HomeMy Public PortalAbout06.30.2021_Park Commission Meeting MinutesMedina Park Commission Meeting Minutes
June 30, 2021
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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
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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
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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.