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11-18-09 PRI-rEM 5-3 NORTHWEST ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS, INC. 4800 Olson Memorial Highway, Suite 202, Golden Valley, MN 55422 Telephone: 763.231.2555 Facsimile: 763.231.2561 planners@nacplanning.com MEMORANDUM TO: Otsego Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Daniel Licht, AICP DATE: 10 November 2009 RE: Otsego — Park Identification Signs NAC FILE: 176.08 The Parks and Recreation Commission has discussed installation of identification signs at neighborhood parks and Prairie Park. These signs would display the name of the park and park address at all entrances to the sites for identification and public safety purposes. At their meeting on 14 October 2009, the Parks and Recreation Commission directed City staff to obtain quotes for signs based on a template sign for either composite or wood materials. City staff contacted AE Sign Systems who have provided signage at City Hall and the Public Works building, and received the following quote for sandbasted wood signs with painted lettering/logo: Primary Park Entrance Sign: Qty ( 1 ) Park sign Approx. 1.5" x 30" x 64" copy on both sides. $1188.00 Qty ( 4 ) cedar posts 4" x 4" x 120" includes routed sockets, painted to match. $560.00 total as described above complete, NO installation $1748.00 plus sales tax if applicable Secondary Park Entrance Sign: Qty ( 1 ) Park sign Approx. 1.5" x 30" x 34" copy on one side $457.00 Qty ( 2 ) cedar posts 4" x 4" x 120" includes routed sockets, painted to match. $280.00 total as described above complete, No installation $737.00 plus sales tax if applicable. Signs would be proposed to installed by the Public Works Department at each of the neighborhood parks, the planned park at River Place and Prairie Park as follows. No sign is required at School Knoll Park and installation of a sign at the park property at Waterfront East adjacent to the Mississippi River or at Norin Landing is not recommended at this time. Park Entrance Sign Cost Secondary Sign Cost TOTAL Beaudry Meadows 1 $1,748.00 2 $1,474.00 $3,2 2.00 Kittredge Crossing 1 $1,748.00 0 0.00 $1,7 8.00 Lilly Pond 1 $1,748.00 0 0.00 $1,748.00 River Place 1 $1,748.00 0 0.00 $1,748.00 Zimmer Farms 1 $1,748.00 1 $737.00 $2.485.00 1 Prairie Park 1 1 1 $1,748.00 0 1 0. 0 $1 748.00 1 TOTAL 1 6 1 $10,488.00 3 1 $2,211.00 $12,699.00 City staff requests a recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Commission to the City Council for installation the signs outlined above at City park facilities for a cost not to exceed $12,699 plus sales tax. Additional quotes will be solicited with the project awarded to the lowest bidder if approved by the City Council. The final design of the signs to be installed will be made available for Park and Recreation Commission review at their meeting 9 December 2009 . Note that additional funding for landscaping surrounding the sign may be considered for installation in 2010. C. Mike Robertson, City Administrator Tami Loff, City Clerk Brad Belair, Public Works Supervisor 2 I -r I=— M 5 - -4 NORTHWEST ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS, INC. 4800 Olson Memorial Highway, Suite 202, Golden Valley, MN 55422 Telephone: 763.231.2555 Facsimile: 763.231.2561 planners@nacplanning.com MEMORANDUM TO: Otsego Park and Recreation Commission FROM: Daniel Licht, AICP DATE: 10 November 2009 RE: Otsego — River Place park NAC FILE: 176.08 The purpose of this memorandum is to provide the Parks and Recreation Commission with an update as to the planning and development of the neighborhood park at River Place. The Public Works Department has completed preliminary grading of the site based on the concept plan approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council. This includes general leveling of the site and foundation grading for the proposed tennis court, basketball court and play containers. No additional site work is anticipated from now until spring. SRF Consulting Group, Inc. is currently working with park equipment vendors to spec recommended options for the play containers at River Place park. The equipment at Kittredge Crossings park and comments from Park Commission discussion and neighborhood meeting are guiding the recommendations that SRF will present to the Parks and Recreation Commission. The expectation is that the Park and Recreation Commission would review these recommendations at their meeting on 9 December 2009 and select a vendor/equipment package to recommend to City Council for the final design. Public Works Supervisor Brad Belair has also submitted a grant application to Gametime Equipment and the City was notified 6 November 2009 that a matching grant of up to $62,000.00 was awarded. However, a purchase order for the grant eligible equipment would have to be issued by 12 November 2009. The City Council discussed the grant application at their meeting on 9 November 2009 and concurred with City staff that there was insufficient time to respond to the grant award based on the need to involve both the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council in the decision. City staff and SRF believe that the City may be able to negotiate with Gametime Equipment to extend the grant, which is in effect a marketing tool for the manufacturer. The City Council, at their meeting 14 December 2009, will consider approval of the final design, equipment and preliminary budget based on the recommendations of the Parks and Recreation Commission. City staff will be requesting authorization for the City Engineer and/or SRF to complete plans and specifications for construction and bidding in the spring of those elements requiring a contractor. C. Mike Robertson, City Administrator Tami Loff, City Clerk Brad Belair, Public Works Supervisor Ron Wagner, City Engineer Ken Grieshaber, SRF Consulting Group, Inc. November 6, 2009 Dear Friends, '9 As the holiday season approaches, volunteers are busy making plans for our 2009 Gifts Anonymous Program. This is our 39th year at this endeavor, and we are hoping it will be another exciting and successful year. The 728 Club has coordinated this event with CAER in the past. The 728 Club is disbanding, however, the CAER Food Shelf will continue sponsoring the Gifts Anonymous Program. in the true fashion of Christmas, many people will combine forces to make it possible for us to make the holidays a little brighter for others. In 2008, donations from organizations such as yours made it possible for us to provide gifts for 731 children from 287 families and holiday dinners for 191 families. We anticipate the need will be great again this year. In order to meet this need, we are asking for your assistance again. As in the past, donations of money and new unwrapped gifts are needed for our community distribution. Gift donations may be left in our decorated barrels at the various business locations. Cash donations may be mailed to CAER GIFTS ANONYMOUS, P.O. Box 785, Elk River, MN 55330, or they may be deposited in the CAER GIFTS ANONYMOUS accounts at the First National Bank of Elk River or The Bank of Elk River. WE REQUEST THAT DONATIONS BE RECEIVED BY DECEMBER 12 SO THAT ITEMS CAN BE DISTRIBUTED BY CHRISTMAS. Distribution will be December 13-14. Our collection site is at Handke as in the past. Any assistance you would be able to give would be greatly appreciated. The past success of this program shows your concern and support. One of the greatest rewards of this program has, in fact, been the community thoughtfulness shown to those in need. Thank you. Sincerely, mol 6 Mary Bakken Volunteer Coordinator 763-241-3400 ex 2557 Phone: 241-3400 ex 2557 CAER..Gifts Anonymous PO Box 78S Elk River, MN 5 S 3 3 0 City of Otsego Park Board 8899 Nashua Ave. Elk River, MN 55330 Sandy Lindenfelser crorn: Kimberly Kragt [kimberlykragt@charter. net] ant: Saturday, November 07, 2009 11:45 PM 1,0: cityhall@ci.otsego.mn.us Subject: River place Park Dear Park Board, A few neighbors went to the Kittridge Crossings Park to see that style of park. We unanimous agreed we'd be blessed to have such a beautiful park. The highlights being the large play set and the bonfire pit, which would get used weekly. We have a rotating neighborhood bonfire most weekends spring, summer and fall. The large playground was spectacular. Very safe for the two - 1 yr olds and enjoyed by the 7 other children of all ages. The safety bars were from the ground to a very nice and safe height. We were not at all concerned about the one year olds climbing and crawling (With supervision of course). Perfect for all ages! The toddler lot was not the same. The play set equipment here was extremely unsafe, hard to supervise, and is inviting vandalism. Immediately we commented that the babies and toddlers (0-3 yr olds) were not safe playing on this equipment. There are large gaping wholes and the sides are virtually solid plastic making it very difficult to supervise small children. Knowing this and having previously discussed the dangerousness of this park, my one year old went down the steps safely on his stomach and off an edge. He landed on his neck and head. While 4 moms were supervising him. We could not see through the solid plastic. Here is a nice toddler set (with a few modifications: ex bridge instead of lily pads) ttp://www.detailedplaypro.com/playground-equipment/`commercial-play-structures/playground- -ps2l2-7.htm on the other hand, all the kids loved the bouncing and twirl poles, rocking toys, and climber. I have a few suggestions that maybe you might consider regarding the park: I would like to see high and low bars, parallel bars, and a straight balance beam. An affordable option for bars: SportsPlay Equipment http://www.aaastateofplay.com/fitness- equipment-c-50.html Triple Horizontal Bars $361.25 Aluminum Balance Beam $297.50 Parallel Bars $217.60 This is a nice option: Horizontal Ladder $653.65 Another option: If found this set of bars for $2,591.65, ($1000 less than Walmart.com) SportsPlay Hercules III Climber http://www.aaastateofplay.com/hercules-iii-climber-p-124.html You could make a 9 Unit Fitness Course staggered around the outside walking perimeter of the ntire park. I would put the "playground" type equipment closest to the park. ,ittp://www.aaastateofplay.com/9-unit-fitness-course-p-45.html $5,007.35 SportsPlay Equipment $4,526.00 $3,847.10 1 4 I would like to see a Tether Ball Post near the toddler basketball area: $132.60 Ball & Post (572-100)(571-110-2) ttp://www.aaastateofplay.com/tether-ball-post-p-367.html Maybe this would be fun near the toddler play area as well: Funnel Ball Game $407.15 http://www.aaastateofplay.com/funnel-ball-game-p-618.html I would also like to see four square painted on the ground by the toddler basketball area. Thanks for the wonderful job planning this outstanding park, Kimberly Kragt 612-245-2908 Sandy Lindenfelser �rom: Umphrey, Larry J. [lumphrey@minneapolisparks.org] ent: Monday, November 02, 2009 5:17 PM ro: cityhall@ci.otsego.mn.us Subject: Adopt a Park Opportunities and a big Thank You! To Whom It May Concern: Hello, My name is Larry Umphrey, and I live at 5449 Ramier Ave NE, in the River Place/Pointe Development. On Wednesday, October 14 th I attended a meeting along with many of my neighbors regarding the development of a park located in our neighborhood. During the meeting I brought up the question of the possibility of flooding the proposed baseball field for use as a skating rink in the winter time. There seemed to be some support for the idea, although there was concern voiced regarding the potential for additional labor time and costs to maintain. A person on the Park Commission (I apologize, I didn't get her name) stated that there might be a possibility for there to be an "Adopt a Park" opportunity for residents to maintain the ice surface without placing a further burden on the Public Works Staff. If this is a remote possibility or if you are willing to discuss it further, I would like to volunteer to spearhead the effort in our neighborhood. have talked with multiple families that are all interested, and believe that we have solid neighborhood buy -in for this initiative. Thank you for developing a park in our neighborhood, it is going to be a wonderful amenity and a focal point of the development, and something that both children and adults will be able to cherish for the years to come. Sincerely, arry Umphrey Ba"* Umphwtf, Recreation Supervisor Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Upper Northeast ParkS—Audubon, Northeast, Waite, Windom 612.370.4959/612.370.4910 - Office 612.490.8896 - Mobile 612.788.9856 - Fax www.minneapolisparks.org Sandy Lindenfelser From: Hollie Fenner [holliefenner@yahoo.com] ent: Monday, October 26, 2009 2:29 PM 1,0: cityhall@ci.otsego.rnn.us Subject: River Point/River Place Park Dear Park and Rec Board Members, I am writing this in lieu of attending the October open house that was held at city hall. I have attended two prior meetings regarding the development of a park in my neighborhood, but was unable to make the open house. I am still in support of the origninal concept plan that was presented this summer including baseball diamond, soccer fields, basketball, and or tennis courts, and seperate free-standing play structure areas for toddlers and older children. I do like the idea of climbing structures and larger free standing swings for the older kids as they quickly outgrow the play areas families can offer in their own backyards! I also agree with the cities plan to limit vandalism and keep this a low maintenance park. In my opinion this neighborhood mainly needs an area that supports group sports, neighborhood gatherings, and a safe area for younger children to run and ride their bikes. Thank you for taking my thoughts into consideration and for all that you do for our communties! Have a great day, Tollie Fenner t6ver Point Resident OTSEGO PARKS & REC COMMISSION NOVEMBER 18,2009 INTERVIEW 7:00 PM Kayla Block-Torgerson c( cuy Prairie Park Beaudry Meadows Park Kittredge Crossings Park Lily Pond Park River Place Park IEntrance Sign I Sandy Undenfelser From: April Fuller [fuller—april@yahoo.com] Sent: Sunday, November 15, 2009 7:25 PIVI To: cityhall@ci.otsego.mn.us Subject: Riverplace Park imput To Whom it Concerns: My name is April Fuller and I'm a Riverplace resident. First of all, I want to say thank you, we are ecstatic about the wonderful park that our neighborhood is so lucky to be getting! The reason I'm writing is because I was told that if we had any imput towards the plans for the park, we should email our thoughts for consideration. I was finally able to visit Kittridge Crossings Park today. I do have a concern with the Tot Lot, it seems a bit more advanced for very very young kids (ages 1 -4) which our neighborhood has a lot of. It seemed like great equipment for ages 4+, but too dangerous for toddlers exploration. My other concern is the fire pit. At first I was very excited to hear we would have a bon fire pit, but was disappointed when I saw it today. I do think our neighborhood would use it, but only if it were in a spot (without benches surrounding it) that people could bring many chairs if needed for a larger group, or scoot chairs in closer to the fire for a smaller group. I noticed that the fire pit at Kittridge had 3 benches surrounding it, and I doubt it would get used that way in our neighborhood. Our neighborhood has fires all the time and everyone brings their own chairs to sit in. My opinion is that the park benches are too uncomfortable for people to sit on to enjoy a campfire, and don't allow for any versatility as individual chairs do. As I said, our neighborhood is used to hauling chairs down the street to enjoy a neighborhood fire. If for some reason the bonfire pit has to be accompanied by benches, I can't see spending the money or wasting the space on something that will not likely get used. Thanks for your time, and we are very thankful and are really looking forward to the completion of our new park! April Fuller .1 le NOV!, November 6, 2009 Dear Friends, As the holiday season approaches, volunteers are busy making plans for our 2009 Gifts Anonymous Program. This is our 39th year at this endeavor, and we are hoping it will be another exciting and successful year. The 728 Club has coordinated this event with CAER in the past. The 728 Club is disbanding, however, the CAER Food Shelf will continue sponsoring the Gifts Anonymous Program. In the true fashion of Christmas, many people will combine forces to make it possible for us to make the holidays a little brighter for others. In 2008, donations from organizations such as yours made it possible for us to provide gifts for 731 children from 287 families and holiday dinners for 191 families. We anticipate the need will be great again this year. In order to meet this need, we are asking for your assistance again. As in the past, donations of money and new unwrapped gifts are needed for our community distribution. Gift donations may be left in our decorated barrels at the various business locations. Cash donations may be mailed to CAER GIFTS ANONYMOUS, P.O. Box 785, Elk River, MN 55330, or they may be deposited in the CAER GIFTS ANONYMOUS accounts at the First National Bank of Elk River or The Bank of Elk River. WE REQUEST THAT DONATIONS BE RECEIVED BY DECEMBER 12 SO THAT ITEMS CAN BE DISTRIBUTED BY CHRISTMAS. Distribution will be December 13-14. Our collection site is at Handke as in the past. Any assistance you would be able to give would be greatly appreciated. The past success of this program shows your concern and support. One of the greatest rewards of this program has, in fact, been the community thoughtfulness shown to those in need. Thank you. Sincerely, M01 6 Mar n Volunteer Coordinator 763-241-3400 ex 2557 Phone: 241-3400 ex 2557 Sandy Lindenfelser From: Hollie Fenner [holliefenner@yahoo.com] Sent: Monday, October 26, 2009 2:29 PM To: cityhall@ci.otsego.mn.us Subject: River Point/River Place Park Dear Park and Rec Board Members, I am writing this in lieu of attending the October open house that was held at city hall. I have attended two prior meetings regarding the development of a park in my neighborhood, but was unable to make the open house. I am still in support of the origninal concept plan that was presented this summer including baseball diamond, soccer fields, basketball, and or tennis courts, and seperate free-standing play structure areas for toddlers and older children. I do like the idea of climbing structures and larger free standing swings for the older kids as they quickly outgrow the play areas families can offer in their own backyards! I also agree with the cities plan to limit vandalism and keep this a low maintenance park. In my opinion this neighborhood mainly needs an area that supports group sports, neighborhood gatherings, and a safe area for younger children to run and ride their bikes. Thank you for taking my thoughts into consideration and for all that you do for our communties! Have a great day, Hollie Fenner River Point Resident Sandy Lindenfelser From: Umphrey, Larry J. [lumphrey@minneapolisparks.org] Sent: Monday, November 02, 2009 5:17 PM To: cityhall@ci.otsego.mn.us Subject: Adopt a Park Opportunities and a big Thank You! To Whom It May Concern: Hello, My name is h Larry Umphrey, and I live at 5449 Ramier Ave NE, in the River Place/Pointe Development. On Wednesday, October 14t I attended a meeting along with many of my neighbors regarding the development of a park located in our neighborhood. During the meeting I brought up the question of the possibility of flooding the proposed baseball field for use as a skating rink in the winter time. There seemed to be some support for the idea, although there was concern voiced regarding the potential for additional labor time and costs to maintain. A person on the Park Commission (I apologize, I didn't get her name) stated that there might be a possibility for there to be an "Adopt a Park" opportunity for residents to maintain the ice surface without placing a further burden on the Public Works Staff. If this is a remote possibility or if you are willing to discuss it further, I would like to volunteer to spearhead the effort in our neighborhood. have talked with multiple families that are all interested, and believe that we have solid neighborhood buy -in for this initiative. Thank you for developing a park in our neighborhood, it is going to be a wonderful amenity and a focal point of the development, and something that both children and adults will be able to cherish for the years to come. Sincerely, Larry Umphrey Ba*W Umpkw*, Recreation Supervisor Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Upper Northeast ParkS—Audubon, Northeast, Waite, Windom 612.370.4959/612.370.4910 - Office 612.490.8896 - Mobile 612.788.9856 - Fax www.minneapolisparks.org Sandy Lindenfelser From: Kimberly Kragt [kimberlykragt@charter. net] Sent: Saturday, November 07, 2009 11:45 PM To: cityhall@ci.otsego.mn.us Subject: River place Park Dear Park Board, A few neighbors went to the Kittridge Crossings Park to see that style of park. We unanimous agreed we'd be blessed to have such a beautiful park. The highlights being the large play set and the bonfire pit, which would get used weekly. We have a rotating neighborhood bonfire most weekends spring, summer and fall. The large playground was spectacular. Very safe for the two - I yr olds and enjoyed by the 7 other children of all ages. The safety bars were from the ground to a very nice and safe height. We were not at all concerned about the one year olds climbing and crawling (With supervision of course). Perfect for all ages! The toddler lot was not the same. The play set equipment here was extremely unsafe, hard to supervise, and is inviting vandalism. Immediately we commented that the babies and toddlers (0-3 yr olds) were not safe playing on this equipment. There are large gaping wholes and the sides are virtually solid plastic making it very difficult to supervise small children. Knowing this and having previously discussed the dangerousness of this park, my one year old went down the steps safely on his stomach and off an edge. He landed on his neck and head. While 4 moms were supervising him. We could not see through the solid plastic. Here is a nice toddler set (with a few modifications: ex bridge instead of lily pads) http://www.detailedplaVpro.com/plaVground-equipment/commercial-plaV-structures/plaVground- cps212-7.htm on the other hand, all the kids loved the bouncing and twirl poles, rocking toys, and climber. I have a few suggestions that maybe you might consider regarding the park: I would like to see high and low bars, parallel bars, and a straight balance beam. An affordable option for bars: SportsPlay Equipment http://www..aaastateofplay.com/fitness- equipment-c-50.html Triple Horizontal Bars $361.25 Aluminum Balance Beam $297.50 Parallel Bars $217.60 This is a nice option: Horizontal Ladder $653.65 Another option: If found this set of bars for $2,591.65, ($1000 less than Walmart.com) SportsPlay Hercules III Climber http://www.aaastateofplay.com/hercules-iii-climber-p-124.html You could make a 9 Unit Fitness Course staggered around the outside walking perimeter of the entire park. I would put the "playground" type equipment closest to the park. .ittp://www.aaastateofplay.com/9-unit-fitness-course-p-45.html $5,007.35 SportsPlay Equipment $4,526.00 $3,847.10 I U I would like to see a Tether Ball Post near the toddler basketball area: $132.60 Ball & Post (572-100)(571-110-2) http://www.aaastateofplay.com/tether-ball-post-p-367.html Maybe this would be fun near the toddler play area as well: Funnel Ball Game $407.15 http://www.aaastateofplaV.com/funnel-ball-game-p-618.html I would also like to see four square painted on the ground by the toddler basketball area. Thanks for the wonderful job planning this outstanding park, Kimberly Kragt 612-245-2908 F� Sandv Lindenfelser -,om: Kelly Daugherty [kdaugherty@msptechmedia.com] ent: Thursday, October 15, 2009 11:22 AM To: cityhall@ci.otsego.mn.us Subject: Park & Rec Commission - River Point/River Place Park Dear Park and Rec Commission, As an ardent supporter of the River Point/River Place Park, I regret that I was unable to attend the Park & Rec Board meeting last night. I have attended two previous meetings (June & August) in support of the park and provided my feedback on the concept plan. It was my understanding (and others) that the concept plan/budget had been solidified and that last night's meeting was to determine specific freestanding equipment options. I was disappointed to hear from my neighbors that the park plans are still in flux and this meeting was just another attempt to rehash the plans. I've been informed that the freestanding equipment may now become a combined play structure, which contradicts everything the city and residents supported in previous meetings --- greater risk of vandalism, expense, etc. We had also acknowledged that with the neighborhood full of smaller play structures, the freestanding equipment would offer kids a different play experience than what is available in their own backyards. More importantly, I hope that the city is still committed to other facilities we discussed -- baseball diamond, soccer fields, half -court basketball and tennis court. I feel strongly that all of these amenities are necessary to balance the needs of the neighborhood's varied demographics. The tennis courts are especially important since the other amenities offer very little to woman and teens. Thank you for your time. I will be traveling at the time of the November meeting but would appreciate that my feedback be considered during the final decision making process. "Z ,.st regards, Kelly Daugherty River Point Resident