Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRNR Commission - 09/09/2024AGENDA PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2024 7:00 P.M. CITY CENTER 8080 Mitchell Road PRNR COMMISSION MEMBERS: Patrice Erickson, Chair; Tom Poul, Vice Chair; Shanti Shah, Deepa Bhujle, Cecilia Cervantes, Pedro Curry, Duane Hookom, Annie Klodd, Jennifer Meyer, Kirk Spresser PRNR STUDENT REPRES.: Richa Raja, Tavin Koenig, Tessa Plourde, Jack Petrin, Noelle Fitzgerald, Sophia Hoffelt, Haricharan Neelamegam, Arya Mehta CITY STAFF: Amy Markle, Parks & Recreation Director Lori Brink, Recreation Manager Matt Bourne, Parks & Natural Resources Manager Valerie Verley, Community Center Manager RECORDING SECRETARY: Jodie Fenske *Introduce Commission/New Student Representatives* I. OF AGENDA II. APPROVAL OF PRNR MINUTES – August 5 and June 3, 2024 III. REPORT OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION IV. REPORT OF PLANNING COMMISSION V. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATION VI. NEW BUSINESS VII. OLD BUSINESS VIII. REPORTS OF COMMISSION & STAFF A. Recreation Services Manager 1. B. Community Center Manager 1. C. Parks and Natural Resources Manager 1. Storm Response Update D. Parks and Recreation Director 1. Athletics Project Update 2. Bike Park Presentation E. Parks & Recreation Experiences Share your experiences of past events, park/building visits, news articles, etc. IX. NEXT MEETING PRNR: Monday, October 7 at 7:00 p.m. meet at City Center X. ADJOURNMENT PRNR COMMISSION PURPOSE STATEMENT Act in an advisory capacity to the City on matters of leisure services, recreation programming, and development and use of parks and recreation facilities supported by the general public. • Enlist the support of organizations and individuals in providing City parks and recreation facilities and activities. • Provide input to staff in the promotion of awareness and use of recreation facilities and activities by community organizations and individuals. • Provide input to staff on park plans including the site development and facility modifications and/or improvement program. • Provide input to staff on park and recreation facility use. • Provide input to staff on leisure programs and activities. UNAPPROVED MINUTES PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION and SUSTAINABILITY COMMISON MONDAY, AUGUST 5, 2024 6:30 p.m. Round Lake Building (PRNR Commission) 7:00 p.m. Round Lake Building (Joint Commission) 16691 Valley View Road PRNR COMMISSION MEMBERS: Patrice Erickson, Chair; Tom Poul, Vice Chair; Deepa Bhujle, Cecilia Cervantes, Pedro Curry, Duane Hookom, Annie Klodd, Jennifer Meyer, Shanti Shah, Kirk Spresser CITY STAFF: Amy Markle, Parks and Recreation Director Lori Brink, Recreation Manager Matt Bourne, Parks and Natural Resources Manager Valerie Verley, Community Center Manager Karli Wittner, Forestry & Natural Resources Supervisor SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION Aaron Poock, Chair; Cindy Hoffman, Vice Chair; MEMBERS: Laura Bishop, Tim Conners, Gretchen Enninga, Carolyn Wieland, Moussa Ousmane, Michelle Frost, Tim Nehl CITY STAFF: Jen Fierce, Sustainability Coordinator RECORDING SECRETARIES: Jodie Fenske, PRNR Commission Kristin Harley, Sustainability Commission 6:30 p.m. PRNR COMMISSION Meeting Chair Erickson called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. Vice Chair Poul and Commission Members Bhujle, Meyer, Shah, and Spresser were absent. No Student Representatives will be in attendance until September. Parks and Natural Resources Manager Matt Bourne was absent. Eden Prairie resident Jim Millin was in attendance as an observer. I. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion: Commission Member Cervantes moved, seconded by Commission Member Klodd, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried 5-0. II. APPROVAL OF PRNR MINUTES Due to a lack of quorum present, the approval of the June 3, 2024 PRNR Minutes has been moved to the September 9, 2024 meeting. III. REPORT OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION Parks and Recreation Director Markle reported on several actions recently taken by the City Council. A. MILLER PARK COURT RENOVATION Council accepted bids and approved a Construction Contract Agreement with Goodmanson Construction, Inc. for the Miller Park Court Renovation Project. As previously reported, this renovation project includes replacing the existing tennis and basketball courts with an outdoor court complex that will provide residents a facility for lit tennis, pickleball, basketball courts along with adjacent shaded seating areas. The project will also improve stormwater management for this area and add new trail connections to access the site. Council also authorized a Standard Agreement for Professional Services with ISG, Inc. for Construction Administration and Staking Services for the Miller Park Outdoor Court Facility. B. QUARTERLY DONATIONS Council approved a Resolution accepting multiple second quarter 2024 donations to Parks and Recreation. The donors include the Summit Place Senior Campus ($250 toward Senior Center programs and special events), T-Mobile ($7,500 toward the 3rd and 4th of July Hometown Celebration), Prairie Bluffs Senior Living ($100 toward the July 2nd Salute to Service Concert), Health Source of Eden Prairie ($50 toward Senior Center May Bingo), Mary Sue Ingman ($100 toward the Eden Prairie Community Band), J.A. Price Agency ($1,000 toward the 3rd and 4th of July Hometown Celebration), and Sholom ($250 toward Senior Center programs and special events). Markle explained the donations are much appreciated and allow the City to offer special events, programs, and educational activities at little or no cost to residents. IV. REPORT OF PLANNING COMMISSION V. PETITIONS, REQUESTS, AND COMMUNICATION VI. NEW BUSINESS VII. OLD BUSINESS VIII. REPORTS OF COMMISSION AND STAFF A. RECREATION SERVICES MANAGER B. COMMUNITY CENTER MANAGER C. PARKS AND NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGER D. PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR 1. Athletics Policy Update. Parks and Recreation Director Markle reported Staff is currently updating the City’s Athletic Policy which was created in 1997. Due to its age, the current policy only allows field access to associations or clubs, has no calendar reservation structure, allows for no fees for field usage, and has no tournament limitations. In addition to time, the changing landscape of athletics has increased the need for an update. Markle described some of the changes to include an increase in private athletic groups with Eden Prairie youth, a majority of communities have a fee-based system, there is an increase in stakeholders, and there are a number of emerging new sports. Challenges facing staff include allowing private athletic groups to access fields, recouping staff and equipment costs, no formal reservation system, finding places for new sports, teams, and schedules, increased use of athletic fields without permits, lack of repercussions if teams do not follow rules, and balancing reservations and tournaments with field integrity. By addressing these concerns, there will be increased access in athletics. Markle described many opportunities that will be afforded by updating the Athletics policy, including ensuring proper field protection and maintenance, adhering to concrete seasonal dates, recouping some costs for maintenance and staff time, finding better balance between field use and maintenance, and allowing equitable access for emerging sports. In order to develop a new Athletics policy that fits the current and future needs of the community, a number of tasks need to be completed and then incorporated into the policy. These tasks include researching peer city policies, completing stakeholder and staff engagement. Next steps include updating the Council at its October work session, vetting the policy with the PRNR Commission in November, and receiving the anticipated approval by Council in December. Markle explained that over the past few months, Staff have performed research and started to draft the updated policy. This fall, project engagement will take place, along with a Council work session, in order to edit the policy. Over winter, PRNR Commission discussion will take place, Council approval is anticipated, and the new policy will be offered to stakeholders. The plan is to start 2025 under the new policy. E. PARKS AND RECREATION EXPERIENCES 7:00 p.m. JOINT COMMISSION Meeting I. INTRODUCTIONS OF COMMISSIONERS AND COMMISSIONS Commission Members and Staff made brief introductions. Parks and Recreation Director Markle and Sustainability Coordinator Fierce provided brief overviews of their areas and roles with the City. II. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONS AND STAFF A. SUSTAINAB ILITY COORDINATOR 1. Climate Action Plan Update Fierce summarized the Climate Action Plan Metrics Update for Eden Prairie, the metrics of which focused on energy (BTUS), travel (vehicle miles) and waste (short tons). Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions were measured by CO2 tonnes. GHG Emissions were broken down by these categories. Over 60 percent of the GHG footprint was from the energy used in buildings. This shows the importance of prioritizing building strategies. GHG emissions rates were displayed over time since 2007. Eden Prairie’s emissions decreased faster than the state as a whole—by 30 percent. The goal here was to build on this momentum. Fierce showed GHG emissions broken down by electricity, heating fuels, travel, and waste. The goal here was to keep pushing electricity while finding long-term solutions for gas and travel. Fierce explained the sharp dip in the emissions rate was due to the Covid-19 pandemic and also due in part to carbon-free energy. Heating fuel use varied according to the weather and was more difficult to decrease. Energy emissions rates showed that gas was now higher than electricity in emissions. The action item here was to reduce gas use, and Fierce foresaw this decrease continuing into the future. Electricity emissions in Eden Prairie had decreased due to using less electricity and using cleaner generation sources. Here, both policy and local actions made a difference. Heating fuel emissions followed use, again following the weather, and the decrease was 17 percent. There was no real decrease overall, but Fierce predicted a dip in use for 2023 due to the mild winter. Vehicle travel had remained essentially flat over time due to the big dip during the pandemic. The action item here was to accelerate VMT (vehicle miles traveled) reduction and EV adoption. Waste was not specific to Eden Prairie but an average of Hennepin County. Recycling had increased throughout the Metro Area. Hookom asked if a major incinerator had been recently taken offline, and Fierce replied one had, but the Hennepin County incinerator continues to operate. Top strategies focused on reducing electricity emissions, vehicle miles traveled, and residential electricity use. Further focus will be on electrifying buildings, weatherizing homes and commercial buildings, and reducing reliance on vehicle travel. Support for electric vehicles was important. Fierce highlighted upcoming events: EV Showcase, September 10, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Staring Lake Park. Electrification Webinar, Monday, September 30, 6:00 p.m., online. She explained there were financial rebate opportunities through the state of Minnesota for electrical appliances to replace of gas appliances. There was an energy advisor service for residents. There was a trend toward fewer emissions since 2020 due to workers working from home, and Fierce expected to see an increase in emissions from 2022 when people started to return to the office. Enninga requested the proposed events be placed on the City calendar. Fierce replied they would be, and also would appear in City emails. She offered to email this information to the commission members. 2. Solar Garden Overview Fierce displayed a PowerPoint presentation and explained there were 125 residential subscribers, and 1,989 panels, with 1.084 MW capability. The garden became operational at the end of July, and the project had been started in 2018. This would be the first garden operating under the new state rules and would reduce costs by10-15 percent of the resident’s electric bill. B. PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR 1. Conservation Areas Introduction. Markle introduced Karli Wittner, Forestry and Natural Resources Supervisor, who displayed a PowerPoint presentation detailing the City’s fourteen conservation areas. a. Birch Island Woods Conservation Area is adjacent to Birch Island Lake and has many woodland trails. It was acquired from Hennepin County in 2001 and 2005. Friends of Birch Island Woods (FBIW) have helped advocate for the area by raising significant money and donating it to the City for restoration work. FBIW have also dedicated many hours to the area including shrub and tree planting and park clean-up in cooperation with Eden Prairie Park’s staff. b. Cardinal Creek Conservation Area contains a branch of the Nine Mile Creek and the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District’s (NMCWSD) Discovery Point is adjacent to the conservation area. The City obtained a NMCWSD grant in 2021 to manage invasive species and to restore understory habitat. c. Edenbrook Conservation Area consists of oak woodland, wetlands and marsh, and lowland mixed hardwood forest. The largest conversion of mowed turf to native plants for pollinators is located near the west parking lot. Goals include enhancing woodland pockets using DNR grant funding from Conservation Partner Legacy, managing woody and herbaceous species (both terrestrial and wetland), restoring wetland habitat, and fostering oak regeneration in upland areas. d. Edenvale Conservation Area protects Purgatory Creek and surrounding wetland, areas of tamarack swamp and sedge meadow with high native plant diversity, and lowland forest dominated by cottonwood, boxelder, and willow. The woodlands have a significant invasive species presence. Goals include wetland restoration and creek hydrology management, management of woody and herbaceous species (both terrestrial and wetland), and expansion of wetland areas of high native plant diversity. A conversion of mowed turf to native plants for pollinators is located around the well house. e. James A. Brown Conservation Area is difficult to access, has no parking, and requires access from a neighborhood. It contains Minnesota River flats, intact floodplain forest dominated by silver maple, cottonwood, boxelder, and black willow, and woodland trails. Very little management is needed for this area. The historic Yorkville and Bloomington Wagon Road passed through this area. f. Lower Purgatory Creek Conservation Area is a long strip of land with a lengthy nature trail. Purgatory Creek and its deep valley is contained in this area. There are significant patches of mesic oak forest and maple-basswood forest along the upland slopes of the creek valley. g. Mitchell Marsh Conservation Area contains the Mitchell Marsh wetlands and a paved trail circumventing the marsh. The area is expensive to maintain. h. Nine-Mile Creek Conservation Area is near the Golden Triangle and contains the south fork of Nine Mile Creek and is adjacent to Lake Smetana. Management goals include managing the intact wetland and water quality of the creek and Lake Smetana and the current wetland and restoring the savanna off Valley View Road. i. Prairie Bluff Conservation Area is one of the last remaining remnant prairies in the Twin Cities. There is only one percent remaining in the entire state of Minnesota. The area includes bluffs, ravines, native dry prairie, and upland oak openings. Oak savanna is located on the bottom and side slopes of its steep ravines and oak-basswood forest is located on the west facing slopes of the Riley Creek valley. Management goals include restoring and expanding remnant prairie areas and restoring oak savanna areas and fostering natural oak regeneration. j. Red Rock Conservation Area is one of the City’s smaller conservation areas. A conversion of mowed turf to native plants for pollinators is located around the well house. Management goals include restoring the shoreline to protect water quality and reducing invasive species such as buckthorn, narrowleaf cattail, and purple loosestrife. k. Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area is one of the first protected, remnant upland prairies. It contains a creek valley with significant topography and areas of maple-basswood forest, mesic oak forest, and oak brushland. Management goals include restoring and expanding remnant prairie pockets, minimizing disturbance to ecosystem by maintaining rustic trail system, working to eliminate social trails, and managing invasive wood and herbaceous species adjacent to high-value ecosystems. Recreation Manager Lori Brink stated Wittner was key in the City recently obtaining a $500,000 grant from the State’s Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LGGMR). The funds will be used to build a retaining wall or green wall to support and prevent erosion, as well as to perform some of the management goals mentioned above. l. Riley Creek Conservation Area is one of the largest contiguous tracts of maple-basswood forest in the area. Its canopy species include old big woods sugar maple, American basswood, red oak, and white oak. The conservation area protects sections of Riley Creek. A nature trail expansion is planned, while also working to eliminate social trails. Sustainability Commission Member Gretchen Enninga inquired about the City’s use of biodegradable twine versus plastic twine and other biodegradable options. Wittner responded that the City uses biodegradable fiber erosion control blanketing. Specifications call for biodegradable options when it is allowed and the goal is to use more biodegradable products. However, those options are not always allowed per specifications, there are not a lot of biodegradable products available, and those that are available are in high demand, hard to purchase, and expensive. m. Timber Creek Conservation Area is predominantly made up of a cattail marsh that surrounds Purgatory Creek. The wetland contains quality areas of sedge hummocks and there are smaller areas of oak forest and oak brushland and pockets of aspen of varying age class. Management goals include maintaining the marsh and wetlands by managing hydrology of Timber Creek and managing invasive species including purple loosestrife in marsh areas, and buckthorn, Tartarian honeysuckle, and garlic mustard in the woodlands. The area does not allow for great access to perform maintenance or to expand the trails but there may be more trails added in the future. n. Westgate Conservation Area was a previously disturbed site which led to significant degradation by invasive species and now contains some smaller areas of upland prairie and small sedge meadow surrounded by wet prairie and savanna. The City was able to ensure the conservation area is protected from future development. PRNR Chair Patrice Erickson inquired where the public could find information on the conservation areas. Markle responded that the conservation areas are currently listed on the City’s website and Wittner added that she is currently updating the map on the website. Enninga inquired about increasing the City’s conservation areas. Markle responded there are currently fourteen hundred acres of conservation area with a few opportunities left for easements. Wittner commended Parks and Natural Resources Manager Matt Bourne’s efforts in advocating for the conservation areas. 2. Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Update. Wittner provided a brief update on the City’s Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) situation. Currently, the entire City is considered generally infested with EAB. As part of the City’s Diseased Tree Ordinance, highly infested ash trees that could impact public and/or private infrastructure are condemned. This past year was the first year being considered in “peak” on the disease curve. In the 2022-2023 season, the City condemned two hundred fifty-four private ash trees on fifty-two properties, while in the 2023-2024 season, seven hundred sixty-four ash trees on two hundred thirty-four properties were condemned. The significant jump has the Forestry Division working on updating the management strategy and policy to reduce the burden on residents and on the time required of City staff. An update is being prepared and is expected to be presented to City leadership in Fall 2024. 3. Native Landscaping Update. Wittner provided an update on native landscaping projects the City has been working on for several years. The projects involve restoring natural areas in parks and conservation areas, converting turf to native prairie for pollinators, and restoring storm water basins within the City’s parks. There are currently over forty-five acres undergoing turf conversion. The plan is to add more in the coming years, after the current acreage is established with a high diversity. The City has over one hundred fifty acres in an active restoration phase within the natural areas in parks. Wittner displayed a map Staff uses to keep track of the hundreds of native landscaping projects performed and currently being performed, as well as projects planned for the future. 4. Round Lake Building Tour. Markle invited the group to tour the inside and outside of the newly built Round Lake Building. She highlighted several sustainable features including geothermal technology with wells extending over four hundred feet below ground; a rooftop rain garden; solar panels; a low-maintenance green roof with six-inch plants; and rain collection features including a cantilevered gutter system that drains into a stormwater pond. These features reduce energy costs and enhance the building’s lifecycle. Sustainability features inside include energy-efficient appliances, fixtures, and lighting, as well as local native wood elements and metal paneling, III. NEXT MEETINGS PRNR Commission: Monday, September 9, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the Heritage Rooms at City Center. Sustainability Commission: Tuesday, September 10, 2024 – Time and Location TBD IV. ADJOURNMENT Sustainability Chair Aaron Poock thanked the PRNR Commission for their time and commended them for their work on the Round Lake Building and efforts to educate the public. Markle thanked the Sustainability Commission for joining the meeting and stated she looks forward to additional collaboration in the future. Motion: PRNR Commission Member Hookom moved, seconded by PRNR Commission Member Klodd, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously. PRNR Chair Erickson adjourned the meeting at 8:32 p.m. UNAPPROVED MINUTES PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2024 7:00 P.M. CITY CENTER 8080 Mitchell Road, Heritage Rooms COMMISSION MEMBERS: Patrice Erickson, Chair; Tom Poul, Vice Chair; Sarat Atluru, Deepa Bhujle, Cecilia Cervantes, Pedro Curry, Duane Hookom, Annie Klodd, Jennifer Meyer, Shanti Shah, Kirk Spresser CITY STAFF: Amy Markle, Parks and Recreation Director Lori Brink, Recreation Manager Matt Bourne, Parks and Natural Resources Manager Valerie Verley, Community Center Manager Karli Wittner, Forestry and Natural Resources Supervisor RECORDING SECRETARY: Jodie Fenske Chair Erickson called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Commission Members Atluru, Bhujle, Cervantes, and Klodd were absent. Commission Member Shah arrived at 7:40 p.m. No Student Representatives will be in attendance until September. Commission Members and staff introduced themselves for the guests in attendance. Eden Prairie resident Steve Clifton was present as an observer. Joe Zweber, Glenn Olson, John Leblanc, and Jim Millin were in attendance as members of the Friends of Eden Prairie Parks. IX. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion: Commission Member Hookom moved, seconded by Vice Chair Poul, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried 6-0. X. APPROVAL OF PRNR MINUTES Motion: Vice Chair Poul moved, seconded by Commission Member Meyer, to approve the April 1, 2024 Commission Minutes as presented. Motion carried 6-0. XI. REPORT OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION Parks and Recreation Director Markle reported on several actions recently taken by the City Council. C. ARBOR DAY PROCLAMATION At the April 16, 2024 City Council meeting, Mayor Case proclaimed Saturday, April 27, 2024 as Arbor Day in the City of Eden Prairie. Arbor Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the importance of trees and forests. The City has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation. The City’s Arbor Day Walk and Green Fair was held on Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Round Lake Park. Residents were encouraged to celebrate Arbor Day with a walk at Round Lake Park, enjoy free seedlings and compost, and participate in a garden tool swap. Residents who had previously ordered trees were able to pick them up on this day as well. D. TREE CONTRACT AT HIDDEN PONDS PARK Council accepted the quote and authorized entering into a contract for goods and services with Hoffman & McNamara for tree planting along Hidden Ponds Trail, which is located west of Hidden Ponds Park, in-between residential properties. Staff started work last winter removing ash along the trail just north of the Park and completed the removals this spring. The next phase of the project is to replace the eighty-three removed ash at a 1:1 ratio using a variety of native trees. This work will utilize Hennepin County Healthy Tree Canopy grant funds. The project will be completed by fall 2024. E. SENIOR AWARENESS MONTH Council adopted a proclamation designating May 2024 as Senior Awareness Month in the City of Eden Prairie. At the May 7, 2024 Council meeting, Markle spoke on events planned for the month and members of the Senior Advisory Council spoke on behalf of seniors in the community. XII. REPORT OF PLANNING COMMISSION A. LANDSCAPE ORDINANCE CODE CHANGE Bourne reported the Planning Commission recently approved a Code change for landscaping requirements for developers. He stated this is separate from the tree replacement fund Ordinance. The change allows developers to count shrubs and perennials -- not just trees -- toward their requirements. Spresser inquired and Bourne responded the requirement is the same. However, previously developers could only count twenty-five percent of all trees and plantings based on the total area to go toward their requirement. The change now allows fifty percent of all trees and plantings. Spresser inquired if there is a tree consequence to this change. Bourne responded there is no tree consequence because tree replacement and tree preservation requirements remain the same. The change allows developers to take advantage of parking lot island plantings, perimeter plantings, etc. which were not previously counted toward their requirements. XIII. PETITIONS, REQUESTS, AND COMMUNICATION XIV. NEW BUSINESS XV. OLD BUSINESS XVI. REPORTS OF COMMISSION AND STAFF A. RECREATION SERVICES MANAGER 1. Summer Programming and Events Update. Recreation Services Manager Brink provided each member of the Commission a copy of the 2024 Summer Arts and Entertainment brochure. The flyer was provided to all residents and businesses as a tear-out from the recently mailed Life in the Prairie newsletter and it is also available online via the City’s website. The City’s summer concert season begins on Sunday, June 9, with the Minnesota Festival of Jazz on the Prairie held in conjunction with the Eden Prairie Noon Rotary Club’s Rib Fest. Seven area big bands will perform every hour from noon until 7 p.m. Commission Member Spresser inquired of any key changes to the structure or how the events are organized compared to previous years. Brink stated there are no major changes other than continuing to diversify the cultural representation and types of music and art genres. She added the performances this year are skewed toward younger audiences. Brink reported on a new program this summer, Pop Up Backyard Adventures, which was created as a result of research indicating there are pockets of children in the City not signing up for summer fee-based programs. These pockets typically exist in areas with newly immigrated families where language barriers also exist. Staff is focusing on areas with high density housing (typically apartment buildings), so they can work directly with the housing manager to spread the word about the program. The free classes will be held on alternate Thursday mornings at Nesbitt Preserve Park and Edenvale Park from 10 a.m. to Noon. No registration is required for the program which will offer games, art, sports, music, and other fun activities. Brink passed around brochures for the program in English, Somali, and Spanish. Funding for the program will come from an Outreach budget and a special position has been created to coordinate the effort. B. COMMUNITY CENTER MANAGER C. PARKS AND NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGER 1. Friends of Eden Prairie Parks. Forestry and Natural Resources Supervisor Karli Wittner gave a presentation on engaging residents in natural resources, highlighting the City’s relationship with the newly formed group, Friends of Eden Prairie Parks (FEPP). Four members of the group (Joe Zweber, Glenn Olson, John Leblanc, and Jim Millin) introduced themselves. The City’s Natural Resources staff and the FEPP Board work together to plan restoration activities for parks, provide each other funding for projects, organize volunteers to get more done, and educate residents to empower positive change in the community. After the land acknowledgement, Wittner displayed photos and described some of the different areas of the City’s natural Heritage. Only one percent of remnant bluff prairie remains in the entire State, and Eden Prairie has two high quality locations (Prairie Bluff and Richard T. Anderson Conservation Areas). A flood plain forest exists in the James A. Brown Conservation Area. Riley Woods Conservation Area is home to one of the highest quality big woods in the Twin Cities area. The City also has several wetlands areas that have been protected. Eden Prairie has a long history of residents wanting to conserve natural resources. In the 1960s, the City was one of the first municipalities to create conservation easements to protect pieces of land even when located on private property and the easements continue today. In the 1970s, Anderson Lakes and Bryant Lake Parks were purchased by the City before handing management over to Three Rivers Park District. Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge’s Upgrala Unit located in Eden Prairie was protected in the 1970s and 1980s. In 1994, a City referendum resolved to purchase sensitive properties to preserve, and it now includes fourteen conservation areas. Today, about forty-four percent of Eden Prairie is designated for parks and open spaces. Over thirty-five hundred acres of open space is owned by the City. Wittner described components of Eden Prairie’s Natural Resources program including prescribed fires being performed since 2000, buckthorn removal with ICWC (Institution/Community Work Crews), resident/volunteer removals on City property permit program, turf conversion to prairie within parks, and embarking on more ecological restoration projects in Edenbrook Conservation Area, Staring Lake Park, Miller Park, Birch Island Woods Conservation Area, Prairie Bluff Conservation Area, Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area, Smetana Lake Park, Cardinal Creek Conservation Area, and others. Wittner displayed a map of current and future projects within the City. She explained volunteers can help in a number of ways, including performing initial removal of invasive species, expanding on project areas since restoration can take years, post-project upkeep, and providing educational opportunities for residents. Wittner stated that since residents of Eden Prairie are invested in protecting the natural areas, developing a partnership and close relationship with the Friends of Eden Prairie Parks (FEPP) makes sense. FEPP’s mission is to assist the City in improving and maintaining the biodiversity and enhancing the ecosystems within natural spaces, including parks and preserves. Since its inception in 2023, FEPP has grown to have over seventy newsletter subscribers and twenty-five active members. FEPP’s growing membership is made up of a variety of people including Master Naturalists, Master Gardeners, forestry and ecology professionals, and citizen scientists. In its first year, FEPP has sponsored nine invasive species removal events targeting garlic mustard in the spring and buckthorn in the fall. With the oversight of the Eden Prairie Parks Department (EPPD), volunteers contributed over one hundred hours of work across these events. FEPP recently formed a bird interest group that builds and installs blue bird boxes, wood duck boxes, and kestrel boxes for parks; monitors nests; and provides general birding education through walks and talks. In September 2023, FEPP and EPPD partnered to launch the Park Steward volunteer role. Park Stewards are local, trained volunteers who focus on a specific park. They report monthly on vegetation and trail condition changes, as well as plan special projects for improving their park. Park Stewards must submit a yearly agreement with a work plan to FEPP and the City and receive approval. The role includes leading volunteer events, performing park project maintenance, gathering information, and providing maintenance requests. The role does not include policing the park, advocacy, or working in any maintained areas (sports fields, buildings, mowed areas, etc.). The City’s role includes providing a limited number of tools for the Park Stewards to check out, reviewing work plans, applying for grants to support projects, and ordering plant materials. There are currently twenty trained Park Stewards at fifteen City parks and conservation areas. In the last year, FEPP volunteers were trained by Wittner and then conducted vegetation surveys within Birch Island Conservation Area. Volunteers contributed thirty-two hours of work to complete this project. FEPP hosted five meetings with guest presenters throughout the year for members and citizens. These local experts included researchers from the University of Minnesota and Hennepin County’s Land Conservationist and Chief Agricultural Inspector. Education and outreach opportunities include a newsletter, hosting quarterly speaker events, leading walks through parks, and partnering with the Eden Prairie Local News. FEPP has created a digital presence with a Facebook page (www.facebook.com/friendsofepparks) and website (www.friendsofepparks.org). Members of the Commission thanked the FEPP members for their efforts and support of the parks. FEPP members commended Wittner for her knowledge and support of their work. 2. Summer Construction Update. Parks and Natural Resources Manager Matt Bourne provided an update on summer construction projects in the parks. a. Miller Park Court Renovation: The existing sports courts are being replaced with a new complex featuring a tennis court, basketball court, and eight pickleball courts. All courts will be lit for after-dark play and shaded seating areas will be added adjacent to the courts. Bids will be requested next week and opened on June 27. If prices come back as expected, work will begin this summer. Existing courts will be closed during construction. All park facilities will remain open for use throughout the duration of the work. Anticipated completion is late fall 2024 with a bit of restoration-type work next spring. The goal is to have the courts constructed and ready for play this fall. Spresser inquired if the Department’s stance remains that pickleball courts will only be installed in City Parks and not in neighborhood parks. Bourne and Markle agreed that is the current stance mostly due to noise and proximity to homes. b. Riley Lake Park Hardcourt Rehabilitation: Existing sports courts at Riley Lake Park are being updated to feature a revitalized tennis court, basketball court, and four new permanent pickleball courts. The temporary pickleball court will be removed and converted into four permanent courts. Anticipated completion is fall 2024. c. Round Lake Park Hardcourt Rehabilitation: The City has partnered with the Eden Prairie School District to remove the degraded tennis courts and install new pavement, fencing, gameplay netting, and sport court surfacing. The facility will continue to house eight tennis courts. This project will begin this summer and is anticipated to be completed in August 2024 in time for the fall tennis season. This project is partially funded with grant monies. d. Pioneer Park Tennis/Pickleball Courts: A tennis/pickleball court rehabilitation projected started in October 2023. Rehabilitation was determined to be the most cost-effective option given the current state of the courts. The old courts were removed and new blacktop, fencing, gameplay netting and court surfacing are being installed for one tennis and four pickleball courts. Courts are anticipated to reopen for play by mid-summer 2024. e. Purgatory Creek Park Parking Lot Rehabilitation: The project will include removing the old degraded bituminous parking lot, correcting failing subgrade, updating ADA parking stalls and pedestrian ramps to meet ADA specifications, replacing areas of damaged and failing curb and gutter, installing new bituminous, and installing new parking lot lines. Anticipated construction and completion is fall 2024. The parking lot will be closed for the duration of the project. The park will remain open, and visitors will be able to park on the northwest end of the business parking lot at 775 Prairie Center Drive. f. Viking Trail Drive: A new eight-foot trail is being constructed along the north side of Viking Drive, from the end of the existing trail east to Golden Triangle Drive. Construction has begun and is expected to be completed in fall 2024. g. High Trail Estates Playground Equipment Rehabilitation: The existing playground equipment and safety surfacing will be removed. New playground equipment and safety surfacing meeting current standards and guidelines will be installed. The project will begin in mid-June and completion is anticipated in late August 2024. h. Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area (RTA) Maintenance Trail Stabilization: Staff is working with an engineer on this project which includes the bituminous trail section that connects RTA’s lower parking lot to the upper parking lot. The goals are to correct and prevent erosion negatively impacting this conservation area, to provide safe trail access from RTA’s lower parking lot to the upper parking lot, to prevent further degradation existing of high-quality plant communities, and to promote success in ongoing prairie restoration work implemented by the City. Bourne stated the project is going to bid soon and many of the different phases of the projects can be done in winter months. Bourne also mentioned shade structures will be added at Franlo Park basketball and pickleball courts and the Riley Lake Park beach area. The shades have been ordered. Upon receipt, the pads can be poured and shades structures installed. D. PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR 1. Government Academy Follow-Up. Parks and Recreation Director Markle reported Eden Prairie’s six-week City Government Academy was recently held. One of the weeks focused on the Parks and Recreation Department. On May 8, PRNR staff hosted the Academy participants at the Community Center and provided dinner and a presentation of staff responsibilities. Community Center Manager Val Verley lead the group on a tour of the facility. A bus tour was offered which highlighted many of the City’s parks, the new building at Staring Lake Park, the Outdoor Center, and Miller Park. Staff enlightened the group on the environmental education opportunities offered at the Outdoor Center. Several amenities at Miller Park were highlighted, including the athletic fields, inclusive playground, and splash pad. 2. July Bus Tour. Markle explained the July PRNR Commission meeting will not be a typical meeting, but rather a bus tour. Stops will include the Outdoor Center, Homeward Hills Park, Cedar Hills Park, Riley Creek Conservation Area, Big Woods Park, Riley Lake Park, Round Lake Park, and the Flying Cloud Drive dog park area. Commission Member Spresser suggested adding a stop at Miller Park to see the improvements being made there. E. PARKS AND RECREATION EXPERIENCES Staff and Commission members shared recent experiences with City parks and recreation programs, past events, park/building visits, news articles, etc. Commission Chair Erickson stated staff who planned the Commission Banquet in May exceeded her expectations again this year. Commission Member Spresser stated he is impressed with the improvements made, specifically the layout, at Riley Lake Park. Commission Member Hookom attended the tree distribution at the Arbor Day event and was impressed by how smoothly it went with color coded postcards and signage and help available. He contacted Hennepin County about the poor condition of the bike trail along the Crosstown. Commission Member Meyer has set a personal goal to visit all City parks by the end of the summer. She has also subscribed to surrounding communities’ parks newsletters to see what others are doing. She participated in the City Government Academy and stated the Parks presentation was very well done. Commission Member Shah stated planning is underway for PeopleFest. Brink added the opening party will be held on Sunday, July 28, and the festival will run through the following Sunday. XVII. NEXT MEETING In lieu of the formal July PRNR Commission meeting, Members are invited to attend the bus tour on Monday, July 1, starting at 6:30 p.m. Commission Member Spresser suggested offering an alternative date due to the 4th of July holiday week. Markle will ask Recreation Specialist David Keys to contact Commission Members to coordinate a date when most are able to attend. XVIII. ADJOURNMENT Motion: Spresser moved, seconded by Commission Member Meyer, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 7-0. Chair Erickson adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m.