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04/19/2010 - Advisory Parks & Recreation CommissionApril 19, 2010 7:00 PM Eagan Municipal Center City Council Chambers X. Other Business and Reports A. Recreation Program Update XI. Communications XII. Round Table XIII. Adjournment AGENDA ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA I. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance II. Adopt Agenda II1. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of March 15, 2010 IV. Visitors to be Heard V. Director's Update VI. Consent Agenda A. Arbor Day Proclamation VII. Development Proposals WORKSHOP 6:45 — 7:00 p.m. Arbor Day Poster Judging Conference Rooms 2 A & B Pages 3 -4 Page 5 VII. Old Business A. Close 30 -day Public Comment Period -Art in Public Spaces Page 6 7:09 pm IX. New Business Pages 7 -10 7:00 pm 7:01 pm 7:02 pm 7:03 pm 7:04 pm 7:07 pm 7:08 pm 7:15 pm 7:16 pm 7:30 pm 7:31 pm 7:35 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 May 1792010 NAME May 18 Jun T our only July 20 M o Aug 17 Sept 14 No Mtg Oct 19 Nov 16 Dec 14 No Mtg Jan 14 Thurs Feb 11 Thurs Mar 15 Apr 19 May 1 7 Rebecca Aanning X X 0* X X X 0* X Thor Anderson X X 0* 0* X X X X Phil Belfiori, Chair X X X X X X X X Jennifer Dahlquist X 0* X X X 0* 0* X Bruce Goff , Secretary X X X X X X 0* X Laurie Halverson, V Chair X X X X 0* X X X Duane Hansen X X X X X 0* 0 X Michael Palmer (Alternate) 0* X 0* X x X X X ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION 2009 -2010 MEETING SCHEDULE 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: Sub - committee appointments (Sustainability /Green Initiatives) Subject to approval A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on March 15, 2010. Commission Members present: Rebecca Aaning, Thor Anderson, Phil Belfiori, Jennifer Dahlquist, Bruce Goff, Laurie Halverson, Duane Hansen and Michael Palmer. Staff members present included Director Juli Seydell Johnson; Superintendent of Operations Cherryl Mesko, and Superintendent of Parks Paul Olson. Member Halverson moved, Member Goff seconded, with all members present voting in favor to approve the agenda as presented. There were no visitors to be heard. ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION EAGAN. MINNESOTA MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF MARCH 15, 2010 APPROVAL OF AGENDA APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 11, 2010 Member Goff moved, Member Halverson seconded, with all present members voting in favor to approve the minutes of February 11, 2010. VISITORS TO BE HEARD DIRECTOR'S DEPARTMENT UPDATE Director Johnson provided a few highlights including the various recent activities at the Eagan Community Center including multiple tournaments, rentals and programs. She noted that on Friday one of the big electrical panels got water in it and about half of the electriity to the building was lost. Staff quickly moved events around in the building, strategized alternate access to areas that were affected by the power outage and finally got service back in the building to accommodate a basketball tournament scheduled for that evening and weekend. Johnson also noted the Home & Leisure Show at the Civic Arena scheduled the past weekend with a great attendance. Cascade Bay is in the process of interviewing and has received 500 applications for approximately150 jobs. Director Johnson noted that community gardens have been offered at Holz Farm over the last couple of years and because of the demand for gardens in the past there was a plan to expand it to Bridle Ridge Park. The site was prepared however with the expansion of community gardens through grant opportunities in Dakota County the interest for spaces at Holz Farm and Bridle Ridge were minimal. The current interest filled the Holz Farm site and the Bridle Ridge site will not be used unless there is a strong need in the future. Johnson continued that Parks Maintenance has been phasing in new park signs and that Blackhawk, Northview, Thomas Lake and a few others will be replaced between now and this fall. Work will begin soon at the new pavilion at Cental Park and should be completed later this summer Crews are currently out cleaning the trails throughout the City. Other items noted by Johnson included over 190 teams are registered for adult sports and arena softball has 2 more teams than Last year, next month the Arbor Day events will kick off with the Arbor Day celebration held in conjunction with the Holz Farm Spring Festival at Holz Farm on May 16. CONSENT AGENDA There were no Consent Agenda Items for the Commission to review. Advisory Parks Commission March 15, 2010 Page 2 There were no Development Proposals for the Commission to review. There were no Old Business Items for the Commission to review. There were no Communications items to review. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS OLD BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS Request to Place Art in Public Spaces Director Johnson began with a concept drawing that the American Legion and the Eagan Lioness Club have proposed for a joint memorial to Eagan's heroes which would include veterans, police and fire. The group is currently waiting for State funding through the State bonding bill that would be the funding mechanism for the project. In preparation to have this included in the bonding bill the City Council has endorsed the project itself under the condition that the funding come from the State or another source. The Commission is being asked to look at this proposal under the Art in Public Spaces Policy and open a 30 day public comment period. After the 30 day public comment period, the Commission is asked to make a recommendation to the City Council and the City Council will make the final decision. After further brief discussion Member Goff moved, Member Halverson seconded, with all present members voting in favor to open the 30 day public comment period effective March 16, 2010. OTHER BUSINESS AND REPORTS Civic Arena Geothermal Project Update Superintendent Mesko gave a brief update on the geothermal project at the Eagan Civic Arean along with a power point presentation. Mesko noted that in addition to the energy saving measures, the construction project presented a good opportunity to address the long- standing issue with the west arena floor and as part of the overall project that floor will be completely replaced. This project is on a very fast track; August 2009 the grant was applied for, notification was received on October 30 that we were awarded the grant pending final review and theCity Council took action on February 1, 2010 to accept the grant and approve the project. Construction will begin shortly with a timeline to have the entire project substantially complete by July 9 when the ice needs to be back in for operation. Department of Energy Block Grant Update Superintendent Olson gave a short presentation about the Energy Block Grant. He noted that the City received a Federal Stimulus Block Grant through the Department of Energy to make energy conservation improvements to City facilities which included: City Hall, Community Center, Maintenance Facility and Fire Stations. A consultant was hired to conduct an energy audit and developed a list of potential projects. Projects were selected and improvements will begin late spring and completed within 12 months. COMMUNICATIONS Advisory Parks Commission March 15, 2010 Page 3 ROUND TABLE There were no Round Table Items for the Commission to review. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to conduct, Member Dahlquist moved, Member Halverson seconded, with all members voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:34 p.m. Secretary Date TO: FROM: DATE: ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION JULI SEYDELL JOHNSON, DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION APRIL 16, 2010 6:45 — 7:00 p.m. Arbor Day Poster Judging — Conference Rooms 2 A &B 7:00 p.m. Regular Meeting ITEM I: Call to order ITEM II: Approval of agenda ITEM III: Approval of minutes of March 15, 2010 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 A brief overview of activities and events within the department will be highlighted. ITEM VI: ITEM VIII: ITEM IX: New Business Consent Agenda The annual Arbor Day Proclamation is included for review and recommendation to the City Council. ITEM VII: Development Proposals There are no Development Agenda items for the Commission to review. Old Business It would be appropriate for the Advisory Commission to officially close the 30 day comment period set on March 15 regarding the heros memorial proposal submitted at that time. Once the public comment period is closed the Commission should consider the recommendation they wish to make to the City Council regarding this proposal. 1 ITEM X: Other Business and Reports Recreation staff will provide an overview of the department's partnership initiatives. One of the local partners will be at the meeting as well. ITEM XI: Communications There are no communication items for the Commission's attention. ITEM XII: Round Table Any items of concern that might be placed on upcoming agendas or items of interest will be identified. ITEM XIII: Adjournment NOTE: This will be the last meeting for Commission Members who are not seeking re- appointment. Please plan to enjoy an after - meeting treat as we thank them for their years of dedication and commitment to the Advisory Commission. 2 APRIL 2010 DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY IMAGE AND SENSE OF PLACE • The first concrete has been poured for the new Festival Grounds pavilion, work is expected to be completed by mid to late summer. It should be "out of the ground" in the next couple of weeks. • Of the 133 open positions at Cascade Bay, 113 employees reapplied to work again in 2010; an 85% return rate. Offers to selected applicants have been made. • The Civic Arena will host its annual ice show, Jukebox Jive, on Saturday May 1st. Approximately 70 skaters will participate. Show times are 2:00 & 6:30 pm. • The Eagan Art House received $5,000 in grant funding from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council for "Art... Be a Part!" programming this summer. SUPPORT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT • In March, the ECC was host to several large events, including an Eagan Athletic Association basketball tournament, the Just Between Friends consignment sale and the Wedding Workshop. • Plans for installation of data transmission tower next to the Northview Park tennis courts are progressing, lights on several of the tennis courts may be included as part of the compensation to the City. • Toro will once again be using parks and other City property in Eagan to test mowing equipment....they like the good turf. By providing the opportunity the City gets free assistance with regular mowing. • The Dakota County Workforce held a Job Fair at the Civic Arena on March 25 with attendance over 3,000. PROMOTE HEALTH AND WELLNESS • Spring training on the indoor turf at the Arena begins April 28 Joe Mauer won't be there but recreation staff will be teaching children age 3 -5 beginning skills oft -ball. Limited space remains for this Little Sporties class. • Ball fields and soccer fields are being prepared for the spring season...well ahead of schedule. Nearly 40 soccer fields of varying size are being lined on a regular basis. • Water to buildings and irrigation systems is being turned on, again ahead of schedule. Park building restrooms will not be open until after Memorial Day PROTECT ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES • The final contract for the implementation of Grant funded energy improvements in City buildings is nearly complete. All work would be completed by mid - summer. Improvements include more efficient air handling, lighting and water management systems. Work is scheduled fort the Municipal Center, Maintenance Building, ECC and several Fire Stations. • After a brief delay, work is underway on the geothermal wells at the Civic Arena. Various equipment is now on -site in preparation for the balance of the project. • The Emerald Ash Borer Management Project is well underway. This EAB management project, made possible through a $89,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, addresses the removal and replacement of 100 at -risk boulevard ash trees, the protection of 20 high value boulevard ash trees, the removal and replacement of 35 at -risk park trees, and the protection of approximately 300 park ash trees. To date, all tree removal of boulevard and park trees has been accomplished. Stumps of these removed trees are currently being ground and sites restored. Reforestation is scheduled to take place during late April -early May. One - hundred percent of the biomass from these removed trees is being recycled; all larger diameter 3 logs are being converted into boards to be incorporated into the new fire station, and all smaller logs and branches have been ground into shredded mulch to be used for landscape projects within the city park system. This EAB project is scheduled to be completed by June 15, 2010. • The popular buckthorn assistance program is underway with curbside pickups of buckthorn from Eagan residences. As a reminder, buckthorn pickups are set by schedule only. Interested Eagan residents should contact the Eagan Forestry Division at 651- 675 -5300. • With the early spring this year, we have already entered into a high -risk period of oak wilt. According to the University of Minnesota Extension Department, as of Monday, March 29 there should be no trimming /cutting on oak trees. FACILITATE COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS • Holz Farm Spring Festival and Arbor Day celebration is right around the corner! Sunday, May 16 from 11 -4pm, enjoy spring on the farm and Arbor Day activities -all in one day at one wonderful location. More details will be posted on the City of Eagan's web site in the next 2 weeks! • A license to allow the use of an unused corner of Woodhaven Park for a Community Garden operated by the Eagan Resource Center as part of their food shelf outreach has been completed. The program is funded through a grant to the ERC and involves no City money • The Eagan Art House is sponsoring community Art Exhibits at the following locations through July: Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce, Dunn Brother's Coffee and the office of State Representative Mike Obermeuller. PROVIDE RECREATION EXPERIENCES • F.A.N.tastic Saturday (family activity night) at the Community Center continues to be a successful program. After 17 weeks of the program, more than 1,000 participants have attended the family night. • Currently, there are 210 teams registered for basketball, softball, volleyball and wiffleball leagues. • Softball kicked off with the Two Game Tune -up on Saturday, April 17 at Northview with 23 teams participating and the Northview Concession Stand opening for the season. • Spring preschool numbers surpassed last year's totals of 226. There are 274 children ages 1 -6 years old discovering the value of fun and play in Eagan Parks and Recreation preschool programs. • Arena softball games are being played at the Civic Arena; 14 teams are playing Wednesday and Sunday evenings. • The Eagan Foundation Wine and Cheese annual fundraising event will be held April 22n at the Community Center. • The Eagan Art House finished the winter 2010 session 10% increase in registrations over 2009. GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS • The Summer -Fall brochure will hit the streets the week of May 10 -15. 4 City of Fagan Parks and Recreation AGENDA ITEM: ARBOR DAY PROCLAMATION TO: ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION PREPARED BY: GREGG HOVE, SUPERVISOR OF FORESTRY ITEM OVERVIEW: Acknowledge the Arbor Day Resolution setting Sunday, May 16 as Arbor Day and May as Arbor Month in the City of Eagan BACKGROUND/HISTORY: • Eagan has received the Tree City USA community designation from the National Arbor Day Foundation for the 23 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 24 annual event will be held at Patrick Eagan Park. • 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. • The resolution was recommended for adoption by the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission. • 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 Specific scheduled Arbor Day activities in conjunction with the Holz Farm Spring Festival include: 11:15 am— 11:45 am 11:45 am— 12:15 pm MEMO Ceremonial Tree Planting Arbor Day Program • Recognition of 2009 Poster Contest Winner • Announcement of the 2010 Poster Contest Winner Date: April 16, 2010 Agenda Item: VI -A, Arbor Day Proclamation Action Information Attachments X X 1. Arbor Day Resolution 2. Event flyer ALTERNATIVES FOR COMMISSION CONSIDERATION: 1. Acknowledge the resolution setting May 16, 2010 as Arbor Day and May as Arbor Month in the City of Eagan. 2. Other 5, CITY OF EAGAN 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 Sunday, May 16, 2010 to be ARBOR DAY and the month of May, 2010 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: RESOLUTION A PROCLAMATION OF EAGAN ARBOR DAY AND EAGAN ARBOR MONTH CERTIFICATION CITY OF EAGAN CITY COUNCIL By: Attest: City Clerk Mayor City Clerk I, Maria Petersen, 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 20 day of April, 2010 S unday - May 16, 2010 00 am - 4:00 pm s cheduled Activities & Free Entertainment: eremonal Tree Planting pring Festival h Annual ay Celebration 665 Manor Drive, Eagan, MN 55123 11:15 am rliox Day roster. Winner Announcement 12:00 pm n's Chorus Performance 1:00 pm ►f Note Performance 2:00 pm otn, Omon, 7'.it a'Beans, Potato and aitnpkin planting Demonstrations 2:30 pm on Lesson. arnyard Animals `Aunt Gussie and The Grandfather Tree" byau Kay Brown Gustafson and Discing Corn Grinding Vintage Equipment & Tractor Display Bread Baking/Butter Churning Egg Picking /Chicken Display ntertainment by Mary Gohman 150 Bur Oak Seedlings for the 1st 150 Families Fill the Grainwagon with Food Donations* fly of kal Ongoing Activities with Ticket Admittance: (Purchase tickets for 50¢ each at tent near flag pole) • Children's Activities - 1 ticket • Pony Rides - 4 tickets • Hay Ride - 1 ticket • Cow Milking on "Oreo" the Virtual Cow - 1 ticket • Pedal Tractor Corral - 1 ticket • Rope Making - 1 ticket Concessions Hot Dogs & Brats Chips & Cookies Soda & Water Dill Pickles * In honor of Eagan's 150th Anniversary donations to Eagan Resource Center. Parks & Recreation • 651 - 675 -5500 • www.cityofeagan.com Presented by Friends of the Farm and Eagan Parks & Recreation C!ty of Eapll TO: MEMO AGENDA ITEM: VIII -A; CLOSE 30 -DAY PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ART IN PUBLIC SPACES PROPOSAL ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION PREPARED BY: JULI SEYDELL JOHNSON, DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION ITEM OVERVIEW: Close the 30 -day public comment period required in the policy for art in public spaces and make a recommendation to the City Council regarding the proposed memorial project. BACKGROUND/HISTORY: In December 2009 the Eagan American Legion and Eagan Lioness groups approached the City of Eagan to gather support for the installation of a memorial project to honor public servants lost in the line of duty. The City Council adopted a resolution on December 15 that supported the concept of a memorial tribute to public servants to be located on City of Eagan property. The resolution was needed in order for the Eagan American Legion and Eagan Lioness groups to actively solicit funding for this memorial project. The request was brought to the Advisory Commission in March based on the process approved by the City Council to consider public art and memorial installations in City of Eagan parks. At that meeting the Advisory Commission voted unanimously to open a 30 day public comment period to provide an opportunity for public feedback on the project. The 30 day public comment period was officially opened at the March 15 Advisory Commission meeting and it would be appropriate to ask for any final comments before officially closing the comment period and making a recommendation to the City Council for their review and action. ALTERNATIVES FOR COMMISSION CONSIDERATION: • Close the public comment period and make a recommendation to the City Council to accept the March 15 proposal by the Eagan American Legion and Eagan Lioness to place a memorial project within Central Park as presented. • Close the public comment period and make a recommendation to the City Council to accept the March 15 proposal by the Eagan American Legion and Eagan Lioness to place a memorial project within Central Park with modifications. Date: April 19, 2010 Agenda Item: VIII-A: Close 30 -day public comment Action Information Attachments X AGENDA ITEM: X -A; RECREATION DIVISION REPORT TO: BACKGROUND/HISTORY: PARTNERSHIPS ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION PREPARED BY: RECREATION SUPERVISORY STAFF Date: April 19, 2010 Agenda Item: X -A; Recreation Program Update Action Information Attachments x ITEM OVERVIEW: An update and overview of Discovering the Value of Partnerships. This month again we are taking a little different approach to our report. One year ago, the commission was introduced to the Discover the Value of Parks & Recreation marketing campaign. We provided an update for you in October regarding programs and tonight we want to provide you with the `value' of Partnerships. Building community has been a mission of Eagan Parks & Recreation for several years. With the state of the economy and all the worries our residents have as they go about their day to day activities, Parks & Recreation created the `Discover the Value' Campaign to remind residents of the value of Parks & Recreation right here in Eagan, Minnesota. Whether it is signing up for a program, attending an event, or visiting one of the Parks or Facilities, Eagan has a lot to offer residents right in their own backyard. The `Value' in `Discover the Value' is not just monetary value of a free or low -cost activity; it also refers to the intrinsic value of the experience one receives from participating in an event or program. This intrinsic value is different for everyone but might include learning a new skill, experiencing the restorative powers of a yoga class or being in nature at one of our parks. This "Value" is also visible in Partnerships. Innovative partnerships help us stretch our budgets, expand our audiences and use our resources more effectively. Partnerships also provide the opportunity to build long -term relationships with Eagan business and organizations with shared goals and objectives to reach residents. Partners can also help bring in diverse audiences and outreach into untapped populations. Some innovative partners include Rasmussen College, Brave New Workshop, Dakota County Libraries, Home School Co -ops, Ring Mountain, Dunn Brothers, Chamber of Commerce and the Office of State Representative Mike Obermueller. Rasmussen College (A) Partnership with Rasmussen College has included not only financial support and give - a -way items for Marketfest, but has also set the foundation to build an ongoing volunteer partnership as well. Rasmussen students and staff are now regular volunteers at many of our special events including Market Fest, Senior Expo and the Halloween Hodgepodge, Garage Sale, Sweetheart Dance and have committed to our upcoming year's events including the Fun Run and the 2010 Market Fest event. 7. Home school Co -ops The Eagan Art House partners with many Home School Co -ops such as Corpus Christi Home School in Bloomington. There are 3 separate classes each week from September until May in a variety of art instruction including drawing, painting and clay. The other School that partners with the Eagan Art House is the South Heights Home School in Burnsville. They meet weekly from September until May with classes in Drawing and Oil Painting. Community Education Parks & Recreation has successfully partnered with Community Education in afterschool Programming at Somerset Elementary in Mendota Heights for Art House programs. District 196 Community Ed classes also include these elementary schools: Oak Ridge, Glacier Hills, Highland, Parkview and Northview and ECFE parent/child art Class. Thomson Reuters A partnership with Thomson Reuters resulted in an in -kind donation of close to $9,000 to print the Senior /55+ Newsletter and the Art House newsletter. Inter Departmental Partners There are many City departments that work together to provide activities and programs for the community. Water Quality partners to provide fishing clinics and new this year, Lake Fest 2010. Water Resources is also working with the Eagan Art House to provide artistic rain barrels at City buildings. The Police Explorers partner to help provide supervision at Middle School dances and traffic safety patrols at events. The Police and Fire Departments partner with recreation to help provide Safety Camps for youth and preschoolers. Fire fighter visits also occur during Fire Prevention Week and other Community Events. Community Partner Groups Since partnerships is a two way street, Parks & Recreation also gives support to other community partners in a variety of ways. The level of support varies with each association. These partnering groups are important to the community as they provide additional recreation programs for all ages to enjoy. Athletic Associations EAA -Eagan Athletic Association EHA -Eagan Hockey Association EVAA - Eastview Athletic Association EVHA - Eastview Hockey Association Caponi Art Park Provides public performance series and free family events throughout the summer. The City of Eagan Forestry Division helps maintain the grounds of the park. Dakota County Public Health and Parks Parks & Recreation partners with Dakota County to offer Day Camps at Camp Sacajawea and the Simple Steps Walking program. Active Living Community Vision is another program. This program is a county wide program funded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of MN and assisted by Active Living by Design. The overarching aim is to build long -term capacity to promote environments that encourage physical activity, and ultimately improve the health of Minnesotans. 8 Eagan Art Festival- Dakota Center for the Arts Dakota Center for the Arts has been a long time partner with the Eagan Art House, primarily focusing on presenting the annual Eagan Art Festival. The Eagan Art Festival has grown 10% each of the last three years, attracting artists and guests far beyond the Eagan community. The festival provides a venue for 100 artists, entertainment and food. The Eagan Art House provides the hands on art activities and demonstrations for all ages at the festival as well as assisting in marketing and other coordination efforts. The Parks Maintenance staff plays a critical role in the preparation of the site for the event. The Art Festival board also provides Eagan Art House class scholarships for adults and for families living outside of Eagan. Eagan Fun Fest The Eagan Fun Fest mission statement is: "To benefit our community through sponsorship, organization and promotion of Eagan's July 4th Funfest, an annual community celebration." The Fun Fest celebration includes a large parade, Ambassador Program, Carnival filled with thrilling rides and amusing games, live entertainment and a breathtaking fireworks display. Parks & Recreation supports this event with many different resources from staff members on the Committee, set up and take down details, event coordination and staff support, parade entries to providing the kids game area. Friends of the Farm With support from the City of Eagan, The Friends of the Farm is a non - profit land stewardship organization that is staffed by volunteers and dedicated to cultivation an appreciation of farm life. Holz Farm is home to the Friends of the Farm. Holz Farm is a picturesque farm with charm and character only years can create. Friends of the Farm plan and conduct a wide variety of activities and events that provide educational, entertaining, historical and cultural perspectives appealing to a wide range of interests and ages. VOLUNTEERS In 2009, close to 75% of staffing needs were filled with volunteers from Rasmussen College for The Halloween Hodgepodge. Volunteer partnerships are important components of the Adaptive Recreation programs, Eagan Fun Run just to name a few. In 2009, the Seniors /55+ program gave over 5,000 hours of volunteer work to the community. We have seen many of our volunteers become our biggest advocates for our programs. Partnerships provide an opportunity to grow our future volunteers. FINANCIAL Financial contributions allow us to enhance a program and deliver a quality program to the community for free or low cost. Contributions can also add value to the program through extra supplies and/ or staffing. WRAPUP Partnerships and collaborations can help leverage resources, strengthen organizations, increase brand visibility and achieve meaningful community connections. A shared vision and commitment between partners benefit the community. Partnerships allow us to build long -term relationships that grow individuals, community and programs. EAGAN PARKS & RECREATION PARTNERS AGENCIES • Black Hawk Middle School • Corpus Christi Home School • Dakota County Library (Wescott Branch) • Dakota County Community Development Agency • Dakota County Parks • Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce • Dakota Hills Middle School • District 196 Community Education • Eagan Convention & Visitors Bureau • Eagan Fire Department • Eagan High School Boys & Girls Booster Club • Eagan High School & Honor Society • Eagan Police Department • Eagan Resource Center • Eagan Rotary • Eastview High School • Glacier Hills Elementary School • Heart Healthy Living • Shakopee Community Education • Somerset Elementary School, Mendota Heights • South of the River Recreators (S.O.R.R) • South Heights Christian Classes, Inc. • Tesseract School BUSINESSES • Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN & ND • City & County Credit Union • Dunn Brothers Coffee • Extended Stay Hotels in Eagan • Genisys Credit Union • Health East • Health Partners • Kowalski's Market • Life Wellness Centers • Medica • Mendota Heights Par 3 • Parkview Golf Club • Rasmussen College & Students • Ring Mountain Creamery • Radio Disney • Runner's Gate • Spring Hill Suites Marriott • Thisweek Live & Thisweek Newspaper, Dakota county Tribune • Towne Place Suites Marriott • UCare /G , ORGANIZATIONS • American Red Cross • Caponi Art Park • Do The Parks • Eagan Art Festival (Dakota County for the Arts) • Eagan Boy & Girl Scouts • Eagan Funfest Committee • Eagan Athletic Association • Eagan Foundation • Eagan Garden Club • Eagan Ice Crystals Figure Skating Club • Eagan Hockey Association • Easter Lutheran Church • Eastview Hockey Association • Friends of the Farm • Minnesota Grown • Minnesota Farmer's Market Association • National Independent Health Club Association