HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-12-18 Parks and Trails Agenda Packet1.Call to Order/Roll Call
2.Pledge of Allegiance
3.Agenda Approval
4.Minutes
a.Minutes
5.Open Forum - Public Comment Opportunity
6.Presentations
7.Unfinished Business
8.New Business
a.Wayfinding Outline & Policy Guidance
9.Reports/Information
a.Planning Project Update
b.Parks, Recreation, and Trails Update
10.Subcommittee & Miscellaneous Reports
a.Garden Club Report
b.Park Dedication Fund
11.Other Business/Announcements
12.Adjournment
Corcoran Parks and Trails Commission Agenda
December 18, 2025
7:00 PM
*Includes Materials - Materials relating to these agenda items can be found in the Council Chambers Agenda
Packet book located by the entrance. The complete Council Agenda Packet is available electronically on the
City website at www.corcoranmn.gov.
1
STAFF REPORT Agenda Item: 4.a
Council Meeting:
December 18, 2025
Prepared By:
Seth Gellman. Community Development
Administrative Assistant,
Topic:
Minutes
Action Required:
Approval
Council Action
Attachments
1. 2025-10-16 Parks and Trails Commission Minutes Draft.docx
2
1
Corcoran Parks and Trails Commission Minutes
October 16, 2025 - 7:00 pm
The Corcoran Parks and Trails Commission met on October 16, 2025, at City Hall in Corcoran, MN. Present
were Commissioners Anderson, Nybo, Schmidt, Strehler, and Walsh.
Absent: Commissioners Christenson and Erzberger.
Present at City Hall was Parks and Recreation Manager Christensen Buck and Community Development
Administrative Assistant Gellman.
1. Call to Order / Roll Call
Commissioner Anderson called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Commissioner Anderson invited all in attendance to rise and join in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Agenda Approval
Motion: Made by Nybo, seconded by Strehler, to approve the agenda as presented for the October 16, 2025,
Parks and Trails Commission Meeting.
Voting Aye: Anderson, Nybo, Schmidt, Strehler, and Walsh
(Motion carried 5:0)
4. Minutes
Motion: Made by Nybo, seconded by Walsh, to approve September 18, 2025, minutes.
Voting Aye: Anderson, Nybo, Schmidt, Strehler, and Walsh
(Motion carried 5:0)
5. Open Forum – Public Comment Opportunity
(None)
6. Presentations – None
7. Unfinished Business
8. New Business
a. PUD Amendment for Shade Structure in Ravinia 9th Addition (City file 17-042)
Parks and Recreation Manager Christensen Buck presented the staff report to the commission.
Commissioner Schmidt suggested the Northeast corner of the park would be suitable placement for the
shade structure and would not obstruct the open field.
3
2
The commission agreed upon the location of the shade structure to be in the Northeast corner.
Motion: Made by Anderson, seconded by Walsh, to recommend placement of the shade structure in the
Northeast corner of Wildflower Park.
Voting Aye: Anderson, Nybo, Schmidt, Strehler, and Walsh
(Motion carried 5:0)
Commissioner Nybo expressed concern over the maintenance of the cul-de-sac and whether the city would be
responsible or the neighborhood HOA.
Commissioner Anderson said three species of grass for the cul-de-sac was limiting and that other grasses could
be considered but the most important issue was the HOA was responsible for maintenance and not the city.
Parks and Recreation Manager Christensen Buck presented the bench and table options to the commission.
The commission discussed the different material options and were in consensus that the table should match the
existing benches at the park (cedar and composite for the planks and black powder coated legs).
The commission agreed upon ordering one standard table and one ADA compliant table.
Motion: Made by Nybo, seconded by Walsh, to recommend ordering one standard table, one ADA compliant
table (provided that the tabletop does not extend excessively beyond the seating area) with cedar/composite
planks, and black powder coated legs.
Voting Aye: Anderson, Nybo, Schmidt, Strehler, and Walsh
(Motion carried 5:0)
9. Reports/Information
a. Planning Project Update (Information Only)
b. Parks, Recreation, and Trails Update
Parks and Recreation Manager Christensen Buck presented the Parks, Recreation, and Trails Update.
10. Subcommittee & Miscellaneous Reports
a. Garden Club Report
Commissioner Anderson gave a brief update.
b. Park Dedication Fund
Parks and Recreation Manager Christensen Buck supplied the most recent Park Dedication Fund numbers.
11. Other Business/Announcements
There was general discussion about current staff duties and activities.
12. Adjournment
Motion: Made by Nybo, seconded by Schmidt, to adjourn the meeting at 7:38 pm.
Voting Aye: Anderson, Nybo, Schmidt, Strehler, and Walsh
(Motion carried 5:0)
4
3
Submitted by Seth Gellman, Community Development Administrative Assistant
5
STAFF REPORT Agenda Item: 8.a
Council Meeting:
December 18, 2025
Prepared By:
Jessica Christensen Buck, Parks and Recreation
Manager
Topic:
Wayfinding Outline & Policy Guidance
Action Required:
Direction
Summary
During the November 25, 2025, City Council meeting, the Council directed staff to begin preparing a
Wayfinding Policy to guide signage throughout Corcoran's parks, trails, and open space system.
Consistent signage is needed to support the Heritage Park project, upcoming new development, and
long-term branding efforts.
The purpose of the discussion during the December 18, 2025, Parks and Trails Commission meeting is
to introduce a detailed outline of policy content and key questions requiring Commission input. This
outline will be utilized to composed a full draft policy, intended to return to the Parks and Trails
Commission during the January 15, 2026 meeting.
The draft outline includes:
Purpose and scope of the wayfinding system.
Key policy questions, such as differences between community neighborhood park signage, map
inclusion, accessibility considerations, and implementation.
Design standards, which will likely be something that is addressed further with assistance from
HKGi.
Implementation considerations, including a phased installation at Heritage Park, Wildflower Park,
and integration into future projects.
Key questions for Commission discussion:
Overall Policy:
1. Are there sections or points that should be included that may be missing?
2. Is there a vision regarding signage materials? The intention would be to work with HKGi to finalize
the policy and develop signage for Heritage Park.
Monument Signs:
1. Should materials or size vary by park classification?
1. Example: Heritage Park (community park) and Wildflower Park (neighborhood park).
1. Would community parks receive full monument signs while neighborhood parks use
smaller entrance identifiers or post-mounted signs?
Regulatory Signs:
1. Are current rules signs sufficient (see attached)?
Directional and Map Signs:
1. Is the preferred map style aerial or illustrative?
Next steps:
December 18, 2025: Commission provide staff with feedback and guidance.
A full draft policy will be completed and anticipated to be brought back to the Commission during
the January 15, 2026, Parks and Trails Commission meeting.
Following Commission recommendation, the policy will be sent to City Council for approval.
Financial/Budget
No financial impact at this time, however, signage would be eligible under park dedication.
6
Options
Provide staff with feedback and guidance regarding a Wayfinding Policy.
Recommendation
Provide staff with feedback and guidance regarding a Wayfinding Policy.
Council Action
Provide staff with feedback regarding a Wayfinding Policy.
Attachments
1. Wayfinding Policy/Outline - Dec 2025.pdf
2. Park Rules Sign
7
Updated 12/11/2025
Wayfinding Policy (Outline)
Purpose
The Wayfinding Policy establishes a consistent and cohesive signage system throughout Corcoran’s parks,
trails, and open spaces. Its intent is to enhance user experience by clearly identifying park entrances,
amenities, and rules while ensuring all signs align with City branding, meet accessibility requirements, and
comply with applicable codes. The policy provides a unified framework for standards, implementation, and
installations, guiding both updates to existing parks and integration into future projects.
Scope
1. Monument Signs: Serves as the primary identity element at the entrance of parks. Only one allowed
per parcel.
Considerations:
• Identify when full-size monument signs are required vs. smaller identification signs.
• Further design would comply with code and requested to be assisted with by HKGi.
Questions:
• Should monument signs look different between community parks (Heritage Park) and
neighborhood parks (Wildflower Park)?
• Should materials or size vary by park classification?
o Example: Heritage Park (community park) and Wildflower Park (neighborhood park).
Would community parks receive full monument signs while neighborhood
parks use smaller entrance identifiers or post-mounted signs?
• Should all parks or classifications use the same monument sign design?
2. Regulatory Signs: Communicates park rules and ordinance-based requirements, generally located in
high-traffic areas.
See appendix for design.
Considerations:
• Rules were reviewed recently and signs installed. Attached is a graphic of the sign.
3. Directional/Wayfinding Signs: Guide users to amenities such as playgrounds, pavilions, fields,
restrooms, and trailheads within community parks.
Questions:
• Would they show aerial imagery or graphic style illustrations?
4. Interpretive Signs: Convey environmental, cultural, historical, or memorial information.
Considerations:
• This would remain a placeholder section with further development intended for late 2026 due
to priority with other sign types.
Design
This would remain a placeholder section until further work with HKGi could occur to help create design(s).
8
Updated 12/11/2025
Implementation
Existing Parks
• Heritage Park – Integration within remaster project.
• Wildflower Park – Determination of necessary neighborhood park signage.
Future Projects
• Open Space Parks – Integration upon further development of the areas.
9
PARK HOURS: 6:00 am - 11:00 pm
PETS MUST BE ON 6' LEASH AND PET WASTE
PICKED UP.
No unauthorized motorized vehicles beyond
parking lots.
Beer and wine permitted. Hard liquor prohibited.
Prohibited:
Glass containers
Golfing
Tobacco
PARK RULES
Chapter 83 City Code
(Ord. 305, passed 07-23-15, Ord. 440, passed 11-10-21)
City of Corcoran
Parks and Recreation
763-420-2288
FOR A FULL LIST OF PARK RULES, PLEASE VISIT THE CITY OF CORCORAN WEBSITE.
10
STAFF REPORT Agenda Item: 9.a
Council Meeting:
December 18, 2025
Prepared By:
Dwight Klingbeil, Planner
Topic:
Planning Project Update
Action Required:
Information Only
Council Action
No action required.
Attachments
1. 2025-12-18 Planning Project Update.docx
11
Page 1 of 2
MEMO
Meeting Date: December 18, 2025
To: Parks & Trails Commission
From: Dwight Klingbeil
Re: Planning Project Update
Projects/comments in blue italics are new.
The following is a status summary of active planning projects:
1. All Seasons American Service Animals (PID 03-119-23-20-0005) (City File 25-
24).
Maureen Clipperton requests approval of a site plan, interim use permit, and a
conditional use permit to allow the operation of a Commercial Kennel to train service
animals on her property at 10800 Trail Haven Road. This operation would require the
expansion of an existing accessory structure on site, which would result in a footprint
that exceeds the cumulative accessory structure footprint of the property to 3,969
square feet. This item was reviewed and approved by the City Council during the
November 13, 2025, Regular Session.
2. M&J Creekside Interim Use Permit & Site Plan (PID 08-119-23-23-0017) (City
File 25-026).
Margaret and John Fernandez request approval of a site plan and interim use permit
to allow the operation of a wine tasting room at 23020 County Road 30. The operation
would consist of wine sales, production, and processing. This item was reviewed by
the City Council during the October 23, 2025, regular session. After some discussion,
the Council approved the IUP and Site Plan with the conditions that the maximum
number of guests be limited to 88, the hours of operation be limited to 12pm-9pm
Thursday through Saturday, and 12pm-6pm on Sundays, and additional screening to
be provided along the northwest and south sides of the parking lot.
3. Phil’s Quality Auto Site Plan & Variance (PID 26-119-23-11-0029) (City File 25-
030).
12
Page 2 of 2
Phil’s Quality Auto request approval of a Site Plan and Variance to allow the
expansion of their parking lot within the minimum front yard setback area at 7590
Commerce Street. This item was reviewed and approved by the City Council during
the November 25, 2025, meeting.
4. Schmids Hidden Valley 3rd Addition (PID 04-119-23-42-0006) (City File 25-034).
Michael & Judith Ball request approval of a preliminary plat for a three-lot subdivision
at 21900 Oakdale Drive. This item was reviewed by the City Council during the
November 25, 2025, meeting. After some discussion, the Council approved the
preliminary plat with the condition that a public roadway be installed to serve the new
driveways rather than a shared private driveway.
5. Brandsted Garage CUP (PID 27-119-23-43-0003) (City File 25-036).
Josh and Kelsey Brandsted request approval of a Conditional Use Permit to allow the
construction of an accessory building that would contain sidewalls that exceed the
maximum sidewall height of 10-feet and would result in the property’s cumulative
accessory structure footprint to exceed 3,969 square feet This item was reviewed and
approved by the City Council during the November 25, 2025 meeting.
6. Lano Equipment Concept Plan (PID 31-119-23-34-0007) (City File 25-037).
Lano Equipment submitted a concept plan for Council review and feedback of a
potential redevelopment of their site located at 23580 State Highway 55. The City
Council provided informal feedback to the applicant during the November 13, 2025,
City Council meeting.
7. Cook Lake Highlands PUD Amendment (PID 25-119-23-14-0026) (City File 25-
039).
Amira Investments LLC request approval of a PUD amendment to allow an increase of
impervious surface of the site at 7330 Brockton Lane, from 39.8% to 40.2%. This item
was reviewed by the Council during the October 23, 2025, Regular Session. After
some discussion, the Council approved this application 5:0.
13
STAFF REPORT Agenda Item: 9.b
Council Meeting:
December 18, 2025
Prepared By:
Jessica Christensen Buck, Parks and Recreation
Manager
Topic:
Parks, Recreation, and Trails Update
Action Required:
Information Only
Summary
Park Planning
Heritage Park
The park building has begun truly taking shape, with walls erected and trusses being
installed.
Parking lot and trail paving has occurred, with a wear course needing to be applied to the
parking lot in the spring.
Partial playground installation has begun, with remainder of the installation taking place in
the spring.
Concrete flatwork (sidewalk) around the playground container has been mostly completed,
with a section left out for access with machinery.
Grading and stormwater ponds have occurred, with areas being seeded this fall.
Rough grading has begun and interim seeding will be taking place this spring at the unnamed
neighborhood park located off 102nd Place/Avenue. This is not the final design of the park, but
allows for the space to be used until the planning process starts up.
Boardwalk construction within the Bellwether development will begin soon, continuing through the
winter months.
Community Engagement
The Holiday Toy and Food Drive took place on Tuesday, December 12, where staff and
community partners drove throughout 9 neighborhoods collecting toys and food donations. 1,970
pounds of food, 594 pounds of toys, and over $2,400 in monetary donations were given to support
Cross Services and Toys for Tots.
Diamond Lake Regional Trail
City staff are working with the Three Rivers Park District staff to finalize easement language, to
further the process for reimbursement on completed trail sections as laid out in the cooperative
agreement.
Policy
Work has begun on creation of a Wayfinding Policy for a variety of signage that would be located
within the park system.
City Meetings
October 23, 2025, City Council meeting
Heritage Park Improvements - Pay Request 3: Council approved Pay Request #3 paying
Fehn companies, Inc. $1,062,322.19 for work including bituminous trail and parking lot
paving, as well as grading, seeding, and stabilizing the area.
November 13, 2025, City Council meeting
Heritage Park Remaster - Change Orders #5 (site and building): Council approved Change
Orders #5, to address the insufficient water pressure for the irrigation system, updating it
with a 7.5 high-pressure booster pump.
Heritage Park Remaster - Change Order #6 (site): Council approved Change Order #6 to
furnish and install pedestrian lighting around the playground sidewalk, as it is eligible
through the DNR grant.
Heritage Park Remaster - Change Order #3 (building): Council approved Change Order #3
to include a drinking fountain on the north-west external wall of the park building.
14
Heritage Park Improvements - Pay Request #3 (building): Council approved Pay Request #3
paying Valint Construction Services $180,599.10 for work including concrete footings, CMU
foundation walls, and purchasing of interior tile for the building.
Heritage Park Improvements - Pay Request #4 (site): Council approved Pay Request #4
paying Fehn companies, Inc. $221,813.05 for work including concrete flatwork and
remaining 2025 site work, to prepare for the winter season.
November 25, 2025, City Council meeting
Wayfinding Policy Guidance: Council directed staff to begin preparing a Wayfinding Policy to
guide signage throughout Corcoran's parks, trails, and open space system.
December 11, 2025, City Council meeting
Heritage Park - Playground Updates: Council approved 3 quotes for the playground area
that are eligible under the DNR grant including mountaineering ropes along the
embankment, site adjustments to the embankment area, and the net climber under the
bridges.
Council Action
No action required.
15
STAFF REPORT Agenda Item: 10.a
Council Meeting:
December 18, 2025
Prepared By:
Jessica Christensen Buck, Parks and Recreation
Manager
Susan Nelson, Garden Club Coordinator
Topic:
Garden Club Report
Action Required:
Information Only
Summary
Below is an update about the Garden Club:
Susan is looking to hand off the coordinator role to someone else in the Garden Club. Anyone interested
in taking that role should contact Susan.
The 2025 maintenance of the Memorial Garden was concentrated on the west side, where thistles and
other weeds were removed. Additionally, another peony was planted within the garden, provided from
Tom Anderson's garden.
Finally, a reminder that the Garden Club's Facebook page is a good resource to post tips for the group,
plant divisions available within the group, photos, etc. related to gardening. The Facebook page can be
found here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/216663035408229/
Council Action
No action required.
16
STAFF REPORT Agenda Item: 10.b
Council Meeting:
December 18, 2025
Prepared By:
Jessica Christensen Buck, Parks and Recreation
Manager
Topic:
Park Dedication Fund
Action Required:
Information Only
Summary
The Park Dedication Fund and Memorial Garden spreadsheets will be included in a packet update the
week of 12/15.
Council Action
No action required.
17