HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-08-08 PACKET 00 6:00 WORKSHOPREQUEST OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION COUNCIL AGENDA
MEETING IT M #
DATE 8/8/12
PREPARED BY P arks and Recreation Departmen Zac Dockter
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT STAFF AUTHOR
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COUNCIL ACTION REQUEST
6pm - Parks and Recreation Referendum Workshop with City Council.
ADVISORY COMMISSION ACTION
DATE
REVIEWED
APPROVED
DENIED
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❑ PUBLIC SAFETY
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❑ PUBLIC WORKS
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❑ PARKS AND RECREATION
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❑ HUMAN SERVICES /RIGHTS
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❑ ECONOMIC DEV. AUTHORITY
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SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
❑ MEMO /LETTER: Zac Dockter, July 31, 2012
❑ RESOLUTION:
❑ ORDINANCE:
❑ ENGINEERING RECOMMENDATION:
❑ LEGAL RECOMMENDATION:
® OTHER: 2012 Residential Survey Findings, Decision Resources, LTD
ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS
Ci y "Ac
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Iministrator N. Date
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COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: ❑ APPROVED ❑ DENIED ❑ OTHER
H:VCOUNCIL FORMS=UNCIL 2012 \8-8 -12 \Council Action Form Referendum Workshop Parks and Rec.doc
City of
Cotta Grove
Minnesota
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Director
CC: Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator
Date: July 31, 2012
Subject: Parks and Recreation Referendum
Introduction
The City Council, Parks Commission, Community Center Task Force and staff have been researching
the community's needs and desires for recreational improvements for several years. This report is the
culmination of that process. If the City desires to request taxpayer funding for these improvements
during the November general election, the question(s) must be submitted to Washington County prior to
the August 24 deadline.
Background
There are four projects that have been clearly identified as potential projects for a community parks and
recreation referendum. A brief description and cost analysis of each project is listed below.
Outdoor Aquatic Facility
The City Council, Parks Commission and Community Center Task Force have continually identified the
development of aquatic recreational opportunities a top priority. Although both indoor and outdoor
options have been thoroughly discussed, an outdoor aquatic center is being suggested at this time
considering the significantly reduced capital and operating expenditures required. An outdoor medium
sized aquatic facility slightly larger than the Hastings facility would be recommended. Location has not
been determined. The facility would include:
1. Zero entry pool access.
2. Shallow zone with interactive spray features and slides for tots and young children.
3. Deep zone with swim lanes and interactive features such as rope climbers, multiple slides and
balancing pods for older children and teens.
4. Large deck area with shade structures and seating.
5. Supporting site features such as lawn, picnicking areas and playground.
6. Operations building with front desk, locker rooms, concession stand, lifeguard rooms, storage,
mechanical rooms and rentable room.
7. Parking lot and site improvements.
The capital costs of this size project would be approximately $6.5M. With an attendance projection of
50,000 annually, operating losses incurred by the city on an annual basis would be approximately
$75,000. Operating losses cost would need to be absorbed by the general fund via increased taxpayer
levy.
CAPITAL COST TO REFERENDUM = $6.5M
IMPACT ON ANNUAL GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES = $75,000
Hamlet Park Proiect Completion
The city owns an additional 35 acres of property to the south of the existing baseball complex. The
intent of the property is for expansion of Hamlet Park as depicted in the master plans included in this
report. Improvements would include expansion of ballfield complex, trails, expanded playground,
splash pad, multiple parking lots parkway access between lots, utility improvements and upgrading of
existing open space areas along the north pond and 80'" Street entrance point.
Additional operating costs would include items such as additional equipment, field maintenance
material (fertilizer, seed, dirt, etc.), equipment replacement costs and additional staffing.
CAPITAL COST TO REFERENDUM = $6M
IMPACT ON ANNUAL GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES = $75,000
Indoor Plai /Party Center
The city has been considering the idea of reusing the existing pool site and building as a youth play
center. City Council believes a market opportunity exists to provide a clean, safe and well designed
indoor play center for children and families to congregate, play and exercise. It is also recommended
that the existing pool area on the site be redesigned to provide outdoor play opportunities to capture the
interest of older children as well as capitalization of a usable facility for 365 days a year. The proposed
facility would include:
1. Indoor play equipment area
2. Outdoor gated play area with artificial turf, play equipment, shelter and landscaping.
3. Lobby with snack bar and casual seating area
4. Three rentable rooms for birthday parties or other such activities
5. ADA accessible restroom facilities as well as a family restroom
6. Office
7. Maintenance rooms
8. Redesigned parking lot and site landscaping
Conceptual designs of the site and facility as well as a business plan for operations are submitted with
this report.
CAPITAL COST TO REFERENDUM = $1 M
IMPACT ON ANNUAL GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES = $0
Land Acquisition for Future Athletic Complex, River Access and Trail Improvements
To meet future athletic needs for the community of Cottage Grove, the city has expressed a desire to
purchase agricultural land east of Lamar Park for future park expansion. The land purchased would not
be developed in the near future but would be purchased at today's agricultural value dollars to hold for
future expansion. Dependent on the negotiated purchase price, any remaining funds would be
dedicated to the park trust fund where they could be used for trail improvements or as seed money
towards future park acquisition and development.
CAPITAL COST TO REFERENDUM = $700,000
IMPACT ON ANNUAL GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES = $0
uapitai cost
$6.500.000
W$ I1 1I
Annual tax
Increase on
$200K home
$33.41
$30.84
$5.14
$3.60
Annual tax
Increase on
$400K home
$64.09
$59.16
$9.86
$6.90
ME
st
Supporting Information
To aid the City Council and Commission in their decision making process, staff is including the following
documents which provide information and data which will be useful.
-1 Parks and Recreation Community, urvey
Aquatic Facility Analysis
-a: Hamlet Park Feasibility Study
4. Hamlet Park Master Plans
6: Play Center Conceptual Designs and Cost Estimate
Play Center Business Plan
T.` Lamar Park Land Acquisition Map
.3. Community Center Task Force Report
Should the council wish to find additional information from past meeting reports, a list of related
meetings with dates are provided below. The agenda's, reports or minutes can be found either on the
city's laserfiche program or by contacting staff.
April 20, 2011 Council meeting to accept Community Center report, authorize negotiations with
YMCA for Community Center and implement splash pad study
September 7, 2011 City Council Aquatic Facility Analysis
December 6, 2012 Thompson Grove Community Hall Design Charrette
February 20, 2012 Joint meeting with Parks Commission, Community Center Task Force and
Thompson Grove Community Hall Design Team to discuss referendum
March 21, 2012 Council meeting reviewing community survey and Hamlet feasibility report
April 18, 2012 Council meeting authorizing survey and feasibility report
Recommendation
Direct staff on the following:
1. Develop or not develop a parks and recreational referendum question for the November ballot.
2. Identify which projects are to be included on the ballot'.
3. Identify net costs. of each project to be placed on the ballot.
DECISIONRESOURCES, LTD.
3128 Dean Court
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55416
612- 920 -2401
612 - 920 -1069 (fax)
2012 Residential Survey Findings
City of Cottage Grove
City Demographics:
The typical adult resident of the community lived there for 16.7 years. Fourteen percent are
residents for five years or less, and 20% are residents for over 30 yews. Seniors are present in
18% of the city's households; ten percent of the households are composed exclusively of seniors.
A majority of households contain two non - senior adults. School -aged children or pre- schoolers
live in 46% of the community's households.
Eleven percent rent their current residents. The typical adult is 48.2 years old. Eighteen percent
are under 35 years old, and 13% post ages over 64 years old. Women are 51 % of the sample,
while men are two percent less.
The City was divided into three sections for more detailed analysis: Precincts 1 -4, Precincts 5 -8,
and Precincts 9 -12. About 33% of the households in the city are contained in each geographical
section.
Quality of Life Issues:
"Quiet and peacefulness," at 26 %, and "small town feel," at 20 %, lead the list of city aspects
most liked by residents. Fifteen percent point to "friendly people," and 12% cite "convenient
location" Nine percent like the city's "housing and neighborhoods."
Sixteen percent cite "high taxes," and 14% each point to "lack ofjobs" and "lack of retail
opportunities," as the most serious issues facing Cottage Grove. Nine percent post "nothing for
youth" and eight percent point to "too much growth." Fifteen percent maintain the community
has "no serious problems" — this "booster corp" is over three times higher than the suburban
average.
Ninety-five percent rate the quality of life favorably, while only six percent rate it unfavorably.
In fact, 29% rate the quality of life as "excellent," placing the City within the top quartile of
Metropolitan Area suburbs.
City Taxes and Services:
Seventy -nine percent rate the value of city services for the taxes they pay as either "excellent" or
"good;" but, 17% rate the value lower. This level of satisfaction places the city within the top
quartile of Metropolitan Area suburban households.
In comparison with neighboring areas, 45% rate their property taxes as either "very high" or
"somewhat high." Forty -eight percent, though, rate the value as "about average, and two percent
see them as "low." Only five percent were uncertain. These findings characterize a "moderate or
benign" property tax climate.
Among residents having opinions, four city services receive at least 90% positive ratings: police
protection, fire protection, park maintenance, and trail maintenance. City - sponsored recreation
programs post a positive rating of 77 %, while city street repair and maintenance secure a 64%
positive rating. In the case of city street repair and maintenance, while the 64% positive rating is
the lowest among these city services, this rating is 20% higher than the norm and places the city
within the top quartile of suburban communities.
Public Safety Issues:
Only 11% think there are areas in Cottage Grove where they do not feel safe. Among those
thinking there are unsafe city areas, 54% point to "low income areas." Twelve percent cite the
areas near the "apartments" Sixteen percent, though, report they do not feel safe in their
immediate neighborhood walking alone at night.
Eighty -seven percent rate the amount of police patrolling in their neighborhood as "about right."
Twelve percent think it is "not enough." Similarly, 86% rate the amount of traffic enforcement
by the police in their neighborhood as "about right." Twelve percent see it as "not enough."
Park and Recreation Issues:
Three park facilities are used by at least 60% of the city's households: trails, at 69 %; larger
community parks, at 68 %; and, smaller neighborhood parks, at 66 %. Forty -nine percent of city
households report using community ballfields and soccer fields during the past year. Thirty -
seven percent used the River Oaks Golf Course during the same time period, and 32% similarly
use the Ice Arena. Facility users rated all six facilities highly — positive ratings in excess of 90 %.
Park and Recreation Bond Referendum Components:
2
Cottage Grove residents were asked about four potential components in a park bond referendum.
The table below lists each component, the support for a property tax increase to construct the
component, and the opposition to a property tax increase for that purpose:
Component
Support
Opposition
Construction of an outdoor aquatic facility, with zero -depth
entry access, shallow play areas for young children, play areas
56%
42%
for older children, slides, swimming lanes, picnic areas and
locker rooms.
Completion of Hamlet Park, including an additional baseball
field complex, large playground, trails, splash pads, new
57%
41%
building shelters, additional parking lots and completion of 95`
Street access route.
Renovation of existing pool site as a youth play center with
indoor playground equipment, outdoor play area, snack bar, and
56%
41%
birthday parry rental areas.
Acquisition of land east of Lamar Park for future park
43%
49%
expansion.
Three of the four potential components garner 56 % -57% support in concept. One component,
the land acquisition east of Lamar Park, is opposed in concept by a 49% to 43% margin.
The priorities assigned by residents followed the general patterns of support. Fifty -three percent
would prioritize the outdoor aquatic facility, and 47% would prioritize the completion of Hamlet
Park. Forty -two percent feel the same way about the renovation of the existing pool site as a
youth play center. Only seven percent place a priority on the land acquisition proposal, and a
large 33% state they would oppose it. When only top priority choices are reviewed, the
construction of an outdoor aquatic facility leads the list, at 37 %, followed by the completion of
Hamlet Park, at 21 %, and the construction of a youth play center, at 16 %.
Property Tax Increase Tolerance:
Twenty -seven percent would vote against almost any tax increase for park and recreation
facilities, while 10% would vote for almost any property tax increase for this purpose. Sixty -one
percent report they are persuadable. This finding reveals that any park and recreation referendum
initially begins 17% behind the opposition — a very daunting, but not impossible handicap to
overcome.
The typical Cottage Grove resident is willing to support a $3.50 per month increase in property
taxes for park and recreation facilities. But, 36% state they would support no property tax
increase for this purpose; at the other end of the spectrum, 15% support tax increases twice as
high as the average.
A majority of residents support a $13,000,000 bond referendum which contains the already -
discussed four components. By a 54 % -40% margin, residents approve a property tax increase of
about $69.00 per year on a $200,000 home and about $138.00 per year on a $400,000 home.
One indicator of a potentially troublesome election is the intensity advantage opponents have:
22% are "strongly opposed" in comparison with 16% who are "strongly supportive." Support is
primarily based upon the perceived "need for additional amenities in the community" and
"reasonable cost," while opposition stems from perceived "already high taxes" and "lack of
need."
City Government:
Fifty -four percent think if they wanted to, they could have a say about the way the City of
Cottage Grove runs things; however, 40% disagree. This level of the lack of empowerment is
almost ten percent above the norm. The level also suggests the possibility of "symbolic voting"
— opposing the bond referendum for tangential reasons.
Fifty -eight percent feel they know "a great deal" or "a fair amount" about the work of the Mayor
and City Council; this level of knowledge among the citizenry is twice as high as the suburban
norm. By a 69 % -18% verdict, residents approve of the job of the Mayor and City Council. This
approval rating is within the top quartile of Metropolitan Area suburbs.
Fifty -five percent report "quite a lot" or "some" first -hand contact with the Cottage Grove city
staff. This level of first -hand contact is almost double the suburban average. By a solid 81 %-
13% majority, residents rate the job of the City Staff very favorably. The Cottage Grove city
staff ranks within the top decile of Metropolitan Area suburban communities.
Communications:
There are two principal sources of information about Cottage Grove City Government and its
activities: the local newspaper, at 39 %, and the city newsletter, at 28 %. Ten percent also rely
upon the City website, while eight percent use cable television for information.
Seventy -five percent feel either "very well informed" or "somewhat well informed" about the
Cottage Grove Park System and its facilities. This level of information is unusually high in
comparison with other suburban communities sharing similar demographics.
11
Most residents would rely upon one of four sources for information about a park bond
referendum proposal from the City of Cottage Grove: articles in newspapers, at 34 %; the city
newsletter, at 25 %; the City website, at 11 %; and, mailings from the City and voters groups,
10 %. Providing adequate information during an election will require the use of all four
communications channels.
Election Dynamics:
1. The larger the turnout, the better the chance of passage of the bond referendum. A small
turnout in a special election would doom this effort, since supporters are less apt to vote in non-
November elections. A presidential year turnout, projected in Cottage Grove at 80 %, would
level this "playing field" and insure opinions are heard from all segments of the community. In
fact, if the discussion shifts from all residents to all likely voters in November, the judgment
moves from 54 % -40% in favor to 57 % -38% in favor.
2. Residents for less than twenty years are particularly supportive — averaging two -to -one
majorities in favor of the bond referendum. Residents for over twenty years are split evenly on
this proposal. Related to this demographic pattern, household containing only seniors register a
two -to -one majority in opposition to the bond referendum. Households containing adult children
split two -to -one in support of the park bond proposal.
3. Household containing children split three -to -one in favor of the park bond referendum.
Parents, then, are the core constituency favoring the referendum. Empty -nests split evenly.
4. Renters — 11% of the household in the city — overwhelmingly support the bond referendum,
74 % -15 %. This demographic group, though, is least likely to vote at all.
5. Residents under the age of 45 favor the proposal by four -to -one; residents over the age of 45
split 55 % -45% against the bond referendum proposal.
6. All of the components do not attract equal support and do not equally impact the electorate.
The two key drivers of support are "the construction of an outdoor aquatic facility" and "the
completion of Hamlet Park." Residents prioritizing the former split 88 % -8% in favor of the
bond referendum, while those prioritizing the latter split 69 % -27% in favor. Residents
prioritizing "the renovation of the existing pool site as a youth play center" split 50 % -50% in
favor. This component is neutral in neither adding nor detracting from the overall proposal.
Finally, residents prioritizing "the acquisition of land for future park expansions" unanimously
oppose the park bond referendum. The inclusion of the fourth component should be
reconsidered, since it actually weights down the referendum package. As an alternative, this
component could be placed in a second question.
7. In order to inform and energize the citizenry, all four of the major communications channels
must be used. "Articles in the local newspaper," "the city newsletter," and "mailings from the
city" reach residents who support the proposal by two -to -one. Users of the City website are more
divided — 52 % -45% in support. A robust presence in each channel will be essential to success.
Methodology:
This survey was administered by telephone to 400 randomly selected households in the City of Cottage Grove. The
random sample included both cell phone only and land line households. All interviews were conducted by trained
and supervised telephone interviewers from the company's telephone bank in Saint Paul. All interviews took place
between July W h and I W h , 2012. The typical respondent took 14 minutes to complete the survey. The non - response
rate was 3.5 %. The results of this survey are projectable to the universe of all Cottage Grove adult residents within
+/- 5.0% in 95 out of 100 cases.
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Hastings Family Aquatic Center
Disclaimer: Map andparcel data are believed to be accurate, but accuracy Is not guaranteed. This Is not a Map Scale
legal document and should not be substituted for a title search,appralsal, survey, or forzoMng verification. 1 Inch = 61 feet
Dakota County assumes no legal responsibility for the Information contained In this data. 7/31/2012
Dakota County, MN
Disclaimer, Map and parcel data are believed to be accurate, but accuracy Is not guaranteed. This Is not a Map Scale
legal document and should not be substituted for a title search,appraisal, survey, or forroning verification. 1 Inch = 61 feet
Dakota County assumes no legal responsibility for the Information contained In this data. 7/31/2012
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BOLTON 8L M E= K , I "(=a
Consulting Engineers & Surveyors
Cottage
� Grove
,, ` , ere Pride andPrOSPerity Meet
Feasibility Report
for
Hamlet Park Improvements
City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota
July 2012
Project Number N15.105046
= .,
Co nsulting n in rs & Surveyors
" 2035 County Road D East • Suite B • Maplewood, MN 55109 -5314
Phone (651) 704 -9970 • Fax (651) 704 -9971
www.bolton - menk.com
July 2, 2012
Honorable Mayor and City Council
City of Cottage Grove
7516 80 Street South
Cottage Grove, MN 55016
RE: Hamlet Park Improvements
BMI Project No. N15.105046
Honorable Mayor and City Council Members,
Enclosed for your review is the Hamlet Park Improvement project Feasibility Report. The project scope includes
three categories of proposed improvements to Hamlet Park, as identified in this report:
• Hamlet Park Expansion
• Enhancements to Current Active Park Areas, and
• Redevelopment of the Hamlet Park North Pond
This report describes the proposed improvements within each project area. The work outlined is proposed to be one
component of a potential 2012 referendum for park improvements. Cost estimates for the proposed improvements are
also presented in the Report.
We would be happy to discuss this report at your convenience. Please contact me at 651- 968 -7674 if you have any
questions.
Sincerely,
BOLTON & MENK, INC.
Av -p 9�y0
Mike Boex, PE
DESIGNING FOR A BETTER TOMORROW
Bolton & Menk is an equal opportunity employer
HAMLET PARK IMPROVEMENTS
FEASIBILITY REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents
ExistingConditions ..................................................................................................
............................... l
HamletPark Expansion ......................................................................................
............................... l
Enhancement of Current Active Park Areas .........................................................
..............................2
Redevelopment of the Hamlet Park North Pond ...................................................
..............................2
ProposedImprovements ............................................................................................
..............................2
HamletPark Expansion .......................................................................................
..............................2
Enhancement of Current Active Park Areas .........................................................
..............................6
Redevelopment of the Hamlet Park North Pond., ...............................................................................
8
Permitsand Easements ..............................................................................................
..............................8
EstimatedCosts ........................................................................................................
............................... 8
Financing...............................................................................................................
............................... 10
ProjectSchedule .....................................................................................................
............................... 10
Conclusion And Recommendations ........................................................................
............................... 10
APPENDIX
Appendix A
Figure 1 — Location Plan
Figure 2 — Project Areas
Figure 3 — Existing Conditions
Figure 4 — Hamlet Park Enhancements and Expansion
Figure 5 — Redevelopment of the Hamlet Park North Pond
Figure 6 — Redevelopment of the Hamlet Park North Pond
Appendix B — Cost Estimate Summary
City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota Table of Contents
Hamlet Park Improvements Page i
HAMLET PARK IMPROVEMENTS
I hereby certify that this plan, specification, or report was
prepared by me or under my direct supervision, and that I
am a duly Licensed Professional Engineer under the laws
of the State of Minnesota.
By. 4 /
Michael J. Boex, P.E.
License No. 44576
Bolton & Menk, Inc.
Date: July 2. 2012
� � � �_1
City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota Certification
Hamlet Park Improvements Page ii
HAMLET PARK IMPROVEMENTS
INTRODUCTION
The City of Cottage Grove is considering improvements to its largest community park, Hamlet Park.
Constructed in the 1970's, Hamlet Park is generally bounded by Highway 61, the Thompson Grove
neighborhood, 95 Street, and the CP Rail Expansion project. The park location within the City is shown
on Figure 1. The park currently has the following recreational amenities throughout the nearly 150 acres:
• 5 baseball fields
• Playground
• 2 football / soccer fields
• Picnic shelter
• 2 tennis courts
• Recreational building
• 2 basketball courts
• Storage building
• 2 sand volleyball courts
• 3.5 miles of trails
• Skate park
• Open space and woods
• Outdoor hockey rink
In addition to the recreational amenities noted above, the park is home to the Hamlet Park regional pond
system (Pond TG -P4) which flows through the park from approximately 80'" Street to W Street.
The City Council authorized the preparation of this Report on April 18 2012 to determine the feasibility
and cost estimate of the proposed park improvements. Improvements to the park would be considered as
part of a referendum in 2012. Proposed improvements are categorized into three areas, as depicted on
Figure 2:
• Hamlet Park Expansion
• Enhancement of Cams Active Park Areas
• Redevelopment of the Hamlet Park North Pond
This report will include a discussion of the proposed improvements, estimated costs of said
improvements, and a method of cost allocation to determine project feasibility.
EXISTING CONDITIONS
HAMLET PARK EXPANSION
The southern 35 acres of the park are currently undeveloped. The park contains a storm water flume,
storm water pond, bituminous trails, and open space. During construction of the pond in 2008, bedrock
was encountered and was crushed onsite to create a useable gravel base material. At the same time, four
baseball fields, three parking lots, and an access road were rough graded. The gravel base material from
the crushing operation was placed on the access road and two of the three parking lots. Since that time,
the City has placed a one -foot thick layer of fine aggregate material over the four baseball fields. Above
the layer of fine aggregate material, the City has spread topsoil generated from other projects throughout
the City on about two-thirds of the fields. In addition, the City has placed numerous stockpiles throughout
the proposed baseball field area. These stockpiles consist of the following approximate quantities:
• 3 piles of 7,000 CY, 1,500 CY, and 500 CY of topsoil
• 1 pile of 2,000 CY of fine aggregates
• 2 piles 400 CY and 125 CY of general fill with rocks
• I pile of 100 CY of general fill
• 1 pile of 600 CY of bituminous / gravel reclaiming
City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota
Hamlet Park Improvements Page I
HAMLET PARK IMPROVEMENTS
Public utilities to serve this area of the park were extended to the park edge as part of the CP Rail
Expansion — Hemingway Avenue Improvements Project. Water main was extended to the eastern park
edge along 91 Street. Sanitary sewer was extended to the eastern park edge along the north lot line of
Outlet E, south of 91" Street. 91" Street currently terminates with a hammer -head turnaround at the
eastern park edge as well.
ENHANCEMENT OF CURRENT ACTIVE PARK AREAS
Along with the expansion of Hamlet Park, the City is considering improvements to the current active park
areas. Vehicle access to the current active park area exists fi om 80 Street to an existing bituminous
parking lot. The parking lot was expanded in 2003 by adding 31 stalls, and bringing the total to 171 stalls.
The current active park areas include multiple athletic fields and courts, a playground, recreational and
storage buildings, a shelter, a parking lot, trails, open space, ponds, and woods. A 9 -inch sanitary sewer
and 6 -inch water main was extended from 89' Street and currently serves the shelter and restrooms
located near the existing parking lot. A hydrant is also located near the existing hockey rink to provide
water for flooding the rink during the winter.
REDEVELOPMENT OF THE HAMLET PARK NORTH POND
With the redevelopment of the Cottage Square Mall area and subsequent construction of the Norris
Square senior living center, it created a need for the redevelopment of the north pond area. This area of
the park is located at the northern end where West Point Douglas Road, Hadley Avenue, Grange
Boulevard, and W Street converge. The park area currently includes a bituminous trail loop around the
north pond and open space. As Hamlet Pond has been re- graded and expanded over the years, portions of
the trail have been removed and other parts reconstructed. A boardwalk was recently constructed to carry
pedestrians across the pond linking the west side to the east side.
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS
HAMLET PARK EXPANSION
The primary feature proposed in the Hamlet Park expansion area is the construction of four new baseball
fields and improvements to serve those fields.
PUBLIC UTILITIES
An 8 -inch sanitary sewer pipe is proposed to be extended from the stub provided in the CP Rail
Expansion project through the park to the center of the new baseball fields. The pipe will serve the
proposed restrooms / concessions building located in the center of the four -plex. Insulation will need to be
installed over the sanitary sewer pipe due to the minimal cover over the pipe. Based on bedrock elevations
observed during the construction of the expansion pond, bedrock will likely be encountered during the
sanitary sewer construction.
A 6 -inch water main is proposed to be extended from the stub provided at 91" Street to the new baseball
fields. This water main will serve the proposed restrooms / concessions building as well as the irrigation
systems for the park. Until the adjacent industrial lots develop to the east of the park, the City may
experience water quality issues in this area due to the 20 inch dead end water main on Hemingway
Avenue. If the access road corridor and new baseball fields are routinely irrigated, it is estimated to
provide enough weekly water turnover in the trunk water main to alleviate the water quality issues during
the summer months. However, monitoring chlorine residual in the water is recommended during the first
year and at spring start-up.
- - - i
City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota
Hamlet Park Improvements Page 2
HAMLET PARK IMPROVEMENTS
Storm sewer will be installed throughout the parking lots and along the access road. Catch basins will be
installed at street and parking lot low points and other appropriate points along the roadway and parking
lots to collect storm water runoff and direct it to Hamlet Pond.
PARKING LOTS AND ACCESS ROAD
To serve the new baseball fields, three bituminous parking lots are proposed to be constructed to the
north, east, and south of the new fields. The new parking lots are proposed to hold approximately 290
vehicles combined. The parking lots are proposed to be outlined in 8618 concrete curb and gutter with
B618 concrete curb and gutter islands. The north and east parking lots have already had the gravel base
section placed. It is proposed to shape the existing gravel base on these lots to approximately match the
preliminary design grades. This will need to be verified during the design phase of the project by
comparing the existing gravel base elevations with the preliminary design grades.
The south parking lot has been rough graded, but the gravel base section has not been placed yet. It is
proposed to spread existing stockpiles of fine aggregates and general fill, which exist throughout the
proposed baseball fields, on the south parking lot. The parking lot gravel base and pavement section will
then be placed over these materials.
Once the new ball fields are constructed, it will be necessary to provide a bituminous access road which
connects 89 Street and the existing parking lot to the new parking lots and 91" Street. The access road is
proposed to include B618 concrete curb and gutter and be 27 -feet wide from face of curb to face of curb.
No parking is proposed along the entire length of the access road. Approximately half of access road has
already been rough graded and had the gravel base section placed, from the proposed parking lots north to
the northernmost box culvert crossing. It's proposed to shape the existing gravel base on this portion of
the access road to approximately match the preliminary design grades. The remainder of the access road
will be excavated and a new gravel base and pavement section placed. The proposed gravel base and
pavement section for the parking lots and access road is as follows:
• 1.5" Wearing Course Pavement
• 2" Non Wearing Course Pavement
• 8" Aggregate Base Class 5
TRAILS AND SIDEWALKS
As part of the Hamlet Park Expansion, the existing bituminous trails are proposed to be extended
throughout the new site. A bituminous trail stub exists between the existing and proposed baseball fields.
It's located to the south of the existing flume and south box culvert. It is proposed to connect to this trail
stub and construct 8 -foot wide bituminous trails to connect the new parking lots with the new baseball
fields.
A 6 -foot wide concrete sidewalk is proposed to be constructed adjacent to the access road near the
existing parking lot. A connection is proposed to the existing sidewalk at the entrance off of 89" Street
and to the existing bituminous trail on the east side of the existing parking lot.
Pedestrian crossings from the proposed trails and sidewalks will be provided across the access road which
consists of concrete curb ramps, truncated domes, pavement markings, and signage. Concrete bollards are
proposed to be installed at crossings where pedestrians are anticipated to be consolidated and where the
wider pedestrian crossings are utilized.
City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota
Hamlet Park Improvements Page 3
HAMLET PART( IMPROVEMENTS
LANDSCAPING
Additional landscaping is proposed throughout the Hamlet Park Expansion area. A variety of tree species
and shrubs are proposed at varying locations along the proposed trails and access road. Trees and shrubs
are proposed in- between the new baseball fields, surrounding the parking lots, and in the parking lot
islands.
An entry monument is proposed at the 91" Street park entrance. Ornamental trees, shrubs, and perennials
are proposed to surround the monument. The monument is proposed to be of similar character to the
existing park monumemation, which is an engraved limestone slab. -
A kiosk displaying a park map and directional
signage is proposed to be constructed near the
91" Street entry monument. The kiosk is also
proposed to include information on Hamlet Park
features, which may include park history, tree
species, wildlife, or pond design, Trail distance
markers are also proposed throughout the park
trail system to inform trail users of lengths of
certain trail segments and loops.
The kiosk will display park
information and a park map
Irrigation for the proposed landscaping improvements is to be constructed along the access road and
parking lots.
LIGHTING
Street lighting is proposed to illuminate the access road and parking lots in the expansion area. The City's
standard pole and lumimire shall be used. Pedestrian lighting is proposed along the trail corridor
connecting the two ball field quads and along the trail system within the two quads.
BASEBALL FIELDS
A new four -plex of baseball fields are proposed to be constructed to the south of the existing four -plex
and to the north of the Werner Electric Supply site. The fields are proposed to be orientated in the typical
"wagon wheel" layout with a center gathering area and concession building. The fields are proposed to
have the following specifications:
• 2 eastern fields - 300 -foot foul lines and 300 -foot to center field, 65' or 75' adjustable base length
• 2 western fields - 325 -foot foul lines and 375 -feet to center field, 90' base length
• 10' wide Ryan Red Rock warning tracks along baselines and outfield fencing
• Turf infields and outfields
• Hooded backstops
• Fully enclosed 8' high chain link fencing with single and double gates, concrete maintenance
strip, and outfield safety cap
• Double batting cage between the western fields
• Dugouts with a concrete floor, bench, and roof
• Spectator bleachers with 72 -seat capacity at each field
• Lighting meeting baseball standards of 50 foot -candle infield and 30 foot - candle outfield
• Irrigation system with quick connects at each field for dust control
City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota
Hamlet Park Improvements Page 4
HAMLET PART( IMPROVEMENTS
BUILDINGS
A building is proposed at the center of the new
baseball field four -plex. The building would host
a concessions stand, restrooms, and storage area.
A steel shade picnic structures is also proposed
near each of the three new parking lots. Each
structure would contain four picnic tables and a
trash receptacle.
M
City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota
Hamlet Park Improvements
Page 5
The fields are currently rough graded and topsoil has been spread on about two - thirds of the field area.
The grading of the fields is proposed to be finished with the remaining onsite stockpiled topsoil and
topped with offshe screened and pulverized topsoil.
Sleel shade picnic shelters are proposed
near each ofthe three new parking lots
HAMLET PART( IMPROVEMENTS
ENHANCEMENT OF CURRENT ACTIVE PARK AREAS
Along with the expansion of Hamlet Park, the City is considering improvements to the current active park
areas.
PUBLIC UTILITIES
Sanitary sewer and water main were previously extended into the park from W Street. It's proposed to
tap the existing water main and extend a 4 -inch water service to the proposed splash pad. A 1 -inch tap of
the existing water main is also proposed to provide service to a drinking fountain proposed at the center of
the existing ball field four pies.
Storm sewer is proposed to be extended to drain the proposed splash pad. The storm sewer will also be
extended to the existing parking lot to pick up existing drainage. The storm sewer will then be routed
south between the existing football field and four -plex to the pond.
TRAILS
An existing bituminous trail runs from the existing parking lot and ends at the existing four -plex. An 8-
foot wide bituminous trail is proposed to be extended to the south to connect to the existing trail on the
north side of the storm water flume.
LANDSCAPING
Additional landscaping is proposed throughout the current Hamlet Park active areas. A variety of tree
species and shrubs are proposed at varying locations along the proposed trails and in- between the existing
baseball fields.
An entry monument is proposed at the park entrance off of 80 Street. Ornamental trees and shrubs are
proposed to surround the monument. The monument is proposed to consist of similar character to the
existing park monumentation, which is an engraved limestone boulder.
A trailhead with a kiosk displaying a park map and directional signage is proposed to be constructed near
the entry monument off of 89 Street. The kiosk is also proposed to include information on Hamlet Park
features, which may include park history, tree species, wildlife, or pond design. The trailhead will be
outlined by trees and shrubs. Trail distance markers are also proposed throughout the park hail system to
inform trail users of lengths of certain trail segments and loops.
LIGHTING
Pedestrian lighting is proposed to illuminate the trail between the existing ball fields. Lighting is also
proposed at both the splash pad and playground facilities.
EXISTING BASEBALL FIELDS
Improvements to the existing ball fields are proposed. The existing batting cage near the volleyball and
hockey rink will be removed with the construction of the access road. A new double batting cage is
proposed to be constructed in- between the two southern fields. A concrete maintenance strip is proposed
under the existing fencing surrounding the fields. A new drinking fountain is also proposed in the center
of the four fields.
City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota
Hamlet Park Improvements
Page 6
HAMLET PARK IMPROVEMENTS
SPLASH PAD
A zero -depth splash pad is proposed to the east
of the existing parking lot. The splash pad is
proposed to be constructed of colored concrete
and be approximately 1,800 square feet in area.
A variety of on- demand spray features are
proposed, similar to the splash pad at Highlands
Park. Shade structures, a bike rack, and lighting
are also proposed at the site. The splash pad is
proposed to be a flow - through system with
drainage into the proposed storm sewer system.
PLAYGROUND
The existing playground equipment is proposed to be
renovated by adding new, larger play components
constructed in the same location and tying into the
existing playground theme. The new playground area
is proposed to be approximately 6,200 square -feet.
Minor grading of the adjacent berm may be required
depending on the final location. Concrete curbing and
sidewalk is proposed around the playground site.
Engineered wood fiber is proposed as the base
surface which meets City standards. An ADA
(American's with Disabilities Act) compliant resilient
mat is proposed as an alternate to the typical wood
chip surface. Lighting and a shade structure is
proposed at this site as well. A bench and trash
receptacle would also be provided.
SKATE PARK
The existing outdoor skate park has three smaller features and one large feature constructed on an asphalt
surface. Renovation of the existing skate park is proposed with this project. This includes repairing and/or
replacing damaged features, and expanding the park with the addition of new features.
BUILDINGS
Two steel shade structures are proposed at the center of
the existing baseball fields. Each structure is proposed to
contain four picnic tables and a trash receptacle. These
steel shade structures are proposed to be the same type
of building as the structures proposed in the park
expansion area. Smaller, fabric- roofed shade structures
are proposed at the splash pad and playground areas. The
storage building at the park entrance off of 80 Street is
proposed to be demolished with this project due to the
location of the access road. A storage area will be
provided in the new building proposed at the center of
the proposed baseball fields.
City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota
Hamlet Park Improvements
Shade stnmtares are proposed al the ploup ou rd and splash pad
Page 7
A splash pad ivith on- demand spray featin as is
proposed near the existing pinking lot
The existing playgrmmd area is proposed to
he expanded with this project
HAMLET PARK IMPROVEMENTS
REDEVELOPMENT OF THE HAMLET PARK NORTH POND
Redevelopment of the north end of Hamlet Park is being considered with this project. A preliminary
design was put together in 2007 by Brauer and Associates for park enhancements across from Norris
Square. The site includes realignment of existing bituminous trails, two arbor structures, sidewalks,
benches, trash receptacles, an entrance identification sign, park system orientation sign, retaining walls, a
seat wall, ornamental fencing, irrigation, turf, and a variety of trees, shrubs, and perennials. The cost
estimate from Brauer was reviewed and updated for anticipated unit prices for 2013 construction.
Hamlet Perk -City of Cottage Grove
Bbd yiV .ofE.ayandArDOr Area
Rendering by Rra n- Associates showing the proposed
improvements at the corner of Hadley Ave and 8d St
Bwu�x a� lm
PERMITS AND EASEMENTS
A construction permit from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency (MPCA) would be required for the water main and sanitary sewer construction. Because
this project disturbs more than one acre of land, a Phase II General Storm Water Permit for Construction
Activities from the MPCA would also be required.
No acquisition of easements or right -of -way is anticipated with this project.
ESTIMATED COSTS
Cost estimates for each of the three categories of park improvements have been prepared and are itemized
in Appendix B. All costs are based on anticipated unit prices for the 2013 construction season. All costs
include a ten (10) percent contingency and a thirty (30) percent allowance for indirect costs associated
with the project (engineering, administrative, financing, and legal). No costs are included for capitalized
interest during the construction period. The following page shows an overall summary of the estimated
project costs.
City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota
Hamlet Park Improvements Page 8
HAMLET PARK IMPROVEMENTS
Estimated Project
Costs
Item
Construction Cost
Project Cost*
Hamlet Park Expanslou
Sanitary Sewer
$53,970.00
$77,177.10
Water Main
$44,825.00
$64,099.75
Stamm Sewer
$158,365.00
$226,461.95
Streets and Parking Lots
$815,270.00
$1,165,836.10
Trails & Sidewalks
$87,770.00
$125,511.10
Landscaping
$197,860.00
$252,939.80
Pedestrian & Street Lighting
$175,700.00
$251,251.00
Ballfield Lighting
$615,000.00
$676,500.00 **
Ballfields
$885,095.00
$1,265,685.85
Park Concessions Building
$174,825.18
$250,000.00
Shade Structures
$98,400.00
$140,712.00
Total Hamlet Park Expansion
$3,307,080.18
$4,526,174.65
Enhancements to Current Active Park Areas
Water Main
$13,000.00
$18,590.00
Storm Sewer
$64,025.00
$91,555.75
Trails
$8,910.00
$12,741.30
Landscaping
$84,225.00
$120,441.75
Pedestrian Lighting
$35,100.00
$50,193.00
Ballfields
$54,580.00
$78,049.40
Splash Pad
$154,404.00
$220,797.72
Playground
$149,945.00
$214,421.35
Alternate Playground Surfacing
$35,650.00
$50,979.50
Skate Park
$50,000.00
$71,500.00
Shade Structures and Building Demolition
$110,500.00
$158,015.00
Total Enhancements to Current Active Park Areas
$760,339.00
$1,087,284.77
Hamlet Park North Pond
North Pond Brauer improvements
$444,271.00
$635,307.53
North Pond Brauer Alternates
$47,480.00
$67,896.40
North Pond Trail Rehab
$63,009.00
$90,102.87
Total Hamlet Park North Pond
$554,760.00
$793,38 &80
Totals
$4,622,179.18
$6,406,766.22
Future Scoreboards By Others)
$30,000.00
$42,900.00
" Includes 10% contingency and 30% indirect costs
"" Includes turnkey system with design by others and 10% contingency (indirect costs not included)
City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota
Hamlet Park Improvements Page 9
HAMLET PARK IMPROVEMENTS
FINANCING
The project would be financed through City funds from the proposed 2012 referendum for park
improvements.
PROJECT SCHEDULE
Below is the proposed
• 04/18/2012
• 07/18/2012
• August 2012
• Fail 2012
• Winter 2012
• Spring 2013
• Spring 2013
• Spring 2013
• Summer 2013
• Summer 2013
schedule assuming starting construction in 2013:
Council Orders Feasibility Report
Council Receives Feasibility Report
Community Survey on Referendum Questions
Referendum Vote
Council Orders the Preparation of the Plans and Specifications
Council Approves the Plans and Specifications and sets Bid Date
Project Bid Date
Contract Award
Begin Construction
Complete Construction
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
It is recommended that this report be approved and used as a guide for the layout, design, and cost
allocation for the improvements to Hamlet Park.
From an engineering standpoint, the proposed improvements are feasible. This project is cost effective
based on existing conditions and acceptable standards proposed to construct the improvements.
City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota
Hamlet Park Improvements Page 10
HAMLET PARK IMPROVEMENTS
Appendix A
Figures
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Hamlet Park Improvements
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Appendix B
Cost Estimate Summary
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Hamlet Park Improvements
Cost
Estimate Summa
Item
Construction Cost
Total Cost*
Cit Funds - 2012 Referendum
for Park Improvements
Hamlet Park Expansion
Sanitary Sewer
$53,970.00
$77,177.10
$77,177.10
Water Main
$44,825.00
$64,099.75
$64,099.75
Storm Sewer
$158,365.00
$226,461.95
$226,461.95
Streets and Parking Lots
$815,270.00
$1,165,836.10
$1,165,836.10
Trails & Sidewalks
$87,770.00
$125,511.10
$125,511.10
Landscaping
$197,860.00
$282,939.80
$282,939.80
Pedestrian & Street Lighting
$175,700.00
$251,251.00
$251,251.00
BalI fie] d Lighting
$615,000.00
$676,500.00 **
$676,500.00
Ballfields
$885,095.00
$1,265,685.85
$1,265,685.85
Park Concessions Building
$174,825.18
$250,000.00
$250,000.00
Shade Structures
$98,400.00
$140,712.00
$140,712.00
Total Hamlet Park Expansion
$3,307,080.18
$4,526,174.65
$4,526,174.65
Enhancements to Current Active Park Areas
Water Main
$13,000.00
$18,590.00
$18,590.00
Storm Sewer
$64,025.00
$91,555.75
$91,555.75
Trails
$8,910.00
$12,741.30
$12,741.30
Landscaping
$84,225.00
$120,441.75
$120,441.75
Pedestrian Lighting
$35,100.00
$50,193.00
$50,193.00
Ballfields
$54,580.00
$78,049.40
578,049.40
Splash Pad
$154,404.00
$220,797.72
$220,797.72
Playground
$149,945.00
$214,421.35
$214,421.35
Alternate Playground Surfacing
535,650.00
$50,979.50
$50,979.50
Skate Park
$50,000.00
$71,500.00
$71,500.00
Shade Structures and Building Demolition
$110,500.00
$158,015.00
$158,015.00
Total Enhancements to CurrentActive Park Areas
$760,339.00
$1,087,284.77
$1,087,284.77
Hamlet Park North Pond
North Pond Brauer Improvements
$444,271.00
$635,307.53
$635,307.53
North Pond Brauer Alternates
$47,480.00
$67,896.40
$67,896.40
North Pond Trail Rehab
$63,009.00
$90,102.87
$90,102.87
Total Hamlet Park North Pond
$554,760.00
$793,306.80
$793,306.80
Totals
$4,622,179.18
$6,406,766.22
$6,406,766.22
Future Scoreboards (By Others)
$30,000.001
$42,900.00
* Includes 10% contingency and 30% indirect costs
" Includes turnkey system with design by others and 10% contingency (indirect costs not included)
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ROIOS ARCNREOIUR/LLWME N
COTTAGE GROVE PLAY CENTER °
A,1 CI"OFCO"AOEOROM nwcHrtecTe
A -2
r , — . 12012111 - 117-11 Z7
516 TROUT BROOK DRIVE
ROBERTS, WISCONSIN 54023
dkrumm @rvkarchitects.com
ESTIMATE OF i '' COSTS
JULY 9 2012
VANILLA SHELL
Costs to return Building to Original with Current Energy and ADA Upgrades:
General Conditions
$ 10,000.00
Fees
24,000.00
Pool and Equipment Demo
20,000.00
General Construction
92,200.00
Plumbing
28,000.00
HVAC
62,000.00
Electrical
24,000.00
Contingency (7.5 %)
18,000.00
Total
$ 278,200.00 $ 278,200.00
MEMAIM
Costs to Build -Out as Play Center based upon Current Concept Plan in
Addition to Costs for Vanilla Shell as indicated above:
General Conditions
$ 12,500.00
Fees
32,000.00
Site Improvements
120,500.00
Landscaping & Irrigation
Reconstruct Parking Area
Concrete Curbing and Walks
Site Amenities
Trash Enclosure
General Construction
124,300.00
Catering and Service Kitchens
52,000.00
Plumbing
10,000.00
Electrical
6,000.00
Contingency (5 %)
16,000.00
Total
$ 373,300.00 $ 373,300.00
Interior & Exterior Play Structures $ 325,000.00
Total Vanilla Shell and Play Center $ 976.500.00
PHONE 612- 867 -6394
ARCHITECTURE & PLANNING INTERIOR DESIGN CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
6 61 W1 '
6 t St.
Cottage Grove, MN55o16
This business plan is for an indoor /outdoor children's playground facility to be housed
at the current municipal pool building. The plan provides a good description of market
analysis, operational projections and the methods that will be used to appeal to the
community's family recreational needs and desires while achieving a competitive
advantage in this industry.
Tables of Contents
Summary Page 2
Mission and Strategy Page 3
Market Analysis Page 4
Competitive Analysis Page 8
Financial Analysis Page to
1
Proposed Business
The Cottage Grove Play Center will provide a safe, clean, and stimulating environment
for physically active children aged 12 and under to play in and explore. The facility will
be supervised to ensure children's safety, while challenging them to reach, think,
interact, explore, and have fun. The indoor portion of the facility will be approximately
5,500 square feet with 1,500 of that being dedicated solely to the indoor playground
area. The remainder is used for common areas, restrooms, offices and mechanical
rooms. 1,500 square feet is similar floor square footage to other facilities in the metro,
however the ceiling height at the Cottage Grove facility is limited meaning it will not
have the ability to build vertically as those other facilities might. However, another
13,500 square feet of outdoor back yard space can be further utilized as play or
gathering areas making the Cottage Grove facility unique in that aspect. Indoor play
areas will have soft indoor play equipment and flooring with extensive padding and no
sharp edges while the outdoor play area will closely resemble standard park play
equipment and be designed to interest older children as well. For family celebrations,
such as birthdays and special occasions, the facility will offer private party rooms. A
desire of the business model would be to assure the facility is as rewarding for the
parents as it is for the children as they spend time together.
Location
The Cottage Grove Indoor Playground facility will be located at the current municipal
pool site within the Thompson Grove neighborhood. Within a ten -mile drive from this
location, there are at least 1o,000 children at or under the age of 12, living in a
household with median annual income exceeding $70,000. Furthermore, we continue
to believe Cottage Grove will be a fast - growing community consisting of a majority of
families with children as it states in the city's 2030 Comprehensive Plan.
Management
Business operations will rely mostly on part- time /seasonal staff. It would be anticipated
that a half to three - quarters managerial position would oversee facility operations while
receiving support from current Parks and Recreation staff for management, marketing,
maintenance and administrative functions.
t 1
The Cottage Grove Play Center will be a destination family entertainment center with a
basic focus on children's play and fitness for ages birth to 12 years. These activities will
be packaged into a safe, clean, climate - controlled, supervised environment for children
aged 12 and under to exercise and have fun while stimulating their imagination and
challenging them physically. The indoor play center is based on the premise that if you
set a large number of children inside a safe, yet challenging, imaginative soft playground
area, they are going to have fun. They are also going to develop basic motor skills, social
skills, muscle tone, and self - confidence. Furthermore, the parents can enjoy hours of
close interaction with their children in a safe, secure, and stimulating environment.
Currently, McDonald's is the only indoor children's playground in Cottage Grove. In
addition, there are relatively few alternatives for children's birthday parties. The
Cottage Grove Play Center will be able to immediately fill this void in the market by
providing extensive recreational and entertainment facilities for children to play in and
explore. Within 1 year, we'd expect the Cottage Grove Play Center will be known as the
primary recreation facility for children aged 1 to 12 and the destination of choice for
children to enjoy birthday parties with friends.
The Cottage Grove Play Center will base its appeal on providing a stimulating indoor
and outdoor environment for children to play in, while adhering to the strictest quality
control standards emphasizing excellence in service, safety, security, sanitation,
cleanliness, and creativity. It would be suggested that a unique outdoor play area also
be included in the site design to assure that the facility is fully functional and marketable
365 days a year. It is vital that the outdoor component is unique and well kept to the
point of making it a draw beyond standard play components located at parks and
schools throughout the community.
lk/ VIA IR
Background
A market opportunity exists in the Cottage Grove area to service children aged 12 and
under with a supervised indoor play and exercise facility. Market research shows that
children often do not get the required amount of exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Indoor playgrounds provide an outlet for active children during inclement weather or
when the temperature is too hot or cold for outdoor play. Furthermore, parents often
desire an environment for their children to play for a short period of time while the
parent can read, work, use a computer or socialize with other parents in this controlled
setting.
Indoor playgrounds serve an increasing need in our society. Studies show that American
children are less active and less fit than they were even ten years ago, probably due to
increasing time in front of television sets and high calorie -high fat diets. Studies have
also shown that less active children are more likely to be overweight, and overweight
children have a greater propensity to become overweight adults. As people have become
more aware of the healthy aspects of their lifestyles, enrollment in adult health clubs,
aerobic exercise, recreational activities, and attention to nutrition has increased
dramatically. This trend will continue as parents attempt to provide a healthier lifestyle
for their children. Another area of parental concern is their children's safety. Nationally,
as well as locally, concern for the physical well -being of children has created a further
need for a safe play environment. This concern shows no sign of diminishing.
Product Description
The Cottage Grove Play Center will strive to appeal to value- oriented customers who
desire hours of entertainment for their children at reasonable prices. The play center
will be competitively priced at $5.00 for unlimited play which is comparable to other
like facilities and forms of entertainment (examples: Lookout Ridge $4.50-$5.50, Eagles
Nest $5.5o, Blast $5.00). However, the distinguishing feature of the Cottage Grove Play
Center will be its clean, safe, secure environment for children to play in, both inside and
4
outside play areas, private rentable party rooms and hours of child entertainment while
parents can either relax or participate in their child's activities.
There will also be a snack bar that will serve food and beverages that appeal to children
and parents such as pizza, popcorn, pop, fruit juice, coffee /cappuccino and candy.
The play center would have four private parry rooms and will offer packages for
birthdays and other special occasions hosted by staff members, significantly reducing
the hassle and mess for parents. The design of the rooms will allow for groups as large as
25 children at a time. Food and cake for the parties maybe provided by the party
organizer at their own discretion. An option for a River Oaks catered box lunch and /or
cake from Cub Foods or Dairy Queen will also be provided.
Advertising
The Cottage Grove Play Center will reach its target customers through such advertising
media as direct mailings, internet, social media, family magazines, and direct marketing
to family -based facilities in Cottage Grove such as the ice arena and schools. Advertising
and promotion campaigns will be funded through operating cash flows. The play center
will initially promote its concept through a Grand Opening advertisement campaign
employing an invitation -only free evening for local mom's club, daycares and
community leaders and their children.
Location Characteristics
The Cottage Grove Play Center will support both destination users as well walk -in users
from the neighborhood /community. Since the majority of indoor playground use and
birthday parties are pre - planned events, the exact location of the play center with
respect to other major shopping centers does not appear as critical as it is in other retail
business. Once customers are aware of the Cottage Grove Play Center, they will likely
return multiple times. We believe our initial forecast of a 33% return rate of customers
to be conservative in nature. The awareness of our location will develop over several
months due to advertising and word of mouth.
Hours of Operation
Initially, the play center operating hours will be from to AM to 8 PM Monday through
Saturday and Noon to 6 PM on Sunday. Hours will adapt as needed to maximize usage
and profitability of the facility.
Unique Market Characteristics
Weekly Usage Patterns
With 6o to 65% of the costs fixed and only 35 to 40% variable, even small increases in
capacity utilization can have a major impact on profitability. With a projected 60% of
revenue coming on weekends, it will be important to effectively utilize capacity on
weekdays. It is suggested the play center provide the following services to increase
customer usage during this period: group discounts to mom's clubs, day care centers,
churches, community groups, schools (preschool, private schools, home - schooled), etc.,
a frequent user card to encourage repeat customer visits, nutritious food to attract
health - conscious families, and promoting birthday parties during the week. It will be
important for staff to provide additional focus for marketing during no- school weekdays
as these should be large revenue - generating days.
Seasonality
The winter months are anticipated to be the strongest, whereas the beginning of spring
and school year will likely be the weakest periods. On a quarterly basis, the Cottage
Grove Play Center's best quarter should be the first, followed by the third, second, and
fourth quarters. To manage this seasonal variation in customer demand, management
will actively monitor weekly sales volume and maintain a flexible staffing arrangement.
Threat of a Fad Product
There is a risk that children may tire of the concept of indoor padded playgrounds. To
keep the concept fresh, staff will strive to incorporate moveable play equipment, skill
games, and /or new marketing concepts annually.
Safety /Liability Concerns
To reduce the potential for injuries and lawsuits, the play center will employ every
means possible to protect children from hurting themselves on the play equipment.
Furthermore, the play center will employ trained staff to continuously monitor each play
area and enforce the rules of the Play Center. The Play Center will be designed to
provide parental viewing on all sides and at all times. Parents will also be encouraged to
play in the equipment with their children (knee pads will be available for free). In
addition, security wristbands will be issued to each person upon entering to ensure the
child's safety and prohibit stranger abduction of children. Strict security measures will
be observed at all times.
Prior to opening the facility, a standardized list of cleaning and maintenance procedures
will be developed to assure the facility is always sanitary and safe for play. The team of
staff will be expected to work towards a germ -free environment by providing adequate
washing and sanitization stations, informational signage and proper sanitization
training for all employees.
The city will work with its loss control provider to analyze and provide appropriate
liability coverages for this facility.
7
Nature of Competition
Competition in the children's recreation and entertainment industry consists of a highly
diverse group of children's activities, including television, libraries, YMCA's, health
clubs, parks and other recreation centers, movies, the zoo, and related activities. All of
these activities provide for enjoyment by both the parents and the children. However,
an indoor playground offers a safe, clean indoor environment for physical activity that is
specifically designed for children. It provides children with the security and the skill
development opportunities that parents desire.
The indoor playground industry is relatively new. Among the existing players in the
indoor playground industry, competition is fragmented. Presently, McDonald's
Playland is the only indoor children's playground operating in Cottage Grove. Within a
20 minute drive from Cottage Grove primary competitors may be Lookout Ridge
(Woodbury), Wooddale Fun Zone (Woodbury), The Blast (Eagan) and The Giggle
Factory (Hudson). According to the owners /operators of those facilities, they all
consider their indoor play areas to be highly successful and well- received by the public.
Competitive Advantage
After reviewing the characteristics and environment of each of the above competitors,
we believe that the Cottage Grove Play Center offers several advantages over the existing
competitors. First, the play center offers parents the ability to bring in their own food
and snacks to keep the cost of entertainment nominal. Most comparative facilities do
not allow customers to bring in their own food leaving the customer having to spend
more money on products that they may not desire for their children to consume.
Second, the Cottage Grove Play Center will encourage parents to participate in their
children's recreational activities through a careful layout of the playpark which ensures
high visibility of the play areas and close proximity for the parents. Third, the Cottage
Grove Play Center will be the only indoor play center that also incorporates an
outdoor /backyard play area. This well designed and manicured component of the
facility should make its use a focal point of the community for 365 days a year.
Contingency Planning
In the event the Play Center acceptance is slower than anticipated, expenses can be
reduced as follows:
Since the majority of the Play Center employees are part -time and only scheduled to
work up to two weeks in advance, the employment level can quickly and easily be
adjusted to operating conditions. These savings can significantly reduce operating
expenses in the event of unforseen circumstances, lowering the break -even volume of
the operation.
9
utfin� FIR W.11
The Cottage Grove Play Center will derive its sales revenues from admissions, party
room rentals, snack bar operations, birthday party packages, and souvenir sales. A
detailed description of each component of revenue is provided below. It should be
noted that in all cases the forecasted revenues are meant to be conservative in nature.
As you'll see comparisons to other facilities the projections will appear low but that is
done with intent to forecast worst -case scenarios.
Admissions /Games
Admission fees will be $5.00 per child (ages 1 -15) which includes unlimited play in all of
the play areas. Adults will be admitted free of charge and encouraged to play in the play
areas with their children. This price compares favorably to other forms of family
entertainment such as movies where both adults and children must pay admission. It is
also comparable to other indoor playground facilities in the metro. The goal of the
Cottage Grove Play Center is for a visit to the facility to become a regular family event.
Reflecting this goal, a frequent user card will enable a customer to receive discounts off
future admissions. In addition, the play center will offer group discounts for groups of
12 or more at $4.00 per person to encourage day care centers, youth group activities,
and clubs to visit the playpark.
Usage is projected in this report based on both actual usage data from Lookout Ridge
(Woodbury) and Eagles Nest (New Brighton) as well as analysis of census data from
Cottage Grove.
Census data suggests there are approximately 7,500 children under the age of 12 in
Cottage Grove. We believe that at least 65% of children in this age category will visit at
least one time per year. This appears to be a conservative estimate in that it does not
account for St. Paul Park, Newport or any other visitors from outside Cottage Grove.
Further, we believe that of those initial visitors, approximately 33% will return for
multiple visits five times or more. In total this results in 12,goo admissions per year.
Annual admission projections as compared to other like facilities:
1A
Cottage Grove Play Center 12,900
Lookout Ridge (Woodbury) 31,600
Eagles Nest (New Brighton) 45,000
Snack Bar
The snack bar will offer food products that appeal to both children and parents alike. It
will offer traditional children's favorites such as pizza and popcorn as shown below on a
sample menu with all products priced at a gross profit margin of no less than 50%:
10" Small Pizza with 1 Item $8
12" Large Pizza with 1 Item $10
Hot Dogs $2
Popcorn $2
Chips, crackers, granola bars
Fruit $1
Ice Cream Bars $2
Beverages
Soda, Juice, Milk, Juice, Coffee, Cappuccino, water $2
Birthday Party Packages
For family celebrations the center will offer packages for parties of 8 of more, consisting
of a two hour limited time of play, private party room rental and optional boxed lunches,
pizza, birthday cake and ice cream, and decorations. We believe the facility will average
at least 7 birthday parties per week (mostly on weekends) equating to approximately
$15,000 in revenue. Once again, this appears to be conservative when comparing to the
Eagle's Nest where birthday party rentals generate approximately $120,000 in annual
11
revenue (no data available for this category from Lookout Ridge). The birthday package
pricing will be as follows:
Standard Admission -$4 per child
Party Room Rental -$4o /two hours
Boxed lunch -$4 per lunch
Cake /ice cream -$2 per serving
Decorations - $ 20 per room (balloons, streamers, etc.)
Gift Shop /Souvenirs
The gift shop will contain various souvenir merchandise available for sale such as t-
shirts, wristbands and socks with the play center logo. Pricing of these items would be
based on a 25% gross profit margin.
12
Perf ormance Pr ojections
Projected Revenue
Source
Admissions
Snack Bar
Parties /Rentals
Gifts /Souvenirs
Total Revenue
Projected Expense
Source
Personnel
Maintenance
Utilities
Advertising
Resale Items
Insurance
Taxes
Capital Outlay
Total Expense
Revenue
% of Total
$64,000
70%
$10,000
11%
$15,000
16%
$2,000
2%
$91,000
Expense % of Total
$40,000 48%
$5,000 6%
$6,000 7%
$5,000 6%
$6,000 7%
$6,000 7%
$6,000 7%
$10,000 12%
$84,000
NET INCOME _ $ 7,000
Comparable Facilities: Revenue Expense Net Income
Lookout Ridge $173,000 $73,000 $100,000
Eagle's Nest $334000 $111,000 $223,000
** *Expenses include capital investment into replacing equipment every io yrs at Eagle's Nest. Both sites did not include general
building maintenance, expense or utilities as they are housed within community centers so an estimate of 35% of total expenditures
has been added to account for these expenses.
13
COMMUNITY CENTER TASK FORCE
CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE
_jt: -U, l:I =1 1•] :4 1
April 2011
. 1 1 111111111
- - •
The Task Force was comprised of 23 members appointed by the City Council and solicited
input from many resource persons.
Task Force Members:
Scott Briggs
Keith Kleinsasser
Jim Pyle
Ken Brittain
Jon Larsen
Jim Rostad
Virgil Flack
Donald Long
William Royce
Tom Hren
James McCalvy
Erik Ohrt
Tanweer Janjua
Craig Patterson
Dave Thiede
Herb Japs
Joseph Pavel
Diane Thielen
Ron Kath
Ernie Pines
Sherry Wilwert
Gary Kjellberg
Paul Poncin
Resource Persons:
Howard Blin, Community Development Director
Zac Dockter, Ice Arena, Park and Recreation Manager
John Burbank, Senior Planner
John McCool, Senior Planner
Kathy Dennis, Planning Secretary
Robin Roland, Finance Director
Molly Pietruszewski, Program Coordinator
Greg Waibel, YMCA
Erik Carlson, Parks and Recreation Director, City of Inver Grove Heights
Dan Haas, City of Shoreview
Community Center Task Force Page 2 of 13 Final Report —April 2011
In early 2009 the City Council established the Community Center Task Force to study the fea-
sibility of a community center in Cottage Grove. The Task Force was charged with studying the
following:
• The need for a community center
• The appropriate elements or program of a center
• Possible sites
• Operating models for a center
The Task Force looked at recreational facility needs in Cottage Grove, toured existing com-
munity centers in the area, heard from consultants who have developed centers, investigated
possible sites for a center, studied the potential capital and operating costs of a center, and
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community.
At the conclusion of the process, the Task Force made the following recommendations:
1) A community center should be developed.
2) Cottage Grove should partner with the YMCA to construct the center, with the YMCA
responsible for operating the facility.
3) The community center should include the following elements: aquatics facility, teen and
senior center, fitness center, indoor playground, gymnasium, multi- function space, and
outdoor splash pad.
4) The community center should be built at the site of the new Public Safety /City Hall
building on Keats Avenue and 85th Street.
1
Purpose of a Community Center — The Task Force determined that a center should include
a variety of facilities to meet the recreational and social needs of the community. A community
center was determined to be an amenity feature in the community, a facility which would help
attract residential and commercial /development in the city
In addition to being a place for people to exercise, it should also be a community gathering
place. As such, it should be designed to provide informal meeting areas for community
members.
Recreation Facility Needs Study — The Task Force reviewed the 2005 Cottage Grove
Recreation Facility Needs Study and found that the overall park system in Cottage Grove is
excellent, well designed and maintained, and meets most needs. Based on national averages
and trends, the Task Force noted that the study suggested the following short -term and long-
term recommendations:
Community Center Task Force Page 3 of 13 Final Report —April 2011
Short -Term Recommendations
Build 2 to 3 soccer fields
Add second ice sheet
Add softball and baseball fields to
Hamlet Park
• Improve accessibility
• Renovate /replace park shelters
Prepare acquisition strategy for sports
park
Long -Term Recommendations:
• Acquire additional 300 to 350 acres of
parkland
• Prepare Mississippi River park plan
Build sports park
Acquire off -lease dog area
IN Improve arts opportunities
Continue to add trails
The program for a facility (e.g., arts, indoor pool, meeting rooms, recreation facilities, etc.)
slioiiid be deteri►iiiied early iii the process. Concern was expressed for potential impacts a
community facility might have with local businesses that provide similar services, such as
banquet facilities, reception halls, or exercise facilities.
An excerpt from the Recreation Facility Needs Study pertinent to Community Center Recreation
options can be viewed in Appendix B.
Public and Private Facilities Inventory — An inventory of various public and private facilities in
Cottage Grove was presented to the Community Center Task Force to provide a better under-
standing of what meeting rooms, athletic facilities, reception /banquet facilities, and auditoriums
are available in the community for public use. The Public and Private Facilities Inventory is shown
in Appendix C.
This research identified that most City and Washington County meeting rooms are generally
booked during the day time and not available for the public's use after hours. The School District
offers a variety of meeting rooms, gymnasiums, and cafeterias at selected school buildings for a
fee. The School Board meeting room is only available for the District's use. None of the facilities
are available during holiday breaks. The meeting room at the Park Grove Library is used often
and there is no charge. The Cottage Grove Armory is available for public use, but the National
Guard does not make an effort to market the availability for their meeting rooms, gymnasium, or
cafeteria. The American Motor Sports Bar has a meeting room that is often used. The room is
relatively small for receptions or banquets. The VFW Hall is a large facility that has tables and
chairs for approximately 300 people. The Cedarhurst Mansion is also available for receptions and
meetings. Many churches in the community allow other organizations or residents to use a
meeting room in their building.
The River Oaks Municipal Golf Course and Mississippi Dunes Link Golf Course also have recep-
tion, banquet, and meeting rooms available. During the prime season (April through October),
both facilities are busy on the weekends with special events, tournaments, and receptions, with
occasional events during the weekdays. During the winter months, the number of events drops
significantly.
There are 26 public parks in Cottage Grove. The park type and recreation facilities at each park
vary. Four of the six community parks have buildings where meetings could be held inside, but
Community Center Task Force Page 4 of 13 Final Report —April 2011
those four buildings only have a few tables and chairs. Indoor and outdoor recreational facilities
are available at eight school properties and 29 public parks and facilities.
Two different market studies were prepared in the process of evaluating the potential market
area for a community center facility in Cottage Grove. The Market Study prepared by Ballard -
King & Associates in February 2010 was based on 2000 census data and 2014 population
projections. The basic demographic characteristics within the primary and secondary market
areas were compared with basic sports participation standards produced by the National
Sporting Goods Association.
The YMCA telephone survey was jointly funded by the City and YMCA and conducted by the
market research firm Anderson, Niebuhr & Associates, Inc. in late 2010. The purpose of this
rPCP ;n/ag to agcecc Xnihether ('nttarfa (vrnve residents SUnnorl'
thin deb /elnr�rrtent of a ne��r
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city community center that would be operated by the YMCA. Three hundred fifty residents
living within a five -mile radius of three proposed sites were randomly drawn by ,age, propor-
tionate to the ages of the 15,734 households in the sample area. The response rate was 83
percent. The study focused on the respondent's familiarity with:
• YMCA programs
• Their desired programming and facilities of a community center
• Membership interests at each of three proposed locations
• Their acceptance of a partnership between the City and YMCA
• Their willingness to support the use of city funds and increased property taxes to fund
the project
• Market projections for a community center in Cottage Grove operated by the YMCA.
The two studies are summarized below:
Community Center Market Analysis — Ballard -King & Associates was hired to provide pre-
liminary market analysis and demographic characteristics of the market. The consultant identi-
fied primary and secondary service areas that would potentially support a community center.
The primary service area is generally defined by the distance people will travel on a regular
basis to utilize a facility or its programs. Secondary service areas were defined by the distance
people will travel on a less consistent basis to utilize a facility or its programs.
The first part of the market study indicated that Cottage Grove would continue to grow in
population with continued large household sizes and a relatively young population. The
analysis also showed median household incomes within the primary and secondary market
areas are higher than regional and national levels, which suggests that discretionary income is
available for recreational opportities.
The market analysis also projected the potential participation in various recreation activities.
The results generally supported fitness activities that were not necessarily "team" oriented pro-
grams. This characterization generally favors fitness centers. The area of greatest participant
growth is in fitness - related activities such as exercise with equipment, aerobic exercise, and
group cycling.
Community Center Task Force Page 5 of 13 Final Report -April 2011
Providing for a variety of activities and programs in a single location continues to grow in
acceptance. These facilities have become identifiable centers for communities and have pro-
moted family recreation values. The analysis indicated that "the key to success revolves
around the concept of intergenerational use in a quality facility that has multi -use capabilities
and the versatility and flexibility to meet ever changing leisure needs."
Ballard- King's report also highlighted the leisure pool concept as the hottest trend in aquatics.
The idea of incorporating slides, water current channels, fountains, zero depth entry, and other
water features into a pool's design has proven to be extremely popular for recreation users.
These types of facilities are able to attract and draw larger crowds, and people tend to come
from a further distance and stay longer to utilize such pools. For many centers, the indoor
aquatic complex has become the focal point for the facility and has expanded the market area.
The second part of the market study prepared by Ballard -King identified alternative service
providers within the market areas and provided some general program trends. Based on the
preliminary analysis of a community center, market study analysis, Recreation Facility Nee as
Study conducted in 2005, and assessment of the alternative service providers in the area, a
community center comprising of approximately 59,236 to 71,154 gross square feet was sug-
gested. The preliminary market study results suggested the following program facilities and
their respective space allocations:
Component
Base Facility
(maximum sa. ft.)
Aquatic Area
14,000
Gymnasium
12,000 - 12,500
Track
0-6,000
Weight/Cardio
6,500 - 7,000
Aerobic /Dance
1,200 - 1,500
Multi- purpose Room
3,500 - 5,000
Teen & Senior Area
2,000 - 2,500
Indoor Play Structure
1,200 - 1,500
Birthday Party Rooms
800
Support Spaces
9,000 - 9,500
Net Building
50,200 - 60,300
Circulation (18 %)
9,026 - 10,854
Total Building
59,236 - 71,154
Comments made concerning the preliminary facility space are highlighted below:
® Weight and cardio area needs to be larger based on comments by staff at other com-
munity centers that fitness is a popular program and tends to be the most used.
While total youth participation in team sports has remained constant, there are more
small teams that demand more practice times. Renting gymnasium space does not
create much revenue, but merely covers some of school district's operating expenses.
® Gym space can draw other family members to use other facilities in a community
center.
Community Center Task Force Page 6 of 13 Final Report —April 2011
• Operating and maintenance expenses to maintain a larger building should be evaluated.
• School district gymnasiums are not always available for public use on weekends or holi-
days. School activities and programs are scheduled before they are available for the
public's general use.
• Gymnasium space is needed for fundraising opportunities by various athletic associa-
tions. It was suggested that the proposed gymnasium space is not needed. Alterna-
tively, a smaller gym space at the time of initial construction with the ability to expand
the gymnasium in the future is an alternative.
• Community center and program facilities should be community based, not only to be
used by organized sports.
• There are existing pools at Cottage Grove Middle School, Oltman Middle School, and
Norris Square, in addition to the City's outdoor pool.
• An aquatic park tends to be the amenity that draws people to a community center, but is
the most expensive to construct and operate.
• The Task Force was presented with information from a market study performed by
Anderson, Niebuhr & Associates, Inc. for the YMCA to assess whether Cottage Grove
residents support the development of a new city community center that would be
operated by the YMCA.
A copy of the Community Center Market Analysis prepared by Ballard -King & Associates is
attached as Appendix D. Based on the preliminary program facilities and their respective space
allocations, Appendix E compares this information with community centers located in Inver Grove
Heights, Shoreview, Maple Grove, Maplewood, and Chaska, and the Lifetime Fitness, Southeast
YMCA, and Golds Gym facilities in the City of Woodbury.
YMCA Study — The market study found that there was sufficient numbers of potential members
for a YMCA. It also found that a majority of the respondents favored a partnership between the
City and YMCA to develop a facility. This included support for City financing of a YMCA. Given
the results of the study, the YMCA is willing to continue discussions with the City on developing a
facility.
YMCA Survey Highlights
• Market study conducted between November 19, 2010 and December 18, 2010.
• Telephone survey of 350 residents. Response rate was 83 percent.
• 76 percent of the respondents have lived in Cottage Grove for 10 or more years.
• 53 percent of the respondents do not have children under the age of 18.
• 89 percent of the respondents are familiar with the YMCA.
Community Center Task Force Page 7 of 13 Final Report —April 2011
• 53 percent of the respondents are interested in programs for people 55 or older at the
new community center facility.
• 54 percent of the respondents are interested in youth and teen programming at the new
community center facility.
• 85 percent of residents surveyed would like to see a community center, operated by the
YMCA, located in Cottage Grove.
• 74 percent of residents surveyed supported a partnership between the YMCA and City
to develop a community center.
• 70 percent of the residents surveyed supported the use of City funds to construct a new
community center.
• Amount of property tax increase respondents that pay property taxes are willing to pay
to support a new community center:
$40 or more per year — 19%
$30 to $39 per year — 24%
$20 to $29 per year — 32%
Unwilling to pay any increase — 23%
• 60 percent or more of the respondents were interested in the following water facilities or
activities that a new community center could offer:
• An indoor aquatic center with a water slide, a play area for children, and a zero -entry
pool
• An indoor pool for lap swimming
• A whirlpool
• Water aerobics and other water exercise programs.
• 60 percent or more of the respondents were interested in the following fitness programs
and services that a new community center could offer:
• An indoor track for walking or running
• Cardiovascular fitness machines
• Strength conditioning machines and free weights
• A multi - purpose gymnasium for activities such as basketball and volleyball
• Health and wellness programs.
• 50 percent or more of the respondents were interested in the following fitness programs
and services that a new community center could offer:
• Group fitness classes
• Yoga and Pilates classes
• Personal trainers and fitness assessments.
A copy of the 2010 Cottage Grove Market Potential Study prepared by Anderson, Niebuhr &
Associates is attached as Appendix F.
Community Center Task Force Page 8 of 13 Final Report —April 2011
r e
In determining the appropriate elements for the community center, the Task Force relied on
information from several sources:
• A needs identification exercise that the Task Force conducted. This included examining
existing recreational facilities in the area.
• Tours of existing community centers in the area and conversations with staff of those
centers.
• The market study prepared by Ballard -King & Associates.
• The YMCA market study.
Through this process the Task Force identified the following key components of a building
program:
Aquatic Center. A principal need in the communty is for a indoor aquatics facility that would
include a water slide, play area for children, zero -entry pool, and a lap pool. As described in
the Ballard -King study, aquatics facilities are important attractions for community centers and
are critical to attracting members.
Fitness Center. Respondants to the YMCA survey rated a fitness center very highly in level
of interest. Such a facility would include cardiovascular fitness machines, strength conditioning
machines and free weights, and exercise studios. During the course of the study, the Task
Force learned that fitness centers tend to receive the most use in a facility and are the largest
revenue generators.
Teen /Senior Center. The need for a teen center in the community was identified early in the
process. This would be an area for teens to congregate and participate in activities. The need
to enhance the existing senior center operated by ISD 833 was also discussed. Future facility
planning should include options for separate spaces for teens and seniors or explore
possiblities for combining these uses into a single space as has been acomplished at the
White Bear Lake YMCA.
Gymnasium with Walking Track. The Task Force determined that additional gym space was
needed in the community. It was also learned that gyms are important conponents of
community centers for informal games and for use as exercise space. The YMCA study also
showed high interest in an indoor track for walking and running. Such a track should be
incorporated into the gym space.
Indoor Playground. Several of the community centers visited included indoor playgrounds fo
use by younger children. The Task Force concluded that including a playground should be
explored in facility planning.
Multi- Funcition Space. Flexible space that could be used for meeting rooms or group
exercise space should be included.
Community Center Task Force Page 9 of 13 Final Report —April 2011
Outdoor Splash Pad. Operating outdoor swimming pools can be cost prohibitive. The newest
trend in outdoor water facilities is splash pads, which require less staffing and maintenace than
a pool. The City is in the process of finalizing a study of the potential demand for splash pads
in Cottage Grove. The results of this study should be used in planning the community center.
Facility components that were considered but ultimately not recommended include:
Theater. The Task Force concluded that the need for performing arts space is being met by
area schools, particulary with the Center for the Arts additon to East Ridge High School to be
operated by Arts Connection.
Banquet Facility. It was determined that any banquet facility may not be compatible with a
YMCA operated facility and would compete with the existing City -owned banquet facility at the
River Oaks Golf Course.
11111 •
The study investigated possible sites for a community center. This included analysis of various
sites by the Task Force, including three sites to be tested for support in the YMCA Market
Study. Potential sites studied by the Task Force included:
- Hamlet Park
- Home Depot Property
- Current City Hall/ County Library Site
- Oakwood Park
- Park High School /Ice Arena Site
- Highland Park
- Fire Station 2
- Kingston Park/Cottage Grove Middle School Site
- County Service Center/ Ravine Parkway Site
- Cottage View Theater Property
- Langdon Village Area
These sites were evaluated on the basis of the following criteria:
• Ten -acre minimum parcel size • Access (street, pedestrian, bike, transit, etc.)
• Proximity to population densities • Proximity to other facilities
• Proximity to future population center • Acquisition costs
• Outdoor recreation • Availability of utilities
• Site preparation costs
• Site and building expandability
potential
• Access to local transit
• Parking and aesthetic values
Location was one of the most important issues investigated by the Task Force. The idea of
creating a public gathering place or civic campus center where public facilities could share
open spaces, parking, building uses, and trails was of particular interest by the Task Force.
Community Center Task Force Page 10 of 13 Final Report — April 2011
After completing the analysis, the Task Force gave the highest ranking to the County Service
Center /Ravine Parkway and Fire Station 2 sites.
YMCA's Locations — In the YMCA survey, respondents were told that three different pro-
posed locations were under consideration for a new community center. These sites were the
Norris Square, existing City Hall /Library and the County Service Center sites. The Task Force
had eliminated the Norris Square and existing City Hall sites early in the process because the
acreage was less than ten acres, not in proximity of the city's future population center, and site
preparation costs were anticipated to be too much. The YMCA chose these sites because they
used different criteria and believed a YMCA facility could work at any of these locations. The
YMCA's results showed that all three sites would be acceptable to the survey respondents.
At the March 1, 2001 Task Force meeting, the group passed a motion that the new Public
Safety /City Hall site along the Ravine Parkway is their preferred site for a community center.
The Task Force expressed some concerns for the existing City Hall or Norris Square locations
identified in the YMCA's survey because of limited land area, land acquisition costs, and the
loss of commercial tax revenue at the Norris Square site.
,KeRi &I
Construction Costs — Based on current construction prices, a community center would cost
approximately $200 per square foot. With the projected size of the facility ranging from 50,000
to 75,000 square feet, constructing a center would cost between $10 million and $15 million.
This range includes only the cost of building construction and does not include potential costs
for land acquisition and street and utility improvements.
Maintenance and Operation Costs — To determine potential operating costs for a community
center, the Task Force looked at operating costs for existing community centers in the area:
Chaska, Maple Grove, Maplewood, and Shoreview. The following shows operating revenues
and expenses for these centers in 2008:
Community Center Task Force Page 11 of 13 Final Report — April 2011
Chaska I
Maple Grove
M aplewood
( Shoreview
Oper Revenues _
[Operating E xpenses
2,855,6 1
(3,721,112) !
1,833,
(3,099,746)
2,037,610
(2,459,366)
1
(2,176,287) j
Ne t operating_ in come ( loss) _ !_
_ (865,509
(1,2
_ (4
___(
Taxes
- j
-
274,561
-
Other revenues
125,591
-
14,990
-
O ther expenses _
(178,256)
_
-
(21,156)
j
Income (loss) before transfer 1
(918,174)
(1,265,7
L (153,361)
1 (357,874
Transfers from General Fund j
168,000 j
788,000
77
Other transfers — net
(126,568)
63,000
Total Income (loss)
(876,742)
(414,776)
(75,585)
(107,874)
j
Depreciation
936,585 i _
527,692
261,046
-
Community Center Task Force Page 11 of 13 Final Report — April 2011
Chaska, Maple Grove, and Maplewood all operate their community centers as enterprise funds
where depreciation expense is included in the operating expenses of the facility. Shoreview
does not include depreciation.
As shown above, the facilities all operate at an operating loss, requiring tax support from the
general fund. In Cottage Grove, it is also assumed that operations of a City -owned community
center would require a subsidy. Given the experience in other cities, city subsidies for operat-
ing costs of a city -owned community center would cost the owner of a $200,000 house an
estimated $40 to $60 per year in additional property taxes.
•- •
The Task Force examined various options for building and operating a center. These included
t., U 'I+ d ' d t a d a r,. 4nersh' with a privat „ erator. The advanta °s and
a Ci y built anU operate tei �lc� o n a JJCU U 101011 p v�lu l (n fee svcr!� of e g�
disadvantages of each are summarized below:
City -Owned Advantages:
Community Center: • Control of facility design
• Control of activities and programs offered
• Community pride in ownership
• Typically lower rates for users
• Typically offer day use opportunities
Disadvantages:
• Higher capital cost to community
• Ongoing operating subsidy
Private Non - Profit Advantages:
Center (e.g.; YMCA): • Provide community- centered activities and programs
• Lower capital cost for community
• No ongoing operating cost
Disadvantages:
• No community control over activities and programs
• Higher fees from typical community center
• Day use not encouraged and more expensive than city -
owned facilities
Private For - Profit Advantages:
Center (e.g.; Lifetime • Generally perceived to be higher quality fitness facilities
Fitness, L.A. Fitness): • Lowest capital cost for community
• No ongoing operating cost
Disadvantages:
• No community control over activities and programs
Highest cost
Day use not allowed
Community Center Task Force Page 12 of 13 Final Report —April 2011
The membership fees charged for use of the various centers were investigated and the com-
parison chart is attached as Appendix G:
• •_
After reviewing the available information, the Community Center Task Force makes the fol-
lowing recommendations.
1) A Community Center Should Be Developed. A center would meet a need in Cottage
Grove for recreational facilities such as a swimming pool and fitness center. In addition,
a center would add an amenity to the community which would help attract residential
and commercial /industrial development.
2) Partner with the YMCA. Working with the YMCA to build and operate a facility in
Cottage Grove would provide the necessary recreational elements while avoiding the
need for the City to operate a center.
3) Facility Elements. At a minimum and not ranked in any particular order, the YMCA
should include:
• Aquatics — A multi- aquatic facility that incorporates slides, fountains, zero depth
entry, lap pools, and instructional /aqua fitness pools.
• Teen /Senior Center — Shared space.
• Fitness Center — Cardio fitness and weights.
• Indoor Playground.
• Multi- function Space — Smaller rooms that could be combined to create one
larger room.
• Gymnasium with walking track.
• Splash pads outside.
4) The Community Center should be built at the site of the new Public Safety /City Hall
building along Ravine Parkway at Keats Avenue and 85th Street. This site, while cur-
rently located on the edge of the developed area of Cottage Grove, will over time be
close to the center of development in the community. This site allows space for a new
Washington County Library and will create, with the City Hall and Washington County
South Service Center, a campus of civic uses.
iArrcINUTAMa
Appendix A: Process Summary
Appendix B: Excerpt from the Recreation Facility Needs Study (2005)
Appendix C: Public and Private Facilities Inventory
Appendix D: Ballard -King & Associates Market Study
Appendix E: Preliminary Facility Space Comparison 2010
Appendix F: Cottage Grove Market Potential Study (YMCA Survey Results)
Appendix G: Membership Fee Comparison
Community Center Task Force Page 13 of 13 Final Report —April 2011