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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/05/2025 Meeting Location: Municipal Center 7100 147th Street West Apple Valley, Minnesota 55124 June 5, 2025 Parks And Recreation Advisory Committee Informal Meeting Tentative Agenda 6:00 PM 1. Tour of Splash Valley Water Park (14421 Johnny Cake Ridge Road) (until 6:45pm) 2. Misc. Committee/Staff Communications Parks And Recreation Advisory Committee Regular Meeting Tentative Agenda 7:00 PM 1. Call to Order and Pledge 2. Approval of the Agenda 3. Audience 4. Approval of the May 2025 Minutes 5. Agenda Items A. Committee's Annual Report B. Department's Annual Report C. Division Updates: Aquatics and Youth & Family D. Kelley Park Update 6. Committee / Staff Discussion Items 7. Input from Committee Members on Next Agenda A. Future Meeting Items Update on Joint Powers Agreements Update on City’s relationship with local youth athletic associations Volunteer opportunities Update on Welcome to Apple Valley sign near Redwood Park 8. Adjourn NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETINGS : Thursday, July 17, 3:00 p.m. – Visit to Landscape Structures (No Regular Meeting) Regular meetings are broadcast, live, on Charter Communications Cable Channel 180 and on the City's website at www.applevalleymn.gov ITEM: 4. PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY City of June 5, 2025 COMMITTEE MEETING DATE: SECTION: Regular CITY OF APPLE VALLEY PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE June 5, 2025 Minutes of the May 1, 2025, Apple Valley Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting. PRESENT: Committee Chair Mark Schori; Committee Members Craig Long, Jess Smith, and Jessica Merchant; Parks and Recreation Director Eric Carlson; Park Superintendent Steve Rother; Recreation Superintendent Nate Rosa; and Administrative Coordinator Kayla Hechsel. ABSENT: Committee Members Randy Bailey, Dave Freed, and Noel Hammill; Recreation Facilities Manager Brian Christianson; and Golf Course Manager Jim Zinck. ITEM 1. Call to Order Committee Chair Schori called the meeting to order at 7:00p.m. Everyone took part in the Pledge of Allegiance. Chair Schoir also welcomed Jessica Merchant, our new committee member, who then introduced herself. ITEM 2. Approval of Agenda MOTION: byLong, seconded by Smith, approving the agenda as presented. VOTE: Yes – 4, No – 0 ITEM 3. Audience – 10 Minutes Total Time Limit – For Items Not on the Agenda No one present tospeak. ITEM 4. Approval of the March 2025 Minutes MOTION: by Smith, seconded by Long, to approve the March 2025 minutes as presented. VOTE: Yes – 4, No – 0 ITEM 5.A. Agenda Items – Kelley Park Project Update Parks & Recreation Director Eric Carlson provided an update on the Kelley Park project, for which the Guaranteed Maximum Price is to be approved at the upcoming City Council meeting on May 8. Director Carlson highlighted the new amenities being added to the park and explained how used water from the splash pad will be used as irrigation for the park. CITY OF APPLE VALLEY PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE June 5, 2025 ITEM 5.B. Agenda Items – 2025 Neighborhood Park Project Plan Update Director Carlson updated the committee on the neighborhood park projects set to take place in 2025 and explained that improvements at three parks—Apple Valley East, Belmont, and Delaney—will be delayed until 2026 due to staff workload. He highlighted the surveys we used to gather the community’s preferences on the playground equipment at each park and walked through the improvement plans for each park. Discussion about the surface material also took place, and it was explained that we will be replacing the sand in these neighborhood playgrounds with engineered wood fiber to meet ADA requirements. Director Carlson also described stormwater improvements planned for Duchess, Pennock, and Greening parks. Committee Member Long asked for more information on the construction timeline, and Director Carlson shared that we are going to bid in mid-May, will be awarding bids in July, and have construction take place from July through November. Committee Chair Schori asked how playground manufacturers were chosen, and Director Carlson outlined our process for selection, which included providing the manufacturers with our dollar amount and then presenting their proposals to the community for residents to select their preferred equipment. ITEM 5.C. Agenda Items – Dakota County Parks, Greenways, and Natural Systems 2050 Vision Plan Director Carlson provided a brief update on Dakota County’s 2050 Vision Plan for the county’s park system and discussed how citizens can learn more and/or give their feedback. ITEM 6. Committee/Staff Discussion Items No additional items were discussed. ITEM 7. Input from Committee Members on Next Agenda Committee Member Merchant shared information she learned from Landscape Structures regarding strategic playground design tailored to the needs of the children in that area. Committee Member Long asked for more information about volunteer opportunities to assist with park plantings or cleanup. Committee Chair Schori asked for an update on the Welcome to Apple Valley sign adjacent to Redwood Park. Director Carlson invited the community to the Hayes Youth Athletic Complex groundbreaking ceremony on May 22 at 6 p.m. and the Splash Valley Water Park ribbon cutting event on June 12 at 4:45 p.m. - 2 of 3 - CITY OF APPLE VALLEY PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE June 5, 2025 ITEM 8.Adjourn There being no further business, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting was adjourned. MOTION:MOTION:byLong, seconded by Smith,to adjourn the meeting at 7:45p.m. VOTE:VOTE:Yes –4,No –0 Respectfully Submitted, Kayla Hechsel, Administrative Coordinator Approved by the Apple Valley Parks and Recreation Advisory CommitteeMark Schori, Chair on June 5, 2025. -3of 3- ITEM: 5.A. COUNCIL MEETING DATE: June 5, 2025 SECTION: Agenda Items Description: Committee's Annual Report Staff Contact: Department / Division: Kayla Hechsel, Parks and Recreation Parks and Recreation Administrative Coordinator Action Requested: Approve the Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee’s 2024 year-end report Summary: By City ordinance, the Committee is required to provide an annual report to Council. A staff- prepared Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee’s 2024 year-end report is provided for your review. Background: Chapter 21 of the City Ordinances outlines establishment, membership and terms of the City’s advisory committees. Section 32.03 of the Chapter directs that on or before April 1 of each year, the Committee shall submit to the Council a report of its work during the preceding year. Due to department staff’s currently heavy workload, this report is being presented to Council later in the year. The Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee’s 2024 year-end report is provided for your approval prior to its submission to Council. Budget Impact: N/A Attachments: 1. 2024 PRAC Annual Report 3 1 3 4 3135 QBSLT!'!SFDSFBUJPO!BEWJTPSZ!DPNNJUUFF!BOOVBM!SFQPSU PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE The Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC) is an appointed committee of volunteer citizens. The purpose of the PRAC is to advise and make recommendations to City Council concerning parks, recreation, open space, and trail issues. In addition, the PRAC provides input to City staff, acting as an advisory board on community interests concerning recreation and parks. The PRAC consists of seven members who are appointed by City Council for three-year terms. The Chair and Secretary are elected annually by the committee at an organizational meeting that is typically held in March. 2024 COMMITTEE MEMBERS NAMETERM BEGANTERM ENDS Randy Bailey20242027 Dave Freed20202024 Noel Hammill20132025 Lisa Hiebert (Chair)20192026 Craig Long20222025 Mark Schori (Secretary)20192025 Jess Smith20242026 2 MEMBERS’ ROLE The PRAC’s work covers a broad range of issues that must be acted upon in a timely manner. Occasionally, the formation of a “task force” or “study group” becomes necessary to look intoor work further on more complex issues. Participation in these groups is voluntary. In 2024, PRAC members focused on design concepts for signature Parks Referendum projects and gathering community feedback for the Parks Amenity Plan. PARK DEDICATION The City has enacted an ordinance under Minnesota law that grants a community the authority to receive land or cash (in lieu of land) for purposes of parks from residential and commercial developers. This dedication is set depending on the size of the proposed development and whether it is a residential or commercial development. If the amount of land is not sufficient to support a park, a cash dedication is accepted. The amount of the cash dedication is based on the type of residential or commercial unit. The cash collected goes into a fund for purchase and/or development of parks throughout the city. The PRAC reviews dedication funds when appropriate. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN GUIDE Required by the Metropolitan Council, the City of Apple Valley maintains a “Comprehensive Guide Plan” for the City. Neighborhood service areas are defined to help determine park needs for each portion of the City. A complete copy of the Plan is available on the City’s website at www.applevalleymn.gov. VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION The City is fortunate to have many citizens who step forward and volunteer to help in the community. One prime example can be found on our various advisory committees and commissions, where we currently have over 40 active citizens dedicating their time and talents to the betterment of our community. National Volunteer Recognition Week was observed April 21–27, 2024, and the City extended thanks to all our volunteers. In addition to our City committee/commission volunteer members, the Parks & Recreation Department was extremely fortunate to have813 individuals volunteer over 4,000 hours in our parks system in 2024. We are grateful for their dedication to keeping our parks clean and beautiful. 3 2024 MEETINGS City Resolution 2010-39 outlines that Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meetings are held the first Thursday of January, March, May, September, and November. The resolution also permits the Committee Chair to call special meetings as needed. Due to the volume of projects resulting from the successful 2023 Parks Referendum, the Committee scheduled meetings for the first Thursday of every month in 2024. Staff cancelled unnecessary meetings when there were no business items to discuss. Meetings were held on Feb. 1, March 7, April 4, May 2, June 6, July 18 (park tour), Aug. 1, Sept. 5, Oct. 3, and Nov. 21. Regular meetings were held in the Municipal Center’s Council Chambers and broadcast on Charter Communication Cable Channel 180 starting at 7 p.m. Recordings of Regular meetings were also made available on YouTube. Informal meetings were held at 6 p.m. in a Municipal Center conference room prior to each Regular meeting. Items of Discussion at Meetings Included: AlimagnetPark NRMPNorth Creek Region Greenway plans Aquatic Center renamingParks Amenity Plan Department staff changesPark sign master plan Division updatesParks referendum projects Naming rights of parks facilities BUS TOUR OF THE PARK SYSTEM (July 18, 2024) On this year’s annual tour, staff and the PRAC visited parks located close together to discuss the concentration of similar amenities in the park system and prepare for conversations with the community about an amenity replacement plan. These parks included Keller, Duchess, Greening, Pennock, Newell, Wallace, Heritage, Belmont, Chaparral, Palomino, Cedar Knolls, Nordic, Findlay, Faith, and Greenleaf Parks. Stops at AlimagnetPark and Hayes Arena also occurred for updates on projects at those locations. 4 PARKS REFERENDUM PROJECTS The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee dedicated most of 2024 to projects from the 2023 Parks Referendum. They reviewed concepts and designs, analyzed budgets, and helped select colors, themes, and playground equipment. This year, the PRAC focused on the following projects: Pickleball Court Complex Addition at Johnny Cake Ridge Park Concrete Skate Park Construction Cobblestone Trail Reconstruction Splash Valley Water Park Improvements and Rebranding Redwood Park and Redwood Community Pool Reconstruction Kelley Park Reconstruction Hayes Youth Athletic Complex Construction Hayes Arena Refrigeration Replacement Park Sign Master Plan For more information on the Parks Referendum projects and their progress, visit www.applevalleymn.gov/parksprojects. 5 PARKS AMENITY PLAN Of the $73.25 million approved by Apple Valley residents in the 2023 Parks Referendum, $18,750,000 is dedicated to making improvements in Apple Valley’s neighborhood parks. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee spent several months assisting staff with the creation of the Parks Amenity Plan, which defines the type and schedule of improvements that will be made in each of Apple Valley’s parks. The City launched a strategic public engagement initiative to gather community input on the Parks Amenity Plan, focusing on residents’ views on proposed park improvements. The PRAC participated in 50 public meetings (one in each park) from late July through August 2024, engaging with over 1,000 attendees. Dozens of citizens also spoke with the PRAC at their regular meetings to share their feedback on the Parks Amenity Plan. The Parks Amenity Plan contains specific guidelines regarding the following park amenities: Playgrounds Tennis courts Pickleball courts Basketball courts Trails Ballfield backstops Stormwater retention basins The Parks Amenity Plan was adopted by the PRAC on Nov. 21, 2024, and by the City Council on Dec. 26, 2024. 6 THANK YOU Thank you to the Apple Valley City Council and the residents of Apple Valley for your continued support of the Parks & Recreation Department and the Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee in our efforts to provide opportunities for outstanding quality-of-life experiences. Sincerely, The Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee 3135 QBSLT!'!SFDSFBUJPO!BEWJTPSZ!DPNNJUUFF!BOOVBM!SFQPSU ITEM: 5.B. COUNCIL MEETING DATE: June 5, 2025 SECTION: Agenda Items Description: Department's Annual Report Staff Contact: Department / Division: Kayla Hechsel, Parks and Recreation Parks and Recreation Administrative Coordinator Action Requested: Approve the Parks & Recreation Department’s 2024 year-end report Summary: Each department is required to provide an annual report to Council. Staff prepared the Parks & Recreation Department’s 2024 year-end report, and it is provided for your review. Background: It is customary for City departments to provide the City Council with an annual report, and the Parks & Recreation Department typically submits this report to Council at the end of March or beginning of April. According to Chapter 21, Section 32.03 of the City Ordinances, the Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee shall also submit to the Council a report of its work during the preceding year on or before April 1 of each year. The delay in bringing this report to the Committee and Council this year is due to department staff’s heavy workload at present. The Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee’s annual report makes up the first few pages of the full Parks & Recreation Department’s report. The full Department’s 2024 year-end report is provided for your approval prior to its submission to Council. Budget Impact: N/A Attachments: 1. 2024 Parks & Rec Dept Annual Report 3 1 3 4 3135 BOOVBM!SFQPSU UBCMF!PG!DPOUFOUT PAGE(S)TOPIC 3Letter from the Director 4Demographics 5Staff Information 6–8Advisory Committee 9–10Parks Referendum Projects 11–12Community Events 13–14Parks Maintenance 15–16Arenas 17–19ValleywoodGolf Course 20–22Senior Center 23–24Aquatics 25–26Adult Athletics 27–29Youth & Family Recreation Programs 2 EJSFDUPS“T!MFUUFS Dear Apple Valley Community: I’m excited to share highlights from a remarkable year in our 2024 Annual Report. Thanks to your continued support, we’ve strengthened our parks system, expanded recreation opportunities, and laid the groundwork for an even brighter future. This year, community events like Mid-Winter Fest, Freedom Days, and our new Fall Food Truck Festival brought thousands together. At the Senior & Event Center, over 27,000 visits were recorded by 804 active members. With your support of the 2023 Parks Referendum, we made major progress on $73.25 million in improvements, including: Renovating the newly rebranded Splash Valley Water Park Building pickleball courts, a skate park, and new trails Developing the Hayes Park Youth Athletic Complex Reconstructing Redwood Park and the Redwood Community Pool Upgrading Kelley Park and Hayes Arena We also adopted the Parks Amenity Plan, which was shaped by your feedback from 50 public meetings and outlines $18.75 million in neighborhood park improvements. Thanks to 813 volunteers and our hardworking staff, all 51 city parks were adopted— an incredible milestone. ValleywoodGolf Course and Hayes Arena saw major upgrades, while participation in programs across all ages continued to grow. As we look ahead to 2025, we remain committed to innovation, inclusion, and building a stronger Apple Valley. With Gratitude, Eric Carlson, Parks & Recreation Director 3 EFNPHSBQIJDT+ POPULATIONHOUSEHOLDSEMPLOYMENTHOUSEHOLD SIZE 56,25221,92715,5492.53 ETHNICITY MEDIAN AVERAGE White: 69% HOUSEHOLD WAGE Black: 10% INCOME $49,768 Other: 8% $99,300 Hispanic: 7% Asian: 6% Apple BenchmarkAverageBurnsvilleEaganLakevilleRosemount Valley Population Estimate57,97155,67364,52268,88973,82826,943 Square Miles301827333835 Number of City Parks585176606736 Number of City Park Acres 1,0247011,1061,3961,214705 (excl. golf course) Number of City Park Acres 1,0678911,1271,3961,214705 (incl. golf course) Miles of Concrete 5914540378971 Sidewalk Miles of Bituminous Trails87745711214251 Residents per Square Mile2,1893,2832,5992,2092,044810 *Data obtained from Met Council, 2022 4 EFQBSUNFOU!TUBGG JOGPSNBUJPO FULL TIME/PART SEASONAL (NON- FULL-TIME EQUIVALENTS (FTEs)TOTAL TIME (BENEFITTED)BENEFITTED) Parks & Recreation Administration7.85-7.85 Park Maintenance16.495.7222.22 Recreation Programs-3.443.44 Apple Valley Community Center1.002.753.75 Apple Valley Senior Center3.150.533.68 Aquatics-13.5313.53 ValleywoodGolf Course4.012.0816.08 Arenas2.03.325.32 Total FTEs34.4941.3775.87 Number of People36400 +/- PARKS & REC EMPLOYEES20202021202220232024 Combined Years of Service748686637638619 FOURSTAFF RETIRED IN 2024. Thank you for your combined 118 years of dedicated service, Pat Casperson (36 years), Rich Wiggin (46 years), Mike Endres (24 years) & Debby Shepard (12 years)! 5 BEWJTPSZ!DPNNJUUFF PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE The Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC) is an appointed committee of volunteer citizens. The purpose of the PRAC is to advise and make recommendations to City Council concerning parks, recreation, open space, and trail issues. In addition, the PRAC provides input to City staff, acting as an advisory board on community interests concerning recreation and parks. The PRAC consists of seven members who are appointed by City Council for three-year terms. The Chair and Secretary are elected annually by the committee at an organizational meeting that is typically held in March. 2024 COMMITTEE MEMBERS NAMETERM BEGANTERM ENDS Randy Bailey20242027 Dave Freed20202024 Noel Hammill20132025 Lisa Hiebert (Chair)20192026 Craig Long20222025 Mark Schori (Secretary)20192025 Jess Smith20242026 6 BEWJTPSZ!DPNNJUUFF )DPOU/* MEMBERS’ ROLE The PRAC’s work covers a broad range of issues that must be acted upon in a timely manner. Occasionally, the formation of a “task force” or “study group” becomes necessary to look intoor work further on more complex issues. Participation in these groups is voluntary. In 2024, PRAC members focused on design concepts for signature Parks Referendum projects and gathering community feedback for the Parks Amenity Plan. PARK DEDICATION The City has enacted an ordinance under Minnesota law that grants a community the authority to receive land or cash (in lieu of land) for purposes of parks from residential and commercial developers. This dedication is set depending on the size of the proposed development and whether it is a residential or commercial development. If the amount of land is not sufficient to support a park, a cash dedication is accepted. The amount of the cash dedication is based on the type of residential or commercial unit. The cash collected goes into a fund for purchase and/or development of parks throughout the city. The PRAC reviews dedication funds when appropriate. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN GUIDE Required by the Metropolitan Council, the City of Apple Valley maintains a “Comprehensive Guide Plan” for the City. Neighborhood service areas are defined to help determine park needs for each portion of the City. A complete copy of the Plan is available on the City’s website at www.applevalleymn.gov. VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION The City is fortunate to have many citizens who step forward and volunteer to help in the community. One prime example can be found on our various advisory committees and commissions, where we currently have over 40 active citizens dedicating their time and talents to the betterment of our community. National Volunteer Recognition Week was observed April 21–27, 2024, and the City extended thanks to all our volunteers. In addition to our City committee/commission volunteer members, the Parks & Recreation Department was extremely fortunate to have813 individuals volunteer over 4,000 hours in our parks system in 2024. We are grateful for their dedication to keeping our parks clean and beautiful. 7 BEWJTPSZ!DPNNJUUFF )DPOU/* 2024 MEETINGS City Resolution 2010-39 outlines that Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meetings are held the first Thursday of January, March, May, September, and November. The resolution also permits the Committee Chair to call special meetings as needed. Due to the volume of projects resulting from the successful 2023 Parks Referendum, the Committee scheduled meetings for the first Thursday of every month in 2024. Staff cancelled unnecessary meetings when there were no business items to discuss. Meetings were held on Feb. 1, March 7, April 4, May 2, June 6, July 18 (park tour), Aug. 1, Sept. 5, Oct. 3, and Nov. 21. Regular meetings were held in the Municipal Center’s Council Chambers and broadcast on Charter Communication Cable Channel 180 starting at 7 p.m. Recordings of Regular meetings were also made available on YouTube. Informal meetings were held at 6 p.m. in a Municipal Center conference room prior to each Regular meeting. Items of Discussion at Meetings Included: AlimagnetPark NRMPNorth Creek Region Greenway plans Aquatic Center renamingParks Amenity Plan Department staff changesParks referendum projects Division updatesPark sign master plan Naming rights of parks facilities BUS TOUR OF THE PARK SYSTEM (July 18, 2024) On this year’s annual tour, staff and the PRAC visited parks located close together to discuss the concentration of similar amenities in the park system and prepare for conversations with the community about an amenity replacement plan. These parks included Keller, Duchess, Greening, Pennock, Newell, Wallace, Heritage, Belmont, Chaparral, Palomino, Cedar Knolls, Nordic, Findlay, Faith, and Greenleaf Parks. Stops at AlimagnetPark and Hayes Arena also occurred for updates on projects at those locations. 8 QBSLT!SFGFSFOEVN QSPKFDUT PARKS REFERENDUM PROJECTS Staff and the PRAC dedicated much of 2024 to projects from the 2023 Parks Referendum. Concepts and designs were reviewed, budgets were scrutinized, contracts were signed, and colors, themes, and playground equipment were selected. Staff focused on the following projects this year: Pickleball Court Complex Addition at Johnny Cake Ridge Park Concrete Skate Park Construction Cobblestone Trail Reconstruction Splash Valley Water Park Improvements and Rebranding Redwood Park and Redwood Community Pool Reconstruction Kelley Park Reconstruction Hayes Youth Athletic Complex Construction Hayes Arena Refrigeration Replacement Park Sign Master Plan For more information on the Parks Referendum projects and their progress, visit www.applevalleymn.gov/parksprojects. 9 QBSLT!SFGFSFOEVN QSPKFDUT!)DPOU/* PARKS AMENITY PLAN Of the $73.25 million approved by Apple Valley residents in the 2023 Parks Referendum, $18,750,000 is dedicated to making improvements in Apple Valley’s neighborhood parks. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee spent several months assisting staff with the creation of the Parks Amenity Plan, which defines the type and schedule of improvements that will be made in each of Apple Valley’s parks. The City launched a strategic public engagement initiative to gather community input on the Parks Amenity Plan, focusing on residents’ views on proposed park improvements. Staff hosted 50 public meetings (one in each park) from late July through August 2024, engaging with over 1,000 attendees. Dozens of citizens also spoke with staff and the PRAC at their regular meetings to share their feedback on the Parks Amenity Plan. The Parks Amenity Plan contains specific guidelines regarding the following park amenities: Playgrounds Tennis courts Pickleball courts Basketball courts Trails Ballfield backstops Stormwater retention basins The Parks Amenity Plan was adopted by the PRAC on Nov. 21, 2024, and by the City Council on Dec. 26, 2024. 10 DPNNVOJUZ!FWFOUT Apple Valley Parks & Recreation hosts special events throughout the year to bring the community together in celebration. The two primary events held every year are Mid-Winter Fest in February and Freedom Days in July. This year’s events also included the fourth annual Trunk-or-Treat, which was held in the parking lot of the Apple Valley Family Aquatic Center. The Apple Valley Police Department hosts this event, and Parks & Recreation assists. And new this year was the inaugural Fall Food Truck Festival, which took place at Kelley Park in September. MID-WINTER FEST (Saturday, Feb. 3) This year’s mild weather brought nearly 1,500 people together to enjoy activities, entertainment, and refreshments at the annual Mid-Winter Fest at Johnny Cake Ridge Park West. The event kicked off with over 150 people participating in the annual Medallion Hunt. For the first time in Mid-Winter Fest history, the medallion was hidden in Greening Park! Due to a lack of snow and ice, the traditional Mites Hockey Jamboree and snowshoeing, sledding, and skating activities were replaced with a coloring contest and s’mores making around the six firepits. Families also enjoyed tasty food truck meals, horse-drawn wagon rides, and hours of garden-cart train rides pulled by the Police Department’s UTV. Entertainment included KidsdanceDJ and 90’s music by cover band Flannel. The event concluded with a spectacular, newly designed fireworks show. The launch site of the show was repositioned and greatly improved the spectators’ view. Thank you to our sponsors and the Police and Fire Departments for making the event a huge success! 11 DPNNVOJUZ!FWFOUT )DPOU/* FREEDOM DAYS (Friday, June 28–Friday, July 5) The annual July Fourth celebration, Freedom Days, has been coordinated by a committee of dedicated volunteers for many years. The Apple Valley Seniors were back for their second successful year serving root beer floats on Saturday, June 30. The Parks & Recreation Department hosted the annual two-and five-mile Fun Runs, which were held on the morning of Thursday, July 4. Unfortunately, storms rolled in right after the run, forcing the parade, carnival, and fireworks show to be postponed for the first time in the history of the 58-year celebration. However, a good time was had by all at the make-up fireworks show on Friday, July 5! FALL FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL (Saturday, Sept. 14) An inaugural Food Truck Festival was held in Kelley Park and 10 food trucks with a wide variety of tasty fares participated. From egg rolls to 20 different kinds of brownies, roughly 500 attended the festivities. Live music and community groups offering family activities complemented the food vendor offerings. Staff look forward to making this an annual event. TRUNK-OR-TREAT (Saturday, Oct. 26) The fourth annual Trunk-or-Treat event was help on Saturday, October 26, in the Apple Valley Family Aquatic Center parking lot. Over 1,000 kids wearing costumes trick-or-treated their way through rows of 30+ decorated vehicles sponsored by local businesses and community groups. This event is organized by the Police Department with assistance from the Parks & Recreation Department. 12 QBSL!NBJOUFOFODF PARK MAINTENANCE DIVISION In 2024, the Park Maintenance Division continued to maintain more than 680 acres of parkland on a daily basis, which included plowing over 81 miles of trails and walkways during snow events. These efforts ensured our facilities, athletic fields, trails, and playgrounds remained clean, safe, and playable. COMMUNITY SUPPORT Volunteers from across the community provide invaluable assistance in maintaining our parks. Parks Maintenance staff routinely work with private individuals, boy scout troops, and local businesses and churches to tackle large projects such as pulling weeds, laying mulch, and removing invasive species. Thank you to the numerous volunteers who help keep our parks clean! DID YOU KNOW? In 2024—and for the first time in history—all 51 of Apple Valley’s parks were adopted by the Adopt-a-Park program! 13 QBSL!NBJOUFOFODF )DPOU/* HIGHLIGHTS OF 2024: With help from a few City contracts, parks staff performed or oversaw the removal of all remaining non-treated ash trees (nearly 300) from maintained areas of the parks. In partnership with Tree Trust, three planting beds were replaced at Cobblestone Lake Park. Old siding at the Galaxie Park warming house was replaced with maintenance-free siding. Using a forestry mower, site lines were cleared in various parks. Parks staff worked with City engineers and Dakota County to complete a missing trail segment of the North Creek Regional Greenway from 155th Street W to 160th Street W. As part of the project, parks crews were able to correct some drainage issues within Quarry Point Park. Parks staff also facilitated the following volunteer projects: Willow and weed removal around Cobblestone Lake and mulch replacement in flower beds and around trees with 200 Wings Financial volunteers. Two “Buckthorn Busts” at Alimagnet Park. Replanted a section of wooded area at Wildwood Park after buckthorn removal with the Eco Advocates. Installation of two bat houses on the west side of Cobblestone Lake with a local boy scout. 14 BSFOBT HAYES ARENA Big changes came to Hayes Arena in 2024. The refrigeration project as part of the 2023 Parks Referendum kicked off in early March, and the Hayes Arena was closed March through May for construction. The facility re-opened in time for the summer ice season to begin in mid-June. The first season with the new refrigeration system went incredibly well, and staff are already seeing reductions in both energy and water use thanks to the new equipment. While the mechanical aspects of the project are complete, we look forward to making additional cosmetic upgrades to the interior and exterior of Hayes Arena in the future. The refrigeration replacement project included: New rink floor and dasher boards New refrigeration system Upgraded bleacher seating Garage door replacement New scoreboard Updated interior branding Laser level added to ice resurfacer HAYES ARENA ENERGY202220232024 Water Used (gallon)1,207,0001,403,000707,000 Electricity Used (kWh)695,616670,656561,083 Natural Gas Used (BTU)30,26031,39127,125 15 BSFOBT SPORTS ARENA The ice season at the Sports Arena was extended one week to accommodate the ice needs of our user groups while allowing construction to start on time at Hayes Arena. In addition to the ice season, we hosted many dry floor events in 2024 including: Apple Valley High School boys’ and girls’ tennis seasons Community bounce house event Inaugural Dakota Valley Recycling furniture sway event Just Between Friends annual kids’ consignment sale San Francisco 49ers walk-through practice before playing the Vikings Two craft sales hosted by Perfectly Unique The scoreboard at Hayes Arena was replaced this year, and the old scoreboard was installed in the Sports Arena at the other end of the ice. The feedback to having the second scoreboard has been fantastic. SPORTS ARENA20202021202220232024 Hours of Ice Time Rented9089541,1781,1891,236 Hours of Ice Time per JPA347456565611628 Learn to Skate Participants240380470491377 Dry Floor Hours Rented70110105147160 Dry Floor Time Used per JPA115220233268307 16 WBMMFZXPPE VALLEYWOOD GOLF COURSE In 2024, Valleywoodcontinued to see growth in annual rounds as well as revenue. The completion of the irrigation system replacement and on-course improvement projects received rave reviews from our patrons, and the new irrigation system worked flawlessly. As part of the improvement project, we added a new ball distribution machine on the driving range that accepts credit card transactions.By the end of the 2024 season, approximately 40% of all range ball purchaseswere madeat the range machine. The automatic range ball machine and the new irrigation allowed golf shop and maintenance staff to provide better service to patrons and focus on improving course conditions. With nearly all leagues filled and the great word of mouth advertising our course improvements, Valleywoodsaw a healthy operational profit for the 2024 season. NEW GOLF CART FLEET Valleywood’sfleet of 55 golf carts were due for replacement at the end of the 2024 season, and with an ever-increasing number of golfers choosing to ride in carts for their rounds, it was the perfect time to increase the fleet from 55 carts to 60. The operational profits Valleywood generated over the last few years allowed staff to purchase the new fleet of carts outright, which saved approximately $40,000 in lease interest fees. By purchasing them before the end of the year, staff received an additional $25,000 in rebates. 17 WBMMFZXPPE )DPOU/* STRATEGIC BUSINESS PLAN Valleywoodcontinues to use the ValleywoodStrategic Business Plan as an outline for growing business. Noteworthy highlights include: Implementing a deli-style food and beverage operation has been an absolute success. Event hosts appreciate being able to usea caterer of their choice, though many continue using popular Valleywoodcaterers such as Las Tortillas, Hy-Vee, and Rascals. Our now veteran food and beverage staff have grown their talents and now oversee most events. Staff working directly with event hosts ensures events are successful. Revenue per round of golf continues to grow, increasing by over $2 per round in 2024. VALLEYWOOD OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS Valleywoodcontinues to find ways to improve our guest’s experience. In 2023, staff launched the new Valleywoodwebsite (www.valleywoodgolf.com), and in 2024, staff expanded the website offerings to include a web store where customers can purchase patron cards and gifts cards as well as pay league dues. Late in fall 2024, Valleywoodreceived approval to implement a new point-of-sale system, which will minimize technology glitches and reduce staff and customer frustration. Working closely with the City’s Finance and IT departments, staff will spend the first few months of 2025 implementing the new point-of-sale system and trainingsupport staff on its use. 18 WBMMFZXPPE )DPOU/* VALLEYWOOD EVENTS We continue to see growth in our event business, with the number of events in 2024 surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Valleywoodis open to hosting nearly any type of event, from golf outings and business meetings to family celebrations. Here is a snapshot of the most popular events hosted in 2024. Celebrations of life Chamber of Commerce Par-Tee outing Graduation parties Grand Fall Tasting Event and other wine tastings High school athletics banquets High school conference golf tournaments Police department SWAT training and banquet Weddings VALLEYWOOD BY THE NUMBERS 20202021202220232024 Patron Card Holders2141867364 Senior Patron Card Holders184284274271288 Members –Women’s League (18)9293937685 Members –Women’s League (9)116136143143144 Members –Men’s League72104120116124 Members –Senior League9611010598100 Number of Rounds Played32,91038,95934,46532,74734,579 Large Range Buckets Sold6,8747,0038,7057,1334,548 Medium Range Buckets Sold1,8462,8252,6702,1891,725 18-Hole Cart Rentals11,87714,39113,51413,41214,144 9-Hole Cart Rentals5,9078,7668,7668,9167,954 19 TFOJPS!'!FWFOU!DFOUFS APPLE VALLEY SENIOR & EVENT CENTER The Apple Valley Senior & Event Center is a 21,000 square foot facility that provides space for senior recreation during weekdays and meeting/banquet space available for rent in the evening and on weekends. In the 2023–24 fiscal year, there were 917 members of the Apple Valley Seniors Organization (presently there are 804 members in the 2024–25 fiscal year). Senior programming focuses on education, recreation, arts and crafts, exercise, entertainment, games, and day trips. REGULARLY SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES AT THE SENIOR & EVENT CENTER Bicycle Groups Color & ChatPainters Billiards (Men’s and Women’s) Core & CardioPet Discussion Bingo Dinner ClubPuzzles Board Games DominoesQuilting Bees Book Clubs Donated BreadRe-Created Cards Card Games Driver ImprovementSenior Jam 500 Drum FitSenior Learning Zoom Bridge Feed My Starving ChildrenSing Along* Cribbage Friday FlicksStitchers Euchre Gentle YogaStory Telling Hand & Foot Hardanger Table Tennis PinochleLine DancingTai Chi Catered LunchLunch Bunch*Wii Games Chair Pilates*Knitting & CrochetingXa Beat Coffee (Complimentary)Mah Jong *New in 2024! 20 TFOJPS!'!FWFOU!DFOUFS )DPOU/* APPLE VALLEY SENIORS ORGANIZATION The Senior & Event Center is home to the Apple Valley Seniors Organization, which is lead by a volunteer Executive Committee. Other volunteer committees include Education & Service, Finance, Historians, Membership, and Lettuce Do Lunch. Adults aged 55+ are eligible to become a member, and benefits of membership include a monthly newsletter, discounts on some activities, new member orientation of the Senior & Event Center, and participation in bingo, movies, and the Discounted Bread program. Senior Center staff also put on an annual holiday party for interested seniors, which includes a catered meal and entertainment. In 2024, there was a record turnout of 161 seniors at the holiday party! OUR MEMBERS There are currently 804 members, and new members continue to sign up daily. Our members come from 27 cities across the state (with five out-of-state members). TRIPS & TOURS Many Apple Valley Seniors enjoyed several trips and tours in 2024. Trips included The Jason Show, Pavek Broadcast Museum, Lacrosse Rotary Light Tour, Old Log Theater (“Million Dollar Quartet”), Chanhassen Dinner Theatres (White Christmas), and a Trolley Tour of Stillwater. SENIOR ACTIVITY PARTICIPANTS IN 2024 January2,278 February2,344 March2,463 April2,493 May2,657 June2,053 July2,440 August1,858 September2,162 October2,651 November2,138 December2,046 TOTAL27,613 21 TFOJPS!'!FWFOU!DFOUFS )DPOU/* RENTAL GROUPS The Apple Valley Senior & Event Center is the ideal location for celebrations, events, banquets, and meetings. Groups as small as five oras large as 200 will find this facility a welcoming place to host their event. ROOM# OF RENTALSHOURS RESERVED 1 Section of Yellowstone Room80249 2 Sections of Yellowstone Room31110 Full Yellowstone Room (3 Sections)14114 Glacier Room523 Yosemite Room60154 TOTALS190650 FACILITY PROJECTS Projects that occurred at the facility in 2024 include: Replaced fittings, lines, actuator, and electricalon cooling tower. Installed anew hot water pump and motor; prepared a refurbished backup pump to have on handto swap in if needed. Had all carpet professionally cleaned in the facility. Cleanedand performed repairs on the fireplace. Rewired and replaced fire alarm. 22 BRVBUJDT APPLE VALLEY FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER Although the season got off to a cold and rainy start, attendance climbed quickly once the weather improved in July, and the facility attracted over 700 people per day on average. The end of the 2024 swimming season meant the end of an era at the Family Aquatic Center; after undergoing extensive renovations and improvements in the off season, it will be reopening in 2025 under the new name of Splash Valley Water Park. FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER20202021202220232024 Open Swim Attendance-53,95057,33067,90947,487 Water Walking Attendance-8,7706,3338,4305,561 Days Open-79727663 Days Closed-35314 Average Daily Attendance-683796893753 23 BRVBUJDT )DPOU/* REDWOOD COMMUNITY POOL In 2023, the community showed their love for the Redwood Community Pool by voting to build a new pool at Redwood Park as part of the 2023 Parks Referendum. In 2024, while designs for a new pool were underway, the community enjoyed the 60thand final season of Redwood Pool. A final farewell gathering was held at the end of the pool season, and many past patrons and employees returned to say goodbye to the original pool and building. Redwood Park will be under construction in 2025, and the new park and pool will open in summer 2026. REDWOOD POOL20202021202220232024 Open Swim Attendance-5,0215,4415,5445,233 Swim Lesson Participants-240340355339 Private Pool Reservations-77746742 Days Open-67727360 Days Closed-127617 Average Daily Attendance-751019187 24 BEVMU!BUIMFUJDT ADULT ATHLETIC LEAGUES & OPEN GYMS The Parks & Recreation Department offers adult leagues in the following sports: volleyball, bean bags, softball, basketball, and kickball. Open gym time for adults is also offered for badminton, basketball, pickleball, and volleyball at the Apple Valley Community Center. Adult open gym numbers soared in 2024 with 19,218 total participants, which represents a 27.2% increase over participation in 2023. FIELD RENTALS When fields are not in use by City programs or local youth athletic organizations, they are rented out to private groups and clubs for games and tournaments. Field rentals were heavy again in 2024: they were up 11.5% from 2023 and brought in $151,811 of revenue. VOLLEYBALL LEAGUES Adult Volleyball Team Registrations 2024 was another banner year for the adult 500 volleyball program with 434 total volleyball teams 434 450 participating in leagues and an annual 381 400 tournament, which is a 13% increase over 2023. 337 350 Leagues are offered year-round, and a 300 tournament is held during Mid-Winter Fest. 250 216 208 Indoor leagues at the Apple Valley Community 200 Center include women’s officiated, women’s self- 150 officiated, open self-officiated, co-rec self- 100 officiated, and a new Reverse 4’s league. Summer 50 outdoor sand volleyball leagues are also offered 0 at Johnny Cake Ridge Park East. This year, 13 skills 20202021202220232024 clinics were also offered and had 181 participants. 25 BEVMU!BUIMFUJDT )DPOU/* Bean Bag League Registrations BEAN BAG LEAGUES 160149 Bean bags leagues peaked in 2022 and 140129 have leveled off over the past two 110 120 years. Indoor leagues are offered in the 100 winter, spring, and late fall at the Apple 80 68 Valley Community Center, and outdoor 60 60 leagues are offered in the summer and 40 early fall at Johnny Cake Ridge Park 20 East. A total of 110 teams participated 0 in bean bags leagues in 2024. 20202021202220232024 Softball League Registrations SOFTBALL LEAGUES 140 129 Softball numbers continue to trend down state- 115 120 wide, and Apple Valley’s softball program has 104 mirrored those trends with a 12.5% decrease in 100 91 teams in 2024 from 2023. Even so, 91 teams 77 80 participated in the summer and fall seasons. 60 While team numbers and associated registration revenue have dropped, much of that revenue 40 has been replaced with expanded field rentals. 20 Private groups and local baseball clubs are 0 happy to have available fields. 20202021202220232024 26 SFDSFBUJPO!QSPHSBNT RECREATION PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES The Parks & Recreation Department offers many recreation programs for youth and families that emphasize all different kinds of learning and fun. These programs include the Little Orchard Preschool, preschool classes, the summer playground program and puppet wagon, holiday programming, open gyms, outdoor ice skating, and contracted programs such as Music Together and Soccer Shots. LITTLE ORCHARD PRESCHOOL & PRESCHOOL CLASSES Little Orchard Preschool is held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at the Apple Valley Community Center from September through May. For children not enrolled in Little Orchard Preschool, we offer other preschool classes throughout the year. MUSIC TOGETHER & SOCCER SHOTS We continue to share successful partnerships with local programs Music in the Valley Together and Soccer Shots, which are both geared toward children up to five years of age. In 2023, we had 107 Music Together participants and 43 Soccer Shots participants. 27 SFDSFBUJPO!QSPHSBNT )DPOU/* SUMMER PROGRAMS SUMMERPLAYGROUND PROGRAM – 211Total Participantsin2024 The SummerPlayground Program—oneof AppleValley’slongest-running programs— keepskids ages6–11active and engaged on summermornings.In 2024, theprogram washeld forsixweeksMondaysthrough Thursdays at Wildwood and Cedar Isle Parks. SUMMER CAMPS– 481 TotalCampers in2024 We expanded our camp offeringsforchildren ages6–11to includemore full-day opportunities. Camps included SummerSurge,DayCamp, AwesomeAdventureCamp, and a varietyofafternoon camps. PUPPET THEATER th year, visited20parks perweek from The AppleValleyPuppetTheater, nowin its46 mid-June through mid-August.In addition to theseregularshows,thePuppetWagon madeappearancesat aJulyconcert atMusic in KelleyPark at two Night to Unite neighborhood locations.While many familieshaveseveralgenerations offamiliarity with the PuppetTheater and theirperformances,these after-hours eventsprovided an opportunityforexposure tonew familiesand groups ofpeople. JIGSAW PUZZLE CONTEST - NEW THIS YEAR! In November, 12 teams battled it out in Apple Valley Parks & Recreation’s inaugural jigsaw puzzle competition, which are currently very popular in Minnesota. Each team consisted of up to four people and were given the same 500-piece puzzle. Puzzle assembly was timed, and the three teams with the fastest times were awarded prizes. Additional puzzle contests are planned for 2025! 28 SFDSFBUJPO!QSPHSBNT )DPOU/* OUTDOOR SKATING Due to an unseasonably warm winter, the 2024 outdoor skating season was very short. The rinks at the Community Center and Johnny Cake Activity Center were open for eight days, and the remaining sites were open for six days. While the outdoor skating season normally runs through mid- February, rinks were closed by end of January this year. The Parks Maintenance crew did a great job maintaining ice whenever possible, but we all hope to see better ice conditions next winter! OPEN GYM PROGRAMS Open gym time for youth and families is offered at the Apple Valley Community Center seven days a week and at no cost or a nominal fee. During the school year, additional days and times were added to all open gyms on non-school days, including during winter and spring breaks, MEA, and conference days. An overall 40% attendance increase occurred on these days in 2024, with a 50% increase during Thanksgiving week. PRESCHOOL OPEN GYM –170Registered Families in 2024 Preschoolers ages five and under have full access to scooters, trikes, balls, and tumbling mats during this gym time, which is held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during the school year and Wednesdays in the summer. This year, four special theme days added some excitement to Preschool Open Gym: Halloween Costumes, Princesses & Superheroes, Santa Stop, and a Mid-Winter Fest mascot visit. YOUTH OPEN GYM –648 Registered Participants in 2024 Youth open gym is designed for students in grades 6–12 to play basketball or volleyball Mondays through Fridays from 2:30–4:30 p.m. and weekends from noon–2 p.m. The program is free, and parents do not stay. FAMILY OPEN GYM Adults and children ages 17 and under play basketball and volleyball together during this free gym time. Family Open Gym is offered daily from noon–2 p.m. 29 THANK YOU Thank you to the Apple Valley City Council, the Apple Valley Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, and the residents of Apple Valley for your continued support of the Parks & Recreation Department in our efforts to provide opportunities for outstanding quality-of-life experiences. Sincerely, 3135 BOOVBM!SFQPSU ITEM: 5.C. COUNCIL MEETING DATE: June 5, 2025 SECTION: Agenda Items Description: Division Updates: Aquatics and Youth & Family Staff Contact: Department / Division: Nate Rosa Parks and Recreation Action Requested: N/A - Informational Item Summary: During the regular meeting, Recreation Supervisor Bill Bird will be giving an update on his programs and Recreation Superintendent Nate Rosa will be giving updates on behalf of Recreation Supervisor Steve Skinner on his programs. Included in the agenda packet, you will find copies of the two presentations. These are provided for informational purposes. Background: Bill Bird oversees youth & family programming and special events, and Nate Rosa is presenting on behalf of Steve Skinner, who oversees the pools and aquatics programs. For this meeting, Bill and Nate will give oral presentations updating the Committee on specific recreation programs. If a committee member wishes for additional details regarding a specific area, please feel free to discuss during the agenda item or contact Nate at nate.rosa@applevalleymn.gov or (952) 953-2311. Budget Impact: N/A Attachments: 1. Youth & Family presentation 2. Aquatics presentation