HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-08-15 Parks and Trails Minutes
Corcoran Parks and Trails Meeting Minutes
August 15, 2024 - 7:00 pm
The Corcoran Parks and Trails Commission met on August 15, 2024, at City Hall in Corcoran, MN.
Present were Commissioners Anderson, Christenson, Erzberger, and Schmidt.
Absent were Commissioners Friedrich, Nybo, and Strehler.
Present at City Hall were City Administrator Tobin, Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck, and HKGi
Landscape Architect Grinde.
1. Call to Order / Roll Call
Chairperson Christenson called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Chairperson Christenson invited all in attendance to rise and join in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Agenda Approval
Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck informed the Commission of adjustments to the agenda
items for each month, including the Recreation Supervisor Update transitioning to a Parks,
Recreation, and Trails Update, and Commissioners no longer having an expectation to attend
Council meetings as Commission liaisons. City Administrator Tobin noted this was intended to be
considerate of Commissioners time, but they are still welcome to attend meetings.
Motion: Made by Anderson, seconded by Christenson, to approve the agenda as presented.
Voting Aye: Anderson, Christenson, Erzberger, and Schmidt.
(Motion carried 4:0)
4. Minutes
a. Minutes –June 20, 2024, Meeting
Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck noted a correction under Agenda Approval, changing “Val”
to “Nybo”.
Motion: Made by Anderson, seconded by Erzberger, to approve the minutes with the edit.
Voting Aye: Anderson, Christenson, Erzberger, and Schmidt.
(Motion carried 4:0)
5. Open Forum
Councilor Vehrenkamp spoke about the liaison calendar topic and noted that the Councilors would
be available to discuss items that the Commissioners were interested in speaking with them about
and to have Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck make any necessary connections. Councilor
Vehrenkamp noted that a resident connected with him regarding a need for trail crossing at County
Road 10 from Rush Creek Reserve to City Park.
6. Presentations – None
7. Unfinished Business
a. City Park Remaster Update
HKGi Landscape Architect Grinde provided an overview of the project, design process, bid process,
project delivery approach, and the vision for 2025 construction. HKGi Landscape Architect Grinde
highlighted areas of the updates including the multi-use field, parking lot, playground splashpad,
pickleball courts, and park building. HKGi Landscape Architect Grinde noted that the tennis courts,
Diamond Lake Regional Trail, and amphitheater were shown as alternatives. Commissioners
discussed trail design and crossings, noting the crossing at County Road 10 as mentioned during
Open Forum. HKGi Landscape Architect Grinde noted that information was provided to Three Rivers
Park District regarding the cost estimate and design thus far, but continued work would ensue to
determine if it would be a phase 1 project. Commissioner Schmidt inquired about having a
destination playground, to which Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck noted that additional
photos and models of the playground would be presented at a later meeting but the current
renditions were to provide a visual for the park design. Commissioners discussed considerations
towards the entrance and exit, elevation of the building, and a rinse off station by the splash pad.
Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck highlighted the need for turn lanes from County Road 50
as a requirement from the County for the main entrances. City Administrator Tobin spoke to his
experience with splashpads and the benefits of recirculation systems versus pass thru splashpads
which can develop mold. Chairperson Christenson asked about expanding pickleball courts to the
west and allow for for further curve of the Diamond Lake Regional Trail. Commissioners discussed
the trails around the splashpad and playground area, looking to limit the amount of pavement while
still allowing for accessibility for strollers. Commissioners discussed the elevations and viewpoints
with the hillsides, noting they will likely be a popular place for people to watch their kids enjoy
recreational activities at the park. City Administrator Tobin noted having double doors on the
mechanical/storage room and catering kitchen at the park building, room dividers for the main
space, and storage in the kitchen. Discussions occurred regarding City functions and events
occurring at the new building, including firearm safety classroom sessions, recreation programming,
and as an election precinct. Commissioners expressed an interest in a farm aesthetic for the park
building, highlighting potential use of a hip roof, wood aesthetics, and overhangs on the sides.
Commissioner Anderson requested a focus on the air quality inside of the building, while being
mindful of the sound levels for the system to allow for attendees to be able to hear clearly while
inside. Commissioner Anderson brought up considerations for sustainability, noting the potential for
solar panels on the roof of the building. City Administrator Tobin noted as aesthetical preferences
are raised, there would be costs that add up quickly. Commissioners discussed giving up some
building space as necessary to allocate funds towards other amenities. Chairperson Christenson
inquired about funding options, to which City Administrator Tobin highlighted prioritized amenities
and careful considerations when installing add-ons to amenities.
8. New Business
9. Reports/Information
a. Planning Project Update
Commissioner Erzberger inquired about the boardwalk in Bellwether, to which Recreation
Supervisor noted that she would talk to it during the Parks, Recreation, and Trails Update
b. Program Coordinator Update
Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck noted that Program Coordinator Shipley was attending the
last night of soccer and was unable to attend. Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck highlighted
areas he had worked on since the last meeting include Night to Unite, fall baseball preparation, and
soccer season wrap up.
c. Parks, Recreation, and Trails Update
Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck provided an update on the new agenda item title to include
updates on what Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck had been working on and Council
updates. Items Recreation Supervisor Christensen Buck had been working on included Night to
Unite, Bark in the Park, and park planning. City Administrator Tobin noted that the August 8, 2024,
Council packet included the boardwalk proposed within the Bellwether neighborhood, and
information about adjustments due to the water bounce requiring a bridge, rather than simply the
boardwalk. Commissioners discussed the requirements that were associated with the HUD funding,
including the added requirements.
10. Subcommittee & Miscellaneous Reports
a. Garden Club Report
No discussion occurred.
b. Park Dedication Fund
No discussion occurred.
11. Other Business/Announcements
No discussion occurred.
13. Adjournment
Motion: Made by Anderson, seconded by Schmidt, to adjourn the meeting at 9:06 pm.
Voting Aye: Anderson, Christenson, Erzberger, and Schmidt.
(Motion carried 4:0)
Submitted by Jessica Christensen Buck, Recreation Supervisor