm that can assist in laying out the two different scenarios for the purpose of comparing and contrasting. • New. Review 2016 Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan content, identify key study areas to include in upcoming 2026 update for topics, research and potential data collection. This is an item that received praise. Draft Minutes❑ Approved Minutes® Approved Date: 09/ 10/2024 • New. Research and if feasible, develop action plan or further research of no more than two Alternative Funding Strategies (2023 Work Plan Item) to progress that initiative. Perhaps sponsorship of properties and philanthropic opportunities are two areas that could be examined under this category. • New. Review Action Plan memo from Energy and Environment commission. There is a community garden section that may get resolved this year. It is unclear if there is an actual need for a community garden. • New. Review Parks Strategic Plan Implementation framework. 8. Chair and Member Comments Chair Doscotch talked about Student Commissioner Alessandra DiLorenzo and thanked her for her contributions to the Parks & Recreation Commission. 8.1 Commission Correspondence Commissioner Welsh asked about the splash pad questions. Does anyone respond to the questions? If community members contact Staff, they will receive an answer. It was noted because they commented to the Parks & Recreation Commission, the options are: 1) Do nothing; or, 2) Gather in a small group and formulate a response. Commissioner Welsh asked for a history of splash pads in Edina. It was noted Splash pads have never been suggested in any of the Master Plans. A significant drawback is the fact that splash pads require a vast capital investment. Also, a free splash pad would draw people away from the Aquatic Center which has strict revenue goals. In addition, a splash pad is not sustainable because it uses a lot of freshwater resources. Commissioner Welsh would like there to be responses to community members who are submitting comments to the Parks & Recreation Commission. Commissioner Welsh stated that she goes to other communities to use their splash pads and suggested that perhaps there could be ways to incorporate more water features into the Edina Parks system. Staff Liaison Vetter pointed out due to the Public Meeting Rules, not more than four Parks & Recreation Commissioners can meet to formulate an answer to the comment. The answer can then be presented to the entire Parks & Recreation Commission for approval at the next meeting. Additional conversation ensued regarding splash pads. 9. Staff Comments 9.1 Upcoming Meetings and Events Staff Liaison Vetter gave the following updates: Draft Minutes❑ Approved Minutes® Approved Date: 09/ 10/2024 The feedback is that Braemar Park is home to some of the best mountain biking trails in the metro area. A ribbon cutting ceremony is being planned for Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, at 5 p.m. at the golf dome. Currently there are approximately 6.5 miles of mountain bike trails and about 2.5 miles of hiking trails. There is still one leg left to do, which is being held up by some regulatory review. The expected completion date is 2025. The walking tour that was cancelled due to rain is going to be rescheduled. Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024, the Parks & Recreation Commission has a Joint Work Session with the City Council, attendance is recommended but not required. Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, is the next regular Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting. The November Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 13. 10. Adjournment Motion made by Spanhake to adjourn the Aug. 12, 2024, meeting at 8:59 p.m. Motion seconded by Welsh. Meeting adjourned.