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Home My WebLink About2017-11-01 P & R Packet CITY OF CENTERVILLE PARKS & RECREATION COMMITTEE AGENDA Wednesday,November 1,2017—6:30 p.m. City Hall I. CALL TO ORDER 1. Roll Call II. APPROVE AGENDA III. APPOINTMENTS/PRESENTATIONS 1. Ms. Karen Blaska, Park Planner --Anoka County Parks & Recreation IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Parks & Recreation Committee Minutes of October 4,2017 V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Status of Peltier Estates—Council Granted a 60 Day Extension to Continue Review of the Proposed Requests for Rezone, Subdivision & PUD 2. Popcorn Maker—P.W. Is Working on It VI. NEW BUSINESS 1. Possibilities for Hockey Rink Housing Pickleball Court VH. UPDATES 1. Council Updates—Council Member Montain 2. Review 5 Year P& R Projects List 3. Vacancy VIH. ACTION ITEMS IX. ADJOURNMENT *REMINDERS** Planning&Zoning Commission Meeting—November 7, 2017, 6:30 p.m. (Council Chambers) "CANCELLED" Parks&Recreation Committee Meeting—December 6, 2017, 6:30 p.m. (Council Chambers) City Council Meeting—November 8, 2017, 6:30 p.m. (Council Chambers) City Council Meeting—November 22, 2017, 6:30 p.m. (Council Chambers) Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve Anoka County Parks and Recreation 2017 slow 1 5 �t r 550 BUNKER LAKE BLVD NW,ANDOVER MN 55304 A N O KACO U NTYPA R KS.CO M Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve 1 Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve ANOKA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Rhonda Sivarajah, Chair Julie Braastad Mike Gamache Jim Kordiak Matt Look Scott Schulte Robyn West ANOKA COUNTY PARKS COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE Commissioner Jim Kordiak,Chair Commissioner Gamache Commissioner West METROPOLITAN COUNCIL ANOKA COUNTY PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION John Vondelinde, Division Manager ANOKA COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT Jeff Perry, Planning and Resource Manager Karen Blaska, Park Planner Danielle Sanborn, Landscape Architect Crystal Passi, Landscape Planner Andy Soltvedt, Marketing and Visitor Services Manager Nicole Greenwell, Communication Specialist 2 Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve : Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve The 5,300-acre Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve is one of the largest in the seven-county metropolitan F C-.-. area and contains some of the most significant native i "°` L,Xes �� VVE wildlife habitat and water resources in the region. It is also rich in cultural resources with several known '_ significant archaeological sites within its boundary, The I C park reserve is located in the Cities of Centerville, Lino R.. Lakes and Columbus. Figure 1 illustrates the location I I within the seven-county metropolitan area. The park reserve offers a wide variety of amenities, including the Wargo Nature Center,Chomonix Golf a Course, Rice Creek Campground, and Centerville Lake Beach. Wargo Nature Center also plays host to the YMCA's Camp Heritage during the summer months and offers the Heritage Living History Lab,where students can participate in hands on activities related to varying historical themes. Other amenities include picnic areas, ...-m-_ �,,,. ,,! ,,,,, r boat launch facilities, biking and hiking trails, RICE CREEK CHAIN OF LAKES PARK RESERVE MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT playgrounds and a fishing pier, The park reserve also REGIONALCONTEXT connects to the Central Anoka County and Bunker-Chain Figure s of Lakes Regional Trails. The original master plan was developed in 1975 and revised in 1999. In 2003, 2012 and 2013,the master plan was amended to adjust the boundaries of the park reserve to what is existing today. Refer to Figure 2 for existing park boundary and amenities. With this amendment Anoka County proposes to improve Wargo Nature Center based on the master plan developed for the Nature Center in 2015,which is included in the appendix; plus, add the following projects to the master plan for the park reserve: Improve the Peltier Lake fishing access • Add alternate camping accommodations to the campground • Add a self-service canoe/kayak rental program and establish an access point at the campground for easy water access to and from Wargo Nature Center • Create an interpretive area for cultural resources 3 Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve I Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve • Create additional multi-use trails and connections to local neighborhoods • Move the existing compost site out of the park, but allow the ingress road to remain within the park reserve boundary • Continue to improve the maintenance facilities within the park reserve to optimize operating efficiencies. The total development cost for the projects outlined in this Master Plan Amendment are approximately $10,725,000. 4 1 Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve There will be no boundary modifications related to this master plan amendment. The park boundary will remain as illustrated in Figure 2. i I VOrgo AhowdR CafkW �:� y-fwsn�ravfuoe 1 _Boat L#Mnch ��;FIsh111 PW G-1111�+'+]uAd�,.. iR�IRgpM�llBnd Gahm<:hlSw}�Acnlnp , 4ri0�nUr "I C.aurse Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve Park Boundary ." o 1 2W.. i Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve is a highly used regional facility in Anoka County and as such,the County will continue to manage it as regional recreational open space. Since the park has over 5,000 acres,the size allows the county to provide many different .'K activities for visitors. Visitors can utilize picnicking facilities to gather with family Y ` and friends, use the trails for exercise or enjoyment of nature,allow children to release some energy on the various playgrounds in the park, enjoy the sun and water at Centerville Beach, perfect - their golf techniques at Chamonix Golf View of Peltier Lake Course,enjoy an evening with the family around a campfire at Rice Creek Campground and learn about the area and its environment at Wargo Nature Center. In the winter months,visitors can use the plowed and multi-use trails within the park reserve, cross country ski at the golf course and snowshoe or kick-sled at Wargo Nature Center. A!L Expenses generated from the park reserve are related to the maintenance and operations of ' the park and amenities. Chamonix Golf Course is budgeted separately from park operations; F the only course-related items included within the park budget is the operations and _ maintenance of the cross-country ski trails that 4 are groomed within the golf course. Park y - expenses are partially offset through revenues ' F generated through daily and annual vehicle passes, rental fees and special use permit fees in the parks general operating budget. The Cross Co un try Skiing remaining funds used to offset operations and maintenance are provided by the Metropolitan Council's 0&M grant program,the Lottery in Lieu of program and the local tax levy. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve The nominal rental fees for the camper cabins proposed in the master plan amendment are anticipated to offset the operations and maintenance costs related to the cabins. While the other proposed projects will not specifically generate revenue, it's anticipated that the operations and maintenance of these facilities can be absorbed into the general operating budget and be offset with an anticipated increase in revenue through other rental fees and annual and daily pass sales. Therefore,Anoka County believes the stewardship plan for the park reserve to be sustainable with assistance from the Metropolitan Council as outlined above. The only non-recreation related service offered within the park is the current existing composting facility, but within this Master Plan Amendment,that is proposed to be relocated north of the park,with only an entrance road within the park reserve boundary. While this facility does not generate any revenue for the County,any expenses related to the entrance road will be paid for by the Resource& Recycling Solutions Department. The Metropolitan Council's Thrive 2040 regional forecast estimates that the Twin Cities metropolitan area will become more racially and ethnically diverse overthe next 30 years and that by 2040 the region's population of color will double to about 40%of the total population. In addition,one in five people in the metropolitan region will be age 65 or older. These shifting demographics require changes to the way the County operates and manages the park system and its amenities. According to the Metropolitan Council's November, 2016 Regional Parks System Visitor Study Report, non- Caucasians are significantly more likely to participate in fishing,special events and picnicking activities than Caucasians. In addition,the Metropolitan Councils March 2014 Regional Park Use Among Select Communities of Color Report,showed that Asian Immigrant/Asian American focus groups identified their top three preferred activities as walking,fishing and rest or relaxation. Two of the proposed projects in this amendment,the fishing access improvements and Wargo Nature Center projects,will help meet the needs for fishing and special events access. Demand for additional camper cabins is shown through the rise in revenues for the cabins and camping in general over the last 3 years. Since 2014,the overall camping revenues have increased about 20%and the camper cabin revenues have increased by about 13%, as shown in Figure 3. Camper Cabins are a great way to introduce visitors to camping and provide an alternate form of camping with less equipment required. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve Similar to the increase in the Camper Cabin Revenues use of the camper cabins,daily $30,000.0() and hourly rentals of canoes $25,000.00 and kayaks have increased. From 2015 to 2016, daily rentals $20,000.00 of equipment have nearly $15,000.00 doubled and hourly rate rentals have increased by 10%. $10,000.00 Overall,there has been a steady $5,000.0a increase in park visits over the $0.00 last decade. In 2005,the 2014 2015 2016 Metropolitan Council's Annual Total Use Estimate of the Metropolitan Regional Parks Figure 3 System showed an average annual use of 335,900. By 2016, the average use estimate was 496,000,that's just under a 50%increase in visits. In addition, according to the Metropolitan Council's Thrive MSP 2040- Population Forecast dated January 1, 2017,the surrounding cities populations are anticipated to increase anywhere from 7-55%,creating additional demand to be met by the park reserve. The existing park amenities have been outlined in Figure 2 and include many recreation opportunities,such as walking and biking,canoeing and kayaking, boating,fishing, picnicking and playing on the playgrounds within the park reserve. Visitors can also take advantage of Wargo Nature Center,Chomonix Golf Course, Rice Creek Campground and Centerville Lake Beach. Wargo Nature Center also hosts Heritage Lab, which is an outdoor historical program where students participate in hands-on activities related to a historical theme. The projects proposed in this amendment will build upon the approved 1999 master plan and improve and enhance existing facilities within the park reserve. Wargo Nature Center was built in the early 1990's and will be celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2018. A master plan for the Nature Center was developed in 2015 with the following goals: • Increase awareness of Wargo Nature Center and County-wide outdoor recreation and environmental education programs and events • Increase connectivity to Wargo Nature Center s Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve Improve the entry experience and sense of welcome from CSAH 14 to the building • Increase programming around 'Essential Experiences': Access to water and four Ecotypes, Birding,and Tree House(Outdoor Classrooms) • Improve the drop-in visitor experience • Better serve current core program audiences and expand new program audiences ■ Improve financial sustainability The Development Concept Plan, strategies and specific projects to meet these goals are illustrated in Chapter 4: WARGO The Plan in the Wargo Nature Center Master Plan-March 2015,which canAT U E, CENTFT0, be found in the appendix of this .t ...� .z-. . �.�+t -�.k� -� } T r_ .•�. -1 •�. document. The total cost for the ±- •, _ =-' proposed improvements is just over $7,000,000 with a 15%contingency in 2017 dollars. During the public w } engagement process,the County asked for input what projects the public would want the County to focus on first. Out , of the twelve projects selected by staff � �:' ti ' "10 for input on,expanding the boardwalk and/or extending the dock into George Watch Lake was the top choice, followed by a trail connection around George Watch Lake to the Lino Lakes YMCA and an expanded nature play area. The next project is to construct a trail connection from the nature center i ■,,.. to the existing Central Anoka County Regional Trail adjacent to CSAH Figure 4:Wargo Nature Center Master Plan Cover 14/Main Street,which connects to the rest of the park reserve. In addition,the County plans to improve the indoor interpretation displays within the Nature Center and also continue working with the University of Minnesota, College of Design-Architecture Program on outdoor classroom structures for Heritage Lab. There is no schedule for completion on these Rice Creek Chain of fakes Park Reserve , Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve projects, but it is generally anticipated to be within the next 5-15 years. With this amendment,the County proposes to include all projects outlined in the Wargo Nature Center Master Plan from March 2015 into the park's overall master plan. The other proposed projects for the park reserve include: • Making improvements to the Peltier Lake fishing access • Adding alternative camping accommodations to Rice Creek campground • Stormwater management __— improvements to address Gompoet;Faclllty _ drainage issues within the :I?rupoed reluE �S campground. • Adding aself-service Wargo l��tu_ re I (iPnprovemems prop�ased) canoe/kayak rental program and establishing an access point at the campground • Creating an interpretive area - I 'aalu6eunch x f[shing Merl' near burial mounds Access A • ti Gampgrwend -�� (Improvmenta:. An additional Fishing (Improvem� pry pr p y ' Access/Pier on Centerville Lake propols 'I�rter�=n[�Uu Wn4: • Create additional multi-use r�' riftnic PoAllon (�prpvEnume}; propo=v�11' trails and connections to local ' se.chrnwmm�n° neighborhoods Fr- oaiceuncn i • Moving the existing compost '; '' ' J .' '�iilirtenanca'IF�Filrp+ ; site out of the park, but Pmprovemenispror£ eel - LL allowing the ingress road to L.S—d remain within the park Pw PR°POSEC A - DSED PAAYED PARKTRWL boundary UNPAVED PARK TRAIL Nw tirirPyi9]Kf TrRu' moaosED uKP.areD PARKrRAu ,. 4. -. L.,. h1W SI-Usu ha II Continuing to improve the EKISTINO CIT17R4'l . maintenance facilities within R°AMAY A.�'.PARK AE SE RVE the park reserve to optimize -ER _ operating efficiencies. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve Development Concept N These projects are highlighted in Figure D 05 1MAP. DN[,Q yQp„ 5,the development concept map. Figures 10 Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve Improvements to the Peltier Lake fishing access include paving the parking lot and reconstructing the fishing pier to ensure ADA access. This project is proposed to occur in 3-5 years and could look like Figure 6. The estimate for these improvements is around$250,000. R � w _ - r # ' Figure 6,Peltier Lake fishing access improvements Originally,the County was proposing to add two additional camper cabins to the campground, but due to the feedback received during the public input process,the County is now proposing to add six alternate 's camping facilities,such as camper cabins,tent platforms or yurts. Half of the six proposed accommodations are anticipated to be constructed in 5-10 years. The rest to be i constructed in 10-15 years.The cabins will be TTC. ,*� - . moi. �• •• F similar to the existing cabins and provide an r area for sleeping and a small gathering space.' The capacity for these will be 4 to 6 people. ; i.. Water and electricity will be available at the sites.The surrounding area will include a picnic table,fire ring and small parking area. The cabin could look like the examples in Figure 7. The yurts or I Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve i tl ,I_ •. Figure 8:Example of Yurt - - - tent platforms could look similar to those in Figures 8 and 9. The cost estimate for - f design, engineering, materials and installation for the alternate camping facilities is approximately$600,000. Drainage at the campground has been an issue in recent years,therefore the County is proposing improvements that will reduce the amount of camp sites that are affected by standing water on a seasonal basis. The improvements proposed are to bring in fill to raise the campsites out of the flooded areas. This will involve coordination with the watershed district to ensure there is a net zero impact to the floodplain, but will allow all campsites to be available for camping during the spring season. Cost for this project are estimated to be about$200,000 and is anticipated to occur kG within 10-15 years. Additionally,the County is proposing to develop a self-serve canoe/kayak »� rental program in the park to allow visitors to easily access the lakes. The t- i system would be similar to self-serve systems used in the area,such as the paddleshare.org program on the Mississippi River. Refer to Figures 10&11 4:{ for examples. The station is proposed to have six to eight canoes or kayaks for use. An accessible dock and launch,as shown in Figure 12, is proposed Figure 10:Example of self-serve station with the station as well as the addition of an accessible dock/launch at Wargo Nature Center. The estimated cost for access development, installation of the system and equipment is approximately$50,000. There is no timeframe for installation of the station at this time. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve Figure 11:Example of self-serve station rigure 11:xxample or accessible canoe/kayak dock Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve has numerous documented cultural resource sites throughout the park. One such resource is a burial mound located within the park. With this amendment,the County is proposing to create a node to provide interpretation of burial mounds and other cultural resources in the area that are of significance. The node will educate visitors and create a rest stop along the Central Anoka County Regional Trail. The interpretive area may look similar to f=igure 13. The cost estimate for the interpretive area is approximately $50,000 and is _ anticipated to be completed within the next five years depending on funding availability. —' r'� — •f'f��l if•V , 1 l�� el it. if f to ''— .i •- Figure 13:Example of interpretive area Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve Another proposed project is the installation of a fishing pier on Centerville Lake near the existing , ....... # 1=. boat launch area. This will provide additional i fishing opportunities and provide additional access : to the lake. Estimated cost for construction of this project is approximately$50,000. At this time, d there is no timeframe for installation. o Figure 14:Example of fishing pier -� There are several trail connections between the park reserve and the existing surrounding neighborhoods. But,The County is proposing L � to create an additional neighborhood i Parka Wer o' mrao F-4ib h Cmc connection to Mallard Lane in Lino Lakes and to i create an additional multi-use natural surface trail loops within the park reserve. Refer to }; Figure 15 for locations of proposed trails. A r**WlLauoch trail from the YMCA to Wargo Nature Center is ^n�,,,,,,g Pledproposes within the Wargo Master Plan, but Uceef additional trails are proposed for the south side of Centerville Lake. The current natural surface f trail would be converted to a multi-use trail in !Plc"'c Peyffl0n this area,so the County is proposing to �'�Mr chlSwlmmin p 4 incorporate those trails into the park system, a C`{net Launch �� by inventorying them,assessing them and L7aoi+w _ - bringing them up to County standards. The a61e-ueeTMen length of this network is estimated to be OTevelopment - "- - �, approximately 2.5 to 3 miles, and would include the construction of several hundred 'M�!hwseTM�,� feet of boardwalk and a small bridge.The Devplopm"en'f _ estimate for developing these trails is Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve $500,000. Park Trails N 6 2250 4,5OO FOW —ten.— Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve The proposed changes to the existing compost site are shown on Figure 16. The existing facility is proposed to be moved about 1300 feet to the t north,out of the park boundary and an existing maintenance service road is proposed to serve as �` I ingress access to the facility and an existing drive will serve as egress access out of the facility. The r County acknowledges that any costs related to Iw f these improvements will not be eligible for 1 financing through the Metropolitan CouncilP arks i Capital Improvement Program or Parks and Trails Legacy Program appropriations. �. I� i I In 2016,the County hired a consultant to conductin r; a Maintenance Facility Assessment to project the long term system-wide needs for maintenance support building and infrastructure within the County's park system. The assessment helped identify gaps in service coverage,identified where ---- — — =� Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve new facilities are anticipated and allows the Compost Facility Relocation Proposal County to plan for future improvements. The o no WofM improvements and expansion proposed for the Figure 16 Maintenance Facilities within Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve include addressing items at the Campground Facility and Chomonix Golf Course. Refer to Figure 17 for locations and the Appendix for more information on these improvements. Improvements proposed for the Campground maintenance facility include an expansion to a 3840 square foot cold storage building being constructed in 2017.The expansion will include 1025 square feet of space for an office,work room, restrooms, break area and mechanical room. Site work will include paving the drive and yard area, security lighting and security fencing. This project will include the necessary utility connections to provide a fully functioning maintenance facility. The costs for this project is approximately$650,000 and is scheduled to occur in the next 3 to 5 years. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve J "4 U. rn jL LW I � _ •a _ f d� I� f �V MAMA WkICTRAL � 7 ©LNiMTLMNCt r'AIXi1SY r I I ■ } •-�^' �uareYon®.oiwTui I �`'� i■AD6Ar '.•�} 11 }1i /^ whim Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve Maintenance Facility Improvements IN o.k.oa•a�••zair 0 0.2 0AMiles Figure 17:Locations of Maintenance Facilities Other maintenance facility improvements include the expansion of the existing Chomonix Golf Course maintenance facility. Chomonix Golf Course provides a premier 18-hole golf experience,and includes a driving range and clubhouse. The golf course also serves as one of the County's cross-country ski rental and trailhead locations. This project proposes to add about 4800 square feet of storage for golf carts,3400 square feet of cold storage, 800 square feet of heated shop and office space as well as yard and security fencing improvements. The cost estimate for this project is approximately$1.3 million;there is no schedule for construction of these improvements at this time. I Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve Way-finding within the park includes several different types of signage. Vehicular way-finding associated with the park includes entrance signs similar to Figures 18& 19,as well as vehicular scaled directional signs at road intersections for additional way-finding. Those signs may look as illustrated in Figure 20. Park trail way- ;' finding signage includes trailhead signs and trail intersection signs. Trailhead signage is typically �r. r placed near parking areas with access to the park trails and provides an overall view of the park and " .r amenities,such as Figure 21. m Figure 13 Intersection signs are smaller in scale and are i Ad ROATACCESS. ell BWO, :KAYGR ; i I + i 0 F I j -- -- Figure 21 located where trail intersections or decision points occur to provide confirmation and additional way-finding information. Figures 22 illustrates an example of these signs. Additional wayfinding information can be found in the Appendix. In addition to the way-finding signs,the County is proposing to develop and install additional ti interpretive signs highlighting the historical and - cultural significance in the area. An example of Figure 1.i:Example of interpretive sign an interpretive sign is shown in Figure 23. In addition,the County will also be providing Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve I Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve additional benches, picnic tables and other site furnishings as needed throughout the park for the convenience of park patrons. In an effort to update marketing strategies within the park,the County is proposing to implement digital monitors for indoor and covered locations throughout the park system to provide relevant, up-to-date materials for our patrons.This makes changing/updating Conceptual Development Costs Summary the materials easy and more efficient. Wargo Nature Center $ 7,000,000 The total development cost for the projects Improvements outlined in this Master Plan Amendment are Maintenance Facility Improvements 1,950,000 approximately$10,725,000. Park Improvements 1,775,000 Total $ 10,725,000 Conflicts related to the park development will be kept to a minimum through the proper planning and community engagement. See additional information regarding engagement in the Public Engagement and Participation section of this document. The greatest potential for conflict related to the proposed projects are the archaeological resources in the area. The park is within a well-known archaeological area and therefore every care will be taken to ensure those conflicts will be minimized. An archaeological survey will be conducted prior to any project being constructed. If resources are found,some previously used strategies could be implemented within the project sites. One of the strategies may be"cap"the site and not excavate down, but rather build up and over the site. This removes disturbance to the site and provides preservation of the cultural resource. Other mitigation techniques used in the past have included the excavation and curation of found artifacts or avoidance. There are no conflicts anticipated with any of the surrounding land uses,which is mostly residential. Refer to the Appendix for the planned land uses in the area. The greatest conflict arises in relation to the burial mound interpretive site and because we are aware of the potential for conflict,the County will be cautious in designing and constructing this area to avoid impacts to the mound. The County will also work with members of the local Dakota community to ensure the plans and design of the interpretive node are respectful of the culture and traditions of the Dakota people. Conflicts between pedestrians and vehicular traffic will be kept to a minimum by reducing the number of trail and road crossings within the park and by working with the local cities and the County Highway Department to ensure safe crossings at road intersections. Treatments for these areas may include signing,striping and signalized pedestrian crossings. In addition,signs within the park will alert users of potential conflict areas, i.e. 18 Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve I Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve street crossings,driveway crossings, pedestrian cross-traffic, etc.,and will provide way-finding and interpretive information. Public services are already provided within the park reserve,with the exception of the Heritage Lab at Wargo Nature Center. Ultimately,the County would like city water and sewer services installed at the Nature Center and Heritage Lab, but due to the remote location within the park,that is unlikely to happen. The Nature Center currently has a well for water and a septic system for sewage. At the Heritage Lab,the County has a functioning well for drinking water and will provide portable toilets when Heritage Lab is in use. The County will continue to operate and manage these services until a better option becomes available. Anoka County Ordinance#2012-01, regulates the parks and trails under the jurisdiction of Anoka County and is enforced by the local police departments as well as the Anoka County Sheriff's Department. Park r I Service Specialists(formerly known as Park Rangers) provide education to the { Public regarding ordinances and other r- �'� �•'�{' park information. 4 Ski Troil Grooming Annual operations and maintenance costs for the park are estimated to be about$500,000. This includes all daily operations including the picnicking areas,campground and gatehouses as well as the general routine maintenance within the park,such as mowing,sweeping, plowing, debris removal, sign maintenance, etc. Expenses are typically offset by revenue generated through daily and annual park pass sales, picnic pavilion rentals, programs,special events and the parks operating budget. Additional supplementary funding is provided through the Regional Park Operations and Maintenance Grant Program. Anoka County currently employs a remote building automation system that saves the department$5,000- 10,000 annually compared to traditional energy systems by realizing energy reductions in heating,cooling, lighting, and domestic water during unoccupied and off-peak periods.The program enables staff to monitor, Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve I Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve adjust,and troubleshoot building mechanical systems at all of the wide-spread park facilities from wireless devices, aiding in prompt management and repair. The County has recently undertaken a project to convert lighting in key facilities to LED technology, in an effort to reduce energy demands. The Maintenance and Parks Services Units utility vehicle fleets include a growing number of electric powered vehicles. Turf irrigation systems employ"rain sensor"technology to avoid using valuable water during periods of precipitation. The County has encouraged employees to go"digital"to reduce the amount of paper in the workplace, by utilizing smaller more portable laptop computers and tablets. The county also recently consolidated its contract filing system so as to reduce the amount of paper files,as well as digital files. The County,through the Recycle&Resource Solutions Department employs a refuse and recycling program that requires recycling of paper, plastics, etc. Refuse that cannot be reused or recycled is collected and disposed of consistent to applicable laws. The public participation plan proposes to engage local cities, population groups and organizations in an inclusive and accessible mannerto develop an #� amendment to the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve Master Plan. It describes the goals of engagement,who was engaged,the methods used for kl engagement, as well as results of the engagement. Goals anticipated by the engagement process r., associated with the development of this master plan ' J� were as follows: S '" Build positive relationships with loca I Faith Day Fngogement Event comm u n i ti es/reside nts. Build community ownership of and understanding of the park and the County's planning process • Receive feedback from the community on the plans/projects. Since previous engagement efforts showed the County was lacking in engagement with seniors or the elderly, elementary age school children and their families and diverse population groups not currently represented in the park system,the County chose to target those specific groups for discussion and engagement. This was done through a variety of ways at the local senior center and local library. In addition, residents in the local and regional area,as well as city staff and government officials were also engaged in the process. Questions and 20 Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve I Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve comments received from the process, including the County's response are listed in the Appendix of this document. While the multilingual surveys created for online engagement have received fewer than expected responses,the County focused its i - efforts on pop-up events at various locations in the community. At these events,the County set up information and picture boards regarding the projects to discuss with the public. These events _ occurred at the Lino Lakes Senior Center,Wargo Nature Center's Earth Day event, Centerville Beach, and Centennial Library. For more information about these events and other engagement conducted, a Community Engagement Summary matrix is located in the Appendix. Some item's incorporated into the master plan include additional interpretive information throughout the park and an additional fishing pier on Centerville Lake. The County was originally , + proposing an additional two camper cabins to the campground, but Lino Lakes Senior Center Engagement with the overwhelming responses,the ti n - -_ - y -»• � County is proposing to add six,for a total of Y eight once all are constructed and the - +}� County is adding two accessible - ' canoe/kayak launches to the park to make �-- " OL it easier for people with disabilities,seniors and people with small children to get onto the water.A summary of comments and Centerville Beach Engagement the County's responses is located in the Appendix. Public awareness is an important component of the regional parks and trails system. As shown in the engagement process for this amendment,there is a lack of knowledge of the parks and trails system. The County will continue to work the Metropolitan Council's regional parks and trails system program to create 21 I Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve awareness about the regional system,through public information maps,websites,social media, publications and brochures, as well as the Parks Ambassador Program. The County will continue community engagement activities throughout the year to not only receive feedback on master plans, but also to provide information on the parks and trails system and promote park amenities and recreational opportunities throughout the County. Other information shared will include information maps,websites, publications and brochures. Anoka County continually strives to provide equal access to all residents of Anoka County. The regional parks and trails are open to any and all i citizens. The park reserve does have a nominal$5.00 a day vehicle entrance fee,which can be applied to a$25.00 annual permit if desired. Pedestrians '~ and bicyclists can enter the park for �F.r-ow�m oal�kn free. Environmental, recreational and ftomw�''" ., E interpretive programs are offered at ] the park for a nominal registration fee. -- � ' - LL <'. While Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park RWM 250 Reserve is not directly served by transit, Figure 24 shows that the park can be 'r accessed via regional trails fromegend l Y 4r. _ _} PROPOSMREGIONALTRAIL existing park and ride locations that , ; �„E„C,,,,R„CCEW EXI"NG CITY TRAIL serve Routes 250 and 275. The park FEOESTRIM ACCESS ROADWAY can be accessed via Central Anoka ® PMKAM RIOE CITYPARK 1-RAN SIT ROUTE MK RESERVE County Regional Trail from the east and ' — � EXISTINGPARKTRAlL kX.sS?PARK RESERVE IN-HOLOPJGE r via Bunke —Chain of Lakes Regional R �` - -- — -�—••—EX I STING REGIONALTRAIL VOTER Trail from the west. Figure 24;Transit in Area In addition, the Anoka County Traveler Transit Link and Metro Transit's Mobility Link provide transportation services for a minimal fee. Transit Link will pick up and drop off passengers anywhere there is an address. There are multiple addresses for facilities within the park,so users should verify the address prior to calling. Currently, all of the vehicles are equipped with bike racks so passengers wishing to bike on the trail could use Transit Link to preschedule a drop-off and return trip. The proposed facilities and amenities within the park will conform to the standards mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve As part of the master planning process,the existing natural resources within the park are examined. Anoka County has maintained a strong commitment to preserving and restoring natural resources within its park,trails and open space system.The expansive 11,000-acre park system contains a diverse system of wildlife species and natural areas including upland forests,deciduous woodlands, upland prairies,forested wetlands,shrub wetlands and open wetlands.The existing land cover,consistent with the Minnesota Land Cover Classification System, can be found in the Appendix of this document. To manage the natural . resources and maintain the parks and trails identity,Anoka County will provide for: 0. ■ The protection, restoration and enhancement of native plant and animal habitats throughout the park; a + • Protection and improvement of water and soil resources; • Increase public awareness regarding the diverse F natural resources in the area; • Sustainable practices related to park development, 7. operations and maintenance. General natural resources management strategies include = r identifying and assessing remnant plant and animal Protecting,restoring and enhancing natural resources help to ensure enjoyment of those resources in the communities, monitoring rare species,controlling invasive future. species, ecologically restoring native plant and animal habitat, controlling detrimental insects and disease,wildlife management, enhancing water quality,erosion control and cooperative land stewardship. A sustainable development framework is utilized in all new park and trail development and redevelopment to ensure ecologically sound land stewardship with an emphasis on maintaining the longevity of the facilities for public benefit. The following natural resource management components are an integral part of Anoka County's planning efforts associated with the development and redevelopment of Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve: 23 Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve I Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve Anoka County's Natural Resources Unit will be directly involved with the design,construction and monitoring of the proposed park projects.A concerted emphasis will be placed on avoiding and minimizing any adverse impacts to the plant and animal habitat, as well as to the lakes and wetlands. In addition,Anoka County will focus on incorporating local native seed and plant material that will complement the ecology and function of the surrounding native plant communities. V' Protection of wetlands and surface water resources will be a top priority for these projects as Peltier a s Lake is impaired for aquatic i. r{ consumption and aquatic recreation and George Watch, { — Centerville, Marshan, Reshanau and Rice Lakes are impaired for _ - aquatic recreation. Anoka County t _ will work very closely with the Cities of Lino Lakes and Centerville, the Rice Creek Watershed District, the Minnesota Department of View of Peltier Lake Natural Resources,the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency(MPCA), and the Metropolitan Council to ensure that the standards and requirements for resource protection are met as these projects proceed.Storm-water management within the park is typically managed on site through vegetated swales and infiltration basins. The County utilizes MPCA's best management practice recommendations in the design and incorporation of storm water pollutant and runoff flow reduction measures constructed in conjunction with park improvements. The MPCA best management practices guidance documents can be found at: http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/water/water-types-and-programs/storm water/index.html. The County also has been working with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources on an annual basis through a Delegation Agreement to provide aquatic invasive species(AIS) prevention through inspections of water-related equipment. The County currently has 41 public access points that it monitors through this program. The program provides funds to staff launches on a random basis to insure boat owners are complying with the state laws and regulations as related to AIS. The overall vegetation management goal for Anoka County is to identify restoration needs and to define and implement adaptive management strategies that will sustain the biological diversity, production,and function of 24 Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve I Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve native plant communities.Vegetation management within the park will focus on preserving native plants, introducing local native plants, eradicating invasive species, maintaining water quality within the watershed and providing for plant and wildlife corridor connections. Considering that ecosystems are dynamic and continually changing over time and space, an adaptive management approach and framework fits very well with the County's practice of ecological restoration and stewardship. In the context of ecological restoration,the following adaptive management principles will guide the stewardship plan for Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve: Problem Assessment: 7, Define the scope of degradation to the site,synthesize the existing knowledge about it,and explore the potential outcomes of alternative restoration actions. Design: t Design a restoration plan and monitoring program that will provide reliable feedback and information about the effectiveness of restoration methods. Implementation: ��- Effective restoration is usually a multi-step process requiring not only installation, but many years of ''"*' *ay maintenance and monitoring. Monitoring: Biological indicators are monitored to determine how :x .4 effective the restoration methods are in meeting the a J l{ project objectives. Evaluation: The actual outcomes are compared to the anticipated outcomes. In addition,the reasons for the underlying differences are interpreted. Adjustment: 25 Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve I Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve Practices,objectives, and models used during the restoration process may lead to reassessment of the problem, new questions, and new options to try in a continual cycle of improvement for a given project. Management and stewardship practices for natural resources maintenance in the park will include periodic mowing, prescriptive fire management, invasive species surveys, hazard tree assessments,seed collection and propagation, invasive species removal,turf management, brush and tree maintenance, erosion control,forest health assessments and maintenance,wildlife surveys and management as needed, and interpretive signage. Maintenance and stewardship practices also include regular pruning of trees and vegetation along roadways, trail corridors, park facilities and structures. Priority projects for natural resources within the park will focus on the following native community restorations: 1. Mesic Prairie 2. Colonial Water Bird Nesting Habitat 3. Higher Quality Wetland Complexes ` 4. Higher Quality Woodlands ,•� l These projects will be conducted in an on-going basis with an average annual cost of$25,000. Review of the Natural Heritage Information System (NHIS)conducted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources(DNR) revealed that there is Flora&Fauna within known occurrences of threatened and special concern features within the park,as well as others that are on a watch list, Some of the unique features within the park reserve include a Heron Rookery, Bald Eagles,Tubercled Rein-Orchid, Least Moonwort,St. Lawrence Grapefern, and Bell's Vireo. Prior to implementation of these projects,a flora and fauna survey will be conducted to ensure rare features are located and protected. For projects where avoidance of a rare feature is unavoidable,the County will work closely with the DNR and follow DNR recommendations and guidelines pertaining to the rare feature. 26 Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve I Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve 27 )VARGO NATURE CENTER lit) t� I, y :'-k. + kin Matt Look,Vice-Chair, District I Julie Braastad, District 2 Robyn West,District 3 Jim Kordiak,District 4 Carol LeDoux/Mike Gamache,District 5 Rhonda Sivarajah,Chair,District 6 Scott Schulte,District 7 Commissioner Jim Kordiak,Chair Commissioners Carol LeDoux/Mike Gamache Commissioner Scott Schulte,Vice Chair John VonDeLinde,Division Manager,Parks&Community Services Cory Hinz,Recreation Services Manager Jeff Perry,Planning and Resources Manager Karen Blaska,Park Planner Andy Soltvedt,Visitor Services Manager Mike Jacobson, Parks Superintendent Brad Fields,Director of Integrated Waste Management and License Bureau Services Paula Anderson,Manager of License Bureau Services-Operations Lisa Gilliland,Operation Supervisor Todd Murawski,Recreation Specialist Sherry Taplin,Interpretive Naturalist Bob Holtz, Interpretive Naturalist KristaTommerdahl,Interpretive Naturalist Gael Zembal,Interpretive Naturalist Krista Harrington,Program Supervisor Maria Pierz, Interpretive Naturalist Katie Everett,Interpretive Naturalist Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. Miller Dunwiddie Architects Chapter 1: Introduction.............................................................................1 Chapter 2:2: Trends...................................... ...5 A., Chapter 3: Existing Conditions & Needs................. 11 21� A .................................... _ Chapter4:The Plan......................................................................................................31 Chapter 5: Implementation.......................................................................................45 Appendix: Meetings & Outreach.................... Figure 3.1 Regional Context........................... .........12 - I - Figure 3.2 Regional Nature Center Market............................................................13 Wargo Nary Figure 3.3 Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Area Context....................... Figure 3.4 2013 Program Highlights......................................................................16 Figure 3.5 Full Site Existing Conditions.................... I a' Figure 3.6 Immediate Site Existing Conditions....................................................23 ; } Figure 3.7 Existing Building Condition-Main Level..........................................27 Figure 3.8 Existing Building Condition-Lower Level.......................................28 - .-+wa" ' Figure 4.1 Full Site Concept Plan.............................................................................37 ,' r•r � Figure 4.2 Wargo Campus Concept Plan...............................................................38 u ; Figure 4.3 Entry Walk Rendering..............................................................................39 _ Figure 4.4 Building Improvements Concept Plan-Main Level......................41 Cultural interpretation at Heritage Lab Figure 4.5 Building Improvements Concept Plan-Lower Level....................41 Figure 4.6 Treehouse and West Entry Gathering Area Rendering..............42 Figure 4.7 Building Improvement Concept-North Elevation.......................42 Figure 4.8 Building Improvement Concept-East Elevation..........................42 Figure 5.1 Cost Estimate...............................................................................................54 F- George Watch Lake-Wargo Nature Center Wargo Nature Center Master Plan - March 20115 ,3U di jir • _ r,1f'!�?+'- - + }� i je ftr ;v 1 f'ti* .4e- JON p Ou ...,r. ' i'±+? J YK'f v .•� : �:`yip- : ~�� . 1 . Y_ F { + rad 1 �{►� +-y�R d ' h Y +t.7Y r{ •+ w r-.�, •7r 1f4� L i 7i X:!•`�la'r��---yyy. r 't. `*`r � a*.- - * � f �•l„ r .f;. - hf jb;�; r1 ��-�?'h' #s;+'F _ �•, rJL! + k � Ir d4 �� i - f.�xL .. }^��,� •- `7•J�. T?41 r.�f' '�'�r.- I�+r��'?l :!'fir-r f�x.'11� ••- �a�4k�-� l � k� L� T #�Vl."ti"!7'�� 4 The Wargo Nature Center, located in Anoka County's Rice The Nature Center currently serves as the hub for Anoka Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve,is devoted to increasing County Parks environmental education and outdoor the awareness and appreciation of natural and cultural recreation programming,as well as off-site environmental resources for all, regardless of age, ability, or background. outreach. The 10,000 square foot building houses office The nature center sits on a peninsula surrounded by George space for outdoor education and recreation staff and Watch Lake. The Heritage Lab, located on Peltier Lake, is provides storage for a variety of county-wide programs. used for Anoka County's programs and the YMCA's Camp In 2013 Anoka County served 47,000 people though its Heritage program. organized programs,events,and drop in visitors The development of the nature center fulfilled the dream of Joseph E. Wargo, a long-time Anoka County resident and District Judge- David Torkildson, Anoka County's first The.-ft-go.-"re Cmier Is OWkAed Parks Director,was also a long-time advocate for the nature center and played a key role in building the facility to * ` ' e # educate Anoka County residents about the natural world. • ' " ' ' * of'the naWralF Given the variety of natural habitats and the wonderful r k wd their res&'ces'. water resources available, the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes ologer regow0le-SftardAlp area was high on their list of ideal locations.Joseph Wargo died in 1987,but thanks to his wife, Edith-who shared his dream-his estate provided funding for the construction of ages, ` ' `` ' ` ' ` * '" ` .' the Wargo Nature Center.This fund,combined with grants eW.T<mmenW ad recreahwW programs from the Metropolitan Council,resulted in the construction and a6m. of the nature center in honor of Joseph Wargo in 1993. Wargo Nature Center Master Plan- March 2015 M Society's relationship with the outdoors and nature is very different today than it was 20 years ago when the Wargo Nature Center was constructed. People are * participating in outdoor recreation less and,on average,Americans are spending F significantly less time outdoors. According to a 2014 National Recreation and Parks study,only one in ten adults spend time recreating outside every day.This ' .. • - concerning trend makes Wargos mission all the more important.As the nature center enters its third decade, it is an opportune time to re-envision the nature center— its building,site, programs,and operations-so that it can better fulfill I its mission to create awareness, knowledge, and appreciation of natural and cultural environments. This master plan serves as a guide to future updates to Wargo Nature Center so * _ that it can better serve the community today and into the future. The master - plan is unique in that it does not only guide physical improvement,or'hardscape' but also addresses marketing, programs, and operations, or 'softscape. By addressing both,the master plan provides a holistic approach to recommended goals and strategies that will improve the visitor experience,increase visitorship, The masterplan addresses'hardscape'elemen ts such and promote greater program participation in the years to come. as existing gardens and otherphysical site elements The Master Plan: Integrates physical site improvements with recreation,education, interpretation,and outreach opportunities. Provides strategic guidance for program development. Delivers recommendations for improving building interiors and outdoor classroom options. - Identifies new trail alignments,site access,and links to area amenities. Recommends implementation strategies for development phasing, r capital and operations budgets,and funding. 4 .+ In late 2013, Anoka County hired Hoisington Koegler Group (HKGi) and Miller r Dunwiddie Architecture(MDA)to prepare a master plan forWargo Nature Center. The planning process lasted a year, beginning in January 2014 and concluded in January 2015. The process was guided by a core project team of staff from Programming is port ofthe'sofftscape'elements HKGi, MDA, Anoka County Parks & Community Services Division, and Wargo addressed in the masterplan Nature Center. To increase nature center awareness and foster partnerships with other Anoka County departments,representatives from management,planning, programs, maintenance, marketing and guest services areas were included in staff work sessions. Input from other stakeholders,peer groups,and the general public was also obtained during the planning process. Meetings and input included: A project kick-off meeting on January 23,2014 with staff from HKGi, Miller Dunwiddie Architecture,Anoka County Parks&Community Services Division,and Wargo Nature Center. • Two stakeholder focus group input sessions on March 27,2014, including: ' �Y+Y Session 1:Wargo volunteers&other nature center/outdoor recreation professionals. f Session 2:Wargo visitors and homeschool parents,and representatives from the Anoka County Library Department. • A stakeholder questionnaire conducted in winter/spring 2014,available online and as hard copy. • Four hands-on work sessions with Anoka County Staff held,April 21, " 2014,May 7,2014,June 10,2014,and October 7,2014. Peer group planning session on July 15,2014 with the core project team and representatives from the Minnesota History Center,Eastman Nature Center,Minnesota Naturalist Association,Minnesota Landscape Arboretum,and Westwood Hills Nature Center. - • Presentation of the master plan development at the Minnesota Recreation&Park Association Annual Conference on September 24, July 15includedo 2014,by the core project team. • Presentation by HKGi staff of draft plan to Anoka County Parks and Community Services Committee on October 7,2014. } r 1' i#- f. The Wargo Nature Center Master Plan is organized into 5 Chapters. Chapter 1-introduction covers the master plan purpose and process Chapter2-Trends explores demographic,social,recreation,and nature center trends Chapter 3-Existing Conditions and Needs discusses existing programs, marketing efforts,natural resources,and amenities,their condition and future needs Chapter4-The Plan-outlines the vision for Wargo Nature Center as well as supporting goals,strategies and recommend physical improvements that support the vision. 1 • Chapter5-Implementation covers actions,phasing,costs,and funding The peergroup discussion induded programming and sources needed to realize the vision for Wargo Nature Center. marketing p + � # Wargo Nature Center Master Plan - Marth 2015 Awk Ap Y 1� } ff - A x - er. r� I- - ten` � ' - - - - Over the last 20 years,society's relationship with nature has been changing. The state of the environment is frequently discussed in the news,yet we are increasingly disconnected from nature. We no longer view ourselves as being an integral part of nature; the natural world is an unfamiliar place to visit. This disconnect makes the educational role of nature centers more important than ever and,along with other changing demographic,social,and recreation trends, has implications for the future physical and operational needs of Wargo Nature Center. Wargo Nature Center Master Plan-March 2015 ' I +,-�5- ':i��` — —. .r�! ;�_•1 ;! .,�.I �.r,.:;= _r.�f._, r :1��:-�'�:f�i _ _�7-�'41�;P�:Mi�o-�'�I-}. . �.f _ ;r,' - `. 'I - 1' �� F , I` � I ''4_'_ 3"5Y I '.1':.5v j: ' . .I.i;ti:v:5,. tiae_or�-.s� .,.('. ' .,_ar ..1.. _. { =„31isi_:,r:'::'�f.: k_, k... t �."ssdro II.c.MSrn3g�`'4b's;nf7.n.s.,k,! 11'w%_��.�°J'Ik.-ai�i`'i'_7 =s �� y'riira� a€�� rri:rtil+Fll�ttix:��r,t`Y5._'rlli�.1�N,IT� ;�k1. i�LJ$::��"� .{ F '�,4.A,4II_ FF �.,� ..I:1;r'•�'�1 v _.�� 15 F'•�� 1 4 ��I�I�.L��i �F µ �1� . ——_ ".+� .=5-..:t; i ;l�;�ry,' .s:�l•sF,t�fik,�.�''I,;'!',.,..r.;��w. ,�. :{ � A i # • {r 4 �rl�! 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' • 'i`.'. .i", _¢�:;W.: ."f={�f.- _.".¢:I ok 40 T 1 Wargo Nature Center Master Plan - March 2015 Imcmased TWI Use fames Yee -Wiikjn- -kepary 9 I ri cr�aspd pppulp rIlybf%4i Id life4Tzi5' HiVnq I n'r_reas6d-pArfzdpat1 on I h Wild life.M5&Vation DAW MountainiFarTire [king Collection.'Pip ..graM5 R.o.ad'bikJr)g 2,1 S 5.000 Minmotam'p a rtlopated in wildlife • Cross cdu h tryskil h g ks mWshoOnq watching w rif F15boig.k�olrn rl, joi 11,�7oniii ur vL A5 rIj Rf�gyri,� IC l ',I!J HOI&WII'llik- 1- 6,' of 4 _ pp Invemsej.P'Mrilc4ati6v in WaYakip'j&NMI som"Amy Inmased-laftnist In wrdi*g -ExPandedWaWr.0.c.r-e:ss mi I li(5ri hftrl ran�pa.ftic ip'6.le 16 blrdlri 9 N�MQ(V;I itj "EN WAQ 11 3 nft h!uw ro n M-2Rr -DE-DA F-Ilr&St • GFL-ateraud I ence potential • Birdin�-rariks',AsIhO 15th most pppulA r du tddo r • I naeasing.inte-rest in b i rd ing among younq�r-people- Ak 'go or erie viroaa�edtair Stewardship.hraagh 'Immased irderorst in A.o0bl Space for 06e ys A oat# tttaa 4 Green iofraa#racll m Events • Gray and btar-k ater systems- lwlulti sec ssrooin . torrnuvatertreatm nt * M&e leziblelunp"ramri'0.uieas • Porviow PjA i ri n# omfottable,Invltirig fatuities F fn,g-'r'e,uiid demmdf#or frrteractift Lemi" -Cr ay KemorOb Expe6onces, • Distincti -Pragramrnrng lrtcrtas�d-understanding-afdlffe nt kMrning�toir s . .. Sper�alN�ver��s Technology Js ma#Ing interaaivlty easier to. implerhL-ht lr�terjrd3ipn c�i a�# - .i~ rrenxodaltrer,ds-rec} �re.rn tea.nalytia! thInkincg and grthesi5-ski IS IbLl r r -44 or 4 �.r-�: �.��- �=f _ �- �a,r-� may. .�� +�'- - r � -, --- - .- ._•- `{�~ � - - _ . +y}. r: lri -�-. :`�' ` .-- •" 1i.rF'7+_ i'-� �''d.� .� 'r� x�' ��r•r t 1 .. t3�:ti-rt_k'-. �rj_�•*. ' �� Srt -YFix yi' r, _� •r r �� 1 LL-� � h` -a ! Y�r r '', Y�'�'•! 1� yy�.��.- '�,��+,� ��YG 4�'r., f #�" .^ -} -- 474 ~ QTY � - -- 'f tory � r �* • � �.'f - - . 1 3'- i r } - * y MI ' t t. Y^��• M JL Existlil %VV I CO 1, • .v r tit ; r'. '.' - i' - +/. ... - .� ' _ - Imm #J{ ;+} _-f 'F� +#• l io An evaluation of Wargo Nature Center's existing site, cultivating and relying on a distinct niche to attract and building conditions, programming and operations was retain visitors. For example, Tamarack Nature Center has conducted atthe beginning of the master planning process. developed a popular interactive nature play area, Dodge The project team used site visits,walking tours,input from Nature Center has a well-known preschool program, and nature center and county staff, an online questionnaire, Eastman Nature Center's newly constructed 14,000 square stakeholder/peer group evaluations, and map and photo foot building has a strong event space rental program and analysis to assess existing conditions and understand exceptional indoor/outdoor relationship. Among Twin needs. Cities area nature renters, Wargo's niche is outreach and recreation-based environmental programs, but it lacks a strong regional identity. Wargo Nature Center is located within the Twin Cities While the nature center's location on a peninsula gives it metropolitan area, 25 miles north of Minneapolis and outstanding potential access to wetland and lacustrine Saint Paul.The 20 acre nature center campus is located on habitats, it also results in limited access and connectivity a peninsula on George Watch Lake, within the Rice Creek within the larger Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve in Anoka County. Reserve. The wetlands and water surrounding Wargo Vehicle access to the Nature Center can be obtained Mature Center make it difficult to create additional trail from both Interstates 35W and 35E. The nature center's connections to the park beyond,although the center does distinctive features include an outstanding outreach benefit from the Central Anoka County Regional Trail along program to area schools through its relationship with County Road 14. Connexus Energy, wonderful birding opportunities, great proximity to wetlands and the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes, and rare access to four different ecotypes of lake,wetland, + t+ r chap wood,and prairie. r �, oninput + , Three other nature centers are within 15 miles of Wargo; s group r + ' ' ' r • ' —ter are Lee & Rose Warner, Tamarack, and Springbrook Nature . d + Wing,4sspgponWftant Centers. Additionally, there are 15 nature centers within the Twin Cities seven county metropolitan area, each Wargo Nature Center Master Plan- March 2015 FIGUREM Regional Context J . WARGO NATURE CENTER ~ \ • OTHER NATURE CENTERS ANOKA COMTY PARKS OTHER PARK5 h OPETI SPACES 1E610HAC TRAILS �l METRWOLMN AREA CQLtM r STEM SCIENCE RESERVE y I tr � F COUNTY t COUNTY yr t If , TURF is LEESMROSE �* �� rASTMAN NATURE CENTER « ` H. ,,� NATURE SPRINGBR 1 1 INA RE CENTE-R + CENTER NATURE CENTER WAs HENNCOUNTY COUNTYEHARRIET ALE)lAIJDER NATUf ENTER 3 + 3 I DM-- 1 --RY CENTER air CAMS TM x ' '.�1HILLSyNATU�CENTER !� 1 I NATURE CENTCR� - f 64 L - _.w ,.,_ DGE NA URE iCNTER . �41LOWRY NATURE CJ NTER� a1° 'U L AIS HANRE�1dTER STARING LAI(E OUTDOOR CENTER p� ? I i i 1 w RI 1, 1 N NATURE�CEMERg a s i CARVER COUNTY "' CARPENTER ST ,SII - NATURE CMNTER 1 n DAKOTA -, L__— • '� Sc TT COUNTY ie�—W OL. 1� a CO NTY �y w � „: Ott 1 it » 3 r is I x { f u� M 57 H � D .b Aw {) 5 "Mill, FIGURE 3.2 Regional Nature Center Market 0 WARGO NATURE CENLTER 0 OTHER NATURE CENTERS - ANOKA COUNTY PARKS OTHER PARKS&OPEN SPACES REGIONAL TRA1L5 t 15-MILE DANE RADIUS FROM WARGO ANOKA COUNTY 0 CEDAR CREEK ENS YSd-EM ` — Z' SCIENCE RES OV .% ,r 1 . u rt s n � . 1 GO NATl1RF) 0 LEE bl N$4 ,ter EASTMAN NATURE CENTER ' C,F TiERF.'E" ,fWARNER ,► SPRINGBR04K NATURE► !""` ` — _ ' * NATURE CENTER ; TAMARACK CENTER; NATURE CENTER z _6 �15 611.1 1w s is +i 1a i, ti `tt 14 1 F � W 17 Z7 i ;11 ' "W ?S It s 0 5 �++, Mile �, 1s w' Wargo Nature tenter Master Plan - March 2015 FIGURE 3.3 Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Area Context 13 r 76 1:i 97 CAREST LASE i a � 1 I14 - Owl- �� } � 4 4 I Ful'.•?L W +rl'iF NEYnSGf'lAE!TMU NERITIKE SOME � 14 HM Rim - - - ' CENTERVIU ' '` ! m yy - PiNES 41 1 1!k • 1 L i r Y 7— B 5 179 Vic a0RTd7 OAn ARDEN HILLS 0 0.5 1 sommary of the Ii I Existing Programs GDWuct6d sOM d 2014 Wb 61 lm"ksts Wargo Nature Center is home base for Anoka County Parks and Recreation program staff. Programs are offered both MY ' - ` ` - v 1 si t Wa rgo at Wargo Nature Center and other locations throughout Trails Anoka County's parks system. Current program offerings . watChirg focus on outdoor recreation, environmental education, outreach, cultural heritage, and special events (see Figure 3.4 on page 16). The outreach program, where Anoka ' ' ` County staff conduct environmental education in area schools, is one of the most successful programs. In total, there are approximately 40,000 annual program and * Urtawareof Wargo orprograms event participants.This is an impressive number,given thecbOtnierit County's relatively small programming staff. Wh at . w •i e I Ike-most • i ut Many of programs and events are the result of partnerships with area organizations,including: Warg r • Local schools Natural character • Connexus Energy Birdiftg • School Forest Partnership Program Programs. • YMCA Camp Heritage • Anoka County Libraries Q 8 • . dock:at bike • Local park and recreation departments Ex pond _ • Volunteers Programs are developed by staff based on current ° recreation trends,equipment availability,and the interestsio - • ' of staff and visitors.Staff capacity,budget,and equipment ' ' and needs are all considered during the program development a ■out • + process.Participant feedback is collected via survey monkey , and informal oral feedback. Paper surveys distributed to summer camp parents is one of the more successful mechanisms currently used. Programs are monitored and o People I is.t emaj I as thelf prefe.r.red adapted based on numbers of participants and participant carnmunication.methad , learn feedback. "out Wargo While programs are offered for all age groups,the County's most successful programs are focused on preschool and school age children. Wargo Nature Center Master Plan - March 2015 FIGURE3A 2013-14 Program Highlights PROGRAN DESCRIPTION. Environmental Education Programs • Programs offered at the Wargo Nature Center,Coon • over 12,000 students served in 2013 Rapids Dam Regional Park,and at schools • Curriculum aligned with MN State Standards Homeschool • First grade to 12th grade environmental education programs allow homeschool children to discover the natural world through hands-on outdoor activities Preschool • Partnership between Wargo Nature Center and Forest Lake Early Childhood Programs • 15 students enrolled in 2013,ages 4-5 • Taught by a licensed preschool teacher and interpretive naturalist Natural Living Series—Adult Classes • The Natural Living Series are adult programs that focus on natural and healthy lifestyle options.Classes include;food preservation,shop local,sustainable gardening,rain barrel workshops and cooking classes Outdoor Recreation Paddle boarding • Fishing programs • Kayaking • Cross Country Skiing • Snowshoeing • Canoeing Podcasts Birdwatching with Bob series Outdoor Recreation Programs • Paddle boarding • Fishing programs • Kayaking • Cross Country Skiing • Snowshoeing • Canoeing Heritage lab(in partnership with Connexus Energy) Program focused on the Native American People • 2,805 students served in 2014 of Minnesota with 8 interactive outdoor learning stations School Forest partnership with Oneka and Linwood - Over 800 students on two campuses(Oneka Elementary Schools Elementary and Hugo Elementary)and over 400 at Linwood Elementary Outreach in partnership with Connexus Energy • A Wargo naturalist visits each classroom in the school • 16,300 students served in 2014 once per season(fall,winter,and spring) Anoka County Library Partnership • Music and local authors at public events Birthday Parties. vvedd:rtgs,community gathen rias re=nral Special Events Y • Snow Day,Ski by the Light of the Moon,Kids Fishing Clinic,Bunker Prairie Stampede SK,Earth Day Celebration,Fall Fest One of the biggest challenges for programming is the need to keep it dynamic; programs must periodically change to `` r reflect evolving trends and participant interests.Tomaintaint r ' successful programs,fill offered programs to capacity,and grow participation there is a need to: t f • Expand and enhance the existing program evaluation =C system,including improving participant and volunteer questionnaires,and annual stakeholder focus groups, tracking programs with waiting lists and new program k ' topic requests. #" • Increase teen and adult program participation. 4l'riF;;;�';r; rj'r,r+ s t,euj r;:!hr n:,!Ace " iWe5tampedeSKo+ --P';ri;;r r,'�ir • Expand volunteer and service learning programs. - Develop distinct programs based on unique park assets and facilities. • Improve self-guided interpretation opportunities. • Continue to monitor and adapt programs based on recreation and education trends,education standards, and participant interests. worgo otters programs for nomescnooi sruaenrs,ana snouia rarger mar group of users for special marketing efforts Wargo Nature Center Master Plan - March 2015 Existing Conditions Marketing and advertising for Wargo Nature Center is currently handled by _ - * '�• the Anoka County Parks and Recreation Department in coordination with the + r 5 Ake.. { _; County's Public Information Office.Primary marketing activities include: Monthly internal Anoka County Parks Marketing&Visitor Services meetings 1W `1 1 " - - • Distribution of three program brochures annually,mailed to all vehicle permit holders and recent program participants r, These brochures cover activities held during the summer,fall/winter, and winter/spring rtr Approximately 6,000 copies are distributed A dedicated webpage for Wargo Nature Center and its programs within the Existing natural trails Anoka County website • Social Media:including Facebook,Twitter,Constant Contact,and Instagram • Staff participation in cooperative meetings with municipalities,school - districts,and other potential partner organizations in order to promote activities,provide efficient use of resources,and collaborate to develop - services i - Programs and events advertised at electronic message/display boards .— • within the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park,Bunker Hills Regional Park, Licensing Centers,and Government Center The oversight of the County Public Information Office of the Nature Center's marketing materials results in the distribution of content that is county-approved, and very attractive graphically. The downside of this arrangement, however, is the lack of control it allows nature center staff on a day to day basis Main entrance to the existing Nature tenter building Developing tools that allow the nature center and recreation staff to better coordinate needs with the Public Information Office and allows for more flexibility in spreading the word about specific programs and events would be beneficial.Needed staff actions and tools include: • Email distribution of announcements regarding specific upcoming programs and events • Email distribution lists of previous and potential visitors,including a general list and more specific,targeted groups such as adults interested in natural R, :� �' +� • living courses,or homeschool families and groups i; •r Expanding social media presence to include Twitter,Instagram,and others as they arise r;�- rs. + -`!;�, •_ More video offerings accessible via the web Working with other nature centers and groups to cross market • Increased communication between programming staff and the County's The existing sign at the Nature Center's main entrance Public Information Office A list of important human needs:as seen from the visitor S" .1 he-Visbr'�&11 of Riot is was,uted 14 hOP as-expsting...--�onditi,ons'and idestif y-qes.at Wa rgo N at ure Center, as.wel I as--p riodtize fbtu re- 0. COMFOR PIT hwgm.ls Visitors need-fast, easy oby.1 ous access.to deAll, safe, barr';er-free restruorr*,Jou Mains, f0pid 64`chang ihq ta 161%, an4 0 soiting. They p 1s0`qpeflu 11 access t6.t9hibits. -42. 0 Rl E NT-AY1 ON. "MAKE IT EASY FOR ME 10-FIN'D MV WAY AROUND. Vit'itqts n-n 6d I'a'Make-sense of.: siA rr oundiqs. Clear signs and we]kplanned spaces help them kffow-what to e�pect,-wh ere to qoT-how-to get there and what it's about. #3,, WELCOME/BELON GI NiG.AWNE-HE FEEL WELCOPI.E. F�edly, 'helpful Waif 64.-w:visitpf s. aojiptt se if .iske thons�lves tcpresOW 1h e.Xhibits-and prnrarns and on.the staff, th ey'i I-feel like-1hey beiobg. 4K,.ENJQYMENT "[WART TO 1HAYFf"11.1. Vlsltq(�vpt to hay.e A.gOd 06*. 11 th.ey'r6n intd:bar r*rs--(Jikt-b'roken exhi bk5i.activities lh�.y-.can't relate to'Jiflti mi"d atIng labels) they can..;g' ek KiStrat eid, bb r6�- c n i 0. 500ALIZING"I SAME TO SMD TIME WffH.MY FAMILY AND FRRIES." MsKbrs c&e.for-a S''O"Cid]-outin'-g'.Voth NMI[y dr f rioh& (fir to ounnect VA:soc at. large) They nteict, 4'n- d �h� Pect to 4; 11 re-f h� oxped'!an cc-,.kh1b.4.5 set the stege for, h is- #6, RESPECT-11ACCEPt ME PK WHO I AN A1164HAT I KNOW" fo be.W. -Opmd-at 1h e ir owhieve I.of knowledge and n Interest They don't,Want exh&st fel im .d . Pb #7.. Co M M U N ItATIOT�"'AiLP kE;UN6EiST'AN' O, AND LEt ME TALK, TOO" ViMors need-a'cwracy.' hon; and clear communication from- labels. programs; and docents. `6d b��Od T�ty omit t;�*qtjesj!qn's.,.A view. #8. -LEA04-i ING' .41 WAWT To LEARN'$0n0h#1G:'lft-n I i1111111'to. (aind theirkids) come to learn.som.thi ng new,but they-learn in dKerent-Way's.ft's i�i purta nt '' '"'[ " t lea ' end at their CoRt r,011 I ng di straOons 66W h d-W Yl�Walike crowds, not:'e-a6d iWrna'V6'n a'ye"Oa�d) N 405`w � to% #9', C.MC. -A Nb:t6 NIT- RiO L "LE ThME CN:':O' DSE-iGIVE-HE SOME MKTM. VIM- e We .000M.Y.: frft-dom 13 cftase; andvxert some--canlrc4, touthing and 9eft-Ing ors.n )H:s --aut tw .... . . .-� . .66�e`ib.WS a"16:6 on.7hey:0 10;Ob'. i6s.46d M- #1 p.--.CHALLENGA-'&t0'N F I PENC t AdIVE M9 AtHALLEW I 01160 1 WMAOW E.-I), Visitors wantto s4ccecd"A ta5kthafs too-easy bares.them;too hard makes therh-anxtous-ProvidingE*oe:d&-.ce.s.Y4.11 match-IhOf'Mde rwiV-of #11. :RE-V1TAL1ZATI0R..4%dP 110.L010 WIRS10, 813'101112' When vMors.;-ar.e.1acused,fully..-engaged, and.enjoying ftiein'sefves tim' 615'tandi they 4el ref -16 V 'Bill of Pighti,�VWto Studies-Ass' - (idn 99Jody-Rand,'The-227-Mile Museum,or, Why ft Need.. Mims' WIG - _ The Wargo Nature Center extends from the peninsula within George Watch Lake, where the nature center building is located, to the Heritage Lab site located across County Road 14 on Peltier Lake.Most visitors access Wargo Nature Center along the 3/4 mile entry drive that is shared with the Anoka County Compost Site, passing through upland, wetland, and prairie areas. Existing conditions and needs at Wargo are discussed at three scales;the full site,the nature center campus, and the nature center building. The full site includes the peninsula within George Watch Lake where the nature center building is located,as well as the Heritage Lab area east of County Road 14.The nature center campus focuses in on the area within the peninsula around the nature center building. Existingter ,'i,%voNature(enter Main Entrance and Entry Drive . — Existing Conditions Public access for the Wargo Nature Center site is along the 3/4 mile, 24'wide paved entry road that is shared with the Anoka County Compost Site. The entrance/entry drive: • Provides a pleasant driving experience as it passes through uplands, wetlands,and prairie Lacks a dedicated lane or trail for bicycles and pedestrians ' - Currently relies on a main entrance sign that does not provide visual ` interest or reflect Wargo Nature Center's mission and vision Needs � 4 • A more prominent entry sign on County Road 14 • Bicycle and pedestrian trail and amenities along the entry drive to connect Wargo Nature Center to the regional trail along County Road 14,and the wider park system Existing kayak storage at the main dc. } 4 • A parking lot for"after-hours"trail access .� The Heritage Lab Existing Conditions The Heritage lab is utilized jointly with the Lino Lakes YMCA and is used to host outdoor programs for three weeks each fall, rotating students through eight different stations and camps in the summer. The area is not open to the general A 1 public. Currently,the area is unimproved, and would benefit from permanent restrooms,reliable shelter,and water. Needs 1 . Permanent restrooms v . Reliable shelter/designated program space Water Existing signage and entry to compost site FIGURE 3.5 Full Site Existing Conditions and Needs Summar RESTORED PRAIRIE ENTRYDRUE -.�. s (MAKING iVA URf CEt TER R BUILDING S 1. A HERITAGB W REGIONAL TRAIL COUNTY PARK TRAIL SNOWMOBILE TRAIL COUNTY PARK BOUNDARY WETLAND POND 0 Need to add facilities to interpret prairie and accommodate maintenance and access ®Need for interpretation at compost site Q Need to enhance entry experience and public access to site for bicycles,pedestrians,and after-hours visitors O Need to enhance entry signage on County Road 14 LID Accessibility improvements and bathrooms needed 0 Overall Lack of trail connections/safe pedestrian routes throughout the full site •Wetlands limit development throughout the full site _j Wargo Nature Center Master Plan -March 2015 LN- Compost Site Existing Conditions One of two Anoka County Compost sites is located near the main entrance to Wargo Nature Center.The site is a drop-off location for Anoka County residents to properly dispose of leaves,grass and tree waste. In its current configuration, the compost site: t • Feels disjointed from the nature center • Detracts somewhat from the entry experience to the nature center Needs r ~- . Improved physical and programmatic integration with the nature center • A partnership with Anoka County's Integrated Waste Management Division to implement proposed improvements Existing conditions at the buildings lower west entry Parking lot outside of entrance gate,near compost site Natural Resources Existing Conditions Wargo Nature Center is unique in that there are four distinct habitats—prairie, woodland, wetland, and water- in a relatively small area. This provides the w opportunity for a diversity of visitor experiences. There are extensive wetland areas,a maple-basswood forest,and a restored prairie: • The restored prairie area provides nice natural surface walking trails and IF currently houses an observation blind in poor condition The extensive wetland system provides excellent bird habitat • The pine plantation in the upland area south of the entry drive is overgrown The Maple Basswood forest on the peninsula includes a strong presence of green ash and buckthorn The existing entry walk as seen from the parking lot Needs ` More proactive utilization and access to the four ecotypes within the full f 4 site • Replacement or removal of the existing blind in the prairie area • Forest management plans that: • Guide actions within in the Maple Basswood forest in anticipation of a : iL ti potential Emerald Ash Borer invasion and existing buckthorn Guide thinning within the pine plantation to improve stand health Existing entrance to the prairie FIGURE3.6 Nature Center Campus Existing Conditions and Needs Summary - ' O Need to make parking lot part of the Nature Center experience ®Entry walk improvements needed to y _ address erosion issues and provide a pleasant entry experience for visitors ®Garage space is limited; need for additional storage Small prairie area is difficult to maintain y i®Amphitheater works well but needs upgrades ' ®Trail to dock needs to be ADA accessible L and accommodate kayak and canoe trailers Fi ®Dock improvements should result in a highly functional, ADA water access station 1 �®Potential to incorporate green i infrastructure and best practices that address stormwater managment,as well as provide interpretive opportunities at x the parking lot and near the building 4 - # 1 *Overall lack of ADA accessible trails throughout the site i Need to provide more dedicated places i _ throughout the site that support a , programming - *General need for better storage and access to outdoor equipment ]*General need to reconsider evening, weekend, and seasonal hours/access to 4--J ' —.4 better align resident needs and desires with budget and staff availability L SS -1 OL f Existing dock and kayak/canoe storage Existing parking lot Wargo Nature Center Master Plan - Murch 2015 - i t The nature center campus consists of the peninsula on George Watch Lake where r 4 the nature center building and outdoor amenities are located. The nature center -' - building and surrounding site is the focal point for most visitors.Much of the daily *- environmental education and outdoor recreation activities take place in the areas adjacent to the building,including the existing dock,trails,open lawn,nature play area,and picnic areas. Circulation !# Existing Conditions 7 • Landscaping around the building that is minimal and does not improve the building as viewed from outside,or reflect a sense of care for nature and our outdoor environment • An entry walk from the parking lot to the building that lacks experiential ' character,does not provide orientation to the site,has erosion issues,is Existrngprogr4m/picnk sr,1f� shared with vehicle access to the building,and does not provide visitors with a clear path to the building's main entrance • A lack of well-defined places for outdoor programming . Trails throughout the site provide access to a large portion of the peninsula F but are not ADA accessible Needs • A more welcoming pedestrian experience from the parking lot to the building } along the entry walk ' ;�* ,� • Greater connectivity between site amenities - Better indoor/outdoor relationship between the building and the area 'P surrounding the building Improved landscaping around the building that includes green infrastructure, 1 � and stormwater management practices to contribute to a sense of place and provide interpretive/demonstration opportunities h1grj;;i[rrrr Amenities `.4 Existing Conditions ' Amenities are the things that attract and retain visitors.Their appeal and cohesion are essential to creating a memorable place that people return to again and again, and tell their friends about.Wargo Nature Center's main campus amenities and their existing conditions include: __ • An amphitheater that is utilized but lacks'curb appeal' r Picnic areas with tables and trash receptacles that are also used as gathering/ programming space • A nature play area east of the building that is underutilized due to a lack of visibility from the building/main walk,an overabundance of tall,exotic grasses,and a lack of attractive play elements �. • A prairie garden north of the building that provides visual interest,but poses Existing amphitheater a maintenance issue and is not designed to be interactive or experiential • A dock that provides access to George Watch Lake,and is utilized for ;`R• : • a y! environmental education and recreation programming,but is not wide enough _' , to comfortably accommodate student groups Needs .IA.�. • • Screen the amphitheater from the maintenance garage and picnic area with . vegetation to create an"outdoor amphitheatre room" • Widen the dock west of the nature center building to better accommodate = - groups,and provide universal accessibility to the dock and water for kayaker/ boaters with disabilities • To be welcoming and inclusive,provide at least one loop of ADA accessible trails on site ` • Improve the nature play area by controlling tall exotic grasses,adding a signature play feature,clarifying circulation,creating strategic openings in the J — tree canopy to create areas of sunshine,and make the play area entrance more ,.,r,n�,ter.^> a,^r Kt s;�,� ,n- .i;rr visible . • Create more self-guided activities for drop-in visitors Support Facilities Existing Conditions Support facilities aretheelements necessary to facilitate the smooth operation ofthe Nature Center. They may not be highlights of the physical site,but they will enhance or detract from user experience based on how well they fit with other elements. ilk Support facilities at Wargo Nature Center and their existing condition include: • The parking lot is in fair condition and provides adequate parking. The parking area lacks shade and runoff filtration • The canoe/kayak storage is separated into three different locations.Boats are stored on racks along the trail to the dock.Rack space is insufficient to accommodate all boats at this time,and leave boats outside during the winter season.The Center's voyageur canoe is housed offsite � :r<'. Existing storage garage • The garage is currently too small to meet every day needs,and lacks visual separation/screening from core campus area • Small storage shed is an outbuilding southwest of the main building that stores life vests,paddles,and other equipment. While functional,this small y building's cottage-style appearance is incongruous with the rest of the campus architecture Needs • Add planting islands,trees,and stormwater filtration areas to the parking lot to capture pollutants and be more welcoming and harmonious with the Nature Center experience ' • Expand and improve current boat storage to accommodate all boats and ensure, proper storage during the winter � • ' '+ # , - Create additional cold storage to supplement the existing garage +'. - Replace or refurbish the existing storage shed to better accommodate gear storage and fit in with the look and feel of the rest of the site Existing storage shed Wargo Nature Center Master Plan - March 2015 - Building _* The two level, 10,000 square foot Nature Center building was built in 1993,and features two multi-purpose classrooms,a display area,a small library,staff office space,fireside seating, preschool space,storage areas,a kitchen,and lunchroom/ craft area. Existing Conditions • Arrival inside the building does not lead to a clear orientation or circulation of the space • The display area,including some animal mounts and display cases,feel static and outdated fxrsr r i t;';�;,c'kp: • The library feels private and visitors are not sure if it is a public space, _ resulting in the underutilization of a great resource • An overall lack of indoor/outdoor relationship-no access to outside from upper classrooms,limited number of windows,views to outside do not add F to natural experience 1 • Staff space is not fully separated from preschool area;noise from one area travels to the other area easily ==` we ir _ # Limited staff space restricts the flexibility to add staff members or have AL. - more separated staff space - _ • Storage capacity does not fully meet program needs EX1s7u;u wo+Iuw-YiriifiriL' • Aging building means that capital repairs will be needed in the near future Needs • Entrance needs distinction to attract visitors from the outside 11-1- ^ • Orientation inside the building needs improvement i }' 17 � Display area needs incorporation of sensory,interactive displays — -{ • Library should be welcoming and comfortable • Additional windows and attention to views from inside the building . Reconfiguration of space to provide quiet,private space for staff EJ!lStil;r; Improved storage WEPS - Full assessment of mechanical systems AV Existing library FIGURE 3.7 Existing Building Floor Plan-Main Level Provide some lower Ensure accessible door hardware coat hooks throughout Ensure no abrupt » Ensure appropriate signage rise greater than 1/4" throughout Ensure appropriate tension at all Provide a 36"wide doors section of counter n Ensure single effort operation faucet at 36"above the hardware at all sinks ground u Ensure fully compliant parking Latch issue Office Provide top Classrooms edge of sink at 34" Provide towels at 40" Ensure a fully compliant Ensure tactile identification elevator j J fid ,. �. - � I CJI r � + :.�• -�� F Existing display window T. T Existing lower level staff othce Wargo Nature Center Master Plan - March 2015 FIGURE 3.8 Existing Building Floor Plan-Lower Level » Ensure accessible hardware throughout » Ensure appropriate tension on all doors Provide a 5' wide stall within toilet rooms Office Multi-purpose room Ensure fully compliant elevator Ensure tactile identification T Preschool Ensure tactile identification Lower towels Ensure no abrupt rise to 40" greater than 1/4" n Ft r ` LA to-. . r .a Existing preschool classroom Existing staff space Needs that cover programs,marketing,as well as physical improvements to the nature center site and building outlined in this chapter are the basis for goals and strategies presented in Chapter 4.Overall,there is a need to: • Improve awareness about the nature center and programs - Increase connectivity to other activity areas within the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park and nearby communities • Enhance the Wargo experience by improving the entry and sense of welcome • Develop a regional niche among nature centers • Improve the drop in visitor experience by enhancing existing activities and providing more to do • Improve outreach and program participation • ;`fir 1- Jj V. e4r 'y't Exhting display mounts in main entry area of building Existing programming ffivw,es homeschooi courses Nq .11 4- t ` IP At' AN k f Existing rain garden Existing parking lot looking north Wargo Nature Center Master Plan - March 2015 JL � � ' it � • � K i _FI t This chapter is divided into two sections;goals and strategies and the development plan. Goals and strategies address Goals both the softscape (programs, marketing and operations) and the hardscape, or physical improvements to the Wargo Nature Center site and building.The development M k w ea k 4 plan provides more detail on the recommended physical improvements that are needed to support enhanced M �+ ` ' programs and operations. -# IrKmne .L _cuft ,F : #,+ Nature i t L 1 L '}11 ■' 1 �r The prevailing vision for Wargo Nature Center's future is Gwf IF 1 e i Wi to increase visits to the nature center, improve the visitor 4 . a L r , _, experience,and promote greater program participation.Six goals and associated strategies for physical improvements, cxw marketing, programs, and operations are identified that # work to achieve this vision. " 05 .0 # L i F 4 1 W .r Y a •rlserVe cUrrerdcore1 S I i ir. and WLnewprogram '1i y Y' 97 1 •w yr.• 604. Wargo Nature Center Master Plan - March 2015 F l Goal #1: Increase awareness of Wargo Nature Center and County-wide outdoor recreation and environmental education programs and events - Strategies: 1. Add prominent and welcoming signage: a. At the main entrance on Highway 14 that is reflective of Wargo's vision as a place to interact with nature b. That is visible from Interstate 35W northwest of the prairie li c. At the entrance to the Heritage Lab area,promoting the use of the _ walking/hiking trails east of Highway 14 d. At the Peltier Lake boat launch to indicate to boaters the location of the _ _ } . : •F- r. - r = Nature Center on George Watch Lake A _•,<<„irysign along Highivo? will 2. Improve Wargo's digital presence on the web with video,an Instagram feed, I,v oility of Wargo _ smart phone apps,etc d W.: '' '4 3. Improve marketing: ' a. Work with the Anoka County Public Information Office to improve ti. 'F awareness of programs and events b. Conduct additional special events to increase awareness c. Expand cross and target marketing(home schools,other nature centers, cities,partner organizations,YMCA,etc) d. Create an-on line video of Wargo activities to give potential visitors a sense of what the site and programs have to offer e. Direct e-mail market to past visitor and program participants Goal #2: Increase connectivity to Wargo Nature Center k. Strategies: .;",gill 1. Create a non-motorized trail/ boardwalk connection to the YMCA and Lino r+!I, .':,-.'t{irr rN,i �rFi er'If Lakes 2. Improve the pedestrian and bicycle connection along the entry drive to the Central Anoka County Regional Trail `. 3. Establish the water trail between Wargo Nature Center and the Rice Creek a~ Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve campground: - F a. Provide maps at Wargo,the campground,and on-line "F b. Expand canoe and kayak rentals to the campground I ` Goal #3: Improve the entry experience and sense of welcome,from CSAH 14 to the building Strategies: 1. Create nature experience pullouts along the entry road that are accessible after hours addinga few parking spaces and interpretation at the compost Water trail wa ndin would increase connective to p g p p p � g connectivity site and prairie Wargo Nature Center via George Watch Lake 2. Partner with Integrated Waste Management to use the compost site as a learning experience - for example compost demonstration area with interpretive information 3. Add welcome and wayfinding signage ' 4. Enhance the natural experience between the parking lot and the building WHAT rs CWPMIINGI� by adding native plantings,a learning station,and seating along the entry path - 5. Make the building's main entry more visible 6. Screen the dumpsters and garage with vegetation _ 7. Separate visitor access (by foot) along the main entry walk from - maintenance and operational access(by vehicle) 8. Improve the landscaping around the building a. Screen the service area on the southwest corner of the building b. Reflect the center's vision by investing in and caring for native - = - plantings Interp!'+�rr,,r,',G't�,;.rhfi;F ,rlr if dill }5?slte with V; c. Add a'pollinator pathway'thru the garden north of the building to xV1 M -; �Y provide an interpretive opportunity and provide easier access for , maintenance t ri r ' d. Screen the amphitheater with vegetation to create an`outdoor room' - t experience Goal #4: Increase programming around `Essential Experiences': Water Access, r Access to Four Ecotypes,Birding,and Tree Houses(Outdoor Classroom:; , Strategies: 1. Create indoor exhibits 2. Build and utilize new learning station platforms, dock access, and boardwalks to create water stewardship demonstrations and water- oriented recreation 3. Create interpretive exhibits that introduce visitors to the four ecotypes at Wargo,and provide a deeper understanding of their ecology Features that filter runoff and provide vegetative 4. Add an outdoor classroom structure to the restored prairie area for buffers soften the parking lot experience programs 5. Improve birding programs with focused exhibits, habitat improvements, viewing areas,nest cams,and special events tailored around seasonal bird activities st 6. Build and utilize a"Tree House"classroom for outdoor programs, events, and rentals * T 7. Create an ADA actessible'Wild Things trail loop that showcases the four *Jh ecotypes and birding 8. Create a trail segment thru the uplands area,south of the entry drive and ' compost site I ri 4 9. Prepare a forest management plan to address Emerald Ash Borer,thinning �t of existing pine plantings, management of the maple basswood and floodplain forests - _- p A boardwalk an deck brings visitors in close contact with water and wildlife,adding to Wargds Essential Experiences" Wargo Nature Center Master Pian - March 2015 Goal #5: 3 Improve the drop-in visitor experience WI Strategies: . 1. Expand access and/or hours of operation: a. Expand building hours on weekends and evenings b. Allow non-staffed after-hours access by the moving the entry gate i# ` further west and adding an easterly parking/turnaround for trail access �r s near the prairie entrance ` c. Create a trailhead at the Heritage Lab Site to encourage hiking/walking during un-programmed hours 2. Create temporary,flexible outdoor learning stations/demonstration tables ` (staffed or stand-alone)on select weekends 3. Bring nature indoors: Native planting, visual interest,as t fdl as4 opportunities l,1, ,--xrvvingand fostering wrrflife a. Provide interactive exhibits in the lobby b. Provide a viewing balcony that extends over the current lunchroom area 4 'f to bring visitors closer the west windows/views 4 ` c. Enhance views from other building windows by improving the }. landscape ' d. Create an outdoor'tree house'classroom accessible from the building = e. Construct an outdoor deck off the classrooms on the south side of the I � building TI -� -- - 4. Make the nature play area more visible and functional: a. Add a second entrance to the nature play area that is visible from the main entry sequence b. Add a signature play feature c. Clarify circulation within nature play area d. Control tall exotic grasses within nature play area + 5. Create a longer walking experience on site by connecting the Nature Center .'i pier Pfi'r}if!li r!'1:�1 ill.ri ir:'Ii+i;F if':1fr�h"Ij 'f�.fir to the Heritage Lab Site,restored prairie,upland trail,and regional trail system 6. Improve infrastructure and support facilities with alight touch'in keeping with the natural setting: a. Consider the use of sustainable building materials and technologies for all future capital improvements. - Goal #B: Better serve current core program audiences and expand new program } audiences Strategies: .e . 1. Expand adult outreach&programs: a. Expand adult program offerings b. Improve volunteer participation and outreach c. Develop service learning programs A signature feature in the nature play area will help d. Develop a young naturalist program to train high school students as draw visitors to the nature play area volunteer weekend naturalists 2. Enhance or formalize communication with local schools and homeschool organizations to align programming with curriculum needs 3. Consider off-site program expansion beyond schools to other groups/settings 4. Expand on-line video programs along the lines of'Birding with Bob'series 5. Improve the visitor and program participant feedback system: w �,•� a. Continue to administer program participant feedback surveys b. Conduct quarterlyfocus group meetings with stakeholders such as volunteers,homes school participants,program participants,non- participants,teachers,and potential partners to measure program ; satisfaction,identify program improvements,identify new program and partner opportunities,identify new markets and communication/ marketing opportunities 6. Improve the Heritage Lab site with eight outdoor classroom structures and a 4 JAI — - An outdoor observation deck and birding platform weather shelter will encourage visitors to enjoy and study the prairie 7. Increase staff resources with increases in program participation: ecotype a. Renovate building to allow for modest staff expansion 8. Improve storage capacity: a. Consider enhancing access to the existing storage building with access off the parking lot and/or offsite storage b. Add covered,all season boat and equipment storage near the dock, replacing the current shed west of the building Goal #7: Improve Financial Sustainability 1. Increase revenue a. Fill current programs and expand programs b. Expand equipment and rental opportunities 2. Expand Partnerships s r 3. Seek more grant opportunities 4. Consider a State Bond Request for improvements outlined in this plan Outdoor classrooms shelters in the Heritage Lab will 5. Create a Friends of Wargo group for funding and advocacy provide shade and other ammenities for daycampers 6. Continue phased upgrades to reduce building energy use/costs 7. Maximize use of volunteers Wargo Nature Center Master Plan - March 2015 The master plan development concepts are organized by ti full site, the nature center campus, and the nature center ` building.The full site includes the entire Wargo peninsula, as well as the Heritage Lab site east of Highway 14. The Wargo campus area focuses on the areas adjacent to the nature center building, including the parking lot and 'LL primary water access site. The building improvement concepts focus on plans for the building itself. ..r The full site concept shows the relationship between the Nature Center building and the larger site. Elements Bituminous ADA accessible trails willallowfor use ofthe'WildThings'loopby include connections to the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Water people of all abilities Trail,the Lino Lakes YMCA,and the Heritage Lab Area.Also shown are the locations of primary signage, proposed connections and additions to the prairie and upland area, yy and the secondary water access site and viewing platform. Boardwou(s pro viae connections ana experiential opportunities r. AddWonW signage: r ! andwelcomeat 1 • . r F1 . launch i' Emy.drivei t t. t ,r a for slured.vehideftyclelpedost6wrrttr of t -gate;,added parWrig, .. rInIgpretiverf tm New tral In uplands !' tug r t i ��e Lab trallhead"ared' r . 6+ Heftg'er mom Secondary '.1 ..-.. - a 1 1 r platform :I connecWnr ..YMCA and D .i ;-. -W Center + r, r t t t.0 0 PraiMbuilding r i CSW14 4 1 CENTRALANOKA QMTY REGIONAL TUL €� I � m .................. ....... dor o •:1^:.r�.�.a.n. }. Ogg JU iz _ o Jg �LL � _ � rel : �' � �• I _ ' �rL PE TAY Y --Itlpr.,� L � je WX LZ rm Ta' +� F1 J �I � + I �� •5 DIY, F_ ■ # LL - The Wargo Campus concept shows improvements around the ADA'Wild Things`loop, a gravel service area and drive, the Nature Center Building,and include redevelopment of the proposed treehouse classroom,additional storage,and the parking lot, entry walls, primary water access station, a signature play feature for the nature play area. and landscaping around the building. New items include FIGURE4.3 Entry Walk Renderina OV • rn TA,I- 4�_2: '- A landscaped entry and v r.+;-. 1- ,r,-ate a sense of place and orient visitors to Wargo. e.-enities include bic v! ADA trail access,seating, _-ww;r,;that can be utilized as outdoor program space or'r;r:,rpretive nodes. I( 4 6 a"-node.--andwalkway SeparateM I INUd Thinge ADA 16*pretW trWI 1i Add F I • mphfthwler to provide screen Nature play areal F a �. i U Birdthiplantings {jWest entry.9affiedng area and landscape 1 F 1e: F F - - NF F I} Im, • fr . * And r space Q ,seea t . � : 7� r e F i 11accessibleF i . i p k; F r a k Wargo Nature Center Master Plan - March 2415 Physical improvements to the Nature Center building focus on making the interior space more dynamic and _ welcoming for visitors,as well as modifications that improve functionality for staff. Improvements that call attention to the main entrance to the building from the entry walk will help orient visitors to the center. Reorientation of the current reception desk will help visitors know where to go upon arrival. Other important improvements include the updating of current displays in the main lobby to provide visitors with a more hands-on,interactive experience. Improvements to the indoor/outdoor relationship include the addition of windows,and additional doors that provide ncourage hands-on experiences greater access between the inside and out. A balcony that extends over the lower level cafeteria/craft area will bring rr visitors closer to the west facing windows that provide views of the Wargo campus. Staff and storage spaces are also reconfigured to allow for more convenient access to equipment and flexible space to accommodate staffing needs and provide the appropriate ' separation of public and private space. i # - +�i With the addition of an outdoor 'Treehouse' classroom Wargo will gain a memorable space that visitors will enjoy for a variety of programs and events. t ��u?rtunitlesshc trr;,�,:�s^�._�;,:�� * Now artful sbdw to main-enVwu Recwfigured welcome He'4--esigried o.b; Eirdera.cu've .rte r i 1 1 k... i 4 0 I pdassroonts 'a ReconfigUred kwr-knel with more.-staff andpubkq�am Ai __ Indoor exhibit space and interpretation follows aclear path andis well-lit *Concept plans for building improvements are flexible FIGURE4.4 Building Improvements Concept Plan-Main Level ENTRANCE STRUCTURES-- \ 1�, ADD OOORTO SECURE COAT ROOMTO ADD FLEXIBILITY EI'i OF USE POSSIBLE GATE FOR OFF SIGHT LINESfDAriIGHTTO - �- HOURS-ASE OF ENTRANCE TOILET ROOMSWHOMS W HEN '• � BUILDING IS CLOSED Ar --------------------------- DECK ADDITION ADD DOORS TO ti ; --- EXPAND STAFF SPACE INTO 'r€ •LI(�.?4 r UNDERUTILIZED —UPGRADE LIG M ' CORRIDOR I - _ /// / FANS TOAND i ��ccc ADD CEILING FANS TO � J L� IMPROVE CIRCULATION IN V SPACE r FIRESIDECnjqrppiSEATINGADD ADDITIONAL LEOGE ATENDSOFROOMTO ORGANIZE MOUNTING DISPLAYS %j J7 � ADDED WINDOW F y F IT•w- V PROJECTING BALCONY SEAT AND FLEYIB�, EXTENDS VIEWS TO LAKE TABLES/CHAIRSTO I k4E#IKI.Cf ; 1 ENHANCE USE 1 •hIIE'I,1 T,•yyl t _ O D0O 5 CLASSROOM ' ' ACCESS FIGURE4.5 Building Improvements Concept Plan-Lower Level STAFF ACCESS DOOR ANDTRANSOM WINDOWS FULL HEIGHT SEPARATION BETWEEN SCHOOL AND STAFF WITH TRANSOM WINDOWS REORIENTS BUT MAINTAI NS PRESCHOOL 5Z \ r ri v u ,1-y•r; REMOVE RAIL EXTENSION SPACE STORAGE i l+I I'..•.t �PROVIDES 40 LINEAR FELT k OFSTORAGE f'�• ✓�I d SHELVING DDEPo nFFICF t OFF SITE STORAGE ADDITIONAL DAYLIGHT FOR OFFICES ADDITIONAL DAYLIGHT FOR PRESCHOOLJ ACCESS Wargo Nature Center Master Plan - March 2015 FIGURE4.6 Treehouse and West Entry Gathering Area Rendering E� `rS f■■■■llMIN s p ... 110 P Y� I Improvements to the building and surrounding landscape improve the indoor/outdoor relotlonsnip. FIGURE4.7 Building Improvement Concept-North Elevation EINRANCE 5TRUC URE IF FIGURE4.8 Building Improvement Concept-East Elevation ACCESSIBLETREE HOUSE ;RECT ACCESS FROM INTERIOR AND OOMSTOOUTDOOR CLASSROOMS w AND SITE - - _ COVERED CLASSROOM WITHIN ACCESSIBLE CONNECTION OUTOOORCLASSROOM/LEARNING ACCESSIBLETREE HOUSE DECK JL � - � — . � � - < A w» w�s, *m.p p v £@ K�U7Gem�Egnr p NIP, !� f � , o � � ,•- . k� . do Storm water»GAcmMfmmb;a sxm.9mm m IaKe&aay �dm: i mrmmmewer p7oAnies ] l ■ ■e } - - \\�� . r . 2 pod Them&Greas� ep2o/e eop! Uceonda£vmzlsite mfr &&dwlakscniso Wgathering)ales Wargo Nature Center Master Plan . March 2015 f{lam •4 t dr ld dl 'F? VL N ti #71� 4 Ak 4ti F. ilL ON dr Ak J loll 1 to The Master Plan identifies the future vision for Wargo Nature Center and the goals,strategies,including physical improvements, to achieve that vision. Implementing the plan will take continued effort in terms of staff time and funding and is intended to be phased over time, as resources are available. This chapter addresses phasing, funding resources, costs and to implement the plan.The chapter is divided into four sections. The operational plan addresses timing and actions for the'softcape'elements of the plan:staffing, marketing,and operations.The phasing plan addresses physical improvements, the 'hardscape' elements.This is followed by a cost estimate for site and building improvements and potential funding resources. Wargo Nature Center Master Plan - March 2015 The operational plan addresses timing and actions for the 'softcape' elements of the plan: staffing, marketing, and operations. Goal Strategies Action Required Timeline #i: Increase Signage/wayfinding at the Peltier Lake Design and install sign 2015 awareness boat launch that indicates the location of Wargo of the Nature Center on George Watch Nature Center Lake and county- wide outdoor Improve Wargo's digital presence on Develop an annual digital media plan with Annually recreation and the web with video,an Instagram feed, recreation,nature center,and marketing environmental smart phone apps,etc. department staff education Improve marketing Develop an annual strategic marketing Annually programs and plan for in coordination with Anoka County Quarter) • Work with the Anoka County y events Pu blic Information Office to Public Information Office.Meet quarterly to improve awareness of programs track progress. Month) and event Formally coordinate marketing activities y between the nature center and marketing staff. ..........................................................................._.............................................................----------------------............................................................................................... . • Expand cross and target Address as part of the annual marketing Annually marketing (home school strategic plan community,other nature centers, cities,partner organizations, YMCA,etc) ................................................... ....................................................................................................................................... -------------------------- Create -----------------Create an-on line video of Develop a series of short(less than 3 2015 Wargo activities to give potential minute)viedos highlighting specific visitors a sense of what the site a programs at Wargo-water sports&rentals, programs have to offer winter sports,summer drop in activities,and summer camps. .........."I ........................................................ ........................................................... ........... • Direct e-mail market to past Develop mechanisms to allow recreation On-going visitor and program participants and nature center staff greater control over direct email marketing to past program participants ........................................................ ...................................-.................."I... ............................................................ -- -- - ----................... • Conduct additional special events Develop and hold one additional annual Annually to increase awareness special event Goal Strategies Action Required Timeline #2: Increase Establish the water trail between Develop and provide maps at Wargo,the 2016 connectivity to Wargo Nature Center and the Rice campground,and on-line Wargo Nature Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Center Expand canoe and kayak rentals to the Reserve campground campground #3: Improve the Obtain funding for capital projects Budget for phased physical improvements On-going entry experience Expand partnerships in the County's annual Capital Improvement and sense of Plan welcome, from CSAH 14 to the Identify partnerships for implementation building Apply for grants 2015-2020 #4: Increase Improve birding programs Install nest cams&stream on-line 2015-2020 programming with focused exhibits,habitat Repair bird blinds at Wargo Nature Center around Essential improvements,viewing areas, nest Experiences': cams,and special events tailored Create birding exhibit in Wargo Water Access, around seasonal bird activities Nature Center Lobby detailing birding Access to Four opportunities in Anoka County Ecotypes, Birding, and Tree Host one seasonal birding event .......................................................... . House (Outdoor Prepare a forest management plan to Prepare forest management plan Classrooms) address Emerald Ash Borer,thinning of existing pine plantings,management of the maple basswood and floodplain forests .......................................................... ................................................................. Develop programs around new During the design process for new spaces On-going program spaces as they are built identify potential programs,space/design (boardwalks,expanded docks,tree requirements,equipment,staff needs,and house,etc.) partnership opportunities #5: Improve the Expand access and/or hours of Expand building hours on weekends and 2015-2016 drop-in visitor operation evenings experience Expand staff hours to coincide with rental demands ..................................................... ................................................................. Create temporary,flexible outdoor Staff or develop volunteer program for On-going learning stations/demonstration temporary learning stations(touch and feel tables(staffed or stand-alone)on tables,water resources,geocaching)on select weekends weekends Wargo Nature Center Master Plan - March 2015 Goal Strategies Action Required Timeline #6: Better Expand outreach&programs Expand adult program offerings On-going serve current Train volunteers to assist naturalists with core program audiences programs and expand Develop service learning programs new program Develop a young naturalist program to train audiences high school students as volunteer weekend naturalists .......................................................... ................................................I................ .................. Consider off-site program expansion Identify and meet with potential other off- 2017 beyond schools to other groups/ site program audiences to test market and settingsspecific audience needs .......................................................... ................................................................. I................. Expand on-line video programs along Produce an on line video program that 2075 the lines of`Birding with Bob' highlights each of Wargo's four ecotypes .......................................................... ................................................................. .................. Enhance or formalize communication Hold an annual focus group meeting with On-going with local schools and homeschool each group organizations to match programming with curriculum needs .......................................................... ................................................................. ................... Improve the visitor and program Conduct semi-annual or annual focus On-going participant feedback system group meetings with stakeholders such as volunteers,homeschool participants, program participants,non-participants, Continue to administer program teachers,and potential partners to participant feedback surveys measure: • program satisfaction • identify program improvements • identify new program and partner opportunities • identify new markets and communication/marketing opportunities .......................................................... ................................................................. .................. Increase staff resources Add staff along with increases in program As needed participation Goal Strategies Action Required Timeline #7: Improve Increase revenue Adjust program mix based on trends, On-going Financial Fill current programs and expand participation rates,and participant feedback Sustainability programs Coordinate hours for equipment rental at 2015 • Expand equipment and rental Wargo Nature Center with rental demand opportunities Expand rental offerings at the campground 2015-2020 Offer and market the tree house and other As spaces new program spaces for private rental are developed .................................................. ................................................................. ..I................ Expand Partnerships Actively work to enhance partnerships with: On-going • Anoka County Integrated Waste Management through incorporated recycling into the on-site and off-site programs and interpretive displays • The Cities of Lino Lakes, Blaine,and Centerville • Connexus Energy,YMCA,and municipal parks and recreation departments • Rice Creek Watershed District ......................................................... ................................................................. .................. Seek more grant opportunities Dedicate staff time to grant writing. On-going Use Edith Wargo Powers Endowment as leverage for matching grant funds On-going .......................................................... ................................................................. .................. Consider a State Bond Request Identify priority projects and begin State 2015-2016 Bond Request Process .......................................................... ................................................................. .................. Create a Friends of Wargo group for Work with Anoka County Parks and 2016-2020 funding and advocacy Community Services Committee to identify potential founding members Hold focus group with existing volunteers to test idea .......................................................... ................................................................. .................. Continue phased upgrades to reduce As building system upgrades are needed, On-going building energy use/costs replace systems with energy efficient models .......................................................... ................................................................. .................. Maximize use of volunteers Develop new programs that combine On-going education with volunteer training& events(service learning,teen naturalists, wildlife counts,invasive species control, construction of small wildlife viewing blinds, bird boxes,etc.) Expand opportunities for trained volunteers Coordinate volunteer activities with Friends of Wargo group Wargo Mature Center Master Plan -March 2015 KEY:C�See Full Site Phasing Plan Cf See Wargo Campus Phasing Plan The Wargo Nature Center master plan has been developed A Signage&wayfinding to support phased implementation. Improvements are organized into near term(0-5 years),mid-term(5-12 years), B Entry drive improvements:bike&pedestrian and long term(12+years)phases.Phasing allows forareas of lane and parking areas the overall project to be completed in independent stages. It is anticipated that near-term projects will be built first, Entry node and walkway Z but the Master Plan remains flexible so that projects can be implemented as partnership or funding opportunities 'WildThings'ADA interpretive loop Q m arise. E ADA trail/dock to water station Priorities were developed based on input from the core project team, and reflect the needs and knowledge F Nature play area entrance and improvements of staff, visitors, and other stakeholders that provided G Heritage Lab classroom structures ('D m input throughout the process. The first phase focuses CJ on more easily implementable improvements, as well as H Interior space reconfiguration N improvements that address issues such as visitor safety, ADA accessibility,place-making,and erosion.Long-term,or f Rental storage improvements third phase improvements, include items that will require larger capital investments and may take more time to J Woodland garden restoration secure partnerships and funding for implementation. K Parking lot improvements I. Service area and drive V Indoor interpretation/displays M Upland trail loop N Heritage Lab area parkingk o West entry gathering area and landscape improvements P Amphitheatre screen planting # Q Bird thicket plantings R Treehouse classroom s Open field T Heritage Lab weather shelter r U Secondary water access site&bird ing platform N 0 V Connection to the Lino Lakes YMCA + Z ,-,-< l) W Boardwalk connection to the prairie (p X Prairie building % M LA � Full Site Phasing Plan ",..'I RE&D I . • ?AAIPoE }(��; A t AN w ' � 1>?� �• T 4' ` dim �' ~•`� �. s.-rr,,-�'r��Ya,�.':.��. .S t Wargo Campus Phasing Pk. LI o 1 00 ,4-"reaq r Wargo Nature Center Master Plan-March 2015 `= •-!'f;.�•� :� _ � At present, Wargo has a wide array of funding sources, ranging from its own operating budget to private grants and endowments,with approximately 75% of its operating budget coming from the Anoka County budget.Current funding sources include: Wargo Nature Center Operations Budget •• Metro Regional Parks Rehab and Enhancement Program Metro Regional Parks C.I.P. •, Metro Regional Parks and Trails Legacy Program L Edith Wargo Powers Endowment Koch Pipeline Company Easement Funding(one-time) - Connexus Energy Grant 1 Ourdacxyard Nature rrescnoollsoffered at the In order to realize the funding required to make the proposed improvements in Nature Centerthroughapartnershipwith theforest this plan, additional funding strategies will need to be pursued. Staff currently Lake Family Center devotes some capacity to pursue federal, state, and foundation grants to help support the operations and development of the Center, but grant funding should be supplemental to other additional sources. Potential new funding strategies include: • Increase revenue return from rentals,programs,and events • Seek grants through new opportunities • 5 Seek matching funds using the Edith Wargo Powers Endowment as leverage ' c Consider a State Bond Request k�: �1• ' Create a Friends of Wargo group for funding and advocacy t Continue phased upgrades to reduce building energy use/costs Wargonaturalistsprovideprogrammingatdesig- Partnership with the University of Minnesota's College of Design Architecture Department nated school forests offered in collaboration with area elementaryschools As the mission, vision and goals of Wargo Nature Center match or overlap with other organizations, potential partnerships should be explored to share resources to help implement the redevelopment plans.As such,Wargo should actively work to increase and enhance partnerships with: • Anoka County Integrated Waste Management through incorporated recycling into the on-site and off-site programs • The Cities of Lino Lakes,Blaine,and Centerville I P, 4k - Connexus Energy,YMCA,and municipal parks and recreation departments Rice Creek Watershed District With the aid of a Minnesota Agriculture in the Classs- room grant,Wargo added a farm to Market Summer camp in 2013 CURRENT PARTNERSHIPS F Wargo Naluf e--Center:currently-haj :several suc ce ssrui ppirtnershi ps.:w1th the UhNter,.Oty or M innesota,.Connexus Energy, the YMCA. Anoka County LA bra fies Far-est Lake Family Cmbe,.-8nd Oneka-arid U nwood Ele menta ry S rho ol Forests: Tv�o Nr porWt phhek h I 0�ars hii�hl[9h60 Wok University of Minnesota Fartnect4ip The-U ni versity.'Of M i n ne5ota School of Design -A rr.h itectu Fe Grogram, wl I be 0!.tfteri n'g with t hO Arieka ("ntyRa*r anti Recreation,Department in the designand irkstal la'tion.6f!va r i ety'of'siructu rE!-s afidenhak.em.e nts aT IhL-Wa kgo Nature Center.Thea -a're.1 sevOial k0t,ing,6116 a.,flv&s 4idlihe:d In i116 i.1 ew NbUi re Centef Master Mari tha t4re well 5 Li imd to this endqA,or. in a 5Crtinq In Me sp�lng of �Q 1.6. qlr6dua,t6 Wv'el -.suidiints wlll .bi� enqaV!�:d re, e; ritbr.This desjgWbul.ld prqqr,�M W-Psthg qn al life" pr6je M- M thO NA,t r -Ce wOl- e .Ulowed with-hands-on pioduolqn during the,summer months:.It.i5 Wo`s ffildfire autrw pwo;j fst"pporled by: anticipated zhat.t-he pf ogram coui d Ja�,Oor 5evi.-ralyea r s. .&rrnvw.fnfrw The n6vy e6ij�borati6fi wi I I alsp- include f Ns-d6vO lopmehl 6f �tOtEgi�-for se;c7uriog matching fundi �tn jo_advance the p ()J%tfro�.n a ILM"ni ar.d en.O.U5.0 of the:Univemity of M i n nesota..Arr hjtE!CtU re Orogram. .7 he Cpunty;*11 abb b� 10kinq W-an t5 W be comb]n 6d With the�d ith Wargo Fund to u nderwnte-the.- Ost of Can a ezus-Ene rgy Partnership Con r�Rus Energybas-been an outstanding s uppa rt erg a nlWjon for.-the.Anoka Q u ntq-'Faft'aad 116t-rleat jbn 060m6em forgiver 20 yeays,Xonnaxus Energy,--a P Mal MIS to,M,e MM.fj utflq��-hzi�..OioVided fi6�60al wppqrt of w6r. 5500,000 - e, .f6.r two jow.a: in ing prdgra ffi.�j-. ThanksW C66QOxq.Vs riefbuS C tstl iuirwg 6nandal 5qpporr, over 600,066 .s.t6tl6ki6'Ano`ka'.6 nt an, i4ritaje Labprqq rorns.-The Wild H F4'06iri' hpr"Eam Is pr6V1idvd'fh,-e1p- I'Xil O- Qols a!id.ptpvj 6Rs -O- n141 n nespta--4oni mii"a is an 10d rma I -an d,ftin rn anner.-The ikildlife Obt�eKh FrPOM I s�qn.d.u�-ted 6..Fy:.s6ft ni-�tq.rAsls wedrov-tab dqdMP' aff -at'va f!aius,4s;-_hc6o1-sities in the -norih-ern metro area. School-group0.5e a qTrNwomf 16pic feorh a'.I[st 0 aight-pv�sibW MN animals.to augment the]r cu eric ulu w.The Pre.s.eq_ b pns.'are ab-60 45 inUt6 ,t ft. �jqofous ch the zinimaYs habicaL -A8ap6Io'n5.:on 'ds Sues, �dn.os -."UhM b.ri q!th�e 4pnhiia Is to 0 si46nt a, :P -P-0" u�-dll�E� mwmation. brechure,t4at�cqve�rs key Tn Nr*4:66t0o N6'Wiaje Lipb'tra�v!l t.he-dygha,day.]M9 Il V414 hWo'rj piogrash. Is-..a f u lfdo�, f NiN tr tagpi 4 f6056s h di time peri 0 - out-door day-aiidpartidpate,i n hands-ton.activiticesthat I vp�y:qri historical ipwic.d-sq�- aS, the Wyage'ktr Era,-M in neseta 60 1 iing,Ml ning,&Lumbering,Naelve.Arnerk'a n S� .;and Ahe GVf1 Wae 4g, StUCI PntS-stilly.-6gAje J F1 the U.Me peiftd:a s.xhie-area I tra r iS f 9.r-6 i d,j F)t 0 a- E'.6 M".ei "p"e"'floid 3hd g4ff;iri O'Ob_ev� We'dh the.WSO fta: f hd. M..d' A. lOr'amv.ana. j�. W4IJ6t3flffein'a giyeRli=ne 00d. 'Witho'dt- th,O"t 6heln d oUt. finaridiil assiswilce "of Connexus- 6er-gy, these. . pip Ora-Ms.,,YiO.0.Id rcpt h.iaplp�n.: The preliminary cost estimate shows a total redevelopment cost of approximately $6.0 million(2015 dollars)to implement all proposed improvements.Near term phase redevelopment is estimated at$2.4 million;mid-term phase at$1.2 million; and long-term phase at $2.4 million. These figures include contingencies for construction and engineering. Wargo Nature tenter Master Plan - March 2015 ■ L1 FI • ,'IWf�f ' I _ 4 Ik 4' k + { H - Master Plan Kick Off Meeting.......................A2 Focus Group Session.....................................A7 Wargo NatureCenterQuestionnaire.........A15 Vision Meeting................................................A33 Goals&Strategies Meeting........................A37 Programming&Marketing Meeting .........A40 Peer Review Meeting......................................A43 Wargo Nature Canter Master Plan-March 2015 Creating Places that Enrich People's Lives Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. [MIN fflu Joseph E. Wargo Nature Center Master Plan Anoka County Parks Master Plan Kick Off Meeting Thursday, January 23, 2014 9:30 AM - Noon Wargo Nature Center Agenda 1. Introductions County staff,HKGi and MDA 2. County goals, desires. needs and outcomes for the Master Plan Desired outcomes? Key needs and opportunities? Niche/role? Audience? 3. Master planning process overview Discuss any additional data/information needs 4. Programs and activities at Wargo Overview by County staff S. Building tour/evaluation and site tour/evaluation 6. Next steps Stakeholder and visitor on-line survey with display board—Draft survey questions Stakeholder focus group sessions(2) County o ID participants.Set target dates for sessions. Needs assessment summary Feb.-March—Vision Work sessions(z)one at Wargo and one at HKGi Peer group session 4-6 participants ID participants—MN Tourism Science Museum,... 123 North Third Street,Suite 100,Minneapolis,MN 55401-1659 www.hkgi.com Ph(6I2)338-0800 Joseph E. Wargo Nature Center Master Plan Summary of January 23, 2014 kick off meeting with Anoka County staff Consulting staff from HKGi and MDA met with representatives of Anoka County to discuss Wargo Nature Center existing conditions, programs, desires and opportunities for the future. The purpose of the meeting was to set the stage for the master plan process. Key elements of the discussion are summarized below. Master Plan Goals: Increased use of Wargo and recreation program visits county-wide. Increased awareness of Wargo. Find what is special and unique (niche) about Wargo compared to other nature centers. More involvement of cultural communities/minorities in recreation programs and env. ed.to reflect the increasingly diverse population of the County. - Sustainability—financial, maintenance,volunteers and partnerships. Involve the County Board in the planning process. Increase Wargo's connectivity to Rice Creek Park(campground,visitor center,trails and beach) and to the Lino Lakes YMCA. Continue to utilize technology to effectively deliver information. Improve the visitor experience and "curb appeal"of the site and building. 10 year}plan-The Master Plan is to be a vision and 10 year phased action plan to improving Wargo Nature Center. The master plan will also include programming strategies reflecting Wargo's role as the hub for County recreation and env.ed. program staff. Wargo's unique location on a peninsula,surrounded by water and cattails, offers opportunities (woodland and water based programs) and challenges(connectivity and limited land for programming and trail use). Current use of Wargo: — Environmental education and recreation programs School groups/classes—up to 85 children at a time in the five usable spaces Nature pre-school(15 students enrolled) Homeschool programs Special events—natural resource, cultural heritage and recreation General use—Birders,cross country skiers Heritage Lab—Cultural,wildlife and recreation day camps (rotating annual heritage themes) - Hub for County recreation and environmental education program staff and recreation program equipment storage County compost site 1 Wargo Nature Center Master Plan—Jan.23,2014 kick off meeting summary Wargo Nature Center Master Plan- March 2015 - Site for harvesting firewood for Rice Creek campground Issues and Opportunities(site, building and operations): Site— Need to improve the visitor entry experience and the pre-school drop off(long walk to the building). Need for more outdoor storage capacity and better access to recreation equipment—canoes, kayaks, snow shoes,etc. High levels of use in some areas wear out the turf. Trail connections are needed to the YMCA and better connections are needed to the main portion of Rice Creek Park. Need a forest management plan to address Emerald Ash Borer in Green Ash,thinning of existing pine plantings, management of the Maple Basswood forest and establishment of a working forest to supply firewood for the campground.There is an interpretive opportunity with the working forest. There is lots of bounce (up and down fluctuations)in the water level of the lake which makes dock access difficult at times.The dock area also becomes hard to find when out on the take and a bottleneck when returning to shore.A floating dock hasn't worked in the past—research new methods and alternatives for water access. Desire to develop a water trail between Wargo and the campground. A canoe landing is needed at the campground. Need more things for children to do. Group program use is limited by the entry road which inhibits groups walking along the road (safety issue). A trail separated from the road is needed, at least to access the prairie area. Take more advantage and better reflect the water based nature of the park through programs,displays and facilities. Better awareness and connections between Wargo and Rice Creek Park and Chamonix Golf Course clubhouse. Deer management program could be an interpretive opportunity(deer exclosures, etc.). There is a lack of accessible trails at Wargo. Trail to the dock should be accessible. The trail to the dock is also the"driveway'for trailer access to move canoes and kayaks to and from the water's edge. Look at alternative materials(permeable pavers,flagstone)for accessible trails rather than bituminous surface. 2 Wargo Nature Center Master Plan—Jan.23,2014 kick off meeting summary An outdoor classroom is desired (beyond the amphitheater area). outdoor classroom criteria include: roof, seating, electricity(solar panels?),a display screen, program storage,and access to water(could be a cistern with rain water).A prairie shelter could be added as well with tables, roof with skylights,water, power, restrooms. Lots of storage needs. Garage could be U larger than current size. Need for an additional vehicle for transporting staff to programs. The amphitheater works well but needs upgrading. Add green infrastructure (best practices and as public demonstration/interpretation). There is no storm water control features in place at Wargo. Difficult to maintain the small prairie area in front of the building(can't burn it for regeneration). Erosion issue along the entry walk. Entry walk is also used as a driveway to the building. Heritage Lab—issues with restroom accessibility, porta-potties only there now Building— Building has some functional issues—under-whelming visitor entry experience,storage needs(?), mechanical issues, "cold"feeling in the classrooms,static displays, lack of indoor/outdoor connections, lack of use of"green"environmental-friendly materials and measures, lots of digital technology opportunities,dynamic interpretive and information displays, need for digital media/screens in each room,add a theater room? Enhance the inside/outside relationships between the building and the outdoors. Add doors to access outside. Create a place(s)to relax/hang out inside and enjoy nature/view birds.Add a tree house/canopy level space? The building entry experience is stale and should be more interesting. Need more changeable dynamic exhibits(beyond the static stuffed animals). For example, add an"osprey camera"to the existing nesting platform and web link/display. Staff offices are isolated by the touch and see room and affected by program noise/activity. Operations— Desire to have the Center hours and program offerings align with resident needs. The Center is closed evenings. The Center is not open on weekends during the winter. Is this the best fit with people's desires for programs and access and the available staff time/budget? Partnerships—Connexus Energy,area schools, Rice Creek Watershed,Anoka County Libraries,MN DNR, MN Historical Society, Lino Lakes YMCA,Forest Lake School District, Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts (need to connect with them),Springbrook Nature Center(can we connect with them?) area cities. Grants are available from Integrated Waste Dept.for sustainable materials. 3 Wargo Nature Center Master Plan—Jan.23,2014 kick off meeting summary Wargo Nature Center Master Plan • March 2015 There is a group of active volunteers at Wargo who assist with event and programs. Next Steps(February and March) Post the master plan questionnaire on-line(and potentially available at the nature center) Conduct two focus group sessions with key stakeholders. County staff to identify stakeholders to invite. Needs Assessment summary Vision plan work session with County staff Peer group planning session. 4 Wargo Nature Center Master Plan—Jan.23,2014 kick off meeting summary FY"_m:co"11,41 nAl. , Wargo Nature Center Master Plan Focus Group Session Wargo Nature Center-7701 Main Street, Lino Lakes, MN March 27, 2014 Anoka County Parks is preparing a master plan for Joseph E. Wargo Nature Center. The master plan for the Nature Center will be a guide to improving the building,grounds, programs and operations. The planning process will also include strategies and actions to enhance environmental education and recreation programming in the County. The County is interested in your thoughts and ideas about how to improve Wargo's facilities and programs and how partnerships and connections can be enhanced. AGENDA A. Introductions B. Nature Center and Master Plan Overview C. Focus Group Questions 1. Do you currently visit Wargo Nature Center? If so, what do you like most about Wargo Nature Center? 2. Do you visit nature centers other than Wargo? If so, why? 3. What trends (social, economic, environmental, etc.) do you see affecting the future of nature centers, environmental education and outdoor recreation programs? 4. What should be improved at Wargo Nature Center? a. Activities and programs—at Wargo and County-wide b. Indoor facilities—building, exhibits, meeting rooms,technology, etc. c. Outdoor facilities—trails, gardens, program space, interpretive experiences, etc. d. Operations- partnerships, hours of operation, maintenance, communications, marketing, etc. 5. What other suggestions do you have for improving Wargo Nature Center or enhancing delivery of recreation programs within Anoka County? C. Next Steps and Use of Focus Group Information Wargo Nature Center Master Plan—Anoka County Parks Wargo Nature Center Master Plan -March 2015 Wargo Nature Center Master Plan Focus Group Session Wargo Nature Center-7701 Main Street, Lino Lakes, MN March 27, 2014 Anoka County Parks is preparing a master plan for Joseph E.Wargo Nature Center. The master plan forthe Nature Centerwill be a guide to improving the building,grounds, programs and operations. The planning process will also include strategies and actions to enhance environmental education and recreation programming in the County. The County is interested in your thoughts and ideas about how to improve Wargo's facilities and programs and how partnerships and connections can be enhanced. AGENDA A. Introductions B. Nature Center and Master Plan Overview C. Focus Group Questions 1. Do you currently visit Wargo Nature Center? If so, what do you like most about Wargo Nature Center? 2. Do you visit nature centers other than Wargo? If so, why? 3. What trends (social, economic, environmental, etc.) do you see affecting the future of nature centers, environmental education and outdoor recreation programs? 4. What should be improved at Wargo Nature Center? a. Activities and programs—at Wargo and County-wide b. Indoor facilities—building, exhibits, meeting rooms,technology, etc. c. Outdoor facilities—trails,gardens, program space, interpretive experiences, etc. d. Operations- partnerships, hours of operation, maintenance, communications, marketing, etc. S. What other suggestions do you have for improving Wargo Nature Center or enhancing delivery of recreation programs within Anoka County? C. Next Steps and Use of Focus Group Information Wargo Nature Center Master Plan—Anoka County Parks Joseph E. Wargo Nature Center Master Plan Summary of March 27, 2014 Focus Group Meetings Consulting staff from HKGi and representatives of Anoka County met with two stakeholder groups to discuss Wargo Nature Center existing conditions, programs,desires and opportunities for the future. The purpose of the meeting was to gather stakeholder input to inform the master plan.The first stakeholder group included Wargo volunteers and other outdoor education and recreation professionals. The second stakeholder group included a Wargo visitor whose children attend homeschool programming at Wargo. Key elements of the discussions are summarized below. SESSION 1: 3:00-4:30 ATTENDEES: Greg Ingraham, HKGi Anna Springer, HKGi Nancy Fitzgerald,Volunteer Giennie Giller,Volunteer Sean Gokey,Warner Nature Center Alex McKinney,Outdoor Recreation Supervisor,Three Rivers Park District Julie Grecian,Warner Nature Center Maggie Snow,Anoka County Librarian John VonDeLinde,Anoka County Parks&Recreation Director Cory Hinz,Anoka County Recreation Services Manager Todd Murawski,Recreation Specialist Wargo Nature Center Lisa Gilliland,Interpretive Naturalist,Wargo Nature Center Krista Harrington, Program Supervisor,Wargo Nature Center OVERVIEW OF WARGO: Wargo is the county-wide hub for outdoor recreation-all county recreation programming is housed at Wargo. Wargo's operating budget comes from a variety of sources • about 75%from levy dollars from the County Capital projects accounted for more than$50,000 last year 4 Legacy fund money • Met Council Do need to generate some income revenue Connexus partnership-for school visits and heritage lab Three Rivers has as a revenue goal of making 40%of its operating costs. They can overspend their budget but they have to recover 100%of their over-budget costs. The building has 2 classrooms,a small library, naturalists downstairs,a larger kitchen,a preschool room, indoor storage,a garage for storage and a van,visitor center with interpretive displays, new bike trail from access road. Hours are Tues-Fri 8-4:30;Sat-Sun 12-5. Gates are locked when Wargo is closed. Wargo Nature Center Master Plan—March 27,2014 Focus Group Meetings Summary I 1 Wargo Nature Center Master Plan - March 2015 Compare to 3 Rivers daytime hours are the norm,although some Three Rivers facilities have bathrooms/vestibules open when the nature center is closed, and gates are left open until 10pm. AUDIENCE: 45 schools come out to Wargo every year, and staff visit 50 schools/year,going into Sherburne and Isanti Counties. Bulk of students at Wargo are k-5, but camp attendance is k-7. Adult visitors come mostly for birding. It's hard to get high school students to come in,although some alternative schools do send kids. Older kids&alternative high schools are more involved in outdoor recreation activities They are getting a few more requests for accommodating specials needs kids. The nature play area (built by eagle scouts)gets used by local moms clubs, but is not a draw for the general public,especially when compared with Tamarack. VOLUNTEER PROGRAM: Currently not too many volunteers, but Wargo is trying to tap into the volunteer resource from Parks& Recreation. Do have MN Conservation Corp volunteers for 10 months in the park system. Need to update&expand.Volunteers are not currently used for programming.Volunteers do some maintenance, as there is no on-site maintenance person. Both volunteers present report helping out with whatever is assigned to them. Mostly desk duty,envelope stuffing, bird programs, maple sugaring, etc. WHAT OTHER NATURE CENTERS DO PEOPLE VISIT&WHY? Eastman-likes the new nature center building(2 years old)with a great indoor/outdoor relationship. Dodge Nature Center has great events and festivals Tamarack for its great outdoor nature play area Richardson NC has new sculptures and 3D interpretive displays. Green Bay nature center has a great interactive display-beaver lodge slide for staircase Walk-ins versus Pre-registration programs. Pre-registration programs are generally experiencing declining interest, especially with families.Warner NC recently cancelled a Saturday pre-registered event for lack of interest. MARKETING&OUTREACH AWARENES: Email list serve,twitter, newspaper,a printed Activities Guide gets sent home with every kid and is also available online,does not get sent out to every resident in the county, but is sent to those on the mailing list. Find the links Three Rivers Program Outreach:website, repeat visitors,events calendar mailing,word of mouth (in order of effectiveness from high to low).Warner NC would like to do more targeting marketing-who does what? Cross marketing of Chamonoix, Bunker hill, &Wargo TRENDS: Alex sees a renaissance in Conservation sports;fishing, archery. Has had over 5,000 participants in archery last season and would like to have an indoor/outdoor archery range. (Wargo used to have an Wargo Nature Center Master Plan—March 27, 2014 Focus Group Meetings Summary 2 archery range, but there is one at Bunker Hills, and they were more successful with it so Wargo stopped pursuing it. Fishing is big at Wargo and fishing camps fill up.)Trend towards outdoor recreation as a springboard for natural education. Lifelong Learning trend, including programs for adults.Three Rivers just commissioned a study regarding what people want that got a 95%response rate. Satelite/mobile units,with the nature center as a hub that serves others locations. (Three Rivers has mobile programs at libraries,funded by legacy dollars). Another example is a mobile sailing club. TECHNOLOGY: Wargo will be introducing iPads this spring. Warner uses iTouches for bird sounds and has GPS technology classes(Geo-caching/GPS is popular, although people now do this using their smart phones) Warner NC recently had their exhibits redone and like to think of their exhibits as a springboard to get people outside—"The Hidden Wonders of Warner' ■ new apiary for pollinator exhibits • Jumping wall-how does your jumping distance compare to the animals • Destination teaching spots-get people to outdoor`classrooms' Audobon Center has solar panels to power and is a good link to nature/green energy QR codes for interpretive information,such as flower identification on trails Trail Cameras-live feeds from nests High Ropes Course is an approach to outdoor activities Glennie laments all the apps and just wants kids to get outside, but agrees that it may be part of getting kids interested. She mentioned Carol Henderson and her practice of giving kids cameras to photograph nature. Overall discussion of the benefits of digital literacy,ease-of-use,and 'unplugging',the quandary of keeping current with the technology expectations of visitors while balancing the cost and benefit. TRANSPORTATION: Transportation is a barrier,especially for school groups. Busing is a cost issue,and often costs more than the programs that schools are trying to attend. $400/bus trip cost.Warner has a bus scholarship program from a private family scholarship of$5,000) Three Rivers has satellite schools with mobile Rec&Env. Ed programs Flexibility to move/bring programs to the people Wargo does outreach visits in Anoka County to 60 Schools,25,000 kids(big volume) School visits to Wargo have been stable STAFF: Todd& Krista are full time staff members at Wargo,all others are Pt:4 at 29 hrs/wk,and 1 at 19 hrs/wk. This can affect morale.All recreation leaders at Wargo are also naturalists. Members of MN Naturalist Association,which does have annual conference. MN Master Naturalist program is more volunteer related and requires a 40 hour training course and a'capstone/service project'. Wargo hosted a 40 hour course and got S volunteers from that. Wargo Nature Center Master Plan—March 27, 2014 Focus Group Meetings Summary i 3 Wargo Nature Center Master Plan - March 2015 PROGRAMMING: For adults,Warner NC offers Woodcocks and Wine program.Wild Edible/food related programming is popular with adults. For Three Rivers,the educational Farm is popular;there are wait lists to get into the farm. Three Rivers has new Log Rolling and Slacklining program WHAT IS GOOD ABOUT WARGO? Access to Rice Creek/ Rice Creek Watershed and to the Mississippi -22 miles Canoe, Kayak, and paddle board rentals are successful and distinctive. Warner NC's advanced canoeist program comes to Rice Creek to canoe in a natural and more advanced setting.Wargo's recreation and nature center combination is unique Wargo is great for birding-upland,wetland,and shorebirds. Interest in birding recently has increased.They currenty offer'feeder watch' and 'phrenology' programs for birding.Other wildlife is also great-turkeys,deer,otter, etc.Overall,the natural setting is great, and the tie with camping is unique. The entry sequence is very peaceful and welcoming, and well developed like a state trail,and the length is nice, relaxing,and paved. Can get 600-800 visitors here for events. Many panel members said they loved the wildlife mounts in the building.The smartboard is nice. WHAT WOULD MAKE WARGO BETTER? #1 Build on the Lakes&Water Niche. Put it all together by improving connectivity. Make it'triathalon- friendly' Conservation activities (hunting&fishing) Compost area is a question mark-what is it and why is it Advertise more to Washington County Need a big Welcome sign on 14 Add ADA accessible bird blind (mobility mats) An elevated platform for bird watching that can accommodate about 20 students Heritage Site lacks infrastructure • No shelter • Only port-a-potties • Has hand pump for water(should get an electric pump) 4 It is in the 100 year floodplain so permanent structures are not-allowed by the city of Lino Lakes • Lean-to is an eyesore Wayfinding improvements Enhance the entry experience A library collaboration with Anoka County Hide some of the clutter when you enter-make it more about nature Consider the aging population ADA accessibility overall-eg. nature trails, bird platform, boardwalk, boats, dock Boat launch for the voyager canoe Wargo Nature Center Master Plan—March 27,2014 Focus Group Meetings Summary 14 Need to approach low-hanging fruit first(John); entrance(Wargo has a$300,000 fund from Edith Wargo and should use it to leverage more funds) SESSION 2: 5:30-6:30 ATTENDEES: Greg Ingraham, HKGi Anna Springer, HKGi Jill,Homeschool parent John VonDeLinde,Anoka County Parks&Recreation Director Cory Hinz,Anoka County Recreation Services Manager Todd Murawski, Recreation Specialist Wargo Nature Center Lisa Gilliland, Interpretive Naturalist, Wargo Nature Center Krista Harrington, Program Supervisor,Wargo Nature Center OVERVIEW: Home School Audience: Home schoolers usually have larger families. 60 hours of coursework is X a credit. MACHE- MN Association of Christian Home Educators HERO-Home Education Resource Organization WHAT IS GOOD ABOUT WARGO: • Teachers • Variety of topics • Affordable • Convenient- Like to have all age kids together for classes for convenience(Tamarack didn't offer multi-age programming so it didn't work for Jill) • Love the Heritage Camp/Lab Area—like the rustic feel • Rentals are a positive-canoe, Kayak,cc ski,snowshoe ■ Bird Banding was Awesome(done years ago) • Like the winter recreation trial/sampler program-cc ski,snowshoe, etc WHAT WOULD MAKE WARGO BETTER? The library is underutilized&feels like you maybe aren't supposed to be there. • Sometimes it is hard to find a quiet place Date night once a month?-focusing on foraging, cooking,wild foods,etc. • Nature Play area could have more things to do/more variety • Survival Skill Training program for kids • a program for young teens to assist/volunteer for heritage camps; 'teacher-in-training' • Offer school credit for recreation/nature/science programs(an alternative to biology)(High School or Middle school credits) Wargo Nature Center Master Plan—March 27, 2014 Focus Group Meetings Summary 5 Wargo Nature Center Master Plan - March 2015 • More project-based, longer-term curriculum Foraging classes for families/adults • More events geared toward younger children TECHNOLOGY: Why use it here? Kids have enough at home. MARKETING: Should advertise at the MACHE conference in April HERO fliers Wargo Nature Center Master Plan—March 27, 2014 Focus Group Meetings Summary 6 Wargo Nature Center Questionnaire Do you or your family members visit Wargo filature Center? Yes No 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Answer Choices Responses Yes 82.22% 37 No 17.78% 8 Tota 1 45 Wargo Nature{enter Master Plan - March 2015 Wargo Nature Center Questionnaire What are your reasons for not visiting Wargo Nature Center? Please check all that apply. Not enough time Not aware of Wargo and it... Location is not convenient Prefer other nature centers Nature center is not open... Not enough to do at the... The programs are too... Not interested In nature or... 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Answer Choices Responses Not enough time 28.57% 2 Not aware of Wargo and its programs 71.43% 5 Location is not convenient 28.57% 2 Prefer other nature centers 0.00% 0 Nature center is not open when ;can visit 0.00% 0 Not enough to do at the center and grounds 14.29% 1 The programs are too expensive 14.29% 1 Not interested in nature or recreation 0.00% 0 Total Respondents:7 Wargo Nature Center Questionnaire How often do you or members of your household visit Wargo Nature Center? Daily Weekly Monthly Annually 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Answer Choices Responses Dai ly 0.00% 0 Weeldy 30.43% 7 Monthly 26.09% 6 Annually 43.48% 10 Total 23 Wargo Nature Center Master Plan - March 2015 Wargo Nature Center Questionnaire What are your reasons for visiting Wargo Nature Center? Please check all that apply. Attend family program/acti... Nature preschool Children visit through a... Special events Nature day camps Homeschool activ ities I volunteer at I Wargo I Use the centers trails Watch birds �: r Other(please — +, specify) x. -- n% 10% 20% 30% 40°/ 50% 60 70°/ 80% 90% 100% Answer Choices Responses Attend family program/activities 30.43% 7 Nature preschool 8.70% 2 Children visit through a school program 8.70% 2 Special events 30.43% 7 Nature day camps 4.35% 1 Homeschool activities 0.00% 0 1 volunteer at Wargo 8.70% 2 Use the centers trai Is 56.52% 13 Watch birds 39.13% 9 Other(please specify) 30.43% 7 Total Respondents:23 # Other(please specify) Date 1 nature walks 4128/2014 12:41 PM 2 experience nature 4/28/2014 12:38 PM 3 kayak 4/27/2014 10:55 AM 4 Nature walWexpiore 4/25/2014 4:44 PM 5 Enjoy nature 3/14/2014 10:28 AM 6 Boat rental, play day in touch and see room/Maple Hollow 3/14/2014 9:21 AM 7 biridings,especially,ospreys. 3/7/2014 9:28 AM What do you like most about Wargo Nature Center? # Responses Date 1 Convenient location.Handicap accessible building. 4/2812014 8:42 PM 2 everything 4/28/2014 12:45 PM 3 proximityto Rice Creek,nature preschool 4/28/2014 12:43 PM 4 naturallnot built up.no paved paths 4/28/2014 12:41 PM 5 absolutely natural environment! Kids rope-play area is awesome 4/28/2014 12:38 PM 6 trails&library 4/27/2014 10:55 AM 7 that the trails are not paved and left natural feels like you are out in the wild 4/25/2014 4:44 PM 8 1.That there isa nature centerwith indoorplumbing.2.The bird feeders3.George Watch Lake 4/20/2014 8:03 PM 9 Variety of programming 4/17/2014 3:24 PM 10 Trails and outdoor nature playground 4/11/2014 9:05 AM 11 quiet! 4/10/2014 12:24 PM 12 trails. canoes and indoorsof the nature center building 4/8/2014 3:16 PM 13 Walks in the Heritage area across the road. MANY more birds and animals observed if no dog 4/7/2014 6:21 PM wa I ke rs, 14 gorgeous naturre center,beautiful environment outdoors 4/7/2014 2:36 PM 15 so close to my home 4/6/2014 8:38 PM 16 Minimal "improved"features 3/28/2014 2:50 PM 17 That they have kept it natural,and not full of lightsand asphalt and signs, 3/14/2014 10:28 AM 18 Variety of things to do for all ages 3/14/2014 9:21 AM 19 The people 3/12/2014 1:17 PM 20 The quiet setting 3/7/2014 6:06 PM 21 The naturalistsand the functionsthey do to teach about living in nature. 3/7/2014 4:01 PM 22 watching bird feeder,butterfly,and birds,of course see the resident Red-tailed Hawk 3/7/2014 9:28 AM Wargo Nature Center Master Plan - March 2015 Wargo Nature Center Questionnaire What should be improved at Wargo Nature Center? # Responses Date 1 A family member uses a wheelchair,so a longer paved walkng path would be appreciated. 4/2812014 8:42 PM 2 more trails 4/28/2014 12:43 PM 3 nothing 4/28/2014 12:38 PM 4 love it the way it is.possibly have handouts for birds 4/25/2014 4:44 PM 5 It would be very nice if you could have at least one observation deckthat extended beyond the 4/20/2014 8:03 PM cattails and closerto the latae.The two that exist now are very poorfor observing waterfowl on the lake. It would also be nice if you would open up the center in March,at least during warm years when the lake opens early. 6 More general neutral programming,there are currently several programs offered to only women 4/17/2014 3:24 PM and many would pertain to men aswell. 7 More structured rental programs-X-country skiing rental 4/11/2014 9:05 AM 8 need some character-e.g.lady slippersgarden 4/10/2014 12:24 PM 9 expand open hours(if possible) 4/8/2014 3:16 PM 10 restrict dogssince they impact wildlife. 4/7/2014 6:21 PM 11 nothing 4/7/2014 2:36 PM 12 Birding walling tripsthrough other organizations don't cost anything. 4/6/2014 8:38 PM 13 Expand trail to go around north side of George Watch Lake and eliminate snowmobile trail.Add 3/28/2014 2:50 PM connection to Chomonix sk trail. 14 More natural hiking trails around the shorelines and otherareas.Make some observation decksnear 3/14/2014 10:28 AM open water areas. 15 Roadway, pathway leading up to building, improve the traits 3/14/2014 9:21 AM 16 Flexibility of staff and marketing 3/7/2014 6:06 PM 17 Updating some of the outdoor structures in the play area. 3/7/2014 4:01 PM 18 Road is closed at the entrance gate and can not come in the area before 8 or 9:00 am (not sure 3/7/2014 9:28 AM the exact time)at weekend. Wargo Nature Center Questionnaire Are there activities or facilities that are missing from the Nature Center building or the Nature Center outdoor campus? No Yes(please list... 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Answer Choices Responses No 68.42% 13 Yes(please list suggestions) 31.58% 6 Total 19 t. Yes(please list suggestions) Data 1 Connection to the main street trail and connection to the trail behind the YMCA in Lino Lakes, 4/17/2014 3:24 PM More interpretave signs. 2 XC M rental 4111/2014 9:05 AM 3 a bonfire area would be Idnda cool expand the trail system 4/812014 3:16 PM 4 X-C siding 3/28/2014 2:50 PM 5 Provide a seasonal comfort statio,rest rooms on the Heritage site. 3/14/2014 10:28 AM 6 Themed Birthday parties[ 31712014 4:01 PM Wargo Nature Center Master Plan - March 2015 Wargo Nature Center Questionnaire Are there improvements or new additions that you would like to see made to the displays inside the Wargo Nature Center? No Yes(please list... 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Answer Choices Responses No 88.24% 15 Yes(please list suggestions) 11.76% 2 Total 17 # Yes(please list suggestions) Date 1 Displays could be updated, maybe focus on Minnesota species. 4/17/2014 3:24 PM 2 connect trail from osprey pen(14 acre prairie)to YMCA(in lino lakes) 4/10/2014 12:24 QM Wargo Nature Center Questionnaire Do you participate in natural resource, recreation or learning programs, or activities within Wargo and/or Anoka County? No Yes 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Answer Choices Responses No 40.91% 9 Yes 59.09%, 13 Total Respondents.22 Wargo Nature Center Master Plan - March 2015 Wargo Nature Center Questionnaire Please indicate which programs you participate in. School environmenta... Summer day camps Public programs (ie... Preschool and preschool... Bird watching Homeschool Special events __' It 11 (Snow Day,... niiiiiiiiii ALWO 0 rum P-All Recreation programs... Other(please specify) 0°A 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Answer Choices Responses School environmental education and school forest programs(at Wargo and in schools) 21,43% 3 Summer day camps 7.14% 1 Public programs(ie. Explore Wargo,Appreciating Plants,Wild Edibles,Technology in Nature,Searching for the Stars, 42.86% 6 etc.) Preschool and preschoo[programs(nymphs and nuthatches, nature play) 0.00% 0 Bird watching 42.86% 6 Homeschool 0.00% 0 Special events(Snow Day, Moonlight Ski, Fishing Clinic, Earth Day, Bunker Stampede 5K,Apple Cider/Fall Festival,etc.) 50.00% 7 Recreation programs(canoe/kayak nordic wanting,natural living,snowshoe,cross country sld,team building,etc.) 42.86% 6 Other(please specify) 7.14% 1 Total Respondents.14 # Other(please specify) Date 1 earth day, bunker stampede,apple cider fest, canoe;kayak) 4/8/2014 3:17 PM Wargo Nature Center Questionnaire Anoka County Parks and Wargo Nature Center offer several outdoor recreational opportunities (listed in previous questions). Please comment on any additional recreational activities you would like to see offered. # Responses nate 1 great variety 4/28/2014 12:46 PM 2 The only other change I'd like to see in the county is to have the hildng trail restored on the east 4/20/2014 8:16 PM side of Linwood Lake.That is one of the most interesting trailsforbirdwatching in the entire county,and I've been actively birding in the county for 25 years 3 XC sld rental for Us&adults 4/11/2014 9:09 AM 4 access to the canoe route to the lakes further down the chain would be nice.They have been 4/712014 6:22 PM overgrown recently. 5 Botany based programs 3/28/2014 2:51 PM Wargo Nature Center Master Plan - March 2015 Do Wargo Nature Center's spring/summer/fall hours of operation (see below) match up well with the times you or members of your household would want to visit the center? Spring, Summer, Fall Hours: Tuesday-Friday (8:00am-4:30pm); Saturday (9:00am-5pm); Sunday (Noon- 5:00pm); Closed on Monday Yes No-Please list how the... 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Answer Choices Responses 51.85% 14 Yes No-Please list how the hours could be adjusted to best meet your needs. 48.15% 13 Total 27 # No-Please list how the hours could be adjusted to best meet your needs. Date 1 close too early-can't take pm walks 4/28/2014 12:42 PM 2 close too early 4/28/2014 12:39 PM 3 offer laterevening once during the week-i know that isdifficult with a budget 4/27/2014 10:57 AM 4 closes early,could be open later in the evening forwalks 4!2512014 4:48 PM 5 It would be great if the Center was open with the daylight-or there were night hours for bonfires 4/22/2014 1:21 PM etc. 6 As noted previously, I would like to see the center open earlier in the spring,at least during warm 4/2012014 8:20 PM years. It would be nice if the center would be open later in the evenings as it is difficult to go there when 4/1712014 3:29 PM both parentsworkand the kids are at school during the day. 8 please keep the center opened later and oen on mondays,too 4/8/2014 3:19 PM 9 later hours in the weekend in the summer 4/7/2014 2:38 PM 10 Keep it open every day with longer hours. 3/1412014 10:40 AM 11 Possbly stay open a little later on the weekdays(1 or 2 of the days) 3/1412014 9:47 AM 12 could vist in late Spring into Summer and Fall if open until 6pm, at least. 3/10/2014 10:45 AM 13 during the week it is hard to visit 3/7/2014 6:08 PM Do Wargo Nature Center's winter hours of operation (see below) match up well with the times you or members of your household would want to visit the center? Winter Hours: Tuesday-Friday (8:00am-4:30pm); Closed Saturday-Monday Yes No-Please list how the... 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Answer Choices Responses Yes 51.85% 14 No-Please list how the hours could be adjusted to best meet your needs. 48.15% 13 Total 27 # No-Please list how the hours could be adjusted to best meet your needs. Date 1 one weekend day might be nice 4/28/2014 12:44 PM 2 it would be nice to have a way to rent snowshoes after 4:30 4/27/2014 10:57 AM 3 1 will always be working during these hours.Adjusting for weekend time would help the most. 4/22/2014 1:21 PM - I can only visit on weekends,so having the center open on weekends is ideal for me. 4/2012014 8:20 PM 5 Same as previous,also with no weekend hours there is no opportunity for a working family to visit. 4/17/2014 3:29 PM 6 Please offer open hours on at least one weekend day! 4/11/2014 9:10 AM 7 please expand hrs to the other days of the wek and weekend,too 4/812014 3:19 PM 8 Saturday and/or Sunday hours 3/28/2014 2:52 PM 9 Saturday,Sunday 3127/2014 12:39 PM 10 Open Saturday 3/24/2014 9:18 AM 11 keep it open every day. 3/14/2014 10:40 AM 12 Would like to open on the weekends,possibly stay open a little later on the weekdays(1 or 2 of the 3/1412014 9:47 AM days) 13 would be neat to have one or two eves perweekopen for movie or'study'night or enlightenment 3/1012014 10:45 AM night or a theme of some kind Wargo Nature tenter Master Plan - March 2015 Wargo Nature Center Questionnaire What additional programs, activities, or facilities would bring you to the nature center more often? # Responses Date 1 canoe, kayak programs 4/28/2014 12:44 PM 2 no 4128/2014 12:42 PM 3 Adult outdoorleaming opportunities-i.e.syruping, mushroom hunting,etc. 4/22/2014 1:21 PM 4 Better observation deck& 4/20/2014 8:20 PM 5 Year round weekend programs for lads.Current programs are developed for the weekdays which 4/17/2014 3:29 PM does not allow world ng familiesto have their kdsattend without taking a vacation day. 6 XC ski rental,organized nature hikes 411 1/201 4 9:10 AM 7 maple syrup classes(if possible)identifying edible and herbal plant in nature center 4/812014 3:19 PM 8 Botany based programs 3/28/2014 2:52 PM 9 Make more programs available for youth year around. 3/14/2014 10:40 AM 10 Monthly lad clubs,family programs-possibly offer guided hik"programs at offsite locations or 3114/2014 9:47 AM variety of Anoka County Parks 11 building garden trellis 3/10/2014 1:11 PM 12 see above;starwatch, advanced birding or insects or arts classes-drawing/painting nature-fish 3/10/2014 10:45 AM printing,AIS training classes;group building projects like build a chimney swift chimney, large bat hcusesforthe center;game night!board games in winter-do you have the Food Web game made by a MN inventor,James D. Lux? nighthikes, rare speciesof Anoka county. How do you find out about facilities and programs at Wargo? Check the information methods that you use. Anoka County Parks web site Local newspaper Word of mouth Anoka County quarterly pa... Social media Information provided at... Other(please p r t I mspecify) + , rt 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Answer Choices Responses Anoka County Parks web site 60.71% 17 Local newspaper 17.86% 5 Word of mouth 21.43% 6 Anoka County quarterly parts and recreation activity brochures 14.29% 4 Social media 10.71% 3 Information provided at the Nature Center 28.57% 8 Other(please specify) 32.14% 9 Total Respondents.28 # Other(please specify) Date girl scouts 4/28/2014 12:48 PM 2 drove by the entrance to the nature center 4/812014 3:19 PM 3 bob holtz 4/712014 2:38 PM 4 emailsfrom Bob Holtz 41612014 8:39 PM 5 mna, nature center network 3/2712014 12:39 PM 6 My employer 3/24/2014 9:18 AM "" By volunteering there. 3/14/2014 10:40 AM 8 WNC staff 3/10/2014 10:45 AM 9 Forest Lake ECFE 3/7/2014 4:02 PM Wargo Nature Center Master Plan - March 2015 Wargo Nature Center Questionnaire Which newspaper do you get information from? # Responses Date 1 st paul pioneer press city pages 4/7/2014 2:38 PM 2 Citizen 3/7/2014 6:08 PM What communication methods should be used to provide information about Wargo and Anoka County Parks environmental education and recreation? # Responses Date television 4128/2014 12:48 PM 2 web site,social media,local newspapers 4/28/2014 12:44 PM 3 email 4/28/2014 12:42 PM 4 email 4/2812014 12:40 PM 5 the signage out front 4/27/2014 10:58 AM 6 email 4/25/2014 4:49 PM 7 Devoted website 4/22/2014 1:22 PM 8 The county website hasalwaysbeen good about posting activitiesat the parks,Maybe have an 4/2012014 8:30 PM email signup for notices, Bulletin boardsare good. I heard about thissurvey from a posting in the mens room at Coon Rapids Dam. 9 email,website 4/11/2014 9:11 AM 10 web site 4/10/2014 12:25 PM 11 sit paul pioneer press large LED sign at the entrance to the park 4!812014 3:20 PM 12 email listserv?might already have it! 3/27/2014 12:39 PM 13 Improve the website 3/24/2014 9:20 AM 14 All including the use of the latest technology that young people are so into these days Also a 3114/2014 10:57 AM advertising video and more coverage of special eventsin all the local printsin all forms. 15 County Website, local paper,email blasts, brochures,handouts at schoolsllibrades,Public 3/1412014 9:47 AM Radio/TV stations 16 periodic email brochures 3/10/2014 1:12 PM 17 All avenues: paper,social media,-add an e-newsletter and email list,please! 3/10/2014 10:52 AM 18 Email and facenook 317!2014 6:09 PM Do you visit nature centers other than Wargo? No Yes-Please list which o... 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Answer Choices Responses 29.63% 8 No Yes-Please list which ones and why do you visit them. 70.37% 19 Total 27 # Yes-Please list which ones and why do you visit them. Date 1 springbrook 4/28/2014 12:48 PM 2 rosevillelspringbrookltamarack 4/28/2014 12:47 PM 3 tamarack,warner,carlosavery 4/28/2014 12:44 PM tamarack-variety 4/28/2014 12:42 PM 5 variety of other ones 4/28/2014 12:40 PM 6 wamer tamarack 4127/2014 10:58 AM 7 have visited Tamarack in Ramsey Co but Wargo is MUCH BETTER!!Tamarack is too built up with 4/25/2014 4:49 PM paved paths.Today we spotted many deer tracks in the ground on the path.This would not be possible if the paths were paved. 8 1 visit numerous parks in the county for birdwatching. My favorites are Coon Rapids Dam, Rice 4/20/2014 8:30 PM Creek West Reg Trail (including Locke Park),and Linwood Lake. 9 tamarack-trails springbrook-trailsand to watch the snacksfeed (On saturday mornings) 4!8!2014 3:20 PM 10 Springbrook Bunker Hills,CR Dam +state and federal parks 4!712014 6:24 PM 11 tamarack-nice trails 4/7/2014 2:38 PM 12 various centers-all for birding 4/6/2014 8:39 PM 13 Crex Meadows,Tamarack Ritter Farm Park, Deep Portage, numerous State Parts 3/28/2014 2:54 PM 14 Warner Dodge Tamarack 3/27/2014 12:39 PM 15 As someone who likes all Nature and Environmental areas,they all have some very different areas 3/14/2014 10:57 AM of interest to explore. I have visited many all over this state and other areas but having lived here in Anoka County all my life I support Wargo the most as it is only some miles away. 16 Minncaoto orborotum 3/10/2014 1:12 PM 17 Tamarack for location and warner for programming 3/7/2014 6:09 PM 18 Tamarack nature center and Warner nature center i 3/7/2014 4:03 PM 19 Richardson Nature Center, Bloomington,Lowy Nature Center etc. 3/7/2014 9:31 AM Wargo Nature Center Master Plan - March 2015 Wargo Nature Center Questionnaire What other suggestions do you have for improving Wargo Nature Center? # Responses Date GREAT jab!! 4/28/2014 12:47 PM 2 DON'T PAVE THE PATHS!! Keep it natural 4/28/2014 12:42 PM 3 nothing. keep the way it is!thanks. 4128/2014 12:40 PM 4 My 8 year old sons LOVE the climbing rope and hollow tree in the play area. It is so much fun after 4/25/2014 4:49 PM a walk in the woods. 5 Have a devoted website like Springbrookdoes-it helps greatly-[currently going thru the Anoka 4/22/2014 1:22 PM Parkswebstie is cumbersome-and there isnot enough information on there] 6 Have more weeWnd programming available forkdsastheir are numerous programsthat we are 4/17/2014 3:31 PM interested in having our kds attend howeverthey are primarily during the weekduring normal working hours when we cannot bring our lads. 7 kds nature scavenger hunts, more kids programs,programsduring non-traditional business hours(so 4111/2014 9:11 AM that working parents can take their kds) 8 connect trail to YMCA 4/10/2014 12:25 PM 9 perhaps having available a few living animals in house to interact with 4/812014 3:20 PM 10 Move more staff to full time status 3/28/2014 2:54 PM 11 Keep it natural.Also provide some form of routine transportatation to and from Wargo for those who 3/1412014 10:57 AM may not have any form of transportation available to them.Also the highway department needsto provide a sound barrier along the freeway. 12 When improving the grounds, keep it asnatural as possible.No paved trailways or large obtrusive 3/14/2014 9:47 AM itemsoutdoorto take away from the nature experience. Do not change animal habitats,leave fallen trees,and hollowed out trees 13 Outreach;Would love to see Wargo more at schools;going to senior centers,disability centers-Let 3/1012014 10:52 AM the disabled community know about your accessible programs!Access Press newspaperwill list them...accesspress.org 14 1 like to visit Wargo Nature Center although I have neverjoined any activities held. 3/712014 9:31 AM Creating Places that Enrich People's Lives Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. ©® ffln Joseph E. Wargo Nature Center Master Plan Anoka County Parks Vision Meeting Monday, April 21, 2014 1:00 PM —3:00 PM Wargo Nature Center Two work session meetings will be used to create a vision,goals,strategies and framework plan for Wargo Nature Center and for county-wide programming. At the April 21 session we will review the needs assessment findings and define the vision and goals(the big picture and direction).The second meeting(at HKGi)will develop the framework plan which will focus on physical improvements and program actions/strategies(implementation focus). The vision and framework plan will lead to the Draft and Final Master Plan. Agenda 1. Needs Assessment Findings 2. Nature Center Best Practices/Ideas Presentation 3. Vision and Goals a) Role—within the County, within the region, within the park b) Audiences—Define core audiences and desired experiences/take aways c) Programs, activities and service delivery d) Operational goals e) Physical improvements/experiences 4. Process Overview and Next Steps Framework Plan work session -Date at HKGi Draft Vision and Framework Plan Peer group review session Draft Master Plan Community and stakeholder review 123 North Third Street,Suite 140,Minneapolis,MN 55401-1659 www.hkgi.com Ph(612)338-0800 Wargo Nature Center Master Plan - March 2015 Joseph E. Wargo Nature Center Master Plan Summary of April 21, 2104 Vision Meeting Consulting staff from HKGi and representatives of Anoka County met at Wargo Nature Center from 1 to 3pm to discuss the vision for Wargo Nature Center. The purpose of the meeting was to create a vision, goals,strategies,and framework for the center and its programming. Key elements of the discussions are summarized below. ATTENDEES: Greg Ingraham, HKGi Lit Leatham, HKG1 Anna Springer, HKGi John VonDeLinde,Anoka County Parks& Recreation Director Cory Hinz,Anoka County Recreation Services Manager Lisa Gilliland, Interpretive Naturalist,Wargo Nature Center Krista Harrington, Program Supervisor,Wargo Nature Center Bob Holtz,Anoka County Naturalist Mary Morris, Interpretive Naturalist Deb Gallup, Interpretive Naturalist SITE ASSESSMENT COMMENTS: • Harriet Alexander in Roseville is another nature center near Wargo. It is smaller, but worth mentioning. • Bob suggested a installing a dam to raise the water level of George Watch Lake. Timber management plan is still a consideration • A wildflower interpretive trail in the prairie would be good • Connectivity to the YMCA is ideal • Focus should be on getting kids OUTSIDE • Bob:Wargo is the 3rd highest recipient of grant money of all nature centers in MN • There is a current trend for nature centers to host wedding events as a revenue generator. Wargo has had smaller weddings but is limited by size/capacity TRENDS PRESENTATION COMMENTS: • Would be great to incorporate digital technology with signage on trails • There is a need for programming to meet the needs of school curriculum • Trails need to be longer around Wargo-currently the longest loop is 25 minutes,and they should be longer than 30 minutes ■ Drop in visitors did rise with addition of trail along hwy14 • Potential to keep grounds open from sunrise to sunset-but can't rely on volunteers for staffing as their availability is not always clear • John would like to see a parking lot near the compost site Wargo Nature Center Master Plan—April 21, 2014 Vision Meeting Summary 1 GOALS DISCUSSION: 1. Take better advantage of ecosystem amenities • George Watch Lake is not great for recreation-very shallow and poor water quality. The curly pond weed takes over from June to July. It is very muddy, also. Might be a good spot for a Tough Mudder race. Centerville Lake is a better option.A Wargo Outpost there is an option. • Water play:very cool, but very expensive • They do a lot of pond study activities with kids • Current dock is too narrow and hot(it's metal) 2. Improving first Impressions • A welcoming chalk board for visitors makes students excited • Embrace the compost site: it could be a funding source/pay for parking • Parking areas/pull outs along the entry road would be good.Should also put one by the osprey nest and the proposed managed forest area • Move the gate further back • Install a nature cam . Need to hide the garage • People mistakenly drive up to the building • Erosion along the front walk • Interpret Edith Wargo's daylilies • Too much handicapped parking,too far away • Too much parking on a daily basis, but too little for large events,just right amount for preschool/homeschool (which is only once a month). • Bus parking could be more organized, but it seems to work ok • It would be nice if there was a closer drop off area • Dumpsters need to be screened 3. Programs • Would need more staff to increase programming, but feel limited right now by workspace for staff. • Need wifi (its coming soon) • Current program costs are competitive with other nature centers • Need to fill current programs they do offer(lack of awareness issue) • Daycamp tattoos • More grants-Lisa and Karen write grants currently • Wargo's niche is 1)outreach 2)Water 3)Birds Potential to tie mobility funding into recycling Wargo Nature Center Master Plan—April 21,2014 Vision Meeting Summary L z Wargo Nature Center Master Plan - March 2015 • Do want to increase drop in visitor numbers(low numbers attributed to low awareness and a lack of things to do) • Cost recovery? • Interested in foundation/friends groups for financial support 4. Niche • Birding,water,ecosystems,intimacy, mobile outreach, location in Regional Park • Wants help with indoor displays • Potential as a place for research? FMR uses the facilities every weekend to categorize invertebrates • Library-mobile vending opportunity • Getting a free little library 5. Raise Awareness • Podcasts-Bob has done about 24 Birding with Bob Holtz(link available on county website • They have an ad on a bus • Billboard (are prohibitively expensive-clearchannel billboard on 694 is$12000 for 2 weeks) ■ Do advertise on stand ups at bunker hills • Potential to cross market more with homeschool associations and in the homeschool market in general • Have pamphlets at city hall • Have 2 videos, but doesn't know where the public can access them 6. Sustainable Operations • Edith Wargo Funds$340,000(generally designated for Wargo campus improvments) Storage:Would need to have more equipment to go 'off site', because everything they use has dual purpose, really(ie if there was a Centerville Outpost) • A second vehicle would likely be a Prius for outreach-currently use mileage reimbursement for staff General Comments • Desired building updates-1 or 2 flush toilet would be nice,general water conservation methods, use green cleaning chemicals • Life cycle strategy will get done by Anoka County in the next 6 months as a county-wide initiative • Big need is to get more people here. • Lisa is connection point for staff feedback on todays content Wargo Nature Center Master Plan -April 21, 2014 Vision Meeting Summary Pa 13 Creating Places that Enrich People's Lives Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. ®© Joseph E. Wargo Nature Center Master Plan Anoka County Parks Goals and Strategies Meeting Wednesday May 7, 2014 1:00 PM —3:00 PM HKGi (2nd floor meeting room)—#100 123 N. Third St., Minneapolis, MN 55401 This work session will build on the needs and goals identified at the April 21 work session, HKGi, MDI and Anoka County staff will confirm/revise goals for Wargo Nature Center and identity physical improvements and actions to implement the goals. A subsequent work session will focus on recreation and environmental education program strategies.The goals,strategies and framework plan will lead to the Draft and Final Master Plan. Agenda 1. Goals and Strategies Review draft nature center goals and strategies. Refine and add as needed. 2. Design Ideas and Actions-- Hands on session to develop key physical design strategies and actions 3. Process Overview and Next Steps Programming and Marketing Work Session - Outdoor Recreation and Env. Ed. Goals, Strategies and Framework Plan Peer group review session Draft Master Plan Community and stakeholder review 123 North Third Street,Suite 100,Minneapolis,MN 55401-1659 www.hkgi.com Ph(612)338-0800 Wargo Nature Center Master Plan - March 2015 Joseph E. Wargo Nature Center Master Plan Summary of May 7, 2014 Goals & Strategies Meeting Consulting staff from HKGi and Miller Dunwiddie, and representatives of Anoka County met to continue the discussion from April 21"vision meeting. Purpose of the meeting was to confirm/revise goals for Wargo Nature Center and identify physical improvements and actions to implement the goals Key elements of the discussions are summarized below. ATTENDEES: Greg Ingraham, HKGi Lil Leatham, HKGi Jen Cater, HKGi Anna Springer, HKGi Denita Lemmon,Miller Dunwiddie Architects John VonDeLinde,Anoka County Parks&Recreation Director Cory Hinz,Anoka County Recreation Services Manage Lisa Gilliland,Interpretive Naturalist,Wargo Nature Center Krista Harrington,Program Supervisor,Wargo Nature Center Sue Doll,Anoka County Solid Waste Specialist Jeff Perry,Park Operations Manager Andy,Marketing&Public Relations Crystal Passe,Graduate Landscape Architect Anoka County Increase Awareness of Wargo:Add Signage • Used to have a brown sign along the Interstate but it fell down. Check city ordinances and see Signage document sent by Crystal • Sign along CR 14; new sign must address issues with road ROW and wetland soils,and shouldn't be too flashy or large. Improve the Wargo Site Experience: Improve Water Access • There is no dipping station near the prairie;that was an eagle scout project and it is not very functional. Besides:the prairie is too long of a walk for kids from the nature center so it will not be used for kids programming. Find another location for dipping station • There is a current water platform that is overgrown closer to the parking lot between the parking lot and the prairie. Not used much. • However,there is potential for the upland area that is about 1 acre in size on east side of road south of prairie • Main water access site should accommodate about groups of 20 • Second platform should be at the end of the point and include higher observation tower • Boardwalk is good and may warrant some creative fund seeking Wargo Nature Center Master Plan—May 7, 2014 Goals&Strategies Meeting Summary 1 Improve the Wargo Site Experience: Improve External Physical Connections • A northern connection to the YMCA would be great. Potential to finance with a T21 grant or other grants?(reminder: snowmobiles cannot go on boardwalks) • Strengthen water connection to the Group Campsite • Shared surface entry road could work and should be pursued! Improve the Wargo Site Experience: Expand Access Abandon the managed forest idea,consider a compost interpretation/demonstration site instead • Still resistant to abandoning the gate altogether, but like the idea of moving it further west • Consider a boardwalk loop connecting the main peninsula area to the entry drive thru the wetlands north east of the building and a trail thru the uplands area near the compost site. Improve the Wargo Site Experience: Enhance the sense of Place Need to check feasibility and soils for adding driveway to the garage-Jeff thinks they are hydric soils that won't support a drive. Consensus was to keep access trail to backside/first floor of basement but make it more trail-like Improve the Wargo Site Experience: Improve the Heritage Site • Adding parking facilities at the Heritage site would be fine. • There is a permanent climbing wall going in at the Heritage Site this fall • Staff really liked the look and scale of the classroom shelter precedent Improve Entry and Sense of Welcome: Create a Natural Experience • No objections to what was proposed Improve the Nature Center Building 0 Staff really liked the rearrangement of the reception desk and the enhanced reading /reference nook over the first level. + Some resistance to moving staff space to the area next to the utility room; concern about noise and access to utility sink/cleaning suppies. Denita thinks these issues can be addressed. • Denita has not found a skylight system that lasts more than 10 years. • Accessible tree house idea is well received and would help achieve views to the lake Closing Comments • Staff looks forward to seeing more renderings and budget/cost estimates later in the process Wargo Nature Center Master Plan—May 7,2014 Goals&Strategies Meeting Summary 12 Wargo Nature Center Master Plan - March 2015 Creating Places that Enrich People's Lives Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. MIN ffin Joseph E. Wargo Nature Center Master Plan Anoka County Parks Programming and Marketing Work Session Tuesday June 10, 2014 10:00AM—12:00 PM Wargo Nature Center This work session will focus on recreation and environmental education program strategies.The intent is to develop a long term approach to program identification,development and delivery rather than specific programs to offer. Meeting Goals: 1) Enhance the approach and process for program development and execution and 2) Identify and prioritize physical improvements and other resource needs to support programs Agenda 1. Introductions 2. Meeting Goals and Objectives (HKGi) 3. Confirm programming goals identified in previous work sessions(HKGi) 4. Review existing program development process, marketing and feedback process (Staff) S. Identify program development, marketing,and feedback process improvements (discussion) 6. Identify and prioritize resource needs to enhance program delivery(Physical improvements,staff needs, partners,equipment,storage) (All) 7. Next Steps 123 North Third Street,Suite 100,Minneapolis,MN 55401-1659 ww".hkgi.com Ph(612)338-0800 Joseph E. Wargo Nature Center Master Plan Summary of June 10, 2014 Programming & Marketing Meeting Consulting staff from HKGi and representatives of Anoka County met from 10 am to 12 pm at Wargo to discuss recreation and environmental education program strategies.The purpose of the meeting was to develop a longterm approach to program identification,development and delivery rather than specific programs to offer. Key elements of the discussions are summarized below. ATTENDEES: Lil Leatham, HKGi Anna Springer, HKGi Jen Cater, HKGi Cory Hinz,Anoka County Recreation Services Manager Lisa Gilliland, Interpretive Naturalist,Wargo Nature Center Krista Harrington, Program Supervisor,Wargo Nature Center Bob Holtz, Anoka County Naturalist Mary Morris, Interpretive Naturalist Maria Pierz, Homeschool Coordinator Deb Gallup, Interpretive Naturalist Sherry Taplin, Interpretive Naturalist Confirm program priorities: In addition to birding programs,water programs,ecotype-based programs,treehouse programs, and volunteering, staff mentioned: ■ Programming for adults ages 20-35ish(eg.Art and wine) * Overnight programmings(currently one overnight kayak camp)-far kids,families. At least 2/per summer or one per quarter • Homeschool-need to bring in new people,especially in the 15`and 2nd grade group(currently seeing a decline in that group). Need to focus on recreation/physical education credits and longer-term science credits • New recreation programs • Special drop-in events Current program development process: • Consider staff capacity and potential staffing needs • Budget/equipment considerations • 'Dream them up' (no formal system or process) • Personal interest of staff • Current trends • Equipment-based (ie they got new ipads and tried to hold classes) Wargo Nature Center Master Plan—June 10, 2014 Programming& Marketing Meeting Summary I i Wargo Mature Center Master Plan - March 2015 • Current programs don't fill.They cancel programs if there is less than 3 people signed up. Class attendance is down by 1/3 this year. Potential factors affecting success of programming: ■ Not a priority for County marketing person • Have little control over marketing • Lost hometown connection-do fewer ads in local newspapers Current Marketing Efforts: • Krista and Lisa do marketing(communicate with county marketing person) ■ Program brochure Email blasts • Press releases Blinking kiosk at end of drive • Facebook(although this does not seem to be an effective tool for them) Current Feedback Collection • Survey Monkey surveys after class completion(don't get constructive feedback, however) • Oral feedback after classes(not formalized) • Summer school/day camp-paper surveys distributed and feedback is considered 'pretty good' Volunteers • Sherry is the on-site volunteer coordinator. • Weekend volunteer at front desk would be helpful • Current volunteers are older • Mixed response/excitement from staff regarding a volunteer recognition program/dinner 4 Would like to see more volunteers to assist naturalists during programs Competition/Partnerships ■ Do we know who our competitors are? Eg. REI? • Is there any benefit to partnering with RER Staff thinks not Physical site improvements. Staff would like to see: • Alternative energy options(eg.Solar panels) • Non-potable water in the prairie • Storage/drying racks for pond study equipment • Prius for outreach • Truck for recreation • An additional laptop? • Canoe/kayak racks for long and short term storage (covered would be ideal,and easy for Todd to access) Wargo Nature Center Master Plan—June 10, 2014 Programming&Marketing Meeting Summary 1 2 Creating Places that Enrich People's Lives Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. [ills ffin Joseph E. Wargo Nature Center Master Plan Anoka County Parks Peer Review Session Tuesday July 15, 2014 11:00AM—1:00 PM Wargo Nature Center 7701 Main St, Hugo, MN 55038 Peer Session Goals: 1)Test and refine the draft,goals, recommendations,and physical improvements 2) Gather additional informed input, ideas and strategies for programs, marketing,activities, and facilities at the Wargo Nature Center. Agenda 1. Welcome& Introductions (20 min) • Peer Session Goals and Objectives • Introduction to Wargo • Identified Needs & Draft Goals 2. SITE TOUR (20 min) We will give a short tour of the immediate area, talk about some of the needs on the tour,followed by returning to the meeting room and having lunch >> Lunch Break(get food...eat during next presentation) 3. Proposed Physical Improvements (30 min.) • Overview presentation • Peer discussion &input 4. Proposed Strategies for Programs,Activities, and Marketing(30 min.) • Overview presentation • Peer discussion & input 5. Next Steps/How we will use input (S min.) 123 North Third Street,Suite 100,Minneapolis,MN 55401-1659 www.hkgi.eom Pb(612)338-0800 Wargo Nature{enter Master Plan - March 2015 Joseph E. Wargo Nature Center Master Plan Summary of July 15, 2014 Peer Review Meeting Consulting staff from HKGi and representatives of Anoka County met with a group of selected peers in the area of environmental education/recreation/interpretation to discuss Wargo Nature Center's existing conditions, programs, desires and opportunities for the future.The purpose of the meeting was to test and refine the draft,goals, recommendations,and physical improvements,and gather additional informed input, ideas and strategies for programs, marketing,activities, and facilities at the Wargo Nature Center. The meeting was held at Wargo and included a brief walking tour of the Nature Center. ATTENDEES: Lil Leatham, HKGi Anna Springer, HKGi Cory Hinz,Anoka County Recreation Services Manager Lisa Gilliland, Interpretive Naturalist,Wargo Nature Center Krista Harrington, Program Supervisor,Wargo Nature Center Dan Spock, MN History Center Vicky Wachtler, Naturalist, Eastman Nature Center,Three Rivers Park District Katie Pata, Dakota County Naturalist, MN Naturalist Association Sandy Tanckt, MN Landscape Arboretum Mark Oestreich,Westwood Hills Nature Center St. Louis Park CHANGES TO DRAFT MASTER PLAN: • Add main entrance to nature play area off main entrance path • Add turf area on the current meadow(reed canary grass area)and bring nature closer to the building • Include current plans to improve dock * Trailhead somewhere within the property? COMMENTS ON DRAFT MASTER PLAN: Physical improvements: • Bring vegetation/nature in closer proximity to the building replace the 'sterile'turf lawn with naturalized plantings(no current opportunity for birding/wildlife observation from the building).Create views into the surrounding woods, as well. Get invasive species under control(Reed Canary Grass, Burdock,etc). • Tree houses are great additions-eg Landscape Arboretum had a successful exhibit. Changes need to reflect the overall intent of the center • Essential experiences-whats the bread and butter?-for Dakota County it's trails. Make better connections to the nearby trail system to draw people in week after week. • Need to improve the view to the building Wargo Nature Center Master Plan—July 15, 2014 Peer Reveiw Meeting Summary I i • Need to improve signage • Don't underestimate the entry road as a part of the experience-'mall moms' may never get out of the car. Inside Exhibits: + What's the purpose/intent?Who's the audience?is it to introduce people to what they can do here? The childrens education building at the arboretum has an abstract underpinning theme: photosynthesis.They gain an understanding of whats going on outside and then go out and see it in action. 'a deeper look'. • Taxidermy: literature review shows that the public really likes diaramas, but they like a story and dramatic tension, not static displays. + Inside generally needs to be lighter, brighter,softer,cleaner. Wayfinding improvements: • strip signage down to the most basic information for clarity,and ensure a continued experience- visitors should make a visual connection with what and where to go next.The lobby at Wargo is overwhelming-not sure where to start. People need landmarks with variety and cohesion to draw them throughout the site(eg.4 choices right away). Keep it clean and connected. • Interpretation can be a way to attract/connect with visitors without asking them to come to an event or program-eg Dakota County's 10 interpretive nodes along the MRT. • ADA is important,especially when we look ahead to baby boomers-who will desparately try to stay busy despite physical limitations MARKETING: • Signature special events: really draw people in (non-commital,whole family,seasonal and annual-to get on people's mental calendars). Ideally events are part spectacle part participation. Music and food are critical components.(sensory-see, smell,taste, hear,touch) • MN naturalist Association has found that the exposure from events and word of mouth is what brings people to your site-not expensive advertising.Consider having t presence at related county events. • See MIA"Matisse Inspires" hands-on experiences. • Reconnect with local papers • Try to get a spot in the county mailer • Constant contact and twitter • Network with other groups for exposure(eg. Moms groups use Lebanon Hills for meetings) Wargo Nature Center Master Plan—July 15, 2014 Peer Reveiw Meeting Summary J 2 Wargo Nature Center Master Plan - March 2015 OPERATIONS: Volunteers: • cannot be relied upon to perform the duties of paid staff. Are looking for social interaction as well as service opportunities.Volunteer groups may be able to perform specialized tasks, however(eg the 'Grumpy Old Mens'club who build things collectively,such as a new raptor cage at Westwood,Volunteers assembling and maintaining the WWII planes and helicopters at the History Center). • Warner Nature Center has had success in training adult volunteers for program assistance • Service learning for teens.Westwood (successful since 1990)and 3 Rivers has a successful junior naturalist program/youth leadership program. Treated like work where they commit to a certain number of hours, and have to get someone to fill in if they are absent. • Improvements to rental program not mentioned in the draft program, and they should be. The after-hours policy: • the gate locking at 5pm is'strange'. People need water and bathrooms to access after hours (canoes need to be locked and hawk secured). Also consider expanding staff hours to coincide with rental demands (ala Dakota County). Most other facilities have automated gate closure systems. PROGRAMMING: • Date night and beer has been successful for adult programming. Eg. Craft beer and mountain biking event. Candelight ski-beer and chocolate. Use licensed providors. Adults seem to come to outdoor recreation based events more than nature education events. • Dan Spock has found that his programming designed for millenials also attracts the baby boomers(eg. Retrorama, history of hip, off-site programs such as a history pub crawl). He tries to be extroverted in developing programming-network with other groups to come up with innovative/current programming, keep reciprocity in mind-how would both groups benefit mutually PHASING: + Phase 1: Curb Appeal/exterior improvements$70K,funding from Integrated Waste Phase 2: inside 2015 $100k • Phase 3:Tree house next 5 years—additional funding • Phase 4: connecting to the YMCA(5-6 years) • Phase 5: observation deck at the point—CIP • »»Near term (within 5 years) and Far term ( in 5 to 10 years) Wargo Nature Center Master Plan—July 15,2014 Peer Reveiw Meeting Summary 13 �r r t � • �� _ � qtr.' - " R � ,� 4F J�e - CL 4_.., �7 JM c 2 �� vt O U 2 ( � � > § § $ ! @ �R¥ § ( ƒ ) $ � U � -C £ r - E° E ƒ ® ■ ■ — � oSc15kF/ U G' S77 7 J - )0 � § { � � Uo2 0 \ / \ Q _ P c o 4) 00 o � . � E» © � L- � tN CL 0 5Z i 0§ 0 \ c k .2 0CS § E // UE /kf% 2L2 / � b o =F mD t R 90 . fo m o DI e a % £ o 2 < :E � a=� t Iro �kv, E via CL V oG U M • v CL r U) -� c me GD c c oc .9 c.'a o , J d M I I i _ m m di O a o o> Q 0 Cl h Q �I G E 0 0 0 6 E .� o c � � 0 a 7 c ♦s �_ � � � � 3 mo - V ^D` U CN 5 � 0 ' U E N ; ON•O - 0 0 c t 0 0 p Y N� �� toy O0 N U O 0 { , N 7 o � "Z) Q o 17 o � 0 Eoao� y 0 C .[ 0 E— O_ �-- QO I 0 I 0 N O CD -a 0 0 C N� Q oo N °0 -40) I,o N N Q; O y 0 D 0ID c0•3 N �d a t oo E 0 m� o` o y �� °0_ - C) c� 3 y /.� D O b) uL X U cc,: '5 K CL 0 c (D 0-,0 0 •>0 CQ C N ' !r 6. � IOD N O N O � I r- 0 ~ 0 N O 0 t Q 2 c `000o cQ� c O rd v 0)U 0 =U � Op,m 0) to � N C)-:F y th o E `v)m 6 E ;2 o' ,C E U a 0 ,, u),R a V m-0 c C U c II 0.2 E E R.E: E.o v— a m ¢ o rn a w dU o U= o� a O rna�i c 4 C.2 m Y 0 [ C w 0 Ny 0 0o [ N' ZS � N d oe E ' 5 0. 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EXISTING TRAIL MILE MARKER SIGN EXISTING WATERTRAILTRAILHEAD SIGN G h PROPOSED TRAIL DIRECTIONAL SIGN =1 'I PROPOSED TRAIL INTERSECTION SIGN PROPOSED TRAILHEAD SIGN Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve Park Wayfinding and Local Trails Plan N Date:04/06/2017 0 0.5 1 Miles M LAKE + LUM US r Lw.- BILAI } r �, sI L E + I a Lei s '1 41 +•1� � '44 LI Rice geek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve Planned Land Use N Date:M20:02017 0 0-75 t5 Miles PLANNED LAND USE Legend ROADWAY Light Industrial Light Industrial 1 Suburban Residential PARK RESERVE Low Density Residential COLUM 6U S LAKE DON SERVATION AREA tedium Density Residential Mixed Use PLANNED LAND USE Open Water 10+ H ousing U nns]Acre Park 2-3 Housing Units/Acre 4 Housing Units/Acre Permanent Rural 4-8 Housing UnitAcre Planned Commercial 1 Planned Industria CBD/Mixed Use City & County Parks Public/Sem I-Public City Park Regional Open Space CivicA nstitutional Regional Park Reserve Commercial Residential Single-Family Comm ercialilndustrial Rural Residential Community Commercial Schools. 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N nl N ya. p ei vl n 0 N a--1 a•-1 O LU N N O ~ ¢CL CL a a Q N O i2 t7 p N O Q 46 H O N m C �+ U d L OTl Ij Y E y .y 4 L Y O z 4) � 0 O h C N C '>= w N U H N Q w L Q I L p 0 jC E C +p+ O Q •_' Q c ao.r d m DO ai E 3 I °; m 3 C 3 3 Ep C V N a 7 d N Q 0 0 y r E p c m v w �_ n Q a[ c C'1 3 J J m C C C m to m e ^ m c ¢ a a. Q. 3 t; c -34 c t', c c Z c E to U y ? m a 1� J «O. � y m �' � E v" a W N U Q O C N O C m U CL Gl t IC p f0 m 7 z o a U u u m - w u In in u In LU w < Ln U y � a Ur " m � 'P y m e y c `m c Z c7 � o O a u a d d O v LU WFE E �- c y p Oi CL c O m T O m Q - y T n u w O c o E m c m 75 m Q N as E em oa D n a 3 v"iln a -jln vines uu w uw d xz N m a In r` V Summary of comments received relating to Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve Master Plan Amendment: Relating to the Park: 1. Add 1 bench between the entrance and the 1st turn looking out over the field and one at the boat launch dock area. a. Response: These bench locations will be reviewed and installed if feasible. 2. We need to include the importance of the historical and cultural resources in the area. a. Response: The Campground Visitor Center contains information regarding the significance of the history and cultural resources in the area. The County is proposing to provide additional interpretive information as part of this master plan amendment. 3. With Waterworks finally being torn down,the unofficial boat and snowmobile access will be gone. How will that affect the park? a. Response: The County works with the snowmobile club on a regular basis,which provides the maintenance for the snowmobile trails. The County does not anticipate there to be any adverse effects to the park because of this change. The boat launch may see an increase in traffic, but the launch parking lot is limited to 28 vehicle and trailer stalls and 10 vehicle only stalls. 1. Add a fishing pier on Centerville Lake. a. Response: This has been incorporated into the development concept of the master plan amendment. 2. Add a longer fishing pier at Peltier. a. Response: The County is currently in the process of procuring and installing a 104 feet long pier. This will be the longest pier in our system and the longest that we can purchase from the vendor. Due to maintenance challenges, 104 feet is our maximum length. 3. Upgrade the marketing info within the park.Create a kiosk of some sort to promote the programs at Wargo. a. Response:Going forward,the County is planning on implementing digital monitors in indoor and covered locations throughout the park system to provide relevant,up-to- date information for our patrons. 4. Trim/remove the trees for ease of seeing the park entrance sign. a. Response: The vegetation at all vehicular entrances will be reviewed and trimmed if necessary. 5. Aqua Lane needs to be addressed. a. Response: The County is anticipating receiving funds to address the issues related to Aqua Lane in 2018/19. 6. Add a Micro-brewery a. Response:While the County understands the desire of micro-breweries,a micro- brewery is not considered a compatible use for a regional facility and does not meet an outdoor recreational need in the system. Refer to Minn Stat.473.147,Subd. 1 and Minn. Stat.473.121,Subd. 14. 7. Add horse trails wide enough for two people to ride side by side a. Response: Horse trails are currently offered at Rum River Central and Bunker Hills Regional Parks and the County has looked into adding horse trail in this area on previous occasions and discovered there was not a high demand for this amenity. The Parks Department will study the issue again to determine demand in the region and will consider this in the future. 8. Improve trail interpretive signs a. Response: Improving interpretive signage throughout the park is included in this park master plan amendment. 9. Maintain trails better, it's difficult for roller blading in RCCOL and bumpy for biking. a. Response:Trails are assessed annually trails in need of repair and maintenance are prioritized and addressed as funding allows. 10. How will entrance road to the compost site change? a. Response: Included in the master plan amendment is an illustration and description of the proposed compost location change with the proposed entry and exit drives shown. 11. Will there be changes to the trail route with Hodgson road? If so what changes and when? a. Response: There are no plans to change the Rice Creek North Regional Trail route along Hodgson. The trail will remain where it currently exists. 12. Users need to pick up dog waste and keep dogs on leashes. a. Response: Per Anoka County Ordinance,dogs must be leashed and it shall be unlawful for any person to: Have custody or control of any dog or domestic pet in a park/trail without possessing an appropriate device for cleaning up pet feces and disposing of the feces in a sanitary manner. The County is currently researching different methods of enforcement of this ordinance. 13. Surprised there are not more dog parks a. Response: At this time,the County has no plans for additional dog parks. Relating to the campground: 1. There were numerous comments regarding the need for more camper cabins. a. Response: The County was originally proposing to add two additional camper cabins to the campground,but based on the numerous comments received from the public about the topic,the County is now proposing to add six new camper cabins. 2. My wife and I do a lot of walking in the campground in the off season. Last week(April)we walked all the loops and 50%of the fire rings were in standing water,a lot of sites had standing and sometimes flowing water in them. a. Response: The County will be addressing the drainage issues in on on-going manner to reduce the sites that are seasonally under water. 3. Take one loop a year and bring in fill to raise sites. a. Response: This may be one solution to the drainage issues. The County will consider this. 4. Blacktopping the loops would be nice. a. Response: While the County understands that paving the loops would be nice, it is not the standard practice for the County campgrounds. 5. Add a 20'x 20'shelter at the group campsite. a. Response: The County has reviewed this request, but does not feel that a shelter at this site would be an economical option for the group camp site. 6. Eradicate the grapevines that are killing the trees. Vines are killing more trees and bushes than bugs or campers. It's their weight and sun blocking that do it. Some vines have been growing for a longtime and have 6 inch diameter bases. a. Response: The County does not typically address grapevines as they are not considered an invasive species and are native to the state.While they may add to the decline of some trees,they are also a valuable food source for birds and other animals in the park. The only vine the County currently actively seeks out and destroys is Oriental Bittersweet,which is on the MN Department of Agriculture's'Eradication'list. 7. Address the buckthorn issue. a. Response: Buckthorn is a very large problem throughout the park system. Unfortunately,there is not enough time, materials or staff to address this completely, but in general,the County's focus is on eliminating new infestations so that area's not currently over-run with buckthorn can be managed and infested area's can be contained. As time and funding allows,the County does work to remove it in infested areas. 8. Add severe weather shelters. a. Response:The County currently utilizes the existing campground restroom for severe weather shelters and when necessary,the visitor center building. The County follows State requirements for severe weather shelters for campgrounds. Relating to Wargo Nature Center: 1. Improve Wargo's canoe/kayak entrance so it is more accessible and inviting. It's hard to get in and out of canoe/kayak's for able bodied people. a. Response: This master plan amendment proposes to add two accessible canoe/kayak launches within the park and the County will consider adding these at additional locations throughout the system. 2. Get a pontoon for programming classes out on the water—birding,fishing,seniors,etc. a. Response:The County is reviewing funding options and staffing levels to be able to provide this type of programming. 3. Wargo is understaffed on weekends a. Response: The County is reviewing options to fund additional staff on weekends. 4. Expand the boardwalks at Wargo a. Response: Expanding the boardwalks at Wargo Nature Center is included in this master plan amendment. Relating to trails: 1. Designated bike lanes or additional trails are needed along roads that connect to trails. At minimum, pave the shoulders so bikers can use them. a. Response: This item relates more to residential and county roads. This information was shared with the local cities and the County Highway Department, 2. Need more residential trail connections to parks. a. Response:This information was shared with the local cities. 3. More drinking water along trails a. Response: While the County understands the convenience of having drinking water/fountains available along the trails, it is not economically feasible. The County typically locates drinking water/fountains where water service is currently available at trailhead locations, near restrooms and/or shelters. Senior needs: 1. Need a senior center that's up to code so they can have larger gatherings. Need a dedicated city employee that puts together the senior programming,trips,events. a. Response: While the County doesn't have jurisdiction of the Senior Center,this comment will be shared with the City of Lino Lakes. Related to Centerville Lake: 1. DNR should do something about the garbage left on the lake from icehouses,that the neighbors end up cleaning up in the spring. a. Response: Resident's may contact their local MNDNR Conservation Officer about this. 2. DNR needs to put a buoy at the sandbar/boulder in SE corner of lake. They were going to do it, but it never happened. Props hit sandbar and boulder. a. Response: Resident should feel free to contact the MnDNR—Trails and Waterways directly about this issue. 3. Can anything be done about the weeds in the lake? a. Response:Resident's concerned with this should contact the DNR directly. 4. The City is having erosion issues on the east side of the lake that they may want to partner with the County on. a. Response:Typically,the Parks Department does not partner on these types of projects that fall outside of the county park jurisdiction. Rice Creek Watershed District or the Anoka Conservation District may be helpful resources. 5. A few comments were received regarding the need to improve the water quality on Centerville La ke. a. Response:While Centerville Lake is a public water and falls under the jurisdiction of the State of Minnesota,the County follows best management practices for storm water mitigation and water quality to ensure that current park development and maintenance practices do not add to the water quality issue. Other miscellaneous comments,where no response is required. 1. We love our park system 2. Visit Wargo 3. Nice park system 81510 '1 I 1�� B15�D� 1 `OY ''{� ��. 41,'0;, �•`."'J '+F-' !.'.;7 C".a Nil II�IL IP _ D _ _ + K100 _ �1a1QGo am tiF I ' T� . - >c5•t301 '_:DDS ri114 _ � r'F1D i ,D 13fc1 E r E,0013 f 311' Xj'*)1d , 34 1 jr - !i il" 1 4!1 ,ky. K-t r ''� I _ n' . I — i■ } 898101 010 1 - ,. 1� �` ' "'^� _ i- T'�r ■ �� "•► '' ITL 17 + I I - _ 1 ,11 Iy'T' r `tD, jr- .. " g153p '� � l I •J — �' - � 7 l � is I rA] �� f k I I M6� I ._ K 100 "ln :rtJO!j 177 �p;iD e �'7�J ��'r{�=�+9 ` J • I '�i A I A 7 ■ J OU I 1 K14 �'rti— �1�'i'J '�'C r••�- �3J]` :g�1 � �i�'` '� ri''=7k+ � �l�*l��c Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve Land Cover - Campground/Beach Area N agtz:aal 3,2017 0 1,200 2,400 Feet i IV IS -Sum =00 X300 ('14800 it n33:1 `1 61810 11510 °d 23212 «4 a tit3� 1153b . '''"Qi ?I 1*1 no, • 1 r� 1 zz*l) ,1810 `32000 11000 �:�. �d51C �33p � e122C ?i1TC �!: =.�F..a 5 MMO0 5 R1! Ap - t«;^�539�P�'930 a7�i8610 y to , ,.1220` � �Da i 132 1 .�3�. -�.-,< r0 61514 a't 12 l;t48e' 81830aby 12' 1 11 Lr 4 � V610 t148O �1� 1510 E1510 — X300 %3do may, i 5310 i 1?yc�'� ,7610 A i4{1 1 LT810 ! 400 '1610, ms400 U K C ��„`•t 11530 1 s - �r■ RIM 1148( l q30 ?480A . DO�- 8163a 6153. 'S204o� SM '1530 y, � q-1531 750 '12N aryl �` • � � F ,. - . IC+` ''��.BC it �•}:'9 � �,�,�� E[� I{+� 4 .1.1510' i«. �,� * F4! F�Lr •5'++;'r —..r 100 { X1530 i �L r� - 830 :1610 I — 11630 1'; = w I 1 h 1 t.- .11314! + ?148a w k •ti I� I r • �W ^t4422 '1530 r 200 21110 61630''.;y81510 II • 1530 11400 y6163,1 E I 1 I 1 —=1:d 1532 4y tq +61810 ” , i r F s750 + � s qtr , f ti� r, lu Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Perk Reserve Land Cover Wargo Nature Center Area 0 1,200 2,400 Feet Date:OY1a,201,T Legend 11220, 11%to 25%impervious cover with 24110, Upland soils-cropland - deciduous trees 24200,Close grown or solid seeded cropland 11231,Oak(forest or woodland)with 26-50% impervious cover 24210,Upland soils-close grown cropland 0 11234,Boxelder-green ash(forest)with 26-50% 24217,Hayfield impervious cover 31210,Tamarack swamp 11320, 11%to 25%impervious cover with mixed coniferous/deciduous trees 32000,Deciduous forest 13114,Short grasses and mixed trees with 4-10% 32100,Upland deciduous forest impervious cover 32110,Oak forest 13115,Long grasses and mixed trees with 4-10% 32112,Oak forest mesic subtype impervious cover 13124,Short grasses and mixed trees with 11-25% 32113,Oak forest dry subtype impervious cover 32150,Maple-basswood forest 13134,Short grasses and mixed trees with 26-50% 32170,Altered/non-native deciduous forest impervious cover 32200,Temporally flooded deciduous forest 13141,Jack pine barrens with 51-75%impervious cover 32230,Aspen forest-temporally flooded 13144,Short grasses and mixed trees with 51-75% 32300,Saturated deciduous forest impervious cover 32320,Mixed hardwood swamp 13145,Long grasses and mixed trees with 51-75% impervious cover 0 32330,Aspen forest-saturated soils 13211,Short grasses with 4-10%impervious cover 52000,Deciduous shrubland 13212,Non-native dominated long grasses with 4- 52210,Native dominated temporarily flooded 10%impervious cover shrubland 13220, 11%to 25%impervious cover with 52300,Saturated deciduous shrubland perennial grasses 52400,Seasonally flooded deciduous shrubland 13221,Short grasses with 11-25%impervious 52410,Alder swamp cover 13222,Non-native dominated long grasses with 11- 52420,Wet meadow shrub subtype 25%impervious cover 52430,Willow swamp 13231,Short grasses with 26-50%impervious 61000,Grassland or emergent vegetation cover 13240,51%to 75%impervious cover with 61120,Tall grass altered/non-native dominated grassland perennial grasses 61220,Medium-tall grass altered/non-native 14122,Pavement with 91-100%impervious cover dominated grassland 14123,Buildings and pavement with 91-140% 61400,Saturated graminoid vegetation impervious cover 14220,11%to 25%impervious cover-exposed 61420,Wet meadow earth 61480,Saturated altered/non-native dominated 21111,Sprucelfir trees on upland soils graminoid vegetation 23110,Upland soils with planted or maintained 61510,Cattail marsh-seasonally flooded grasses and sparse tree cover 61530,Seasonally flooded altered/non-native 23111,Short grasses with sparse tree cover on dominated emergent vegetation upland soils 61610,Cattail marsh-semipermanently flooded 23112,Long grasses with sparse tree cover on 61620,Mixed emergent marsh upland soils 61630,Semipermanently flooded altered/non- 23120,Hydric soils with planted or maintained native dominated vegetation grasses and sparse tree cover 62100,Grassland with sparse deciduous trees 23211,Short grasses on upland soils 92100,Limnetic open water 23212,Long grasses on upland soils 93300,Palustrine open water 24000,Cultivated herbaceous vegetation High Biological Diversity Significance _ Moderate Biological Diversity Significance RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR ANOKA COUNTY'S RICE CREEK CHAIN OF LAKES PARK RESERVE MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT WHEREAS, it is necessary and in the public interest for the County of Anoka to provide open space recreational facilities within the County; and WHEREAS, the County of Anoka has worked with the cities of Centerville and Lino Lakes and other regulating agencies in a cooperative effort to develop the park reserve in the cities; and, WHEREAS, the County of Anoka and the Metropolitan Council have designated the park as a park reserve; and, WHEREAS, the County of Anoka has developed a park development program for the park reserve, which includes incorporating the Wargo Nature Center's master plan into plans for the park reserve and includes several other projects and, WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council requires an amendment to the Master Plan for the park reserve be approved by the Metropolitan Council; and, WHEREAS, City of Centerville representatives have reviewed and commented on the plan. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Centerville hereby offers support to Anoka County for the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve Master Plan Amendment and its effort to redevelop the park. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE Wednesday, October 4,2017—6:30 p.m. Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Parks &Recreation Committee of the City of Centerville held a scheduled meeting on October 4, 2017 at the City Hall location. Present: Chairperson Kevin Waeghe Committee Member Brian Peterson Committee Member Suzanne Seeley Committee Member Heidi Grahek Also Present: Council Member Montain Kerri Kolstad, Race Coordinator Af `r. Absent: Committee Member Chris Bettinger Vice-Chairperson Kevin Amundsen I. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Waeghe called the October 4, 2017 meeting of the Parks & Recreation Committee to order at 6:37 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chairperson Waeghe offered an opportunity to Committee members to modify the agenda. Motion made by Committee Member Seeleyseconded by Committee member Peterson to Move Appointments/Presentations Before Approval of Minutes. All in favor. Motion carried. III. APPOINTMENTS/PRESENTATIONS Kerri Kolstad, WaHoo! Adventures announced that she is resigning as the Race Coordinator for the Festival of Lakes 8K/5K/Kids Run. Ms. Kolstad stated that she would pass on the information that she has gathered to whomever would be responsible for the race in the future. Ms. Kolstad offered the following recommendations: make the race date consistent each year; guarantee a shirt for those who register by a specific date; use the same photographer, Baxter Creek Photography, as the rates and results were good. Ms. Kolstad extended her appreciation to everyone for helping out to achieve success. The committee thanked Ms. Kolstad for her work and she excused herself from the meeting. City of Centerville Parks&Recreation Committee October 4,2017 Further discussion ensued regarding the future of the races, the deadline to be included in the Minnesota Distance Running Association (MDRA) book is Oct. 15, 2017. The date for 2018 Fete des Lacs has yet to be determined once that has been scheduled the Committee will determine whether to operate the race themselves or hire a consultant to operate it. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Parks & Recreation Committee Minutes of August 2,2017 Chairperson Waeghe provided Committee Members with an opportunity to amend the minutes. Motion by Committee Member Suzanne Seeley, seconded by Committee Member Brian Peterson to Approve the Minutes as Presented. All in favor. Motion carried. 2. Parks & Recreation Committee Minutes of September b,2017 Chairperson Waeghe provided Committee Members with an opportunity to amend the minutes. Motion by Chairperson Kevin Waesthe, seconded by Committee Member Heidi Grahek to Approve the Minutes as Presented. All in favor. Motion carried. V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Movie in the Park Review Committee Member Peterson stated that Movie in the Park went well and a decent crowd attended. He stated that the new popcorn machine did not work due to a loss of power supply to heat the popping kettle. The popcorn machine will be needed for the next event which is Skate Night in December. Chairperson Waeghe asked about the warranty, stating that it had been used maybe 5-6 times. Committee Member Peterson determined that the popper was not heating properly and that Public Works should look at it. Committee Member Grahek suggested that Planning and Zoning Commissioner Jon Grahek look at it. Council Member Montain stated that he could obtain a popcorn popper to use if needed. Committee Member Seeley suggested that the manufacturer should be contacted first to request a replacement. It was decided to have Committee Member Seeley contact the manufacturer first before contacting Public Works and further action would be based on what manufacturer says. Page 2 of 6 City of Centerville Parks&Recreation Committee October 4,2017 Chairperson Waeghe stated that about 90 people attended Movie in the Park and that more popcorn will need to be ordered from Committee Member Bettinger before the next event. City Clerk Bender stated that she will contact Chris. Committee Member Peterson stated that the mosquitos were terrible and that should be looked into some type of control for next year. 2. Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park Skate Park Ramp Request for Replacement Public Works Director, Paul Palzer, who was not in attendance, had previously stated that he would have the summer help report back on the problem that was reported and would report back to the Committee in the Summer of 2018. Committee Member Grahek asked if the ramp could be tightened and if ramp is deemed dangerous, could a sign be posted? City Clerk Bender stated that staff would make sure the ramp is removed if it is deemed un-safe. Committee Member Seeley asked if Public Works could look at it early to determine if the ramp is safe or unsafe and to have it fixed by summer. Committee Member Peterson requested that this issue be put on April's Agenda and report back with an update and then take action to verify or complete action on the ramp condition. VI. NEW BUSINESS 1. Possibilities for Hockey Rink Housing Pickleball Court Committee Member Grahek questioned if the court was painted, would it affect the ice and that she heard that light colored paint would not affect the ice. Discussion continued regarding utilizing a tennis court, and to use different colored paint for the Pickleball court. Committee Member Grahek stated that specific dimensions and location should be determined. Committee Member Seeley suggested tabling this issue until Vice-Chairperson Kevin Amundsen is in attendance and to keep this on the November's Agenda. _Motion by Committee Member Peterson, seconded by Chairperson Waeghe to Table the Item Until November. All in favor. Motion carried. 2. Minnesota Distance Running Association—Date for 2018 Fete des Lacs? The deadline to have the date included in the MDRA is October 15 which is before the next Fete des Lacs meeting scheduled for October 16 when the date will be determined for 2018. Brief discussion followed determining that there is a possibility that the committee will not orchestrate the Festival of Lakes 8K/5K/Kids Run and whoever takes it over would handle all advertising. Page 3 of 6 City of Centerville Parks&Recreation Committee October 4,2017 3. Anoka County Radio Club Use of Laurie LaMotte Park, October 31, 2017 The Club has requested to use the Laurie LaMotte parking lot on Tuesday, October 31, 2017 from 8:00 a.m. — 8:00 p.m. City Clerk Bender stated that there were no conflicts with date. Motion by Chairperson Seeleyseconded b Committee Member Grahek to Recommend to Council to Approve the Reguest from the Anoka County Radio Club as Presented. All in favor. Motion carried. 4. Fete des Lacs Revenue &Expenditures Committee Member Grahek pointed out that the Festival of Lakes 8K/5K/Kids Run resulted in a financial loss of$8,235.75. Discussion continued as to whether or not the committee should hold the race in 2018. Committee Member Seeley questioned why Ms. Kolstad opted out of continuing as Race Coordinator. City Clerk Bender suggested Midwest Events or another organization to run coordinate the race. Committee Members Peterson suggested scaling it down and make it about our community, invest less time, less money, and less resources. Committee Member Grahek stated that the race is a nice addition during Fete des. Committee Member Grahek stated that this needs to be tabled for now and to think about the option of another company running it. Council Member Montain stated that the Committee could offer just a kids run with minimal effort. Committee Member Seeley suggested inviting Midwest Events to November's Park & Ree meeting. Committee Member Grahek stated that a decision should be made after the date for Fete des Lacs is decided upon. Committee Member Peterson stated that the race could have a whole different feel to it if another company comes in to orchestrate the race and asked what is the real goal. Committee Member Seeley commented that it is not a money maker and the event should break even. Chairperson Waeghe suggested tabling this issue for now and start action to inviting someone. 5. Mr. Troy Martenson, Re/Max Results Use of Hidden Spring Park, October 21,2017 10:00 a.m.—Noon (Pumpkin Give-Away) Motion by Chairperson Peterson, seconded by Committee Member Grahek to Approve the Re nest from Mr. Martenson as Presented. All in favor. Motion carried. Page 4of6 City of Centerville Parks&Recreation Committee October 4,2017 6. Peltier Estates - P & Z Recommendation to Council to Approve Rezone, Subdivision & Planned Unit Development (PUD), 7357— 20" Avenue North (Moore property)—24 Individual Townhomes Plans were reviewed and the Committee looks forward to the development. VII. UPDATES/OTHER 1. Council Updates—Council Member Matt Montain Council Member Montain reported that Fete des Lacs that Council has also received the financials associated with the festival and additional discussions have been taking place regarding a Committee Chair, events, etc. 2. Review 5 Year P& R Projects List—Update(October 4, 2017) Items that have been removed from the list as of October 4,2017: Shoreline restoration at Trailside Park; Fishing Pier on Centerville Lake; Fishing Pier on Peltier Lake; Irrigation at Hidden Spring Park; Irrigation at Acorn Creek Park; Irrigation at Corner Stone Park; Irrigation at McBride Park; Drinking Fountain at Acorn Creek Park; Drinking Fountain at McBride Park; Remodel/Replace Warming House; Roof for Ice Rink; Restore Spring at Hidden Spring Park. Items that have been completed from the list as of October 4,2017: Sledding Hill at Laurie LaMotte Park; Ag Lime Rock at LaMotte Ball Field; Drainage at LaMotte Ball Field; Electrical Improvement at Laurie LaMotte Park; Drinking Fountain at Laurie LaMotte Park; Basketball Court at Laurie LaMotte Park; 2 Park Benches at Trailside Park; 1 Park Bench at Eagle Park; 2 Park Benches at LaMotte Park and Volleyball Court at LaMotte Park. Items that remain on the list as of October 4, 2017 for 2018 Projects: Upgrade audio equipment; LED lights for rink; Gaga Ball pit; Resurface Basketball Court at McBride Park; Picnic Tables at various parks and Pickleball Court. 3. Vacancy City Clerk Bender stated that someone came in and asked about the vacancy but has not returned an application. VIII. ACTION ITEMS REVIEW Items that have been completed will be removed; some are still open and additional items discussed at this meeting will be added. A revised Action Item List, as of the October 4, 2017 meeting will be included with the minutes to be approved. Page 5 of 6 City of Centerville Parks&Recreation Committee October 4,2017 • Items that have been completed or are to be deleted as of October 4, 2017 will be removed: 12-013b, 13-029, 14-016, 15-031, 15-038b, 15-040, 16-001, 16- 020, 16-022, 16-028, 16-032, 16-033, 16-034, 16-035, 16-037, 16-038, 17-001. • Corrections/Revisions: 12-013a: Remove: Kevin Waeghe. Add: Staff & Committee; 13-028: Remove: M. Ericson; 14-001: Replace: M.Ericson with Staff; 15-010: Replace: M. Ericson with Staff, 16-029: Add: Add to Google Docs • Items to be added are: 13-028: Plan to Address Signage for Indian Mound. Belongs to Anoka County. Is 4,000-5,000 years old (Check w/MN Archeologist Austin Jenkins for more information i.e. tribe) and monies available from Legacy Funding (Karen Blaska will check on the agreement between the County/City. 17-003: Popcorn machine (Purchased December 2015) —Paragon TP-8 Theater Pop 8-Ounce$580. 17-004: Verify Safety of Skate Park Equipment. 17-005: Contact Karen Blaska—Anoka County. Invite to next meeting. 17-006: Skating Party January XX, 2018, W/(Hayride — 6:30pm to 8:30pm) and&February XX,2018, from 6:00pm—9:00pm. Confirm Cost&Contract. IX. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Chairperson Kevin Waeghe, seconded by Committee Member Bettie er to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 p.m.All in favor. Motion carried. Submitted by: Patricia Clearence,Recorder Page 6of6 � _ � 2 § ° $ cu -0 \ z o 0 / 7 LU _ 2 (UE m M o q § I- = S a ƒ a k £ E (Uo 2 CL ° 4 E o u � ._ ± ® % ■ E k ° CL c E / Q 2 J Q in o L o k U tA LU i 2 / M fA L / I < LU vi- > LLJ � 2LA \ ƒ / / k k k � z 0 k � t / CL § k o � 2 ❑ ca co k > � E Ocrf 0 cu ° R R Lo- I 0 # = m -0 u - 41 0 co « t 2 u 0 � •- Li u : -j / w CL a C \ / / / / ECN m m m r4 -4 / \ % z E o _ � � 2 E 0 w on § \ 2 � / -0 o — q § 4- C u � 0 OC LA w tm _ L � w c = > G ¥ / u E � > ° o - > > » V) 4 < m « m m m LU0 t; 0 L & u 0 ui L v > LL LU a) ai ai aj 2LU (U V w aj »» » » » » 0 u CL � k ± k / % \ / 2 g2 k 7 j 0 0 a $ $ m $ '� © R w 0 £ o o / 2 - - R I $ 12 2 2 % % % a > £ j� 2 2 I� (U E LU § .2 t: O R ■ = u E J u W � to� / � � � � � � 2 = •� t W ° m m $ V) « 2LIJ a m a > ■ q q / ¥ � W r4 � CD CD % q J / / n Q) , , LA ACTION ITEMS PARKS RECREATION Assigned # Item Person Date Status Kiosk- Cornerstone Park- Create Inserts for Kiosk-Need to Update&Replace Inserts Staff& 12-013a On a Regular Basis Committee On-Going Open Plan to Address Signage for Indian Mound- Belongs to Anoka County, is 4,000-5,000 years old(Check w/MN Archeologist Austin Jenkins more info., i.e. tribe) &dollars available from Legacy Funding(Karen Blaska will check on the agreement between 13-028 the County/City) S. Seeley On-Going Open Send request to these organizations for donation of funds (a. Centennial Youth Football Boosters,b. Centennial Youth Hockey, c. Centerville Lions Club, d. Chain of Lakes Rotary, e. Dead Broke Saddle Club, f. Shake Your Shamrock/Front Runner to be used for future projects- send 14-001 photos of projects. Staff On-Going Open Check w/North Metro TV regarding covering future events such as the 5K& 8K Runs,Music in the Park, etc. -Do a Follow- Up & Send List of P &R Upcoming Events 15-010 to NMTV-Heidi Arnson Staff On-Going Open "GAGA" Ball Pit" - Check into cost of heavy duty steel corner braces,include 16-017 quotes for GAGA Pit in January Packet Staff Tabled P &R Web Site Pages- Committee Members give Ideas To Staff for Inclusion& 16-026 Updating Staff On-Going Open Provide a Copy of 5 Year Projects List to Committee Members Monthly-Add to 16-029 Google Docs Staff On-Going Open Status of P &R Committee Member 16-031 Vacancies Staff On-Going Open Provide Park Dedication Ordinance to 17-002 Committee Members Staff On-Going Open Popcorn Machine(Purchased December 2015) -Paragon TP-8 Theater Pop 8-Ounce 17-003 $580 17-00 JVerify Safety of Skate Park Equipment JPaul P. JNov. Open Following October 4,2017 Meeting Page 1 ACTION ITEMS PARKS RECREATION Contact Karen Blaska-Anoka County, 17-005 Invite to next meeting Staff Nov. 1 Completed Skating Party- January XX, 2018 & February XX, 2018 W/(Hayride-6:30-8:30 p.m.) from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. on February XX, 17-006 2018; Confirm Cost& Contract Kevin A. Feb., 2018 Open Following October 4, 2017 Meeting Page 2 i 2 THIS DOCUMENT DFTAILS CITY OF CENTERVILLE 75-511 029863 7111 CENTRAL AVE.BNK 1860 MAIN STREET 919 P.O.BOX 455 CENTERVILLE,MN 55038 I CENTERVILLE,MN 55038 12/9/2015 $669.96 Six Hundred Sixty-Nine Dollars and 96 Cents PAY TO THE BETTINGER, CHRISTOPHER ORDER 1736 CENTER STREET CIWAD OF CENTERVILLE MN 55038 INI&TRATOR "'02986311' 409190510,44i38533um CITY OF CENTERVILLE 0863 CENTE29 RVILLE,MN 55038 L7 INVOICE AMOUNT rS OOMMENTS DmCOUNT INYOICETOTAL 12/9/2015SETTINGER, CHRISTOPHER S# 2 $669.96 E 1D1-45201-374 BREW STATIONS&POPCORN MAC $0.00 5859.96 Vendor Check Tot $669.96 Account CITY OF CENTERVILLE 029863 CENTERVILLE,MN 55038 INVOICE AMOUNT ra`+ ODIWFNTB DISCOUNT NVOIOETOTAL 12/912015 BETTINGER, CHRISTOPHER S# 2 $669.96 E 101-45201-374 BREW STATIONS&POPCORN MAC $0.00 $669.96 1738 CENTER STREET CENTERVILLE MN 55036 Check Total $869.96 FORM NO.451 BUSINESS FORMS S SYSTEMS•1-800-383-1696 City of Centerville 1880 Main Street Centerviffe Centerville, MN 55038 'I':t�rfilydr;at Veri,fled CZaim I 'Y ✓ Claim of: 4- Z Goigec 4re Ll Amount: Address: City, State, Zip l ✓ ' ` �r �`� " Dated: Z Z-- Approved: J declare under the penalties of perjury that 1 am the claimant making the within claim and that the some is just and true;that the money therein changed was actually paid for the purposes therein stated;that the property therein changed was actually delivered or used for the purposes therein stated,and was of the value therein charged;that the services therein charged were actually randared and were of the value therein charged,'that the fees therein charged are oftrcial and are such as are allowed by law;and that no part of said Gl id. Signature of Claimant Date: 2 Date Activity Distribution Amount Total Acct.No. Totals �0 I Amazon.com-Order 114-8639113-1893004 Page 1 of 1 amaZon.cv17r Details for Order #114-8639113-1893004 Print this naae for your records. Order Placed: December 2, 2015 Amazon.com order number: 114-8639113-1893004 Order Total: $89.96 Preparing for Shipment Items Ordered Price 2 of: Hamilton Beach 40540 Brew Station 40-Cup Coffee Urn, Sliver $41.99 Sold by:Amazon.com LLC Condition:New Shipping Address: Items) Subtotal: $83.98 Chris and Jenn Bettinger Shipping &Handling: $0.00 1736 Center Street --•-- Centerville, MN 55038 Total before tax: $83.98 United States Safes Tax: $5.98 Shipping Speed: Total for This Shipment:$89.96 Two-Day Shipping ----- Payment information Payment Method: Items) Subtotal: $83.98 Visa I Last digits: 8718 Shipping &Handling: $0.00 Billing address Total before tax: $83.98 Chris and Jenn Bettinger Estimated tax to be collected: $5.98 1736 Center Street Centerville, MN 55038 United States Grand Total:$89.96 Credit Card transactions Visa ending in 8718: December 2, 2015:$0.00 To view the status of your order, return to Order Summary. Canditigns of Use I privy Notice @ 1996-2015,Amazon.com,Inc.or its affiliates haps://www.amazon.com/gpicss/summary/ptint.html/ref=od aui_print_invoice?ie=UTF8... 12/02/2015 Amazon.com- Order 114-6053850-1399459 Page 1 of 1 ama�n.(xm �.. Details for Order #114-6053850-1399459 Print this page for your records. Order Placed: December 2, 2015 Amazon.com order number: 114-6053850-1399459 Order Total: $580.00 Not Yet Shipped Items Ordered Price 1 of: Paragon TP-8 Theater Pop 8-0unce Fbpper Popcorn Machine $580.00 Sold by: Contractor Bargains(seller nroriie) Condition; New Shipping Address: Chris and ]enn Bettinger 1736 Center Street Centerville, MN 55038 United States Shipping Speed: Standard Payment information Payment Method: Items) Subtotal. $580.00 Visa i Last digits: 8718 Shipping &Handling: $0.00 Billing address Total before tax: $580.00 Chris and Senn Bettinger Estimated tax to be Collected, $0.00 1736 Center Street Centerville, MN 55038 Grand Total:$5S0.00 United States To view the status of your order, return to Order Summarx. nditiQ s of Use I Privacy Notice®1996-2015,Amazon.com,Inc.or its affiliates haps:/lwww.amazon.com/gp/css/summary/print-html/ref-oh_aui_pi oO1_?ie=UTF8&ord... 12/02/2015