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CSC 2005-05-17RICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION AGENDA Tuesday, May 17, 2005 7;00 p.m.. Richfield Community Center (7000 Nicollet Ave) Commission Members staff & Others Liaisons Anna Berend Barb Kritzman Ron Schwartz Jim Topitzhofer (Staff Liaison) Fred Wroge (Council) Michael Christian (VChair) Gary Ness John Evans (Secretary) Kyle Hartnett (PC) Gloma Hamernick Catherine Peloquin Gordon Vizecky (Chair) 1. Call to Order 2. Approval of Minutes ❑ Regular Meeting: April 19, 2005 3. Public Comment ❑ Opportunity to discuss items not printed on the agenda 4. Park. Reports ❑ Little Bob's and Richfield Lake Parks (Hamernick) 5. Staff Reports ❑ Recreation Services (Topitzhofer) 6. Discussion Items ❑ Parks Master Plan (Topitzhofer) ❑ Results of Joint Community Education Program Survey (Topitzhofer) ❑ Support to Richfield Historical Society (Topitzhofer) 1. Action Items None 8. Committee Reports ❑ Ballfield Improvement Task Force (Christian/Topitzhofer) ❑ Golf Practice Facility Task Force (TopitzhofenSchwartz) ❑ City Hall Task Force (SchmidtlNess) ❑ Transportation Commission (Ness/Kritzman) ❑ Family Friendly City Task Force (Vizecky) ❑ FOWL (Kritzman) ❑ Planning Commission (Peloquin) ❑ Richfield Community Human Services Planning Council [RCHSPC] (Hamernick) 9. Other 10. Next Meeting Regular Meeting Tuesday, May 17, 7:00 p.m., Community Center 11. Adjournment DRAFT MINUTES UNTIL APPROVED BY 1 r. April 19, 2005 RICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Tuesday, April 19, 2005 Richfield Community Center Commissioners PRESENT Gordon Vizecky, GaryNess, Dean Johnson, Michael Christian, Ron Schwartz, Barb Kritzman, Rodney Schmidt, Anna Berend, Gloma Hamernick, Catherine Pelo uin Staff Jim Topitzhofer Others Plannin�c,, Commission Liaison _Kx1le Hartnett Commissioners ABSENT Linda Slocum, Council Liaison i Fred Wro e The meeting was called to order by CSC Chair Vizecky at 7:02 p.m. Approval of Minutes Kritzman moved, seconded by Hamernick, to approve the minutes of the regular March meeting. Approved, ayes all. Park Reports Peloguin delivered an excellent report of Madison and Jefferson Parks including photos, descriptions, user comments, observations and suggestions. Suggestions at Madison Park included adjustable basketball backstops, additional drinking fountain, more picnic tables and to resurface the existing walking path. Suggestions for Jefferson Park included to plant a wildflower garden to attract wildlife and to repair the rubber bridge on the play equipment. Ness also gave a report of Donaldson and Apple Blossom Parks. Ness provided a description of each park and reported that Donaldson was a high use park, primarily athletic use and a popular location for outdoor skating. Problems identified included trash build-up after organized activities, and goose droppings. No concerns were reported for Apple Blossom Park. School Facility Taskforce Recommendations Topitzhofer reported that the Richfield School District recently completed a study to review all school facilities; to establish needs of the district and how to better serve students. A committee was formed, including school staff, board liaisons, parents and City representation. A report was presented to the School Board on March 21, 2005. Included in the report were recommendations to contact the City of Richfield to consider joint use of facilities. Topitzhofer highlighted the Committee's executive summary, which outlined two shared community use recommendations. The recommendations are driven by the School's need to replace two existing pools with one new pool. The Committee recommended that the City consider joint use of a new indoor pool to include other community center amenities such as exercise facilities and meeting rooms. The committee proposed this new community center to be located at Richfield High School. To allow for additional parking for the community center, the Committee recommends razing Central School and possibly the bus garage. Another suggested shared use was joint repair facilities for buses. Topitzhofer indicated that there may be future review and discussion of joint use of school facilities, which may include the construction of a new community center. A concern was voiced that there maybe an parking issue of the Community Center were located adjacent to Richfield High School. Ballftld Improvement Taskforce Recommendations Topitzhofer reported that the Ballfield Improvement Taskforce met on April 12, 2005 to discuss two new developments. The first new development involved the School District's intention to sell Lincoln Hills School and grounds. Lincoln Hills currently accommodates Richfield's Girls Fast Pitch with two dedicated fields. The disposal of these two fields will displace the fast pitch program, possibly as early as the 2006 season. The School District has indicated they intend to modify existing facilities at another school to accommodate girl's fast pitch, perhaps at Richfield Middle School. The Taskforce intends to pursue funding for ballfield improvements (and possible driving range improvements) from the State of Minnesota through the next bonding bill scheduled in 2006. In order to do so, the Taskforce will have to speed up ., 19, 2005 as review and present recommendations to the Community Services Commission. Their next step is to verify field usage for all baseball and softball programs. he group recommended updating the City's Parks Master Plan. Topitzhofer agreed to include this topic at a future Commission meeting. Loaves and Fishes Proposal Topitzhofer reported that Dean Weigel, Director of Loaves and Fishes was interested in using the Richfield Community Center for a new site to distribute meals to needy residents. Topitzhofer indicated it is possible to prepare and serve meals on weekday evenings from the lower level of the building which would be a complimentary use to the existing senior dining program, but would displace the current dance program and some renters. The cost to relocate the Dance program would exceed $50,000. Loaves and Fishes dropped their request for building rental and is actively looking for an alternative site. Staff Reports Recreation Services Topitzhofer reported on the following: • The Tax Assistance Program successfully completed over 1, 000 tax returns. • The Program Guide was distributed for summer programs. • Preparations for the Urban Wildland Half Marathon are right on target/ • A joint promotion of Bike to Work Day is planned with the City of Minneapolis and 494 Commuter Services. Committee Re orts Ballfield Improvement Task Force Report given in the above section. Golf Practice Facility Task Force Topitzhofer reported that Kevin Norby was contracted to complete a preliminary design to be presented to the Golf Practice Facility Taskforce on May 16, 2005. City Hall Task Force .Jess provided the report. Transportation Committee Ness said that 6e Street and Portland Avenue is being discussed. Family Friendly City Task Force Topitzhofer said that the group contracted Jay Lipe of Emerge Marketing to facilitate the development of a marketing strategy for the City. The Taskforce will conduct it's first session with Lipe on April 28, 2005. FOWL Kritzman announced that the FOWL Dinner will be held on April 22 at the Holiday Inn on 34'" Avenue. Planning Commission Hartnett provided the PC report. RCHSPC No report was given. Tuesday, May 17 7:00 pm, Community Center Adjournment Ness moved, seconded by Hamernick to adjourn the meeting by consensus. Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. RICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Meeting Date: May 17, 2005 Agenda Item Agenda Section Parks Master Plan Discussion Items Attachments Contact 1998 Parks Master Plan Jim To itzhofer A suggestion was made at the last Commission meeting to consider updating Richfield's Parks Master Plan. The last revision of the park plan was performed by a sub -committee of the Community Services Commission in 1998, without the assistance of a planning consultant. Another revision at this time is appropriate as the City begins preparing a required revision of it's comprehensive guide plan, a much broader community planning guide that encompasses all City components due in 2007. Parks master plans typically include the following components: design standards, park system inventory, recommendations for future improvements and cost estimates. For cities that are fully developed, parks master plans focus on park revitalization and often include many neighborhood meetings to gather input for individual parks. Parks master plans also provide recommendations for connections between parks. This planning process can be done with or without a planning consultant. The estimated cost for a consultant to assist our Commission with a master plan is between $20,000 and $35,000 depending upon the scope of project. I've asked a planning consultant, Greg Ingraham, to attend the meeting to further describe the benefits and process of revising parks master plans. Recommended Action None — Discussion only MASTER PARK PLAN - 1998 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS Community Characteristics, 1990 & Projections to 2000 GENERAL INFORMATION Demographics (See Attachment 1) [Demographics booklet put together for MPP SC] I. POPULATION: Richfield's population declined from 37,851 in 1980 to 35,710 in 1990 and 34,672 in 1996. The number of households has decreased since 1990 due to the loss of New Ford Town and Rich Acres housing. In 1996, the total number of households was 15,324. By the year 2000, the largest household group will be baby boomers and senior citizens. As the children of the baby boomers grow up and move away, the percentage of young adults will decline. By 2010, baby boomers will begin reaching retirement, causing the senior population to grow rapidly. A. AGE DISTRIBUTION (See Figure 2) 1) In 1990, the population under age 18 was 20% (down from 45% in 1960). The baby boomlet (children of baby boomers) caused a short-term increase in this age group during the late 1980's and early 1990's. However, in the early 2000's, children of all ages will decline in number and population share as the baby boomlet reaches young adulthood. 2) The baby boom bulge will be in the 46-65 year -old age bracket during the 2000's. The senior population (as a percentage of the population) will continue to grow through the year 2010. Then, as baby boomers reach their retirement, it will grow rapidly. 3) Increase in the older population and decreases in the numbers of children can be mitigated somewhat by out -migration of families reaching middle -age and in - migration of young adults and young families. The number of households and total population will depend on the redevelopment and new housing construction indicated by the Comprehensive Plan. B. DIVERSITY: The minority population increased from 2.7% in 1980 to 7.1% in 1990. 39% of them were Asian/Pacific Islander, 36%-African American and 16% Hispanic/Latino. It is expected that these groups will continue to grow in number during the 1990's and into the 2000's. Since minority families moving into Richfield are younger with more children, minority children make up 12% of all children. The percentage children of color in the Richfield Public School System is about 26%. C. HOUSEHOLDS: In 1990, the most common household type (about 37%) was "non - family" (people living alone or with non -relatives). Married couples without children was 31 %; married w/children was 19%, single parent - 7% and family without children and no married couple was 6%. This number is expected to remain the same or decline somewhat during the 1990's and 2000's, depending on how many senior citizens chose to remain in Richfield as a single person in the household. The number of people per household continues to decline from a high 3.89 in 1960 to 2.46 in 1980 and 2.29 in 1990. 1 H. EMPLOYMENT: The share of Richfield's population in the work force will decline over the next 20 years as its senior citizen population grows. The percentage of women working outside the home with children under age 6 grew from 22% in 1960 to 75% in 1990. For children ages 6-17, 80% of children from two -parent homes had both parents working and 82% of children from single -parent homes had their parent working. The five largest employing occupations for Richfield residents in 1990 were: 1) administrative and clerical support (22%), 2) sales (13%), 3) professional (13%), 4) executive and managerial (13%) and 5) other (12%). Of all those employed, only 16% worked in Richfield. III. INCOME Richfield's median household income fell in the 1980's, relative to Hennepin County. The decline in median household income should be offset during the 1990's and 2000's as baby boomers move into their prime earning years. There is a large gap between married -couple families and single -headed families, caused by the economic impact of dual -income families. The dual -income family is the norm in Richfield (65% of families had two or more members working). Fiscal Information • The total market value in Richfield is currently at $1,385,452,400, assessed value is currently $1,378,925,100 real estate and $8,842,200 personal property. Investment in parks and special facilities will level off near $10 million. • The median value of housing in Richfield will increase from $98,000 to nearly $104,000 after the year 2000. • Total revenues from fees and charges for park and recreation facilities and services will continue to increase from about $2.4 million in 1997 to nearly $2.9 million by the year 2003. • The annual expenditure for parks facilities, maintenance, and recreation services will increase from $4.1 million in 1997 to nearly $4.9 million by the year 2003. General Community Trends • Richfield residents will continue to support increased investments in facility development and maintenance, and in staff and equipment for a wide variety of programs and services. • Seventy-two percent of residents feel they are informed about the Richfield Park System and facilities. A very high number (90%) rated the park and recreation facilities as excellent or good. • Seventy-seven percent favored construction of a multi -purpose recreation center. Open Space Resources/Urban Shaping Elements The I-494/CEDAR AVENUE/1-35W/CROSSTOWN-62 corridors and related urban renewal areas may provide a multitude of opportunities to greatly improve the "front - door" images of the City, add useful open space, reserve the potential for recreation facilities, and provide grade separated bike/hike/ski trails as well. 2 • Public school sites represent the largest tracts and most well distributed non -park open space resources within the community. Currently the school district site area is 96.5 acres. • Private schools, churches, and cemetery sites provide substantial visual relief, natural and cultivated landscape vistas, and contrast to the persistent urban landscape. • Richfield has no natural topographic or hydrologic corridors and has not developed space for urban parkways or park corridors. • Because of small block length and the perpendicular grid system of streets from border to border, the largest potential, public, open space resource within the City is the street space. • While some recent redevelopment projects have included substantial landscaping and a formal sculpture feature, most of the existing non-residential development in Richfield is largely lacking in landscape, sculptural, or other open space amenities. • Often, open space has not been used as transition between intense land uses such as freeways, industrial, multiple, or commercial, and low density residential areas. • Three major storm water holding ponding sites provide some opportunity for additional visual relief and amenities. Additional relief for people along Penn Avenue will be provided by the completion of ponding and redevelopment on the east side of Penn Avenue from 69s' to 70s' Street. DISCUSSION, RECOMMENDATIONS AND PLAN PROPOSALS Special Recreation and Park Facilities VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK OF RICHFIELD is a City community park, not a neighborhood park. The park provides a wide variety of recreational activities for Richfield citizens and can be expanded. The ice arena and the outdoor swimming pool are the oldest components of the park. During the 1980's and 1990's a miniature golf course, a large picnic pavilion, concession/park building and a large area for playfeatures were added. The best use of the west and southwest areas are for facilities and activities such as the farmers' market, Fourth of July carnival and events (Cattail Days, etc.). The northeast and east should remain in a natural state providing a nice area for walking, walking dogs, and biking in a natural environment. Veterans Park should also be the site for a new large multi -use recreational center. Such a facility, ideally, should include the following components: 1) A large banquet facility which could be divided into two to four smaller rooms: These would provide much needed meeting/banquet space for Richfield civic organizations. Moreover, these rooms could be rented out, providing revenue to offset operating costs of the facility. A full-scale kitchen would necessarily be a part of this section of the facility. 2) Gyms and exercise rooms, which include weight -lifting equipment. 3) Small meeting/craft rooms to be used for small groups and classes. 4) An indoor zero -depth swimming pool with two to three lanes for lap swimming and a slide and other water play features would allow Richfield citizens to enjoy water activities 12 months of the year. An ozone purification system would eliminate the negative aspects of chlorine systems. 3 5) A running track. 6) Locker rooms/changing rooms. Other potential features include space for daycare and concession stands. A wading pool, sand lot, and deck could be built outside the pool area to add additional activities during the summer. Memberships for use of the building should be sold to provide additional revenue. However, children and youth should be eligible for reduced/no cost access to the facility. Many of the senior citizen and adaptive recreational programs would move to the new facility. The old community center building could then be used by other organizations and activities. The best location of the multi -use facility would be on the southwest or south central area of Veterans Park. Ideally, it would be located very near the ice arena allowing for movement indoors between the two buildings. Other improvements to Veterans Park would include an expanded parking lot and a hard surface floor for the picnic shelter. • The ICE ARENA is an attractive, well -maintained, easily accessible, highly visible, community asset which creates a very positive image to many non-residents who visit, view, or use the facility. It is well -programmed as an indoor ice facility, and will remain a major focus of any Veterans Memorial Park of Richfield development plan. Increasing maintenance and rehabilitation costs as the facility and equipment ages will continue to be worthwhile investments. In the 1990's, the locker room area was completely remodeled. Two additional locker rooms were added as well as new dasher boards in 1996. Space for Hat Trick hockey was added in 1997. Due to the increasing numbers of participants in girls hockey, a second sheet of ice can be justified. If approved, it should be constructed and used as an integral part of the current Arena. • The COMMUNITY CENTER is an aging building; rapidly outgrowing the space needed for the programs operated by its staff. More space is needed for exercise, dance, and new craft areas. A new furnace will be added and state-of-the-art information technology introduced. Currently, facilities are well -programmed. The setting is one of the most attractive in the entire City; access is good and parking is convenient and adequate for most building programs. Adjacent park uses are compatible and complimentary. If a new multi -use recreational building is built, many activities can be moved to that site with vacated space in the community center used for other purposes. • RICH ACRES GOLF COURSE was the latest major addition to the park facilities in the City. Currently, the well -managed facility operates at full capacity each season and produces revenues to cover operations and improvements. Unfortunately, the Metropolitan Airport Commission is reclaiming the land and golf course operations will be phased out by the year 2000. Every effort should be made to acquire land for another golf course operated by the City. One such possibility is Fort Snelling. The current nine - hole course could be expanded to an 18-hole course. Acquisition of this site should proceed in cooperation with Minneapolis, which wants to acquire the former Fort Snelling polo grounds and ballparks. If the Fort Snelling site cannot be acquired, a search and negotiations to find alternatives sites should take place immediately. • WOOD LAKE NATURE CENTER is the most widely known and most used of the urban outdoor education sites and facilities in the metropolitan area. The resource should not be compromised by proposed upgrading of I-35 W. Any impacts must be mitigated. Sound barriers are being added on the east side of I-35 W. Recently, the lake was dredged and a 4 new floating bridge and boardwalks were added. As a part of the construction of the Richfield Lake inlet pipe, a new picnic area was created. The old picnic area was the primary depository of dredging material. As a result of this, the parking lot on Lyndale should be abandoned. The area can then be used as an intermediate cross-country ski trail and a diverse upland hardwood forest. An old picnic shelter in the area could be remodeled for storage and outdoor classroom uses. Facilities and resources are programmed at capacity, are well -managed and well -maintained. Expanded programs would be possible with upgraded facilities, staff and equipment. Management of deer is a serious problem as the Center is too small to support deer. Efforts should continue to discourage deer from moving in and to remove them as necessary to protect the ecology of the park As funding permits, other items such as a rental/classroom building, new fencing, more picnic areas and salaried intern positions should be added. At the Nature Center, guided, interpreted, and planned programs have increased more than the casual drop -in visitors, and that trend will likely continue. Outside of classroom use, more non -Richfield residents use Wood Lake than residents. User load should match the resource base and interpretive potential of this important metropolitan environmental educational facility. The Nature Center has been well -served by the supportive fundraising group FOWL (Friends of Wood Lake). FOWL deserves the continued support of City staff and commission members. Currently, off -site garden management programs are directed on MAC property. These are being reclaimed by MAC in 1999. Another site should be identified for acquisition/use by Richfield residents. The SWIMMING POOL was the first major recreational facility dating back to 1962, with a likely life expectancy of about five more years. Structures are deteriorating and require substantial maintenance work each year. The pool is in need of major repair. A new bathhouse, meeting ADA standards, is also necessary. The decision on whether to invest in a new outdoor water facility should wait until a decision on a multi -use recreational facility (with an indoor pool) is made. The primary users of the current pool are children; the primary function is general recreation swimming, although swim instruction is an important community service. A water slide was added in the early 1990's to meet new patterns of water use. Two indoor pools, owned and operated by the Richfield Schools, also serve residents and special user groups on a year-round basis. However, during most of the year, when school is in session, other population groups do not have access to a pool. BIKE/HIKE TRAILS, on safe and separated from auto traffic rights of way, are not available outside of specific parks. A growing number of residents are requesting that bike and pedestrian trails/lanes be developed as a part of the City's recreational services and transportation structure. Installation of bike lanes on 761' Street has been postponed until 76a' Street needs to be repaved. At that time, bike lanes on 76a' should be considered. The MINNEAPOLIS, NORTHFIELD AND SOUTHERN (MNS) railroad right of way provides a potential pedestrian and bike corridor through the City. If the tracks are abandoned, Richfield should cooperate with Hennepin County, Bloomington and Minneapolis to develop an inter -city bike/hike trail. A bike/hike mini park corridor linking the parks should also be considered. Redevelopment of areas along Cedar, I-494 & I-35W and the Crosstown should include discussion of additional bike trails/lanes. They should 1) be grade separated or utilize "scramble interval" signals at each urban 5 collector or arterial street crossing; and 2) provide access to commercial and residential developments along the corridors as well as connecting to an internal City loop trail system. Parks and Playfields (See Attachment X.) [Maps of ballparks and parks, including contour maps, and items from the booklet "Richfield City Parks and Recreation Areas"] • Richfield uses 27 park and playfield sites with a total of 573.9 developed acres, or 16.55 acres per 1,000 population. • Athletic Fields and Facilities Comparisons are shown by population for each type facility. • ATHLETIC FIELD & FACILITY numbers meet or exceed "national standards" and compare favorably with other similar suburban cities in the metro area except for soccer (lower), and tennis courts (highest of all). Fields are well located in the community and are well constructed and maintained. Parking, shelter buildings, and other support facilities are good. Baseball/softball have the greatest participation rate in the City, followed by soccer. Interest in soccer is expanding and more adults are participating in the soccer leagues. This is likely to continue in the future, partially due to increasing diversity. After MAC announced it was reclaiming the land currently used as ballparks, a task force on replacement was established. A plan to replace the fields was selected involving City parks and public school and private school property. One-half to the necessary funding was granted by the 1998 Legislature. With this money the following improvements are being made: 1) 4 new youth baseball fields at Roosevelt, eliminating a soccer/football field; 2) a new football/soccer field and site improvements to the upper ballfield facilities at Donaldson; 3) an upgrade of two existing softball fields and a soccer field at Richfield Intermediate School; 4) improvements, by the City, at the Academy of Holy Angels' field to provide an adequate football/soccer field and Babe Ruth baseball field; and 5) an upgrade of 3 existing youth slow pitch softball fields and a soccer field. Richfield must actively seek funding to complete and upgrade the reminder of the fields identified by the Task Force's plan. This includes adding a T-ball complex at Taft Park, an irrigation system for the soccer field at Washington Park and remodeling the ballfields at Lincoln Field. (See attachment X.) [the Ballpark Plan]). • OUTDOOR SKATING RINKS remain controversial. Many neighborhoods would like a rink in their park. Usage, the short season and cost of flooding and maintenance do not justify putting a rink in every park. The City Council, with input from City staff and the Community Service Commission, will decide each year which parks will have outdoor rinks. An attempt to balance geographic location. safety concerns and previous year's use will guide the decision -making process. Roosevelt, Donaldson, Jefferson, Christian, Taft and Augsburg have permanent boards for outdoor hockey. • OTHER ATHLETIC/RECREATIONAL amenities: Requests for roller -blading and a "dirt bike course" are often made in neighborhood meetings. One of the permanently boarded hockey rink at Donaldson is receiving a special type of asphalt coating that permits roller-blading during the summer on an experimental basis. If the experiment is successful and funding permits, another rink on the east side should be redone to permit roller-blading. Currently, the cost of liability insurance is prohibitive for a dirt bike course. The Community Service Commission and City Council should remain open to the possibility of putting such a course in one of the parks. 1.1 • COMMUNITY PARKS provide for focus, identity and activity for all Richfield residents. • NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS are well distributed except in the southeastern area of the City. Half of the sites are too small to provide full services, but all are well developed, equipped, and maintained. Most parks share boundaries with private dwellings but activity spill -over does not appear to be a problem. With the redevelopment of Sheridan, all the neighborhood parks have been redone. Maintenance of the parks and park building should be of primary concern. As changes are made, safety issues should be considered. The Public Safety Department has concerns with the use of solid fences/walls, berms, shrubbery, etc. These items block neighbors and officers from seeing what is happening in the park. Over the next few years, drinking fountains and portable restrooms should be installed in each park. All park buildings should be equipped with sufficient tables and chairs for programs/activities in the building. Some park buildings should be equipped with media equipment (overheads, projectors, etc.) to encourage rental for meetings. Storage areas should be added to a number of parks as funding permits. • MINI -PARKS & TOT LOTS serve as ornamental relief for three neighborhoods, but are not useful as neighborhood facilities. Upkeep and maintenance investments are high, particularly when measured against actual recreation use and activity. • PUBLIC SCHOOL SITES are regularly used for City recreation activity and several provide reserve capacity for field games areas which could be lost in the future. No further loss of any school site should be considered. • A documented INVENTORY OF PARK SITES AND FACILITIES should be completed. It would include complete site legal descriptions, correct City base map delineation, appropriate Comprehensive Plan and zoning designations, and as -built site plans for buildings and all special construction features. The inventory should be updated as necessary. • Richfield should adopt policies which will encourage preservation of private and quasi - public open spaces and make every effort to acquire significant open space resources which are about to be converted to urban development. Air rights should be reserved for possible future park development over the freeway right of way. • The City should file and process applications for the use of additional MAC, VA, DNR, or Federal open space reserve lands for recreational use. The City should begin negotiations to establish clearly the survival and assignment of all current and expanded lease rights to any successor entity which may result from revision to, or relocation of the airport. • Landscape development including mounding, trees, shrubs, and screen fencing to buffer users from the freeway noise and provide a more interesting pedestrian corridor should always be considered. Freeway renewal areas should include fully developed pedestrian and bike trails over the full length of the City boundary and connect to the adjacent community. • Adopt -a -Park programs deserve continued support. They should be encouraged to clean the parks more often. 7 Recreational Programs and Activities • Richfield provides a complete range of recreation programs in additional to the Special Facilities activities. These programs are well staffed, equipped, and organized, and enjoy the approval and general support of the community. • A gradual shift from youth to adult (middle-aged largest group) programs is underway, and will need to continue as the adult population increases in numbers and participation rates for many recreation activities. Adult (non -senior citizen) participants should pay for most of the cost of programming. • Fees for programs are related to costs except where City policy intends to subsidize special recreation activities. Summer Park Program fees should be kept to a minimum or eliminated so that all can participate. • Volunteers are utilized when and where available although there is no defined, identified, recreation volunteer corps with formal leadership or training programs. In the future, more use of volunteers should be considered. One possible use of volunteers would be in an "Adopt a Park Garden" program in appropriate parks. The Richfield Garden Club might be one organization that could provide leadership and guidance. • Public information is distributed primarily through a delivery service of a well -prepared seasonal program information brochures. Specific program information distribution to participants is conducted through the schools and by direct mail. Regular notification and activity reporting in the local newspaper and on cable television is also utilized. • Special interest associations organize and operate all youth athletic activities with the assistance of City program staff. Under the new ballpark plan, City staff will be responsible for maintenance of those sites. Efforts to work through the associations to provide volunteer staff and funds to support youth athletic activities should continue. • Cooperative and coordinated interaction with the School District results in workable arrangement, and mostly effective utilization of funding, facilities, staff, and sites for program activities. This cooperation must continue. Specific Parks and Playfields [Attachment of contour maps] • Except for the FORT SNELLING GOLF COURSE, Richfield will not need additional parks over the next 20 years. • ADAMS HILL PARK is approximately 7 acres including a storm water holding pond. Features include a sliding hill, partially underground park building, play feature, volleyball court, asphalt parking area, 3/4 mile hiking trail and a suitable area for ice skating. The site has been developed as a joint venture with the adjacent Edina park. Future planning should include the following: 1) a walking path around the pond with additional landscape definition to protect private property, 2) trail connections as the western origin of the "mini" parkway concept and 3) additional trees and plant material. These items should be added with consideration of safety issues described above. APPLE BLOSSOM PARK consists of four city lots fronting on Girard Avenue at 67th Street and backing up to a high sound barrier wall on the I-35W freeway. The neighbors use the site as a tot lot and landscaped open space buffer. 8 • AUGSBURG PARK is a 20.2 acre site which provides the following major amenities: a brick park building, six lighted tennis courts and bounce wall, one lighted hockey rink, a pleasure rink, play features, neighborhood ballfreld, parking lot and'h mile hiking path. Other than planned replacements and repair (bounce wall, fencing), future considerations may include expansion of the hiking path as a part of the proposed "mini" parkway bike/hike system, upgrading the building parking and landscape screens for the paved area. • CHRISTIAN PARK is a very well developed, 11-acre park with full recreation facilities. Its features include a sliding hill, park building, lighted and irrigated football/soccer and softball fields, 4 lighted tennis courts with bounce wall, basketball court, playfeatures, hockey rink, a pleasure rink, parking lot and'/2 mile hiking trail. Possible improvements are expansion/remodeling of walking paths with a connection to the "mini' parkway system, adding landscape lighting features near the pond and play feature area and pond aeration. The basketball court should be replaced in the near future. • DONALDSON PARK houses the major athletic complex for west Richfield. The 24 acre park contains 2 park buildings, irrigated baseball and football/soccer fields, tennis courts and bounce wall, basketball courts, playfeatures, parking lots and ''/z mile of pathways. The ballpark replacement plan calls for changes in placement and number of fields. (See above.) Other plans should include addition of a lighting/landscape feature near the center of the site, additional trees , and improvement of the trails to provide linkage with the "mini" system. • FAIRWOOD/MONROE PARKS are two parks in close proximity, totaling 11 acres. Recently, as a part of planning to replace the water play feature at Fairwood, the neighborhood decided to redesign both parks. The water feature will be removed and replaced by a playfeature in 1998. In the future, a new picnic shelter/building at Fairwood will replace the condemned park building at Monroe. Monroe will retain its current features. Fairwood will contain space for a potential ice-skating rink. • FREMONT PARK is a small, triangular -shaped mini -park, 2.5 city lots in size. Ideally, it could be enlarged to neighborhood park size. It includes a playfeature, basketball hoop and open space. • GARFIELD PARK is a small (60 ft. W X 200 ft. L) play lot with limited access and spill over into back yards of single family dwellings on two sides, and a multiple dwelling parking lot on the other. It contains a play feature and a few trees. Planning should allow for possible reconfiguration and expansion. • HEREDIA PARK is a three -acre park with a remodeled park building. It includes tennis courts and bounce wall, a basketball court, play features with a water slide, ballfield and 1/4 mile hiking paths. No further plans are required except for play feature and tennis court replacement as scheduled. • JEFFERSON PARK is a recently redeveloped, 4-acre park. Amenities include a park building, tennis courts, basketball courts, play features, hockey rink, softball field, volleyball court, free skating rink and pathways. No further improvements are required in the near future. • LINCOLN FIELD will be redeveloped as a part of the ball park replacement plan. The 7- acre site will contain 5 ballparks as well as a tot lot with play features. The City should consider acquiring additional land (1.9 acres) and access rights to Lyndale Avenue when VJ the mobile home park use terminates. It should also provide for access to the proposed bike/hike trails on the railroad right-of-way. • LITTLE BOB'S PARK is a small tot lot site slightly larger than one city lot. It has a playfeature. No improvements are required in the next 5-10 years. • MADISON PARK is a 4-acre neighborhood park that was redeveloped in 1994. Amenities include a building, softball field, pathways, tennis and basketball courts, play features, free skating and "snow board" hockey areas. No further improvements are necessary. • NICOLLET PARK, redeveloped in 1993, is a 8-acre park with a holding pond on the north side. It contains a park building, play features, tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts, softball field, pathways and a free skating area. No further improvements are needed. • "NO NAME" PARK, located at 68th Street and Oliver Avenue South, is a boulevard area which is too small to serve any purpose other than a small urban open space. It contains no amenities. No farther development is recommended. •. RICHFIELD LAKE PARK is a part of the Richfield Lake Area Master Plan being developed as a result of the reconstruction of the I-35 W and Crosstown area. The new highway interchange requires the addition of 3 holding ponds to trap highway run-off before it enters Richfield Lake and then Wood Lake. The neighborhood decided that they want Richfield Lake to remain in a natural state with few design changes. In addition to the lake, ponds and 3/< mile of paths, the park contains a play feature, tot lot and basketball court. After redevelopment under the Richfield Lake Area Master Plan, no further improvements are necessary. • ROOSEVELT PARK is well developed and beginning to mature. The 13.5-acre park will see changes in its athletic complex due to the ballpark replacement plan. (See above.) It also contains a building, tennis and basketball courts, a parking lot and tot lot. No further planning is necessary. • SHERIDAN PARK is 7-acre neighborhood park with a small storm water holding pond. Completely remodeled in 1997, it contains a picnic shelter/building, play feature, tennis , volleyball, and basketball courts, softball field and paths. No additional planning is required. • TAFT PARK is a large (42 acres), multi purpose park/playfield which is well developed. Besides ballparks and football/soccer fields, it includes hockey rinks, pleasure skating rink, park buildings and play features. It also has Mothers Lake which is used for fishing. The long range plans should include: 1) upgrade and improve existing facilities, 2) increase trees to define activity areas and replace the aging low quality trees, 3) accommodate the "mini" parkway bike/hike trail connections and 4) obtain a long-term commitment from MAC and Minneapolis for the parts of the park they own. • WASHINGTON PARK was redeveloped in 1994/95. It includes softball/soccer space, tennis and basketball court, play features, sliding hill, parking lot, building and pathways. No further improvements are required. However, mitigation/redevelopment plans may included changes in size and amenities. In that case, it is possible that land may be exchanged to expand WILSON POND to about 7 acres and make it a neighborhood park. 10 MISCELLANEOUS SMALL SITES (0.4 acres) should be disposed of by re -platting to add -to adjacent lots, create a new lot to be sold, or simply paved to become part of the streets. 11 Other Open Spaces • The BARTHOLOMEW HOUSE site provides a base for a larger collection of historic artifacts and replicas of other early historic structures. Any development would need to be a joint powers project, unless the site and project was contributed to and developed by a non-profit entity, such as the Richfield Foundation. • STORM WATER HOLDING POND SITES (Norby, Milner, Wilson, and 01-70h & Penn) could be useful, and attractive open space assets. Plans should include: 1) a lighted walking path, benches, small play sculptures, and exercise stations along the path. 2) additional trees to compliment the water and slopes, add interest, and provide screening for adjacent homes. Parks Maintenance and Operations • Construct a new or expanded CITY MAINTENANCE FACILITY at a site recommended by the garage site task force. Possible sites include the current site, sites along Cedar, American Legion site or Veterans Memorial Park of Richfield. • Continue to research and document a program for standardization of all park construction components. • Continue to upgrade and automate MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT and site and building OPERATING SYSTEMS. • Update and maintain the INFRASTRUCTURE STUDY and follow the maintenance, replacement, and upgrade recommendations faithfully. • Continue the high quality maintenance services through the well organized efforts of trained, experienced CITY STAFF personnel. Park & Recreational Funding • Capital investments in park and recreation facilities and sites have varied from less than $25,000 to over a proposed $7,335,000 a year since 1970. • Capital funds have come from state and federal grants, general obligation and special revenue bonds, special revenue fund (liquor sales), private contributions, sale of property, tax increment financing, user fees, and federal revenue sharing. State and federal grant programs are very limited and not likely to expand in the future. Revenue sharing programs have been discontinued. All of the other sources are still viable. • Operating budgets have increased from $2,068,760 proposed in 1988 to $4,401,190 in 1998. • Sources of operating funds come from taxes, fees and charges for services, grants, revenue sharing, and other minor sources. Revenue sharing and grant funds are no longer available due to changes in state and federal funding policies. • Revenues from fees and charges for recreation and park services have increased from a total of $574,940 proposed in 1988 to $2,403,935 in 1997. • There seems to be some support for special assessments, or City-wide fee surcharges for generating park and recreation operational or capital improvement revenues. 12 PROCESS: Staff Input The Master Park Plan Sub -Committee invited City Staff to talk about their areas of expertise. Each was asked to discuss the current status of their area, immediate needs and recommendations for the future. Those who appeared before the committee included: Frank White Parks, Design & Programs Randy Hughes Parks, Operations & Maintenance Steve Devich Enterprise Funds Bill Nikituk Safety Issues in the Parks Karen Shragg Wood Lake Nature Center Mike Eastling Storm Sewers, City Maintenance Facility Lil Hipp Community Center Public Input: • Community Service Commission members were asked for input, as were contacts from various civic organizations, athletic associations and schools. • The Master Park Plan Sub -Committee and the Community Services Commission toured the Maplewood, Shoreview and New Brighton Community Centers. • Several community open houses were held to gather citizen input on the outdoor pool and a potential community center with an indoor pool. Citizens were encouraged to call City Hall with comments. • After MAC's announcement regarding the land currently used for East Richfield Ball Parks and Golf Course, two task forces were set up. The Task Force for Ball Park Replacement was made up of representatives from the athletic associations, the City and schools. Representatives from Rich Acres Golf Course and interested members of the citizenry made up the Golf Course Replacement Task Force. The Master Park Plan Sub - Committee received reports from these groups regularly and approved their decisions. • Visions 2000 conducted a visioning forum on October 25, 1997 involving the leadership of civic organizations, City and School staff , elected officials, members of the business community and interested citizens. Among all the suggested improvements to the quality of life in Richfield, the concept of a multi -use recreational center (the Urban Hometown Center) received the most support. • The City of Richfield hired Decision Resources, Inc. to conduct a survey of Richfield residents in 1997. The survey included questions on citizen satisfaction with park and recreation opportunities, and facility use. Questions about a new community center were also included. (See attachment X.) Results of the survey were presented to the Master Park Plan and the Community Service Commission at one of its meetings. • The committee members updated the 1989 Master Park Plan and presented it to the Community Services Commission. 13 JRICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Meeting Date: May 17, 2005 Agenda Item Agenda Section Results of Joint Community Education Program Summary Discussion Items Attachments Contact Survey Summaty Jim To itzhofer Members of the Community Services Commission assisted with a survey to determine program preferences for recreation and enrichment activities. Richfield Recreation Services and Richfield Community Education jointly conducted the survey. 207 people responded to the survey at various events in February on hand-held computers. Questions asked included program preferences, pricing, duration, time of day, barriers, and administrative items. Results of the survey are attached. Recommended Action None Discussion only Page 1 of 3 survtrak now you know COMPANY: assp11100 SURVEY NUM: 17115 FROM: 1/29/2005 01:00:00 TO: 2/22/2005 23:45:00 STORE: GROUP: RGN: TOTAL RESPONSES: 207 DESCRIPTION: COMED0205 ADVANCED QUERY OVERALL REPORT CATEGORY: PARTICIPATION QUESTION 1: IN THE PAST YEAR MY CHILD HAS PARTICIPATED IN ONE OR MORE PROGRAMS OFFERED BY: SELECTION NUMBER PERCENT COMMUNITY EDUCATION 24 11.59 $ RECREATION 79 38.16 $ BOTH OF THE ABOVE 6933.33 % NONE OF THE ABOVE 27 - 13.04 % ---------------------------------------------- CATEGORY: DAYOFF QUESTION 2: WHAT ACTIVITIES WOULD YOU LIKE FOR YOUR CHILD TO PARTICIPATE IN ON A DAY OFF OF SCHOOL? SELECTION NUMBER PERCENT FIELD TRIP ON A BUS 24 11.59 % PHYSICAL ACTIVITY 51 24. 64 % ENRICHMENT ACTIVITY 19 09.18 % ■ MORE THAN ONE 103 49.76 % OTHER 10 04.83 % ---------------------------------------------- CATEGORY: PAY QUESTION 3: HOW MUCH ARE YOU WILLING TO PAY FOR THE ACTIVITY YOU CHOOSE IN THE ABOVE QUESTION? SELECTION NUMBER PERCENT _ LESS THAN $10 38 18.36 % $11-15 61 29.47 % $16-20 58 28.02 % $21-25 20 09.66 % ■ $25 30 14.49 % ---------------------------------------------- CATEGORY: AFTERSCHOOL QUESTION 4: WHAT' ACTIVITIES WOULD YOU WANT YOUR CHILD TO PARTICIPATE IN AFTER SCHOOL AND EVENINGS? SELECTION NUMBER PERCENT ENRICHMENT 12 05.80 % PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES 39 18.84 % ALL OF THE ABOVE 140 67.63 % -. OTHER 16 07.73 % ---------------------------------------------- CATEGORY: PAY QUESTION 5: HOW MUCH ARE YOU WILLING TO PAY FOR UP TO AN 8 WEEK PROGRAM OF THE ACTIVITY YOU CHOSE? SELECTION NUMBER PERCENT - http://www.survtrak.com/cgi/surveyor.dll 3/l/2005 Page 2 o, LESS THAN $20 42 20.29 % $21-30 39 18.84 8 $31-40 49 23.67 8 $41-$50 29 14.01 8 $50 48 23.19 % _ ---------------------------------------------- CATEGORY: SUMMER QUESTION 6: WHAT ACTIVITIES WOULD YOU WANT YOUR CHILD TO PARTICIPATE IN DURING THE SUMMER? SELECTION NUMBER PERCENT ENRICH SUMMER SCHOOL11 05.31 4 REC. PARR PROGRAM 26 12.56 8 ■ SPORTS CAMPS 33 15,94 % MORE THAN 1 OF THESE124 59.90 % OTHER 13 06.28 B ---------------------------------------------- CATEGORY: PAY QUESTION 7: WHAT ARE YOU WILLING TO PAY FOR SUMMER ACTIVITIES PER WEEK? SELECTION NUMBER PERCENT LESS THAN $50 96 46.38 % $51-60 43 20.77 8 $61-70 37 17.87 % $71-80 11 05.31 8 $80 20 09.66 8 ■ ---------------------------------------------- CATEGORY: LENGTH QUESTION 8: WHAT WOULD BE THE IDEAL LENGTH OF TIME A SUMMER PROGRAM WOULD RUN? (CONSIDER VACATIONS) SELECTION - NUMBER PERCENT 1 WEEK 33 15.94 8 2 WEEKS 44 - 21.26 % 3 WEEKS 46 22.22 8 _ 4-6 WEEKS 62 29.95 S - 6-6 WEEKS 22 10.63 8 ■ ---------------------------------------------- CATEGORY: TIMEOFDAY QUESTION 9: WHAT TIME OF THE DAY WOULD YOU PREFER A SUMMER PROGRAM TO BE SCHEDULED? SELECTION NUMBER PERCENT 6:00 AM - NOON 76 36.71 % 10:00 AM - 3P.M. 64 30.92 9 NOON-4:00 PM 31 14.98 8 ALL DAY 36 17.39 % ---------------------------------------------- CATEGORY: BARRIER QUESTION 10: THE #1 BARRIER THAT PREVENTS YOUR CHILD FROM PARTICIPATING IN THE ABOVE MENTIONED PROGRAMS? SELECTION NUMBER PERCENT COST 52 25.12 9 _ TRANSPORTATION 46 22.22 % _ INTEREST 27 13.04 8 ■ TIME OFFERED 57 27.54 $ _ http://www.survtrak.com/cgi/surveyor.dll 3/l/2005 Page 3 of 3 OTHER 25 12.08 % ---------------------------------------------- CATEGORY: PASSPORT QUESTION 11: ARE YOU AWARE OF TEE SCHOLARSHIPS AND PASSPORT PROGRAM AVAILABLE? SELECTION NUMBER PERCENT YES 73 35.27 8 NO 134 64.73 % ---------------------------------------------- CATEGORY: COMMUNICATIONS QUESTION 12: THE IDEAL WAY TO FIND OUT ABOUT ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS WITH COM- ED. AND RICHFIELD REC? SELECTION NUMBER PERCENT MAILINGS 102 49.28 8 FLYERS SENT HOME 64 30.92 % WEBSITE 15 07.25 % SUN CURRENT PAPER 16 07.73 B WORD OF MOUTH 10 04,83 8 ---------------------------------------------- CATEGORY: EMAIL QUESTION 13: DO YOU HAVE DAILY ACCESS TO A COMPUTER WITH 'INTERNET AND EMAIL SERVICE? - SELECTION NUMBER PERCENT YES 159 76.B1 8 -■ NO 48 23.19 5 ---------------------------------------------- CATEGORY: REGISTER QUESTION 14: HOW DO YOU PREFER TO REGISTER YOUR CHILD FOR A CLASS OR ACTIVITY? SELECTION NUMBER PERCENT ON-LINE 65 31.40 B , MAIL IN 51 24.64 8 TEL./FAX CREDIT CARD24 11.59 % ■ - IN PERSON 67 32.37 % --------------------------------------------- CATEGORY: TRAILS QUESTION 15: HOW IMPORTANT IS DEVELOPING TRAILS BETWEEN NEIGHBORHOODS; PARKS; SCHOOLS AND shops. SELECTION NUMBER PERCENT CRITICALLY IMPORTANT86 41.55 % MODERATELY IMPORTANT9O 43.48 8 NOT IMPORTANT 31 14.98 4 http://www.survtrak.com/cgi/surveyor.dll 3/l/2005 RICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION ........�■ EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Meeting Date: May 17, 2005 Agenda Item Agenda Section Support to Richfield Historical SocietY Discussion Items Attachments Contact Richfield History Center Grand Opening Information Jim To itzhofer The Richfield Historical Society has made great strides in improving the condition of the Bartholomew House and has renovated a building, creating the new Richfield History Center. The History Center is celebrating it's grand opening on May 21, 2005 (see attached flyer). They are now in a position to begin offering services to our community. Some of the planned services include educational programming for children. The Recreation Services Department has offered some administrative support to the Historical including registration processing and promotion of programs in our brochure. The City has also offered some in -kind services to re -grade and improve the grounds immediately in front of the new History Center. This is a great start to the beginning of joint programming with the Historical Society. Commission members are encouraged to attend the grand opening on May 21. Recommended Action None — Information only Grand Please join us for this special event marking the completion Opening of the Richfield History Center. > Explore the new Richfield History Center featuring exhibits on local Saturday, May 21 , 2005 iistory, a genealogy library and a video on the history of Richfield, mur the historic Bartholomew House Museum, take part in events l 0:00am-4:00pm scheduled all day to celebrate the opening of this exciting new History Center. 6901, Lyndale Avenue S. Richfield, MN Events include: 10:00am Honor Guard: Raising of the flag over the History Center National Eagle Center: The eagle as a historical and natural symbol. Live eagle on,display 10:30am Historical Storyteller; Bob Gasch tells stories of Richfield and Minnesota's past 1.1:30am Live music 12:00pm Barbershop quartet I:00pm Dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony A ®® 2:00pm Live music 3:00pm Volunteer recognition ceremony Tour the historic Bartholomew House Museum, one of Richfield's and the Tenn Cities oldest homes built For more information call the, Richfield Historical Society at in ' 1853 and located next to the Richfield History Center. 612-798-6140 or go to our web site at ww.riehfi dhistory.org w 'ONESO, Fy\ �o pF �P� Minnesota Department of Transportation Metropolitan District Waters Edge 1500 West County Road B-2 Roseville MN 55113-3174 May 17, 2005 Mr. Jim Topitzhofer Recreation Services Director City of Richfield 6700 Portland Ave S Richfield, MN 55423 RE: I-35W/TH 62 CROSSTOWN COMMONS RECONSTRUCTION S.P. 2782-281 TEMPORARY OCCUPANCY IN VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK Dear Mr. Topitzhofer: As part of the reconstruction of I-35W, Mn/DOT is proposing to reconstruct a segment of an existing trail within Veterans Memorial Park. There is an existing storm sewer that runs under TH 62 and outlets into the south ditch running parallel to TH 62. This water eventually flows south under the existing trail through a culvert. Because the drainage area north of TH 62 will receive more water than under the existing conditions today, Mn/DOT would like to assure that this outlet remain open during stone events. The current culvert has a history of filling with sediment and clogging. As part of the proposed work, Mn/DOT will replace the existing culvert crossing with a 50' continental type bridge. Along with the proposed bridge, a small channel will be dredged to create an opening for which the water to flow. This is the concept that Mn/DOT presented to the City on April 28, 2005. As per Federal Register Rules and Regulations 23 CFR 771.135(7), this construction activity is considered a temporary occupancy of Section 4(f) lands. To proceed with the design and construction of the pedestrian bridge and channel dredging, there must be documented agreement that the officials having jurisdiction over the resource concur with the work to be completed and agree that the following conditions are met. The duration of the occupancy will be temporary in nature and there will be no change in ownership of the land. As explained above, the scope of work to be performed will be minor. There are no anticipated permanent adverse physical impacts nor will there be interference with the activities or purposes of the park, on either a permanent or temporary basis. The land being used will be fully restored to a condition that is at least as good as the one that existed prior to the project. An ecual 0000rtunity emolover Mr. Jim Topitzhofer City of Richfield May 17, 2005 Page 2 Please indicate your concurrence with the work proposed, and that the above conditions are met, by signing below. Please forward the signed original back to me for our records. I will forward this information to the Mn/DOT Project Liaison Unit for concurrence by the FHWA. If you have questions regarding this matter, feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience at 651-582-1206. Thank you. Sincerely, MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION John Griffith, P.E. Project Manager I concur that the proposed work constitutes a Temporary Occupancy of Veterans Memorial Park. Jim Topitzhofer Date Recreational Services Director City of Richfield cc: Ann Hopkins, SRF Consulting Group, Inc.