HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/07/2025
Meeting Location: Municipal Center
7100 147th Street West
Apple Valley, Minnesota 55124
August 7, 2025
Parks And Recreation Advisory Committee Informal Meeting Tentative Agenda
6:00 PM
1.Park monument signs update
2.Johnny Cake Ridge Park West challenge course concept
3.Johnny Cake Ridge Park West pickleball court naming
4.EVAA building update
5.Community Center/Senior Center project update
6.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 June 2025 Minutes
5.Agenda Items
A.Alimagnet Park NRMP update
B.MPCA Stormwater Grant update
C.Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan update
D.Discuss City entrance monument signs
E.Division update: Senior programs
F.Parks Referendum 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
8.Adjourn
NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETINGS:
Thursday, September 4, 2025 – 6 p.m. (Informal) and 7 p.m. (Regular)
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
August 7, 2025
COMMITTEE MEETING DATE:
SECTION:
Regular
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
PARKS AND RECREATION
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
August 7, 2025
Minutes of the June 5, 2025, Apple Valley Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting.
PRESENT: Committee Chair Mark Schori; Committee Members Randy Bailey, Dave Freed,
Craig Long, Noel Hammill, and Jessica Merchant; Parks and Recreation Director
Eric Carlson; Park Superintendent Steve Rother; Recreation Superintendent Nate
Rosa; Recreation Facilities Manager Brian Christianson; Recreation Supervisor
Bill Bird; Summer Coordinator Mia Sorensen; and Administrative Coordinator
Kayla Hechsel
ABSENT: Committee Member Jess Smithand 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.
ITEM 2. Approval of Agenda
Committee Chair Schori wished to add a discussion item to the agenda regarding a welcome
entrance monument sign near Redwood Park. This was added to the agenda as Item 5.E.
MOTION:by Freed, seconded by Long, approving the agenda as amended.
VOTE: Yes – 6, 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 May 2025Minutes
MOTION:by Bailey, seconded by Freed,to approve the May2025 minutes as
presented.
VOTE: Yes – 6, No – 0
ITEM 5.A. Agenda Items – Committee’s Annual Report
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
PARKS AND RECREATION
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
June 5, 2025
The Parks & Recreation Department prepares an annual report about the year’s work done by
the Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee, and the report is approved by the Committee
and then by the City Council. Upon approval of the report, it is posted on the City’s website
for the public to view.
MOTION:by Long, seconded byHammill, to approve the Parks and
Recreation Advisory Committee’s 2024 Annual Report as
presented.
VOTE: Yes – 6, No – 0
ITEM 5.B. Agenda Items – Department’s Annual Report
The Parks & Recreation Department staff create an annual report for the work done by the
Department each year. After the report is approved by both the Parks & Recreation Advisory
Committee and the City Council, the report is posted online for the public to view.
MOTION: by Freed, seconded by Long, to approve the Parks and Recreation
Department’s 2024 Annual Report as presented.
VOTE: Yes – 6, No – 0
ITEM 5.C. Agenda Items – Division Updates: Aquatics and Youth & Family
Recreation Superintendent Nate Rosa introduced Splash Valley Water Park (the renovated
and rebranded Apple Valley Family Aquatic Center) and walked through all the changes that
were made to the facility in the improvement project. He also highlighted the new season
passes that are being offered this year. Committee members commended staff on the
successful completion of this referendum improvement project.
Recreation Supervisor Bill Bird and Summer Coordinator Mia Sorensen highlighted the
youth and family programs available for summer, including new classes for preschool-aged
participants and extended day camp opportunities. Recreation Supervisor Bird emphasized
location changes for upcoming events for Freedom Days and the Fall Food Truck Festival
due to construction.
ITEM 5.D. Agenda Items – Kelley Park Update
Director Carlson provided an update on the construction project planned for Kelley Park. He
summarized the scope of the project and ran through the tentative construction schedule.
Committee Member Bailey asked where the Rotary clock tower will be moved to, and
Director Carlson showed the new spot of the clock tower on the renderings. Committee
Member Long expressed his excitement for future movies in the park.
- 2 of 3 -
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
PARKS AND RECREATION
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
June 5, 2025
ITEM 5.E. Agenda Items–Welcome Monument Sign at Redwood Park
Committee Member Schori asked the Committee’sopinion on sending a letterto the City
Council urging them to begin designing and budgeting for a Welcome to Apple Valley
entrance monument sign near Redwood Park. The hope is thatif the process is begun now,
the sign can be installed in conjunction with the Redwood Park improvement projectand the
County Road 42 improvement project.
Director Carlson stated that staff will help them draft the memo and get it to City Council.
ITEM 6.Committee/Staff Discussion Items
Committee Member Freed congratulated Eric Carlson for being named the President of the
Minnesota Recreation and Parks Association.
ITEM 7.Input from Committee Members on Next Agenda
No additional items were added.
ITEM 8.Adjourn
There being no further business, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting was
adjourned.
MOTION:MOTION:byHammill, seconded by Long,to adjourn the meeting at 8:14
p.m.
VOTE:Yes –6,No –0
Respectfully Submitted,
Kayla Hechsel, Administrative Coordinator
Approved by the Apple Valley Parks
and Recreation Advisory CommitteeMark Schori, Chair
on August 7, 2025.
-3of 3-
ITEM:5.A.
MEETING DATE:August 7, 2025
SECTION:Parks and Recreation
Advisory Committee
Regular Meeting Tentative
Agenda
Description:
Alimagnet Park NRMP update
Staff Contact:Department / Division:
Samantha Berger, Natural Resources CoordinatorParks and Recreation
Action Requested:
N/A - Informational Item
Summary:
With the help of Dakota County, the City completed a Natural Resources Management Plan for
Alimagnet Park in late 2024. The City of Apple Valley received a DNR Conservation Partner Legacy
grant to complete Phase I of a two-phase ecological restoration project at Alimagnet Park. This
project will focus on improving the health and sustainability of a 20.5-acre oak woodland area
(referred to as Unit 3) by removing invasive woody and herbaceous species, selectively thinning
certain native trees, treating stumps to prevent regrowth, and seeding native grasses to stabilize the
site. The restoration will enhance habitat quality, promote native plant diversity, and improve long-
term ecological function.
This work in Alimagnet Park builds on restoration already underway in neighboring Burnsville and
will create better habitat connectivity across the city boundary. Ultimately, this project supports
regional wildlife, including red-shouldered hawks and other oak woodland-dependent species, while
reducing invasive species pressure. Work will occur during winter on frozen ground to minimize soil
disturbance and will follow the Alimagnet Park Natural Resources Management Plan. The second
phase, funded separately, will include prescribed burns and further seeding to establish a healthy,
diverse woodland.
Background:
Working in partnership with Dakota County, City staff developed a Natural Resource Management
Plan for Alimagnet Park, and it was approved by the City Council in late 2024. The purpose of the
Natural Resource Management Plan (Plan) is to describe the current and preferred natural resource
conditions, goals, and activities for Alimagnet Park within the City of Apple Valley. The Plan includes
information on Alimagnet Park’s historical and existing vegetative cover, noxious and invasive plants,
and land cover; ecological impacts, past and present, including fire suppression, diseases, wildlife,
and climate change; plant community assessment; wildlife; target vegetation communities, including
management priorities, methods, and five-year workplan. The Plan also includes plant restoration
goals and recommendations, a restoration process, schedule, and cost estimates.
Budget Impact:
N/A
Attachments:
1.Exhibit
2.Presentation
ITEM:5.B.
MEETING DATE:August 7, 2025
SECTION:Parks and Recreation
Advisory Committee
Regular Meeting Tentative
Agenda
Description:
MPCA Stormwater Grant update
Staff Contact:Department / Division:
Samantha Berger, Natural Resources CoordinatorParks and Recreation
Action Requested:
N/A - Informational Item
Summary:
With support from grant funding, the City completed detailed stormwater modeling and concept
layouts for the southwest region of Apple Valley, which includes the neighborhoods around
Pennock, Greening, and Duchess Parks. City staff from the Natural Resources and Engineering
divisions successfully applied for a $5 million MPCA Stormwater Resilience Grant.
The planned stormwater improvements include an infiltration basin with underground chambers
and new playground at Duchess Park, a wet pond and trail loop at Greening Park, and an “active
” infiltration basin with playground upgrades at Pennock Park, with creative features to support
community use during both dry and wet conditions.
These projects, slated for construction in summer 2026, were originally identified in the 2017 Keller
Lake Subwatershed Assessment and are expected to fulfill the City’s pollutant load reduction goals
for Keller Lake. The hope is that through construction of these projects, we will remove Keller Lake
from the impaired waters list and provide flood relief to 65 nearby structures. The City will proceed
with geotechnical investigations, surveying, community engagement, and final design work in
preparation for construction.
Background:
The City of Apple Valley has developed a comprehensive stormwater improvement plan for the
Apple Additions neighborhood as part of its street reconstruction efforts. A feasibility study
identified Duchess, Pennock, and Greening Parks as key locations for stormwater infiltration and
retention projects. Throughout the creation of the Parks Amenity Plan, Parks & Recreation staff
worked closely with Engineering and Natural Resources staff to incorporate these stormwater needs
into our plans for amenity replacement within these parks.
With the City receiving $5 million in grant funds to support these stormwater projects, City staff have
worked with our consultants to begin planning for the implementation of these projects in 2026.
Budget Impact:
These projects are being funded by the successful MPCA Stormwater Resilience Grant, the
successful 2023 Parks Bond Referendum, and previously allocated street reconstruction funds.
Attachments:
1.Presentation
ITEM:5.C.
MEETING DATE:August 7, 2025
SECTION:Parks and Recreation
Advisory Committee
Regular Meeting Tentative
Agenda
Description:
Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan update
Staff Contact:Department / Division:
Evan Acosta, Assistant City EngineerParks and Recreation
Action Requested:
N/A - Informational Item
Summary:
Attached is a draft of the 2025 Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Update for the Parks and Recreation
Advisory Committee review and comments. Completed as an update to the 2010 Bike Walk Apple
Valley plan, this new plan guides decision-making and prioritization for future investments in the
bike and pedestrian system, provides a foundation for funding solicitation, and helps to foster a
more bikeable and walkable Apple Valley. The planning process began in December 2024, and the
plan document is now in a draft stage and ready for review and feedback from the Parks and
Recreation Advisory Committee. Key steps in the planning process included community outreach
and engagement to determine the needs and desires of city residents; inventory and evaluation of
the existing pedestrian and bicycle system; and development of best practices and
recommendations for projects and policies to advance a connected and equitable walking and
biking system.
Community engagement activities included outreach at local events, an online survey, and a
dedicated Task Force created to provide input and direction on the plan’s recommendations.
Community input identified the desire for consistent, connected, well-maintained off-road facilities
throughout the entire community, especially in areas where there are schools and retail areas. Safe
roadway crossings were also frequently mentioned throughout the engagement process.
Community residents generally expressed appreciation of the off-road trails in the city, but also
frequently mentioned a desire for safer road crossings of busy arterial roads, such as 140th Street,
Cedar Avenue, and McAndrews Road. Several groups and individuals participated in the project. A
task force was formed consisting of members from Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation
Advisory Committee, Traffic Safety Advisory Committee, ISD 196, Dakota County, Apple Valley
Chamber of Commerce, Police, Fire, Planning, Parks, and Public Works staff.
Several existing planning documents support the development and completion of the city’s bicycle
and pedestrian network. The City’s Comprehensive Plan recommends: focusing on the pedestrian
and bicycle needs during the development of roadway improvement projects; continuing to connect
gaps in the sidewalk and trail networks; and working with Dakota County to continue to build the
North Creek Greenway in accordance with the approved Master Plan. Dakota County’s 2018 Bicycle
and Pedestrian Study identifies county pedestrian network gaps along County Roads 38, 42, 31, and
33. More than 60 miles of paved trails and 153 miles of sidewalks provide many opportunities for
residents to bike and walk around town. However, there are no on-road bike lanes in the city, and
there is a lack of bike infrastructure in the city’s downtown and along the Ring Route. Analysis of the
MPCA Environmental Justice Areas, the RBTN network, land use and destinations (including schools,
parks, and retail areas), transit stops and stations, major road barriers, major intersections, and trail
and sidewalk gaps inform the recommendations in the plan.
The guiding principles were updated from the 2010 Bike Walk Apple Valley Plan based on feedback
from the Task Force and community engagement.
1.Reduce barriers to walking and biking
o Create a bicycle and pedestrian system that works for all ages and abilities.
o Ensure that key destinations are accessible from residential areas by biking and
walking.
o Increase features that address safety and comfort for biking and walking.
o Ensure new development and redevelopment projects integrate walking and
bicycling facilities.
2.Encourage alternative modes of transportation
o Build places in the city where different modes of transportation connect.
3.Enhance trails and sidewalks in the community with elements that aid in navigation, foster
community, and establish a sense of place.
4.Maintain a safe and functional network of non-motorized transportation in Apple Valley.
Best practices offer practical solutions and methods to implement the ideas outlined in the Guiding
Principles. They include ways the city can plan for everyone in the community, regardless of age or
ability; appropriate roadway treatments to support bicycling and walking; road crossing treatments;
and trail design and maintenance.
Several policy and city-wide recommendations describe the need for a complete streets policy and
other policies to support development of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, upgrading of trail
crossings, the development of a hierarchy of trail loops in the city, enhancement of the trail system
with signage and wayfinding, and the promotion and facilitation of programs and events that
encourage biking and walking. Priority trail gap and road crossing improvement projects listed in the
plan include the construction of trails along 140th Street, McAndrews Road/CR38, and pedestrian
crossing upgrades of Cedar Avenue, 140th Street, and 150th Street/CR42. It is recommended that
the city explore safety upgrades to pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure within the Ring Route, in
particular.
Background:
The Apple Valley Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan serves as a guide for the city to continue to enhance
mobility, safety, health, and quality of life for its residents. The City of Apple Valley received a grant
through the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP), from the Minnesota Department of
Health and Dakota County, to develop this plan for biking and walking improvements in the
community.
Budget Impact:
N/A
Attachments:
1.Presentation
QSPKFDU!QSPDFTT
Engagement Ongoing
QSPKFDU!QSPDFTT
QMBO!DPOUFOU
BCPVU!UIF!QMBO
BCPVU!UIF!QMBO
BCPVU!UIF!QMBO
DPNNVOJUZ!FOHBHFNFOU
DPNNVOJUZ!FOHBHFNFOU
1 mile
1 mile
QMBOOJOH!DPOUFYU
QMBOOJOH!DPOUFYU
QMBOOJOH!DPOUFYU
0.25 mile
1 mile
1 mile
0.5 mile
QMBOOJOH!DPOUFYU
HVJEJOH!QSJODJQMFT
HVJEJOH!QSJODJQMFT
HVJEJOH!QSJODJQMFT
0.5 mile
JNQMFNFOUBUJPO
JNQMFNFOUBUJPO
ITEM:5.D.
MEETING DATE:August 7, 2025
SECTION:Parks and Recreation
Advisory Committee
Regular Meeting Tentative
Agenda
Description:
Discuss City entrance monument signs
Staff Contact:Department / Division:
Eric Carlson, Parks and Recreation DirectorParks and Recreation
Action Requested:
Recommend submittal of City entrance monument signs memo to City Council
Summary:
One of the projects of the 2023 Parks Referendum is the complete reconstruction of Redwood Park,
which is located directly adjacent to the western border of Apple Valley. With the park's complete
renovation transforming the western entrance into Apple Valley, the Parks & Recreation Advisory
Committee would like to urge City Administration to begin planning for a Welcome to Apple Valley
monument sign at Redwood Park (as well as at the other entrances to the City).
Background:
N/A
Budget Impact:
N/A
Attachments:
1.Memo
City of
MEMO
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee
TO: Mayor, City Council, and City Administrator
FROM: Mark Schori – Chair Apple Valley Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee
Members of the Apple Valley Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee
DATE: August 7, 2025
SUBJECT:Recommendation to Begin Planning for City Entrance Monuments
As you are aware, the Apple Valley Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee is in the process of
working with city staff to help implement park improvements authorized in the 2023 referendum.
This includes updating Redwood Park and associated signage. We’re excited that the new Redwood
Park will be a great way to welcome residents and visitors to the City and respectfully recommend
that the City Council begin planning for the installation of entrance monuments near the park on
County Road 42, as well as at other key entry points into the City. We are making this
recommendation at this time because installing a new entrance monument near Redwood at the
same time park construction is occurring seems to be a natural fit.
These monuments would serve as welcoming features that enhance the city’s image, promote civic
pride, and create a stronger sense of arrival for residents and visitors. Entrance monuments are a
common feature in well-branded communities and can contribute to a cohesive and attractive
streetscape.
Key locations for consideration include:
The westerly border along County Road 42 near Redwood Park
The easterly border along County Road 42 near Diamond Path Park
The northerly and southerly borders along Cedar Avenue at the city’s corporate limits
We encourage the Council to consider initiating conceptual design work, site assessments, and a
phased funding strategy as part of future capital improvement planning. The Committee supports
incorporating community input to ensure the monuments reflect Apple Valley’s character and values.
We appreciate the opportunity to serve the citizens of Apple Valley and look forward to working with
the community, City Council, and staff to help make Apple Valley a community of choice for both
residents and businesses.
ITEM:5.E.
MEETING DATE:August 7, 2025
SECTION:Parks and Recreation
Advisory Committee
Regular Meeting Tentative
Agenda
Description:
Division update: Senior programs
Staff Contact:Department / Division:
Nate Rosa, Recreation SuperintendentParks and Recreation
Action Requested:
N/A - Informational item
Summary:
During the regular meeting, Recreation Supervisor Sharon Lemke will give a verbal update on her
programs.
Background:
Sharon Lemke oversees senior programming and facility rentals of the Apple Valley Senior and Event
Center. For this meeting, Sharon will give oral presentations updating the Committee on her
programs and facility. If a committee member wishes for additional details regarding a specific area,
please feel free to discuss during the agenda item or contact Recreation Superintendent Nate Rosa
at nate.rosa@applevalleymn.gov.
Budget Impact:
N/A
Attachments:
None