05/16/2011 - Advisory Parks & Recreation CommissionTHURSDAY
Monday, May 16, 2011
7:00 PM
Eagan Municipal Center
City Council Chambers
AGENDA
ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
WORKSHOP
2A &B
6:15 -6:30 p.m.
New Member Orientation
6:30 -6:55 p.m.
Commission Organization
Art House Sign designs
Arbor Day Poster Judging
I. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance 7:00 pm
II. Adopt Agenda 7:01 pm
III. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of March 14, 2011 7:02 pm
IV. Visitors to be Heard 7:03 pm
V. Director's Update Pages 3 -5 7:04 pm
VI. Citizen Lake Monitoring Program - Volunteer Recognition Page 6 7:10 pm
VII. Wetland Health Evaluation Program Update Page 7 7:20 pm
VIII. Consent Agenda
A. Arbor Day Proclamation Page 8 -10 7:30 pm
IX. Development Proposals 7:31 pm
X. Old Business 7:31 pm
XI. New Business 7:31 pm
XII. Other Business and Reports
A. Recreation Facilities Staff Report
B. Recreation Programs Staff Report Pages 11 -14 7:42 pm
XIII. Communications
XIV. Round Table
XV. Adjournment
Page 15
7:32 pm
7:55 pm
7:56 pm
8:00 pm
The City of Eagan is committed to the policy that all persons have equal access to its programs, services, activities, facilities, and
employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation,
or status with regard to public assistance. Auxiliary aids for disabled persons wishing to participate are available upon request
at least 96 hours in advance of the event. If a notice of less than 96 hours is received, the City will attempt to provide the aids.
Next Advisory Parks Commission Meeting
MONDAY, JULY 18, 2011
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION
JULI SEYDELL JOHNSON, DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION
MAY 13, 2011
WORKSHOP — CONFERENCE ROOMS 2 A &B
6:15 -6:30 pm
New Member Orientation
6:30 — 6:55 p.m.
Commission Organization
Art House Sign Designs
Arbor Day Poster Judging
7:00 p.m. Regular Meeting
ITEM I: Call to order
ITEM II: Approval of agenda
ITEM III: Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of March 14, 2011
ITEM IV: Visitors to be Heard
Staff is not aware of any visitors who wish to address the Commission at this
time.
ITEM V: Director's Update
Director Johnson will provide a brief overview of activities and events within the
department.
ITEM VI: Citizen Lake Monitoring — Volunteer Recognition.
Water Resources Staff will be present to recognize 3 individuals who volunteer to
gather water clarity information for several lakes in Eagan.
ITEM VII: Wetland Health Evaluation Program Update
Water Resources Staff will be present to introduce Eagan's current volunteer team
leader, Marianne McKeon, who will present the results of this program from
2010.
ITEM VIII: Consent Agenda
The annual Arbor Day Proclamation is included for review and recommendation
to the City Council.
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ITEM IX:
ITEM X:
ITEM XI:
ITEM XII:
ITEM XIII:
ITEM XIV:
Development Proposals
There are no Development Agenda items for the Commission to review.
Old Business
There are no Old Business items for the Commission to review.
New Business
Other Business and Reports
Recreation Facilities and Recreation Programs staff will provide an overview and
update of events and activities in these divisions.
ITEM XV: Adjournment
Communications
There is one communication item for the Commission's attention.
Round Table
Any items of concern that might be placed on upcoming agendas or items of
interest will be identified.
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May, 2011
DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS
STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY IMAGE AND SENSE OF PLACE
• Market Fest opens Wednesday, June 8th from 4 — 8 pm at the Eagan Festival Grounds. New
enhancements include additional 5 weeks (opening 3 weeks earlier and staying open 2 weeks later).
Unlike June, July and August, September will offer no music; just the market will be open until
dusk that month.
• 55 Plus /Senior volunteers were celebrated at the Volunteer Gala on May 2.
• With the final approval of the Art Display in City Owned Buildings policy, The Eagan Art House
will purchase art display equipment with the capital grant received in December. Additional
hanging equipment will be installed at the Eagan Community Center. Freestanding display
pedestals and acrylic boxes will be placed on the second floor of City Hall. And finally, a free-
standing /portable display system will be available for a variety of uses and locations.
• The Eagan Art House submitted a capital grant proposal to Very Special Arts Minnesota for access
improvements to the pottery studio.
• Nearly 100 artists have been juried in for the Eagan Art Festival to be held on June 25 & 26th. A
youth in art tent will be a new addition to the festival this year featuring young artists ages 13 -19.
These young artists are mentoring with an Eagan Art House instructor and learning about selling
and displaying their artwork in a festival setting. The Eagan Art House is also busy preparing
activities for the Children's Art Tent and the Art Experience Tent at the Eagan Art Festival.
• The puppet wagon program is being rented on 5 Monday late mornings this summer. Mendota
Height Parks and Recreation will be signing the agreement this week to bring Eagan's Puppet
Wagon experience to their community.
• The Eagan Skating School hosted its annual Spring Ice Show, TV Times on Saturday, May 7th.
Seventy -eight (78) skaters from the Eagan Skating School and the Eagan Ice Crystals Figure
Skating Club performed in the show. Final attendance numbers are still coming in but the show
was a success!
SUPPORT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
• Rentals at the ECC continue to grow even though we are moving into the traditional slow meeting
season. Several days have seen multiple simultaneous meetings /events which created some parking
challenges but exposed the building to hundreds of new people.
PROMOTE HEALTH AND WELLNESS
• Newly revamped Eagan 5K Your Way Activity Festival is Saturday, May 21S at the Eagan Festival
Grounds. Low cost bike helmets available for $4 each (retails for $19.99 - $24.99 in stores) are
available at the event through a grant from Dakota County Public Health's Statewide Health
Improvement Program (SHIP). A kid's bike safety rodeo with helmet fittings, bike safety checks
and bike control stations is also planned.
• Market Fest attendees who bike to the market in June 8, 15, 22, 29 will receive a $5 voucher for
produce at a Market Fest produce vendor through a $550 grant from Dakota County Public Health's
Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP). Vouchers will be available while allotment lasts
and must be used by June 29 according to grant parameters.
• Third section of new "Fit Right" classes started the first week of May. This program geared to 55+
population has been a great success with participants looking for more classes.
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• The Mission: Possible 12 -week weight loss challenge at the ECC ended on May 2 The top male
and female winners based on percentage of weight lost each won a 1 year membership to the ECC.
The following is feedback from a participant submitted via the program evaluation form: I had
only been walking in the neighborhood. When I started this program I couldn't even jog for 2
minutes straight. I now jog, without stopping, for over a mile at a time. I am doing weight training
for the first time in 30+ years. I try to work out every day. I really feel I am making a true lifestyle
change due to this program.
• The ECC has implemented a new value added service to its members with Trainer Time scheduled
each week in which personal trainers are on the floor pro - actively helping members with their
workouts. Each week a featured on -floor demonstration is provided as well.
• The ECC is now a participating facility for the SilverSneakers® Fitness Program, which is a
Medicare based program included with specific health plans. There are about 1,000 eligible
members within 5 miles of the ECC.
• Beginning May 15 the ECC will offer a summer membership option: 90 Days for $90.
• The ECC fitness center will be participating in the 4 of July Funfest Health & Wellness event
planned for Saturday, July 2n 8 AM —1 PM.
• For the first time this summer, Cascade Bay water walking, lap swimming and water aerobics
classes can be counted toward work -out visits for ECC fitness members.
PROTECT ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES
• Free youth fishing clinics begin this month on Thursdays once a month from May — September.
• The Resident Buckthorn Removal Program has started. After a consultation with the City Tree
Inspector, residents can cut Buckthorn from their private property and arrange to have the City pick
it up from a predetermined location. To date, several hundred property owners have participated in
the program. Please contact the City Tree Inspector at 651- 675 -5334 for more information.
• Park mowing has started and will continue almost daily into October.
• The fertilization of parks is in progress. The City has chosen to focus on promoting thick stands of
turf which can crowd out invasive weeds minimizing the need for herbicides. Just a remind that
while dandelions may be obnoxious, they are not classified as a noxious weed therefore property
owners are not necessarily required to treat them.
• Nearly 320 trees were sold at the City's bi- annual tree sale.
• Staff will be working with Harris Companies to present a webinar on June 23in partnership with the
Department of Energy to provide information on the Civic Arena geothermal project.
FACILITATE COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
• Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is partnering with Eagan Market Fest to provide $4400 in
$5 vouchers (enough for 880 vouchers) for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of MN employees who visit
the market and purchase produce. For every five produce purchase visits, they will earn a $5
voucher good at a produce vendor booth through September 28 This will be a trial program to
see how a voucher program works at the market.
• The Wise Swim School has partnered with Cascade Bay this summer and will teach a special 8
week swim school session. This is the first time they've offered swim lessons outdoors. The Wise
Swim School has already started to market the lessons at Cascade Bay and will handle all
registrations.
PROVIDE RECREATION EXPERIENCES
• Holz Farm Spring Festival is Sunday, May 15 Work at Holz Farm this spring includes the
building of a new wheelchair accessible ramp to load people onto the hayrides. Ten (10) volunteers
worked on April 30 at clean up day in the rain mulching and cleaning the house and garage.
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• Third trimester of Xtreme Adventures, the after school program at Dakota Hills Middle School,
runs through May 18.
• Summer T -Ball is filling up fast! Numbers will most likely meet and exceed last year's highest
numbers ever.
• Spring Preschool is winding down; the big Track and Field event will be held at the Civic Arena on
the turf Friday, May 20. The family year -end picnic will culminate the year the following Friday,
May 27 at Blackhawk Park.
• A major renovation of the Thomas Lake pavilion has just been completed. Worked included
reconstructing much of the floor space and installing energy saving LED lighting. LED lighting
was also installed at the Rahn Athletic shelter
• The wet conditions have delayed field lining and the placement of soccer nets. Weather permitting,
all fields should be set for the week of May 15; over 40 fields are being used.
• The Piccadilly Circus has rented space at the Eagan Civic Arena on May 14 -15. They will perform
3 shows each day.
• The Eagan Civic Arena offered a new twist to the old public skating this past spring. In March, the
Civic Arena offered Club Sk8 sessions, which is open skating with the roller rink atmosphere (stage
lighting, disco ball, & DJ). Response was very positive, and in just the 2 months since it started
over 700 people gave it a try!
• Cascade Bay will begin training staff the week of May 16 in preparation for a June 4 Preview
Weekend opening. There are lots of new things coming this year including Saturday Nights under
the Lights in July, Monday Fun Days, Thursday Deal Day for those following Cascade Bay on
Twitter, along with several perks only for season pass holders.
KUDO TO STAFF:
• Park Maintenance Workers Paul Watry and Don Buecksler have completed the National
Playground Inspector program offered through MRPA.
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
• Summer -Fall brochure being delivered to the public the week of May 9
• The parking lots at several park sites are being repaired this summer. This may cause some
temporary inconvenience for park users, especially during day time hours on week days. Please pay
attention to signage and detours. Ohmann, Trapp Farm and Goat Hill Parks are some of the heavy
used sites that will be included; these sites should be accessible in the evenings.
• As in past years, due to staff availability, restrooms at park sites will again open daily after
Memorial Day; generally by 10AM. Until that time, they will be opened only for scheduled
activities.
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City of Eap
MEMO
TO: ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION
Date: May 13, 2011
Agenda Item: VI and VII
CLMP and WHEP
Action
Information
Attachments
x
AGENDA ITEM: VI; CITIZEN LAKE MONITORING PROGRAM- VOLUNTEER
RECOGNITION
VII; WETLAND HEALTH EVALUATION PROGRAM UPDATE
PREPARED BY: JULI SEYDELL JOHNSON, DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION
ITEM OVERVIEW: Water Resources Staff will be present to recognize several volunteers
participating in the Citizen Lake Monitoring Program and will also provide an update of the 2010
Wetland Health Evaluation Program. This report is for informational purposes and does not
require Commission action.
BACKGROUND/HISTORY:
Citizen Lake Monitoring Program
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) runs this program. Volunteers gather water
clarity information on lakes throughout Minnesota. Water clarity is important because it is a
good measure of how much algae is in the water column, which is related to the lake's nutrient
load and lake health. Water clarity is naturally different from one end of Minnesota to the other,
so even without human disturbance, Eagan lakes would not have the same clarity as boundary
waters lakes. However, human impacts, especially stormwater runoff, can greatly increase
nutrient loads.
In Eagan, the Water Resources program helps to support CLMP through data sharing and
volunteer coordination. City staff does regular lake monitoring which sometimes overlaps with
CLMP - sampled lakes in Eagan, but City staff is not able to monitor all these lakes every year.
CLMP volunteers help to fill in data gaps, giving information that is very useful to MPCA when
making decisions on which actions to take to help protect or restore our lakes.
Volunteers receive recognition awards both from MPCA and from the City of Eagan when they
achieve 5 -year increments of sampling data turned in. The following three individuals will be
recognized this year:
Joe Schaefer: 15 years monitoring Coventry Pond
Jack Krech: 15 years monitoring Hay Lake
Brian Bergh: 5 years monitoring Carlson Lake
Wetland Health Evaluation Program
Dakota and Hennepin Counties have partnered with local cities and public volunteers to measure
the health of wetlands based on their plant and invertebrate communities. Each year, a city can
choose up to four wetlands to evaluate. The city pays the county per wetland, which helps pay
for supplies, program administration, volunteer coordination, data verification and reporting.
Eagan's current volunteer team leader is Marianne McKeon, who will present the results from
2010. All the volunteers receive training on how to collect and identify important organisms, and
each team turns in their data to be cross checked by other cities and by an independent consultant.
Each pond is rated as poor, moderate, or excellent, using all the data collected. The reports are
compiled and published in February of the following year, mailed out to cities, and are available
for download at WHEP's website: www.mnwhep.org.
The City of Eagan has been very involved in this program since it started in 1997. Since then, a
total of 31 wetlands have been evaluated in Eagan, some multiple times. WHEP provides
detailed information that would otherwise not be available, and the data is trustworthy because it
is cross checked by experts. No city decision is based solely on WHEP findings but it is always
helpful to have more thorough knowledge of a wetland site. WHEP builds friendships among the
volunteers, who gain a great deal of knowledge about wetland plants and invertebrates. WHEP
volunteers become a group of ambassadors spreading knowledge in the community about the
environmental importance of healthy wetlands.
TO:
C!ty afBapp
BACKGROUND/HISTORY:
MEMO
AGENDA ITEM: VIII -A; ARBOR DAY PROCLAMATION
ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION
Date: May 13, 2011
Agenda Item: VIII -A; Arbor day Proclamation
Action
Information
Attachments
x
x
1. Arbor Day Resolution
PREPARED BY: JULI SEYDELL JOHNSON, DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION
ITEM OVERVIEW: Acknowledge the Arbor Day Resolution setting Wednesday, June 8, 2011
as Arbor Day and June as Arbor Month in the City of Eagan
® Eagan has received the Tree City USA community designation from the National Arbor Day
Foundation for the twenty -first consecutive year. Each year the Parks and Recreation
Department conducts an Arbor Day program which includes participation in a tree planting
project. This year the 25 annual event will be held at the Eagan Festival Grounds.
® Recognition as a Tree City is based on efforts by the City to promote tree planting in the
community and the resolution demonstrates that effort.
® To become a Tree City, a community must meet four standards: a tree board or department,
a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day
observance.
® Eagan has demonstrated progress in the following forestry activities: Publications, parks and
open space, and improved ordinance
® Receiving these awards acknowledges the City's efforts to minimize environmental impact
during developments, and adhere to policies such as "Forever Green," aimed to maintain and
enhance Eagan's trees and foliage.
® This year's Arbor Day Celebration will be held at the newly constructed pavilion on the north
grounds at the Community Center and will be combined with activities scheduled to take
place at this year's first City of Eagan Market Fest. A special recognition is scheduled to
commemorate the 10 anniversary of preserving and transplanting the Grandfather Tree.
Scheduled Arbor Day activities include:
4:00 pm — 8:00 pm Market Fest
5:30 pm — 5:40 pm Arbor Day welcome and introductions
• At the new pavilion, north of the north parking lot
5:40 pm — 6:00 pm Arbor Day Ceremony
® Poster Contest Winner Announcements
6:00 pm — 6:15 pm Celebration of the Grandfather Tree 10 Anniversary
® Introduction of sponsors and special guests, short video, speakers
® 10 Anniversary Commemoration & unveiling of Grandfather Tree project,
historical sign
6:00 pin — 7:00 pm Aunt Gussie and the Grandfather Tree Book signing by Kay Brown
6:15 pm — 7:15 pm Tree planting activities
® Installation of oak tree
® Installation of perennials and grasses
® Park grounds near pavilion
ALTERNATIVES FOR COMMISSION CONSIDERATION:
1. Acknowledge the resolution setting June 8, 2011 as Arbor Day and June as Arbor Month in the
City of Eagan and recommend that the City Council adopt the resolution.
2. Other
CITY OF EAGAN
RESOLUTION
A PROCLAMATION OF EAGAN ARBOR DAY
AND EAGAN ARBOR MONTH
WHEREAS, trees are a most valuable resource in the State of Minnesota and City of Eagan —
purifying our air and water, helping conserve our soil, serving as a recreational settings, providing habitat
for wildlife for all kinds, and enriching our lives in so many important ways; and
WHEREAS, pollutants, tree diseases and urban expansion have damaged and continue to threaten
our trees, creating the need for reforestation programs and concerted public action toward ensuring the
future of out City's urban forests; and
WHEREAS, each year the people of Minnesota pay special attention to the wonderful gift that
our trees represent and dedicate themselves to the continued health of our state's trees; and
WHEREAS, The City of Eagan has been recognized as a Tree City USA community by the
National Arbor Day Foundation since 1988 and desires to continue its tree - planting programs;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Eagan City Council does hereby proclaim
Wednesday, June 8, 2011 to be ARBOR DAY and the month of June, 2011 to be ARBOR MONTH in
the City of Eagan.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council further urge citizens to become more
aware of the importance of trees to the well -being of our community; and to participate in City tree
planting programs which will ensure a greener place for our citizens to live in the decades to come.
Motion made by:
Seconded by:
Those in favor:
Those against:
Dated:
/b.
CITY OF EAGAN
CITY COUNCIL
By:
Attest:
CERTIFICATION
City Clerk
Mayor
City Clerk
I, Christina M. Scipioni, City Clerk of the City of Eagan, Dakota County, Minnesota, do hereby
certify that the foregoing resolution was duly passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of
Eagan, Dakota County, Minnesota, in a regular meeting thereof assembled this 7 day of June, 2011.
AGENDA ITEM: RECREATION DIVISION REPORT
TO:
City of Ea Ran
MEMO
ADVISORY PARKS COMIVIISSION
PREPARED BY: RECREATION SUPERVISORY STAFF
/ /�
Date: May 13, 2011
Agenda Item: Recreation Program Update
Action
Information
Attachments
x
ITEM OVERVIEW: An update and overview of recreation programs in the City of Eagan.
BACKGROUND/HISTORY:
This report is a culmination of all of the recreation program areas including community events, preschool,
family, teens and 55+ seniors programs. Our programs focus on providing recreation experience for all
ages throughout Eagan.
Community and Special Events
® The Eagan Market Fest event is celebrating its fifth season this year opening on Wednesday,
June 8 The event is open from 4 — 8 pm and features over 50+ local produce, food and
artisan items, 12 weeks of concerts, free kid's art activities, theme nights with extra planned
activities and huge support from Eagan Residents. At the end of last season the event was
voted as one of America's Favorite Farmers Markets, #2 in Minnesota and #18 in the country.
In 2010, the event attracted over 24,000 visitors.
• Arbor Day — held in conjunction with the Eagan Market Fest's opening day on June 8 this
year celebrates the 10 anniversary of the grandfather tree move to the community center and
the 25 anniversary of the city's Arbor Day Celebration.
® New enhancements to the Eagan Market Fest include: an additional five weeks for a total of
17 weeks, the opening of the new Festival Grounds Pavilion featuring a picnic area, indoor
restrooms and event storage; the addition of two more concession vendors for a total of three;
and a 10' x 20' cement slab dance floor at the band shell.
® Eagan 5K Your Way Activity Festival — after 25 years of the Eagan Fun Run the event was
revamped and renamed this year in an effort to encourage more residents to be physically
active with their families In addition to a 5K route participants can bike, roller blade, run or
walk. There will be a kid's bike safety rodeo, low -cost bike helmets for sale, fitness try -it
stations, outdoor games and activity area, entertainment, healthy snacks, health screenings and
more. Registration is on track to expect between 400 — 500 attendees.
• Parks & Recreation also provides event coordination services for all city departments that
request assistance. Currently, our department is assisting with the Eagan Showcase Event on
June 2 and the Fire Safety Center Grand Opening on June 23
• Holz Farm Events include the Spring Festival on May 15 Lone Oak Days on September 24
and 25 and the Old Fashioned Holiday on December 4 There are also 2 camps for youth
scheduled this summer These events celebrate old fashioned, 1940's era farm learning
opportunities and activities for all ages.
• Halloween Hodgepodge is held in October and takes over the Eagan Community Center with
activities in all areas of the building including carnival games, magic shows, family dance,
Blast!, arts and crafts, preschool activity room and much more. This event utilizes the most
volunteers of all our events with over 100 volunteers, primarily from the local high schools.
Volunteerism
• Parks & Recreation utilizes a large number of volunteers throughout the year to support
community special events and programs as well as members of the Advisory Parks
Commission and Friends of the Farm. Volunteerism at the high school and college level is
the main source of special event volunteers as often they have community service hour
requirements. Volunteers assist with Halloween Hodgepodge, Eagan 5K Your Way, Holz
Farm Events, SORR Dances, Market Fest, Adapted Sports, Running Classes and many other
programs and events.
• Staff attended the Eagan High School Volunteer Fair on February 8th where over 90 National
Honor Society students signed up to receive volunteer email notices.
• The 2nd Annual City -wide Volunteer Appreciation event is scheduled for Wednesday, August
10th at Market Fest. Anyone volunteering with any city department from July 2010 to August
2010 will be invited.
Nature & Running
• In 2009, the department began a Women's Beginning to Intro Running and an Advanced
Running Club which introduces women to the sport of running. The classes have been at full
capacity each time they are offered. Women participants progress from only running a few
minutes at a time to being able to run 3 -5 miles with some competing in half & full
marathons.
• Parks & Recreation works closely with the Water Quality Department to offer free youth
fishing clinics and a longer all -day workshop in the summer as well as ice fishing in the
winter. The Department also collaborates on the LakeFest event, held on even years.
Tennis Tennis is offered during the summer months for all ages.
• Youth ages 3 -10 can participate in a variety of lessons and camps. One new program that
started about 2 years ago is Quick Start Tennis which is a program offered through the
USTA.(United States Tennis Association) QuickStart is a way to introduce children to the
lifelong game of tennis. Kid friendly equipment and plenty of active skill development games
help improve their large motor skills and hand -eye coordination. This new format changed
the net size, court size, balls, rackets and even the scoring system. The program is designed to
help children succeed but also focuses on having fun through games, relays and instruction.
The youth tennis area had 265 participants during the summer of 2010.
• Teen Tennis programs are offered for ages 11 -18. Lessons, Camps and Jr. Team Tennis are
offered for this age group at Northview Park. Typically, Eagan has 3 Jr. Team Tennis teams
involved in Beginner and Intermediate programs. The Intermediate program is sanctioned by
the USTA and involves traveling to area communities. There is also the opportunity to
compete in section and area championship tournaments. During 2010 there were 75
participants in the various Teen programs.
• Adult Tennis programs offered include an Adult Tennis Club, Women's Single League,
Men's Single League and Adult Beginner lessons. New in 2011 are Open Match Play and
Adult Intermediate lessons. During 2010, there were 63 adults registered in Adult tennis.
The Puppet Wagon
The traveling puppet wagon provides easygoing, fun, entertaining and interactive shows with singing
and dancing for the whole family! Shows are performed Monday through Friday mornings as well as
Monday and Tuesday evenings during the summer Each day the shows and activities are planned
around a theme and lesson for the week. "Puppet mail" for the puppet's mail box is read aloud by
the puppets each day. Themes and shows incorporate dancing and movement with crowd
participation. Once the entertainment is over, participants can enjoy craft projects.
/2..
Preschool
The City of Eagan Parks and Recreation Department provides a wide selection of quality preschool
programs Eagan Parks and Recreation Preschool Programs focus on the social development of
children ages one through five years old. Participants benefit by developing their social skills through
play, art projects, stories, songs, games, and outside play. Participants have the opportunity to
develop their independence, self -help and sharing skills and learn to follow directions. Classes
offered include Parent/child classes, traditional preschool classes, sport classes, dance classes, camps
and occasional special events like the Egg Hunt. The Eagan Parks and Recreation Preschool Program
also contracts with Let's Play! Music Together® to offer music classes along with the vast class
offerings.
• 587 children have already participated in the Winter and Spring session of classes.
• Another 400 children are anticipated for summer camps and classes!
Youth Programs
• Adapted Recreation: The adapted recreation programs focus on skill development for youth
6 —13 years old with physical and/or developmental disabilities. The sports offered are
basketball, softball /t -ball, soccer, floor hockey, bowling and outdoor adventures. The
program attracts a large number of children with varying levels of autism as well as children
who are affected with Down's syndrome, Aspergers and other disabilities. The program is
run with three staff and 4 -8 volunteers.
• Summer in the Park is a program for children ages 5 -12 that is offered at 10 different park
locations for 5 weeks during the summer There are morning sites that run from 9 -11:30 am
and afternoon that run from 1 -4 pm. The program includes games, crafts and fun. The goal of
the program is to have children be active, make new friends and enjoy the outdoors in a
neighborhood park. Almost 600 children were registered in 2010.
• Summer Camps — A variety of camps are offered for youth ages 5 -12 at various parks
throughout Eagan. Camps include Sports, Crafts, Safety, Science, Cheerleading, Outdoor
Adventure, Dodgeball and more. Camps focus on learning new skills, having fun outdoors
and staying active. Camp registrations during 2010 were at 526.
T -ball
This introductory program is for boys and girls who are 4, 5 or 6 years old with both morning and
evening classes offered. Evening T -ball is a class for children and their parent. The fundamentals of
T -ball are the emphasis of the class which includes throwing, fielding, catching, batting, running the
bases and good sportsmanship. FUN instruction in a non - competitive atmosphere is the goal, and
ball games are played towards the end of the session. This program is designed to introduce children
to the basics of baseball and softball.
• 210 children and 145 parents participated in t -ball in 2010, and 139 children and 93 parents
are already signed up for this summer
55 +Seniors
A variety of classes, programs, events, activities and services are offered to adults 55+ at several
locations throughout the City of Eagan.
• Program & class registration numbers for Fall 2010 participation was 752, Winter 2011 was
545 and Spring 2011 is currently at 525.
• Drop in hours for the Lone Oak Room of the Eagan Community Center averaged 406 per
month in the Fall 2010 and Winter 2011.
Homeless Youth
• A summer program at Dakota Woodlands involved 32 children. This summer, the program
will continue with a variety of recreation programs funded through CDBG dollars.
l3,
Teens
Recreation programs for teens include an after school program at Dakota Hills Middle School called
Xtreme Adventures, teen battle of the bands and monthly middle school dances. The after school
program at Dakota Middle School is funded through Community Development Block Grant dollars.
(CDBG)
• Fall trimester after school programs at Dakota Hills Middle School had 48 participants, winter
numbered 32 participants while spring trimester currently has 28.
• Eagan's Teen Battle of the Bands will take place at Market Fest on July 6 with the winner
proceeding on to Grand Battle at the Dakota County Fair on August 8. Eagan coordinates the
Grand Battle for organizations in Dakota County.
• Middle school dances and Club 0 are held at the Eagan Civic Arena Mezzanine. Participation
has averaged 50 per dance since January.
• This summer, Xtreme Adventures will be held for students attending summer school at
Dakota Hills Middle School.
Eagan Art House
• Located at Patrick Eagan Park, and surrounded by beautiful landscaping and native prairie
grass.
• Connects people of all ages and abilities through visual arts education, exhibition and other
creative experiences. The Eagan Art House inspires others to dream, to discover and to
celebrate art.
• 0n-site classes are offered for ages 4 through adult and include pottery, painting, drawing,
multi- media, and more.
• Summer Art Camps
• Birthday parties, scout workshops, home school classes.
• Local artist exhibitions and displays
• Off -site activities for after school programs, community education, libraries, home school,
55+
• Activities at special events including the Eagan Art Festival and Market Fest
• Annual open house in August
• Annual pottery sale in November
• 2,500 participants in 2010 for on -site and off -site classes combined. 2,200 participants in
2010 for special events.
Upcoming Events
Eagan 5K Your Way Activity Festival — Saturday, May 21 — Eagan Festival Grounds
Showcase Eagan — Thursday, June 2 — Eagan Civic Arena
Eagan Market Fest — Wednesdays, June 8 — September 28 from 4 -8 pm — Eagan Festival Grounds
June 13 -Most summer programs begin
June 13- August 19 Puppet Wagon Season begins!
Fire Safety Center Grand Opening — Thursday, June 23 from 5 -8 pm
Eagan Art Festival, June 25 & 26, Eagan Festival Grounds
August 28, Harvest of Art Open House at Eagan Art House
Lone Oak Days — September 24 & 25 from 11 am — 4 pm — Holz Farm Park
Halloween Hodgepodge — Sunday, October 30 from 3 — 7 pm — Eagan Community Center
/4-.
From: Willie frnailto:wileen.tibbettsOcomcast.net1
Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2011 9:26 PM
To: Marshall Grange
Subject: Gopher Classic Bodybuilding Show
Marshall,
I wanted to share my photos from my recent competition. A huge
contributor to my success is the Eagan Community Center, the staff and
members who supported me through my months of training.
The community center provided me with a wonderful facility that has
everything I needed to get in quality training over my lunch hour. The staff
and members are like a family to me and I always enjoyed their presence
and company. On days when I was feeling low and slow, I'd think of the
ECC and know I had trainng friends there expecting me. Its such a great
sense of comfort knowing there are so many behind you to help you reach
your goals. Again, thank you for all you've done for me and what the
community center has provided to make my dreams a reality.
Sincerely,
Willie Tibbetts
2011 NPC GOPHER CLASSIC
. 1st place Women's Masters Div.
• 1st place Women's Lightweight Div (under 125Ibs)
. 1st Place Overall Women's Bodybuilder
Select View Album
> select - Detail View
share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AZuGTVu2bsmLZBq
/5:
NAME AND ADDRESS
TERM
START
TELEPHONE
TERM
EXPIRES
JENNIFER DAHLQUIST
3885 Gibraltar Trail
Eagan, MN 55123
2007
(1 yr. 2007)
(2 yr, 2008)
(2 yr. 2010)
612-803-0262 (H)
612-626-1602 (W)
Jenniferdahlquist@qmail.com
4/2012
LAURIE HALVERSON
2006
651-249-9245(Cell)
4/2013
680 Brockton Circle
(1 yr, 2006)
651-686-0183 (H)
Eagan, MN 55123
(2 yr, 2007)
lhalversonRq.com
(2 yr, 2009)
(2 yr, 2011)
MICHAEL PALMER
2009
(651) 454-4476 (H)
4/2012
4474 Reindeer Lane
(1 yr. 2009)
(651) 662-3326 (W)
Eagan, MN 55123
(2 yr. 2010)
mwpalmerAhotmail.com
MATTHEW STEELE
2011
(651) 688-2058 (H)
4/2013
1636 Sherwood Way
Eagan, MN 55122
(2 yr. 2011)
(W)
stee11140.umn.edu
ANDREA TODD-HARLIN
2011
(651) 493-0565 (H)
4/2013
1491 McCarthy Rd
Eagan, MN 55121
(2 yr. 2011)
(W)
atoddharlinRqmail.com
ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION
2011-12 MEMBERS
Commission size changed to 5 and no alternate appointed in 2010
l egregt-MalvwmoN ,
jsjohnson@cityofeagan.com
ghove@cityofeagan.com
'
Eagan City Staff E-Mail:
cmesko@cityofeagan.com polson@citvofeagan.com
pnowariak@cityofeagan.com srippe@cityofeagan.com
Phone #651-675-5505 (Cherryl's # after 4:30 p.m.)
5-10-11
Eagan Parks and Recreation Phone Number: 651-675-5500
Eagan Parks and Recreation Staff E-Mail
Director
Juli Seydell Johnson isiohnson@citvofeagan.com
Administration:
Cherry! Mesko, Superintendent of Operations
Paul Olson, Superintendent of Parks
Paula Nowariak, Recreation Program Mgr
Sonya Rippe, Recreation Facilities Mgr
cmesko@cityofeagan.com
polson@cityofeagan.com
pnowariak@citvofeagan.com
srippe@cityofeagan.com
Forestry:
Gregg Hove, Forestry Supervisor ghove@cityofeagan.com
Water Resources:
Eric Macbeth, Water Resources Coordinator emacbeth@cityofeagan.com
ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION
2011-2012 MEETING SCHEDULE
NAME
Jennifer Dahlquist, Secretary
Laurie Halverson, Chair
Michael Palmer
Matthew Steele
Andrea Todd-Harlin
May
16
Jun
20
No mtg
July
18
Aug
15
No mtg
Sept
19
17
No mtg
Nov
14
Dec
19
No mtg
Jan
12
Thurs
Feb
20
No mtg
Mar
19
Apr
16
No mtg
May
16
X = present 0 = absent 0* = notified staff of absence prior to meeting
Recreation Sub-Committee
Natural Resources Sub-Committee
Acquisition/
Development Sub-Committee
UPCOMING MEETINGS:
OPEN ISSUES:
Subject to approval
There were no visitors to be heard.
ADVISORY PARKS COMNIISSION
EAGAN. MINNESOTA
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF MARCH 14, 2011
A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on March 14, 2011.
Commission Members present: Michael Palmer, Jennifer Dahlquist, Laurie Halverson, Rebecca Aaning and Phil Belfiori.
Staff members present included Director Juli Seydell Johnson.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Member Dahlquist moved, Member Palmer seconded, with all members present voting in favor to approve the
agenda as presented.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JANUARY 13, 2011
Member Halverson moved, Member Dahlquist seconded, with all present members voting in favor to approve the
minutes of January 13, 2011.
VISITORS TO BE HEARD
DIRECTOR'S DEPARTMENT UPDATE
Director Johnson spoke of the vandalism that took place over the winter that included a free at Trapp Farm Park and
graffiti damage to the building at Thresher Fields Park. There is currently a reward out through the Citizens Crime
Prevention Committee. Director Johnson mentioned that the most of the graffiti was able to be sandblasted off of the
building by Park Staff but will also require some additional painting. Park staff is currently working on projects for the
upcoming summer. Director Johnson mentioned the Eagan Home Show and Leisure Show that took place over at the Civic
Arena March 9 -11. Stating that it was a huge success and mentioning Home Depot, the new partner who demonstrated a
number of kid friendly demos and do it yourself projects. The Civic Arena has also started a new program on Friday nights
called Club Skate which has the same concept of the old roller skating rinks with the sound system and light show. Arena
softball has filled to capacity. Director Johnson noted the Eagan Community Center will be hosting their Wedding
Workshop on Saturday March 19 Finally Director Johnson mentioned the bi- annual City tree sale that will take place on
April 30 an opportunity for resident to purchase trees to plant in their own yards. This year the form will be available on-
line March 21st on the City website www.cityofeagan.com with a deadline to purchase of April 15
CONSENT AGENDA
There were no Development Proposals for the Commission to review.
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
There were no Development Proposals for the Commission to review.
OLD BUSINESS
There were no Old Business Items for the Commission to review.
Advisory Parks Commission
March 14, 2011
Page 2
NEW BUSINESS
Director Johnson asked the Commission to review a policy of Art in City Owned Buildings. The Eagan Art House
has an interest in doing a number of public art displays to highlight the Arts in Eagan and showcase the work of some of the
students that have been taking classes at the Art House for a number of years. Every year the Art House has the Harvest of
Art Exhibits and would like to expand that to more exhibits within City buildings. Director Johnson mentioned a small grant
that was received from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council which provided some hanging materials that were needed to
hang and change out art that is currently displayed at the Eagan Community Center. A 2° grant was also received that would
provide some display space throughout City Hall. Staff is looking for some perimeters from the Council as to what types of
art will be able to be displayed to enhance the look of the buildings. Member Halverson asked if there would be a fee
associated with the policy. Director Johnson said the only minimal fee would be the staff time needed to choose and hang the
appropriate artwork. Member Belfiori moved to recommend that the policy be presented to the City Council for
consideration. Member Aaning seconded the motion with all members present voting in favor.
OTHER BUSINESS AND REPORTS
There was no other business or reports for the Commission to review.
COMMUNICATIONS
Director Johnson pointed out one email from an Eagan resident who expressed a very positive experience with Ms.
Ronda's Tuesday /Thursday Tiny Tots class.
ROUND TABLE
Member Belfiori thanked all Commission Members for the last 9 years in which he served on the Commission. He
also personally thanked his wife and children for their understanding while he was away at many night meetings. Member
Belfiori continued to thank Mayor Maguire and the City Council Members for their leadership. He also expressed
appreciation to former Director Ken Vraa, former Superintendent Dorothy Peterson, current Director Julie Seydell Johnson
and the late Chair Member Terry Davis for their past and current leadership.
Member Halverson followed up by thanking member Belfiori for his leadership and commitment and for being such
an asset to the Commission and community. Member Halverson also thanked member Rebecca Aaning , for her
contributions to the Commission and community. Members Palmer and Dahlquist both thanked members Belfiori and
Aaning for their service and commitment.
Member Palmer commented on the changes the Civic Arena has made by adding the dry land training and how
extremely well that area is being used as well as the indoor turf.
Member Aaning closed by saying she is thankful for the time she has spent being a Commission Member and would
recommend the seat to anyone who is interested in volunteering for the community.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to conduct, Member Belfiori moved, Member Aaning seconded with all members voting in
favor to adjourn the meeting at 7:16 p.m.
Secretary Date