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Parks and Recreation - 03/06/2023APPROVED MINUTES PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MONDAY, MARCH 6, 2023 7:00 P.M. CITY CENTER 8080 Mitchell Road, Heritage Rooms COMMISSION MEMBERS: Patrice Erickson, Chair; Cecilia Cervantes, Vice Chair; Saratbabu Atluru, Deepa Bhujle, Pedro Curry, Tom Poul, Shanti Shah, Keith Tschohl, Ashley Young STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES: Pranay Dhiman, Patrick Landwehr, Khoi Nguyen, Marissa Peterson, Dain Volz, Ellie Watanabe, Emilija Zarin CITY STAFF: Jay Lotthammer, Parks and Recreation Director Lori Brink, Recreation Manager Matt Bourne, Parks and Natural Resources Manager Valerie Verley, Community Center Manager Sonja Roby, Adult Athletics Supervisor Tessa Syverson, Youth Sports Supervisor RECORDING SECRETARY: Jodie Fenske Chair Erickson called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. Commission Members Atluru and Curry were absent. Student Representatives Pranay Dhiman, Patrick Landwehr, Khoi Nguyen, and Emilija Zarin were absent. I. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion: Commission Member Tschohl moved, seconded by Commission Member Shah, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried 7-0. II. APPROVAL OF PRNR MINUTES Motion: Vice Chair Cervantes moved, seconded by Commission Member Poul, to approve the February 6, 2023 PRNR Commission minutes as presented. Motion carried 7-0. III. REPORT OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION Lotthammer reported on actions recently taken by the City Council. A. DONATIONS TO SENIOR CENTER Council adopted Resolutions accepting donations to the Senior Center consisting of $150 from the Eden Prairie Lions Club to be put toward the Veterans Breakfast PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES March 6, 2023 Page 2 and August Bingo; $250 from Hear Today to go toward the Veterans Breakfast, Summer BBQ, and March Bingo; and $150 from St. Croix Hospice to be put toward the Veterans Breakfast and June Bingo. B. DONATIONS TO HOMETOWN CELEBRATION Council adopted a Resolution accepting a donation of $300 from Wall Trends to the 4th of July Hometown Celebration. C. AGREEMENT FOR HOMEWARD HILLS PARK CONCEPT PLANNING Council authorized entering into a Professional Services Agreement with HTPO for concept planning of the Homeward Hills Park playground redesign. Entering into this agreement allows for the development of a preferred concept plan and cost estimate to redesign the playground and surrounding area. Lotthammer added the documents will include a design schematic for use when submitting grant applications to the State. CIP (Capital Improvement Plan) funds will also be put toward this project which is expected to begin in 2024 and may be phased in over a few years. IV. REPORT OF PLANNING COMMISSION Parks and Natural Resources Manager Bourne reported on a natural resources-related Planning Commission approval. The Planning Commission recently approved a variance proposed by a property owner along Mitchell Lake to allow a series of retaining walls within the shoreline setback and to exceed the 30 percent limit hardcover within the shoreline overlay district. An additional requirement is for the applicant to work with staff to have appropriate visual aesthetics of the wall suitable to the local environment. Bourne added the applicant worked with the DNR (Department of Natural Resources), the Watershed District, and the City’s Engineering Department on this project. The Watershed District also required permits for this project. V. PETITIONS, REQUESTS, AND COMMUNICATION VI. NEW BUSINESS VII. OLD BUSINESS VIII. REPORTS OF COMMISSION AND STAFF A. RECREATION SERVICES MANAGER Recreation Services Manager Brink introduced Tessa Syverson, Youth Sports Supervisor, and Sonja Roby, Adult Athletics Supervisor. PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES March 6, 2023 Page 3 1. Youth Sports. Youth Sports Supervisor Syverson introduced herself and provided a brief background on her personal life and education and work history prior to starting with the City in 2021. Syverson stated the goals of the City’s youth sports program are to introduce kids to a variety of sports; offer recreational non-competitive programs that are fun; and teach confidence, fundamentals, and motor and life skills. Programs are designed to prepare children for the next step of becoming involved in Eden Prairie youth sport associations. Sports vendors, i.e., Rev Sports, Skyhawks, Legacy Gymnastics, Lynch Basketball, USTA Tennis, etc., are frequently chosen to teach the programs. The vendors are chosen by staff for having common program goals with the City, such as developing athletic skills and teaching life skills. Programs begin at age 1-1/2 (parent/child classes) and run through age 17. Syverson displayed an extensive list of sports currently offered and stated staff continues to explore and research new and emerging sports. The City enjoys a partnership with the Healthy Kids Running Series whose mission is to engage communities and families by providing an inclusive youth running experience inspiring kids to believe in themselves and lead an active lifestyle. A fall and a spring set of classes are held which include a weekly kids fun run with a different theme each week. In 2022, over 400 kids ages 2 through 15 participated in the program. Tschohl inquired how it is determined if vendors or staff run the programs. Syverson responded typically staff handles registration, promotion, administrative support, and reserving field or gym space, and the vendor brings staff and equipment to run the program. She added research and an interview process are completed prior to reviewing and signing a contract with each vendor. Commission Member Young inquired if the City partners with any of the youth sports associations. Syverson responded partnerships have not formed recently for that specific purpose, but it is being considered in the future. Commission Member Poul inquired and Syverson responded program offerings are chosen based on registration numbers, popularity, feedback, end-of-season survey results, and social trends; i.e., the Olympics. Staff also researches what other cities are offering and which programs logistically fit with the City’s spaces. The in-house youth tennis program offers camps and lessons in the mornings and evenings. In 2022, 459 registrations were received for group tennis lessons and 188 registrations for private tennis lessons. The City PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES March 6, 2023 Page 4 hired approximately 20 group tennis instructors, aides, and private tennis instructors. Classes are held on the tennis courts at Round Lake, Homeward Hills, and Forest Hills Parks. The next step is the City’s competitive team tennis program, in partnership with the USTA (United States Tennis Association). This program brings kids together to play singles, doubles, and mixed doubles against other co-ed teams in the Twin Cities. Practices are held four times a week and include three age groups. The in-house youth and teen archery program is held at the Staring Lake Park archery range and classes are taught by hired archery instructors. In 2022, 97 registrants participated in the camps, classes, and scout group classes. Syverson presented information on two grants the youth sports programs received in 2022. A $4,500 grant was received by the USTA and funded equipment to bring the City’s tennis program out into the community via pop-up events. The grant also provided thirty children with free tennis equipment via an extended learning summer program at Oak Point Elementary. A $5,000 grant was received from the Hennepin County Active Living Grant which provides dollars to encourage physical fitness and support equitable access to equipment. Ten sets of cross-country skis, twenty pairs of hockey/figure skates, and twelve sets of disc golf sets were purchased with this grant. The equipment was then provided free of charge, via checkout on a first-come, first-served basis, at various City Parks throughout the winter. 2. Adult Athletics. Adult Athletics Supervisor Roby introduced herself and provided a brief background on her personal life, education, and various positions held with the City over several years. Roby stated the goals of the adult athletics program are to provide a broad range of recreational opportunities for adults, accommodate high level and novice participants, offer options for structured leagues and “pick-up” play, and improve the physical and mental wellness of participants. She displayed information regarding the sports provided year-round via leagues, as well as those provided for pick-up play. Information explaining league formats and participation numbers by sport for several years were provided to the Commission. League participation has recovered 35 percent since being affected by the Covid pandemic in 2020. Volleyball is the most popular sport, followed by softball and pickleball. Roby explained the staffing challenge being experienced industry-wide, particularly for paid officials. Recruiting efforts to overcome this challenge are an increased starting pay range, requiring no previous officiating PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES March 6, 2023 Page 5 experience, and the City paying for an officiating class offered through Eden Prairie High School. Retention efforts include pay raises, investing in staff training and uniforms/gear, inviting officials to all-City events, and offering premium holiday pay. League adjustments have been made which include self-officiated leagues, the addition of a league attendant position, and rule adjustments. Chair Erickson inquired and Roby responded recruitment for officials is handled via posts on the City’s website, recruiting boards, and social media and personal contacts. Roby concluded her presentation with information regarding trends in adult athletics, explanation of youth athletic associations and partnerships, and upcoming initiatives. Commission Members Bhujle and Young shared suggestions to increase awareness of senior leagues organized by outside vendors. Commission Member Young commended Roby on her efforts. B. COMMUNITY CENTER MANAGER C. PARKS AND NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGER 1. Play Equipment Replacement. Bourne presented three proposals for each of two playground equipment replacement projects planned for Willow Park (located in northcentral Eden Prairie near Home Depot) and Round Lake Park’s westernmost playground. Several vendors were invited to submit proposals and staff have narrowed them down to three proposals. Bhujle inquired and Bourne responded equipment in all proposals have similar maintenance needs and lifespans. She also suggested color schemes appropriate for those who are color blind. All Commission members shared input regarding the equipment and layouts displayed on concept boards. The input will be taken into consideration by staff prior to presenting final proposals to the City Council. Both projects are expected to be completed this summer. D. PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR 1. Commission Schedule. Lotthammer invited the group to the Commission Banquet being held on May 11 at 6 p.m. in the Garden Room of City Center. Mailed invitations will be forthcoming. PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MINUTES March 6, 2023 Page 6 The tentative June 5 date for the Nesbitt Preserve Park splash pad and cricket pitch grand opening will likely change to a date after school has been let out for the summer for greater attendance. The annual bus tour will be held in July and will include a stop at Camp Eden Wood. The April meeting will include a review of the Parks and Recreation guide, an update on the Miller Park indoor court facility, and a presentation of the Parks and Recreation Annual Report. Lotthammer invited Commission Members to share ideas and topics with him for future meetings. Meetings will likely be held at other facilities throughout 2023. 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. Chair Erickson acknowledged the presentation made a few months ago on the Eden Prairie Players by Liz Michaelson who passed away unexpectedly in November. Lotthammer stated staff is busy recrafting the position with the assistance of the advisory committee and moving forward to fill the position. The winter play went on as scheduled and the Players are currently casting for spring and summer performances. Lotthammer recently attended the Art Center youth open house which included interactive projects. He stated the three-hour event was very well attended by almost 400 participants. IX. NEXT MEETING The next PRNR Commission meeting will be held on Monday, April 3, at 7:00 p.m., in the Heritage Rooms at City Center. X. ADJOURNMENT Motion: Vice Chair Cervantes moved, seconded by Tschohl, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 7-0. Chair Erickson adjourned the meeting at 8:42 p.m.