HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.12.17 Parks and Rec Packet
C ity of F armington
430 T hird S treet
F armington, Minnes o ta
651.280.6800 - F ax 651.280.6899
www.ci.farmington.mn.us
F armington P arks and Recreation Commission
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
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 March 8, 2017 Meeting Minutes
I V.P r esentations
A.R ecognition of P ast Commission Member Mike Haley
V.Discussion Items
A.R eview 2017 Work P lan
B.D raf t P ark I mprovement F und F inancial P lanning
C.C ity C ouncil P ark Tour
D.E mpire Township Park and Recreation Commission P arks Tour
E .2040 Comprehensive P lan's P ark, R ecreation and O pen Space Chapter
V I.Commission Roundtable
A.R oundtable Format
V I I.S taff Report/Updates
A.I nf ormational Updates
V I I I.M eeting Agenda Topics
A.May 10, 2017 Agenda Topics
I X .Adjournment
"T he Farm ington Parks and R ecreation Advi sory C ommission's m ission i s to advi se and m ake
recom m endations to the F armington City Counci l concerning the com prehensi ve pl anning of the City
parks, trails, open space, recreation faciliti es and recreation programs."
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 ec reatio n C o mmis s io n Memb ers
F R O M:R andy Distad , P arks and R ec reation Direc tor
S UB J E C T:Ap p ro ve Marc h 8, 2017 Meeting Minutes
D AT E:Ap ril 12, 2017
B AC KG R OUN D
Attached are draft March 8, 2017 meeting minutes . C o mmis s io n memb ers s hould review the meeting
minutes fo r ac c urac y, and if they are inac curate, s hare revisions prior to approval of the minutes .
AT TAC HMENT S :
Type Desc rip tion
Exhibit Draft March 8, 2017 Meeting Minutes
Farmington Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
Minutes from the March 8, 2017 Regular Meeting
Members Present: Laurie Suchanek, Hannah Simmons, David McMillen, John Moore and Dustin Johnson
Members Absent: None
Other’s Present: Recreation Supervisor Missie Kohlbeck and Parks and Recreation Director Randy Distad
I. Call Meeting To Order
Chair Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Quorum was present.
II. Approval of March 8, 2017 Meeting Agenda
Moved by McMillen and seconded by Moore to approve the amended meeting agenda with the presentation item of Mike
Haley recognition pulled because he was unable to attend. All persons in favor (APIF). Motion carried.
III. Approval of February 8, 2017 Regular Meeting Minutes
The meeting minutes were approved with no revisions noted.
IV. Presentations
A. Introduction of New Commission Members
Laurie Suchanek and Hannah Simmons introduced themselves as the newest members of the Commission.
B. 2016 Park and Recreation Department Annual Report
Director Distad and Recreation Supervisor Kohlbeck presented information that highlighted the following Department
accomplishments in 2016:
• Troy Hill Park playground replacement
• Tamarack Park basketball court resurfacing project
• North Creek Park hockey board replacement project that included a partnership with the Farmington Youth
Hockey Association
• Outdoor skating rinks usage
• Trail maintenance
• Outdoor pool attendance and projects
• Schmitz Maki Arena program and event participation, ice rentals and improvement projects
• Recreation programs offered and participation numbers
• Events offered and attendance at the events
• The number of people and hours community volunteers provided for recreation programs
• Puppet wagon project
• Rambling River Center number of volunteers and hours volunteered in helping with building operations,
programs, events and fundraisers
• Rambling River Center program participation
• Rambling River Center memberships sold
• Rambling River Center Advisory Board member recognition and accomplishments
• Park and Recreation Commission member recognition and accomplishments
V. Business Items
A. Approve Selection of Prairieview Park Playground Equipment
Commission members reviewed seven proposals submitted by six vendors. After comparing the proposals to the selection
criteria, the Little Tikes Commercial playground equipment seemed to have the most unique features and offered the most
play value when compared to other proposals submitted. Moved by Simmons and seconded by Moore to recommend to
the City Council the purchase of the Little Tikes Commercial playground equipment that was proposed by Northland
Recreation for Prairieview Park. APIF. Motion carried.
B. Approve Selection of Prairieview Park Shelter
Commission members reviewed three different park shelter proposals. After comparing the proposals to the selection
criteria, the Poligon shelter proposal was the largest shelter proposed and therefore had the lowest per square foot cost of
the three proposals based on all three proposals estimated costs being $35,000.00. Moved by McMillen and seconded by
Suchanek to recommend to the City Council the purchase of the Poligon shelter that was proposed by Northland
Recreation for Prairieview Park. APIF. Motion carried.
C. Commission Member Photo
Commission members gathered for a group photo that will be posted on the Commission’s webpage that is contained on
the city’s website.
VI. Discussion Items
A. Review 2017 Annual Work Plan
Chair Johnson reviewed the 2017 Annual Work Plan and identified items having been completed since the plan was
approved in January. Director Distad shared he would update the document to show which items have been completed
based on the discussion that occurred and will include the updated document in the next meeting packet.
B. City Council Parks and Recreational Facilities Tour
The Commission discussed and determined it would like to have the tour on Wednesday, August 9 starting at 6:00 p.m. so
it fell on a regular Commission meeting night and the tour started early enough to allow for the tour to be completed in
daylight.
The Commission discussed possible park and recreational facilities to tour. Based on the past practice of touring parks
that have received recent improvements along with future parks that have been identified for improvements, the following
parks were identified for possible inclusion in the tour:
Pine Knoll Park
Fair Hills Park
Troy Hill Park
Prairie Pines Park
Marigold Park
The Commission also discussed possible recreational facilities to tour and determined that the Rambling River Center and
Schmitz-Maki Arena were the two preferred facilities to tour with the City Council. Commission members expressed an
interest in having further discussion about the tour during the April 2017 meeting.
VII. Commission Roundtable
Johnson: Welcomed members Simmons and Suchanek to the Commission.
Moore: Welcomed members Simmons and Suchanek to the Commission. Asked if a couple of play pieces could be
added to the playground equipment that are more accessible. Distad shared he could ask, but it would increase the price
of the equipment.
McMillen: Reminded everyone about the Pond and Park Clean-Up Day event that was occurring on Saturday, April 29,
2017 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. and encouraged other Commission members to volunteer and get involved with this event.
Simmons: Thanked everyone for a warm welcome.
Suchanek: Didn’t have anything to share.
VIII. Staff Report
A. 2040 Comprehensive Plan
Shared the city has gone through a Request for Proposal process to hire a consultant to help with writing the 2040
Comprehensive Plan. There were three proposals submitted and staff are in the process of scoring and selecting one
consulting firm to be recommended to the City Council to hire for this work.
B. Prairie Pines and Marigold Park Master Plans
Shared both master plans were approved by the City Council at the March 6, 2017 meeting.
C. Recreation Supervisor Position
Informed Commission members that Ryan Hayes started in this position on Monday, March 6 and he will be invited to
attend a future meeting to meet Commission members.
D. Vermillion River Bank Stabilization and Habitat Restoration Project
Shared the city and the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization partnered on a grant application and were
awarded $255,000.00 to address erosion issues that have occurred over the years in Rambling River Park. The erosion
has caused the river to move quite close to the trail in several locations. The project will adjust the channel further away
from the trail and at the same time stabilizing the bank of the river so it doesn’t erode away in the future. This project
will cause the trail to be closed in July and August when the project work will be completed. After the project work in
the river is finished, the trail section will be removed and replaced at an estimated cost of just under $30,000.00.
IX. April 12, 2017 Meeting Agenda Items
The following items were identified by Commission members for its December 10, 2014 meeting agenda:
1. 2017 Annual Work Plan review
2. 2040 Comprehensive Plan
3. Prairieview Park playground and shelter status
4. City Council tour and schedule
5. Schedule parks tour with Empire Township Park and Recreation Commission
6. 2018 park improvements
7. Dew Days
X. Adjournment
Moved by McMillen and seconded by Simmons to adjourn the meeting. APIF. Motion carried. The meeting was
adjourned at 8:21 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Randy Distad
Parks and Recreation Director and Recording Secretary
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 ec reatio n C o mmis s io n Memb ers
F R O M:R andy Distad , P arks and R ec reation Direc tor
S UB J E C T:R ecognitio n o f P ast C o mmis s io n Member Mike Haley
D AT E:Ap ril 12, 2017
B AC KG R OUN D
Due to s cheduling c o nflic ts fo r the p as t three mo nths , former C o mmis s io n member Mike Haley was no t able
to b e rec o gnized fo r his 7.5 years of s ervic e o n the C ommission. Mr. Haley will b e attend ing the meeting s o
he can be reco gnized for his p as t s ervic e on the C ommission. Mayor Todd Lars on has been invited to
attend and rec o gnize Mike fo r his years of s ervic e o n the C ommission.
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 ec reatio n C o mmis s io n Memb ers
F R O M:R andy Distad , P arks and R ec reation Direc tor
S UB J E C T:R eview 2017 Work P lan
D AT E:Ap ril 12, 2017
B AC KG R OUN D
Attached is an up d ated 2017 Wo rk P lan. Items that have been c o mp leted in the work plan are sho wn in
red . C o mmis s ion members are asked to review the updated 2017 Work P lan and b e prepared to d is cus s it
d uring the meeting.
AT TAC HMENT S :
Type Desc rip tion
Exhibit Updated 2017 Work Plan
FARMINGTON PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
2017 WORK PLAN
Goal #1: Meet with the City Council at least once in 2017.
1. By April 1, the Commission will have identified a date to meet with the City Council in a work
session setting and will identify possible agenda topics for discussion during the meeting.
2. By June 1, develop and recommend to City Council a long-term funding plan for park improvement
fund.
3. By October 1, the Commission will have had a work session with the City Council and discussed
during the workshop the long term funding plan for the park improvement fund and any other
agenda topics identified.
Goal #2: Develop and prioritize a list of parks, trails and recreational facilities improvement projects
to be completed in 2018.
1. By April 1, the Commission will have discussed and identified a list of 2018 improvement projects to
be completed in park, trails and recreational facilities.
2. By May 1, the Commission will have discussed and identify possible funding sources for the 2018
improvement projects.
3. By September 1, the Commission will have met with the City Council to discuss the 2018
improvement projects and how the project(s) may be funded.
4. By September 15, at least one of the projects recommended for funding in 2018 will be included in
the approved 2018 preliminary budget.
Goal #3: Continue to build and strengthen relationships with Empire Township’s Park and
Recreation Commission (ETPRC).
1. By April 1, discuss and determine a date to have a joint meeting with ETPRC.
2. By June 1, a date will have been set to have a joint meeting with ETPRC.
3. By August 1, discuss and formulate a list of discussion topics for a joint meeting agenda with
ETPRC.
4. By October 1, a meeting will have been held with ETPRC.
Goal #4: Participate in the process of making improvements in Prairieview Park.
1. By January 11, the Commission will have approved the improvements to be completed.
Status: Completed. Improvements identified included adding new playground equipment,
constructing a shelter, and constructing a basketball court.
2. By March 1, the RFP specifications for new playground equipment, a new picnic shelter and a
basketball court will have been reviewed and approved.
Status: Completed. RFP was reviewed and mailed to installation contractors and vendors.
3. By April 15, the Commission will have reviewed playground equipment, picnic shelter and basketball
court proposals and made a recommendation to the City Council on the purchase and construction of
these improvements.
Status: Completed. Commission reviewed and submitted recommendations for playground equipment
and park shelter to the City Council.
4. By May 15, the City Council will have approved the purchase and labor for the construction of the
improvements.
Status: Completed. City Council approved playground equipment and park shelter purchase and labor
at its March 20 meeting.
5. By October 30, construction of improvements will have completed.
Goal #5: Receive periodic presentations from each of the Parks and Recreation professional staff
members about programs, parks, facilities and trails.
1. By March 1, the Commission will have received a presentation by professional staff members of the
Department’s 2016 Annual Report.
Status: Completed. Annual report was presented at the March 8 Commission meeting. Recreation
Supervisor Missie Kohlbeck and Park and Recreation Director Randy Distad presented the 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 October 1, Commission members will have received a presentation from staff about the outdoor
pool season.
6. By November 1, Commission members will have received a presentation from staff about the spring
turf season and summer ice season.
7. By November 1, the Commission will have received a presentation from staff about maintenance and
improvements to parks and trails
Goal #6: Work with City staff on the city’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan Parks, Recreation and Open
Space Systems Plan Update.
1. Develop an outline for the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Chapter in the City’s Comprehensive
Plan that can be used as the framework for the city’s 2040 comprehensive plan.
2. Assess and prioritize outdoor athletic field needs by May 1.
3. Update 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 by June 1.
4. Through the assistance of the Parks and Recreation Department staff create a five year Capital
Improvement Plan for the Farmington Civic Arena and Outdoor Pool by July 1.
5. Analyze and determine possible future dedicated funding sources for parks and trail development or
redevelopment by July 1.
6. Analyze and determine future direction for the city’s recreational facilities by October 1.
7. Complete Park, Recreation and Open Space Chapter by December 31.
Goal #7: Participate in the master planning process for Marigold and Prairie Pines Parks
1. Work with staff and consultant to provide a public input meeting in order to receive community input
on the development of the Prairie Pines park master plan by January 31.
Status: Completed. Chair Dustin Johnson attended the public open house held on January 12, 2017
and there were 15 residents who attended and provided input on the initial draft master plan.
Additional public input was received at the January 28, 2017 Community Expo.
2. At one of its meetings receive a presentation from staff and consultant on draft master plans for
Marigold Park and Prairie Pines Park, allow public input on the draft during the meeting and then
forward recommended master plans for both parks to the City Council by February 28.
Status: Completed. A presentation was made on the Marigold Park and Prairie Pines Park master
plans to the Commission at its February 8, 2017 meeting and a recommendation was forwarded to the
City Council to approve the master plans for both parks.
3. City Council will review the recommended master plans, allow additional public input and then
approve the master plans by March 31.
Status: Completed. A presentation was made to the City Council at its March 6, 2017 meeting. The
City Council approved both master plans after the presentations were made and additional input was
given by the City Council.
Goal #8: Work with Park and Recreation Department staff to explore offering a program and/or
events in different parks.
1. By May 1, 2017 solicit Farmington service organizations about their interest in offering a special
event and/or program in a city park in order to expand programs and events in the parks.
2. By June 1, and after discussing possible opportunities and obstacles, determine at least one possible
program and/or event that could be held in a different location in 2018 from where it is usually held.
3. By December 31, staff will develop a plan and review it with the Commission about the program
and/or event that will be held in a different location in 2018, so it can be advertised in the City News
and Recreation Guide.
Goal #9: Initiate a trail wayfinding signage program.
1. Determine and approve initial trail loop locations for signage program by January 31.
2. Work with company in the design and graphics of a trail sign that can be installed at trail heads by
April 30.
3. Work with city staff on the installation of the new wayfinding signage in the locations determined in
the parks by July 31.
4. Hold a ribbon cutting of new trail signs by September 1.
5. Work with the Heritage Preservation Commission to incorporate wayfinding signage program for
historical properties in the city by September 1.
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 ec reatio n C o mmis s io n Memb ers
F R O M:R andy Distad , P arks and R ec reation Direc tor
S UB J E C T:Draft P ark Improvement F und F inanc ial P lanning
D AT E:Ap ril 12, 2017
B AC KG R OUN D
Includ ed in your pac ket is a draft long term financ ial plan for the c ity's P ark Improvement F und (P I F )
s howing a revenue and exp ense s cenario for the next 25 years . T he p lan lays out annually over the next 25
years the revenue amo unts that could be achieved through two p o s s ib le ded ic ated funding s o urc es . It als o
s hows by park the amounts to be s p ent annually on improvements if imp lemented. T he annual revenue
amo unts s hown from fund ing source "A" and fund ing source "B" are for illus trative p urposes and are not
meant to be the o nly s ource o f revenue for the P I F. T he draft plan provided has b een revised fro m an
earlier plan the C ommis sion saw in late 2016. T he d raft p lan b egins to show ho w the fund b alanc e c o uld be
b uilt and sus tained to allo w imp ro vements to oc c ur over the next 25 years . P leas e note this is only a
b eginning d raft. No thing to this p o int has been ap p ro ved.
Includ ed also in yo ur p acket is a d raft 2018-2022 P ark Improvement F und C apital Imp ro vement P lan
(C I P ). T he city annually inc ludes a five year C I P within the approved annual b udget. A five year C I P will
als o be req uired to be inc luded in the 2040 C omprehensive P lan up d ate.
T he draft C I P s ho ws the c ity's two newes t parks , Marigo ld P ark and P rairie P ines P ark, b eing develo p ed in
2019 rather than in 2018, whic h is a year later than what was disc ussed d uring the mas ter p lanning proc es s
fo r both p arks . T he reas o n fo r c o mp leting the imp ro vements in 2019 rather than in 2018, is to allo w an
o p p o rtunity for the P ark Imp ro vement F und (P I F ) to b uild a balance. T his would then provid e eno ugh
fund ing to be in plac e for imp ro vements id entified in the C I P to b e c o mp leted in 2019. It is unlikely there
will b e eno ugh funds in 2018 for thes e two parks to be d eveloped. If d edic ated fund ing is not put in p lace in
2018, then d evelo p ment of thes e two p arks will likely continue to b e delayed until there is s uffic ient funding
in the P I F to c over the imp ro vement costs s hown in the C I P.
T he C I P als o fo llo ws the sc hedule of imp rovements s ho wn in the lo ng term financial p lan o f the P I F. T he
C I P c urrently s hows , which is cons is tent with what is s hown in the long term financ ial plan of the P I F, there
are no park imp ro vements p lanned in 2018, 2021, and 2022, which is p urpo s eful to allo w the balance in the
P I F to grow. I t als o s o happens to be years in whic h no p arks fall in the 20 year s ched ule to have
imp ro vements c o mp leted. P leas e no te this is only a beginning draft. Nothing to this p o int has been
ap p ro ved.
In light of the C o mmis s io n having a meeting with the C ity C ounc il in 2017 to dis c us s lo ng term funding of
the P I F, whic h is a goal in the C ommission's 2017 Wo rk P lan, it will be important for the C ommission to
d is cus s and d evelop a proposed fund ing plan fo r the P I F p rio r to a meeting with the C ity C ounc il. T he two
attached doc uments are o nly a s tarting point in order to b egin a d is cus s io n on the lo ng term funding p lan for
p ark imp ro vements .
AT TAC HMENT S :
Type Desc rip tion
Exhibit Draft Park Improvement Fund Long Term Financial Plan
Exhibit Draft 2018-2022 Park Improvement Fund Five Year CIP
25 Year Park Improvement Fund Financial Plan
Park Name 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036 2037 2038 2039 2040 2041 2042
Remaining
Balance
Dakota County Estates 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 75,000$
Daisy Knoll 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 75,000$
Depot Way Arts Park 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 80,000$
Evergreen Knoll 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 80,000$
Fair Hills 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 40,000$
Farmington Preserve
Park 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 70,000$
Hill Dee Park 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 70,000$
Hillview 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 35,000$
Jim Bell Park and
Preserve 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 75,000$
Lake Julia Park 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 55,000$
Marigold Park 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 15,000$
Meadowview Park 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 85,000$
Middle Creek Park 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 125,000$
North Creek Park 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 70,000$
Pine Knoll 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 45,000$
Prairie Pines Park 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 15,000$
Prairieview Park 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 25,000$
Rambling River Park 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 45,000$
Silver Springs Park 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 85,000$
Tamarack Park 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ $5,000 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 90,000$
Troy Hill 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 30,000$
Vermillion Grove Park 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 80,000$
Vermillion River
Crossing Town Square 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 10,000$
Westview 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ 75,000$
FUNDS SPENT ANNUALLY (20,000)$ (15,000)$ (35,000)$ (80,000)$ (135,000)$ (200,000)$ (165,000)$ (70,000)$ (160,000)$ (85,000)$ (90,000)$ (95,000)$ (100,000)$ (200,000)$ (100,000)$ (1,550,000.00)$
REMAINING BALANCE 120,000$ 220,000$ 325,000$ 445,000$ 565,000$ 685,000$ 770,000$ 810,000$ 795,000$ 715,000$ 670,000$ 790,000$ 910,000$ 960,000$ 1,080,000$ 1,040,000$ 1,075,000$ 1,105,000$ 1,130,000$ 1,150,000$ 1,270,000$ 1,190,000$ 1,210,000$ 1,330,000$ 1,450,000$ 1,450,000$
$3,000,000
**** Does not factor in any park dedication cash in lieu funding, which could be added to each of the park fund balances
***** Does not factor in any park development fee funding, which could be added to the fund balance of the new park in the development or park closest to the development if there is no park in the development
******If the funding source of the $60,000 amount was to come from a property tax levy and placed in the PIF, it would have cost in 2017 about $7.00 more annually on the average market value home of $233,039
*******Does not factor in the Park Improvement Fund Balance at the end of 2017 because it is not known at this time
25 YEARS TOTAL FUNDING AMOUNT
* Annual contribution to each park assumes $2,500 from funding source "A" resulting in a total of $60,000 being placed annually in the PIF.
** Annual contribution to each park assumes $2,500 from funding source "B" resulting in a total of $60,000 being placed annually in the PIF.
*** The years that larger amounts are shown in bold red is the year improvements would be completed based on the following: when improvements were last completed; 20 year park improvement schedule; and the available balance to spend on improvements
2018-2022 Park Improvement Fund Five Year Capital Improvement Plan
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Total
Projected Fund Balance Beginning of Year 130,000 250,000 65,000 170,000 290,000
Projected Additional Revenues 120,000 120,000 120,000 120,000 120,000 600,000
Projects for Park Improvement Fund
Marigold Park
Projects List: 2019 improvements include:
playground equipment ($25,000), park shelter
($25,000), turf/landscaping/trees ($15,000) and
site amenities i.e. grills, waste containers,
benches, picnic tables, bike rack ($5,000)
70,000 70,000
Prairie Pines Park
Projects List: 2019 improvements include: install
new playground equipment ($75,000), 5 foot wide
sidewalk ($50,000), install shelter ($35,000),
turf/landscaping/trees ($40,000), construct
basketball court ($25,000), and site amenities i.e.
benches, picnic tables, grills, waste containers and
bike rack ($10,000)
235,000 235,000
Town Square Park
Project List: 2020 improvements include: master
plan development ($7,500) and park signage
($7,500)
15,000 15,000
0 305,000 15,000 0 0 320,000
Projected Fund Balance at End of Year 250,000 65,000 170,000 290,000 410,000
POSSIBLE G.O. BOND REFERENDUM PROJECTS
Rambling River Park $2,500,000
Jim Bell Park and Preserve Development
Community Park and Youth Athletic Complex
$6,700,000
Outdoor Pool $7,200,000
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 ec reatio n C o mmis s io n Memb ers
F R O M:R andy Distad , P arks and R ec reation Direc tor
S UB J E C T:C ity C ounc il P ark Tour
D AT E:Ap ril 12, 2017
B AC KG R OUN D
In odd number years , the C o mmis s io n and C ity C o uncil have jointly c o nduc ted a to ur o f c ity parks and
recreatio nal fac ilities . In the p as t the C ommis s io n has worked with staff to id entify which parks and fac ilities
s hould be toured. At the C ommission's Marc h 8, 2017 meeting the following p arks and recreatio nal facilities
were p reliminarily id entified as p o s s ib le sites to tour with the C ity C ounc il:
P ine Kno ll P ark
F air Hills P ark
Tro y Hill P ark
S chmitz-Maki Arena
Marigold P ark
P rairie P ines P ark
R ambling R iver C enter
I have attac hed a lis ting o f parks and the amenities contained within each park fo r the C o mmis s io n to review
p rio r to the meeting. C ommission members s ho uld come p rep ared to disc us s if there are any additio n parks
it would like to ad d to the tour with the C ity C o uncil b as ed on the attached lis t o f parks .
T he C ommiss io n als o identified Augus t 8, 2017 as a preferred d ate o f the to ur with a 6:00 p.m. s tart time.
S taff has s hared this informatio n with the C ity Ad minis trator who has also provid ed this informatio n to the
C ity C ounc il. I will p ro vide you with an update at the meeting regarding if this date and time will work to
tour parks and rec reatio nal facilities with the C ity C o uncil.
AT TAC HMENT S :
Type Desc rip tion
Exhibit Park Listing with Amenities
Farmington Parks and Open Space Inventory
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Charleswood Open Space (ponds)5550 197th Street West 14.2
Dakota County Estates Park 18220 Emerald Trail 1983 4.4
Daisy Knoll Park 18640 Esquire Way 1995 27.7
Deer Meadow Open Space (ponds)5525 180th Street West 3.74
Depot Way Art Park 150 Oak Street 1988 0.7
Evergreen Knoll Park 626 Heritage Way 1968 4.5
Fair Hills Park 19200 Estate Avenue 1979 2.4
Fair Hills & Nelson Hills Greenway
(ponds and gas easement)5685 190th Street West 12.76
Farmington Preserve Park 19975 Embers Ave 2005 69.8
Hill Dee Park 5535 Upper 182nd Street 1969 3
Hillview Park 5970 183rd Street West 1976 3
Ice Arena 114 Spruce Street 1975
Jim Bell Park and Preserve 4555 195th Street West 2001 135
Lake Julia Park 5105 187th Street West 1994 26
Lake Julia Open Space (pond)5105 187th Street West 1.5
Lake Julia Greenway 18646 Dylan Drive 19.8
Marigold Park 21195 Cameron Way 2014 0.26
u n d e v e l o p e d
Mattson Farms Open Space
(pond and wetland)11.9
Meadowview Park 5550 197th Street West 2000 49.8
Middle Creek Park 20629 East Oaks Drive 2002 30.39
u n d e v e l o p e d
Middle Creek Greenway
(floodplain and wetlands)208th Street 72.4
Middle Creek Open Space (ponds)6.1
Mystic Meadows Open Space (ponds)50.98
Nelson Hills Open Space (ponds)6.58
North Creek Park 18200 Dunbury Ave 2007 8.4
North Creek Greenway 18200 Dunbury Ave 46.4
Parkview Ponds Open Space (ponds)17.6
Pine Knoll Park 4950 203rd Street West 1972 3.7
Prairie Pines Park 3235 223rd Street West 2014 12.88
u n d e v e l o p e d
Prairie Waterway Greenway (ponds) 821 13th Street 95.4
Prairie View Park 1100 12th Street 2000 4
Rambling River Park Feely Fields 21250 Denmark Avenue 1968 29.1
Rambling River Park 17 Elm Street 1968 58.54
Rambling River Open Space (wetland )11.8
Riverbend Development Open Space
(ponds)6
Silver Springs Park 18900 English Avenue 2002 0.4
Tamarack Park 895 Cantata Avenue 2000 4.5
Troy Hill Park 19260 Everest Path 1996 0.4
Vermillion Grove Park 19850 English Avenue 2001 45.44
Vermillion Grove Open Space (ponds)9.6
Westview Acres 50 Hickory Street 1973 1.8
Total 912.9
Name Address
C ity of F armington
430 T hird S treet
F armington, Minnesota
651.280.6800 - F ax 651.280.6899
www.ci.farmingto n.mn.us
TO:F armington P arks and R ec reatio n C o mmis s io n Memb ers
F R O M:R andy Distad , P arks and R ec reation Direc tor
S UB J E C T:Emp ire To wns hip P ark and R ec reation C ommission P arks Tour
D AT E:Ap ril 12, 2017
B AC KG R OUN D
T he C ommiss io n has met with Emp ire To wns hip 's P ark and R ec reation C o mmis s io n o n an annual b as is .
During the 2016 meeting, it was mutually agreed upon that in 2017 a parks tour wo uld o cc ur. Normally the
annual meeting has been rotated, so that in even years , the meeting has b een held in F armingto n o n the
s econd Wednes d ay o f the mo nth and in o dd years the meeting has been held in Emp ire To wns hip o n either
the sec o nd or fo urth Mond ay o f the mo nth, whic h is the date of Emp ire Towns hip 's P ark and R ec reation
C o mmis s io n regular meetings . Becaus e this is an o d d year, and in keep ing with p as t traditio n, it is
anticipated the parks to ur will o cc ur o n either the s ec o nd o r fourth Mo nday in either late summer or early
fall.
T he C ommiss io n is being as ked to come prepared to d is cus s the fo llo wing items related to the p arks tour
with Emp ire Towns hip 's P ark and R ec reatio n C o mmis s io n:
id entify a p referred date and bac kup d ate fo r the tour based o n the sec ond or fo urth Mond ay o f the
mo nth meeting timeframe
d etermine which c ity parks , trails and/or rec reatio nal facilities to include in the to ur
d etermine a timeframe for the to ur
C ity of F arm ington
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 ec reatio n C o mmis s io n Memb ers
F R O M:R andy Distad , P arks and R ec reation Direc tor
S UB J E C T:2040 C omprehensive P lan's P ark, R ec reation and O pen S pac e C hap ter
D AT E:Ap ril 12, 2017
B AC KG R OUN D
T he C ity C ounc il approved hiring Hoisington Koegler G ro up, Inc . (cons ultant) at its April 3, 2017 meeting
to as s is t city s taff with c o mp leting the 2040 C omprehensive P lan proc es s . W hile this contrac t inc ludes
having the cons ultant collec t input ab o ut parks , rec reation and open spac e d uring p ublic engagement
meetings, it do es no t however inc lude having the c o ns ultant write the 2040 P ark, R ec reation and O p en
S p ace C hapter o f the C o mp rehens ive P lan. T he es timated c o s t p ro vided by the cons ultant to do s o would
have been between $30,000 to $40,000. Bec aus e of this estimated cost, and no funding available to cover
the c o s t, the writing o f this chap ter will b e do ne in-ho use b y P ark and R ecreation Department staff with
input fro m and review by the C o mmis s io n.
Includ ed in your meeting pac ket is the 2030 C omprehensive P lan's full P ark, R ec reation and O p en
S p ace C hapter. S taff felt it was important fo r the C o mmis s io n to s p end time during the meeting reviewing
this info rmatio n in p rep aration for s tarting to write the P ark, R ec reation and O pen S pac e C hap ter fo r the
2040 C omprehens ive P lan. S p ecific ally this d o c ument sho uld b e reviewed to determine what information is
valid and what is invalid for inc lusion in the 2040 C o mp rehens ive P lan. Keep in mind this is the start o f
ab o ut a year-lo ng proc es s , s o yo u will continue to s ee this item on future agend as as s taff and C o mmis s ion
memb ers work through rewriting the 2040 C omprehensive P lan's P ark, R ec reation and O p en S p ace
C hapter.
Another d o cument inc luded in your pac ket is the Metro p o litan C ounc il's R egional P arks S ys tems S tatement
d o cument. T his d o cument provid es guidanc e and direc tion on the req uirements to be met in the P ark,
R ecreatio n and O p en S p ace C hapter in order for the c hapter to rec eive approval from the Metropolitan
C o uncil when it reviews the c ity's 2040 C o mprehens ive P lan sub mittal in 2018. P rimarily the city is required
to id entify o n its park, o p en s p ace and trails map the loc ation of future ap proved mas ter planned regional
greenways and future regional greenway s earc h areas within the c ity boundaries . Acc o rd ing to the attached
d o cument, the o nly item on the map the city will need to revis e is to id entify the C hub b C reek R egio nal
G reenway as a future regional greenway s earc h c orridor.
AT TAC HMENT S :
Type Desc rip tion
Exhibit 2030 Comp Plan Park, Recreation and Open Space Chapter
Exhibit Metropolitan Counci's 2040 Regional Parks System Statement
City of Farmington
2030 Park and
Recreation Master Plan
F A C I L I T I E S
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2
Table of Contents
Section 1. Acknowledgement…………………………………………………………………….….4
Section 2. Executive Summary ……………………………………………………………………. 5
Section 3. Community Background……………………………………………………….............12
3.1 Historical Perspective……………………………………………………………...12
3.2 Farmington School District………………………………………………………..13
3.3 Demographic Trends………………………………………………………………13
Section 4. Public Input and Planning Process…………………………………………………....18
4.1 2020 Park and Recreation Master Plan…………………………………………..18
4.2 Recreational Facility Needs Study………………………………………………...22
4.3 Community Center Feasibility Study……………………………………………..23
4.4 Public Facilities Study……………………………………………………………..25
4.5 Citizen’s Satisfaction Survey……………………………………………………...26
4.6 Community Visioning……………………………………………………………...27
Section 5. Parks and Open Space…………………………………………………………………30
5.1 Classifications……………………………………………………………………....31
5.2 Regional Parks……………………………………………………………………..32
5.3 Existing Conditions………………………………………………………………...32
5.4 Needs Analysis……………………………………………………………………...33
5.5 Park Improvements…………………………………………………………...…...36
5.6 Future Park Locations……………………………………………………………..38
5.7 Parks Amenities Inventory…………………………………………………...........38
5.8 Maintenance…………………………………………………………………..........39
Section 6. Recreation Programs…………………………………………………………………...40
6.1 Types…………………………………………………………………………..........40
6.2 Needs Analysis……………………………………………………………………...41
Section 7. Recreational Facilities……………………………………………………………….....51
7.1 Schmitz-Maki Arena Analysis…………………………………………………….51
7.2 Outdoor Pool Analysis……………………………………………………………..52
7.3 Rambling River Center Analysis………………………………………………….52
Section 8. Trails and Greenways…………………………………………………………………..54
8.1 Introduction……………………………………………………………………...…54
8.2 Types…………………………………………………………………………..……54
8.3 Greenways and Regional Trail Plan……………………………………………...59
8.4 Design Standards…………………………………………………………………..62
8.5 Safety and Security…………………………………………………………….…..62
8.6 Amenities………………………………………………………………………...…64
8.7 Maintenance Plan………………………………………………………………….66
8.8 Issues……………………………………………………………………………..…68
3
Table of Contents
Section 9. Implementation Plan ……………………………..……………………………..……..69
9.1 Guiding Policies and Strategies…………………………………………………...69
Section 10. Appendix...…………………………………………………………………………..….75
Existing Park, Open Space and Trails Map
Existing and Proposed Park, Trail and Open Space Plan Map
Parks and Open Space Amenities Inventory
Individual Park Master Plans
Community Visioning Session Questions and Summary
Deferred Park Improvements
4
Section 1. Acknowledgement
The 2030 Park and Recreation Master Plan (2030 Master Plan) document evolved due to input
from many individuals and these individuals should be recognized for their time and effort spent
on creating a vision for parks and recreation through a comprehensive 2030 Master Plan for the
City of Farmington (City). The following individuals are recognized for their role in the review
and final approval of the 2030 Master Plan.
City Council
Mayor Kevan Soderberg
Council Members Christy Fogarty
David McKnight
David Pritzlaff
Steve Wilson
Park and Recreation
Advisory Commission
Chair Dawn Johnson
Commission Members Aaron Fitzloff
Karen Neal
Charlie Weber
Tim White
Planning Commission
Chair Dirk Rotty
Commission Members Todd Larson
Ben Barker
Randy Oswald
Tim Burke
City Staff
Administration Peter Herlofsky, City Administrator
Planning Division Lee Smick, City Planner
Tony Wippler, Assistant City Planner
Parks and Recreation Randy Distad, Parks and Recreation Director
Don Hayes, Park Maintenance Supervisor
Patti Norman, Recreation Supervisor
Jeremy Pire, Facilities Maintenance Supervisor
Missie Kohlbeck, Senior Coordinator
Kellee Omlid, Recreation Specialist
5
Section 2. Executive Summary
Foreward
Parks and Recreation plays an important role in creating a high quality of life for City of
Farmington (City) residents. It provides opportunities to learn and play, meditate and rejuvenate,
create and imagine, and enjoy life. The 2030 Parks and Recreation Master Plan (2030 Master
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. 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. In 1998, a 2020 Park and Recreation Master
Plan was approved. This plan will reach the 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. The new
updated 2030 Master Plan will create a blueprint for making well-informed decisions that will
move parks 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 2007 to 876 acres. The park and open space system will continue to grow in
the coming years especially in the next several years due to the platting of a large new
development that will occur in 2008.
Parks and Recreation was first organized through the creation of the Park and Recreation
Advisory Commission (PRAC) in the 1970’s. Hiring of the first Parks and Recreation
Department (Department) staff member occurred in 1974. In subsequent years the City added
staff in the areas of facilities, park maintenance and recreation programs. The Department
currently consists of 12 full-time staff, two part-time staff and numerous seasonal staff making it
the largest department (total number of staff) in the City.
Over the years, the City 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
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 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.
6
The City’s recreational facilities include a senior center known as the Rambling River Center,
the Schmitz Maki Ice Arena and an outdoor pool. The Rambling River Center was started by a
group of older citizens who raised funds to purchase an existing building and created a senior
center. When the senior center was not able to financially support itself in the 1980’s it was
taken over by the City. The outdoor pool and the Schmitz-Maki Arena were both built in the
1970’s.
Demographic Profile
The City 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. Since the Census in 2000, the population of the City has continued to
grow to the Metropolitan Council’s certified population estimate of 18,589 residents as of April
1, 2007. This represents a 67% increase in the population from the 2000 Census and a 250%
increase from the 1990 Census. Most of the growth is occurring in the northern part of
Farmington, but with recent residential development on the east and central areas of the
community, the growth has begun to spread and connect with older established neighborhoods.
The age group distribution of Farmington based on the 2000 Census indicates a heavy
concentration of families and the overall median age is significantly lower than the national
level. Although Farmington can be classified as a young community with the median age being
more than 5 years lower than the national level, the age groups that will experience the most
growth over the next five years is the 45-54, 55-64 and 65-74 age categories. Median household
income is $61,864 for the City of Farmington, which is about 50% higher than the national
median household income of $41,994. Age and household incomes are two significant factors
that impact participation in Parks and Recreation services.
While the City has experienced rapid growth since the 2020 Master 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. The Metropolitan Council is projecting
that by 2020 the population of Farmington will reach 27,510 people. Based on the number of
available residential lots and future allocation of MUSA by the Metropolitan Council the 2030
population is projected to be 32,000 people.
While the majority of homes being constructed in Farmington are single family homes, the
City’s distribution of housing types saw a change in the past ten years with more multi family
and attached townhomes being built than in previous years. In many communities residents who
live in multi family neighborhoods without sizeable yards of their own or with a small common
park area often look for the public neighborhood or community park to meet their recreational
needs.
Park And Open Space Areas
As of this 2030 Master Plan update, the City owned park and open space land totaling 876 acres.
The breakdown of this acreage includes 436 acres of park land and 440 acres of open space. In
addition, the Farmington Independent School District #192 (School District) owns land that is
used for athletic fields and open space. The School District also provides, in its school buildings,
indoor recreational spaces. However for the purposes of creating an updated 2030 Master Plan
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for the City, the School District’s facilities, while mentioned, will not be used to determine the
City’s needs because 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
by 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 will be addressed
in the 2030 Master Plan.
With the Metropolitan Council’s estimated population of 18,589 in 2007, the City’s parks and
open space acreage of 876 acres provides a ratio of 47.35 acres of park and open space per 1,000
residents. However a further analysis finds that of the 876 acres, only 436 acres is active park
acreage. The remaining 440 acres consists of open space areas. This means the ratio for active
park acreage is 23.57 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. The City’s 2020 Park and
Recreation Chapter Master Plan adopted a policy establishing that at least 20 acres of active park
acreage per 1,000 residents should be provided in Farmington. The current ratio of 23.57 acres
per 1,000 residents meets the policy adopted in the 2020 Master Plan. While a past acceptable
practice has been to follow park acreage standards established by the NRPA, it is not the only
method. Recently parks and recreation professionals and professional planners have begun
incorporating community demand/benefits into the formula when determining park acreage
standards for communities. 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 should be determined according to what each community needs
based on the demand being made by park users. The City may want 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 beginning to be organized in the community, the pressure for
additional green space will only be intensified. The City currently has two outdoor hockey rinks,
which is below the minimum standard developed by the NRPA. The City should focus on
correcting this shortage 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.
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 five years with an 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.
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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 Department provides the administrative oversight for the recreational services, recreational
facilities, parks and trails that are offered to the community. The City Council approves the
operating and capital improvement budgets that provide the annual funding for the Department.
In 2007 operational costs for all Divisions within the Department was budgeted at $1.7 million.
Capital improvement costs including park improvements, equipment and vehicles for the
Department was budgeted at $700,000. The following shows how the budget is distributed to the
various divisions within the Department:
Table 8.1: Department’s 2007 Budget by Division
Division Amount of Department’s Budget
Building Maintenance
6.5%
Park Maintenance
22%
Park and Trail Capital Improvements
24.5%
Recreational Programs
19.5%
Recreational Facilities
(outdoor pool, senior center & ice arena)
27.5%
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 2020 Master Plan was approved in 1998, 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 Department developed a planning and
improvement schedule. As a result of this master planning process for each City park, a capital
improvement budget identifying improvements for its parks and trails was create. By the year
2012, all new and existing parks will have received a review resulting in a master plan
developed. Then based on the approved master plan for each park, improvements will be
completed provided that funding is available. Table 8.2 below provides the most recent five year
capital improvement plan from 2008-2012. It identifies which park the improvements are to be
made, 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.
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Table 8.2: Five Year Parks and Trail Improvement Budget
Name of Park and Projects 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Vermillion Grove Park:
boardwalk construction
$55,000
Farmington Preserve Park:
playground, shelter, basketball
court, turf seeding, prairie
restoration, signage, trails and site
amenities
$100,000
North Creek Park: playground,
shelter with warming house, turf
seeding, fishing dock, trails, site
amenities, hockey and pleasure
skating rinks and park signage
$125,000
Meadowview Park: boardwalk
construction
$20,000
Hill Dee Park: playground $45,000
Lake Julia Park: playground,
shelter, trails basketball court and
master plan development
$100,000
Pine Knoll Park: playground,
shelter, basketball court, trails and
master plan development
$85,000
Middle Creek Park: boardwalk
construction
$35,000
Troy Hill Park: playground,
gazebo and master plan
development
$50,000
Prairieview Park: basketball
court, shelter, trails and master plan
development
$50,000
Fairhills Park: shelter, playground
equipment, basketball court and
master plan development
$50,000
Town Square Park: gazebo,
landscaping, playground, site
amenities, sculptures and master
plan development
$250,000
Rambling River Park: master
plan development, playground,
shelter, trails, amphitheatre, prairie
restoration, sculptures
$1,000,000
Mystic Meadows Development
Community Park: four field adult
softball complex, shelters,
maintenance building, playground,
parking lot, concession and
restroom building
$2,600,000
Fairhill Development Community
Park: five field youth baseball
complex, soccer fields, lacrosse
fields, shelters,
concessions/restroom building,
outdoor hockey and pleasure rink,
playground, parking lot, turf
seeding and site amenities
$3,300,000
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Middle Creek Park: playground,
shelters, trails, parking lot, site
amenities and ballfield
$475,000
Lake Julia Waterway: pedestrian
bridge
$100,000
2030 Master Plan Public Input
Public input on the 2030 Master Plan occurred many different ways. Some of the input occurred
through earlier studies where the public was invited to participate on task forces and committees.
Public meetings were held as part of the committee and task force work that resulted in further
input. Several scientific surveys have also been completed in the past few years that provided
insight into what the community desires. The recommended actions being offered in the 2030
Master Plan were created as a result of various committees and task forces work and public input
meetings.
Additionally two public visioning sessions occurred in early 2007 that provided the community
with an opportunity to speak on updating not only the City’s Park and Recreation Master Plan
but also the entire Comprehensive Plan. While there were some differing opinions, the basis for
the information and recommendations being offered in the 2030 Master Plan resulted from the
input provided by the community. Items scoring highest on the visioning sessions included:
Increase the amount of indoor and outdoor recreational facilities
Creation of additional larger community parks
Trails are important
Develop a wide variety of parks
Develop a wide variety of recreational programs
Guidance For Implementing the 2030 Park And Recreation Master Plan
The City has seen growth in its parks and recreation system since the 2020 Park and Recreation
Master Plan was approved. However, the growth of the park and recreation system has not kept
pace with the City’s double digit population growth since the 2020 Park and Recreation Master
Plan was approved in 1998. The City of Farmington has completed several studies, surveys and
plans related to parks, recreation, facilities and trails since 2004. Studies that have been
completed include the Recreational Facility Needs Study, Community Center Feasibility Study, a
Community Center Facility Site Plan Study and a Community Attitude and Interest Citizen
Survey. A Trail Master Plan was also completed that identified an existing network of
interconnected trails in the community that should be connected to future trails.
A summary of the highest priorities for parks and recreation based on the information collected
from the public studies, community surveys and during visioning sessions 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.
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3. Expand the city’s trail and sidewalk system, including adding 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 of parks, open space and
trails.
5. Re-develop Rambling River Park.
6. Develop maintenance standards for parks.
7. Develop maintenance standards for recreational facilities.
8. Increase marketing of parks and recreation (recreational programs, parks, open
space, trails and recreational facilities) to the community.
9. Complete the development of master plans for remaining city parks.
10. Construct new indoor recreational facilities when it may not be financially feasible
or structurally possible to make improvements to existing recreational facilities such
as the Schmitz-Maki Arena, Outdoor Pool and the Rambling River Center.
11. Work with adjacent cities, townships and Dakota County to develop an
interconnected regional trail system providing connections to regional parks.
12. Acquire land in a manner that maximizes the size of parks when possible.
13. Explore opportunities to expand youth, teen, adaptive, adult and senior programs
including possible partnerships with other organizations or governmental agencies.
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Section 3 Community Background
Farmington has a relatively short history in regards to having a parks and recreation systems plan
in place. In this chapter, historical information will be presented that defines what Farmington’s
parks, open space, trails, recreation programs and recreational facilities consist of. The City has
taken a fiscally conservative approach to the funding of park and trail improvements and has
relied on development to pay for the improvements made to parks and trails over the years.
Demographic information has also been included that provides a profile of the community’s
composition.
3.1 City Parks and Recreation: A Historical Perspective
Beginning in the 1970’s, with the acquisition of Rambling River Park, a park and recreation
system was born in the City. Today the City provides 876 acres of parks that consist of active
and passive areas for residents to enjoy. As a result of this growth in the system, a ratio of just
less than 42 acres of park, open space and natural areas for every 1,000 residents has been
provided for residents to enjoy.
As a result of this tremendous increase in the acreage of park, open space and natural areas, it has
demonstrated the City’s commitment to providing an appropriate acreage of parks for City
residents to enjoy. As development has occurred over the years, the City has chosen to develop a
park and recreation system that is diverse. Diversity has occurred through not only the
procurement of active spaces but also through the acquisition of passive spaces that contains
many natural areas that can be accessed through the City’s trail system. The passive and active
spaces have been acquired through the park dedication process, which is a process that allows
cities, by Minnesota Statute, to require developers to dedicate park land within a development
without financial compensation from the City to the developer. As a result, the City has been
able to acquire a significant amount of its park acreage through development that has occurred
since the first park was acquired back in the 1970’s.
The City has been conservative on using property tax dollars for the construction of park and
trail improvements. The City’s park dedication ordinance has provided the impetus for the
funding of park and trail improvements for the past 30 years. In situations where the City did not
require land to be dedicated for a park, the City instead chose to take cash in lieu of the park
land. The cash that was received has been used to complete park and trail improvements in both
new parks and in existing parks. This has created a situation where the City’s property owners
have not had to pay property taxes in order to provide financial support for the improvements
made to City parks and trails.
The City has held a referendum once in the past 35 years for parks and recreation. In 1975 a
referendum was held to construct an ice arena. The ballot measure passed and an ice arena was
subsequently built. Since then the City has investigated bringing several different park and
facility referendums to the voters but none of them in the end materialized. One referendum
formulated in 1997, would have provided a number of outdoor recreational facilities including
the purchase of land for a park. A second referendum idea investigated was the construction of a
community center. A third idea researched was the construction of outdoor recreational facilities.
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3.2. Farmington School District
The School District provides both indoor and outdoor facilities for City residents to access for
recreation. However during the school year, priority is given to School District activities and so
access to the public is limited. The School District currently provides about 90% of the outdoor
facilities for the public to use. All of the School District fields and acreage are contained within
the existing City boundary with the exception of one elementary school that is located in the City
of Lakeville. While the School District facilities are important to note, they serve a population
that is beyond just the City’s boundary. Therefore the facilities and grounds that are owned and
maintained by the school district will be identified but will not be included in the
recommendations that are noted in the 2030 Master Plan.
3.3. Demographic Trends
Spurred on by residential development that surged during the late 1990’s and into the early
2000’s the City’s population has grown substantially since 1990. Due to this growth, the
demographics of the community have changed. The 2000 U.S. Census and the Metropolitan
Council were the two primary sources for the demographic information that was acquired. The
demographic information has been formulated in the following categories:
Population estimates and projections
Age
Gender
Income and Education
Race
City Housing Types
1. Population Estimates and Projections
“Farmington has been one of the fastest growing communities in the Twin Cities
Metropolitan Area.”
Since the 1990 Census, the City’s estimated population as of September 30, 2007 has grown by
250%. Since the 2020 Master Plan was approved in 1998, the population has almost doubled.
The 2000 U.S. Census has estimated that the City is the 56th largest community in Minnesota.
Table 8.3 shows the 1990 Census, 2000 Census, 2006 Census estimated population and a
September 30, 2007 estimated population that was based on Certificates of Occupancies issued
to home builders. Table 8.3 also shows projected populations for 2020 and 2030. If the City
were to completely develop as residential development and without any constraints the
remaining undeveloped land that is currently contained within the City boundaries, it is projected
that the City could achieve a build-out population of 85,272. The projection made an assumption
that certain types of housing were constructed that reflected a certain number of units per acre
built.
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Table 8.3: Farmington’s Population Estimates and Projections
Source: 2000 Census and Metropolitan Council
2. Age
“The community has a younger population than the U.S population.”
The 2000 Census identifies that the City has a median age of 30 years, which compares to a U.S.
median age of 35.3 years. The following is a breakdown of the age makeup of the community’s
population and how it compares to the U.S. average:
Table 8.4: Population by Age City of Farmington and U.S. Comparison 2000
Source: 2000 U.S. Census
Ages Population Number % of Total U.S. Population % Difference
-5 1,424 11.5 6.8 +4.7
5-9 1,251 10.1 7.3 +2.8
10-14 1,055 8.5 7.3 +1.2
15-19 736 6.0 7.2 -1.2
20-24 543 4.4 6.7 -2.3
25-34 2,769 22.4 14.2 +8.2
35-44 2,364 19.1 16.0 +3.1
45-54 1,005 8.1 13.4 -5.3
55-64 525 4.3 8.6 -4.3
65+ 693 5.6 12.5 -6.9
Total 12,365 100.0 100.0
The demographic makeup of the population age when compared to the characteristics of the
national population indicates that there are a higher percentage of individuals in the 5-15, 25-34
and 35-44 age categories and less in the 15-19, 20-24, 45-54, 55-64 and the 65+ age categories.
The table illustrates that the age of the City’s population has a larger younger population than
what the U.S. average shows. It would appear that this demonstrates that the population of
younger members of the community has grown either because households are moving to
Farmington with young children or that households are moving to the community and are
starting families after moving. The lower the median age, the higher the participation rates are
for most activities. Since the population of Farmington has a higher percentage of a younger
population, it would seem to indicate that a focus for the City in the short term should be on
1990
Census
2000
Census
2006
Census
Estimate
2007
Staff
Estimate
2020
Projection
2030
Projection
Complete
Build-Out
Projection
Population 5,940 12,365 18,207 20,768 27,100 32,000 85,272
15
youth programs and building recreational facilities that provides opportunities for families to
recreate together in family-type activities. Attention should also be paid to the fact that long
term transitional planning for 2030 in Parks and Recreation should focus on the community’s
population becoming older.
3. Gender
“The City’s male to female ratio is higher than the overall U.S population ratio.”
The number of males living in the City is slightly higher than the number of females living in the
City. This male to female ratio may change in the future given the trend that is taking place with
the U.S. population. The male to female ratio shows that the City has a make up of 49.6 percent
of its population being female and 50.4 percent of its population being male. The 2000 census
shows that there is slightly higher percent of females to males in the total population of the U.S.
Table 8.5: Population by Gender Farmington and U.S. Comparison in 2000
Source: 2000 U.S. Census
Gender Population
Number
% of Total U.S.
Population %
Difference
Female 6,130 49.6 50.9 -1.3
Male 6,235 50.4 49.1 +1.3
Total 12,365 100.0 100.0
4. Income and Education
“The median household income in Farmington is higher than the national median
household income.”
Median household income is $61,864 for the City of Farmington, which is about 50% higher
than the national median household income of $41,994. The City also has a higher number of
people who live in a household that are employed in the work force. According to U.S. Census
figures, 79.8% of people who are 16 years and older are employed in the work force. This
compares to the national average of 63.9% of people who are 16 years and older being employed
in the work force. Regarding the poverty level in Farmington, 1.3% of the population in the City
falls below the federal poverty level (defined for a family of four as earning $17,050 or less
annually) while on a national level 9.2% of the U.S. population falls below the poverty level.
What this all means is that the population of the City has a higher number of people in the work
force earning a higher income than what is earned on a national level. A higher amount of
income in a household is a significant factor that drives participation in Parks and Recreation
services.
Regarding the level of education achieved by residents living in Farmington, a higher percentage
of people 25 years and older living in Farmington have completed a high school education than
the U.S. population. 90.4% of Farmington’s population are high school graduates, which
represents a number that is 10% higher when compared to the 80.4% of the U.S. population
being at least a high school graduate. 23.6% have a bachelor’s degree or higher, which is
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slightly lower than the 24.4% of the U.S. population having a bachelor’s degree or higher. It
appears that Farmington has a solid population base that has at least a high school education.
5. Race
“Farmington’s population has little racial diversity.”
A significant majority of the Farmington population is of the white race. Table 4.4 below shows
the racial cross section of the community.
Table 8.6: Racial Makeup of Farmington
Source: 2000 U.S. Census
Racial Group Number of
People
% of entire
population
U.S.
Population %
White 11,824 95.6% 75.1%
Hispanic or
Latino
232 1.9% 12.5%
Asian African
Americans
180 1.5% 3.6%
Black or
African
American
92 0.7% 12.3%
Some other
Race
35 0.6% 5.5%
6. City Housing
Farmington’s housing units have increased by more than 3,000 units since 1999.
Housing types can be a good indicator in determining parks and recreational needs in the
community. While the City has added more single family type housing units than multi family
units since 1999, there has nonetheless been an increase in the overall number of multi family
residential units in the City whether they be owned or rented. There are many different types of
multi-family units that can be built including townhomes, multiplexes and apartment buildings. It
is important to remember that multi family unit neighborhoods become dependent on public
parks as the primary area for play because multi family units generally do not have sizeable
yards. In Farmington there are many multi-family areas that do not have sizeable yards and so
they have become dependent on the use of City parks for play. It will be important that as multi-
family developments occur that the City makes sure that adequate public park space is provided.
The City has added 3,016 new housing units since 1999. 1,250 units of this total are multi-family
units. Table 8.6 below shows the breakdown of the housing types that have been built since
1999.
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Housing Type Units Built % of All Units Built
Single Family 1,766 59%
Multi Family 1,250 41%
Total 3,016 100%
Table 8.6: Housing Types
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Section 4 Public Input and Planning Process
“It is important for the community be given an opportunity to provide input on what vision
it wishes to create for the future of parks and recreation.”
The Department has a history of involving the community in its planning efforts. The
community has participated in public meetings that have been held for such planning processes
as: 2020 Park and Recreation Master Plan, Recreational Facility Needs Study, Community
Center Feasibility Study, Public Facilities Study, park master plans for individual parks, and
Community Visioning for the 2030 Master Plan. The City also completes a community survey
every five years that measures satisfaction with City services. Utilizing input from the public
provides for good government.
4.1 2020 Park and Recreation Master Plan
As part of creating a 2030 Master Plan the goals/issues identified in the previous 2020 Park and
Recreation Master Plan that it created needs to be revisited. By looking back first and
acknowledging its achievements, the City can use these accomplishments as a springboard
forward as it develops a 2030 Master Plan. Through public input, the City created and approved
the 2020 Park and Recreation Master Plan in 1998. Ten years ago, the 2020 Park and Recreation
Master Plan identified 10 goals. A status report of whether or not the ten goals were achieved is
being provided in order to help define future direction for the 2030 Master Plan.
Goal #1: Explore a Centrally Located Community/Regional Park Facility and/or
Recreational Public Lake
Status: A central park location has been identified to be created in a 950+ acre
development site in the northeast area of the City. Acquisition of the park land is
planned to occur through the park dedication process meaning that the City will not have
to pay for the land. Conceptually it has been discussed that the park will contain youth
ball fields and soccer fields. A community center being built on this site has also been
explored. It also will contain other park amenities such as walking trails, picnic shelters
and playground equipment. The community park identified site is adjacent to
approximately a 90+ acre wooded and open space area. While a new Dakota County
regional park is planned to be created in Empire Township, it will not be centrally
located within the City of Farmington border. It will however only be approximately two
miles to the east of the City of Farmington and Empire Township border. It should be
readily and easily accessible either by walking/biking trails or with a vehicle. Since a
centrally located community park has not yet occurred, it seems to make some sense that
a centrally located community park or an increase in community parks in general,
should be addressed somewhere in the 2030 Master Plan that is being created.
Goal #2: Evaluate Existing Parks on a Yearly Basis to Ensure the Parks are Safe, Well
Maintained and Accessible to All Residents; Identify Upgrade Needs to be Included in the 5
Year CIP; Evaluate Current Park and Trail Needs Based on Demographic Forecasts.
Status: A five year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) has been created that identifies a
schedule of when improvements will be made in specific City parks. This process was
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implemented in 2003. There have been sixteen parks that have had a PMP developed
through the end of 2007. The PMP process has used public input to gather information
regarding the amenities and programs that the community would like to see in the park.
The identification of the amenities and program spaces by the public helped create an
estimated budget for the park improvement costs. However due to budget constraints,
City staff, PRAC and the City Council prioritized the improvements based on a smaller
budget than what was estimated and approved for each park during the PMP process. In
some situations though, all of the improvements were completed because the budget was
small enough to accommodate the completion of all improvements. The PMPs that have
been completed thus far for the sixteen parks will be reviewed on an approximate 8-year
cycle. The review will be completed in order to see if the park improvements identified in
the original PMP continue to be priorities for the community. If the improvements are
still a community priority, then depending on the money available, either some or all of
the remaining improvements not completed initially will be completed.
The safety, maintenance and accessibility of the parks are now evaluated on an annual
basis. This occurs several ways. One way it is accomplished is through the Park
Maintenance Division staff holding one staff retreat in the spring and one staff retreat in
the fall to discuss the condition of each park from a maintenance and safety point of view
and then developing an annual work plan to address any issues related to safety,
maintenance and/or accessibility. A second way this is being accomplished was through
a training priority identified during the 2004 and 2005 budget process to send Park
Maintenance Division staff to playground safety training school offered by the NRPA
National Playground Safety Institute. Staff had not previously been trained on how to
identify safety issues when inspecting playground equipment. As a result of this training,
staff members now regularly inspect and document the condition of playground
equipment. Staff members have corrected a number of playground safety issues as a
result of the training received. Accessibility seemed to be an issue to the City’s parks.
Since 2004 paved trails have been constructed in parks that provide excellent access to
park structures. Pea gravel is being removed from playground sites and new engineered
wood fiber is being installed in its place. The engineered wood fiber meets the Federal
Access Board requirements for an accessible surface to playground equipment. The
wood fiber also meets safety surfacing requirements for playground equipment.
Accessibility issues to existing park structures along with corrective actions are being
identified when PMP’s are created.
Goal #3: Present and Restore the Vermillion River Corridor and Acquire Properties
Abutting the River When They Become Available.
Status: Through the shore land protection ordinance and new park dedication
requirements, the Vermillion River Corridor is being protected and preserved. This was
seen in the Vermillion River Crossing commercial development review process that
occurred in 2004 and 2005. Through careful scrutiny by City staff, consultants, and
other governmental agencies such as the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
and Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District staff, land adjacent to
Vermillion River Corridor was protected and preserved as open space. There will be
additional development that will occur along the Vermillion River and within the City
border that will need to be acquired and preserved. Because the City has shoreland
20
protection and park dedication ordinances in place, the acquisition and preservation of
Vermillion River should continue to occur.
Goal #4: Assess Current Park Development Trends; Develop a Variety of Park Facilities.
Status: This is being accomplished through the hiring of a consultant who has worked
with City staff and the public in developing PMPs. The PMPs created thus far are a
reflection of the trends that are occurring in the area of park development including the
amenities and facilities that are being planned for future construction.
Goal #5: Assess Current Recreational Trends; Develop a Variety of Recreational Activities.
Status: Recreation Division staff members have developed a variety of new recreational
activities. They have formed a partnership with other municipal Park and Recreation
Departments to provide an adult soccer league and special events. A new skate park was
created to allow youth the opportunity to skateboard, which has become a popular
alternative activity for youth. There have been new programs created at the Rambling
River Center for older adults. These new programs include weight training,
cardiovascular equipment training, aerobics, tai chi and a model railroad club.
Goal #6: Explore the Construction of a Recreational Water Park and/or Community
Center.
Status: City staff worked with the community to gather information and feedback from
the community regarding the construction of a community center. Several committees
were assembled and had representation from various interests from the community. One
committee assembled in 2004 completed a community center feasibility study that looked
at the size and spaces that should be included in a community center. The committee also
conducted a survey of the community that showed there was support for a new community
center. A second committee, assembled in mid-2005, further studied a community center
by analyzing sites, partnerships and the phasing of a community center that would
include certain spaces within the first phase of construction. This second committee also
conceptually planned what a community center could look like based on the spaces
identified to be included in the first phase of construction. The Committee brought
forwarded this information and made a recommendation to the City Council in early
2006. The City Council subsequently determined that it was not the appropriate time to
construct a community center. While an outdoor pool has not been discussed in great
detail, it nonetheless should be discussed and addressed as part of the first phase of a
community center and whether or not the first phase should include an indoor pool or an
attached outdoor pool. A Facility Master Plan Study was also completed for several city
facilities including the outdoor pool. The study showed that the existing outdoor pool
facility is in poor condition and needs significant improvements including a new
bathhouse, pool shell and pool deck. A PMP created for Evergreen Knoll Park identifies
the existing outdoor pool being replaced with a spray ground or splash pad in the park
should an indoor or outdoor pool be built as part of a community center. It seems to
make sense that a potential community center and/or water park should be addressed
somewhere in the 2030 Master Plan that is being created.
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Goal #7: Evaluate Future Expansion or Relocation of the Farmington Senior Center.
Status: The City has evaluated the existing Rambling River Center through two studies.
The first study that was completed late in 2005 was a Facility Master Plan Study that
reviewed the present condition of the existing facility. The recommendation based on the
facility study stated that the City should continue to defer maintenance on the building
but should identify the replacement of the mechanical equipment in the capital
improvement plan. It further stated that creating senior space in a community center
would be a viable alternative to using the existing building given its age. The community
center committee that is currently analyzing spaces seems to favor the inclusion of senior
space in a new community center.
There have been several improvements completed in the past several years that have in
the short term addressed space issues. New staff offices were constructed that provided
more and separate space for full and part-time staff. Another improvement that was
completed was constructing a fitness room by dividing a large meeting room space into
separate space for fitness equipment and reducing the meeting room space. As a result of
new offices being constructed, the opportunity presented itself to move computer
equipment into a new computer lab that was created from the former staff office space.
New computer hardware (including a laser printer) and software were purchased from
fundraising efforts and from other donations.
The ordinance that pertains to the creation of a Senior Advisory Board was amended in
2004-2005 to change the name from the Senior Center Advisory Board to the Rambling
River Center Advisory Board. The ordinance was also amended to identify that the
Rambling River Center Advisory Board forward recommendations to the PRAC
concerning the Rambling River Center. Previously the Rambling River Center Advisory
Board forwarded recommendations directly to the City Council.
Goal #8: Work with Dakota County, Independent School District 192, Surrounding
Communities, the City’s Boards and Commissions and Private and/or Non-Profit
Organizations on Developing Joint Ventures for Recreational Parks, Open Spaces,
Facilities and Trails Systems.
Status: In 200, the PRAC met with the City of Rosemount Park and Recreation
Commission, the Empire Township Park and Recreation Commission and the Lakeville
Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Committee to discuss common issues and to
look at possible partnerships that could be formed. The meetings with Empire Township
and Lakeville appeared to be especially beneficial as trail alignments were discussed so
future trails could be constructed in such a manner that a trail leading from one
community to the next would be seamless. It was determined that these initial meetings
were very beneficial from the standpoint that neighboring communities were no longer
planning in a vacuum but rather were sharing information that should help neighboring
communities better plan together for a comprehensive and regional trail system.
Dakota County staff members attended several PRAC meetings informing them about the
regional park that was identified in Empire Township and asked for their support for the
regional park. PRAC and City Council members both endorsed the location of a new
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regional park in Empire Township. The regional park location was approved by the
County Commissioners and acquisition of the property is underway.
Goal #9: Explore Alternative Revenue Sources to Generate Additional Funds for Park
Improvements
Status: Traditional and alternative funding sources have become more difficult to come
by. The City’s Park Dedication Ordinance was amended and as part of the amendments,
a new park development fee was created that requires a developer to contribute funds
that are to be used in the new development that will help pay for half of the cost to
construct a new park or trails.
The PRAC has looked at alternative funding sources and is weighing whether or not to
propose a dedicated funding amount from the general levy that would go into the Park
Improvement Fund.
One of the alternative funding sources that emerged in the past years is the annual
transfer of 50% of the profits from the liquor store operations after the Arena subsidy has
been made. Annually $40,000-$50,000 has been transferred from the liquor store
operations to the Park Improvement Fund. It is hoped that this amount will continue to
increase as the Farmington liquor stores have positioned themselves well for growth by
leasing larger store space along Pilot Knob and in the City Center development. It seems
to make sense that alternative funding sources should be addressed somewhere in the
2030 Master Plan that is being created.
Goal #10: Evaluate Future Expansion of the Farmington Civic Arena.
Status: The City initiated a feasibility study to analyze whether or not the arena could be
expanded on vacant City property to the east of the existing arena. Phase I of the study
showed that the site was not big enough to accommodate the parking as required by City
Code and also that a significant portion of the property was in the 100 year flood plain
and would need to be filled in order to allow the construction of a second sheet of ice.
While it is possible to fill the flood plain, it is also very expensive because of the cost to
haul material in as well as to mitigate the loss of flood plain by creating flood plain
elsewhere along the Vermillion River. Additionally the site was not large enough to
accommodate the storage of storm water runoff due to its immediate adjacency to the
Vermillion River, which has been classified by the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources as a protected trout stream.
4.2 Recreational Facility Needs Study
In 2003-2004 a Recreational Facility Needs Study was completed with the assistance of
Ingraham and Associates, a professional planning firm. A 19 member Recreational Facility
Study Task Force was created that consisted of community representation from various youth
sports organizations, senior citizen, Farmington School District staff, Farmington School Board
member, a member of the clergy, Dakota County Fair Board, daycare provider, Farmington
Chamber of Commerce, City staff members, Farmington City Council members and other at-
large members from the community not affiliated with any organization. The Task Force’s
primary role was to prepare and submit a final report back to the City Council that would provide
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key recommendations concerning the future direction of recreational facilities. As a result of this
almost one year study, five key recreational facility priorities were identified:
Priority #1: Prepare a community center feasibility study including space needs, location,
partnerships and cost estimates.
Priority #2: Identify sites for separate youth and adult sports complexes with approximately
40-60 acres for each site.
Priority #3: Prepare a park system plan that identifies sites for major facilities.
Priority #4: Build community gyms in a community center in partnership with the school
district or through public/private partnerships.
Priority #5: Expand trail network and connections.
4.3 Community Center Feasibility Study
In 2004, and as a result of the Recreational Facility Needs Study, the City Council authorized
addressing the recommendation of completing a Community Center Feasibility Study
(Feasibility Study). Ballard King and Associates, a consulting firm experienced with community
center maintenance and operations, was hired to complete the Feasibility Study. A Community
Center Feasibility Study Steering Committee (Steering Committee) was created that consisted of
various community members that were similar in makeup to the Recreational Facility Needs
Study Task Force. The Steering Committee spent time addressing various types of recreational
spaces that could be contained within a community center that would best fit the current and
long-term needs of the community. The Feasibility Study also completed a community survey, a
market analysis of the primary and secondary markets and developed a proforma for the
operation and maintenance of a community center.
A Community Attitude and Citizen Interest Survey was conducted by Leisure Vision in
November and December 2004 as part of a Community Center Feasibility Study that was
initiated in 2004 and completed in 2005. Leisure Vision was subcontracted by Ballard King and
Associates to administer the survey. As a result of this survey, feedback and input was obtained
from the community regarding indoor and outdoor recreational facilities. 1,523 surveys were first
distributed by mail to randomly selected households. In order to have a high return rate on the
survey, Leisure Vision was to make a follow up phone call to encourage respondents to return a
completed survey. The goal was to have at least 300 surveys completed and returned to Leisure
Vision. This goal was far exceeded with 594 surveys being completed and returned. This
resulted in a return rate of 39%. The results of the random sample of 594 households had a 95%
level of confidence with a precision of at least +/- 4.0%. While the survey questions focused
primarily on indoor facilities and specifically on a community center, there were several
questions related to parks and outdoor recreational facilities. The following summarizes the
feedback received from the community survey:
Survey respondents indicated that 84% of households use City parks, significantly higher than
the national benchmark of 72%. 45% of the survey respondents indicated their households are
currently using indoor recreation facilities. However, only 32% of the households using
recreation facilities feel the existing facilities meet their needs. Household use of a new
community center that had an indoor pool was very high with 71% of the survey respondents
indicating their household would use the facility at least a few times per month. The survey
results also indicated there was a strong community need and support for developing more
natural areas and paved trails. It should be noted that many of the stakeholder interviewed also
24
identified a need for more sports fields (soccer, baseball, softball and football). Overall, 37% of
the survey respondents felt the development of a community center was either a very high
priority or high priority compared to other issues facing the City.
Based on the discussion by the Steering Committee and the results of a statistically valid
community attitudes and interests survey that was completed by ETC Leisure Vision from
Olathe, Kansas, the following components were recommended to the City Council to be included
in the construction of a community center:
Aquatics Area
Gymnasium
Indoor Turf Area
Walking/Jogging Track
Indoor Playground
Weight and Cardiovascular Area
Aerobics and Dance Studio
Auxiliary Fitness Area
Multipurpose Room
Youth Fitness Area
Birthday Party Rooms
Rock Climbing
Game Room
Senior Center Area
Babysitting Area
Lobby
Park and Recreation Department Offices
Storage
The City Council accepted the final report of the Feasibility Study and then approved a request to
complete a Conceptual Planning Study of a community center that would include completing the
following items:
Develop a building footprint
Identify a preferred site
Estimate construction costs
Develop a conceptual site plan (including indoor and outdoor recreational facilities)
Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik and Associates consulting firm was subsequently hired to complete
the Conceptual Planning Study of a community center. A Community Center Conceptual
Planning Study Task Force (Task Force) was formed to complete the conceptual planning and
forward a recommendation to the City Council. The Task Force consisted of two members from
the following groups:
City Council
Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
Rambling River Center Advisory Board (City’s advisory board for senior citizens)
Farmington School District (one staff member and one school board member)
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City staff (City Administrator and Parks and Recreation Director)
The Task Force completed the study of the four identified items and forwarded a
recommendation to the PRAC approving the conceptual development plan for a community
center. The PRAC forwarded a recommendation to the City Council to accept the community
center conceptual development plan and to move forward with a referendum for a community
center. The City Council determined that due to other projects having a higher priority and
because of the cost to construct a community center it was not the right time to go to referendum.
The community center project was postponed until a later date.
4.4 Public Facilities Study
A public facilities study was completed by Wold Architects and Engineers in 2005.
Recreational facilities reviewed during the study included the Rambling River Center, outdoor
pool and the Schmitz-Maki Arena. The content of this study will be covered more in detail in
Section 7 – Recreational Facilities.
4.5 Citizen’s Satisfaction Survey
A survey was completed in 2006 that accomplished three objectives:
1. Gather feedback and identify issues and concerns faced by City residents.
2. Determine what residents like most about living in the City of Farmington.
3. Gather opinions about public safety and parks and recreation.
A total of 500 phone interviews in the community were completed. The methodology used to
conduct the survey produced a statistically reliable survey. The Citizen’s Satisfaction Survey
contained 25 questions, which of this total, 4 questions were related solely to the Department. In
addition to these four questions dedicated to the Department, there were several other questions
that included the Department as one of the responses to the question. The following is a
summary of the questions asked and responses received relating to the satisfaction with the
Department:
Question #8 Which City department have you had the most contact with during the past
year? The Department had the most frequent contact with survey participants. Twenty three
percent (23%) of participants surveyed said they had the most contact with the Department. The
responses showed that females had more contact with the Department than males did. 60% of the
respondents that identified that they had the most contact with the Department were under the
age of 45 years. Households with incomes between $70,000-$89,999 had the most contact.
Question #17 What information on the web site did you find most useful?
The Department area of the website was mentioned as one of the two areas mentioned most often
as useful. Twenty two percent (22%) of the respondents identified the Department’s area of the
web site as most useful. Only City News/Information was higher at twenty four percent (24%).
Question #22 If you or any members of your household have used City parks within the
past 12 months, how would you rate the quality of the parks?
A four point scale was used with a rating of 1 meaning poor, a rating of 2 meaning fair, a rating
of 3 meaning good and a rating of 4 meaning excellent. 77% of the respondents said that the
26
quality of parks was either good or excellent. 14% of the respondents said that they had not used
the parks in the past year.
Question #23 Which type of park should be the top priority for development in Farmington
during the next five years?
Thirty one percent (31%) of the respondents felt that large community parks with athletic fields
should be the top priority. Twenty seven percent (27%) of respondents said that natural or open
space should be the top priority. Twenty seven percent (27%) of respondents said that
neighborhood parks should be the top priority. Only nine percent (9%) of respondents said that
small mini-parks should be the top priority.
Question #24 In the past 12 months, if you or any of your household have participated in
recreational programs offered by the City, how would you rate the experience?
Again using a four point scale of 1 being poor and 4 being excellent, forty three percent (43%) of
respondents felt that the experience was either good or excellent. Only six percent (6%) of
respondents felt that the experience was either fair or poor. Surprisingly fifty one percent (51%)
of the respondents had not participated in any recreational program offered by the City in the
past year.
Question #25 If you or any members of your household have used any City trails in the last
12 months, how would you rate the quality of the trails?
Sixty six percent (61%) of respondents indicated that they would rate the quality of trails as
either good or excellent. Only seven percent (7%) rated the quality of trails as either fair or poor.
Twenty seven percent (27%) of respondents indicated that they had not used City trails in the
past year.
Overall it appears that the community is satisfied with the types of services that the Department
provides to the community. The survey seems to indicate that the direction the City should take
includes the following:
1. Increased marketing of recreational programs should be made to the community
making the community more aware of what is offered in order to encourage more
residents to participate.
2. More diverse programs should be offered to the community in order to meet what
appears to be a broad base of recreational interests in the community.
3. Trails should be marketed more to the community, which should include educating
the community about the City’s trail system through the use of an updated trails
map.
4. When acquiring land for new City parks, larger parks should be the focus.
5. The City should continue to focus on maintenance of its existing parks in order to
create safe and attractive parks that encourage the community to use them.
4.6 Community Visioning
It is important that the community be given an opportunity to provide comments and input on
creating a future vision of parks and recreation. Two primary methods were used to gather
public input during the updating of the 2030 Master Plan. The first was by holding public
meetings in the spring of 2007 that resulted in the community providing input on the vision that
it wished to create for the 2030 Master Plan. The second was through a questionnaire that was
27
provided to youth sports groups through the Farmington Youth Athletic Association in order to
gain information about their perceived recreational facility, parks, trails and recreation program
needs. A summary of these two primary public input processes follows.
1. Public Open House Meetings
Public open houses were held in January and February 2007. During these visioning sessions,
community members reviewed the 2020 Comprehensive Plan and were asked to evaluate the
2020 Comprehensive Plan policies. There were 10 primary goals that were identified in the 2020
Park and Recreation Master Plan that were reviewed above in this section. In addition to the
these 10 goals, there were also strategies that addressed parks, trails, open space and recreation
program under the over-arching 34 goals for the entire 2020 Comprehensive Plan. Participants
were asked to select one of the three following choices: yes if the goal should be carried over
into the 2030 Comprehensive Plan; no if the goal should not be carried over into the 2030
Comprehensive Plan; or no answer if they did not want to select either yes or no.
Participants who attended the public open house meetings overwhelmingly supported goals and
strategies identifying the preservation of open space, natural areas and environmentally sensitive
areas. In almost all situations more than 80% were in support of continuing to identify the
preservation of open space, natural areas and environmentally sensitive areas in the 2030
Comprehensive Plan. Most important elements cited that should be preserved were areas that
contained steep slopes, streams, wooded areas, and wetlands.
Goals and strategies that contained reference to trail and sidewalk connections that are pedestrian
friendly received a favorable response more than 80% of the time that participants approved
carrying the goals and strategies related to trail and sidewalk connections over into the 2030
Comprehensive Plan. Interestingly trails, sidewalks and pedestrian connections received the
highest response on a strategy related to pedestrian friendly new neighborhoods where 97% of
the participants felt that this should be carried over as a strategy for the 2030 Comprehensive
Plan. More than 80% of participants responded favorably to having goals and strategies related
to the preservation and protection of stream corridors as a greenway that would serve as a trail
connection between parks, residential areas, schools and businesses.
Arts and culture did not seem to rank as high as a goal and strategy to carry over into the 2030
Comprehensive Plan. In almost all situations related to goals and strategies that dealt with arts
and culture, typically 56% or less of participants felt that arts and culture goals and strategies
should be carried over to the 2030 Comprehensive Plan.
Participants felt that the goal of having 20 acres of parks per 1,000 residents should be carried
over to the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. Regarding how many acres of park land should be
attained by 2020, 66% of participants felt that the Goal of having 542 acres of park land by 2020
should be carried forward into the 2030 Comprehensive Plan.
The community green idea for the Central District that was created in the 2020 Comprehensive
Plan received very little support to be carried over as a goal or strategy. In most cases where the
community green idea was identified in a goals or strategies, 30% or less of the participants
favored it being part of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan.
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A centrally located community or regional park seemed to be a goal that the participants favored
as a future goal. In the four strategies developed for locating a community or regional park, the
responses ranged from 78-85% in favor of carrying forward the idea of finding a location for a
community or regional park as a goal in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan.
Regarding park and trail improvements, participants felt strongly about carrying over goals and
objectives related to funding and making improvements to parks and trails. 78% favored
addressing the continued evaluation of park improvements including identifying the
improvements in a 5 year Capital Improvement Program. Strategies related to developing a
variety of park facilities favorably scored between 83-85% to be continued as a goal in the 2030
Comprehensive Plan.
Recreational facility improvements were also favored to be continued to be addressed in the
2030 Comprehensive Plan. The Rambling River Center expansion strategies that were identified
scored between 80-83% to be carried forward. The future expansion of the Farmington Civic
Arena goal received between a 66-77% favorable response to include in the 2030
Comprehensive Plan. Exploring construction of a water park or community center continues to
be favored as a goal to include as well.
2. Input Questionnaire
Solicitation of input at the public open houses and from youth sports groups occurred through a
four question survey that was provided at the first public visioning session and to the Farmington
Youth Athletic Association member organizations. Youth sports organized under the
organizational umbrella include the following:
Traveling Baseball In-House Baseball
Traveling Basketball Hockey Association
Football Volleyball Club
Tigersharks Swim Club Traveling Soccer
Recreational Soccer Tri-County Figure Skating Club
Girls Fastpitch Association Track and Field/Cross Country
Wrestling Club
There were nineteen surveys that were returned. The following four questions were asked on the
survey:
1. Identify the three biggest issues facing parks, trails, recreational facilities and/or
programs.
The most common responses to this question were the following:
Shortage of outdoor recreational facilities
Shortage of indoor recreational facilities
Outdated recreational facilities
2. Identify three things that you like best about the City’s parks, trails, recreational
facilities and/or programs.
The most common responses to this question were as follows:
Trails that connect the City of Farmington
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Adequate parks and locations
Wide variety of good programs
Well maintained natural areas & trails
Facilities are old but are kept clean and in good order
3. Identify three new things that should be added to the City’s parks, trails, recreational
facilities and/or programs either that we don’t have or that we need more of.
The most common responses to this question were the following items:
More Recreation Facilities/parks (for all seasons with full amenities, fields, outdoor rinks,
warming houses, tennis courts etc.)
More trails or sidewalks and parks
4. If you were to leave the City and come back in 25 years what changes in the parks, trails,
recreational facilities and recreational programs would you expect to see.
The most common responses to this question were as follows:
A community center
Well maintained recreational facilities, parks & trails
Preserved natural areas and the environment
As a result of this survey, the responses seem to indicate the following:
there is interest in more indoor and outdoor recreational facilities being built in the City
trails and parks are important to the community
the City should acquire more parks that feature natural areas/open space so that they can
be preserved for future use
well maintained recreational facilities, parks and trails is important
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Section 5. Parks and Open Space
Section 5 will provide an overview of the City’s parks and open space system. The section will
depict the location and the acreage of existing parks and open spaces found within the City
boundary. It will also provide a description of the location of a proposed Dakota County
Regional Park in Empire Township that is in close proximity to Farmington and how access
might be provided through Farmington to this proposed regional park. In addition, the Dakota
County Fairgrounds lies just south of the City and just outside the City boundary. While this
property is not owned by the City, it does provide events that are available to City residents to
easily access.
In order to better understand how the City is currently positioned with its park and open space
system, a parks inventory was completed that identifies amenities contained within each of the
City’s parks. The parks inventory will be used to assess if the City currently has any deficiencies
with any national standards that have been developed by the NRPA. These standards are
primarily based on having certain park amenities within a certain distance of residents.
Since the development of the 2020 Master Plan, the City has undertaken a process of developing
a master plan for each of the City’s existing parks. This process utilized public input that shaped
and defined what amenities should be included in the park and more precisely where each of the
amenities should be located in the park. The master plans that have been completed thus far for
each park are included in the Appendix of the 2030 Master Plan.
Through the completion of the master planning of each individual City park, the City has been
able to identify a cost to make improvements to parks. Not only is there a cost estimate of what
it will take to improve a park to meet the master plan that has been created but it also has
provided the City with what the total cost will be to improve all parks to the level identified in
each of the individual park master plans. Financial detail in this section will include:
1. A five year Capital Improvement Plan for parks and trails
2. A table that will identify the following:
if a park master plan has been created and approved
the associated master plan improvements that funds have been spent on since 2003
and the total amount spent on the improvements that have been completed in each
park
the improvements shown on the approved master plan that have not been completed
and what the remaining costs are to complete those improvements
This section will include an analysis and mapping of the location of future parks and open space
so that as development occurs, a plan may be followed that provides for a park and open space
system that meets national standards related to park size, location and are easily accessible either
by vehicle, walking or biking.
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5.1 Classifications
Parks and open space can be classified according to type and size. One classification system that
has been created by the NRPA defines parks according to the acreage contained within the park.
Park and open space can also be classified by the features it possesses that make it distinct from
other areas. Table 8.7 explains the classifications of parks and open space.
Table 8.7 Park and Open Space Classifications
Classification of
Park
Types of Use Service
Area
Standard
Size Site Distinctions
Mini-Park Small park area that
serves smaller
population or a specific
group
¼ mile or
less
Less than one acre Located close to the
neighborhood and
population that it serves
Neighborhood
Park
Larger park than mini-
park it provided an area
that can be used for
active and passive play
½ mile or
less
More than one acre up
to 40 acres
Easy access primarily
through walking or biking to
residents living in a
neighborhood
Community Park Larger park than a
neighborhood park it
contains both passive
and active spaces that
can be used for a
diverse number of
activities
Up to 2
miles
40 acres and up to 200
acres
Captures unique larger
environmental features or
terrain allows for intense
development of recreational
facilities
Regional Park
(owned and
maintained by the
Dakota County
Park system)
Large park area that is
used primarily for
passive, outdoor
recreation and
exploring the natural
environment
1 hour or
less drive
time
200 acres or more Natural resource based that
include features such as:
bodies of water, fauna,
woodlands, river/stream and
topography
Linear Park/
Greeenway
Area that provide
transportation linkage
or connections through
the following possible
modes: hiking, biking,
boating, snowmobiling
and cross country
skiing
No current
radius
identified
No specific number of
acres but width of linear
park should be
sufficient to protect the
environment for
wildlife while
providing maximum
use
Captures areas that occur
naturally along streams and
rivers or are a result of
constructed right of ways or
utility easements that
provide connections to
parks, open space, schools
and commercial areas
Open Space Area that provides
habitat for wildlife and
passive space for
viewing natural areas
that includes features
such as storm water
ponds, wetlands,
wooded areas and
native/ natural
vegetation
No current
radius
identified
No specific number of
acres but adequate size
is needed so that the
area can sustain itself
Located within close
proximity of the community
that captures natural
resources
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5.2 Regional Parks
While the City’s park system in composed of primarily neighborhood and community parks, it is
important to note that the City does have a need for access to regional parks. The current closest
regional park to Farmington is Lebanon Hills Regional Park that is located in Eagan, Minnesota.
However recently, the Metropolitan Council has approved creating a new regional park in
Empire Township that will be owned and maintained by Dakota County. The park location will
be approximately less than two miles from the City of Farmington’s municipal boundary. The
future regional park will be accessible off of Dakota County Road 66. There are also two future
regional trails that are planned to be constructed that will connect to the regional park. One of
the regional trails will run parallel with South Creek and will extend from Lakeville through
Farmington and will connect to the other regional trail planned to be constructed along the
Vermillion River, which will connect to the new regional park in Empire Township. Section 8
Trails and Greenways will address the regional trail system that has been identified by the
Metropolitan Council to be created through the City of Farmington.
5.3 Existing Conditions
Table 8.8 below shows in comparison the growth of park acreage by classification since the
previous master plan was created and approved in 1998.
Table 8.8: Park Acreage by Classification
Classification of Park 1998 Acreage 2007 acreage Acreage Difference
Mini Parks 0 3.3 +3.3
Neighborhood Parks 57 133.6 +76.2
Community Park 164 252.7 +88.64
Regional Park 0 0 0
Linear Park/Greenway Not identified 246.52 NA
Open Space Not identified 239.5 NA
Table 8.13 Farmington’s Parks and Open Space Inventory that is found in the Appendix
provides a review of the 41 park and open spaces areas that are contained within the City and the
amenities found in each park. 23 of these areas are parks and 18 areas are considered open space
or natural areas. Of the 23 park areas 19 have been developed with the remaining 4 park areas
being planned to be developed within the next 2-5 years. Park and open space acreage currently
totals 876 acres with 436 acres of the total acreage being either a mini-park, neighborhood park
or community park that utilize well maintained spaces allowing the community to be active in
them. The remaining 440 acres are open space that utilizes natural areas for passive recreation.
While most of the open space acreage is accessible by the City’s trail system some acreage has
been set aside as inaccessible in order to either protect its sensitive environment or due to its
location as a storm water pond area. The City’s current policy is to have at least 20 acres of park
acreage per 1,000 residents. Given the current park acreage of 436 acres and the current
estimated population of 18,589 people, the City is currently providing 23.57 acres per 1,000
people. The City does not have a current policy of open space and natural area acreage per 1,000
residents. It will be important to set some type of policy related to preserving open space and
natural areas for the residents to experience and enjoy. It is being proposed that at least 20
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acres of open space and natural area be set aside for every 1,000 residents. If this policy were to
be implemented, this would mean that given the City’s current estimated population of 18,589,
the City would have 23.78 acres of open space and natural areas per 1,000 residents.
5.4 Needs Analysis
It is important to analyze the current inventory of recreational facilities that are owned by the
City that were shown in Table 8.13 and compare them with the minimum number of recreational
facilities that are recommended by the NRPA based on a community’s population. Table 8.9
below shows the comparison and identifies where the recreational facility deficiencies currently
occur in the City.
Table 8.9: City of Farmington’s Recreation Facility Inventory and NRPA Minimum Standards
Based on Population
Item Baseball/
Softball
Fields
Soccer
Fields
Playgrounds Football
Fields
Tennis
Courts
Outdoor
Volleyball
Courts
Basketball
Courts
Hockey Indoor
Gym
Courts
City Facility 11 0 16 0 2 7 12 3 0
NRPA
Facility
Minimum
Standards
based on
population
1/1,250 1/3,333 1/park 1/20,000 1/2,000 1/5,000 1/5,000 1/3,000 1/10,000
2007
Estimated
population
or parks
20,768 20,768 21 20,768 20,768 20,768 20,768 20,768 20,768
NRPA
Minimum
standard
based on
2007
estimated
population
or number of
parks
17 6 21 1 10 4 4 7 2
Currently
(under) over
NRPA
minimum
standard
(6) (6) (5) (1) (8) 3 8 (4) (2)
2020
Estimated
population
or parks
27,100 27,100 25 27,100 27,100 27,100 27,100 27,100 27,100
NRPA
Minimum
standard
based
estimated
population
or number of
parks
22 8 21 1 14 5 5 9 2
2020 (under)
over NRPA
minimum
standards
(11) (8) (9) (1) (12) 2 7 (6) (2)
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2030
Estimated
population
or parks
32,000 32,000 30 32,000 32,000 32,000 32,000 32,000 32,000
NRPA
Minimum
standard
based on
estimated
population
or number of
parks
26 10 30 1 16 6 6 11 3
2030 (under)
over NRPA
minimum
standards
(15) (10) (14) (1) (14) 1 6 (8) (3)
Based on the above analysis that uses NRPA minimum standards developed for recreational
facilities, the City currently does not meet the minimum standards in 7 of the 9 recreational
facility categories. In the years 2020 and 2030, it shows that the City will become even more
deficient with meeting the minimum recreational facility standards unless it continues to add
more facilities as the park and open space system grows.
The School District also owns and maintains recreational facilities. It is important to note that
when School District facilities are combined with Table 8.9 the number of facilities in each
category is brought to a level where minimum standards are being met. However it should be
noted that because the City does not own these facilities, it has no control over the maintenance
or scheduling of these facilities. The issue then is that school district facilities are not always
available for public use and are concentrated at a few school sites. School District facilities also
serve a larger service area that covers the entire school district boundaries, which are outside the
City’s boundaries. Table 8.10 is being used to merely illustrate that the School District does
provide recreational facilities that adds to the overall inventory of recreational facilities available
to the community.
Table 8.10: City of Farmington and Farmington School District’s Combined Recreation
Facility Inventory and NRPA Minimum Standards Based on Population
Item Baseball/
Softball
Fields
Soccer
Fields
Playgrounds Football
Fields
Tennis
Courts
Outdoor
Volleyball
Courts
Basketball
Courts
Hockey Indoor
Gym
Courts
City
Facilities
11 0 16 0 2 7 12 3 0
School
District
Facilities
19 8 3 1 20 0 16 0 24
NRPA
Facility
Minimum
Standards
based on
population
1/1,250 1/3,333 1/park 1/20,000 1/2,000 1/5,000 1/5,000 1/3,000 1/10,000
2007
Estimated
population
or parks
20,768 20,768 21 20,768 20,768 20,768 20,768 20,768 20,768
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NRPA
Minimum
standard
based on
2007
estimated
population
or number of
parks
17 6 21 1 10 4 4 7 2
Current
(under) over
NRPA
minimum
standard
13 2 (2) 0 12 3 24 (4) 22
2020
Estimated
population
or parks
27,100 27,100 25 27,100 27,100 27,100 27,100 27,100 27,100
NRPA
Minimum
standard
based
estimated
population
or number of
parks
22 8 21 1 14 5 5 9 2
2020 (under)
over NRPA
minimum
standards
8 0 (6) 0 8 2 23 (6) 22
2030
Estimated
population
or parks
32,000 32,000 30 32,000 32,000 32,000 32,000 32,000 32,000
NRPA
Minimum
standard
based on
estimated
population
or number of
parks
26 10 30 1 16 6 6 11 3
2030 (under)
over NRPA
minimum
standards
4 (2) (11) 0 6 1 22 (8) 21
In looking at the balance of recreational facilities provided by the City and School District, it is
difficult to make a fair comparison because facilities at the School District are indoor and
outdoor. What can be determined about the analysis is that the City lacks an adequate number of
indoor recreational facilities and lacks adequate outdoor recreational facilities in certain areas.
The City does not have an adequate number of outdoor recreational facilities such as soccer
fields, hockey rinks and ball fields to meet the minimum NRPA standards. This is important to
note as the current need for these types of recreational facilities have been made known to the
City through community surveys that have been completed over the past several years and from
youth sports organizations.
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5.5 Park Improvements
The City prides itself in utilizing a public input process to gather input and feedback on the
development of park master plans since 2003. As a result, 14 out of the current 21 City parks
have approved master plans created that provide a long range (15 years or more) vision for these
parks. The public input process for the 14 parks that have been master planned consisted of
inviting residents within 350 feet of the park. While the attendance at the public meetings
ranged from very few people to many people depending on the type of improvements identified
and whether or not neighbors were concerned about the improvements, the important thing to
remember is that the approved master plans for the individual City parks reflect improvements
that were identified during the public input process.
The public input process for community parks consisted of inviting local youth and adult sports
organizations to participate in the planning of the parks. The City currently has master plans for
two future community parks. Land for one of the community parks will contain a youth athletic
complex and will be given to the City as part of the 965 acre development called Fairhill
Development. The other community park that has been master planned is located on land just to
the south of the Mystic Meadows First Addition development and park land will be given to the
City when this land is developed in the future.
Creation of the individual park master plans has provided the source of information for the
timeline to complete the improvements as identified in the five-year Capital Improvement Plan
(CIP). The strategy has been to first create a master plan for a park and then in the following
year make improvements to the park. The City has taken the approach to try and complete all
improvements identified in the master plans for new parks provided there is sufficient funding in
the Park Improvement Fund (PIF). Table 8.2 below, previously shown in the Executive
Summary Section, shows the City’s five year CIP.
Table 8.2: Five Year Parks and Trail Improvement Budget
Name of Park and Projects 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Vermillion Grove Park: boardwalk
construction
$55,000
Farmington Preserve Park:
playground, shelter, basketball court,
turf seeding, prairie restoration,
signage, trails and site amenities
$100,000
North Creek Park: playground,
shelter with warming house, turf
seeding, fishing dock, trails, site
amenities, hockey and pleasure
skating rinks and park signage
$125,000
Meadowview Park: boardwalk
construction
$20,000
Hill Dee Park: playground $45,000
Lake Julia Park: playground,
shelter, trails basketball court and
master plan development
$100,000
Pine Knoll Park: playground,
shelter, basketball court, trails and
master plan development
$85,000
Middle Creek Park: boardwalk $35,000
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construction
Troy Hill Park: playground, gazebo
and master plan development
$50,000
Prairieview Park: basketball court,
shelter, trails and master plan
development
$50,000
Fairhills Park: shelter, playground
equipment, basketball court and
master plan development
$50,000
Town Square Park: gazebo,
landscaping, playground, site
amenities, sculptures and master plan
development
$250,000
Rambling River Park: master plan
development, playground, shelter,
trails, amphitheatre, prairie
restoration, sculptures
$1,000,000
Mystic Meadows Development
Community Park: four field adult
softball complex, shelters,
maintenance building, playground,
parking lot, concession and restroom
building
$2,600,000
Fairhill Development Community
Park: five field youth baseball
complex, soccer fields, lacrosse fields,
shelters, concessions/restroom
building, outdoor hockey and pleasure
rink, playground, parking lot, turf
seeding and site amenities
$3,300,000
Middle Creek Park: playground,
shelters, trails, parking lot, site
amenities and ballfield
$475,000
Lake Julia Waterway: pedestrian
bridge
$100,000
While the five year CIP identifies the schedule for completing improvements in certain parks in
the coming years, the sources of where the funding will come from to fund the improvements in
the coming year has not. This issue will need to be addressed as part of the 2030 Master Plan so
the PIF does not run out of funds in the future so improvements can continue to be made to
existing and new parks.
1. Funding Issues
There are many issues associated with completing all of the improvements identified in each of
the individual park master plans. The biggest current issue is having an insufficient fund balance
in the PIF to fund all of the improvements that have been identified in the park master plans.
There are currently only three parks that have had all improvements completely constructed as
identified in their master plan. Several more parks have a significant amount of improvements
that have been completed with only a few items that have been deferred. Parks that have athletic
fields shown as part of their master plan have not had any improvements constructed. These
parks with athletic field complexes account for a significant portion of what has been deferred to
date by the City for park improvements. The Appendix contains Table 8.12 Deferred Park
Improvements that identifies improvements in parks that have been deferred due to a shortage in
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funding. The City has relied in the past on the park dedication process to receive cash-in-lieu of
land in order to fund improvements in new and existing parks. However, this funding source is
unreliable to be the sole funding source for making improvements to parks. The City also
established a policy that allows for the transfer of 50% of the municipal liquor store profits into
the PIF. However these profits have fluctuated over the years and there has not been enough
profits transferred to keep pace with the cost of constructing park improvements.
2. Funding Solutions
The City will need to develop a strategy on how a dedicated long term funding source will
continue to occur. By having a dedicated long term funding source, it will provide continuous
money for improvements so facilities and amenities can be replaced and/or added in park and
open space areas so there continues to be good diversity, which will provide a variety of
experiences to park and open space users. There are several possible dedicated funding solutions
for the City to consider. While no one solution is necessarily the best, the possible solutions to
consider are as follows:
General obligation bond referendum
Chapter 429 funding as part of a larger City improvement project
Increase in amount of liquor store profit transfer
Annual General Fund transfer
Financial partnerships
Grants from other agencies
5.6 Future Park Locations
The City has created an Existing and Proposed Parks, Open Space and Trails Map, which is
included in the Appendix that identifies the location of future parks, open space and trails. The
map has identified locations for future neighborhood and community parks based on an NRPA
standard that no resident in a City shall be further than a half mile (5-6 blocks) away from a City
park. While the acreage for each future park has not been established, it is anticipated when land
is being developed where a future park is located, the park acreage and location will be
determined in order to meet the half-mile standard.
5.7 Parks Amenities Inventory
Table 8.10, previously referenced in Section 5.4, identifies the City has fewer facilities than
what is recommended by NRPA minimum standards. While the City currently lacks certain
facilities compared to recommended NRPA minimum standards, the City does have a diverse
park and open space system in regards to the types of facilities and amenities offered to park and
open space users. Twenty-six (26) different types of amenities are identified throughout the park
and open space system. It is important the City continue to look for new trends in the area of
park development including adding new amenities and facilities in park and open space areas
that currently do not exist. As mentioned previously Table 8.13 Farmington Parks and Open
Space Inventory found in the Appendix shows the various facilities and amenities that are found
in City parks and open space areas.
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5.8 Maintenance
The City has maintained its parks and open space areas well. As the City’s park and open space
system grows, the City will need to budget additional money to cover the increased maintenance
and operational costs. This will include providing funding for additional personnel to complete
the increased maintenance and operational work in parks and open space areas. While there is
no established policy identifying a minimum or maximum staffing level for park maintenance
and operations, City staff have recently begun to identify the estimated number of additional
hours needed to maintain new parks and open space areas as they are developed. As these hours
begin to accumulate, it seems appropriate that when certain thresholds are met such as additional
hours that are equivalent to full-time staff hours (2,080 hours), additional staff, whether seasonal,
part-time regular or full-time regular staff should be hired in order to adequately meet the
increased demand on staff time needed to maintain the additional parks and open space areas.
The City’s annual budget contains funds for the purchase of maintenance equipment and
vehicles. The City has an established guideline for the replacement of park maintenance
equipment and vehicles and when equipment or vehicles are identified to be replaced or added to
the existing inventory. Annual funding should be provided in the Capital Outlay budget to
acquire the equipment and vehicles identified in a specific year to be replaced or added to the
existing inventory.
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Section 6 Recreation Programs
6.1 Current Programs
The Department offers a wide range of recreation programs to adults and children of all ages,
abilities and both genders. Offerings range widely from team sports, individual sports and fitness
programs, themed & play specific activities to cultural enrichment. The City’s regular programs
are augmented by a broad array of special events, including seasonal activities, community
celebrations and other features for children, adults and families. Additionally, community and
other departmental partnerships help expand and broaden programs and activities offered
through the Department.
Recreation programs the City currently offers include:
Athletics/Sports – Youth Athletics/Sports - Adult
Basketball Golf
T-Ball Martial Arts/Self Defense
Tennis Soccer League
Kickball Volley Ball League
Swim Lessons Kickball League
Skate Lessons 7-Man Touch Football League
Golf Softball Leagues
Gymnastics Ski/Snowboard Classes
Ski/Snowboard Classes Skate Lessons
Martial Arts/Self Defense Fitness Programs
In-Line, Skateboard Camps
Baseball Camps
Football Camps
Lacrosse Camps
Soccer Camps
Volleyball Camps
Themed & Play Specific Activities/Cultural Enrichment (all ages)
Playground Programs
Trips –day and extended
Recreation/Special Interest Camps
Specific Training Classes
Puppet Wagon
Swim Bus
Yoga
Computer Classes
Dancing
Issue Specific Presentations-Programs
Cards/Board Games
Organ Lessons
Whittling
Interest Specific Clubs
Bowling
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Driving Refresher Courses
Special Events/Celebrations:
Easter Egg Hunt
Halloween Walk
Party on the Knoll
Rambling River Days
Bed Races
Kiss the Pig
Dew Run
Kids Fun Friday (afternoon)
P2 Day
Earth & Arbor Day/Pond Clean Up
Touch a Truck
Annual Bike Auction
Peddler in the Park
Party on the Knoll
Community Expo
RRC Anniversary Dinner
RRC Volunteer Recognition
Outdoor Pool Events
Spring Skate Festival
National Skating Week
Who Done It Hike?
GPS Amazing Family Race
Take a Kid Fishing
CPR Saturday – Farmington
Secret Holiday Shop for Kids
Santa Calls
6.2 Needs Analysis
Recreation programming is clearly one of Farmington’s strengths. Programs currently offered are
comprehensive and attempt to serve all sectors in the community. The staff is professional,
knowledgeable, creative, dedicated and responsive to the needs of the community and to new
trends in parks and recreation. There is no question that Farmington’s recreation/leisure
programming capability is a positive influence on people’s perceptions of the City and is a
source of pride for the Department. The Division excels at special programs and events, sports
programs, senior programming and youth and family activities.
Of special note is the relationship the Division plays in fostering partnerships between the
Division and businesses & organizations within and outside community. These partnerships offer
greater recreation/leisure opportunities for City residents and visitors.
A general belief taken by the City is that parks and recreation is an important service for the
community and by this acknowledgement it recognizes recreation/leisure programming, facilities
and parks plays an important role in improving the quality of life for its residents and visitors. To
support this belief the City Council has:
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Adopted a fee ordinance setting fees for parks and recreation, such as facility rental fees
Approved a Strategic Revenue Plan providing the Department with direction to create a fee
structure for recreation/leisure programs and facilities identifying at what percent that costs
are to be recovered through fees and through general fund subsidy.
Approved a scholarship program for qualified youths that underwrites program costs. Costs
are covered by a sponsorship through the Rotary Club of Farmington and other funding
sources.
Planning for the next 25 years is essential to completing and enhancing the current parks and
recreation system as well as adapting it to changing recreation trends. The following list is
intended to identify where the City could further expand or enhance an already excellent range of
programs, activities, events and relationships for its residents and visitors.
1. Recreation Facilities
Park and recreation facilities include features found within the community that fulfill a specific
need for a certain segment of our population. Athletic fields for adults and youth, trails,
swimming pools, tennis courts, ice rinks, skate parks and playgrounds are excellent examples of
outdoor facilities as are gymnasiums/multi-use areas, cardio/weight training exercise areas,
natatoriums and ice arenas for indoor facilities.
In the past, Farmington has been fortunate to have had an adequate inventory of both outdoor
and indoor recreation facilities serving the needs of the community to meet minimum NRPA
standards, but as the city grows and diversifies and the demand for more and better facilities
increases, our current facility inventory does not meet current needs and will not meet future
needs. Table 8.9: City of Farmington’s Recreation Facility Inventory and NRPA Minimum
Standards Based on Population clearly illustrates this point.
Outdoor programs such as T-ball, Soccer, Lacrosse and adult/youth softball/baseball,
skateboarding, archery and disc golf and others, are limited in their ability to grow are non-
existent because of limited and outdated field space (availability), or the lack of space in which
to play, practice and hold tournaments (a potential source of revenue).
Indoor programs such as ice sports, aquatics, basketball, health/wellness, sport camps and dance,
plus an increasing demand for off-season programs to be held year round, such as tennis and
soccer, coupled with the demand for space and time from area recreation organizations and
school district programs, taxes an already insufficient amount of indoor space and time
availability.
Without question, more and better facilities are needed and it will take a clear vision towards the
future of our citizens, elected representatives and city officials to create a planned and vibrant
direction. This vision is a key component in charting the course for recreation programs and
activities and is essential to meet the demands of a changing population and for future
generations. For it is a sign of a healthy community to be proactive in its approach to addressing
the needs and wants of its residents and in recreation this is accomplished through a vision of
diversity in programs and facilities for different ages, gender, interests and abilities. The
Department should encourage and support partnerships with other governmental units and
organizations that allow reciprocal use of fields and recreational facilities. This cooperative
43
arrangement should be sealed in a written agreement that identifies facilities to be shared and the
costs, if any, to use the facilities.
The City should also address future programming issues pertaining to all recreational facilities
due to age and condition. A further analysis of the condition and age of recreational facilities is
addressed in Section 7 Recreational Facilities. The purpose of analyzing recreational facilities is
so maintenance and upkeep can be budgeted for appropriately in order for repairs and/or
improvements to be made with minimal impact to recreational programs occurring at the
recreational facilities. Additional analysis beyond the existing condition of recreational facilities
should be completed that identifies current and future space needs, scheduled use including peak
and off-peak times and costs associated with providing recreational programs at recreational
facilities.
2. Funding Opportunities
Funding for new park and recreation initiatives and maintaining and improving the existing
system will continue to be a challenge. As the existing parks and recreation system ages and new
parks and facilities are developed it will be necessary to have in place funding sources to secure
adequate dollars to develop and maintain the system at the high quality residents have come to
expect.
In addition to existing funding tools (park dedication fees, general fund subsidies, liquor store
profit transfers, program fees and partnerships) the City should explore other opportunities to
secure new and additional funding sources to generate a solid base of funding to address these
challenges. These opportunities may include; encouraging donation of land, expansion of
partnerships (new & existing), creation of a parks & recreation foundation, development of
facilities that generate revenue, voter approved bonds or taxes and a cumulative capital
development fund.
The City has been the primary provider of recreation programs to people who live in the
surrounding townships. While there has been discussion to create a different fee structure for
people who do not live inside the corporate boundary of Farmington, it is important to note that
the City should continue to offer recreational programs to all people living in the greater
Farmington area, recognizing that nonresident registrations may be needed to fill out classes or
programs.
Finally, support should be given to recreation programs and facilities that promote and encourage
visitors to Farmington. These programs and facilities have a significant positive impact on the
economic health of the city because of their potential for bringing in visitors, and additional
dollars, into the community.
3. Technology – The Electronic Future
Technology has had a greater presence in recreation programs. On-line registration software and
web based software has made it more convenient for participants to register for programs and
events. No longer do participants need to drop a registration in the mail or drive to a municipal
building to register. It is much more acceptable to make a payment for an on-line registration by
44
either credit or debit cards. The Department has contracted since 2003 with a company initially
called Community Season but recently with Premier POS to provide web based software for on-
line registration. It has been a successful endeavor because it has allowed the use of credit cards
to make payment for recreation program registrations. The Department utilizes the contractor’s
merchant account to complete transactions with credit and/or debit cards. The City pays a small
charge to use the merchant account.
The Department is moving towards utilizing new web based software from Premier POS that
will allow facility scheduling to occur on-line. This software has the capability of blocking any
double scheduling of facilities while utilizing the speed and technology of the web-based
software to accept credit and/or debit card payments. This will mean City facilities needed for
Department programs, activities and events can first be scheduled by City staff in order to ensure
that a facility has been reserved. Long-term it is envisioned the public will be able to access an
on-line facility reservation system to reserve and make payment for the use of Schmitz-Maki
Arena, picnic shelters, Rambling River Center, outdoor pool and athletic fields.
As the Department continues to move towards using technology it will need to continue to
research new technology that is available at a reasonable cost that will deliver good customer
service. The maintenance and updating of the Department’s existing website will need to be a
priority in order to keep customers informed of changing information within the Department.
Staffing resources should be allocated to complete the updates as needed. As technology changes
it will be important to identify what technology should be acquired and then train staff on it.
New technology can provide the following benefits:
expand community cohesiveness
enhance parks and recreation services
affect conservation of resources
create a model department through the use of technology by improving service delivery
and information dissemination to its stakeholders
4. Teens/Adolescents (ages 12-17 yrs.)
Research shows free time activities consist of 40-50 percent of an adolescent’s life indicating to
recreation programmers the importance of offering a diverse selection of positive recreation
experiences from which to choose.
Programs which focus on socialization with peers that are presented in a relaxed, yet challenging
context, designed to be outcome-based and incorporate youth development assets (cooperation,
leadership, citizenship, responsibility, respect, honesty & creativity, etc.), offer the best
opportunity for keeping youth engaged and focused on making positive choices.
Specific adolescent programming is a key element in keeping our youth safe, secure and
developing into healthy adults. To this end, it is imperative solutions be found addressing
supportive funding opportunities and the availability of adequate recreation facilities for these
and all recreation/leisure programs within greater Farmington.
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Young people who are supported by adults, institutions (including parks & recreation
departments), and policies tend to make healthier decisions, show higher levels of academic
achievement, and ultimately give back to their communities in positive ways and are l ess likely
to be involved in risky behaviors such as tobacco, drug and alcohol use, sexual activity, violence
and gang activity. Attempts should be made to develop teen-based programming that is designed
to keep young teens constructively active and supervised while having fun. This could be
accomplished through the following methods:
Identify/assess how many and when there is the greatest number of teens having unstructured
and unsupervised time. (before and after-school, Friday and Saturday nights and school
holidays including summer).
Identify and develop a strategic direction which recognizes the unique needs of middle
school and high school-aged youth.
Have youth represent themselves and their peers in developing, implementing and evaluating
programs.
Seek outside partnerships and cooperative ventures which work through barriers or
roadblocks to providing programs for adolescents.
Provide opportunities for program input through organization of discussion groups or an
advisory group.
Research and identify real or perceived road blocks that interfere in providing adequate
adolescent programming and identify possible solutions.
Work with the school district and other Farmington organizations to compile and inventory
information about programs, facilities and partnerships available which focus on adolescents.
5. Boomers/Seniors
The aging of the baby boom generation will result in a significant increase in population above
age 60 within the next 25 years. It is estimated that by 2030 in Minnesota alone that one in every
four Minnesotans will be 65 years of age and older. For parks and recreation departments to be
adequately prepared for this large group approaching their retirement years, we must understand
what this group is all about, their attitudes and recreation tendencies and how they can best be
served. It should be noted Baby Boomers:
Are better educated than their parents.
Plan to keep working (at least part-time) and earning money during their retirement years.
Are devoted to exercise, fitness and wellness.
Work and play hard.
Perceive themselves younger than what they are.
Are nostalgic for their youth (60’s culture).
View retirement as a middle-life event.
Are constantly on the go and over-programmed.
Like up-scale goods, services and facilities.
Have a different attitude in volunteerism – from civic obligation to special interest.
Repudiate signs or symbols connecting them to being old.
Tend to enjoy more individualized activities rather than group events.
Are interested in arts & entertainment and life-long learning pursuits.
Enjoy the outdoors such as parks, green spaces and trail systems.
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To be adequately prepared for baby boomers as they approach their retirement years, recreation
programming should incorporate demographic detail of this age group, their attitudes and leisure
tendencies. In order to reach the baby boomer population, the strategies in developing and
implementing programs might include:
Shifts away from current attitudinal, environmental and societal senior programming norms
Develop programs that enhance life-long learning, technology, arts & entertainment.
Establish programs and partnerships or cooperative ventures that address “active living”
concepts.
Develop programs that work within a compressed leisure timeframe (closer to home, shorter
program time commitments, passive park spaces and individual non-programmed leisure
opportunities).
6. Inclusive and Adaptive Recreation
Inclusive recreation programs offer opportunities for individuals both with and without
disabilities to participate together. The focus is on similar abilities, not differences. Emphasis is
on providing understanding, disability awareness, building active participation for all people and
involving families. The Department currently does not provide adaptive programs where people
with disabilities are segregated in order to learn leisure time skills they can use when
mainstreamed into the programs offered to the general public. The ultimate goal should always
be to promote and support people with disabilities in all recreation programs whenever
reasonable accommodations can be made to allow for successful participation. Alternatively, the
City should begin to explore the possible partnership with surrounding communities and school
districts to provide adaptive programs that allow people with disabilities an opportunity to
successfully learn and acquire leisure time skills in a segregated environment that allow them to
mainstream into other recreational programs which are offered in their respective community.
This may include the hiring of full-time, part-time and seasonal staff that could oversee the
offering of adaptive programs while also overseeing the process of integrating people with
disabilities into mainstream recreation programs. Training will also need to be provided in order
to make the process successful.
7. Health and Wellness
City parks and recreation facilities and programs contribute significantly to the health and well-
being of a community by providing opportunities and settings for physical and mental health.
Physical health needs can be met by fitness activities, organized and supervised recreation
programs and safe and functional trails for walking, jogging, in-line skating and bicycling.
Wellness demands can be satisfied with programs for life-long learning, and providing open
spaces for unstructured, individualized recreation opportunities. The Department should look to
develop recreational programming and activities that promote wellness, health and well-being for
people of all ages. Development of recreational programs that promote health and wellness can
be accomplished in the following ways:
Provide target specific programming to encourage higher participation in recreational
programs for mid-life people.
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Provide health & wellness opportunities for individual, non-structured participation.
Develop or support programs that address the problems associated with obesity and their
impact on the individual and society (financial, emotional, and physical).
Promote regular physical activity and healthy eating and creating environments that support
these positive behaviors.
Develop or support a multifaceted health and wellness program that includes education,
community involvement and recreation.
Identify target-based outcomes for each age group.
Market programs to preteens, teens, and adults.
Provide staff training to parks and recreation staff on how to support the healthy community
program goals and objectives as they pertain to their jobs.
Survey participants and develop other community measures to monitor the effectiveness of
the program.
8. Trends
Trends also play an important part in the type of recreation programs and activities a community
needs. It is important the Department incorporates on-going trends analysis into its recreation
program planning in order to help bring focus to the provision of recreation services that are
most desired and needed by the community. The following are trends the City should be
addressing in the future planning of recreation programs:
Young adults raised on youth athletics are seeking to maintain active lifestyles. In addition,
interest in non-traditional and self-directed recreation is rising.
More agencies are target marketing a bundling of services to their customers.
There is an increasing focus on out-of-school activities for youth in order to better serve
working families and in response to rising levels of youth crime during after school hours.
Local park and recreation agencies are reportedly finding great success in programming for
the pre-school age child by responding to parent feedback and desires. Requests center on
opportunities to expose a child to a variety of activities to learn what the child may be
interested in, and opportunities for interaction outside the child’s own home. Family
programming for tot, starting at age 9 months, with an adult, are increasingly popular
(swimming, gymnastics, cooking, music, art, story time, special one-time holiday classes,
etc.).
The introduction of club sports for youth is leading to greater sport specialization and year-
round engagement in one sport versus a rotation of sports throughout the year.
Interest in traditional sports, including baseball, softball, golf, and football, is declining while
interest in nontraditional sports such as skateboarding, mountain biking, disc golf, lacrosse,
and cricket is increasing.
Self-directed sports and activities are growing in popularity among adults.
More leisure time, especially among youth, is spent enjoying a multitude of media,
technology, and entertainment options.
An increase in foreign-born residents requires focus on reducing language barriers and
gaining better understanding of the recreational needs for these individuals.
Older adults, primarily Baby Boomers, are re-writing the script for aging by participating in
active recreation years longer than previous generations. They have more discretional income
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than previous generations, and are increasingly applying those funds towards leisure
programming.
Nationally, research shows obesity and related health concerns are rising along with health
care costs. Parks and recreation play an important role in supporting the active lifestyles that
can reduce health concerns and bolster preventative care.
Recreation agencies are forming strategic alliances with health, social services, and
educational agencies to offer more comprehensive health and wellness programs.
Demand for programs and facilities providing a higher quality of amenities and services are
becoming the norm. To meet these demands, parks and recreation departments must be more
specific and diverse in developing recreation programs that address the needs and wants of a
targeted group utilizing facilities that are perceived as high quality and sustainable and the
group values.
At regular intervals, identify trends in recreation to insure facilities and programs are based
on changing needs and desires of the public such as active living, aging populations,
environmental awareness, disc golf, programs/cultural diversity and quality vs. quantity
programs and facilities.
9. Historical/Arts/Cultural Diversity
As the City continues to grow, it is likely the diversity of the community will change. The
Department should be begin discussions on providing programs and activities that promote the
cultural and historical aspects of Farmington so they are not lost due to the change in the
demographic makeup and the expansion of the community. Department staff should work with
local and area-wide historical organizations, art organizations and county/state cultural resource
organizations to identify culturally and historically significant areas of the community in order to
possibly create development themes, interpretive areas, walking tours and special projects. A
focus should be on conducting cultural/historical resource inventories as part of the
design/development for all park projects.
At the same time as the community continues to grow, it will also be important to promote and
build recreation opportunities for and with members of diverse cultural groups. This could
include the facilitation of group discussions with community members in order to identify needs
and wants of specific groups. It could include the implementation of program formats that
encourage the development of cross-cultural skills and communication, such as classes,
workshops, special events, open facility, and resource centers that promote an understanding and
appreciation of the different cultures found within the City.
The Dakota Valley Arts Council (DVAC) does provide an opportunity for members of the
community to join an arts organization. While the DVAC has been actively involved in the
creation, expansion and promotion of Depot Way Arts Park, it has been limited in the number of
art programs and classes it offers to the community. It may be beneficial for the Department to
look at an opportunity to explore a partnership or collaboration on the offering of art classes to
all age groups in the community utilizing the many different mediums used to create art.
10. Environment/Nature/Outdoor
The City has a good diversity of natural areas and environmentally sensitive areas that could be
used as teaching areas that allows the community to be educated about the natural environment.
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The Department does provide albeit on a limited basis environment programs, there seems to be
an opportunity to increase the offering of environmental programs. However due to limited staff
and resources, expansion of environmental programs will be a challenge. In this case, staff
members should look for opportunities to partner with other organizations or agencies who may
have the staff and resources to provide environmental programs. The Department does currently
partner with Three Rivers Park District and Dakota County Parks on several programs.
However, there may be other opportunities that should be explored including area school district
environmental programs and community education departments, the Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources, Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District, Vermillion River
Watershed, private and public colleges and other private natural resource/conservation
organizations. The goal of an environmental program should be to provide appropriate public
access and offer a diversity of environmental education opportunities that are hands-on.
Environmental programs should be created that take the following into consideration:
Make it possible for people of all ages to learn about natural resources and the environment
through education and self-guided exploration.
Encourage and support opportunities that provide outdoor classrooms and gathering places
where appropriate in city/public parks and open spaces to facilitate environmental learning
programs by the city and outside groups.
Explore the possibility of adding a broad based environmental summer camp into the existing
summer recreation program schedule.
Develop and/or enhance programs for youth that teach introductory and basic outdoor sports
skills for a wide variety of outdoor sports i.e. cross country skiing, archery, fishing, etc.
Develop/Partner on outdoor adventure type programming for youth and teens.
Continue partnership with city staff on environmental education/awareness programs and
explore new opportunities to enhance current programs or develop new ones.
Explore partnerships with agencies and organizations to develop innovative programs such as
specialized teen programming, special needs programming, health & wellness camps,
environmental education camps, etc.
11. Volunteerism
The Rambling River Center and recreational programs have in the past relied on volunteers from
the community to run programs and provide customer service assistance at the Rambling River
Center. While this has saved the City from having to allocate funds to pay staff to run certain
programs or provide customer service at the Rambling River Center, it does create some
limitations.
Youth organizations also provide a valuable volunteer service in the community. Most of the
youth organizations utilize adult volunteer coaches, leaders and/or teachers to facilitate sports,
educational or service programs. In most cases these organizations also rely on volunteers to
provide administrative and organizational oversight for the organization. This keeps program
fees down and makes them more affordable to interested participants.
Volunteerism has and will always be a struggle since it can sometimes be difficult to find people
in the community who are interested in volunteering and are willing to commit their time to
volunteering. It is difficult to predict future growth in volunteerism because it will depend on the
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value that the community places on volunteerism. In order to address continued volunteerism in
the Department, it will be important to complete the following:
Identify the value amount (time and dollars) placed on volunteer staffing and market this
information to the community.
Identify duties currently being completed by volunteers.
Suggest possible solutions to a decreasing volunteer base and the impact it will have on
recreation programming opportunities and daily facility operations of the Rambling River
Center and Adopt-A-Park programs.
Due to the expected increase of the senior adult population there should be an on-going
review regarding the volunteer staffing levels at the Rambling River Center in the event there
would be a shortage of volunteers that would compromise customer service.
Explore options that will help address the Center’s staffing limitations and the decreasing
role volunteers will play in day-to-day facility operations and with fundraising projects.
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Section 7 Recreational Facilities
The City undertook a Public Facilities Study (the Study) in early 2005. City staff initiated the
Study as a means of determining long term maintenance and replacement needs for City
buildings. The City contracted with Wold Architects and Engineers to help evaluate what the
space needs were as well as a physical assessment of the City’s existing facilities. A committee
consisting of City staff and City Council members was created that reviewed the information
compiled and then made recommendations on a solution or solutions the City could make to
correct the deficiency or deficiencies. While this study included all City buildings, for the
purposes of developing Section 7 of the 2030 Master Plan, only the following recreational
facilities will be discussed in this section:
Ice Arena
Outdoor Pool
Rambling River Center
7.1 Schmitz-Maki Arena (Arena) Analysis
The Arena was constructed in 1975. The original building contained one sheet of NHL size ice
(200 feet x 85 feet) and four team rooms. The building is approximately 30,000 square feet in
size. The shell of the Arena is concrete. The roof is a curved metal roof. An addition was
constructed after the initial facility was built that resulted in two new team rooms, including
showers, being added to the facility. The seating capacity of the Arena is 750 with additional
standing room available, which allows for additional capacity to be achieved.
1. Existing Favorable Conditions
The following favorable conditions exist:
The main entrance is handicap accessible and is properly marked
The interior finishes are painted and in good condition
The rubber mats used to protect the concrete floor in the lobby area are in good condition
Seating area bleachers are in good condition
Roof is in good condition with no reported leaks
Overall building maintenance has been good
2. Existing Unfavorable Conditions
The following unfavorable conditions exist:
Front sidewalk is cracked
Moisture problems exist due to no dehumidification system.
Parking lot is worn
Inadequate paved parking lot size
Lack of office and storage space
Older team rooms are inadequate for high school sports teams
Paint in newer team rooms is deteriorated due to moisture
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Poor countertop conditions in concessions areas
Sub floor heat is no longer operable.
Ice making equipment is original and ending its useful life
Accessibility to the mezzanine and office areas does not exist
Mechanical system is original and is near the end of its useful life
Electrical system is original and will need to be upgraded if building improvements occur
7.2 Outdoor Pool Analysis
The outdoor pool shell and bathhouse was constructed in the early 1970’s. The pool shell was
constructed in an “L” shape and is made from concrete. The outdoor pool has a three meter
diving board and a one meter diving board board that are installed in the deep area of the pool.
The pool contains one drop slide that is located in the shallow end of the pool. Several
“Funbrellas” were added in 2003 to increase the amount of shade available to the customers.
The bathhouse has a block foundation with 2 x 4 walls and contains two locker rooms with
showers and toilets. The ceilings are exposed in the locker rooms and a drop ceiling with tiles
can be found in the remaining parts of the bathhouse. The exterior of the bathhouse is covered
with a cedar siding. The roof is wood shingles. A concessions, office area, lifeguard station and
first aid station are located in the back and in the center of the building.
1. Existing Favorable Conditions
The following favorable conditions exist:
The City changed from a chlorine pellet system to a liquid chlorine feeding system that is
much more efficient and less costly to operate
A high rate sand filter system is used to filter pool water
The pool heaters were replaced within the past few years
The pool pumps were replaced within the past few years
New diving boards installed in past few years
New “Funbrellas” installed in past few years, which increases shaded areas around the pool
2. Existing Unfavorable Conditions
The following unfavorable conditions exist:
The concrete pool deck is cracking in many locations.
The concrete liner has been damaged from previous attempts to pressure wash or sandblast
for painting and is uneven and pitted
One of the lateral fingers in the sand filter system is broken and leaks sand into the pool
The wood construction of the bath house leaves it susceptible to water damage
Small concessions area limits sales of concession items
7.3 Rambling River Center Analysis
The building in which the Rambling River Center is located was constructed in the early 1900’s.
It was purchased by a group of citizens who were looking for a place senior citizens could gather
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together to socialize and recreate in. The building’s exterior is constructed of clay bricks.
However over time, the clay bricks have required increased maintenance. The building is 4,000
square feet in size. The interior of the building contains many separated rooms so the facility can
be used simultaneously for many different activities. The Rambling River Center is available to
the public to rent for a fee. There is a full service kitchen that the CAP Agency leases from the
City for its use in preparing congregate dining meals as well as meals for the Meals on Wheels
Program. The roof of the building is flat. There is an accessible entrance to the Rambling River
Center. The Rambling River Center was remodeled in 2004-2005 that resulted in several new
spaces being created including a fitness room, a sunroom and a relocation of the computer lab
that allowed the computer lab to be expanded in square footage and number of computer
terminals. The building is available for groups to rent however, current staff levels does not
allow for staff supervision during evening and weekend rentals. In these situations, the rental
party is responsible for securing a key and then unlocking and locking the building during its
rental.
1. Existing Favorable Conditions
The following favorable conditions exist:
Accessible entrance
Interior of the facility is clean and well maintained
Remodeling has opened up space for new programs
2. Existing Unfavorable Conditions
The following unfavorable conditions exist:
Windows are not energy efficient
Paint on the exterior of the building is cracking and peeling
Roof has had some leaks
Electrical system can be overloaded during peak demand
Large events difficult to hold due to building support structure
Heating system does not evenly heat the building
Current staffing levels does not allow for coverage during evening and weekend rentals
While the City has aging facilities, they have nonetheless been well maintained. The City will
need to address the aging facilities in the following manners:
1. Assess the cost to upgrade or make improvements to existing facilities in order to either
allow the continued use of the facility or reuse the facility in a different manner.
2. Assess the cost to construct new recreational facilities.
3. Determine the cost benefit of upgrading or improving existing recreational facilities
rather than the construction of new recreational facilities.
4. Determine funding methods or sources to either make improvements to existing
recreational facilities or construct new facilities.
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Section 8 Trails and Breenways
8.1 Introduction
The City has an adopted Parks, Open Space and Trails Dedication Ordinance. The ordinance
defines trail requirements including a developer must pay for the construction of all trails in a
development if they are identified in the Trail Master Plan (TMP). The City’s TMP has been
reviewed and amended to reflect the strategic future location of trails along stream and river
corridors and through natural areas that contain wetlands, uplands and woods. The City has
given good foresight in developing the TMP sooner rather than later. By developing the TMP it
has allowed the City to identify a future connected trail system before the land is developed and
the opportunity for a connected trail system is lost.
The City’s current trail system contains 40 miles of paved trails. A significant number of these
paved trails have been constructed within the last ten to fifteen years. In order for a connected
trail system to occur, it is important the TMP emphasizes future links that connect existing trails
to new trails. Providing connections from existing trails to new trails will promote a system that
allows users to travel between older developed areas of the community and new emerging
developments. It also identifies connections to be made well into the future as new development
occurs.
Trails are beneficial to a community. Trails can serve as an alternative method of transportation
to more traditional methods such as roads and streets that serve vehicular traffic. Encouraging
and providing opportunities to people in the community to walk or bike to work, school, play and
retail centers can improve the air quality in the community by reducing vehicle emissions due to
less vehicular traffic. Trails provide opportunity for community members to improve and
increase health and fitness through walking, in-line skating and biking. Trails can also improve
the livability of a community because they attract many different types of users such as children,
teens, adults, older adults, people with disabilities and families. Trails provide space for
socialization and a safe place to recreate. Trails have a positive economic impact on
communities. A well-planned and comprehensive trail system that provides links and
connections to Farmington’s amenities will be inviting to visitors from outside the community to
come and use the trails and provide a boost to the local econom y.
8.2 Types
Trails are classified according to their location in relation to vehicular traffic. There are five
types of trails: park trail, connector trail, bikeway, alternative use trail and greenway.
1. Park Trail
These are typically multi-purpose trails located within natural areas, open space and parks. Park
trails emphasize a strong relationship with the natural environment within a park setting. The
City should place a priority whenever possible on the construction of a park trail due to its
desirability of being located away from streets and roads and being located within parks, open
space and natural resource areas. The main benefits of park trails are as follows:
creates a connectedness to the natural environment
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creates a safer trail system since user’s travel through areas like parks, open space and
natural areas that are rarely interrupted by traffic
useful for bringing the entire park, open space, and natural areas together under one
comprehensive system
effective tool in identifying property boundaries for residential, commercial areas and
industrial parks from parks, open space and natural areas
Park trails should be developed using the following strategies:
clearly define the routing of park trails through the creation of a comprehensive trail plan
it is imperative land acquisition occur at an early stage either through fee simple or
easement so that the City controls the land
create an assortment of funding mechanisms provide money for the construction of park
trails in new developments as well as new trails in existing subdivisions where there are
none
construct at a minimum width of 10 feet
develop specifications for design standards identifying how park trails should be built
that not only reflect local standards, but also reflects standards of the Minnesota
Department of Transportation (MN DOT), the American Association of State Highway
Transportation Organization (AASHTO) and American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA)
design guidelines
2. Connector Trail
Connector trails can be defined as trails that provide safe travel for users traveling to and from
parks and the community. Connector trails are commonly constructed as a separated trail along
the side of streets and roads. They are commonly built within road and street right of ways,
boulevards, utility easements or along artificial drainage ways.
The main benefits of a connector trail are:
uses existing space that sometimes is underutilized
can provide connections from neighborhoods to the trail system in locations where park
trails or greenways are not able to
keeps trail users off of streets and roadways
Connector trails should be developed under the following strategies:
construct connector trails as part of a street and utility infrastructure project in areas
where no current trail exists
identify future connector trails on the TMP map in order to establish trail right of ways
and easements at an early stage of development
connector trails should be constructed at a width of at least 8 feet
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3. Bikeway
Bikeways are defined as paved segments of roadways that serve to safely separate bicyclists
from vehicular traffic. There are two types of bikeways and they are commonly referred to as
either a bike lane or bike route. Bike routes are designated streets or roadways that have either
paved shoulders or portions of the roadway that separates vehicle traffic from users. A bike lane
is a designated portion of a street or roadway that has a painted line that creates separation of
bicyclists and vehicular traffic. The striped lane is for the exclusive use by non-vehicular traffic,
primarily bicycle use.
The main benefits to creating bikeways are as follows:
bikeways can play an important role in encouraging commuters to bicycle to work
can be created at a relatively cheap cost resulting in a the trail network for bicyclists to be
expanded
provides connections from neighborhoods to off-street trails for bicyclists
Bikeways should be developed under the following strategies:
clearly identify on the TMP map locations of bikeways
establish design standards that define how bikeways are to be built using local, MN DOT
and AASHTO standards
should be considered along collector, minor arterial and when these are not possible,
major arterial roads
develop bikeways when new roads are constructed or upgrades are made
install proper signage that connects users to either off-street trails or other bikeways
4. Alternative Use Trail
Trails that provide uses for cross country skiing, snowmobiling, horseback riding and mountain
biking are considered alternative uses for trails. Like park trails, alternative use trails have
Shown in this photo is an example
of how an easement between two
homes was acquired during the
early stages of development that
resulted in an important trail
connection having been completed.
A connector trail is
constructed either
in the boulevard or
right of way and is
commonly
separated from the
street.
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strong ties to the environment albeit a different one. A description of the different types of
alternative uses is provided below.
Mountain Biking: Mountain biking is an emerging trail use and appeals to a wide age-range of
participants. Since it is such a new and emerging sport, users have a wide range of skill level.
Mountain biking utilizes the challenges the natural environment presents while at the same time
degrades it. The City should not provide this type of trail to its residents. Dakota County,
through its regional park systems, should be the primary provider of this type of trail.
Cross Country Skiing: Cross country ski trails can be either groomed on unplowed paved
surface trails or in locations separate from paved trails. There are two different styles for cross
country skiing: diagonal (also called traditional) and skate-ski. A diagonal cross country ski
trail requires a groomer, which is a special piece of equipment that is pulled across the snow and
lays down tracks for cross country skiing. A skate-ski trail, which is an alternative method of
cross-country skiing, requires a wider packed and groomed surface where the skis do not ride in
tracks. Cross country ski trails should be designed with a series of longer loops rather than be a
continuous linear trail.
Horseback Riding: Created for horses, these types of trails utilize a grass, wood chip or natural
soil for its surfacing material. A strategy is to use the same trail for horseback riding in the
summer as the trail that is used for cross country skiing in the winter. The City should not
provide this type of trail unless it has developed a cross country ski trail system that can be used
for skiing in the winter and horseback riding the remainder of the year.
Snowmobiling: The City currently has an adopted ordinance that specifies where snowmobiles
may be driven (Title 6, Chapter 8, Section 3). As the City continues to grow, snowmobile trails
that currently exist within the rural areas of the City will no longer be available for use because
they will become part of the urban area of the City. The City needs to address how future
development may impact current snowmobile trails and if there are ways to mitigate the loss of
snowmobile trails. The City should examine whether or not it wants to amend its current
snowmobile ordinance to allow snowmobiles in trail corridors so long as the use of the
snowmobiles in the trail corridors does not infringe on other users such as cross country skiers
and pedestrians. Should the City decide to amend its current ordinance it should make sure it
provides trail corridors for snowmobiles to travel from the City to regional and state snowmobile
trails. These corridors should be designated and separated from other trails. This may require a
trail corridor of 50 feet wide or more to accommodate snowmobile use. Currently local
snowmobile trails located within the corporate boundary of the City are maintained by a local
snowmobile club called the Farmington Area Sno-Tigers Snowmobile Club.
Alternative use trails should be developed using the following strategies:
assess the need for alternative use trails before any are constructed
determine if the need can be better met through county, regional or state park agencies
alternative trail design should follow the same standards created by county, regional park
and state resource agencies
if needed, provide space for trail corridors that are at least 50 feet wide to accommodate
separated trails for different user groups
develop alternative trails so they do not negatively impact the natural environment
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5. Greenway
A greenway can be defined as a linear corridor that provides uninterrupted travel for alternative
forms of transportation (typically non-motorized forms) that provide connectivity between parks,
open spaces, natural areas, schools and neighborhoods. Greenways should be looked at as a vital
component of a comprehensive trail system.
Greenways main benefits are as follows:
A reduction in the number of trails crossing roads and streets due to their uninterrupted
movement of users through parks, open space and natural areas
An opportunity for preservation of natural and environmentally sensitive areas
Control over what natural and open space areas users are able to travel through and
access
Increased value for adjacent and abutting properties
There are two types of greenways that are recognized, natural and man-made. The following
table identifies some of the different physical characteristics that may be found in the two types
of greenways.
Table 8.11: Types of Greenways
Natural Man-Made
creek vacated railroad bed and/or right of way
stream residential subdivision
river electrical overhead power line easement or right of way
wooded area pipeline easement
wetland engineered drainageways
Greenway trail corridors should be developed using the following strategies:
whenever possible incorporate natural areas into the trail corridor at a width of at least 50
feet with preference given to a corridor width of up to 200 feet
utilize man-made corridors when natural area corridors are not feasible or possible
locate man-made corridors along drainage ways
improve man-made corridors to include native trees, native grasses, wildflowers and
shrubs to create a vegetative buffer along the corridor creating a distinct property edge to
the corridor
develop man-made corridors that are least 50 feet in width to allow proper space for
vegetative buffers to be planted and to thrive
trails should be constructed at a minimum width of 10 feet with an optimum width of 12
feet or wider if funding allows
trails in greenways should meander through the greenway in order to create interest and
mystery
the construction of paved trails in greenways should have minimal impact on existing
vegetation
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as much as possible trails should be constructed out of the floodplain so as to reduce the
likelihood of the trail being flooded
8.3 Greenways and Regional Trail Plan
The City is fortunate to currently have five natural greenways within the City boundaries. Two
greenways, the Vermillion River and South Creek, have been identified as future regional trail
corridors through Farmington that will provide connections to the future regional park in Empire
Township, to the Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve and to the Cannon Valley Trail. A trail map is
included in the appendix and identifies the locations of the five greenways including the two
greenway corridors that have been identified by the Metropolitan Council as future regional
trails. The five greenways are as follows:
1. North Creek
North Creek Greenway will provide an important connection from the north edge of Farmington
to the Vermillion River Greenway. A significant portion of this greenway will become part of
the City with the future Fairhill Development and the recent Riverbend Development projects.
Because of the width of this greenway and its connectivity not only to the Vermillion River
Greenway but also to the City of Lakeville trail system, trails have been identified to be
constructed on both sides of the greenway. Since this greenway extends into the City of
Lakeville and beyond that to the City of Apple Valley, it is anticipated the North Creek
Greenway will become a heavily used greenway not only by City residents, but also by residents
from Lakeville, Apple Valley, and residents from the area surrounding the City. The connection
of this greenway to the Vermillion River Greenway will provide another connection through
Farmington to the new regional park that is currently being planned for in Empire Township.
The trail width for the greenway should be constructed at a minimum width of 10 feet with a
preferred width of 12 feet in anticipation of it becoming a heavily used trail. Since North Creek
flows into the Vermillion River, which is a designated trout stream by the Minnesota Department
of Natural Resources (DNR), care must be taken in the planning and design of the trails using
Best Management Practices so as to cause no net impact on the creek from storm water run off
due to its connection to the Vermillion River. Vegetation along the trail should be restored after
construction is completed. An effective strategy to ensure natural scenery can be viewed by trail
users, is to meander the trail in and out of the greenway so from time to time the vegetation and
wildlife found along the North Creek Greenway can be viewed from the trail. Since certain parts
of North Creek are prone to flooding, it will also be beneficial for the trail to be located out of
the floodplain as much as possible to minimize the impact of flooding on the trail. The City
should look for ways to acquire land for parks along the North Creek Greenway in order to
improve the connectivity of its parks and open space system.
2. Vermillion River
The Vermillion River Greenway contains a corridor rich in habitat and resources for wildlife.
Designated as a trout stream by the DNR and identified as a wildlife corridor, the Vermillion
River has immense value to the City’s greenway system. All creeks located in and adjacent to
the City are tributaries to the Vermillion River. The benefit of creating the Vermillion River
Greenway is so it can become the greenway that ties all of the City’s greenways together as part
of an interconnected and comprehensive system consisting of parks, open spaces, natural areas
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and trails. The Vermillion River Greenway extends beyond the borders of Farmington which
provides an opportunity for the City’s trails to connect to other communities’ and regional trails
and parks to the east, south and west. The Vermillion River Greenway will also provide a viable
connection from new emerging growth areas to older parts of the community. A portion of the
trail system has already been constructed through the Rambling River Park area. The Vermillion
River Greenway trail corridor should be expanded from the existing trails built in Rambling
River Park. Existing trails have been constructed at an 8 foot width and any future construction
of new trails or reconstruction of existing trails through the Vermillion River Greenway should
be constructed at a minimum width of 10 feet with a preferred width of 12 feet in anticipation of
it becoming a heavily used trail. Since the Vermillion River provides wildlife habitat and has
been designated as a trout stream, care must be taken in the planning and design of the trails
along the Vermillion River by using Best Management Practices so as to cause no negative
impact on the river from storm water run off. Vegetation along the trail should be restored after
construction is completed. An effective strategy to ensure the natural scenery can be viewed by
the public, is to meander the trail in and out of the greenway so that from time to time, the river
can be viewed from the trail. Since certain parts of the Vermillion River are prone to flooding, it
will also be beneficial that the trail be located out of the floodplain as much as possible to
minimize the impact of flooding on the trail.
The Vermillion River Greenway has been identified by the Metropolitan Council to be
designated as part of a future regional trail that will serve as an important regional connection
from southwestern Dakota County to the new regional park planned in Empire Township. The
designated future regional trail will provide a connection from the Cannon Valley Trail past
Chub Lake where it will run along the Vermillion River through Farmington to the new regional
park in Empire Township. The City should work with Dakota County, Metropolitan Council and
adjacent land owners to either acquire land through fee acquisition, park dedication (should
development occur along the river), gifting and/or easement. It is important to acquire the land
along the river in order for a public trail corridor to be set aside for future generations to enjoy.
3. Middle Creek
Running through the central part of the community, the Middle Creek Greenway will serve as a
major connector from the parks, schools and neighborhoods on the east side of the City to the
parks, schools and neighborhoods on the west and northwest side of the community. Currently
there has been some development that has occurred along a portion of the Middle Creek
Greenway, which has created a missed opportunity to construct trails on both sides of the
greenway much like the North Creek Greenway. However, the City should look for ways to
The Vermillion River
Greenway corridor should
be expanded in the future
to allow a regional trail
connection to the new
regional park in Empire
Township.
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work with the property owners adjacent to the north side of the greenway to construct a trail
sometime in the future. The Middle Creek Greenway provides an excellent opportunity to
provide a trail connection to the Farmington Industrial Park which borders the greenway on the
south from Akin Road to Pilot Knob Road. The trails through the Middle Creek Greenway
should be constructed at a minimum width of 10 feet with a preferred width of 12 feet in
anticipation of it becoming a heavily used trail. The City should look for ways to acquire land
for parks along the Middle Creek Greenway in order to improve the connectivity of its park and
open space system.
4. South Creek
Like the North Creek Greenway, the South Creek Greenway presents an opportunity for future
connections to the City of Lakeville’s trail system. The South Creek Greenway is located south
of CSAH 50 and its creek empties into and connects with the Vermillion River Greenway.
Because of the width of this greenway and its connectivity not only to the Vermillion River
Greenway but also to the City of Lakeville trail system, trails should be constructed on both sides
of the greenway. The trails should be built at a minimum width of 10 feet with a preferred width
of 12 feet in anticipation of it becoming a heavily used trail. Since South Creek flows into the
Vermillion River, which is a designated trout stream by the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources (DNR), care must be taken in the planning and design of the trails so as to cause no
negative impact on the creek from storm water run off due to its connection to the Vermillion
River. An effective strategy is to ensure the trail remains as much as possible at least 100 feet
from the creek bed in order for runoff from the trail to be filtered and slowed by vegetation
before it reaches South Creek. Since the creek may flood from time to time, it will also be
beneficial to keep the trail itself on the outer edge of the flood plain as much as possible while
still allowing the natural features of South Creek to be viewed and enjoyed. The City should
look for ways to acquire land for parks along the South Creek Greenway in order to improve the
connectivity of its parks and open space system.
The South Creek Greenway has been identified by the Metropolitan Council to be designated as
part of a future regional trail that will serve as an important regional connection between Murphy
Hanrehan Regional Park and the new regional park identified in Empire Township. The regional
trail will connect the two regional parks by following a route through Lakeville where it will
eventually connect to a trail running along South Creek into Farmington. From there the trail
will connect to a trail running along the Vermillion River that will connect to the new regional
park in Empire Township.
5. Prairie Waterway
The Prairie Waterway is located on the east side of Farmington. Its length is extended from
Minnesota T.H. 50 to the Vermillion River. It serves as an area where storm water runoff is
filtrated through a series of ponds before it empties into the Vermillion River. Native plants and
wild flowers have been planted along the Prairie Waterway in order to assist with the filtration of
the water as it moves through this system of ponds. The restored prairie areas provides abundant
habitat for wildlife, which is spotted frequently when walking on the trails. The Prairie
Waterway was constructed as part of the East Farmington development in the 1990’s.
Approximately half of the length of the Prairie Waterway has paved trails constructed within it.
This greenway will serve as an important connection to the new Dakota County regional park in
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Empire Township for residents who live on the east side of Farmington. Making the connection
from Farmington’s trails to the regional park will need to occur in Empire Township and should
be reflected in Empire Township’s trail plan.
8.4 Design Standards
The City has developed specific design standards as they relate to the construction of paved
trails, pedestrian ramps and crosswalk identification. The City’s design standards shall be the
accepted design format unless there are other Federal or State requirements that would supersede
the City’s design standards such as the ADA. The City’s trail design standards are included as
part of its Engineering Guidelines and Standard Plates Document. The following is a summary
of the City’s basic requirements for trail construction:
initially remove six inches of subsoil
install six (6) inches of Class 5 aggregate 100% crushed limestone compacted base
first lift of bituminous will consist of a 1.5 inch 2331 bituminous base
final lift shall consist of 1 inch of 2341 bituminous wear course
when constructing collector trails (trails in the boulevard or right of way) the City allows
the base lift to be placed first and then the wear course is only placed after home
construction is completed in order to minimize the amount of heavy equipment driving
on the finished wear course
an alternative construction method that the City has allowed in the past in park trail
locations, has been to lay one lift of 2.5 inches of 2341 bituminous wear course, after the
base has been properly placed and compacted
8.5 Safety and Security
Once constructed, it is important for trails to be maintained at a high standard in order for the
trail system to be successful. Trails that are improperly maintained can create potential hazards
for users. The safety of trails users should not be compromised. The City needs to create a
funding mechanism that provides money for the future maintenance of trails to ensure they
remain safe and don’t deteriorate prematurely.
Another critical component of trail maintenance is establishing a regular inspection schedule of
the trail system by City staff. Regular inspections should catch maintenance issues which then
can be corrected in a timely manner. Regular inspections also provide the opportunity to keep
litter picked up, which in turn provides the appearance the community cares about rather than
neglects its trail system. Monitoring of the trails by staff will help to deter vandalism, as the
person who is monitoring the trail should catch vandalism in the early stages before it becomes
significant. If vandalism is not caught early and either removed or repaired, it could lead to even
more vandalism occurring creating a potential hazardous condition along the trail. Littering and
vandalism should be recorded in a log book in order to track and identify trouble spots along the
trail system. Once these trouble spots are identified, the Police Department should be notified
for their support in providing additional surveillance of the trouble spots by either its Community
Service Officer or a bike patrol.
The following are items the City needs to consider when developing a safety plan for its trail
system:
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1. Rules
In order to create order rather than chaos on the trail system rules need to be identified and users
need to be informed of them. Rules should be posted at trailhead and rest area locations. Rules
that are appropriate for the City of Farmington’s trail system should include the following:
Only non-motorized vehicles are allowed on trails.
Pets must be kept on a leash and domestic animal waste must be picked up and properly
disposed.
Users should stay to the right except to pass.
When entering onto a trail allow existing users to pass before entering onto the trail.
When trails intersect, use traffic laws to determine who has the right of way to pass
through the intersection first.
Please keep yours and other’s litter picked up.
Bicycle riders should yield to pedestrian traffic.
Provide a warning signal that can be heard prior to passing someone on the trail.
Follow all traffic laws when riding bicycles on streets.
When using the trail, wait to rest or socialize with other users until you have come to a
rest area or shelter. If there is not a rest area or shelter nearby, move off of the trail
beyond the shoulders to rest or socialize with others.
Users should be off of trails before dark unless the trail is lit and then users should be off
of the trail from 11:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m.
2. Education
As much as possible, users of the trail system should be educated about safety while
using a trail. While it should not be a requirement to receive safety education prior to using a
trail,the City nonetheless should do its part in ensuring trail users understand how to remain safe
when on trails. The following strategies are suggested ways to increase trail safety:
Provide an annual bike safety camp day or program to youth in the community that
teaches them about such things as proper protective equipment, trail rules, rules of the
road, use of hand signals and a bike safety inspection.
In the spring of each year, provide a press release that identifies safety topics related to
trail use and reminds the community about the trail rules.
Work with other agencies and organizations in order to make bike helmets available to
youths in the community at either a reduced cost or for free.
Provide safety signage along the trail system and in various locations that reminds users
of such things as what side of the trail to ride on, correct manner in which to pass
someone and which user groups have the right of way over other user groups.
3. Enforcement
While the City is not always able to provide police staff to patrol the trail system on a daily basis,
occasional patrolling could potentially be done by either the Community Service Officer or
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through a bike patrol. Perhaps however, the most effective and visible enforcement will occur
by users of the trail system.
The following are strategies the City may want to consider when providing enforcement on the
trail system:
Create good visibility to abutting property owners who can provide 24 hour observation
of trails by removing some or all of the tall brush or branches in order to provide views to
the trail.
Create a volunteer trail patrol unit that strictly patrols trails and reports criminal or
suspicious activity to the City’s Police Department. Visibility of the patrol unit is the key
to deterring criminal activity.
Keep law enforcement agencies informed of trouble spots on the trails in the event that
they have an opportunity to increase patrol of the area around the trouble spot.
Make sure people are reminded to lock vehicles when parking their vehicle at a trail head
parking lot.
Explore costs and options related to emergency call boxes being place in key locations.
When trouble spots are identified, consider lighting the trouble spots to deter criminal
activity.
When opportunities exist and it is financially feasible, trails should be lit but only in
situations that it do not significantly impact of affect property owners adjacent to the trail.
8.6 Amenities
Trail amenities are yet another piece of the comprehensive trail system puzzle. Supporting
facilities such as signage, restrooms, shelters and parking areas are important amenities that
when provided assist in making the trail system more attractive and successful. Trail amenities
identified below are necessary to promote use of the system. Proper care of these amenities
means they will need to be continually maintained and replaced over time.
1. Parking Areas
Adequate vehicle parking space is critical to the trail system’s success. While it is the intent of
the trail system to provide an opportunity for residents to gain quick and easy access to a
comprehensive trail system, there will be some residents and visitors to the community who wish
to drive to a trailhead and park their vehicle. The City should provide parking at designated trail
head locations so as to encourage and enable users to drive to and access trails. The City should
focus on providing off-street parking areas such as within parks to gain access to a trail and limit
the amount of on-street parking. Currently Rambling River Park is one such trailhead location
where an off-street parking area is provided. In the development of new parks, parking areas
should be constructed in larger parks that have adequate space to accommodate vehicle parking.
2. Bike Racks
Bike racks are important for bicyclists who use trails. It provides a place where bikes can be
secured for short periods of time that allow the bicyclists an opportunity to use the restroom, stop
and rest on a bench or eat a lunch under the gazebo. The size and number of bike racks will
depend on the number of bicyclists using the trails. The City should monitor the need for
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additional bike racks. Bike racks should be installed close to other amenities such as a restroom,
kiosk, playground or ballfield. Bike racks should be securely fastened into a concrete pad that
abuts the trail. Color and design are dependent on the location of installation. Bike racks should
be inspected and maintained on an as needed basis.
3. Waste Containers
In order to encourage users to properly dispose of their litter, refuse containers need to be
provided at rest areas, shelters, trail heads and strategic locations along the trail. Containers
should be dumped on a regular basis in order to ensure litter does not overflow and cause
pollution. Refuse containers should be aesthetically pleasing and fit with the natural
environment. Refuse containers should have lids that keeps litter inside and animals out.
Containers should be secured so they cannot be tipped over or removed from the premises.
4. Benches
Benches serve as an inexpensive but good resting stop for users or they can provide an
opportunity to enjoy a splendid view of nature. Benches should be installed along the trail edge
but far enough off of the trail so as not to interfere with the activity that is occurring on the trail.
Bench legs need to be securely fastened to a concrete base that does not allow them to be either
tipped over or removed from the premises. The concrete base should be poured so it is
contiguous with the trail in order to provide access to all users of the trail. As much as possible
benches should have an aesthetically pleasing color and fit with the natural environment. When
purchasing benches, serious consideration should be given to purchase recycled plastic benches
due to low maintenance and long life. Benches need to be regularly inspected and maintained in
order for them to be of any use. Planks should be replaced as soon as possible when they are
broken.
5. Gazebo
Small gazebos or shelters should be provided in pre-determined locations along the trail and
primarily along park trails. Preference should be given for constructing an all-metal gazebo due
to metal having a longer life span than wood. Size should be the main factor considered when
purchasing a gazebo for trails. A gazebo should serve as a facility whose main purpose is to
provide a place where users can get out of the sun or rain or stop and eat a meal. Gazebos should
This picture
illustrates one
example of a bike
rack design that
can be installed
for trail users.
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be constructed off of the trail with a small trail leading from the shelter back to the main trail so
that it is accessible to all. Two or three picnic tables should be provided for seating and eating.
Picnic tables should be made from recycled plastic material similar to what the benches are made
from.
6. Kiosk
Kiosks are decorative structures that are used to provide important information to trail users.
The information provided at a kiosk may include: trail rules, a map of the existing City trail
system and general safety tips and information related to trails. Kiosks should be constructed out
of durable and low maintenance materials. Build a secure case that the informational material
may be posted in so it does not blow away and more importantly so control can be maintained
about what information is posted in the kiosk case. Kiosks should be located at trailhead
locations and should be located close to the parking area.
7. Restrooms
Restrooms should be provided at trailhead locations. Restrooms may either be a facility with
plumbing or may be a portable toilet. Restrooms with plumbing will need to be cleaned on a
daily basis. Restrooms should not be solely constructed for trail users but rather should be
constructed in trailhead locations that have other facilities as well such as a playground or
ballfield. The reason for this is so they are built in areas where there is additional traffic for
other reasons besides the trail. Increased traffic should deter vandalism in restrooms. The City
should contract the portable toilet service from an outside contractor. If using portable toilets,
they should be secured properly so they cannot be tipped over. The trails should lead to the
restrooms in order to make them accessible. The restroom facilities whether they contain indoor
plumbing or are portable should be accessible to all users.
8. Signage
In order for trail users to successfully navigate the trail system, a comprehensive sign program
should be implemented. Trail signs should indicate distances and provide direction to
destinations that are important community landmarks such as parks and schools. Signs should
contain their unique and distinctive characteristic such as color, shape and/or style of lettering
(branding) that makes them easily identifiable to trail users. Signs should be made from a
material that is attractive, requires little or no maintenance and is durable.
8.7 Maintenance Plan
Maintenance plays a critical part in the survival of a trail system. Without an ongoing
maintenance program, the pavement will break down and will become unsafe for use. A
preventive maintenance program will provide the following benefits:
effective way to promote the trail system during the budget process
can deter vandalism, litter and encroachment
create positive public relations between the City and abutting property owners
encourages the community to take pride in their trails system and thus helping to make
enforcement easier to manage
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keep the surface of the trail in a usable and safe condition
extend the life of the trail system
Maintenance of trails can mean many different things other than just maintaining and managing
the trail surface. Table 8.12 identifies common issues that should be addressed and strategies
that should be implemented for long-term maintenance of the trail system:
Table 8.12: Long-Term Maintenance
Issue Maintenance Strategy
trees Prune back limbs to at least six feet off of edge of trail. Continually
inspect trails for hazardous trees and when identified remove
hazardous limbs or the tree itself if needed.
weeds Mow or apply pesticide in areas that are not environmentally
sensitive and only on plants that are harmful to the public
roots Removal of tree or shrub should occur or it may eventually cause
heaving of the trail
cracks Cracks should be cleaned and then filled with appropriate material.
aggregate breaking away from pavement Sealcoat with slurry, or if too much aggregate has been lost, and the
trail is old, do an overlay on the existing trail.
pothole Clean out pothole and remove any additional trail surface that has
failed or has been undercut by the washout. Replace with class 5
aggregate and patch with hot asphalt.
litter or debris Remove and dispose of properly. Document location for historical
reference. Inform public to get invol ved by volunteering to clean up
trails through the Adopt-A-Park and Adopt-A-Trail Programs.
Provide garbage containers along the trail for litter and trash to be
disposed of by trail users.
dog waste Install signage that requests owner to scoop up and dispose of the
waste. Provide stations that have baggies and a container for
disposing of waste.
dumping lawn clippings and leaves Provide signage identifying that dumping is illegal. Remove as
quickly as possible the dumped material so that it prevents further
dumping by other residents.
graffiti Take photo to document graffiti and retain for future reference.
Clean up and remove graffiti as quickly as possible.
drainage issue Check drain structures nearby to ensure they are not plugged.
Remove water from the trail if possible. Work with Engineering to
correct drainage issue.
broken glass Sweep up glass as quickly as possible and dispose of properly.
Document location for historical purposes.
loose sand or gravel If a significant amount is present, it should be swept from the trail.
The following timeline should be followed for correcting maintenance issues related to the trail
surface:
crackfilling should occur every 5-7 years
sealcoating should occur every 6-8 years
if the base of a trail is still stable, but the surface has deteriorated, then an overlay should
occur at 13-15 years
Finally, a maintenance and management plan should be created that identifies the trail by
location, the year it was constructed, the cost of construction, the year preventative surface
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maintenance was performed (crackfilling, sealcoating and overlaying), the costs associated with
preventative surface maintenance, the projected year of reconstruction and the projected cost of
reconstruction.
8.8 Issues
While the City has created a trail system it can be proud of, there are still issues with the trail
system that need to be resolved in the next 20 or more years. The issues needing to be resolved
include:
1. Create a safe trail system that provides safe connections and crossings to parks, schools,
neighborhoods and commercial and industrial areas.
2. Provide education programs about bike safety to youth and adults so they can become
knowledgeable about trail use.
3. Provide for the construction of trails along natural areas, open space and greenways in
the community.
4. Construct trails that are flexible in meeting a variety of user group’s needs, desires and
abilities.
5. Provide connections to neighboring communities’ trails.
6. Provide trail access in older areas of the community where it does not exist.
7. Create trail construction and on-going maintenance funding mechanisms to ensure the
trail system is a long-term investment.
8. Provide trails with alternative surface types when traditional surfacing is not feasible.
9. Create trail connections and not trail dead-ends.
10. The City should plan for and create a limited number of alternative use trails.
11. Provide signage that informs and directs users to destinations and provides proper
warning to potential hazardous conditions.
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Section 9 Implementation Plan
A community’s comprehensive plan for parks, open space, recreational facilities and recreational
programs should be diverse. The comprehensive plan is the community’s guiding document that
identifies key issues and contemplates the resolution of the key issues identified. The guiding
policies that are developed should be based on a combination of appointed advisory commission
members, elected council members, City staff, consultant and community input during the
information gathering stage in the development of the comprehensive plan. This input should be
the impetus for the initiatives that are undertaken in the next 20 or more years in the acquisition
of parks and open space/natural areas, construction of recreational facilities, recreational
program implementation and construction of trails.
Guiding policies and strategies created were based on previous studies, community surveys, and
public planning sessions the City had initiated. While these guiding policies and strategies are
meant to provide priorities for the direction the City should take with regards to Parks and
Recreation, it is important to remember issues and priorities can change with time. The 2030
Master Plan will be mandated for an update in 10 years by the Metropolitan Council and so the
City will continue to have opportunities in the future to assess the direction it wants to go with
Parks and Recreation.
9.1 Guiding Policies and Strategies
Policy #1: Develop a park and open space system that includes active spaces.
Strategies
1. Acquire land according to the long range plan for future parks that is flat or
contains very little grade change and is unencumbered by utility easements
during the development process.
2. Include resident and local youth sports organization input when master planning
parks in order to address active and athletic spaces.
3. Maintain a ratio of a minimum of 20 acres of active park land per 1,000 people.
4. Complete master plans for remaining parks that could include active and athletic
spaces.
5. Construct a youth outdoor athletic complex that consists of baseball, soccer and
lacrosse fields.
6. Construct an adult softball complex that consists of at least four regulation size
fields.
7. Add facilities and amenities to parks in order to meet minimum standards
identified by the National Recreation and Park Association.
8. Complete deferred improvements that have not been completed due to funding
shortfalls.
9. Explore the development of a cross-country ski trail system.
10. Explore the construction of a mountain bike trail.
11. Explore the construction of a dog park.
12. Explore the construction of a disc golf course.
13. Explore the construction of an archery range.
14. Explore opportunities to add art work in parks.
15. Identify preferred site for future Veteran’s Memorial.
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Policy #2: Develop a park and open space system that includes natural areas and
environmentally sensitive areas for passive and un-programmed spaces.
Strategies
1. Encourage developers to donate land to the City during the development process
that cannot be developed due to steep slopes, encumbered with utility easements,
wetland(s) and/or floodplain.
2. In order to create a balance of active and passive land in the City’s park and
open space system, a ratio establishing a minimum of 20 acres of open space
and/or natural area per 1,000 residents should be adopted.
3. Protect and preserve stream, river and waterway for wildlife, trail and greenway
corridors.
4. Identify and acquire scenic land in the community that should be protected from
development.
5. Identify areas where trails can be constructed through or adjacent to natural
areas.
6. Complete master plans for remaining parks that could include passive and un-
programmed spaces.
7. Include resident and community organization input when master planning parks
in order to address passive and un-programmed spaces.
8. Acquire land along the Vermillion River and its tributaries either through the
development process or through acquisition from existing property owner in
order to preserve the open space for all to enjoy and a greenway system that
provides connections to schools, parks, neighborhoods, commercial areas and
surrounding communities.
9. Develop a budget for the removal of invasive species and restoration of native
vegetation along streams and rivers that provides suitable habitat for wildlife.
Policy #3: Expand the city’s trail and sidewalk system to include trails that are safe,
provide connections between schools, parks, neighborhoods, commercial areas,
open space/natural areas, other communities and regional parks are interesting
and include future regional trails.
Strategies
1. Meet with adjacent communities to discuss trail development, trail connections
and the creation of a possible joint trails committee.
2. Meet with Dakota County to discuss regional trail development and
implementation.
3. Require trails to be constructed during new development that closely matches the
City’s future trail plan and connects to exiting trails so trails do not dead-end.
4. When possible and financially feasible, construct pedestrian tunnels under or
pedestrian bridges over local streets, railroads, county highways or state
highways in order to create safe crossings for users.
5. Whenever possible construct trails to comply with the American’s with
Disabilities Act (ADA). If compliance with the ADA is not possible, provide
alternative routes that allow individuals who are physically challenged to still
traverse the trail system if they so desire.
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6. The City should create various lengths of looped trails that accommodate users
who have varying levels of skills, health and methods of transportation.
7. Provide support facilities such as a restroom, benches, bike rack, drinking water
source, parking and rest areas along the trail system.
8. Work with developers to construct trails that lead to commercial and industrial
areas from residential areas.
9. Work with the Farmington School District to construct trails that safely connect
from neighborhoods and parks to school building sites when possible by using
controlled intersections such as at a four-way stop or at signal lights or utilize
natural greenways and/or man made greenways that minimize the number of
street crossings..
10. Provide adequate and visible trail crossing signs for motorists to see.
11. In older neighborhoods that lack trails and/or sidewalks and when space is
possible, off-street trails and/or sidewalks should be constructed in boulevards
when infrastructure replacement projects occur.
12. If there is no space to construct off-street trails in the boulevard or it is
financially not feasible, an eight (8) foot bike lane should be striped on the
shoulder of at least one side of the street with a preference for striping eight (8)
foot bike lanes on both sides of the street if there is adequate space to do so, in
order to provide a connection to the City’s off-street trail system.
13. Signs designating certain streets as a bike route should be installed when striping
a bike lane or lanes is not possible.
14. Be cognizant of the environmentally sensitive areas and use good environmental
planning that limits the encroachment of the trails on the waterways by
constructing the trails on the outer edges of the greenway.
15. Trails constructed in greenways should be built at a minimum of 10 feet in width
with a preferred width of 12 feet or wider due to anticipated heavy use.
16. Construct a limited number of narrow aggregate or wood chip hiking paths from
paved trails to the interiors of the greenway so users have a limited number of
access connections into natural areas of the greenway.
17. Develop interpretive trails when possible that educates the public about the
natural environment.
Policy #4: Develop a long-term financial plan for the development and maintenance of
parks, open space and trails.
Strategies
1. Research alternative methods of financing the construction and maintenance of
trails.
2. Research and pursue possible grant programs for funding park and trail
construction.
3. Create, when possible, financial partnerships with other agencies to assist with
funding trail construction.
4. Create a pavement management plan for the maintenance and future
reconstruction of trails.
5. Encourage and foster volunteers through the City’s Adopt-A-Park and Adopt-A-
Trail programs that currently exist in order to keep litter picked up along trails.
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6. Create a maintenance program that identifies costs and ensures that trails are
crack filled and overlayed at appropriate and specified intervals.
Policy #5: Re-develop Rambling River Park.
Strategies
1. Through a public input process develop a master plan for the park.
2. Develop a cost estimate to construct the improvements identified in the master
plan for the park.
3. Create a financial plan identifying the funding source(s) that covers the cost to
completely construct the improvements identified or covers the cost through a
phasing plan.
4. Identify a construction schedule to complete improvements identified in the
approved master plan.
5. Construct the improvements utilizing the schedule and funding source(s)
identified.
Policy #6: Develop maintenance standards for parks.
Strategies
1. Identify City parks that are highly visible and have high visitor rates.
2. Identify City parks that have less visibility and have lower visitor rates.
3. Identify maintenance tasks and the frequency they should be performed and are
appropriate for parks with high visibility and have high visitor rates.
4. Identify maintenance tasks and the frequency they should be performed and are
appropriate for parks less visible and/or have low visitor rates.
5. Implement the maintenance standards.
Policy #7: Develop maintenance standards for recreational facilities.
Strategies
1. Identify routine maintenance tasks associated with the interior of recreational
facilities and the frequency maintenance should be performed.
2. Identify routine maintenance tasks associated with the exterior of recreational
facilities and the frequency maintenance should be performed.
3. Identify routine maintenance tasks associated with the recreational facilities
equipment and the frequency maintenance should be performed.
4. Identify routine maintenance tasks associated with each recreational facility and
identify whether staff should perform the maintenance or if it should be completed
by a contractor.
5. Develop an appropriate budget that allows the maintenance tasks to be performed
either by staff or a contractor at the intervals identified.
6. Implement the maintenance standards.
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Policy #8: Increase marketing of parks and recreation (recreational programs, parks, open
space, trails and recreational facilities) to the community.
Strategies
1. Create a colored map showing the location of parks, trails, open space,
greenways and recreational facilities and can be distributed to the community.
2. Expand the use of technology to notify participants about the Department
offerings.
3. Install kiosks or information boards with rules, information and trail maps at trail
head and rest area locations to provide helpful and useful information to users.
4. Continue to provide new signage in parks.
5. Create and provide trail signage that is attractive with large enough lettering that
creates information that allows successful use of trails and promotes the trail
system.
6. In locations where there is a narrow park entrance with a trail that leads from a
street or sidewalk and runs between homes, a sign with the park name should be
installed along the edge of the trail and be visible from the street indicating the
trail is a public entrance point to the park.
7. The City should continue to provide an updated snow removal map identifying
trails that are cleaned during the winter.
Policy #9: Complete the development of master plans for remaining city parks.
Strategies
1. Identify the remaining parks to be master planned.
2. Identify a schedule for completing the master plans for each park.
3. Identify whether staff or a consultant will develop a master plan for each
remaining park.
4. Using the public input process, develop a master plan for each remaining park.
5. Create/show both active and passive spaces in the master plans that are
developed.
6. Include/show amenities in the remaining park master plans that address meeting
the minimum NRPA standards.
Policy #10: Construct new indoor recreational facilities when it may not be financially
feasible or structurally possible to make improvements to existing recreational
facilities such as the Schmitz-Maki Arena, Outdoor Pool and the Rambling
River Center.
Strategies
1. Identify which facilities can be improved and which facilities cannot be improved
and need to be replaced.
2. Identify a cost estimate for improving or replacing the recreational facilities.
3. Explore any possible capital and operational public or private partnerships.
74
Policy #11: Acquire land in a manner that maximizes the size of parks when possible.
Strategies
1. Look for opportunities to acquire land adjacent to existing parks.
2. Create park areas adjacent to storm water detention ponds and/or infiltration
ponds.
3. Acquire park land adjacent to wetlands.
4. Acquire park land adjacent to stream, river and/or waterway corridors.
5. Acquire park land on the edge of developments so when adjacent land is
developed, park land can be acquired in the new development that abuts the
previously acquired park land.
6. Acquire park land adjacent to steep slopes.
7. Acquire park land adjacent to wooded areas.
8. Work with land owners to place conservation easements on their property that
abuts park land.
Policy #12: Explore opportunities to expand youth, teen, adaptive, adult and senior
programs.
Strategies
1. Expand recreation programs to make them more inclusive.
2. Explore programming partnerships with private and public organizations that
currently provide programs for different populations.
3. Explore programming partnerships with adjacent communities and townships in
order to provide adaptive recreation program opportunities.
75
Section 10 Appendix
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 ec reatio n C o mmis s io n Memb ers
F R O M:R andy Distad , P arks and R ec reation Direc tor
S UB J E C T:R o und table F o rmat
D AT E:Ap ril 12, 2017
B AC KG R OUN D
T he R oundtable p o rtion of the agenda allo ws C ommis sion members to s hare info rmation or as k q uestions
o f staff about items no t o n the agenda. No fo rmal dec is io ns are made d uring this agend a item.
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 ec reatio n C o mmis s io n Memb ers
F R O M:R andy Distad , P arks and R ec reation Direc tor
S UB J E C T:Info rmational Updates
D AT E:Ap ril 12, 2017
B AC KG R OUN D
S taff will p rovid e info rmation at the meeting to C ommission members ab out the following items :
1. P rairieview P ark playground eq uipment
2. P rairieview P ark s helter
3. Dew Days
4. R ambling R iver C enter P laza
5. Akin R oad Elementary S c hool P ro ject
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 ec reatio n C o mmis s io n Memb ers
F R O M:R andy Distad , P arks and R ec reation Direc tor
S UB J E C T:May 10, 2017 Agenda To p ic s
D AT E:Ap ril 12, 2017
B AC KG R OUN D
T he following are pos s ible topic s staff has id entified for the C ommission to c ons id er includ ing on the May
10, 2017 meeting agend a:
2040 C o mp rehens ive P lan
P ark Imp ro vement F und 2018-2022 C apital Imp ro vement P lan
P arks to ur with Emp ire To wns hip P ark and R ec reation C ommission