HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.10.25 Parks Packet
COTTAGE GROVE PARKS, RECREATION AND March 10, 2025
NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
12800 RAVINE PARKWAY SOUTH
COTTAGE GROVE, MN 55016
COUNCIL CHAMBER - 7:00 PM
1 Call to Order
2 Roll Call
3 Approval of the Agenda
4 Approval of Minutes
A February 10, 2025 Minutes
5 Open Forum
6 Action Items
A Peterson (Roger and Myra) Park Naming
B East Ravine Park and Trail Master Plan
7 Presentations
8 Action Updates
A Denzer Park
B Granada Park Parking
C CG Trailway Corridor Habitat Restoration
D Oltman Park
E Mississippi Dunes Park
F Kingston Park Building
9 Donations
10 Staff Reports and Materials
A Recreation Update
B Ice Arena Update
C Parks Update
D River Oaks Update
E 3M PFAS Settlement Priority 2 Grant Program Request for Proposals
11 Commission Comments
1
A Washington County Parks Board Meeting Notes
12 Council Comments
A Council Agendas
13 Workshop
14 Adjournment
2
Minutes
City of Cottage Grove
Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Meeting
February 10, 2025
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a Cottage Grove Parks, Recreation and Natural
Resources Commission Meeting was held on February 10,2025.
I.CALL TO ORDER & READING OF MISSION
Meeting called to order at 7:00pm at City Hall
II.Roll Call
Members Present: Susannah Brown, Kelly Glasford, Adam Larson, Debra
Gustafson, Shane Waterman, David Olson, & Justin Waterman
Members Absent: Samanthia Crabtree
Others Present: Zac Dockter Parks & Recreation Director, Jim Fohrman Parks
Supervisor, Molly Pietruszewski Recreation Services Manager, Noah Ranem
Recreational Specialist
III.Approval of Agenda
A Motion to approve agenda made by Commissioner Glasford & Seconded by
Commissioner Olson. Agenda approved.
IV.Approval of Minutes
A Motion to approve minutes from December 9, 2024. Motion made by
Commissioner Brown & Seconded by Commissioner Gustafson. Minutes
approved.
V.Open Forum- None
VI.Presentations
a.Pickleball Programming
i.Noah Ranem Recreation specialist presented information about
Cottage Grove’s Pickleball Advisory Board. They started a 20–30-
member volunteer program back in 2019 at Granada Park, with the
growing popularity of the sport they partnered with the city and
2024 was our first year having a city lead pickleball program.
For the spring league we had 26 teams and for the fall league we
had 49 teams. We had 230 members in our city lead pickleball
club. 150 were residents and 80 were nonresidents. Club
members have access to priority court hours at both Glacial Valley
& Granada Park. We had one tournament in 2024 in partnership
with St. Paul Park & Newport Lions Club. Our plans for 2025
include increasing memberships to 300, shorten club windows to
3-hours, update signage, add a spring tournament, split level
leagues, and youth and adult lessons. It was a very successful first
year and we look forward to more growth and opportunities.
Commissioner Gustafson inquired about lessons. Noah explained
for adults we will bring in a certified trainer that will most likely be
held mid-day. Youth lessons will be in house and split between 8-
11 and 11-14 years old.
VII.Action Items
a.Peterson (Roger & Myra) Park Naming
i.Zac presented an application for a future park. Commissioner
Brown asked about the location and if it was part of Michael’s
Pointe. Zac explained we currently own a very small portion of land
on the south side of the lake in Michael’s Pointe. The north side of
the lake has a pending development and once that is approved, we
will own all the land around the lake and will add trails and park.
The park will be located on the north side of the lake.
b.Public Landscapes Initiative Program
i.Zac presented a guiding document that sets a 5–6-year plan that
is submitted to City Council to add it to the CIP in the fall. Zac gave
a brief explanation of how the Public Landscapes Initiative Program
works. It has been a few years since this has been reviewed and
Council would like feedback from Commission. Commissioner
Larson asked about the current fund balance of $537,000 under
the impression that developers choose to pay in to the program vs
replant trees. Zac stated that yes developers have been paying
more into this, and the balance does ebb, and flow based on
projects. This current amount is higher then normal as we typically
have a balance in the $350,000 range, which is what the
commission was presented with last time this was reviewed.
Commissioner Olson motioned to adopt the Public Landscapes
Initiative and place on file. Commissioner Brown seconded motion.
c.East Ravine Park & Trail Master Plan
i.The Commission adopted this plan a few years back. Council had
a strategic planning workshop recently and there was concern from
staff regarding the 6 neighborhood parks, trail, and community park
and that there would be a large funding shortage. Unlike 15 years
ago, park dedication does not carry the same weight for the cost of
the park and land acquisition. Council wanted the Commission to
review the park and trail plan and affirm or edit the master plan to
make sure we are on board the way the plan is now. There is quite
a bit of overlap in the service radiuses, but as staff, when we look
at future land acquisition we always want to plan for more then less
as it’s easier to subtract then add. Staff is looking for any
comments or feedback from the Commission. We can leave the
plan as is, we can adjust service radiuses and remove one or two
parks, or we could study the natural resources of the area, or
additional studies we could bring back. Commissioner Brown had
questions after reviewing the plan. The idea of playgrounds
disappearing from planning is scary as that is a great point of pride
for our city and they provide many resources. Commissioner
Brown wants to know more about the development; single family
homes, townhomes, apartments, because when we have a higher
density population, we need different sizes of parks to meet those
needs. Commissioner Brown explained it’s hard to anticipate what
could move or be eliminated without knowing what types of
development we might see. She is also curious about growth from
the school district and would there potentially be a school built in
this development as schools also have green space, ball fields, &
playgrounds that could be shared as community use that could
impact how we concentrate on certain amenities. Commissioner
Brown would like to know the personality of the areas as they
develop as our parks all offer different and unique things. Zac
agreed with Commissioner Brown’s concerns and stated we don’t
have any answers as of today regarding the types of
developments. Commissioner Olson agreed with Commissioner
Brown’s comments and would like to better understand the natural
resources of this property. The deepest lake in Cottage Grove is
located on this property. The beginning of the ravine that goes into
the county park is also on this property. So, as we begin to think
about developing it, it falls to this group to understand the
resources that are in the property and what can do to protect them
and leverage them. Commissioner Olson is concerned that the
focus is entirely on parks and no focus on recreation, nor is there
anything (beyond the lake and ravine) relative to the actual natural
resources in this area. Zac stated that we do have a natural
resources inventory that does a pretty good job, but this study was
last done in1997. We could have a focus study for just this area,
that we could potentially get grant funding for and update the
natural resources inventory for this area. Commissioner Larson
asked for a better clarification on what “closer” means for the
development. Zac stated there a couple landowners that are
actively engaged in selling and developing their land.
Commissioner Larson asked without the shops at cottage grove or
the community center down on the south end, do we want to keep
these mini parks as part of this plan. Zac stated that the primary
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focus is Ravine Park and 70 St to the north. Zac re stated his
original request in feedback from the Commission. The
Commission needs to discuss the priority of parks. For example, if
the community park is the main focus, the neighborhood parks
could be reprioritized. Commissioner Brown requested information
on natural resources around the community park, and parks E, F,
& G as these areas seem more timely in the next few meetings.
Zac stated he will bring that information to the March meeting.
Commissioner Brown also asked for access of proposed sales
information for type of development that would be there (single
family, multi family, mixed use). Mayor Myron Bailey stated that
the entire area was master planned a few years ago and the
majority of the area that would be near the community park would
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be single family homes. As you get closer to 70 St and Keats Ave
you might see medium and higher density. Things can change, but
as of yet the developer has only shown single family homes.
Commissioner Brown motioned staff to bring back detailed plans of
development, potential school, & proposal to update the 1997
inventory. Commissioner Gustafson seconded.
VIII.Presentation of Information
a.Commissioner Terms Review
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i.February 28 is the last day of expiring terms.
IX.Action Updates
a.Denzer Park
i.Grading completed last fall, final grading completed this spring,
playground and picnic shelter have been ordered. We are hoping
to have the park up and functional by mid to late summer.
b.Granada Park Parking
i.Staff has proposal for off street perpendicular parking. We will
complete that this summer using in house labor.
c.CG Trailway Corridor Grant
i.This is for the property under the power lines from Hinton to
Imperial Ave. We removed a lot of tree species, underbrush, dead
and dying boxelder and ash trees. We received a few calls, but
after speaking with Zac he was able to explain this is for habitat
restoration not demolition. We will be doing Arbor Day in the area
this spring.
d.Oltman/Mississippi Dunes Park Grants
i.We received $350,000 grant for each. For Oltman Park we have
plans and specs out for bid, so we expect that work to begin mid to
late summer. Depending on the contractor this could be a one- or
two-year project. Mississippi Dunes Park grant we are sitting on
(we have until 2026 to use this). Council is looking at accepting a
fishing pier grant agreement with the DNR and Zac will be working
with the Commission on a boat launch through the DNR Parks &
Trails and Fishery program with the goal of that having the boat
launch installed in 2026, and pier installed in 2025. The 3M priority
2 settlement dollars request for proposal program have been
released, so a proposal will be brought to the commission next
month to review.
e.Kingston Park Building
i.Schedule is to finish plans and spec and bring to council in October,
go out of bid, and close bid before Thanksgiving and getting a
contractor on board for construction to begin by 2026. The site
power upgrades will be completed this year if not by Strawberry
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Fest, for sure by 4 of July.
f.Ice Areana Remodel
i.Original ice arena was built in 1974 addition and remodeling in
2008. The main area through the back addition is a very inefficient
use of space, we have very little office space. The concession
stand is also not a good layout and again inefficient use of space.
We have an architect reviewing plans.
X.Donation and Acknowledgements-None
XI.Staff Reports & Educational Materials-Submitted along with an article from
Parks & Recreation magazine focusing on Economic Vitaliy.
XII.Commission Comments
a.Washington County Parks Board Meeting Notes
b.Commissioner Olson inquired about the vandalism at the disc golf park and
if the group has reached out to us to see if we would be willing to help them.
Zac responded that they did reach out to us. Jim Fohrman stated that we
have not fixed the basket yet. We either will have to replace it or will have
to bring it in to weld it. To our knowledge it is only this one basket that has
been damaged. Zac stated we will fix the basket (weather depending) before
the first tournament in March.
XIII.Council Comments-David Clausen has been appointed council liaison.
XIV.Adjournment- Motioned by Commissioner Gustafson.
Seconded by Commissioner S Waterman. Meeting Adjourned at 7:50pm
To:Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
From:Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Director
Cc:
Date:February 11, 2025
Subject: Park Naming Request – Peterson
Introduction/Background
A park naming request application has been submitted to the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources
Commission. The application is included in this report to aid Commissioners in processing the request.
This will be the Commission’s second review of the application so no action is required. The
Commission should discuss the merit of the application and request any additional information from
staff it may need to make a decision. The Commission has the ability at any time to deny the request
with a majority decision.
Should the Commission choose to continue the discussion, at least one additional meeting is required
per the park naming policy before making a final recommendation to City Council.
Action Requested
Provide direction on park naming request.
Park Site
I. Introduction
The selection of a proper name for a park, park facility, and/or open space is a thoughtful
process whichrequires careful analysis by many people. This procedure has been
adopted by the City of Cottage Grove to provide the proper guidelines for any naming or
renaming of saidamenities.
II. Procedure
The following procedure will be usedfor the naming of parks, park facilities, and
open space:
1.Staff, Council, Advisory Body, or Cottage Groveresident recognizesand requests
the naming of a park, park facility, or open space.
2.Staff will prepare and submit the request tothe Parks, Recreation and Natural
Resources Commissionfor review.
3.The Parks,Recreation and Natural Resources Commission will discuss the merit
of the name(s). If there is a list of potential names, they may beaddedtoor
eliminated from the list at this time. No formal recommendation will be made at
this meeting.
4.At the subsequent Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission meeting,
staff will provide any information requested by the Commission. If there is a list
of names, the list should be narrowed to three at this meeting. No formal
recommendation will be made atthis point.
5.At their next meeting,theParks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
shall debate the merits of the remaining name(s) and make a final
recommendation to the City Council.
6.The recommendation will then be placedon the next regular CityCouncil
meeting. If City Council does not approve the recommended name, they will
return the issue to the Commission with direction and the process will begin
anew.
III. Park, Park Facility, and Open Space Naming Criteria
Listed below are the criteria used to determine the naming or renaming of Parks, Park
Facilities, and Open Spaces.
1.The name of the subdivision associated with the Park.
2.The name of the neighborhood in which the park is located.
3.The street name adjacent to or closely identified with the park.
4.The name of a local interest point, or local focal point near the park.
5.The name of an event or historical occurrence associated with the park or area.
6.The name of a person who dedicates a major part or all of the land for the park.
7.The name of a person of significant stature within the community. He/she must
adhereto at least one of the following credentials and complete a waiting period
of at least six months from the conclusion of service or time of death:
a.At least ten years of local service to the community
b.Shown outstanding assistance or support of the local park system
c.Major financial donor to the park system
d.Ahistorical figure or family
VIII.Final Determinations
The City Council reserves all rights in the naming or renaming of all parks,
park facilities, or open spaces.
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2._________________________________________________
3._________________________________________________
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To:Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
From:Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Director
CC:
Date:January 28, 2025
Subject:Action Updates
Introduction/Background
Staff will present on the following topics:
1.Denzer Park
2.Granada Park Parking
3.Cottage Grove Trailway Corridor Habitat Restoration
4.Oltman Park
5.Mississippi Dunes Park
6.Kingston Park Building
Staff Recommendation
Receive information.
Memo
To:Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
From:Molly Pietruszewski, Recreation Services Manager
Date:2/27/2025
Re:March 2025 Meeting Update
Please feel free to call or email with any questions or comments, 651-458-3404.
Summer Supervised Playgrounds: Our program is designed to give kids the perfect opportunity to explore,
play, connect with other kids and get outside this summer!
2025 By the Numbers So Far:
5------Sites: Glacial Valley, Hamlet Hearthside, Peter Thompson, Pine Tree Valley, Highway 61 Hockey Camp
225---Max kids per day
28-----Season staff hired: 75% staff retention from last summer
11-----Day of February is when registration opened online only for the first time
5------Minutes for our first site to fill
7------Minutes for all sites to fill
121---Currently waitlisted
102---Days until Day #1, June 9, 2025
To:Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
From:Jordan Hirman, Facility Services Manager
CC:
Date:March, 2025
Subject:Update on Ice Arena Activities
Below is an overview of Ice Arena Activities that are complete, projects/programs we are working on, and
upcoming projects/programs:
COMPLETED PROJECTS/PROGRAMS
Completed 2024/25 High School Hockey season with over 9000 people in attendance.
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Scheduled shut down with contractor for the West Refrigeration on March 18.
Scheduled 6 summer tournaments.
Winter Skating Lessons with 149 participants.
Hosted District 8 Squirt B2, Bantam B2, and Bantam B1 Regions.
Completed registration for our new 3v3 Grizzly League with 11 teams registered.
CURRENT PROJECTS/PROGRAMS
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West Rink Ice removal is scheduled for March 18.
Completing Grizzly League schedule, answering team questions and scheduling referees.
Booking Spring/Summer clinics and schools for 2025.
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Turf Install is scheduled for March 20.
Current scheduled turf time has 188 hours with nearly $17,000 in revenue.
Planning brochure for Summer Skating Lessons.
Spring Skate School programming with 145 participants.
Scheduling City programs for the Fall and Winter.
Working with past customers to book Spring/Summer/Fall ice time.
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Marketing Egg Hunt hosting at the Ice Arena April 12.
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Marketing bounce house event partnership between Recreation and Ice Arena held on April 21.
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Marketing Skate and Ice Paint event partnership between Recreation and Ice held on March 17.
UPCOMING PROJECTS/PROGRAMS
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2025 Cottage Grove Ice Show “Gliding Through the Seasons” May 18.
Spring turf rentals.
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Removal of CG Logistics Rink scheduled for May 8.
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Scheduled ice install for the West Rink the week of May 5 with first ice on May 9.
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Install West Rink for week of June 3. Over 560 hours booked June 10 through August 28.
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Promote Egg Hunt March 23 held at the Ice Arena.
Maintenance: clean rink glass/boards, wash bleachers and locker rooms, compressor maintenance,
resurfacer maintenance, ice maintenance, miscellaneous lighting replacement.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 651-458-3400.
To:Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
From:Dennis Neitz, River Oaks General Manager
CC:Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Director
Date:February 28, 2025
Subject:River Oaks Updates
New POS is open with online registrations for Season Passes, Leagues and Lessons
New Website is live, we will be making a few changes but most of what we offer is
online
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Fish Fry starts on February 28
Started the process of hiring for the season
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Range opened on February 26 and will be open weather permitting, course will open
when we can as to not damage the course.