--- ## author: Linnea Graffunder-Bartels date: D:20260814110137-05'00' --- ## AGENDA ## Parks and Recreation Commission ## The next regular Parks and Recreation Commission meeting will be September 15, 2026, at 6 PM at the Oakdale Discovery Center ## REGULAR MEETING August 18, 2026 ## 6:00 PM ## Oakdale Discovery Center ## 1.CALL TO ORDER ## 2.CALL OF ROLL ## 3.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ## 4.APPROVAL OF AGENDA ## 5.APPROVAL OF MINUTES a.May 19, 2026 ## 6.OPEN FORUM ## 7.PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REVIEW a.OLD BUSINESS b.NEW BUSINESS ## i.Park Tour Location Discussion ## 8.OTHER a.Staff Liaison ## Updates* b.Commissioner Update(s)* ## c.Council Liaison Update(s)* ## 9.ADJOURNMENT *I tems marked with an asterisk have no accompanying materials. ## REGULAR MEETING ## OAKDALE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION ## MAY 19, 2026 ## CALL TO ORDER The Parks and Recreation Commission held a meeting on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Oakdale Discovery Center, 4444 Hadley Avenue North, Oakdale, Minnesota. The meeting was called to order by Chair Schorr at 6:00 PM. ## CALL OF ROLL On a call of roll, the following were present: ## Chair: Jen Schorr ## Commissioners: Glen Bearth ## Brett Berfeldt ## Jan Cunningham ## Mike Prosser ## Staff Present: Cory Tietz, Public Works Director ## Hannah Dunn, Community Development Specialist ## Absent: Commissioner Glen Giacoletto ## Commissioner Mark Giannini ## PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ## APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA ## A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER PROSSER, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ## BEARTH TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED. 5 Ayes. Motion Approved. ## APPROVAL OF MINUTES ## A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER PROSSER, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ## CUNNINGHAM TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF APRIL 21, 2026 AS ## PRESENTED. 5 Ayes. Motion Approved. ## PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES ## MAY 19, 2026 ## PAGE TWO ## OPEN FORUM Residents Jordan and Adam who live near Golfview Park shared concern that development would impact the wetland of Golfview Park and increase traffic. Jordan enjoys the peaceful bike path, but cars don’t pay attention to pedestrians and kids play in the street. He would like the park to be improved and misses traditional merry-go-rounds. Director Tietz replied that private property is being referenced, and while nothing is final or approved, the developer is looking to potentially put some additional living units in the area, but not on the wetland. While development could increase traffic, the meeting tonight is limited in conversation relating to the park improvements. For development concerns, it is best to connect with elected officials or the Community Development Department and stay informed on agenda items for when development is approved. ## PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REVIEW ## a. OLD BUSINESS i. None ## b. NEW BUSINESS ## i.Golfview and Tower Park Playground Selection ## Community Engagement Report: Golfview & Tower Parks Community Development Specialist Hannah Dunn presented the public engagement results for the upcoming park improvements: •Golfview Park: The in-person event drew 31 participants, and the online survey received 44 responses. Top requested features included slides, climbing structures, and swings. Due to spatial constraints, a zipline is not feasible. Data has been shared with design vendors. •Tower Park: The online survey received 64 responses. Top requests included slides, additional swings, climbing features, monkey bars, toddler-specific equipment, and a slope erosion plan. ## Golfview Park Playground Selection Ms. Dunn reviewed the baseline design plan, noting that it closely mirrors the existing layout. Due to budget limitations, the trail realignment from the Parks Master Plan is deferred, though the playground footprint will accommodate it in the future. The updated plan introduces a concrete plaza with picnic tables, with additional shade structures pending budget availability. Two design options prepared by LHB were presented: Concept A (Flagship Recreation) and Concept B (Midwest Playscapes). ## PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES ## MAY 19, 2026 ## PAGE THREE ## Commission Discussion The Commission discussed the merits of both designs, noting a strong preference for Concept B. Key points raised included: •Better spacing between age-appropriate play areas. •A more substantial and impressive main climbing structure and tube slide. •A preferred layout for seating, allowing parents to easily view children at play. •A request from multiple commissioners to ensure adequate shade and seating are integrated into the final design. By consensus, the Commission recommended Concept B to the City Council for approval. ## Tower Park Playground Selection Ms. Dunn outlined the proposed structural changes for Tower Park, which include replacing the current sand surface with engineered wood fiber, creating a dedicated trail access point from the street, and splitting the playground into two distinct play containers (one for the main structure and one for swings). Boulder seating will also be added. Two design options prepared by LHB were presented: Concept A (Flagship Recreation) and Concept B (Northland Recreation). ## Commission Discussion The Commission reviewed the options and expressed a general preference for Concept B. Key points raised included: •Appreciation for the rock-climbing wall, platforms, and sightlines that allow parents to watch multiple play areas simultaneously. •Praise for the visually striking design and robust main structure features. •Differing viewpoints regarding the boulder features, with some preference expressed for incorporating more natural trees and shade rather than heavy rock elements. By consensus, the Commission recommended Concept B to the City Council for approval. ## OTHER ## a. Staff Liaison Updates ## Community Development Update Ms. Dunn provided an update on the following topics: •Tanners Lake Park Improvement. The approved concept plan includes relocating the playground equipment to the graded area on top of the hill, and may utilize grade changes to incorporate play elements, converting an existing turnaround with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Parking into a small parking lot off of Glenbrook Avenue, improving court areas for pickleball and tennis, and improving the accessibility of paths to amenities. Shoreline restoration is grant dependent; phasing may place it as a midterm improvement with City Council’s discretion to shift the prioritization. The ## PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES ## MAY 19, 2026 ## PAGE FOUR annual street improvement program includes repaving of the road on the east side of the park and south parking lot near the ballfields and is not part of the park improvement project. Residents may have been confused with the mailers, so it is helpful for the advisory body to be aware of. The community engagement will be ramping up over the next month, beginning with a walking tour on May 27 from 6 to 8 PM. Small group tours will meet at the beach house building and depart in different directions to see the locations of improvements and seek desired play elements. While final design details are not determined, precedent imagery will help display the scale. Later in June or July, there will be an online survey and an in-person event table at Summerfest to engage with the wider community. There will be another pop-up at Tanners Lake Park later in July when the survey is online. Stakeholder group meetings will also take place. ## Commission Discussion & Feedback •Desired Amenities: The Commission highlighted past public feedback requesting the preservation of the sledding hill and basketball facilities. Staff confirmed these items are tracked for the upcoming engagement summary and noted that near-term focus remains on concept and engagement before finalization and bidding. •Shoreline and Beach Restoration: Concerns were raised regarding the prioritization of the shoreline and beach house, noting that poor water quality and underutilized facilities have reduced beach usage, and that preserving the lake as a destination is critical to the neighborhood. •Neighborhood Parking Concerns: Commissioners relayed feedback from residents who are concerned about losing the peace and quiet of the Glenbrook Avenue dead-end road, citing existing issues with unauthorized parking and noise. •Parking Justification: Staff clarified that the additional parking lot is designed to provide essential access to future phased amenities, including a kayak launch, a relocated northern fishing pier, and beach house rentals. Director Tietz concluded the discussion by encouraging the Parks and Recreation Commission to actively collect public feedback and promote community participation in the upcoming engagement events. ## Parks Update Mr. Tietz provided an update on the following topics: •New Public Works Facility. With 40 years in the old building, there was a lot of stuff to go through. Crews are now moved in and only recently returning to park maintenance. •Mowing. There are new enhancements in the planting bed areas with colorful flowers at Eastside and Walton Parks. •Walton Pinwheel. The flagpole and lighting will return with plantings. Teams are starting to use the facility regularly. ## PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES ## MAY 19, 2026 ## PAGE FIVE ## Recreation Update Mr. Tietz provided an update on the following topics: •Park Cleanup. 65 volunteers provided tremendous help during the Park Cleanup Week event. •Farmers Market. Two weeks from Wednesday will kick off the market season that has moved over to the west side of the bandshell. •Amphitheater Series. June 11 will kick off the programming at the Discovery Center backyard amphitheater. •Summerfest Parade. The date changed to Saturday, June 27 at Noon. The parade will travel the same route. •Summerfest. The Oakdale Summerfest Community Organization has planned new event features. The construction fencing will create a tighter event footprint. Summerfest will be able to utilize some construction fencing to rent less. •City Hall Closure. Staff started their move today with services moving to the new Public Works building the day after Memorial Day. On the first Monday of June, the old City Hall officially becomes a construction site with 6 to 8 foot tall construction fence. Using Walton Tennis Court’s east perimeter, and drawing a north/south line, that is about how far the fence will go into the park. The building will not reach that far, but there will be a sidewalk with trail improvements. Adding screening on the fences will give a cleaner, secure look. The Communications Department has discussed wrapping it up with City information. ## b. Commissioner Updates Commissioner Bearth announced that this will be his last Commission meeting as he transitions more of his time and focus on the Maplewood Oakdale Lions Club. The few members of the club will be working on finding creative solutions to fundraise since they are no longer involved at Summerfest. He will continue to be engaged with the Tanners Lake Park improvements. He recalled his family history in the City and the legacy of his father, along with the Ted Bearth Grande Parade being named after him, remembering 50 years ago seeing Summerfest and the parade being created on his family’s kitchen table. He made requests regarding Summerfest; that the City make an official statement about the reason there is not a carnival and come up with a plan to prevent kids from causing trouble in the kitchen area like last year by blocking access. Director Tietz replied that learning from last year, fencing will be reconfigured to make what happened last year challenging to reoccur. Commissioner Cunningham encouraged everyone to attend Wellness 50+ events that are listed in the Oakdale Update. Commissioner Berfeldt thanked Commissioner Bearth for his service. ## PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES ## MAY 19, 2026 ## PAGE SIX Chair Schorr thanked Public Works Staff in recognition of National Public Works Week. ## c. Council Liaison Update Council Member Morcomb provided an update on the following: • Tanners Lake Mayor Meeting. Change brings vocal and curious people and in response to online conversations about the Tanners Lake Park improvements, the Mayor held an in-person meeting. While the Oakdale Neighborhood Page online has 15,000 members and the event was shared and people replied that they were “coming,” 15 people showed up. Of those, half live in the cul-de-sac, and while supportive of upgrades, have very strong feelings that the changes will impact their way of life. The other half were happy improvements are finally being done. Council has heard the concerns that have been voiced, and want to hear everyone; it isn’t typical for Council to hold special meetings like this but acknowledges that there are a lot of people who care and the duty to listen. • 40 th Street Bridge. Oakdale had a huge win getting $3.75 million in bonding money from the State. It may be the first time Oakdale has received State bonding money. While it is not all the money needed for the bridge, it is a good portion. Design work is needed and the project would not be built this year, but will be good for the new homes in Willowbrooke and the parks and trails system. • City Services Moved. The entire transition of the Oakdale Police was seamless. As the Public Works team goes through 30 plus years of old items with their move, he hopes to see any artifacts or relics. • Parks Master Plan. When Council Member Morcomb joined Council three years ago, he was excited about the parks but didn’t have a master plan. The investments were delayed for three or four years. ## ADJOURNMENT ## A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER PROSSER, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ## CUNNINGHAM TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION ## COMMISSION, DATED MAY 19, 2026, AT 7:36 PM. 5 Ayes. Motion Approved. Respectfully submitted, ## Laura Linzmeyer, Administrative Assistant ## M E M O R A N D U M ## T ## O: Cory Tietz, Public Works Director ## FROM: Julie Williams, Recreation Superintendent DATE: August 14, 2026 ## SUBJECT: Monthly Update – August 2026 The following information is provided to the City Administrator and Parks and Recreation Commissioners as information only. There is no need for any official commission, council, or administrative action; but rather, this is an effort by staff to keep you informed of the Department’s day-to-day operations. ## 1.SUMMER CAMPS Our summer camps have officially concluded for the season! Despite challenging weather conditions, including smoke, rain, and heat warnings—we ran successful programs across our Mini Camps, Small World Camps, and the mobile ITS Truck. A special shoutout goes out to our new Mini Camp location at Willowbrooke Commons, which was a huge hit with parents, participants, and staff this year. ## 2.MOVIE IN THE PARK The people have spoken! With 35.4% of the 215 votes cast on our website, Lilo & Stitch Live Action is the winner for our final Movie in the Park event to be held this Friday, August 14. Concessions will be provided by the Maplewood Oakdale Lions Club, and you can grab a free drink at the Warrior Nutrition "Hydration Station"! ## 3.FALL/WINTER NEWSLETTER The upcoming fall/winter newsletter will be mailed to residents mid - September. Recreation p rograms will cover the months of October through January. ## 4.ARTIST OF THE MONTH Local Oakdale artist, Ed Boytim is a self-taught artist who learned his skills by watching YouTube. He created new artwork inspired by a recent summer trip to Italy. He recommends both traveling to Italy and doing artwork as a hobby to everyone. ## 5.FARMER’S MARKET The Oakdale Farmers Market continues to thrive at the new west parking lot location at Walton Park. Sweet corn arrived at the market in late July and has continued to produce into August. We look forward to welcoming Novak’s Orchards apples at the end of the month. New mobile food vendor, Lucinda’s Lemonade, has found success in offering fresh-squeezed classic and flavored lemonades, teas, dirty sodas, energy drinks, and treats like berry shortcakes . ## 6.SUMMER CONCERT SERIES The Oakdale Summer Concert series featured two musical acts in July. While challenging heat and rain impacted a few scheduled concerts this season, two events successfully moved forward. On July 15, The Squires Band performed a lively mix of dance and polka music, and on July 22, the Hot Club Mania Quartet stopped by for an evening of jazz music. ## 7.OAKDALE LATIN SOCIAL Our first-ever Oakdale Latin Social was a massive success, drawing an incredible crowd who came together to celebrate Latin music, culture, and community! The event was packed with fun, featuring four local food trucks, a festive photo booth, and interactive activities like a "decorate-your-own- maracas" station for kids and jumbo, table-sized fiesta themed group coloring sheets. The absolute highlight of the night was the live music and salsa lessons from Salsa Del Soul, which turned out to be a huge hit and had everyone on their feet! ## 8.ONE ROOM SCHOOLHOUSE CAMP Partnering with the Maplewood Area Historical Society once again, the department is offering a One- Room Schoolhouse Camp for students in grades 1 through 5. From August 17th to 20th, campers wi ll b e transported back in time to experience what life was like in the 1888 Eder Schoolhouse and learn about its history. ## 9.AMPED UP ENTERTAINMENT Amped Up had a successful July, with a stop from the Sustainable Safari Mammal Show. It was fun to see and pet a baby kangaroo, and handful of other critters. We will wrap up the summer program on August 20, with the Snake Discovery: Snake, Rattle, and Roll show! ## 10.TOUCH A TRUCK Due to the ongoing City Hall remodel, we are moving the fun over to the Walton Park west parking lot (just west of the bandshell). The event will take place Thursday, August 20, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. The Maplewood/Oakdale Lions Club will be on-site selling hot dogs, chips, and drinks, and the Mik Mart Ice Cream Cart is returning to hand out free frozen treats! To ensure a comfortable and welcoming experience for all families, this year's event will once again be completely sensory-free (no loud noises, horns, or flashing lights). A dedicated sensory tent will also be available as a safe, quiet space for kids to recharge. ## 11.FAMILY FUN FLATIBLES Our annual Family Fun Flatables event will take place on Saturday, September 26, from 11 AM to 4 PM at Richard Walton Park. This free community event features a variety of inflatables for all ages, as well as a live performance by Kidsdance at the band shell from Noon to 3 PM. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase. Please note: While we look forward to another fantastic turnout, this year's event footprint will be slightly smaller due to the current City Hall remodeling project.