HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/01/2018•••
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Meeting Location: Municipal Center
City of Apple 7100 147th Street West
Valley Apple Valley, Minnesota 55124
March 1, 2018
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
INFORMAL MEETING TENTATIVE AGENDA
6:00 p.m.
1. SPAAR Report
2. Committee/Staff Discussion Items
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING TENTATIVE AGENDA
7:00 p.m.
1. Call to Order
2. Election of Officers
3. Approval of the Agenda
4. Audience— 10 Minutes Total Time Limit —For Items Not on this Agenda
5. Approval of the January 2018 Minutes
6. Agenda Items
A. Comprehensive Plan Update
B. Quarry Point Field #4
C. Cobblestone Lake Park Northwest
D. Pickleball
E. Land Purchase — Hope Church Property
F. Valleywood Food and Beverage
7. Division Updates
Year -End Report
8. Adjourn
10 minutes
5 minutes
15 minutes
15 minutes
10 minutes
15 minutes
5 minutes
10 minutes
20 minutes
NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETINGS - Tentative:
Thursday, April 19, 2018 6:00 p.m. (Informal - Park Tour)
" 7:00 p.m. (Regular)
Regular meetings are broadcast, live, on Charter Communications Cable Channel 180.
(Agendas and meeting minutes are also available on the City's Internet Web Site
www. cityofapplevall ey. org)
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698
696 ITEM: 2.
City of Apple PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY
Valley COMMITTEE MEETING DATE: March 1, 2018
SECTION: Regular Agenda
ITEM DESCRIPTION:
2018 Election of Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Officers
STAFF CONTACT: DEPARTMENTIDIVISION:
Barry Bernstein, Director Parks and Recreation Department
Action Requested
Motion to Accept Voting Results and Approve Chair and Secretary Positions
Summary
City policy requires our Advisory Committee to annually elect a chairperson and a secretary. The
chair will run the meetings and the secretary will sign any special meeting notifications and will
run the meeting in the event that the chairperson is absent. A ballot will be provided at the meeting
to allow you to vote on these two officers.
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
January 4, 2018
Minutes of the January 4, 2018, Apple Valley Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.
PRESENT: Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Chair Brent Schulz; Secretary Josh
Gaffke; Committee Members Noel Hammill, Matthew Hinrichs, Boyd Montgomery, and
Jessica Montgomery; Parks and Recreation Director Barry Bernstein; Park Superintendent
Mike Endres; Recreation Manager Susan Muelken; Valleywood Golf Course Manager Jim
Zinck; Administrative Coordinator Dorene Perkins Morin; and six members of the public.
ABSENT: Ben Van Gandy
ITEM 1. Call to Order
Chair Schulz called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Everyone took part in the Pledge of
Allegiance.
ITEM 2. Approval of Agenda
MOTION: by Himicks, seconded by B. Montgomery, approving the agenda as
presented.
VOTE: Yes — 6, No — 0
ITEM 3. Audience — 10 Minutes Total Time Limit — For Items Not on the Agenda
Chair Schulz asked if anyone was present to address the Committee, at this time, on any item
not on this meeting's agenda.
Valley Athletic Association Director of Fields and Gyms Jeff Freeman addressed the policy
of field space allocation to the high schools and club programs. He stated he feels strongly
that field availability is key to their mission to provide fields for kids to compete
competitively As such, they are dependent on the City to provide those fields. The
Association tries to keep the programs as affordable as they can and they look for quality
fields that are consistent with fields they play on when they go to other communities. It
would be their desire to participate on the investigation committee to determine what the
policy looks like moving forward.
ITEM 4. Approval of the November 2017, Minutes.
MOTION: by B. Montgomery seconded by Hammill, to approve the
November 2, 2017, meeting minutes as presented.
VOTE: Yes — 6, No — 0
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CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
January 4, 2018
ITEM 5.A. Agenda Items — Introduction of Park Superintendent Mike Endres
Director Bernstein presented Apple Valley's new Park Superintendent Endres who took over
from retired Park Superintendent Tom Adamini. Mr. Endres has been with Apple Valley for
17 years, twelve years as Park Foreman. Committee welcomed Park Superintendent Endres.
ITEM 5.B. Agenda Items — Teen Center Report
Recreation Manager Muelken presented an update of Teen activities. An Eagle Scout has
done interior painting of the Teen Center. Attendance and Teen Center vs. Redwood
participant numbers were reviewed. Four options were presented for Committee
consideration: 1) continue to operate both facilities —Teen Center one day per week and
Redwood six days per week, 2) close Redwood and operate Teen Center six days per week,
3) concentrate activities at Redwood and close the Teen Center, 4) discontinue Teen drop -in
facilities. Staff evaluated the operation and suggests the continuation of teen activity
programming aside from a teen drop -in facility.
Discussion included — City has an obligation to provide services to young teens, not sure a
drop -in teen facility is good use of resources. Status comparison of surrounding
communities' teen facilities; Eagan's room in the community center closed due to budget
cuts, Shakopee has a room with dedicated staff on -site, Burnsville's Garage has a non-profit
organization running it as a music venue. Redwood opened in April, is it worthwhile to keep
it open for one more summer to see if the high summer participation numbers persist?
MOTION: by Hammill, seconded by Hinrichs, recommending the City stop
providing teen drop -in facilities at the Teen Center, continue with
the Redwood facility through August, review this item at the
September Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee meeting, and
in the meantime start to develop teen programming geared toward
special events.
DISCUSSION: Does it make more sense to concentrate efforts at Redwood
and close the Teen Center?
VOTE: Yes — 6, No — 0
ITEM 5.C. Agenda Items — Pickleball Meeting Recap
A meeting to discuss the Hayes Park pickleball courts was held at the Apple Valley
Community Center Wednesday, January 3, 2018. Director Bernstein provided a short history
of the courts and pickleball play along with current conditions and issues surrounding the
courts. Residents to the south are impacted by pickleball noise and lights. Staff is working
to address the concerns with possible modifications to the hours of play, sound defusing
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CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
January 4, 2018
materials, and sound reduction equipment. Options also include proposed Johnny Cake
Ridge Park West pickleball courts. The site could provide up to six pickleball courts.
Eastview High School is supportive of the project and potentially interested in adding two
tennis courts dual striped for tennis and pickleball.
Committee discussion questioned how the Hayes Park court rules regarding equipment and
times of play would be enforced. Director Bernstein responded that it would be an honor
system but the courts could be locked if needed.
Discussion questioned the difference between hockey noise (from the Hayes Park rinks) vs
pickleball noise. The comparison is the time of play in the summer when homeowner's
windows are open compared to hockey in the winter.
Committee Chairs Schulz stated he likes the idea of sound attenuated balls and no lights at
Hayes Park courts. His sympathies are with the homeowners believes they have a right to
enjoy their backyard in a reasonably quiet manner.
Staff will speak with City Council regarding the topic later this month. They will investigate
potential investment costs.
MOTION: by Himicks, seconded by Hammill, recommending pursuit per the
outline presented this evening, pickleball court development at
Johnny Cake Ridge Park, and also the proposed changes at Hayes
Park.
VOTE: Yes — 6, No — 0
ITEM 5. D. Agenda Items — Cobblestone Lake Park — Northwestern update
Park Superintendent Endres presented photos of construction progress of the restroom
building and pavilion at Cobblestone Lake Park.
ITEM 5. E. Agenda Items — Cortland Development Park Naming Discussion
Director Bernstein, at the request of City Council, brought the discussion of naming Cortland
Development Park back to the Committee. Cortland Development Park is located to the
north of Cobblestone Development, Embry Path is to the west of the park.
The naming of Cortland Development Park after the Kohls Family was brought to the
attention of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee in 2012. In 2016 Director
Bernstein and Alan Kohls discussed the possibility of not naming the park after the family
but installing and informational kiosk telling the family history be displayed at the park. In
January 2017 Mr. Kohls presented the concept of naming the park again after his family to
the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. The Committee voted 7-0 recommending the
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CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
January 4, 2018
Cortland Development Park be named Kohls Farm Park and include signage that gives
history of the property.
In April 2017 City Council directed staff to gather additional information and naming input
by surveying the park's neighbors. Eleven responses were received to the survey; (5)
Cortland, (3) Kohls Park, (3) Other. With no clear frontrunner, Staff suggested naming the
park Embry Path Park. Council directed the topic be brought back to the Parks and
Recreation Advisory Committee.
MOTION: by Himicks, seconded by Hammill, recommending to City Council
naming (Cortland Development Park property) "Kohls Farm Park"
and installing an informational kiosk.
VOTE: Yes — 6, No — 0
ITEM 5. F. Agenda Items — Land Purchase
Director Bernstein was approached by a realtor, representing Hope Church, inquiring if the
City would be interested in obtaining the land section south of the church for park purposes.
Discussion included property terrain, the pipeline easement, the surrounding neighborhood,
potential for a natural play area, property access.
MOTION: by Gaffke, seconded by J. Montgomery, directing staff to explore
the land purchase option pricing and bring the item back to the
Committee.
VOTE: Yes — 6, No — 0
ITEM 5. G. 1. Agenda Items — Division Updates - Recreation
Recreation Manager Muelken reported warming houses are open, Community Center and
Senior Center door counts, Teen Center updates, Frozen Apple Concert series, and Mid -
Winter Fest is scheduled Feb. 3.
ITEM 5. G. 2. Agenda Items — Division Updates— Valleywood Golf Course
Golf Course Manager Zinck displayed the menu and encouraged the Committee to come out
to the concert at Valleywood Saturday, January13. Staff is busy getting information out to
the outing and league contact for the upcoming golf season. Staff continues working on
catering options.
The course has lost a couple of key part-time staff members. Job description/postings will be
out soon for maintenance, food and beverage, golf shop, and outside services. A majority of
the positions require 18 years of age and older.
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CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
January 4, 2018
ITEM 5. G. 3. Agenda Items — Division Updates— Arenas
Director Bernstein reported the arenas are busy and doing well.
ITEM 5. G. 4. Agenda Items — Division Updates— Park Maintenance
Parks Superintendent Endres showed photos of the new rink at Apple Valley East, flooding
process and maintenance of skating rinks, new Briar Oaks skating rink, recently purchased
pathway tractor, and Redwood's new windows and patio doors. Crews are working on
maintenance and prep work of equipment, extensive pruning in the parks, and moving
forward with the three-month work list.
Committee commended staff on the posting of rink flooding process photos on social media.
ITEM 6. Adjourn
There being no further business, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting was
adjourned.
MOTION: by B. Montgomery, seconded by Gaffke, to adjourn the meeting at
8:40 p.m.
VOTE: Yes — 6, No — 0
Respectfully Submitted,
is/Vamwe Pez&a Uooua
Dorene Perkins Mona, Administrative Coordinator
Approved by the Apple Valley Parks
and Recreation Advisory Committee
on March 1, 2018.
Brent Schulz, Chair
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Apple Valley is offering a "teen room" at the Redwood Center on County Road 42 as attendance declines at
its existing teen center.
Sam Schultz found a home among the old pool tables and repurposed restaurant booths at the
Element, a teen center in Coon Rapids. He remembers decorating a float for the July 4th parade,
watching movies on a big screen and planning holiday dance parties with other kids.
"It was a big part of my life," said Schultz, now a high school senior. "Someone like me, who had
no friends, came to this place and would meet all these different kids of every different
background."
But after years of financial struggles, the Element folded last summer — and it's not alone. The
doors are gradually closing at some city -run teen centers, once a ubiquitous part of the Twin Cities
suburban landscape, because of funding challenges or declining attendance.
Coon Rapids and Burnsville shut down or repurposed their teen centers, while the future of Apple
Valley's facility remains in limbo. Eagan's center closed in 2009. And staffers at Maple Grove's
long -popular teen center say fewer teens are showing up.
Experts on adolescence and staffers at other centers say the trend is a loss for suburban youth,
especially those from poorer families and those not involved in school extracurriculars.
"They do need spaces to just hang out and have relationship and connections with peers but also
with adults," said Deborah Moore, director of the University of Minnesota Youth Work Learning
Lab.
Apple Valley is looking for alternatives for the city's young people after teen center attendance fell
dramatically over the years. But on a couple of recent afternoons, no one showed up at the
Redwood Center.
But city officials say the hubs can be challenging to staff and keep going. Others wonder if they're
even relevant to today's young people, who sometimes prefer texting, social media and online
friends to the flesh -and -blood kind, and who are often heavily scheduled.
"I've noticed attendance has really gone down," said Barry Bernstein, Apple Valley parks and
recreation director. "When I see trends like that, it begs the question: Are we providing what the
youth of today want?"
Closing up shop
Teen centers funded by cities — rather than a church or nonprofit — are often run through parks
and recreation departments. Many got their start in the late 1990s through the mid-2000s as part of
a community center space, while others stand alone.
Amid the donated couches and rope lighting, most centers offer a mix of structured and
nonstructured activities. Some have a youth board so teens can make decisions about how the
place runs, providing real -world skills.
Some centers remain vital, chalking up thousands of visits per year. Maple Grove's center had
9,730 youth visits in 2017, the Zone in Fridley had 7,340 visits during the 2016-17 school year, and
Enigma in Shakopee, which opened a new facility this fall, counted 4,395 visits from September to
December, staff said.
Trying new things to keep kids interested is key, said Aimee Peterson, superintendent of recreation
in Maple Grove. These days, the center plans more "free, random events" rather than regularly
occurring activities that cost money. But it's hard to know what teens want to do, she said.
"Teens grow out of us," Peterson said. "You have to always be trying to get the word out to the
next group."
Teen centers struggle for many reasons, staff members said.
The Coon Rapids center closed in June 2017. The outdated building and ongoing financial woes
— the city provided its entire $20,000 budget after the school district bowed out of a partnership —
ended things, said Ryan Gunderson, Coon Rapids' recreation coordinator.
Difficulty finding quality staffers to work the three-hour shifts also contributed, Gunderson said.
Schultz, who attended the center almost daily from sixth grade through junior year, said passionate
teens tried to fight the closing for years by speaking at City Council meetings.
After 14 years, the Garage in Burnsville was repurposed from a drop -in teen center focused on
music to a nonprofit performance venue and music school in 2015. The middle schools now host
the after school academic programs the Garage had offered.
"Of course that was a huge loss to [teens on the board]," said Julie Dorshak, Burnsville's recreation
and community services manager. "How could it not be? It had become their place."
The city didn't want to run the Garage anymore, in part due to expense. Relying on grants to fund it
wasn't sustainable, Dorshak said.
Grants for teen programs are harder to get now, staff from several centers said. State funding for
youth programs decreased by $6 million between 2003 and 2009 and has been zeroed out since,
said Kari Denissen Cunnien, executive director of Ignite Afterschool, a network of after -school
programs. Funding from large metro -area philanthropic organizations has also dwindled or ceased,
she said.
"We need to make sure that people know [youth programming] is not an extra," Denissen Cunnien
said. "It's really actually quite critical for young people's success."
'Having a place'
In Apple Valley, the City Council is weighing whether to close its teen center, which debuted 20
years ago after passage of a bond referendum. City staff recommended closing it at a January
meeting.
After a strong start in the late 1990s, the center's numbers have declined. Youth spent 15,000
hours there in 2013, compared with fewer than 5,000 hours in 2016, according to a city memo.
Location could be a factor, city staff said, since getting there requires a ride or walking across
multilane highways. And it sits outside a residential area, so neighborhood kids don't gather
nearby.
Proximity to places where kids already congregate, like a school, helps Fridley's teen center thrive,
said Cleveland McCoy, program supervisor at the Zone in Fridley.
McCoy said teen centers play an important role in reducing adolescent crime, since the prime time
for mischief is between 3 and 6 p.m., when the centers operate.
Keeping kids coming requires maintaining the interest of a few well -liked youth, he said, who
influence others.
In Apple Valley, some teens said that element is missing. "I've been [to the center] a couple times,
but it's been a while," said Amira McLendon, 17, who attends Apple Valley's School of
Environmental Studies. "I don't have a reason to go, because none of my friends talk about it."
The city is experimenting with a teen room at its Redwood Center to provide a different option for
adolescents. But on two recent afternoons, no one showed up.
Marcie Padgett, a recreation supervisor for the city, recalls the teen center's heyday, when kids
flocked there to play games and make crafts. She wants to see that energy again, she said.
"We don't want to close it, but we're still trying to figure things out," Padgett said. "We just want
them to have a place."
Erin.Adler@startribune.com 612-673-1781 erinStrib