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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 18, 2023 PARK AND RECREATION WORKSHOP MEETING – MAY 18, 2023 MINUTES The Workshop Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairperson Strombeck on May 18, 2023, 6:00 p.m. at the Andover City Hall, 1885 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners Present: Chairperson Tracy Strombeck, Commissioners Kristin Lackie, Jim Lindahl, Sophia Newton, Liza Shafto, Shane Stenzel Commissioner Absent: Jake Widmyer Also Present: Parks & Streets Operations Manager Jason Baumunk Others A. DISCUSS 2024-2028 PARK PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT PLAN Parks & Streets Operations Manager Baumunk explained that this item is regarding the ages of playgrounds, inspections, and options to refurbish pieces. Mr. Baumunk explained that the playgrounds were given to him by the playground inspectors. Mr. Baumunk discussed a big push needed to find budget money to refurbish 3 playgrounds per year, instead of 2. Commissioner Stenzel asked questions regarding the costs from the playground manufacturers. He suggested going back to the basics for some of the playgrounds to cut down on costs. The Commission agreed with scaling back on the playgrounds to keep it simple and look to some of the older-style equipment as ideas. If 3 playgrounds get approved for next year by the Council, Mr. Baumunk will push for less elaborate, more simple equipment that will get used by children to fit the replacements withing the budget allotted. Chairperson Strombeck asked about the new signs being put in at some of the parks. Mr. Baumunk explained the new signs are metal and more low maintenance in comparison to the previous wooden ones. B. DISCUSS 2024-2028 TRAIL CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Mr. Baumunk updated that Segment 1 is still being worked on, and they are still trying to th get easements along Crosstown going North from 157. The Commission discussed the Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes – May 18, 2023 Page 2 hold up on Segment 1, and how it is locked in place and should be ready and going by 2024. For now, Segment 1 would match the trail on the other side and not dead end at the railroad tracks. Mr. Baumunk updated that Segment 2 consists of finishing the stuff along Station Parkway, which is easier to do because of the easements in place. Commissioner Lindahl brought up a concern regarding the trails located on both sides of the road when the area is heavily populated. st Chairperson Strombeck explained her concern about the dump-off on 161 in Segment 3. No trail exists to the right of the neighborhood, and it dumps out onto a 55mph road with no shoulder. Commissioner Stenzel inquired about a master plan of all the trails, wondering st if that calls for a trail along 161. Mr. Baumunk confirmed that there is a future trail shown st from Hanson to Round Lake on 161. Chairperson Strombeck asked about having a discussion to help with the trail fee and wondered who could decide that. Mr. Baumunk updated that there has been an additional 400-foot-long segment added, Segment 5. The new apartments, Andover Village, has a trail that dead ends, but the additional 400 feet could connect and create a whole walking trail around the Round Lake neighborhood. The utilities there, consisting of the mixer station, would not be interfered with. This segment would just need to get approved and be put in. The Commission agreed that Segment 5 should be moved up to the 2025 trail, to raise the priority. C. DISCUSS 2024-2028 PARK CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Mr. Baumunk reviewed the list of things that have been approved and the list of things that have been discussed which could be done from the Park Dedication Study. Mr. Baumunk would like to get a rough draft together for the June meetings before it gets presented to the Council. The additional items not listed are the Sophie Park’s South Irrigation, expanding the irrigation at Hickory Meadows, Hills of Bunker West parking lot paving, and the pickleball complex. Commissioner Newton asked about proposed state money for skate parks and potential fund matching. The kids at the skate park recommended looking at Shoreview’s skate park and they also requested benches to be put in. The Commission discussed putting lights into the lots and the price of water being set up. Mr. Baumunk is working on getting numbers together for what retrofitting the current skate park would look like. Mr. Baumunk updated on the basketball court at Sunshine. He recommended putting a sport court finish on the court and replacing the old backboards with new acrylic backboards to spruce up the court. Commissioner Stenzel mentioned that a fence would also need to be added to keep the ball from rolling down the hill and would probably allow the court to get more use. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes – May 18, 2023 Page 3 The Commission discussed the prices of pickleball courts and their current demand. Mr. Baumunk stated that the courts also fit well into the campus master plan. The Commission discussed the potential need for reservable shelters, restrooms, and what the overall possibilities are for the complex. Chairperson Strombeck took a non-scientific poll on who is in favor of keeping the pickleball on the CIP. Every commissioner said yes if at a lower price. Chairperson Strombeck also did a poll on location preferences for the pickleball courts. Commissioner Stenzel asked for more information on the Pine Hills Master Plan additions and their prices. Mr. Baumunk updated that in the giant open area at Pine Hills, a larger gazebo and four-square/hopscotch will be added. Everything listed in the Master Plan will fit into the budget and leave leftover money. Commissioner Newton recommended putting a gazebo and picnic tables in the area. Mr. Baumunk updated that he will put together prices for Pine Hills. ADJOURNMENT OF WORKSHOP MEETING The meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Lilian Rokosz, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.