HomeMy Public PortalAbout8.17.2016 Park Commission Packet Posted 8/12/2016 Page 1 of 1
AGENDA
MEDINA PARK COMMISSION
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 7:00 P.M.
Medina City Council Chambers
City Hall, 2052 County Road 24
1) Call to Order
2) Additions to Agenda
3) Approval of the Minutes from:
July 20, 2016 Regular Meeting
July 27, 2016 Special Meeting
4) Public Comments (on items not on the agenda)
5) City Council Update
6) 2020-2040 Comprehensive Plan Review for Parks & Trails
7) Staff Report
a) General Items
8) Adjourn
1
MEMORANDUM
TO: Medina Park Commission
FROM: Jodi Gallup, Assistant City Administrator
DATE OF REPORT: August 12, 2016
DATE OF MEETING: August 17, 2016
SUBJECT: Park Commission Meeting Report
2. Additions to Agenda
If any Park Commissioner wishes to add an item to the agenda after the agenda has
already been posted, the agenda item must be proposed at this point in the meeting. The
Park Commission must agree to add the item by motion.
5. City Council Update
This is a reoccurring agenda item to have the City Council Liaison to the Park
Commission, Lorie Cousineau, give an update at each meeting on what is happening at
the Council level.
6. 2020-2040 Comprehensive Plan Review for Parks & Trails
City Planner Dusty Finke has prepared the attached updated report, cost projections,
changes to the chapter and draft map based on the direction of the Park Commission from
our previous review of the plan. The main focus of this meeting is to finalize these
documents.
See attachments.
Recommended Action: Review and recommend changes to the 2020-2040
Comprehensive Plan Park and Trail plan.
7. Staff Report
a. General Items. This agenda item is to give a verbal update on any other general park
items.
Staff representation at the August 17th Park Commission meeting will be City Planner Dusty
Finke, Assistant City Administrator Jodi Gallup, and Public Works Director Steve Scherer.
Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes - DRAFT
July 20, 2016
Medina City Hall
Page 1 of 7
The Park Commission of Medina, Minnesota met in regular session on July 20, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.
at Medina City Hall. Park Commission Chair Steve Lee presided.
1) Call to Order
Commissioners Present: Steve Lee, John Jacob, Dino DesLauriers, Michelle
Beddor, Lori Meehan, and Lisa Cole
Commissioners Absent: Nate Pearson
Also Present: City Planner Dusty Finke, Assistant City Administrator
Jodi Gallup, Public Works Director Steve Scherer and City
Council member Lorie Cousineau.
2) Additions to the Agenda
None
3) Approval of the Minutes from:
April 20, 2016 Regular Meeting
• Page 3, 1st paragraph, “... projects projection...”
• Page 3, 6th paragraph, “...desire support for system,...”
• Page 3, 7th paragraph, “lack of trail development?”
A motion was made by DesLauriers and seconded by Beddor to approve the minutes from
April 20, 2016 with the noted change. Motion passed unanimously.
May 18, 2016 Regular Meeting
A motion was made by Jacob and seconded by Meehan to approve the minutes from May
18, 2016 as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
4) Public Comments (on items not on the agenda): None.
5) City Council Update
Lorie Cousineau gave the Park Commission an update on recent City Council actions.
6) Maple Park Baseball Field Request
Kristine Stehly, resident in the Independence Beach Neighborhood, stated that the Maple
Park baseball field had become overgrown and when her husband approached the city
back in May, they had learned that the city decided not to maintain the field as a baseball
diamond and seed it over.
Stehly noted that a copy of a petition had been sent to the Park Commissioners earlier
that day containing 22 signatures and comments from residents in the neighborhood that
would like to see the baseball field rehabilitated and regularly maintained.
Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes - DRAFT
July 20, 2016
Medina City Hall
Page 2 of 7
Stehly stated that a baseball field is a great amenity for the community and neighborhood.
She pointed out that the baseball field, if maintained, would be used by the surrounding
community—not just her neighborhood. She knows this because on Halloween each year,
their neighborhood sees an influx of kids from around the community since it is a more
dense urban area. She stated that her neighborhood is turning over and the number of
families with young children is growing. She stated that they have 14 houses with
children under 18 on her street alone. They also have baseball and softball coaches on her
street.
Stehly stated that she is here today to ask for four things:
1. Rehabilitate the baseball field
2. Regularly maintain it as a baseball field
3. Add fencing along third baseline to avoid balls going into the stream
4. Install bases
Scherer stated that he does not have a problem with the city keeping it as a baseball field
and will be happy to deliver ag lime out there, but the reason Stehly is before us tonight is
because at the May Park Tour, he received direction from the Park Commission to seed it
over. He asked Stehly to seek out resident support and bring a formal request to the Park
Commission.
Lee thanked Stehly for taking the time to bring this request before the Park Commission
and commended her for her efforts to get neighborhood support of the project.
There was a general consensus of the Park Commission to get the baseball field in Maple
Park back in shape.
Scherer said the city will deliver the ag lime, but he will need the help of the residents to
maintain the field.
Stehly believed some of her neighbors would be able to spread the ag lime material.
The Park Commission discussed her request for bases, but it was determined that the city
would not be able to provide the bases. It was noted that each user would need the bases
set up at different lengths depending on their age range. It was also noted that baseball
fields that have stationary bases are usually provided by the athletic clubs using those
fields. It was suggested that she purchase portable bases for her own use.
Stehly asked the Park Commission for a commitment to keep this area as a baseball field.
Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes - DRAFT
July 20, 2016
Medina City Hall
Page 3 of 7
Lee stated that they will commit to keeping it as a baseball field into the foreseeable
future. He stated if things change down the road, it would first come before the Park
Commission for discussion at a public meeting.
Lee stated that they will discuss the fence during the Capital Improvement Plan
discussion towards the end of the agenda.
7) AutoMotorPlex – PUD Concept Plan Review – East of Arrowhead Drive, North of
Hamel Road – Park Dedication Review
City Planner Finke stated that the applicant has requested review of a PUD Concept Plan
for construction of an “AutoMotorPlex”, a series of finished garages designed for
motorsports enthusiasts. He noted that the applicant has a similar facility in Chanhassen.
The concept shows nine buildings of approximately 215,000 total square feet east of
Arrowhead Drive and north of Hamel Road.
Finke stated that the city is currently constructing a trail along the east side of Arrowhead
Drive on the north side of Highway 55. He referenced the trail plan showing a proposed
trail along this stretch of Arrowhead Drive and along Hamel Road.
Meehan questioned the topography of the land. Finke responded that it was relatively flat
on the north side of Hamel Road and the east side of Arrowhead drive for this parcel, but
other parcels might be flatter on the other side of the road on different stretches of the
proposed trail.
The width of the trail was discussed as it relates to safety for users. It was noted that most
of our city trails are 8 feet wide.
It was questioned if there was enough right-of-way and land dedication to further
separate the trail from the road for safety.
Finke stated that Arrowhead Drive had been realigned next to Loram so there would be
plenty of right-of-way next to their property, but it would be tighter as the trail moved
south.
Jacob questioned the validity of the trails on the trail map and if the Park Commissioners
should first determine which trails on the map should be completed prior to making
recommendations on land dedication.
Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes - DRAFT
July 20, 2016
Medina City Hall
Page 4 of 7
There was a general consensus that Jacob had a good point, but it was also noted that the
two proposed trails on this map are major trails that need to be constructed to make vital
trail connections on the plan.
Jacob suggested we differentiate major trail and smaller neighborhood trail connections
on the trail plan.
Scherer stated that Arrowhead Drive is a County Road and is very busy with truck traffic
and will only continue to become busier as development occurs. He suggested that the
Park Commission take the full trail easement outside of the right-of-way to create a safe
zone between the trail and road.
The Park Commission discussed all the possible options for the Arrowhead Drive trail
such as having it run through the property along the east property line, but it was
determined that the applicant probably would not like the trail running through the
backside of their lot.
Meehan questioned if the discussed dedicated trail easements would take up all of the
10% of the allowed Park Dedication.
Finke confirmed it probably would take up most of the dedication. The Park
Commissioners were okay with it.
There was a general consensus to take the full trail easement outside of the right-of-way
along the east side of Arrowhead Drive and to take a trail easement along the north side
of Hamel Road.
8) 2040 Comprehensive Plan Review for Parks & Trails
Finke stated that the Park Commission began the review of this plan at their April
meeting and would like to review the text of the plan this evening. He noted that the goal
of the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee is to have a solid draft of the plan put
together this fall for formal review in October. He noted that the parks, trails, and open
space chapter is just one piece of a larger plan.
Lee commended Finke on his efforts to clean up the language of this chapter prior to
bringing it forward at this meeting.
Lee noted that under the vision and goals section for this chapter, there should be a
broader statement that these items would be accomplished where appropriate and as can
be fiscally sustained, instead of including that statement only on the first bullet point.
Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes - DRAFT
July 20, 2016
Medina City Hall
Page 5 of 7
Gallup made a note that she had a more current Medina Park System Inventory and
would insert the updated table in a future draft of this plan.
Discussion occurred on the need to have an existing park inventory and descriptions of
each park included in the plan because the information gets outdated so quickly and this
is a long term plan.
Finke pointed out that the Comprehensive Plan tells a narrative of the planning process. It
is important to know the amenities the City had at the beginning of the plan to help guide
the future needs of the community.
Discussion occurred regarding the amount of trails shown on the trail map and if only
major trails should be shown on the map.
Meehan stated that it was important to show trails that run straight through the middle of
someone’s property because it will put them and future potential property owners on
notice of the city’s intentions to build a trail through their property.
Lee suggested the Park Commission schedule additional meetings to review the park and
trail plan more closely because he would like to submit the Park Commission’s best effort
plan.
Gallup stated she would send out an email to coordinate possible meeting dates.
Finke described the suggested changes he had made to the park and trail map based on
the steering committee’s proposed changes to the land use map. He noted that we may
need to plan for less park facilities with the reduced growth projects.
Discussion occurred on the proposed regional trail corridors shown on the plan. There
was a general consensus that the regional transportation corridor (shown in gray) should
go down Brockton Lane, not Hunter Drive. The regional trail corridor (shown in purple)
should go down Hunter to Medina Road to County Road 24.
Cole requested that an off road trail be shown on the map to connect Meander Road to
the new trail on Arrowhead Drive. It was noted that the trail currently is a wide shoulder,
but the traffic is busy and a number of families use that stretch of trail.
Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes - DRAFT
July 20, 2016
Medina City Hall
Page 6 of 7
Lee questioned the proposed park on the plan on the east side of County Road 116 in the
Reserve of Medina development. He noted that the city missed their opportunity to take
park land when the land was subdivided.
It was noted that the plan still showed a proposed park to serve the residents east of
County Road 116 and north of Highway 55.
The Park Commission directed staff to look into adding passive playground features to
the city owned woods in either the Reserve of Medina development or the Villas
development to serve as a park for these residents.
The Park Commission requested that staff prepare a basis trail map for trail planning
purposes that shows only existing trails, dots for proposed homes, and existing
businesses.
Staff was also directed to prepare an updated future cost vs. park dedication revenue
analysis and collect the surrounding communities’ trail maps.
9) 2017-2021 Capital Improvement Plan
The Park Commission reviewed the updated draft 2017-2021 Capital Improvement Plan
and made the following recommendations:
Hamel Legion Park
• Dugout covers – staff to look into cost of fence option.
• Snow machine – staff to get cost estimates.
• Trail lights – remove from plan.
Hunter Lions Park – it was noted that this park has become increasingly busy with the
new Enclave development across the street. It was questioned if the city should add
playground features in the future.
• Remove fence rail covers.
Lakeshore Park – this park is also busy, but the play structure is small and meant for
small children. It was questioned if additional features could be added to the park.
• Remove steps to boat launch.
• Look into adding a bench into hillside, if allowed by DNR.
Rainwater Nature Area
• Add $30,000 in 2017 for a bench and trail on the west side of the proposed bridge.
Medina Park Commission Meeting Minutes - DRAFT
July 20, 2016
Medina City Hall
Page 7 of 7
Maple Park – discussion occurred if a fence should be added to the third baseline to avoid
balls going into the stream. There was a general consensus that the field should be
updated this year, and its use will be evaluated next summer to determine if the expense
of a fence is warranted.
Walnut Park – discussion occurred regarding basketballs going into the bushes and it was
determined that the hoop should be turned the other direction.
Medina Morningside – the plan calls for the curb to be fixed. Staff will evaluate the
actual need and costs.
Tomann Preserve
• Remove $20,000 for future park development.
Park at Fields of Medina
• Budget $15,000 in 2017 to add a volleyball court.
City woods by Villas at Medina Golf & Country Club and city woods in the Reserve of
Medina - staff to research adding linear playground features that would run along a wood
chip trail.
10) Staff Report
• Dugout Covers – Scherer stated that the hardcover roofs over the dugouts will be
much more expensive than originally anticipated. He is currently looking into a
fence option.
• Arrowhead Drive Trail Update – Scherer reported that the new trail is near
completion.
• Electricity at the Park at Fields of Medina – Scherer reported that Wright-
Hennepin had installed the transformer to provide electricity to the park. He is
now waiting on his electrician to provide electrical service up to the pavilion and
install the light pole.
• General Items – no additional general items to report.
11) Adjourn
A motion was made by DesLauriers, seconded by Jacob and passed unanimously, to
adjourn the meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:31 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Jodi Gallup.
Medina Park Commission Special Meeting Minutes - DRAFT
July 27, 2016
Medina City Hall
Page 1 of 2
The Park Commission of Medina, Minnesota met in special session on July 27, 2016 at 7:30 a.m.
at Medina City Hall. Park Commission Chair Steve Lee presided.
1) Call to Order
Commissioners Present: Steve Lee, John Jacob, Dino DesLauriers, Michelle
Beddor, Lori Meehan, Nate Pearson, and Lisa Cole
Commissioners Absent: None
Also Present: City Planner Dusty Finke, Public Works Director Steve
Scherer and Assistant City Administrator Jodi Gallup
(arrived at 8:15 a.m.)
2) 2020-2040 Comprehensive Plan Review for Parks & Trails
Discussion centered on establishing the Park Commission’s priorities for the trail plan.
Several members raised specific questions concerning existing and prospective trails and
what trail improvements might be available on existing pathways. A map offering a more
modest paved trail network for Medina was also discussed. It was agreed that discussion
of specific trails (existing and new) are better addressed after the issues identified below
are resolved. The summary of priorities discussed is as follows:
1. Reasonable budget - Medina’s paved trail system must be constructed and operated
within a reasonable budget for a city of our size. The Park Commission will need to
set an appropriate budget given our current funds and expected growth out to 2040.
State and County Grants, cooperative joint ventures and other partnerships should be
utilized to reduce the costs of construction and maintenance. Utility and other
governmental right-of-ways should be used for construction of our trails where such
use decreases our cost and increases safety.
2. Connect neighborhoods & create loops - within our budget, we would like to connect
neighborhoods and create loops (versus dead ends). Priority should be given to areas
with the greater population density and where there is already a lot of usage. Trails
should also create north-south and east-west corridors connecting to adjacent cities
trails where possible. Connections to trails in neighboring cities will effectively
expand our trail system and should be a priority as well.
3. Use of existing shoulders - where it is safe, use of existing shoulders should be used
to save on costs.
4. Safety – trails should be made as safe as possible, using the latest, cost effective
methods, to protect our citizens. Also we should be mindful of the trails location with
respect to police protection and easy access if a citizen is hurt on the trail.
The Park Commission had the following unanswered questions:
Medina Park Commission Special Meeting Minutes - DRAFT
July 27, 2016
Medina City Hall
Page 2 of 2
1. When do we expect the money to flow into the parks and trails budget over the next
25 years? In other words, when will we have the funds necessary to construct the
trails we want?
2. What portion of a parks and trails budget should normally and reasonably be spent on
trails for a city of our size? What do other cities of similar size spend on trails in
terms of dollars and percent of parks & trails budget or overall city budget?
3. Where are the private trails in our town (paved and unpaved), which are used by
neighborhoods. Can these mitigate the need for some city trails?
4. What is the realistic time frame for construction of the trails we prioritize? What
barriers bar us from building the trails, (e.g. current owners of the land don’t want a
trail).
5. Are there ways we can raise additional fees (e.g. charge developers more when land is
developed) without impacting the local tax rate?
The Park Commission directed staff to put together a draft plan based on the priorities
discussed at this meeting. The Staff will also offer input on the questions noted above. It
was noted that discussion on the plan would continue at the August 17, 2016 regularly
scheduled Park Commission meeting.
3) Adjourn
There was a general consensus to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 a.m.
Minutes prepared by Steve Lee and Jodi Gallup.
Comprehensive Plan Page 1 of 2 August 17, 2016
Parks, Trails, and Open Space Park Commission Meeting
MEMORANDUM
TO: Park Commission
FROM: Dusty Finke, City Planner
DATE: August 12, 2016
MEETING: August 17, 2016 Park Commission
SUBJ: Comprehensive Plan – Parks, Trails, and Open Space Plan
Background
The Park Commission reviewed the DRAFT Parks, Trails, and Open Space Plan at the July 20
meeting and a separate meeting on July 27 to discuss trails.
The Park Commission had requested a number of changes to the text to the Parks/Trails/Open
Space Plan and also directed staff to make changes to the trails plan in order to make the plan
more financially viable.
The updated information is attached.
Park Dedication Revenue
As discussed at previous meetings, with the planned development in the DRAFT update to the
Comprehensive Plan and the current park dedication fee, the City would expect an estimated
$9 million of park fees in the future.
Future Parks
The Park Commission appeared to be comfortable planning for 3 future parks similar to the Park
at Fields of Medina. The estimated cost of these parks would be $4.6-$6.9 million. This
information is summarized on the attached financial information sheets
Future Trails
Staff has drafted an amended trail plan, following the general direction of the Park Commission
from the July 27 meeting. The plan would reduce future trails in the City from 41 miles to 26
miles.
The estimated cost of all of these trails would be between $7.6 and $18 million. Much of that
difference is a result of a large difference in land costs in different circumstances in the City.
Staff can drill down into that number further, but it is difficult to project. It would likely be fair
to assume a few million off the top of the cost estimate.
The cost of these trails still would exceed the amount of park dedication revenue which the City
anticipates collecting under the current fee structure. However, it is much closer than the
previous trail plan.
Staff doubts that the entire trail system would ultimately be constructed. The City may obtain
easements as opportunities arise, but construction may or may not ultimately occur. However, a
Comprehensive Plan Page 2 of 2 August 17, 2016
Parks, Trails, and Open Space Park Commission Meeting
better prioritization helps provide guidance and limits the amount of easements the City may
obtain and not utilize.
Operational Costs
Staff has also attempted to provide a (admittedly) rough estimate of operating costs for the
proposed park and trail system. This information is attached for reference. These costs do not
include wages and equipment costs of public works related to the parks and trails. It also does
not account for revenues from field rentals or future field improvements.
In order to break things down in a very basic way, the City is planning for household/population
and employment growth of approximately 50% of what currently exists. This would increase the
tax base over time, but also likely increase costs for services in a similar amount.
As proposed, the cost of the park and trail system would increase approximately 100%. Staff
believes this basic context is helpful in discussing the system.
Action Requested
Staff requests that the Park Commission review the Plan so that it can be forwarded to the
Steering Committee as part of the Comprehensive Plan. Tentatively, a public hearing is
anticipated for November 9 on the Comprehensive Plan, which would include the Parks, Trails,
and Open Space Plan.
Attachments
1. Financial Information
2. DRAFT Parks, Trails, Open Space Plan
3. DRAFT Parks and Trail Map
Capital Budget
Park Dedication
Units
New Households 825 6000.00 $4,950,000.00
Commercial 350 7200.00 $2,520,000.00
Future Fees $7,470,000.00
Current Balance $1,600,000.00
Total Park Dedication Fees $9,070,000.00
Trails
Priority
Length
(miles) Cost/Foot (low) Cost/Foot (high) Total Cost (Low) Total Cost (High)
Paved Trails 13 55 100 $3,685,176.00 $6,700,320.00
Turf Trails 8 5 10 $216,480.00 $432,960.00
Shoulder Trails 5 40 70 $992,640.00 $1,737,120.00
Easement Acquistion 21 25 82 $2,757,480.00 $9,044,534.40
$7,651,776.00 $17,914,934.40
Parks
New Parks: Units # Cost/Unit (Low) Cost/Unit (High) Total Cost (Low)Total Cost (High)
Land (active) Acre 20 130,000 180,000 $2,600,000.00 $3,600,000.00
Land (passive) Acre 20 40,000 60,000 $800,000.00 $1,200,000.00
Preparation (grading, stormwater, landscaping) Acre 20 15,000 30,000 $300,000.00 $600,000.00
Playground Equip Set 3 100,000 170,000 $300,000.00 $510,000.00
Walking Paths Linear Foot 3,600 50 70 $180,000.00 $252,000.00
Baseball Fields Field 1 20,000 60,000 $20,000.00 $60,000.00
Basketball Court Court 3 20,000 30,000 $60,000.00 $90,000.00
Tennis Court (2 courts with fence)2 Courts 2 70,000 100,000 $140,000.00 $200,000.00
Water Fountain Fountain 3 4,000 5,000 $12,000.00 $15,000.00
Picnic Shelters (4 tables)Shelter 6 20,000 35,000 $120,000.00 $210,000.00
Soccer Fields (grading, drainage, nets)Field 2 25,000 35,000 $50,000.00 $70,000.00
Irrigation for fields Field 3 10,000 20,000 $30,000.00 $60,000.00
Sand Volleyball Court Each 2 5,000 6,000 $10,000.00 $12,000.00
Small Restroom Building Each 0 100,000 125,000 $0.00 $0.00
Bleachers (3 rows x 25')Each 1 4,000 6,000 $4,000.00 $6,000.00
$4,626,000.00 $6,885,000.00
Dedication/ Unit
Operational Costs
Annual Costs:
Cost per
Unit Current Ultimate Current Annual
Cost
Ultimate
Annual Cost
Porta‐potty (seasonal) $450 4 8 $1,800 $3,600
Porta‐potty (year‐round) $900 2 2 $1,800 $1,800
Mowing $4,000 8 12 $22,000 $38,000
Weed control/Fertilizer $800 6 10 $10,000 $13,200
Utilities $700 8 11 $5,600 $7,700
Supplies $1,000 8 11 $8,000 $11,000
Landscaping Maintenance $700 8 11 $8,000 $10,100
$57,200 $85,400
Surface Maintenance:
Cost per
Unit Current Ultimate Frequency
Trail Crack‐seal 500 9 22 5 $900 $2,200
Trail Seal coat 8000 9 22 5 $14,400 $35,200
Court Resurfacing 5000 6 10 5 $6,000 $10,000
$21,300 $47,400
Replacement Costs:
Cost per
Unit Current Ultimate Frequency
Playground Equipment $200,000 5 8 20 $50,000 $80,000
Other Replacement $200,000 6 10 20 $60,000 $100,000
Paved Trails $212,000 9 22 20 $95,400 $233,200
Turf Trails $37,000 3 11 20 $5,550 $20,350
$210,950 $433,550
Total Annual Cost (w/o replacement) $78,500 $132,800
Total Annual Cost (w replacement) $289,450 $566,350
Chapter # – Parks, Trails, & Open Space Page 6 - 1
DRAFT 8/12/2016
Chapter #: PARKS, TRAILS, and OPEN SPACE
_________________________________________________________
Introduction
A high quality system of parks and trails support the physical and psychological health of the
community, provide opportunities for the community to gather, and contribute significantly to the
quality of life and the well-being of residents. The amount and quality of open spaces in Medina
is consistently identified as one of the most important characteristics of the City and the protection
of these spaces is paramount within the City’s Vision and Community Goals.
Objectives
The City of Medina Vision seeks to “sustain and enhance the quality of life of its residents,”
“protect…significant natural resources and open spaces throughout the City,” “foster….places of
recreation and destinations for citizens to gather.”
In addition, Community Goals include:
• “Preserve rural vistas, open spaces, and wetlands in all parts of the community to promote
the rural character of Medina.”
• “Protect and enhance the environmental and natural resources throughout the
community.”
• “Promote public and private gathering places and civic events that serve the entire
community.”
• “Preserve and expand trails and parks to provide community recreational facilities,
connect neighborhoods and encourage healthy lifestyles of its residents.”
The following objectives support the Vision and Goals and guide the Parks, Trails, and Open
Space Plan. These objectives will be accomplished where appropriate and as can be fiscally
sustained within the community.
• Improve and expand existing facilities, improve accessibility, correct problems or conflicts
if they occur, and provide expanded recreational opportunities.
• Provide parks within approximately ½ mile of new urban residential development to
provide residents convenient access to recreational activities.
• Provide a system of trails which serve not only recreational purposes, but also connect
residents with community destinations in order to support healthy lifestyle and
opportunities for non-motorized transportation.
• Make a variety of recreational opportunities available for residents.
• Partner with recreational organizations within and adjacent to the City in order to provide
recreational activities in a cost-effective manner.
Chapter # – Parks, Trails, & Open Space Page 6 - 2
DRAFT 8/12/2016
Metropolitan Council’s Parks, Trails, and Open Space System
The Metropolitan Council components of a parks, trails, and open-space system will be the basis
for analyzing existing park facilities and for determining proposed park development within
Medina.
TABLE ___
Classification for Local and Regional Open-Space 1
Component Use Service Area Site Site Attributes Site Location
Local Facilities
Mini-Park
Specialized facilities that serve a
concentrated or limited population or
specific group such as tots or senior
citizens.
Less than ¼ mile
radius
Less than
1 acre
May be publicly or privately
owned and/or incorporated
into a development site,
such as apartment,
Neighborhood
Park/
Playground2
Area for intense recreational activities such
as field games, court games, crafts,
apparatus area, skating, neighborhood
centers.
¼ to ½ mile radius
to serve a
population of 200
to 1,000
(neighborhood).
5-25 acres Physical geography
suited for intense
development.
Proximity to Elementary
schools or residential
neighborhoods.
Community
Playfield
Area for intense recreational facilities such
as athletic fields and swimming pools;
could include neighborhood use.
3-5 neighborhoods
(community 4).
25-50 acres Physical geography
suited for intense
development.
Proximity to secondary
schools and other public
facilities.
Community Park
Area of natural or ornamental quality for
outdoor recreation such as walking
viewing, sitting, picnicking; could have
some field and court games.
3-5 neighborhoods
(community 4)
25-100 acres Affords natural features
with varied physiographic
interest.
Proximity to community
facilities and resources.
Conservancy
Lands
Area of natural quality such as
watercourses and wetlands that are
preserved for environmental or aesthetic
benefits to the community and/or
because of the negative environmental or
economic affects of development in
them.
Municipality,
township, county.
Variable, based on
extent of resources.
Natural resources that
merit preservation and
would be negatively
affected by
development.
Where resource occurs.
Regional Facilities
Regional Park
Area of natural or ornamental quality for
nature-oriented outdoor recreation such
as picnicking, boating, fishing, swimming,
camping, and trail uses.
3-5 communities. 200-500 acres (100
acre minimum).
Complete natural setting
contiguous to water
bodies or water courses
where possible.
Where natural resource
occurs--particularly
water.
Regional Park
Reserve
Area of natural quality for nature oriented
outdoor recreation such as viewing and
studying nature, wildlife habitat,
conservation, swimming, picnicking, hiking,
boating, camping, and trail uses.
County, multi-
county area.
1000+ acres;
Sufficient area to
encompass the
resource envisioned
for preservation.
Diversity of unique
resources, such as
topography, lakes
streams, marshes, flora,
fauna.
Where resource occurs.
Local or Regional
Linear Park
(trails, corridors,
parkways)
Area developed for one or more varying
modes of recreational Travel such as
hiking, biking, snowmobiling, horseback
riding, cross country skiing, canoeing and
driving.
Local
(municipalities,
townships) or
regional (county
multi-county area).
Sufficient width to
provide protection
of resource and
maximum use.
Utilize human-made
and/or natural linear
resources such as utility
corridors, rights-of way,
drainage ways, bluff lines,
vegetation patterns and
roads.
Where linear resource
occurs. Link components
of recreation system. Link
other community facilities
such as schools, library
and commercial areas.
Special Feature
Area that preserves, maintains
and provides specialized or single-purpose
recreational activities such as golf course,
nature center, zoo, arboretum, arena,
downhill ski area, and sites of historic or
archaeological significance.
Metropolitan Area Specific standard
application to
desired feature.
Appropriate to particular
special feature.
Where most
advantageous for the
special feature and the
overall park system.
1 Metropolitan Council's Recreation Standards
2 Definition adjusted by the City.
4 A grouping of neighborhoods, not a unit of government.
The Metropolitan Council Classification System describes a Neighborhood Park/Playground
being designed to serve a population of 4,000-5,000 within approximately one-half mile. Because
Chapter # – Parks, Trails, & Open Space Page 6 - 3
DRAFT 8/12/2016
of the comparatively lower-density development pattern purposefully planned within the City,
this definition has been adjusted for the sake of designing the local park system. Neighborhood
parks in Medina are designed to serve a smaller population of 200-1,000 from a wider
geographical area.
Medina’s Existing System
Map ___ shows the locations of all parks, trails, and open space making up the City's existing
system, and Table ___ lists the City's parks and facilities. These active park areas, playfields and
programs should serve the City's residents adequately for the foreseeable future.
A. Regional Parks
Medina's park system includes one county facility, Baker Park Reserve and one state facility,
Wolsfeld Woods Scientific and Natural Area (SNA). These facilities play a significant role in
the City's and Metropolitan's park system. Providing both active and passive recreational
opportunities and fulfilling some of the local need for community parks and conservancy
lands.
B. Local Parks
The City’s park system presently includes the following sites. The facilities offered by each
park can be seen in Table ____.
1. Hamel Legion Park is the City’s primary community park and the largest in the City’s
system at almost 40 acres in size. The park is located south of Uptown Hamel on the east
boundary of the City. The park was developed through invaluable partnerships with local
organizations and includes many amenities which serve the entire community.
2. The Park at Fields of Medina is approximately 10.5 acres in size and is intended to
primarily serve the area including Fields of Medina, Bridgewater, Foxberry Farms, the
Villas at Medina Country Club.
3. Medina Morningside Park is 2.4 acres in size and primarily serve the Medina
Morningside, Keller Estates, and Deerhill Preserve area.
4. Hunter Lions Park is 6.8 acres in size and primarily serve the area south and west of
Uptown Hamel, including the Enclave, Tuckborough Farms, Hunter Farms and Elm Creek
Addition.
5. Lakeshore Park - Independence Beach (2975 Lakeshore Ave.) is less than 1 acre in size
and primarily serve the Independence Beach area of the City.
6. Walnut Park - Independence Beach (4653 Walnut St.) is a half-acre drainage area also
used seasonally as a park primarily serve the Independence Beach area of the City.
7. Maple Park is 2.5 acres in size and primarily serves the Independence Beach area of the
City.
8. Tomann Preserve is a 16 acre nature area comprised of wetlands and uplands which were
historically located in what is called the “Big Woods” ecosystem as part of the deciduous
forest biome.
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9. Lake Ardmore Nature Area is a 18.3 acre undeveloped nature area in the
Independence Beach neighborhood consisting of several parcels of land
surrounding Lake Ardmore.
10. Cherry Hill Nature Area is a 1.5 acre area, primarily wetlands, used for open
space and drainage of storm water from the Cherry Hill development.
11. Medina Lake Preserve is a 69.9 acre nature area that includes a portion of Lake
Medina and several surrounding acres.
12. Rainwater Nature Area is a 5.8 acre area in the Uptown Hamel Neighborhood
providing a nature preserve in an urban area. Furthermore, it is a showcase area
for native plantings.
13. Holy Name Lake Park is a 2-acre mini-park located on a major county road
(County Road 24) and abuts Holy Name Lake.
14. The City Hall Site is 9.2 acres in size and is centrally located in the City, serving
the entire City as the site for Medina's City Hall. A portion of the property
commemorates the memory of the early settlers of Medina, including a
reconstruction of the original Wolsfeld log cabin built in 1856 as a museum
owned and operated by the Western Hennepin County Pioneer’s Association.
15. Private Mini-Parks and Pocket Parks Foxberry Farms, Tuckborough Farms,
Northridge Farms, The Enclave, The Reserve, and Medina Townhomes all have
parks that are owned and maintained by the respective homeowners associations
and augment the City's park system.
C. Quasi Public Facilities
Quasi-public facilities serve the recreational needs of the City and are important to take
into account, including the following:
1. Baker National Golf Course is approximately 336 acres in size and is included
in the Baker Park Reserve. Many residents use this course which is regarded as
one of the best public courses in the Metro Area. It also has winter recreational
activities including, skiing, snowshoeing and a sliding hill. The property is a
National Audubon certified golf course because of its wildlife-friendly
management.
2. Medina Golf and Country Club is a 225-acre private golf course in the north
eastern section of the City. A number of City residents and businesses are
members of this club.
3. Spring Hill Golf Club is a 48.3 acre private golf course of which a portion is
located in the south central part of the city. The club house and most of the golf
course are located in the City of Orono.
Chapter # – Parks, Trails, & Open Space Page 6 - 5
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D. Trails
The City's trail system consists of a combination of city, county, regional, and private trails.
The City is acquiring trail dedications and easements as development occurs.
County trails are located along CR 24 and CR 19 and also include an extensive multi-use trail
system within the Baker Park Reserve (see Map ____).
The Northwest Trails Association operates an extensive snowmobile trail system, part of
which is located in Medina. Private horse trails, not shown on the map, are available through
parts of the City and involve many private landowners. It is operated and maintained by
volunteers and “gentlemen’s” agreements. Medina's horse trails are an important part of its
rural culture.
Several of Medina's current or proposed trails connect with surrounding cities. The City of
Medina will strive to connect with these surrounding trails.
E. Other
The organizations and playfields listed below provide additional recreational opportunities to
Medina residents and help supplement the City of Medina’s park system.
1. Hamel Athletic Club provides youth baseball recreational opportunities to Medina
residents as well as to residents of surrounding cities.
2. Hamel Hawks provides an adult baseball program to Medina residents as well as to
residents of surrounding cities.
3. The Loretto Playfield serves a number of organized teams in the region and has a
playground area.
4. The Orono Schools Playfields are located on the south side of County Road 6 and
provide recreational space for the City’s southside residents through Orono's community
education and recreation programs.
5. Elm Creek Community Playfields (Wayzata High School) is owned by the City of
Plymouth and is located just east of Medina, north of TH 55.
6. Plymouth Park & Recreation is used by many residents through programs offered by the
Plymouth Park and Recreation Department.
7. Orono Park and Recreation is used by several residents who take part in programs
offered by the Orono Park and Recreation Department.
8. Corcoran Athletic Association provides a number of recreational opportunities for
children and adults.
9. Other Public and Private schools provide a number of recreational opportunities and
community education programs to Medina residents as well as to residents of surrounding
cities.
Chapter # – Parks, Trails, & Open Space Page 6 - 6
DRAFT 8/12/2016
TTaabbllee ______
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Hamel Legion Park
3200 Mill Drive 36.9 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Holy Name Park
400 County Road 24 2 x x x x x
Hunter Lions Park
3195 Hunter Drive 6.8 x x x x x x x x x x
Lakeshore Park
2975 Lakeshore Avenue 0.9 x x x x x x x
Maple Park
4400 Maple Street 2.5 x x x x x x
Medina Lake Preserve
East of Bridgew ater Development 70 x x
Medina Morningside Park
2522 Bobolink Road 2.4 x x x x x x x x
Rainw ater Nature Area
400 Hamel Road 5.8 x x x
The Park at Fields of Medina
1200 Meandor Road 8.2 x x x x x x x x x x
Tomann Preserve
3112 Pioneer Trail 16 x x x
Walnut Park
4653 Walnut Street 0.5 x x
Morris T. Baker Park Reserve
2301 County Road 19 2,700 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Wolsfeld Woods Scientific & Natural
Area - Parking at 2060 6th Avenue N.180 x x x x
Medina Park System Inventory
State Natural Area
Regional Park Reserve
Chapter # – Parks, Trails, & Open Space Page 6 - 7
DRAFT 8/12/2016
Medina’s Parks, Trails, and Open Space Plan
The goals, policies, and analysis in this chapter provide the basis for the Medina's Parks, Trails,
and Open Space Report. The plan addresses the following three specific areas of need:
1. Completion, improvement, and maintenance of existing park and trail facilities.
2. Acquisition, upgrading, and development of neighborhood facilities to provide open spaces
for active and passive recreational activities and fields for organized sports.
3. Development of a coordinated trail system.
Completion and Improvement of Existing Facilities
The City has identified improvements for existing facilities within its Capital Improvement
Program (CIP) and also maintains a Parks and Trails Master Plan to monitor and address needs.
Future Parks
The park plan, as shown on Map #, proposes four additional neighborhood parks in order to
support planned future residential development. Land for these parks will predominantly
obtained through park dedication during the development process. These parks will be sized and
improvements planned according to the population likely to be served by each.
Future Trails
The trail plan, as shown on Map #, proposes a network of multi-purpose trails. Although many of
the trails are identified along road corridors, the City’s objective is to separate the trails from the
roadway where possible. Trails will connect points of interest throughout the City and provide
access to natural areas. The plan also includes a proposal to create a pedestrian bridge over TH 55
which, while not in present city funding plans, could become an important link in the trail system
as the City develops.
The City's network of trails will tie into the proposed trails in neighboring communities, including
Corcoran, Independence, Maple Plain, Orono and Plymouth .
The Metropolitan Council's Regional Parks Policy Plan identifies two regional trail corridors
within the City of Medina. The Trails Map (#) displays these search areas. Existing City trails in
the vicinity of these corridors provide opportunities to complete these regional connections by
transferring ownership of the segments to Three Rivers Park District.
Open Space
Medina’s 2007 Open Space Report
Medina’s Open Space Task Force created an Open Space Report, which is not made part of this
Plan and is available for review at the City of Medina City Hall. A summary of the report
follows.
Goals are to:
1. preserve the ecological integrity of Medina’s natural infrastructure that filters and
cleanses run-off, prevents soil erosion and aides in maintaining healthy lakes and water
resources;
Chapter # – Parks, Trails, & Open Space Page 6 - 8
DRAFT 8/12/2016
2. preserve the City’s rural character, in which natural resources are the main
feature of the landscape; and
3. provide an option to landowners to preserve natural infrastructure, without
adverse economic consequences.
Principles to guide implementation of an Open Space Report are to:
1. educate and to promote stewardship and preservation of natural resources to
the public, land-owners and developers and raise awareness of the economic
and environmental benefit of preserving natural resources;
2. co-coordinate conservation efforts with other agencies, such as watersheds,
Hennepin County, Three Rivers Park and non-governmental bodies, like the
Minnesota Land Trust, Embrace Open Space and Pheasants Forever.
3. require permanently conserved land to be held in an easement by an outside
agency, such as the Minnesota Land Trust, a watershed district or similar
entities;
4. maintain land values and cause no economic harm to landowners or
developers;
5. use incentives to encourage open space developments;
6. make Open Space Design an option across all zoning districts where natural
features exist;
Definition of Open Space Design:
Open Space Design is, in effect, golf course development without a golf course
where development occurs around natural features, such as wetlands, woodlands, or
farmland. The ecological integrity of natural areas is permanently conserved by a
conservation easement, held and overseen by an outside agency. Buildings are
clustered in a central location on smaller lots, and the dedicated open space is
typically held under common ownership.
Recommended Tools to Implement Open Space Design:
1. Incentives—develop a system, including a scale of points for best management
practice and conservation design that can earn bonus building units. Such
systems have been developed by other communities.
2. Regulation—natural resource performance standards;
3. Public ownership—purchase of development rights (a PDR program;); and
4. Park & trail dedication—draft flexibility into park and trail dedication
ordinance.