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HomeMy Public PortalAbout06.30.2021_Park Commission Meeting MinutesMedina Park Commission Meeting Minutes June 30, 2021 Page 1 of 3 The Park Commission of Medina, Minnesota met in special session on June 30, 2021 at 4:30 p.m., beginning at Medina City Hall for the annual tour of parks. Park Commission Chair John Jacob presided. 1) Call to Order Commissioners Present: Mary Morrison, John Jacob, Nila Norman, Terry Sharp, Troy Hutchinson Youth Members Present: Emily Jans and Katya Cavanaugh Commissioners Absent: Angela Bernhardt and Steve Lee Also Present: City Administrator Scott Johnson, Assistant City Administrator Jodi Gallup, Public Works Director Steve Scherer, Public Works Foreman Derek Reinking, Public Works Assistant Lisa DeMars, Councilmember Joe Cavanaugh, Councilmember Robin Reid 2) Annual Tour of Parks: The Park Commission toured Medina’s parks and nature areas and made the following observations: Medina Morningside Park:  Asked about certified park inspectors.  Asked if any of our parks have aluminum slides, and if so, replace so kids do not get burnt. None of the parks have aluminum slides.  Asked if all our parks are ADA accessible, and how do we stay up to date with current regulations.  Asked if there are any grant opportunities to stay up to date on ADA park equipment?  Suggested pushing back mulch and adding more dirt.  Questioned if we can use any mulch or must it be certified?  Noticed broken handle on infant swing.  Suggested staining wood on picnic shelter. Lakeshore Park:  Discussed Boat landing ideas: add seating down by lake, remove trees to better see the lake, add canoe storage racks, add zipline (like at Baker), cut back hill at shoreline & add sand to make a 'real' beach area. Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes June 30, 2021 Page 2 of 3  Discussed park ideas: underutilized, move picnic tables to North side of boat landing, make south side of ramp a sport court, put sport court where existing play equipment is located and relocate play equipment to shaded area, cut down trees, don't cut down trees, remove swing set to allow for more play equipment. Park tour attracted many residents to stop by and offer many different ideas.  Resident named Mary said she was confronted by neighbor who told her she was not allowed to teach sailboat classes off private dock and that she had to use public dock and stay away from neighbor’s property. Resident Mary said she has easement rights and is not breaking rules.  Another resident stated she wants park revamped to accommodate more ages, only accommodates small kids, swings should be taller, better slide, basketball hoops, sport court. She also has issues with easement and people on lake near her property.  A dad and son that stopped by said they wanted a sport court and playground equipment for all ages. Walnut Park:  Discussed removing basketball hoop entirely or add fence behind hoop, so ball does not fall into ravine. Maple Park:  Suggested regular pruning of trees. Shawnee Woods Trailhead/Nature Area:  Add signage so residents understand it is a public trail. The Park at Fields of Medina:  Noted that the small soccer nets are in desperate need of repair.  Noted the screws on underside of pavilion are unsightly. Old Sewer Ponds:  Questioned if the old sewer treatment acreage could be made into the dog park? Asked Public Works to reach out to Metropolitan Council again? Talk to Planning about wetland status, is it possible to mow the entire area down for a dog park? Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes June 30, 2021 Page 3 of 3 Hamel Legion Park:  Heard presentation from Hamel Athletic Club on their vision for a Grandstand at the Paul Fortin Field.  Discussed parking issues, residential complaints, address parking before we consider building a new Grandstand? Move dugouts? Ask Lions to contribute to upgrades? (it was mentioned they lost gambling program at entertainment center).  Groups in Uptown Hamel are holding yoga, etc. classes at shelters, pavilion and are dragging City Picnic Tables off pavement. (1) the tables are not being returned to the original placement and (2) tables are being dragged (because they are very heavy) causing joint stress (loosening screws, bolts). 3) Adjourn The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.