071321 Park Packet
CITY OF SHOREWOOD 5755 COUNTRY CLUB RD
PARK COMMISSION MEETING SHOREWOOD CITY HALL
TUESDAY, JULY 13, 2021 7:00 PM
AGENDA
1. CONVENE PARK COMMISSION MEETING
A. Roll Call
Hirner( )____
Gallivan(August)____
Schmid( )____
Tauer( )____
Heinz(July)____
Council Liaison Gorham(July-Dec)____
B. Review Agenda
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Park Commission Meeting Minutes from April 13, 2021 – (Att.-#2A)
B. Park Commission Park Tour Minutes from May 11, 2021 – (Att.-#2B)
C. Park Commission Park Tour Minutes from June 8, 2021 – (Att.-#2C)
3. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR
(This portion of the meeting allows members of the public the opportunity to bring up items that are not on
the agenda. Each speaker has a maximum of three minutes to present their topic. Multiple speakers may
not bring up the same points. No decisions would be made on the topic at the meeting except that the item
may be deferred to staff or the City Council for more information.)
4. NEW BUSINESS
A. Review of Park Tours – (Att.-#4A)
B. Review Quote for Extension of Fence at Southshore Community Park Community Gardens –
(Att.-#4B)
5. OLD BUSINESS
6. STAFF AND LIAISON REPORTS/UPDATES
A. City Council
B. Staff
a. Update on Henn. Cty. Youth Sports Grant
b. Next Month’s Agenda
c. September Park Meeting
7. ADJOURN
Liaison for City Council Meeting on July 26 is Commissioner Heinz
2A
CITY OF SHOREWOOD 5755 COUNTRY CLUB RD
PARK COMMISSION MEETING SHOREWOOD CITY HALL
TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021 7:00 P.M.
MINUTES
1. CONVENE PARK COMMISSION MEETING
Chair Hirner convened the meeting at 7:02 p.m.
A. Roll Call
Present: Chair Hirner, Commissioners Schmid, Gallivan, Tauer, and Heinz;
City Council Liaison Siakel; Parks and Recreation Director Grout;
Planning Director Darling
Absent: None
B. Review Agenda
Schmid moved to approve the agenda as written. Gallivan seconded the motion. Roll Call
Vote: Ayes – all. Motion carried 5-0.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Park Commission Meeting Minutes of March 9, 2021
Heinz moved to approve the minutes of the March 9, 2021 meeting as written. Schmid
seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: Ayes – all. Motion carried 5-0.
3. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR
There were none.
4. NEW BUSINESS
A. Determine Liaisons to City Council Meetings
May – Commissioner Tauer
June – Chair Hirner
July – Commissioner Heinz
August – Commissioner Gallivan
B. Review Results of the Park Survey for Adult/Senior Activities
Chair Hirner noted that from the responses of the Park Survey, there was one topic that was very
important to everyone, the walking trails.
Commissioner Heinz stated that he agreed and noted that the walking trails were important to
people regardless of the demographics.
PARK COMMISSION MINUTES
TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021
PAGE 2 OF 6
Commissioner Schmid expressed her disappointment that there were not more people over the
age of 75 that responded to the survey.
Chair Hirner noted that there are three different types of trails in the City and wished that the
survey would have asked a more specific question about what type of trail people would prefer.
He asked Commissioner Heinz if he had seen much use on the trail through the woods at
Freeman Park.
Commissioner Heinz stated that his wife uses them every morning and he uses them during the
mid-day. He stated that they are nature trails, so it is a nice feeling. He stated that in wet weather
the trails do get a bit mushy but are quite well compacted. He noted that during the winter months,
the City plows them so people can utilize the trails in all seasons.
Commissioner Tauer stated that she also lives in this area and they walk them frequently and do
see people using the trails.
Commissioner Schmid stated that she thinks the access to the trails are more difficult for people
who have balance issues.
Commissioner Tauer asked if there was live data that she could play with and suggested that it
be sent in Excel.
Parks and Recreation Director Grout stated that she will send it after the meeting.
Councilmember Siakel asked if there was more detail under the third question about other
facilities.
Parks and Recreation Director Grout stated that the comments for that were things like pickle ball,
tennis, walking trails, and disc golf.
Commissioner Gallivan noted that they had also mentioned outdoor yoga and tai chi classes. He
listed off a few more of the comments and noted that quite a few people mentioned pickle ball.
Parks and Recreation Director Grout noted that currently the only parks marked for pickle ball are
Badger and Manor.
The Commission discussed the almost even split of comments related to having equipment
spread out or in one location.
Chair Hirner asked if there had been any thought to lighting for this kind of equipment or if it will
be just a use at your own risk and the City just provides the equipment.
Planning Director Darling explained that the planning has not gotten as far as thinking about
lighting.
Chair Hirner stated that he would be interested in knowing what other cities have done because
lighting can get expensive.
Commissioner Schmid noted that she did not think many seniors would go out after dark whether
the equipment is lit or not.
PARK COMMISSION MINUTES
TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021
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Commissioner Gallivan stated that he found it interesting that there were only 4 people that
answered South Shore as the park they had spent the most time in over the last thirty days, but
19 respondents said that was where they would like to see the equipment placed. He stated that
there was also quite a bit of interest, besides the exercise equipment, in bocce or horseshoe
courts. He clarified that there is not currently a CIP item for a project that would add this type of
exercise equipment.
Planning Director Darling stated that there is not one as a separate line item, but the budget set
aside for redevelopment of, for instance, South Shore Park, could be used for it. She believes
that it has been set for 2027.
Commissioner Heinz asked if this survey would be conducted annually.
Chair Hirner explained that this was the first time it had been done and was done with the focus
on finding out what the senior residents may be interested in.
Commissioner Heinz stated that he would like to see the survey conducted in some sort of
schedule time period in order to establish trends.
5. OLD BUSINESS
A. Silverwood Park Playground
Planning Director Darling reviewed the information she had gotten from the vendor to answer the
questions from the Commission.
Commissioner Gallivan asked about the e-mail Planning Director Darling had sent earlier today
and asked if all of those elements were done if it would be in addition to the $212,901.
Planning Director Darling stated that this was correct and would be a total cost of around
$282,900. She noted that there is already $240,000 budgeted and the City has applied for a
$25,000 grant. She noted some ways there may be to hold down the costs a bit, but asked for
input from the Commission on a few things or areas where they would not mind cutting back on
the price just in case the City cannot find the money to pay for it. She gave possible examples
where costs could possibly be brought down. .
The Commission discussed the importance of keeping the shade sails and perhaps consider
eliminating the second platform and perhaps going down from two slides to one on the playground
structures because if kids wanted to race, they could do it on the big slides.
Chair Hirner asked if a way to keep the costs down may be to do a community project for some
of the work like replacing railings.
Planning Director Darling noted that is a good idea, in general, but the railings are one place that
she would want to ensure that contractors installed them because the City needs them to last a
long time and be very safe. She stated that there is a small amount of work to do like replace
the top blocks around the playground area.
Commissioner Schmid asked about insurance considerations with volunteer labor.
PARK COMMISSION MINUTES
TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021
PAGE 4 OF 6
Planning Director Darling stated that she did not think there would be a difference and noted that
she believes all of the old playgrounds were put together by a volunteer labor force.
Commissioner Gallivan asked for the pricing difference if the middle platform was removed.
Chair Hirner asked for the pricing for the musical instruments.
Parks and Recreation Director Grout noted that in March, the music components cost $11,867.
Planning Director Darling stated that it was actually reduced to $10,000 because they replaced
concert drums and replaced them with harmonic chimes. She stated that she could remove those
elements but those are the elements that are usable by everyone within the park.
Chair Hirner stated that his concern with taking out the second platform is that they would not
want to reduce the older kids playground set to the point that it is not even something they want
to play on because it is too small.
Commissioner Gallivan asked if the Commission felt people would be more upset if there was
only one slide on the hill or if the middle platform was removed. He stated that his thinking was
that removing one of the big slides on the hill would upset people more so he would support
removal of the platform if the costs needed to be reduced further.
The Commission discussed the difficulty of finding ways to cut the budget.
Council Liaison Siakel noted that Council in the past has leaned towards finding the extra money
for this type of project so it can be done right rather than having to cut corners. She stated that
in her opinion, $15,000 will not make or break the plans. She stated that she cannot speak for
the other Councilmembers but she feels that these costs are a bit out of their control because of
the increase in cost for materials such as steel.
Planning Director Darling thanked Council Liaison Siakel for her input and suggested that the
Commission could move forward with their plans as they are right now.
The Commission discussed the color scheme for the equipment and determined that the posts
should be changed to gray, the sails should be purple, so it is a blue, gray and purple color
scheme. They reviewed the other plans for the park and noted their preference for flipping the
adaptive swing so it is on the west, removal of the existing sidewalk, installation of a sidewalk
connection from the shelter over to the playground and then to the south and the swing set area,
and to raise the upper end of the big slides rather than excavating the lower end.
Schmid moved to recommend approval of the Silverwood Park plans as discussed. Heinz
seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: Ayes – all. Motion carried. 5-0.
B. Update on Badger Park Grand Opening
Parks and Recreation Director Grout noted that she reached out to a few more food trucks and
Urban Sub is interested in participating. She stated that there will also be Joey Nova’s pizza and
Kona Ice truck. She stated that the Minnetonka Lacrosse board is meeting this week to decide if
they want to participate by doing a demo during the event. The Excelsior Library is also planning
PARK COMMISSION MINUTES
TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021
PAGE 5 OF 6
to do a ‘story stroll’. She stated that there will also be demos for tennis, pickleball, football, and
balloon creations. She stated that the Commission should consider what should happen in the
event of inclement weather and asked if they would like the event to take place rain or shine,
schedule a back-up date, and if they would like Urban Sub to participate as a food truck.
Chair Hirner stated that he likes the idea of including the Urban Sub food truck and the story
stroll.
Commissioner Gallivan stated that he agreed with Chair Hirner and noted that he would suggest
a back-up date if there is inclement weather since this is the City’s premier park.
Chair Hirner suggested the back up date be something in July.
Parks and Recreation Director Grout suggested that the back-up date be July 14, 2021 and will
check with the vendors to see if that would work in their schedules.
Tauer moved to recommend approval of the back-up date for the Badger Park Grand Open
in case of inclement weather to July 14, 2021 and that Urban Sub, Joey Nova’s and Kona
Ice be the food trucks available at the event. Gallivan seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote:
Ayes – all. Motion carried 5-0.
C. Determine Movie for Movie in the Park
Parks and Recreation Director Grout stated that after she told the sale rep that the Commission
had chosen E.T., they informed her that it would not be available until September 6, 2021, so the
Commission will need to choose a different movie for the Movie in the Park event.
The Commission discussed movie options such as Toy Story, The Lion King, or The Mighty
Ducks.
Gallivan moved to recommend approval of the animated movie The Lion King for Movie in
the Park. Hirner seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: Ayes – all. Motion carried 5-0.
6. STAFF AND LIAISON REPORTS / UPDATES
A. City Council
Council Liaison Siakel gave an overview of the April 12, 2021 Council meeting as reflected in the
minutes.
B. Staff
a. Galpin Lake/South of Highway 7 – Safe Routes to School Planning Grant
for Trail
Planning Director Darling stated that the City got a grant through Safe Routes to School to begin
planning for the Galpin Lake trail which will cross Highway 7 at Oak Street.
Commissioner Gallivan thanked Planning Director Darling, staff and Mayor Labadie who have
been persistent in looking to get this completed.
PARK COMMISSION MINUTES
TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021
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Chair Hirner noted that he attended the baseball clean up event in Freeman Park this past
weekend and the fence posts are about a foot out of the ground on Field #2 which is becoming a
hazard. He asked if staff could go take a look and see what can be done to ensure the concrete
bases do not cause a problem or an injury.
7. ADJOURN
Gallivan moved to adjourn the Park Commission Meeting of April 13, 2021 at 8:30 p.m.
Schmid seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: Ayes – all. Motion carried 5-0.
2B
CITY OF SHOREWOOD 6000 EUREKA ROAD
PARK COMMISSION MEETING FREEMAN PARK EDDY STATION
TUESDAY, MAY 11, 2021 CATHCART PARK
ND
26655 WEST 62 STREET
6:00 P.M.
MINUTES
1. CONVENE PARK COMMISSION MEETING
Chair Hirner convened the park tour meeting at 6:12 p.m.
A. Roll Call
Present: Chair Hirner, Commissioners Schmid (left at 6:30), Heinz, Tauer;
City Planning Director Darling; Public Works Director Brown; Park
and Rec Director Grout; City Administrator Lerud; Mayor Labadie;
Councilmembers Callies, Siakel and Gorham
Absent: Commissioner Gallivan
2. PARK TOURS
Freeman Park:
Representative from Three Rivers Park District attended the tour to give an overview of
the three different trail options from Freeman Park to the LRT. Three Rivers also
explained that since this would be a trailhead, they would list it on their website, install a
kiosk and they would need around 10 parking spaces. A few of those few spaces signed
as reserved for trail users. The park tour started by walking the trail and discussing the
three trail options. Three Rivers Representative mentioned that the trail would be 8-10
feet wide depending on location and there would be some tree loss with each option,
although more tree loss would occur with options 1 and 2. Option 2 would need to have
a boardwalk built over the wetlands. If a boardwalk were installed, the district would
install the boardwalk but the city would be responsible for maintenance thereafter. It
was suggested that on the Freeman Park sign by the LRT entrance that “City of
Shorewood” be installed on the sign so that users know it is a city park. This item will be
brought back to the July park meeting for further discussion.
The Park Commission continued the tour of Freeman Park. Public Works Director,
Brown indicated that he would be talking to the city engineer about reseeding the south
end of the park and part of Badger Park. During the trail walk it was mentioned the
entrance sign from the LRT had graffiti on it. If was asked if concrete could be added to
the corner of the shelter. When touring the baseball fields, little league field fence posts
are coming up. This is already in the CIP. It was also suggested that another bike rack
be installed by Eddy Station or in other parts of the parks. At the community gardens it
was asked if the compost bins were going to be installed. Staff is going to check on the
status of the compost bins.
Cathcart Park:
Items that were discussed during the tour:
PARK COMMISSION TOUR MINUTES
TUESDAY, MAY 11, 2021
PAGE 2 OF 2
The edging around the swing set area and how it not aesthetically pleasing,
Potential addition of a gaga pit.
Pickleball should be listed on the website as the court is stripped for it.
The basketball court and hockey rink are very popular.
Use of the hockey rink for an off-leash dog park in the summer for dogs.
3. ADJOURN
Heinz moved to adjourn the Park Commission Tours of May 11, 2021 at: 8:08 p.m. Hirner
seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
2C
CITY OF SHOREWOOD SILVERWOOD PARK
PARK COMMISSION PARK TOURS SOUTH SHORE COMM. PARK
TUESDAY, JUNE 8, 2021 MANOR PARK
BADGER PARK
6:00 P.M.
MINUTES
1. CONVENE PARK COMMISSION TOURS
Chair Hirner convened the park tour meeting at 6:08 p.m.
A. Roll Call
Present: Chair Hirner, Commissioners Schmid, Heinz; Planning Director
Darling; Public Works Director Brown; Park and Rec Director
Grout; City Administrator Lerud; Mayor Labadie; Councilmembers
Callies, and Gorham
Absent: Commissioner Gallivan and Tauer
2. PARK TOURS
Silverwood Park:
Park Chair Hirner went over the playground improvements that will be taking place and
mentioned that work on the playground area should be starting in mid-July.
Chair Hirner suggested that the turf trail extending north from Silverwood Park be added
to an upcoming agenda for the Park Commissioners to discuss its long-term planning of
this trail.
The dead trees by the pond were requested to be removed.
South Shore Community Park:
There was discussion regarding what amenities can be at this park besides the
community gardens. Pickleball was a suggestion along with a picnic shelter. Other
suggestions included adult exercise equipment, dog park, or a splash pad.
Concern about the noise was raised. Staff will check into the requirements for a noise
wall.
Manor Park:
The Park Commissioners noted satisfaction with the pond cleaning project.
Public Works Director Brown stated that they are planning repairs to the water spigots.
With the playground being ADA compliant it was suggested that staff research to see
what the radius of another park like this is and put something on the website.
PARK COMMISSION TOUR MINUTES
TUESDAY, June 8, 2021
PAGE 2 OF 2
Badger Park:
There was discussion as to what else needed to be done at this park. Park Director
Grout mentioned that the bleachers for the field should be arriving soon, but may not be
in place for the open house.
Public Works Director Brown mentioned that the restrooms should be open for the grand
opening.
Planning Director Darling mentioned that part of the trail had not been repaved as the
roots of the willows are coming in again. Re-paving is likely to occur this fall.
3. ADJOURN
Tours were completed at 7:33 pm.
4A
CITY OF
SHOREWOOD
5755 Country Club Road Shorewood, Minnesota 55331 952-960-7900
www.ci.shorewood.mn.us cityhall@ci.shorewood.mn.us
To: Park Commission
From: Twila Grout, Park & Rec Director
Meeting Date: July 13, 2021
Re: Review of Park Tours
Attachments: Park Commission Report and Maps for Freeman Park Trails
The Park Commissioners toured the parks the months of May and June.
Below are the items that were discussed during the tours for your review.
Public Works has also received this list so that they are aware of the items that need to be
looked at and repaired if needed.
Freeman Park
Public Works Director is working with City Engineer about reseeding
Entrance sign from LRT has graffiti on it (This was since addressed by Public Works)
If was asked if concrete could be added to the corner of the shelter
Little League field fence posts are coming up – this is already in CIP
Another bike rack be installed by Eddy Station or in other parts of the park
Compost bins at community garden
Trail:
Three Rivers Park staff and City staff posed three alternatives for trail locations. Each of the
three alternatives are attached to the memo. Each potential route has strengths and
weaknesses.
The trail through the park showcases more of the active park areas, but the pathway
will have more walkers, children playing and balls/other active activities.
The northerly trail through the woods has the most serene atmosphere but the more tree
impact and the costs of rebuilding the trail in the future could be very expensive due to
wetland issues and compromised soils.
The northerly trail along the woods is less serene, but has fewer tree impacts and would
be a less expensive location to rebuild in the future.
Please provide a recommendation on the appropriate trail location.
Cathcart Park
Edging around the swing set area is holding up well, but is not aesthetically pleasing
Potential addition of a gaga pit
Pickleball should be listed on the website
Basketball court and hockey rink are very popular. Potential to use the hockey rink as
an off-leash dog park in the summer?
Silverwood Park
Dead trees by the pond were asked to be removed
Turf trail extending north from the park be added to upcoming agenda for the Park
Commissioners to discuss its long-term planning of the trail
South Shore Community Park
Discussed amenities that could be at this park. Pickleball, picnic shelter, adult exercise
equipment, dog park or a splash pad were items that were suggested
It was asked that staff check into the requirements for a noise wall
Manor Park
Public Works Director mentioned that they are planning to repair the water spigots
Pond cleaning project is successful
Badger Park
Bleachers have been ordered and be placed when they arrive (now completed)
Public Works Director mentioned restrooms will be open for the grand opening
Planning Director mentioned part of the trail had not been repaved as roots from the
willows are coming in again. Re-paving will likely occur in the fall.
Other Parks for Comment:
Crescent Beach
Gideon Glen
Minnetonka Country Club Open Space
Christmas Lake Boat Landing
The Planning Director, City Engineer and the City Administrator have discussed
improvements to the Christmas Lake Landing in response to concerns raised by the
Christmas Lake HOA. The HOA is concerned about the number of cars and boats on
Christmas Lake, more vehicles in the parking area than can be accommodated and
some improvements that are needed to improve drainage and the circulation through the
parking area to accommodate the AIS inspection trailer. At an upcoming meeting, staff
will likely be presenting an ordinance amendment for comment that would limit
nonresident boats on Christmas lake to those that can be accommodated with the
existing parking spaces.
4B
CITY OF
SHOREWOOD
5755 Country Club Road Shorewood, Minnesota 55331 952-960-7900
www.ci.shorewood.mn.us cityhall@ci.shorewood.mn.us
To: Park Commission
From: Twila Grout, Park & Rec Director
Meeting Date: July 13, 2021
Re: Review Quote for Extension of Fence at Southshore Community Park
Community Gardens
Attachment: Map
This past spring nine garden plots were added to the community garden. Due to expanding the
gardens, the fence will need to be extended.
Staff met with Dakota Fencing and they provided a quote to extend the fencing (Dakota
Fencing is the company that installed the current fencing). The total cost to install the fence is
$3,705. They will be able to install the fence in early spring as they are booked through 2021.
They did mention that if an opening becomes available in the fall they would see if they could
install the fencing then.
Dakota Fencing mentioned if there was a chance that we would be extending the gardens that
we might want to look at it now as it would be cost effective to do all the fencing now.
Looking at the garden site (see attached map), it may be hard to extend the gardens more to the
west, due to shade and the trees along the north side of the gardens. There are now 30 plots at
this site.
This year all garden requests were filled at the Southshore Community Park.