HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.14.18 Parks and Rec Packet
C ity of Farm ington
430 T hird S treet
F armington, Minnesota
651.280.6800 - F ax 651.280.6899
www.c i.farmington.mn.us
F armington P arks and Recreation Commission
Wednesday, F ebruary 14, 2018
7:00 P M City Hall Council Chambers
Agenda
I.Call M eeting to Order
I I.Approve M eeting Agenda
I I I.Approve M eeting M inutes
A.A pprove J anuary 10, 2018 Meeting Minutes
I V.Presentations
A.I ntroduction of New Commission Member
V.Business Items
A.Chair and Vice-Chair E lections
V I.Discussion Items
A.2040 Comprehensive Plan Update
B.Communication with the Public
C.Date of Meeting with Rambling River Center A dvisory Board
D.Regetta F ield Development P ark Naming Contest
E.Review 2018 Work Plan
V I I.Commission Roundtable
A.Round Table Format
V I I I.Staff Report/Updates
A.I nformation and Project Updates
I X .M eeting Agenda Topics
A.I dentify Agenda I tems for March 14, 2018 Meeting
X .Adjournment
"T he Farm ington P arks and Recreation Advisory Commission's m ission is to advise and make
recom m endations to the Farm ington City Council concerning the com prehensive planning of the City
parks, trails, open space, recreation facilities and recreation programs."
C ity of F armington
430 T hird S treet
F armingto n, Minnes o ta
651.280.6800 - F ax 651.280.6899
www.c i.farmington.mn.us
TO:F armington P arks and R ecreation C ommis s ion Members
F R O M:R andy Dis tad, P arks and R ec reation Direc tor
S UB J E C T:Approve January 10, 2018 Meeting Minutes
D AT E:F ebruary 14, 2018
B AC KG R OUN D
Attached are the draft minutes from the January 10, 2018 C ommis s ion meeting. C ommis s ion members are
as ked to review the minutes and provide at the meeting any correc tions or additions you think should be
made to the minutes.
AT TAC HMENT S :
Type Des cription
Backup Material Draft January 10, 2018 Meeting Minutes
Farmington Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
Minutes from the January 10, 2018 Regular Meeting
Members Present: Laurie Suchanek, David McMillen, and Dustin Johnson
Members Absent: John Moore
Other’s Present: Parks and Recreation Director Randy Distad
I. Call Meeting To Order
Chair Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Quorum was present.
II. Approval of January 10, 2018 Meeting Agenda
Moved by McMillen and seconded by Suchanek to approve the meeting agenda. All persons in favor (APIF). Motion
carried.
III. Approval of December 13, 2017 Regular Meeting Minutes
The meeting minutes were approved with no revisions noted.
IV. Presentations
There were no presentations.
V. Business Items
A. Approve 2018 Work Plan
Distad shared the draft plan was created based on the discussion that occurred during the December 13, 2017 Commission
meeting. He requested the Commission provide any additions or corrections to the work plan. It was identified in a
couple of locations that the formatting should be cleaned up, so it is consistent formatting all the way through the plan.
Distad shared he would address this issue.
Moved by Suchanek and seconded by McMillen to approve the Commission’s 2018 Work Plan. APIF. Motion carried.
B. 2040 Comprehensive Plan
Distad provided an overview of the executive summary document by reviewing each of the headings and summarizing the
information included under each heading. He shared that the comments made at the November meeting were
incorporated into the document. He informed Commission members the Rambling River Center Advisory Board
reviewed the document at its January 8, 2018 meeting and recommended to include language about the city’s being
accessible to all.
Distad also provided an overview of the park, trail and open space plan map including that the map shows existing
locations of parks and trails and future parks and trail locations. He shared the map was updated based on the comments
made during the December 13, 2017 meeting about adding additional trails in locations where there were longer loops
being shown.
He requested the Commission formally approve both the executive summary and the map, so they can both be provided to
the consultant who is assisting the city with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. He shared the Commission would see both of
these documents again and after local jurisdictions are able to review and provide comments on both documents. At that
time, the Commission will be asked to approve both documents, so they can go to the Planning Commission and City
Council as part of the complete 2040 Comprehensive Plan document.
Moved by McMillen and seconded by Suchanek to approve the draft parks and recreation executive summary and the
existing and proposed park, open space and trail plan map. APIF. Motion carried.
C. New Neighborhood Park Naming Contest
Distad informed Commission members that one of their responsibilities is to provide a recommended park name for new
parks. He informed Commission members because the Regetta Fields development has received final plat approval by the
City Council, the Commission can move forward with starting the process to name the neighborhood park in the
development. He shared in the past park names have sometime copied the development name. There has also been a few
times where the Commission has held a park naming contest with the public providing ideas for park names. He asked
the Commission to have a discussion about what approach it would like to take with the park name for this development
and what length of time it desires to take to come up with a name.
McMillen shared that he supports a public naming process like what was used for Prairie Pines Park and Marigold Park,
which were the two most recent parks that were named.
Distad shared if the Commission was interested in having a contest for the public to come up with names for the park then
perhaps the Community Expo being held on January 27 would be a good time to kick off this contest because names could
be collected during the Expo. He said the names submitted could then be brought to the February 14 Commission
meeting and a name could be picked.
Suchanek shared she would like to see the naming contest be shorter rather than a long drawn out process. She suggested
to keep the contest open through the end of February and then the submitted names could be reviewed at the March 14
Commission meeting. She also felt it should be advertised through the city’s social media accounts and on the city’s
website.
Distad shared that the last time there was a park naming contest the city provided a pool punch card and a open skate
punch card to the winners. He felt that a open skate punch card could be provided, but because the pool will no longer be
open, the pool punch card would not be provided.
Suchanek would like to see more prizes offered as an incentive to get more people to submit names. She volunteered to
contact the Farmington Business Association and see if some of the local businesses would be willing to provide gift cards
or gift certificates for the naming contest. Commission members felt this was a great idea and encouraged her to do so.
Suchanek moved to approve a public park naming contest for the park in the Regetta Fields development with a submittal
end date of February 28, 2018 and attempt to provide prizes from local businesses to the person submitting the winning
entry. Motion was seconded by McMillen. APIF. Motion carried.
D. Bike Pedestrian Plan Grant Application
Distad explained to Commission members the park and recreation chapter in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan includes a
goal to complete a bike and pedestrian plan for the city. He shared Dakota County is currently accepting Statewide Health
Improvement Partnership (SHIP) program grant application for planning items such as a bike and pedestrian plan. He
share there have been four other communities in Dakota County who have received this funding in the past to complete a
bike and pedestrian plan. He reviewed the grant application and the city of Apple Valley’s bike and pedestrian plan.
He informed Commission members that there is a 10% local match requirement that could be met either through a cash
match or an in-kind match through staff time devoted to the development of a bike and pedestrian plan. He shared that if
the city applies for grant funding, it would be for the maximum amount of $35,000, which would require the city to
provide either $3,500 in cash to match or provide an equal value in staff time as an in-kind match. He thought that the
10% match requirement could be met through staff time devoted to the planning, but in case this were not to happen, then
the back up would be to provide either a full or partial match of cash. He suggested the Park Improvement Fund be the
source of the $3,500 cash match because there are enough funds to cover the cash match requirement.
Finally, he shared that an important part of the grant requirement is to have a committee or task force made up of various
interests in the community to help steer the plan. He shared there would be one seat on the committee for the
Commission. The selection of the member would occur only if the grant application is approved for funding.
He requested the Commission discuss this and then provide a recommendation to the City Council approving the
submittal of a SHIP grant application to Dakota County.
Moved by McMillen and seconded by Suchanek to recommend to the City Council the approval of submitting a SHIP
program grant application to Dakota County to fund the development of a city bike and pedestrian plan and to use up to
$3,500 from the Park Improvement Fund to provide the cash match requirement for the grant application. APIF. Motion
carried.
VI. Discussion Items
A. City Communication Guide
Distad reviewed the City Council adopted City Communication Guide with Commission members. It was noted by the
Commission that guide should be updated to remove the language about the city calendar being mailed to households
because this is no longer done. Distad shared he would make the city’s Communication Specialist aware of this.
B. Meet with Rambling River Center Advisory Board
Chair Johnson shared because this was a goal on the 2018 Work Plan, the Commission should start looking at some
possible dates to have the meeting, so the dates can be shared with Rambling River Center Advisory Board members.
McMillen shared he thought it would be best to wait until all of the Commission members were present to discuss
possible meeting dates in order to make sure the date(s) selected to share with advisory board members works for all
Commission members. By consensus it was agreed that this item should be discussed further at the next Commission
meeting assuming all members are present.
C. Review Park Improvement Fund 5 Year Capital Improvement Plan
Distad reviewed the draft document included in the packet. He shared this draft plan matches up with the improvements
shown in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan’s five year schedule except that 2023 is not shown on the comp plan’s document
because it is from 2018-2022. He shared the Commission still has time to review it and make a recommendation to the
City Council because the city’s budget process has not started yet.
Suchanek wondered where the arena’s five year plan is because she didn’t see any improvement items in the plan for the
arena. Distad shared that the arena is not included in this plan because it is only for parks and only parks are funded
through the Park Improvement Fund.
McMillen asked if the Lake Julia fishing dock could looked at for improvements because sometimes when the water level
is high, it overflows onto the connecting sidewalk, which creates access issues. Distad shared this would be a
maintenance item and he will make park maintenance staff aware of this to see what can be done about this issue.
There were no revisions made and the Commission by consensus felt it was worth having a continued discussion on the
plan at a future meeting.
D. Draft 2017 Annual Work Plan
Distad reviewed the draft work plan and shared the goals included were previously discussed by the Commission. Chair
McMilllen asked if there were any revisions Commission members would like to make to the draft work plan. Since there
were no revisions identified, the 2017 Annual Work Plan will be brought back to the February 8, 2017 Commission
meeting for formal approval. This will give new Commission members an opportunity to review and learn more about the
work plan during the meeting.
VII. Commission Roundtable
Suchanek: Didn’t have anything to share.
McMillen: Reminded Commission members about the Farmington VFW Steak Fry Fundraiser for the Rambling River
Center being held on January 20 and about the Community Expo being held at the Farmington High School on January
27.
Johnson: Didn’t have anything to share.
VIII. Staff Report
A. Rambling River Center Replacement Project
Distad shared the roof project is not completed yet. The cold weather and snow have hampered the contractor with
finishing the project, so it can be final inspected by the roof membrane manufacturer and the 15 year Warranty
Certificate can be provided to the city.
B. Outdoor Rinks
The weather has been either too warm or too cold over the past month causing the warming house to have close
periodically because of the weather extremes. Other than the weather, the rest of the operations has been going well.
C. Project Updates
Shared the department has several projects to complete this year including:
1. Outdoor basketball courts resurfaced at Evergreen Knoll Park and Dakota County Estates Park.
2. Fire Station #1 will have its existing concrete apron on the back of the fire station removed and a new concrete
apron poured.
3. Outfield fence on field #2 at Feely Fields will be removed and replaced.
4. Pool demolition will occur sometime in the spring.
5. Prairie Pines Park will receive site work such as grubbing and removing of trees and vegetation, filling the site
and grading for drainage and this work will occur later this summer
6. All exterior entrance doors at the arena will be replaced
D. Farmington Youth Baseball Association Presentation
Distad shared youth baseball has undergone some restructuring and until the restructuring has been completed they will
be unable to make their presentation to the Commission. It is hopeful the presentation will occur later this spring once
their program is up and running.
E. City Email and Website Address Changes
The city will be undergoing a change to its domain name. It will be going from ci.farmington.mn.us to
farmingtonmn.gov.
F. New Commission Member
The City Council has appointed Neil Ramdhan as the newest Commission member. He will start serving his term at
the February 14, 2018 meeting.
IX. February 14, 2018 Meeting Agenda Items
The following items were identified by Commission members for its December 10, 2014 meeting agenda:
1. 2040 Comprehensive Plan update
2. Review 2018 Work Plan
3. Election of chair and vice-chair
4. Joint meeting with Rambling River Center Advisory Board
5. Introduction of new Commission member
6. Regetta Fields development park names update
X. Adjournment
Moved by Suchanek and seconded by McMillen to adjourn the meeting. APIF. Motion carried. The meeting was
adjourned at 8:01 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Randy Distad
Parks and Recreation Director and Recording Secretary
C ity of F armington
430 T hird S treet
F armingto n, Minnes o ta
651.280.6800 - F ax 651.280.6899
www.c i.farmington.mn.us
TO:F armington P arks and R ecreation C ommis s ion Members
F R O M:R andy Dis tad, P arks and R ec reation Direc tor
S UB J E C T:Introduc tion of New C ommis s ion Member
D AT E:F ebruary 14, 2018
B AC KG R OUN D
T he C ity C ouncil s olicits applic ations for open pos itions on the city's boards and c ommis s ions. Interviews
are c onducted with the applicants by the C ity C ouncil. T hen bas ed on the interviews , the open positions are
filled by C ity C ouncil appointment. T he P ark and R ec reation C ommission had one vacant pos ition this year.
I am pleased to inform C ommis s ion members the C ity C ounc il approved at its January 16, 2018 meeting
the appointment of Neil R amdhan as the newest member of the C ommis s ion. T his will be the firs t
C ommis s ion meeting for Neil, so introduc tions are in order during this part of the meeting agenda.
C ity of F armington
430 T hird S treet
F armingto n, Minnes o ta
651.280.6800 - F ax 651.280.6899
www.c i.farmington.mn.us
TO:F armington P arks and R ecreation C ommis s ion Members
F R O M:R andy Dis tad, P arks and R ec reation Direc tor
S UB J E C T:C hair and Vice-C hair Elec tions
D AT E:F ebruary 14, 2018
B AC KG R OUN D
Annually a chair and vice-c hair are elec ted by the C ommission. C ommission C hair Johnson will be calling
for nominations for the chair and vice-c hair pos itions . P leas e give cons ideration to being nominated for either
one of these pos itions .
I have also attached some information about the process of nominating and elec ting the c hair and vic e-chair
pos itions . W hile the proc es s identified in the information does not need to be nec es s arily followed verbatim,
it does provide a good framework in whic h to conduc t the c hair and vic e-chair elec tions .
AT TAC HMENT S :
Type Des cription
Backup Material Nominations and Election Information
C ity of F armington
430 T hird S treet
F armingto n, Minnes o ta
651.280.6800 - F ax 651.280.6899
www.c i.farmington.mn.us
TO:F armington P arks and R ecreation C ommis s ion Members
F R O M:R andy Dis tad, P arks and R ec reation Direc tor
S UB J E C T:2040 C omprehens ive P lan Update
D AT E:F ebruary 14, 2018
B AC KG R OUN D
Based on the January 10, 2018 meeting dis cus s ion and C ommis s ion approval given on the draft Executive
S ummary of the P ark and R ec reation C hapter and Existing and P roposed P ark, Trail and O pen S pac e P lan
Map, the documents were provided to Hoisington Koegler G roup, Inc. (HKG I) s taff. HKG I is the
cons ulting firm the c ity hired to work with to put together the c ity's 2040 C omprehens ive P lan. T he final
draft document is inc luded in the meeting pac ket so C ommis s ion members c an s ee what was submitted to
HKG I staff. S taff will provide an update at the meeting about the status of the 2040 C omprehens ive P lan
update that is being c ompleted by HKG I staff.
AT TAC HMENT S :
Type Des cription
Backup Material Draft 2040 Comp Plan Executive Summary Park and Recreation
Chapter
Backup Material Draft 2040 Comprehensive Plan Existing and Proposed Park, Trail and
Open Space Plan Map
Farmington 2040 Comprehensive Plan – Draft
2040 Park and Recreation Master Plan - Draft
1
Section 2. Executive Summary
Foreward
Parks and recreation plays an important role in creating a high quality of life for city residents. It
provides opportunities to learn and play, meditate and rejuvenate, create and imagine, and enjoy
life. As required by the Metropolitan Council, a regional planning agency serving the Twin
Cities seven county metropolitan area whose responsibilities lie with providing essential services
to the region, a City’s park and open space plan is required to be updated every 10 years as part
of the city’s Comprehensive Plan (Plan) update.
In 2008, a 2030 Plan was approved containing a Park and Recreation Master Plan chapter. This
Plan has reached a 10 year threshold, requiring it to be updated to be in compliance with the
Metropolitan Council requirements. This required update will enhance and update city
information and data allowing elected/appointed officials and staff to accurately assess the
current and future direction for parks and recreation in the community. 2040 Plan is the
document that will provide the guidance upon which the city continues to make its decisions for
parks, trails, recreational programs and facilities. The new updated 20 40 Plan will create a
blueprint for making well-informed decisions that will move parks, open space, trails, and
recreation forward in the community for the next 20+ years.
Historical Perspective
The City began its parks and open space system (system) with the acquisition and development
of Rambling River Park and Evergreen Knoll Park in the early 1970’s. From these initial park
developments and during the next 30+ years, additional acreage had been added to the system
bringing the total in 2017 to 930 acres. While the city has not experienced much new residential
development since the 2030 Plan was approved, in 2017 two new residential developments were
platted resulting in two new parks being dedicated. Because of this recent development activity
in Farmington, it is expected the park and open space system will continue to grow in the coming
years.
Parks and Recreation was first organized through the creation of the Park and Recreation
Advisory Commission in the 1970’s. Hiring of the first Parks and Recreation Department staff
member occurred in 1974. In subsequent years the City of Farmington added staff in the areas of
facilities, park maintenance and recreation programs. The Parks and Recreation Department
currently consists of 10 full-time staff, two part time staff and numerous seasonal staff making it
the largest department (staffing wise) in the City.
Over the years, the City of Farmington has been fiscally responsible in its development of the
parks and recreation system. Acquisition of parkland has been accomplished through creation of
a park dedication ordinance and thus has only used fee acquisition in a limited basis to secure
public parkland. This park dedication process has also generated money that has been used to
develop the park and trail system resulting in a zero debt parks and trail system. In 1974 the City
did issue general obligation bonds from a voter approved referendum for the construction of the
current ice arena. These bonds have long since been paid off. In previous years development of
Farmington 2040 Comprehensive Plan – Draft
2040 Park and Recreation Master Plan - Draft
2
some park facilities were completed due to the efforts of volunteer organizations and individuals
in the community.
Recreation programs began to be offered to residents in the 1990’s when the first full-time
recreation staff member was hired and whose time was solely dedicated to planning and
providing recreational programs. When recreation programs were first provided, only a handful
of programs were offered. Today the community enjoys a diverse mix of programs and classes
year-round.
Currently the city operates a senior center known as the Rambling River Center, which provides
services to older adults in the community while allowing the community to rent the building for
gatherings. The Rambling River Center was started by a group of citizens who raised funds to
purchase and renovate an existing building in the downtown area of the city in order to create a
senior center. When the senior center was not able to make it financially in the 1980’s its
operations were taken over by the City. In 2009 the Rambling River Center relocated to the
former city hall building after it had been renovated.
The city also operates Schmitz-Maki Arena, which provides ice skating, event and indoor turf
opportunities during the year. It was constructed in 1975 and opened in 1976 for use. In 2010
and 2012, it received major upgrades to its refrigeration, dehumidification and dasher board
systems. In 2016, an electric Zamboni resurfacer was purchased, resulting in cleaner air
standards being met.
The city has operated an outdoor pool from 1971 to 2017. The city attempted to replace the
existing outdoor pool in 2016 by holding a General Obligation Bond Referendum (Referendum)
to construct a new aquatic facility. However, the Referendum that would have provided the
funds needed to construct a new aquatic facility, failed by a just-over five percent (5%) margin.
A decision was made to close the pool after the 2017 season. The 2018 budget includes funds to
complete demolition of the outdoor pool.
Demographic Profile
The City of Farmington has seen a rapid pace in its growth over the past twenty years. US
Census data showed that in 1990, the population of the City was 5,940. In 2000 the population of
the City had increased to 12,365 people. In 2010 the population had increased to 21,086. Since
the Census in 2010, the City has continued to grow. It is estimated at the end of 2015 there were
22,159 residents living in Farmington. This represents a 5 percent increase in the population
from the 2010 Census and a 79 percent increase from the 1990 Census. Most of the growth since
1990 has occurred in the northern and central parts of Farmington. There has however been
some smaller residential growth in the east and south areas of Farmington, which has allowed the
growth to spread and connect with older established neighborhoods.
The age group distribution of Farmington based on 2015 Census estimates indicates a heavy
concentration of families and the overall median age of 33.9 years is lower than the national
median age average of 37.9 years. Although Farmington can be classified as a young
community with the median age being 4 years lower than the national level, the age groups that
Farmington 2040 Comprehensive Plan – Draft
2040 Park and Recreation Master Plan - Draft
3
will experience the most growth over the next 40 years is likely to be between the ages of 45 to
74. Median household income in 2015 is estimated to be $87,925, which is about 55 percent
higher than the national median household income of $56,516. Age and household incomes are
two significant factors that impact participation in Parks and Recreation services.
While the City has not experienced rapid growth since the 2030 Plan, there are still many acres
yet to be developed before the community is considered “built out”. The final population will of
course depend on the development of existing properties in the City as well as what properties
outside of the City are annexed into the City. Based on the number of available residential lots
and future allocation of MUSA by the Metropolitan Council, the 2040 population is projected by
the Metropolitan Council to be 32,500 residents.
While the city has seen some change in the distribution of housing types in the past ten years, it
is important to remember that residents, who live in multi-family neighborhood without sizeable
yards of their own, or with a small common park area, often look for a public neighborhood or
community park to meet their recreational needs. While it is important for the city to provide
park and open space for all residents, it is especially critical the city continue to provide park and
open space in multi-family housing neighborhoods in the future.
Park And Open Space Areas
As of the 2040 Plan update, the City of Farmington owned park and open space land totaling 930
acres, which represents about 9.8 percent of the total land of 9,490 acres in the city. The
breakdown of this acreage includes 490 acres of park land and 440 acres of open space. In
addition, the Farmington School District owns and provides land for athletic fields. The School
District also utilizes its school buildings for indoor recreational spaces. However for t he
purposes of creating an updated 2040 Plan for the City, the school district facilities, while
mentioned, should not be used to determine the City’s needs. Even though the School District
facilities are available to the public, the City has no control over their scheduled use and said
facilities are to be used first and foremost for school related programs and activities.
Furthermore, the School District’s boundaries extend beyond the City’s boundaries and so only
the area inside the City’s boundaries should be addressed in the 2040 Plan.
With the City’s estimated population of 22,159 in 2015, the City parks and open space acreage of
930 acres provides a ratio of 41.96 acres of park and open space per 1,000 residents. However a
further analysis finds that of the 930 acres, only 490 acres is active park acreage. The remaining
440 acres consists of open space areas. This means the ratio for active park acreage is 22.11
acres of park land for every 1,000 residents, well within the minimum commonly accepted
standard identified by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) of at least 10 acres
of active park acreage per 1,000 residents. Previously the city had adopted, in its 2020 Plan, a
policy of at least 20 acres of active park acreage per 1,000 residents should be provided to
residents living in Farmington. This policy was carried forward in the 2030 Plan. The current
ratio of 22.11 acres per 1,000 residents meets the policy adopted in the 2020 Plan and carried
over into the 2030 Plan. While a past acceptable practice has been to follow park acreage
standards established by the National Recreation and Park Association, it is not the only method.
Parks and recreation professionals and professional planners also incorporate community
demand/benefits into the formula when determining park acreage standards for communities.
Farmington 2040 Comprehensive Plan – Draft
2040 Park and Recreation Master Plan - Draft
4
The thinking is that minimum park acreage requirements for communities should not solely be
based on minimum number of acres needed per 1,000 residents but rather park acreage sh ould be
determined according to what each community needs based on the demand being made by park
users. The City may want to continue to further explore this notion of having the park and open
space acreage standards based on demand rather than a standard based solely on the population.
The city lacks adequate athletic facilities based on the minimum standards developed by the
NRPA. Of most concern is the shortage of outdoor athletic facilities that the City provides.
There is a low inventory in the number of existing ballfields that are provided for youth baseball
and adult softball. There is intense pressure currently in the community for green space for
soccer. With youth lacrosse now firmly established in the community, the pressure for additional
green space has only intensified. The City should focus on correcting th ese field shortages by
constructing additional outdoor athletic facilities for both youth and adult sports in order to meet
the increased growth in participation that has occurred in the community.
The city maintains 22 neighborhood parks and 2 community parks. During the warm months of
the year maintenance tasks performed typically include: mowing grass; trimming weeds and
grass around fixed objects; dragging ballfields; marking fields; repairing playground equipment;
removing weeds from landscaped areas; fertilizing grass areas; and planting and trimming park
trees. During colder months of the year maintenance tasks performed typically include:
removing snow from trails and parking lots; trimming trees; removing dead and diseased trees;
flooding outdoor rinks; and repairing playground equipment.
Trails
The city currently owns and maintains 45 miles of paved trails, a mile of soft trails and about a
half mile of boardwalks. Traditionally community surveys show trails scoring highest in the
areas of the most used and most favored park and recreation facility by city residents.
A majority of the paved trail system was constructed during the peak development that occurred
between the 1980’s through 2006. As a result the city did not initially have to provide much
funding to build the trail system that is currently in place. The city has done a nice job of
ensuring the trail system is relatively well connected. It has made an effort to fund the
construction of paved trails where gaps have occurred. The city should continue to make an
effort to ensure that gaps in trail connections are completed either when new development occurs
or when the city has funds to do so when no development is imminent or feasible in areas where
there is a gap in a trail connection. A good way to do this is to develop a Bike Pedestrian Plan
that can be used to identify where these gaps currently occur along with ensuring that future new
trails are connected to the existing trail network.
The city implemented an annual pavement management program for trail maintenance in 2012.
The pavement management program provides annual funding for crack sealing and fog sealing
trails. The city is broken into five areas, which results in every trail in the city receiving
maintenance work at least once every five years.
While there is annual funding in place for pavement management of trails, there is currently
inadequate funding for replacement of trail sections that have so badly deteriorated that crack
Farmington 2040 Comprehensive Plan – Draft
2040 Park and Recreation Master Plan - Draft
5
sealing and fog sealing hold no benefit. This is due to parts of the trail system being initially
constructed more than 30 years ago. As a result, if the city wishes to continue to have a usable,
safe and connected trail system, then a long term funding plan and source should be explored to
be implemented in order to provide the funds needed to replace the city’s existing trail
infrastructure over time.
The city has also worked with Dakota County on a regional trail system plan. This includes two
approved master planned regional greenway trail corridors in Farmington (North Creek and Lake
Marion and South Creek) with a third regional greenway trail corridor yet to be master planned
Chub Creek). As a result of trail planning occurring on a regional basis rather than a local basis,
the city will be connected to regional parks and trails not only in Dakota County, but will also be
connected to regional parks and trails in other metro area counties.
Since the city began constructing trails in the 1980’s, it has placed a requirement that all trails be
accessible according the requirements outlined in the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The ADA requires trails to be relatively flat with a slope of 5% or less. In situations where ADA
requirements could not be met, the city has provided a secondary, or alternative trail route that
accommodates people of all ages and abilities to use the trail system.
In 2017, a trail wayfinding signage program was initiated. Three different park and open space
areas were identified that contained highly used trail loops. Then a design of the maps occurred
identifying where the trails signs should be located and what kind of information should be
included on the sign. The trail wayfinding maps included information such as: distance of the
loop, so people using the trail were made aware of how far they would have to travel to complete
the various trail loops in the park; park and trail use rules; a map legend explaining symbols used
on the map; a “You are Here” symbol so users could orientate themselves to the trail; and a
depiction of the where the trails were located in the park and open spaces areas. The wayfinding
signage program was funded by Farmington Liquor Store operational profits.
Recreation Programs
The Department’s recreational programming has been staffed by professionals who are
imaginative, resourceful and comprehensive in the planning and facilitating of programs. The
innovative and imaginative programs that have been provided to the community has resulted in
several recreational programs being recognized in the past with Awards of Excellence, which is a
state-wide award provided by the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association.
Recreational programs have been offered in such areas as youth and adult sports, pre-school
activities, arts and crafts, fitness, team sports, individual sports, senior citizen programs and trips.
Department staff plan and facilitate some of its own special events that are sprinkled throughout
the year. There is also involvement though partnerships with other local organizations to provide
seasonal special events and celebrations.
Park And Recreation Administration
The Parks and Recreation Department provides the administrative oversight for the recreational
services, recreational facilities, parks and trails that are offered to the community. The City
Farmington 2040 Comprehensive Plan – Draft
2040 Park and Recreation Master Plan - Draft
6
Council approves the operating and capital improvement budgets that provide the annual funding
for the Department. In 2018 operational costs for all Divisions within the Department was
budgeted at just over $1.6 million. Capital improvement costs for park and trail improvements,
was budgeted at $75,000.00. The following shows how the budget is distributed to the various
divisions within the Department:
Table 2.1 Department’s Annual Budget by Division
Division Amount of Department’s 2018 Budget
Park Maintenance
39%
Park and Trail Improvements
4.4%
Recreational Programs
6.7%
Park and Recreation Administration 15.8%
Schmitz-Maki Arena 19%
Rambling River Center
10.6%
Outdoor Pool 4.5%
A five year capital improvement budget is vital in determining future parks and trail projects and
the funds needed to complete the projects. The capital improvement projects in parks and trails
have been funded over the years through two funding sources. The first funding source has been
through funds received from residential, commercial and industrial development. These funds
were received as cash in lieu of land through the park dedication process. The second source of
funding has been through the City’s municipal liquor store profit transfers.
Since the 2030 Master Plan was approved in 2008, the City has focused on developing new parks
and redeveloping existing parks to make them accessible, attractive and safe. In order to ensure
that all parks received a review and a master plan, the Parks and Recreation Department
developed a planning and improvement schedule. Design standards were also developed for
neighborhood parks, which provided equity in the design and amenities provided in
neighborhood parks.
As a result, a capital improvement budget for its parks and trails has been developed and ties to
the schedule that has been created. By the year 2020, all new and all but one existing parks will
have received a review resulting in a master plan developed. Then, based on the approved
master plan for each park, improvements were completed based on the funding available. Table
8.2 below provides the most recent five year capital improvement plan for the years 2018-2022.
It identifies which park improvements are to be made in, the type of park and/or trail
improvement to be made, the year in which the improvements are to be made and the estimated
cost of the improvements.
Farmington 2040 Comprehensive Plan – Draft
2040 Park and Recreation Master Plan - Draft
7
Table 2.2 Five Year Parks and Trail Improvement Budget
Name of Park and Projects 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Prairie Pines Park: grading
turf seeding and site
improvements
$50,000 $150,000
Marigold Park: playground,
shelter, turf seeding, shelter,
landscaping, trees planted,
grills, waste containers,
picnic tables and bike rack
$70,000
Dakota County Estates
Park: basketball court
surface improvements and
painting new lines
$5,000
Evergreen Knoll Park:
basketball court surface
improvements and painting
new lines
$5,000
Rambling River Park Feely
Fields: outfield fence
replacement
$15,000
Westview Park:
basketball court surface
improvements and painting
new lines
$5,000
Farmington Preserve Park:
basketball court surface
improvements and painting
new lines
$5,000
Town Square Park: master
plan development and park
signage
$15,000
2040 Park And Recreation Master Plan Public Input
Public input on the 2040 Plan was received many different ways. Some of the input occurred
through earlier studies where the public was invited to participate on task forces and committees.
Further input was solicited through attendance at pop up events, public meetings and from a web
based questionnaire. A community wide survey was held in 2015 that provided insight about
how satisfied residents were with existing services and facilities and what the community desires
in the future. The recommended actions being offered in the 2040 Plan reflect the results of the
public input received during a community survey, public meetings and from web based
questionnaires. This includes the following:
Improve recreational facilities/parks/trail facilities
Farmington 2040 Comprehensive Plan – Draft
2040 Park and Recreation Master Plan - Draft
8
Create additional larger community parks
Trails are important
Develop a wide variety of parks
Develop a wide variety of recreational programs
Community values the open space and natural beauty of the area
Community favors community parks, neighborhood parks, trails and ballfields
Guidance for Implementing the 2040 Plan
The City has seen small growth in its parks and recreation system since the 2030 Plan was
approved. However, the growth of the park and recreation system has not kept pace with the
City’s population growth since the 2030 Plan was approved in 2008. The city has completed
several studies, surveys and plans related to parks, recreation, facilities and trails in the past
fifteen years. Studies that have been completed include: Recreational Facility Needs Study,
Community Center Feasibility Study, a Community Center Facility Site Plan Study, Community
Attitude and Interest Citizen Survey and Aquatic Feasibility Study.
A summary of the highest priorities for parks and recreation based on the information collected
from the public studies, community surveys and during public meetings are identified below. It
will be important for the City to continue on an annual basis to review these priorities and
modify these priorities as needed.
1. Develop a park and open space system that includes active and athletic spaces.
2. Develop a park and open space system that includes natural areas and
environmentally sensitive areas for passive and un-programmed spaces.
3. Expand the city’s trail and sidewalk system, including adding regional trails that
are safe and provide connections between schools, parks, neighborhoods,
commercial areas, open space/natural areas, other communities and regional parks.
4. Develop a long-term financial plan for the development and redevelopment of
parks, open space and trails.
5. Develop maintenance standards for recreational facilities.
6. Increase marketing of parks and recreation (recreational programs, parks, open
space, trails and recreational facilities) to the community.
7. All city parks should have approved master plans to guide their development.
8. Construct new recreational facilities when it may not be financially feasible or
structurally possible to make improvements to existing recreational facilities.
9. Acquire land in a manner that maximizes the size of parks when possible
Farmington 2040 Comprehensive Plan – Draft
2040 Park and Recreation Master Plan - Draft
9
10. Explore opportunities to expand youth, teen, adaptive, adult and senior programs
including possible partnerships with other organizations or governmental agencies
11. Maximize and optimize recreational facility usage when possible.
12. Look for ways to expand community gathering spaces and events.
13. Develop and implement a Bike Pedestrian Plan.
14. In new residential developments make sure there are adequate pedestrian
connections through sidewalk and trail construction.
15. Utilize volunteer resources to assist with parks, open space, recreational f acilities
and recreation maintenance and operations.
16. Implement sustainability practices in recreational facilities, parks and open spaces.
17. When financially feasible, utilize existing and emerging technology in the parks and
recreation department’s maintenance and operations.
18. Continue to maintain parks and recreation system so it continues to be a community
asset.
19. Construct the facilities identified in the Jim Bell Park and Preserve Master Plan and
in the Aquatic Feasibility Study including athletic facilities and a new aquatic
facility.
20. Create a system that is equitable and diverse, so it accommodates uses by all
demographic groups represented in the community.
kj
kj
kj
kj
kj
kj
kj
kj
kj
kj
kj
kj
kj
kj
kj kj
kj
kj
kj
kj
kj
kj
kj
kj
")
!(
!(
!(
'
'
")
NORTH CREEK PARK
JIM BELL
PARK
AND
PRESERVE
RAMBLING
RIVER PARK
PR
A
I
R
I
E
V
I
E
W
W
A
T
E
R
W
A
Y
G
R
E
E
N
W
A
Y
VERMILLION
GROVE
PARK
FARMINGTON
PRESERVE
PARK
DAISY
KNOLL
PARK
MEADOWVIEW
PARK
LAKE JULIA
PARK
MIDDLE
CREEK
PARK
F
A
I
R
H
I
L
L
G
R
E
E
N
W
AY
LAKE JULIA GREEN
W
AY
PINE
KNOLL
PARK
PRAIRIE
VIEW
PARK
FAIR
HILLS
PARK
HILL DEE
PARK
EVERGREEN
KNOLL PARK
HILLVIEW
PARK
TAMARACK
PARK
DAKOTA COUNTY
ESTATES PARK
WESTVIEW
PARK
SCHMITZ
MAKI
ARENA
TROY
HILL
PARK
SILVER
SPRINGS
PARK
MARIGOLD
PARK
PRAIRIE PINES
PARK
(Future Mid
dle Creek Green
w
ay)
(F u t u r e M i d d l e C r e e k G r e e n w a y )
N
O
R
T
H
C
R
E
E
K
G
R
E
E
N
W
A
Y
R
E
G
I
O
N
A
L
T
R
A
I
L
(F u t u r e V e r m i ll i o n R i v e r G r e e n w a y )
(Future Middle Creek Greenway)
FARMINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
MEADOWVIEW
ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
BOECKMAN
MIDDLE
SCHOOL
LEVI P. DODGE MIDDLE
AND
RIVERVIEW ELEMENTARY
SCHOOLS
AKIN ROAD
ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
FARMINGTON
ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
LAKE MARION SOUTH CREEK GREENWAY REGIONAL TRAIL
(Future Chub Creek
Greenway Regional Trail)
FLAGSTAFF AVE
BISCAYNE AVE
225TH ST W
A
K
I
N
R
D
212TH ST W
4TH ST
ELM ST
DE
NMARK AVE
220TH ST W
6TH ST
7TH
ST
3RD ST
1ST STSPRUCE ST 5TH ST
179TH ST W
197TH ST W
E
M
B
E
R
S
A
V
E
PILOT KNOB RD
19 3RD ST W
2ND ST
E
V
E
R
E
S
T
P
A
T
H
8TH
ST
CHIPPENDALE AVE
D
U
N
B
U
R
Y
A
V
E
ENGLISH AVE
187TH ST W
180TH ST W
13TH ST
11TH ST
190TH ST W
200TH ST W
210TH ST W
195TH ST W
12TH ST
203RD ST W
14TH ST
V E R M I L L I O N R I V E R T R L
MAIN ST
ECHO DR
ESSEX AVE
LAKEVILLE BLVD
213TH ST W
208TH ST W
DO
V
E
R D
R
LARCH ST
189TH ST W
178TH ST W
199TH ST W
CALGARY TRL
BERRING AVE
DYLAN DR
LOCUST ST
183RD ST W
G
A
G
E
A
V
E
224TH ST W
185TH ST W
DIAMOND PATH
EATON AVE
191ST ST W
EASTVIEW AVE
E
M
E
R
A
L
D
T
R
L
D
E
E
R
B
R
O
O
K
E
P
A
T
H
1 9 8 T H S T W
ASH ST
EVERHILL AVE
D
U
L
U
T
H
S
T
WILLOW ST
CLAREMONT DR
FULDA TRL
FORTUNE TRL
FIREBIRD PATH
10T
H ST
205TH ST W
GERDINE PATH
E
C
H
O
L
N
201ST ST W
CA
M
B
O
D
I
A
A
V
E
EGRET WAY
UPPER 179TH ST W
CYPRESS DR
OAK ST
G
E
M
I
N
I
T
R
L
CH
I
L
I
A
V
E
207TH ST W
MAPLE ST
FORMOSA AVE
186TH ST W
E
M
B
R
Y
A
V
E
FAIRVIEW LN
C O U N TR Y V I E W T R L
EM
P
IR
E T
R
L
E
R
I
C
K
S
O
N
P
A
T
H
KNUTSEN DR
P I N E S T
PARK DR
FAIR ISLE PATH
E
M
B
R
Y
L
N
230TH ST W
FLINT AVE
EU
R
EKA AVE
DE
V
R
I
E
P
A
T
H
1 9 6 T H S T W
DYERS PASS
E
N
G
L
E
W
O
O
D
W
A
Y
EVENING STAR WAY
DUPONT WAY
GLACIER WAY
B U T T E R N U T T R L
9
T
H
S
T
194TH ST W
COLORADO AVE
E
N
R
I
G
H
T
W
A
Y
FIN
E
S
S
E T
R
L
LINDEN ST
CAMROSE WAY
EXCALIBUR TRL
ESQUIRE WAY
ELK
R
IDG
E
TR
L
ELK RIVER TRL
192ND ST W
CANTON CIR
ELLINGTON TRL
ESTES PATH
CH
E
V
E
L
L
E
A
V
E
ELKWOOD AVE
C A B R I L L A W A Y
E X C E L C T
EXLEY AVE
G
O
L
D
F
I
N
C
H
D
R
177TH ST W
188TH ST W
B U R L I N G T O N P A T H
F IE L D I N G W A Y
211TH ST W
EXCELSIOR LN
LOWER 182ND ST W
MA CB ET H C IR
CH
A
N
D
L
E
R
A
V
E
EXIRA AVE
ROBIN LN
CARMEL TRL
E V E R E S T T R L
EVENTIDE WAY
GANDER LN
GLASGOW WAY
ENIGMA WAY
EU C LID WAY
EQUINOX AVE
CAPRI ST
DULANEY DR
EXCLUSIVE PATH
WALNUT ST
LANGFORD LN
CALHOUN CT
EXETER AVE
EVELETH CT
CAMBRIA CT
F
U
R
Y
C
T
CALU MET CT
UPPER 204TH ST W
CARVER ST
D
U
B
L
I
N
D
R
CASTLE CT
EUREKA CT
CANTREL WAY
E
L
M
W
O
O
D
C
I
R
CAMDEN CT
F O R M O S A C T
198TH CT W
ERIN WAY
D
E
N
A
LI
C
T
D
U
N
C
A
N CIR
190 T H S T W
E M B R Y A V E
1 9 8 T H ST W
17 9 T H ST W
220TH ST W
ELM ST
198TH ST W
PINE ST
190TH ST W
195TH ST W
225TH ST W
200TH ST W
PILOT KNOB RD
PINE ST
CHIPPENDALE AVE
18 6 T H ST W
208TH ST W
ASH ST
BISCAYNE AVE
LAKEVILLE BLVD
OAK STOAK ST
210TH ST W
9TH ST
190TH ST W
2 0 0 T H S T W
212TH ST W 8TH ST
8TH ST
SPRUCE ST
MAPLE ST
200TH ST W
199TH ST W
189TH ST W
PIL
O
T K
N
O
B R
D
191ST ST W 190TH ST W
3
64
64
50
74
31
50
Dakota County GIS
Draft 2040 Existing and Proposed Park, Trail and Open Space Plan Map
Prepared for the Farmington Parks Department
by the Dakota County Office of GIS.0 21Miles
μ
City of Farmington
Legend
Existing City Trails
Existing Regional Trail
Proposed City Trails
Proposed Regional Trail
Schools
City Parks
Private Parks
Greenways
Proposed Parks
kj Community
kj Neighborhood
Map dated December, 2017.
C ity of F armington
430 T hird S treet
F armingto n, Minnes o ta
651.280.6800 - F ax 651.280.6899
www.c i.farmington.mn.us
TO:F armington P arks and R ecreation C ommis s ion Members
F R O M:R andy Dis tad, P arks and R ec reation Direc tor
S UB J E C T:C ommunic ation with the P ublic
D AT E:F ebruary 14, 2018
B AC KG R OUN D
T his agenda item is a continuation of the dis cus s ion that occ urred during the January 10, 2018 meeting about
the c ity's c ommunication guide and what are the ac ceptable formats to provide information to the public .
C ommis s ion members should come prepared to disc uss how they feel the P arks and R ec reation Department
could expand communic ation with the public in order to make more residents aware of the programs and
events that are offered and what things are being ac complished by the department. T he C ommis s ion s hould
dis cus s possible communic ation methods that comply with the city's acc epted methods it us es to
communic ate with the public.
C ity of Farm ington
430 T hird S treet
F armington, Minnesota
651.280.6800 - F ax 651.280.6899
www.ci.farmington.mn.us
TO:F armington P arks and R ecreation C ommis s ion Members
F R O M:R andy Dis tad, P arks and R ec reation Direc tor
S UB J E C T:Date of Meeting with R ambling R iver C enter Advisory Board
D AT E:F ebruary 14, 2018
B AC KG R OUN D
O ne of the C ommission's 2018 Work P lan goals is to meet with the R ambling R iver C enter Advisory Board
(R R C AB). T he C ommission postponed at its January 10, 2018 meeting the dis cus s ion on when a meeting
could oc cur until all members c ould be present. As a res ult, the disc ussion about a possible meeting date will
occ ur during the F ebruary meeting.
T he purpos e of having this item on the agenda is so the C ommission c an begin to have s ome disc ussion
about a general time frame it would like to meet with the R R C AB, so it can be communic ated back to
R R C AB members in order to determine a final meeting date and time. C ommis s ion members should come
prepared with some thoughts on what makes the mos t s ense with the timing of this meeting and then selec t a
pos s ible date and time to meet. In addition, C ommis s ion members may also want to begin a dis cus s ion
about possible agenda items for the meeting.
C ity of F armington
430 T hird S treet
F armingto n, Minnes o ta
651.280.6800 - F ax 651.280.6899
www.c i.farmington.mn.us
TO:F armington P arks and R ecreation C ommis s ion Members
F R O M:R andy Dis tad, P arks and R ec reation Direc tor
S UB J E C T:R egetta F ield Development P ark Naming C ontest
D AT E:F ebruary 14, 2018
B AC KG R OUN D
T he C ommission at its January 10, 2018 meeting determined it wanted to undertake a park naming proc es s
for the public park in the R egetta F ields Development. that inc luded the public's involvment to help name the
park.
It was also decided during the meeting to offer prizes to the pers on s ubmitting the winning entry.
C ommis s ion member S uchanek reac hed out to several bus inesses about providing prizes for the naming
contest. T here was a good respons e to this request.
T he park naming c ontes t was kic ked off at the C ommunity Expo on January 27, 2018. T here seemed to be
a good respons e and there were a handful of entries submitted during the Expo. T here were however, many
people who grabbed the entry form and took it with them to hopefully s ubmit a name before the deadline.
I have attac hed the flyer that was us ed at the C ommunity Expo and has been posted on the city's website.
T he flyer identifies the names of the spons ors and what prize they provided. Additionally there has been a
F acebook posting about the c ontes t. T he deadline to submit a name for the park is F ebruary 28, 2018.
S taff will provide an update at the meeting about how the c ontes t is progres s ing.
AT TAC HMENT S :
Type Des cription
Backup Material 2018 Regetta Fields Development Park Naming Contest Flyer
WHAT: Park naming contest for a new neighborhood park in the
Regetta Fields Development
DEADLINE: On or before Noon on Wednesday, February 28, 2018
COST: There is no fee to enter the contest. If the name you
submit is chosen for the park name, you will receive the
following prizes*:
$25 Kwik Trip gift card donated by Nesbit
Agencies’ Farmington office
$10 Pizza Man gift certificate
10 punch card to Schmitz-Maki Arena’s open
skate session for the 2018-2019 winter ice season
(valid 10/1/18 to 3/15/19)
$25 Family Vision Clinic gift certificate on
purchase of glasses or sunglasses
$20 Longbranch gift certificate
$20 Farmington Taphouse gift certificate
LG Bluetooth wireless stereo headset donated by
Dakota Electric Company valued at $75
$50 Visa gift card from Premier Bank
TO ENTER: Please complete the contest form below and submit it as
follows:
Email: rdistad@ci.farmington.mn.us
Mail: Randy Distad
Farmington Parks & Recreation Dept.
430 Third Street
Farmington, MN 55024
Drop Off: At City Hall located at 430 Third Street
on or before February 28, 2018 deadline
* In case the same winning name of the park is submitted by two or more
people, a drawing will be held to determine the contest w inner.
Farmington Parks and Recreation Department
2018 Park Naming Contest
Farmington Park Naming Contest Entry Form
Regetta Fields Development Park Name:______________________________
Name of Person Submitting :________________________________________
Mailing Address:__________________________________________________
Phone: (home)_________________________ (cell)_______________________
Email Address:____________________________________________________
Entry due on or before February 28, 2018
C ity of F armington
430 T hird S treet
F armingto n, Minnes o ta
651.280.6800 - F ax 651.280.6899
www.c i.farmington.mn.us
TO:F armington P arks and R ecreation C ommis s ion Members
F R O M:R andy Dis tad, P arks and R ec reation Direc tor
S UB J E C T:R eview 2018 Work P lan
D AT E:F ebruary 14, 2018
B AC KG R OUN D
Attached is an updated 2018 Work P lan. Items that have been c ompleted in the work plan are s hown in red.
C ommis s ion members are as ked to review the updated 2018 Work P lan and be prepared to disc uss it during
the meeting.
AT TAC HMENT S :
Type Des cription
Backup Material Update 2018 Work Plan
FARMINGTON PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
2018 WORK PLAN
Goal #1: Provide to the City Council a recommended 2019-2023 capital improvement plan for
the park improvement fund.
Objectives:
1. By April 1, the Commission will have discussed and identified a preliminary list of five year
capital improvement projects for the park improvement fund that will include a list of parks,
costs and schedule to be completed in the years 2019 to 2023.
Status: Completed. A discussion occurred on a draft five year capital improvement plan of
projects to be completed in the years 2019 to 2023.
2. By June 1, the Commission will finalize the five year capital improvement projects for the years
2019-2023 and make a recommendation to the City Council for approval.
3. By September 15, the projects recommended for funding from 2019-2023 will be included in
the City Council approved 2019 preliminary budget.
Goal #2: Create names for the neighborhood parks in the Regetta Fields and Fairhill Estate at
North Creek developments.
Objectives:
1. By March 1, 2018, the Commission will have discussed the process it would like to use to name the two
parks.
Status: Completed. Commission decided at its January 10 meeting to have a public park naming
contest for the neighborhood park in the Regetta Fields development. The naming process was kicked
off at the Community Expo and the deadline to submit a park name is February 28, 2018. The
Fairhill Estates at North Creek development park name decision was delayed until final plat approval
is given.
2. By June 1, 2018 the process used will provide a possible list of names for the two parks.
3. By August 1, 2018 the Commission will have reviewed the list of possible park names and narrowed the
list to no more than three names for each park.
4. By October 1, 2018, the Commission will make a decision on a final name for each park and will have
forwarded the name for each park to the City Council for approval.
5. By December 31, 2018, the City Council will have approved the names of each park in the two
developments.
Goal #3: Receive periodic presentations from each of the Parks and Recreation professional
staff members about programs, parks, facilities and trails.
Objectives:
1. By March 1, the Commission will have received a presentation by professional staff members
of the Department’s 2017 Annual Report.
2. By May 1, Commission members will have received a presentation from staff on the results of
the Schmitz-Maki Arena’s ice season.
3. By August 1, Commission members will have received a presentation from staff on the first half
operations of the Rambling River Center.
4. By October 1, Commission members will have received a presentation from staff on the results
of the summer programs offered.
5. By November 1, Commission members will have received a presentation from staff about the
spring turf season and summer ice season.
6. By November 1, the Commission will have received a presentation from staff about
maintenance and improvements to parks and trails
Goal #4: Work with City staff to complete the city’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan Parks,
Recreation and Open Space Systems Plan Executive Summary (2040 Comp Plan).
Objectives:
1. By February 15, finalize the five-year Park Improvement Fund’s Capital Improvement Plan
(CIP) to include parks that have been recently acquired and to also rotate existing parks into
the five year CIP.
Status: Completed. A five year plan was discussed and created for the comprehensive plan
at the January 10 meeting.
2. By February 15, finalize park and trail maps to be included in the 2040 Comp Plan.
Status: Completed. A draft park and trail map was approved at the January 10 meeting.
3. By February 15, review a draft executive summary.
Status: Completed. A review of a draft executive summary was completed at the January 10
meeting.
4. By March 15, review and approve a final version of the executive summary and existing and
proposed park, trail and open space plan map.
Status: Completed. A review and approval was accomplished during the January 10
meeting.
Goal #5: Work with city staff on a Bike Pedestrian Plan.
Objectives:
1. By January 31, determine possible funding sources to cover the costs associated with
developing a Bike Pedestrian Plan.
Status: Completed. At the January 10 meeting a discussion occurred and the possible
funding sources included applying for a grant from Dakota County and the grant matching
requirements would come from in-kind labor and/or funds from the Park Improvement
Fund.
2. By February 15, make a recommendation to the City Council to move forward with developing
a Bike Pedestrian Plan including hiring a consulting firm to assist the city with this process
and if viable funding sources are available.
Status: Completed. At the January 10 meeting the Commission made a recommendation to
the City Council to move forward with completing a plan and to fund it from a Dakota
County grant and that the grant matching requirement would come from in-kind labor
and/or Park Improvement Fund funding.
3. By May 1, work with staff in the selection process to hire a consultant to assist the city with
developing the Bike Pedestrian Plan.
4. By November 1, work with the consultant and staff to forward a completed Bike Pedestrian
Plan to the City Council for approval.
5. By December 31, the city will have an approved Bike Pedestrian Plan.
Goal #6: Review current business and organizational partnerships and cultivate other possible
partnerships for the Parks and Recreation Department’s facilities, events and programs.
Objectives:
1. By March 1, staff will review with the Commission existing partnerships/sponsorships that exist
with businesses and organizations.
2. By April 1, the Commission will discuss possible opportunities, obstacles and priorities to
increase partnerships/sponsorships in order to expand facilities, programs and/or events in city
parks.
3. By May 1, staff will have mailed letters to businesses and organizations about existing and any
new sponsorship opportunities with the city.
4. By August 1, staff will have reviewed with the Commission responses received from the letter.
5. By September 1, and after discussing possible opportunities and obstacles, determine at least
one possible partnership or sponsorship that would allow a park facility to be improved or a
new program and/or event that could be held at a new park location in 2018.
6. By December 31, staff will publicize in the City News and Recreation Guide the
partnerships/sponsorship that will occur in 2019.
Goal #7: Continue to develop and celebrate the trail wayfinding signage program.
Objectives:
1. By April 1, determine additional trail loop location(s) and possible funding sources for the trail
wayfinding signage program.
2. By May 1, hold a ribbon cutting for the trail wayfinding signs that were installed in 2017.
3. By June 1, work with a graphics design company on a cost estimate for the design and graphics
of trail wayfinding signs that can be purchased and installed at trail heads.
4. If funding is available to purchase additional trail wayfinding signs, then by November, city
staff will have purchased and installed additional trail wayfinding signage in the locations
determined by staff and the Commission and a ribbon cutting ceremony will have occurred.
Goal #8: Work with Fairhill Estate at North Creek developer to create a park master plan for the public
park and to construct improvements in the park based on the master plan.
Objectives:
1. By May 1, a preliminary draft master plan for the park will be reviewed by the Commission and
feedback given to the developer on any revisions to be made to the master plan.
2. By July 1, a final master plan will have been reviewed by the Commission and a recommendation to
approval being forwarded to the City council.
3. By September 1, the City Council will have approved a master plan for the park.
4. By October 1, the developer will have started on making improvements to the park.
5. By December 31, the developer will have completed all of the improvements that were identified to be
completed in 2018.
Goal #9: Review the city’s communication policy and explore communication options in order to
optimize as much as possible the publicizing of events and programs.
Objectives:
1. By March 1, the Commission will have reviewed the city’s communication policy.
Status: Completed. A review of the city’s communication guide was completed at the
January 10 meeting.
2. By April 1, the Commission will have discussed possible communication options to use that fit
within the city’s communication policy.
3. By May 1, the Commission will have finalized what communication methods/approaches to
have staff use in order to optimize the publicizing of events and programs.
4. By December 31, the Commission will evaluate with staff the communication
methods/approaches that were used in 2018 and determine which of the methods/approaches
should be used in 2019.
Goal #10: Meet at least once with the Rambling River Center Advisory Board.
Objectives:
1. By April 1, the Commission and Advisory Board will have identified a date to have a meeting.
2. By May 1, an agenda for the meeting will have been reviewed and approved by the Commission
and Advisory Board.
3. By December 31, the Commission and Advisory Board will have met at least one time.
C ity of F armington
430 T hird S treet
F armingto n, Minnes o ta
651.280.6800 - F ax 651.280.6899
www.c i.farmington.mn.us
TO:F armington P arks and R ecreation C ommis s ion Members
F R O M:R andy Dis tad, P arks and R ec reation Direc tor
S UB J E C T:R ound Table F ormat
D AT E:F ebruary 14, 2018
B AC KG R OUN D
T he round table portion of the agenda allows C ommis s ion members to share information, make
announcements or ask ques tions of s taff about items not on the agenda. T his item is for informational
purposes only and no formal decisions c an be made during the C ommission's round table.
C ity of F armington
430 T hird S treet
F armingto n, Minnes o ta
651.280.6800 - F ax 651.280.6899
www.c i.farmington.mn.us
TO:F armington P arks and R ecreation C ommis s ion Members
F R O M:R andy Dis tad, P arks and R ec reation Direc tor
S UB J E C T:Information and P roject Updates
D AT E:F ebruary 14, 2018
B AC KG R OUN D
S taff will provide information at the meeting to C ommission members about the following items:
R ambling R iver C enter roof replac ement projec t s tatus
O utdoor rinks
2018 park and fac ility projec ts s tatus
F oot golf cours e
Bike pedestrian plan
T he items presented by s taff are informational only. No decisions c an be made during this agenda item.
C ity of F armington
430 T hird S treet
F armingto n, Minnes o ta
651.280.6800 - F ax 651.280.6899
www.c i.farmington.mn.us
TO:F armington P arks and R ecreation C ommis s ion Members
F R O M:R andy Dis tad, P arks and R ec reation Direc tor
S UB J E C T:Identify Agenda Items for Marc h 14, 2018 Meeting
D AT E:F ebruary 14, 2018
B AC KG R OUN D
T he following are pos s ible topics for the C ommis s ion to cons ider for its Marc h 14, 2018 meeting agenda:
2040 C omprehensive P lan
R eview 2018 Work P lan
P rojects Update
F armington Youth Baseball Assoc iation presentation
C ommis s ion members should come prepared to identify other items for the meeting agenda.