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## author: Beck, Megan

date: D:20260303122406-06'00'

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## Parks and Natural Resources Commission Agenda

March 3, 2026 | 7 p.m.

## Health East Sports Center, Upper-Level Conference Room

## 4125 Radio Drive, Woodbury, Minnesota 55129

The City of Woodbury is subject to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination because of disability by

public entities. The City is committed to full implementation of the Act to our services, programs, and activities. Information regarding the

provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act is available from the City Administrator's office at 651-714-3500. Auxiliary aids for

disabled persons are available upon request at least 72 hours in advance of an event. Please call the ADA Coordinator, at 651-714-3500

(TDD 651-714-3568) to plan.

The March 3, 2026, Parks and Natural Resources Commission Meeting is taking place in-person only

at M Health Fairview Sports Center, Upper-Level Conference Room. Members of the public may

attend the meeting in-person. Public comments will be accepted during the Open Forum.

Questions regarding the meeting will also be taken between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at

651-714-3583 or at RecOnline@woodburymn.gov. Questions received after 4:30 p.m. will be

responded to in the next three to seven business days.

*Please note that all agenda times are estimates.

7:00 p.m.*

7:05 p.m.

1.

2.

## Call to Order

## Open Forum

7:10 p.m. 3. Special Order of Business

A. Swearing in of new Commissioners

7:15 p.m. 4. Approval of Minutes – Dec. 2, 2025

7:20 p.m. 5. Staff Introductions and Presentations

## A. Dan Moris, Recreation Enterprise Manager

## B. Reed Smidt, Recreation Operations Manager

7:35 p.m. 6. Parks and Facilities Long Range Plan - Memorandum 26 - 01

7:45 p.m. 7. Appointment of a Parks and Natural Resources Commission

## Representative to the 2050 Comprehensive Plan Task Force

7:55 p.m. 8. Discussion Items

## A. Review 2026 Projects

## B. E-Transportation Ordinance Recommendations Update

8:15 p.m.

8:20 p.m.

8:30 p.m.

8:40 p.m.

9.

10.

11.

12.

Monthly Update – Memorandum 26 - 02

## Council Update – Council Member Santini

## Announcements/Miscellaneous

1

## Adjourn

If a Commission member cannot attend this meeting, please contact Christine Thueson at

651-714-3584 or christine.thueson@woodburymn.gov at your earliest convenience. Thank you.

1

Discussion and status updates are intended to be informational or of brief inquiry. More substantial

discussion of matters under status updates and miscellaneous should be scheduled for a future agenda.

## City of Woodbury

## Central Park – Prairie Room

## 8595 Central Park Place

## Woodbury, MN 55125

651-714-3583

Minutes of

## Parks and Natural Resources Commission Regular Meeting

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

## Commission Members Present: Emily Bernstein-Hanlon, Sarah Branion, Timothy

## Brewington II, Anna Doherty, Charles Eckberg (Chair),

## Richard Freese, Andrew Goehler (Student), Bruce

Montgomery (Vice-chair),

Staff and Guest Presenters: Michelle Okada, Parks and Recreation Director

## Reed Smidt, Recreation Operations Manager

## Josh Kinney, Parks Planner

## Christine Thueson, Recording Secretary

Chair Eckberg c alled the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.

None.

Chair Eckberg asked for the approval of the Minutes from the November 10, 2025, meeting of the

Parks and Natural Resources Commission.

Motion: Moved by Commissioner B rewington, seconded by Commissioner F reese to approve

the November 10, 2025, Parks and Natural Resources Commission Minutes.

## Vote: In favor: All

## Against: None

## Absent: None

Reed Smidt, Recreation Operations Manager, presented changes and additions made to the

proposed E-transportation ordinances requested by Commissioners during the November meeting.

Mr. Smidt asked Commissioners to review and approve the changes and advise staff to present the

## Parks and Natural Resources Commission Minutes

December 2, 2025

Page 2

ordinance recommendations to City Council for review and consideration in 2026. Mr. Smidt

summarized the proposed changes, which included adding Class 3-e -bikes to the current bicycle

ordinance; updating the definition of Motorized Recreational Vehicles to allow motorized foot

scooters as aligned with state statute; and proposing a new ordinance requiring helmet use for e-

bike riders under 18 years of age.

Discussion included clarifying language in section 16.46(a) of the current Bicycling ordinance

regarding right-of-way considerations in crosswalks. Commissioners requested further review of the

section by the City Attorney and suggested adding language as part of the proposed change to help

indicate that section 16.46(a) would be clarified.

Additional conversation was held regarding the need to include language specifying areas where

motorized foot scooters are allowed, to help differentiate from areas that are prohibited for use by

Motorized Recreational Vehicles. It was determined that leaving the language as drafted provides

adequate separation and reflects the best way to encompass the types of Motorized Recreational

Vehicles currently defined in state statute as well as any undefined modes of e-transportation that

aren’t allowed outside of just motorized foot scooters.

Ms. Okada reminded Commissioners that their approval of the ordinance change recommendations

would guide staff to bring the items to the City Council for their consideration. Ms. Okada added the

PNRC may be called on for questions or clarification regarding the recommendations, and ultimately

City Council would make the final decision on any ordinance changes or additions.

Chair Eckberg asked for a motion to approve the proposed ordinance changes and additions, with

language that Section 16.46(a) will be clarified, and approve the recommendations for staff to

present to City Council for further review and consideration.

Motion: Moved by Commissioner Freese, seconded by Commissioner Doherty, to approve the

proposed ordinance changes and additions, with language that Section 16.46(a) will

be clarified, and approve the recommendations for staff to present to City Council for

further review and consideration.

## Vote: In favor: All

## Against: None

## Absent: None

## 5. Discussion Items

1

Mr. Josh Kinney, Parks Planner, presented a summary of park projects that were completed during

2025 and what remains for 2026. Projects were completed at La Lake Park (South), Chippewa Park,

Powers Lake, and Pioneer Park. Mr. Kinney noted the Carver Lake Beach playground project was

postponed due to the Bailey West property sanitary sewer and water connections project. Also, the M

Health Fairview Sports Center Irrigation Replacement will be ongoing during 2026.

A Commissioner ask ed if there were additional updates regarding the pilot disc golf project. Mr.

Kinney answered there were productive conversations with residents to learn more about their

concerns and staff will continue to monitor the feedback as part of the pilot project efforts. Ms.

Okada added that it is not uncommon to receive concerns or hesitations about projects, and that it is

the City’s job to review the concerns, share the intent of the project, and consider possible solutions.

1

Discussion and updates are intended to be informational or of brief inquiry. More substantial discussion of matter under

status updates and miscellaneous should be scheduled for a future agenda.

## Parks and Natural Resources Commission Minutes

December 2, 2025

Page 3

A question was asked regarding an update from the House Bonding Committee visit, to which Ms.

Okada answered there was no feedback yet, and more information is expected in May or June of

2026. Also discussed was replacement of the exercise balls on the third level of the Lookout Ridge

play structure, and continuing work on the water wall at Central Park.

Ms. Okada noted the last Monthly Update for 2025, adding that the Monthly Updates help

demonstrate the range of services that the PNRC helps direct, and Commissioners hopefully feel

proud of that work.

A brief discussion was held regarding the funding stream for Eagle Valley Golf Course (EVGC) club

house and tee renovations, which are paid using EVGC fund reserves. A Commissioner suggested an

idea to display a sign at EVGC to let patrons know how their greens fees are used.

Council Member Stafford provided an update on recent City Council projects and topics, including

Council’s continuing work on the City Budget, an extension of the Metro Transit Micro Bus service

area in Woodbury, as well as a review of construction designs for the new Public Safety buildings.

Council Member Stafford added it was a joy to be part of the PNRC during the year and thanked

outgoing PNRC members for their service on the Commission.

9. Announcements/Miscellaneous

1

Ms. Okada acknowledged and thanked PNRC members for their service on the Commission and

appreciated the energy they brought to help complete several projects during their term.

Upcoming events were noted including the tree lighting event at Central Park, an online workshop

sponsored by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and the City Council/Commission Kick Off

Event in January. It was noted that dates for 2026 PNRC meetings would be sent to Commissioners

via calendar invitations, with locations indicated on the email sent prior to each meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

/s/

________________________________

## Christine Thueson

## Administrative Technician I

## City of Woodbury

## Parks and Recreation Department

At the September 24

th

Council Workshop, City Council directed staff to move forward with

preparation for the Parks and Facilities Long-Range Plan as proposed.

The Long-Range Plan will serve as a comprehensive guide for planning, enhancing and managing

projects within the City's parks and recreational spaces to ensure that Woodbury’s Park system and

facilities meet the needs of current and future residents.

The planning process will consider the following:

• Local and national park and recreation trends

• Community demographics and growth projections

• Current and future facility and program needs

• How to embed an equity and inclusion lens into the plan

• Input gathered from community engagement efforts

• Funding and maintenance needs

In addition to facility and amenity assessments, natural resources plans, and recreation

programming evaluations, the community engagement process will play a crucial role in shaping the

final plan. Questionnaires, stakeholder interviews, public listening sessions and interactive online

tools are anticipated to help identify needs, preferences, and priorities.

The plan proposed to address key findings such as:

• The need for updated amenities and infrastructure

• Gaps between current facilities and the recreational desires of the community

• If recreational needs are being met by other public or private entities

• The demand for new or enhanced amenities to serve current and future residents

• Priority land acquisition for inclusion in the 2050 Comprehensive Plan

• Informing the Parks, Recreation and Open Space chapters of the 2050 Comprehensive Plan

Ultimately, this Long-Range Plan will provide the foundation for decision-making, budgeting, and

investment in Woodbury’s parks and recreational facilities for approximately 10-15 years. This work

will help ensure amenities remain vibrant, accessible, and sustainable assets.

A dedicated focus group of approximately 20-30 Woodbury residents will provide support, ideation,

and feedback as part of an anticipated extensive community engagement process. The Focus Group

members have been identified by City Council for all at-large members and various community

organizations have identified their representatives. We are looking forward to bringing the group

together in early April.

## Parks and Natural Resources Commission

Memorandum 26-01

March 3, 2026

The Focus Group will serve as a valuable resource, working in coordination with consultants, the

City staff project management team (PMT), and the Parks and Natural Resources Commission

(PNRC). Their input will be integral throughout the process, offering review and feedback. Ultimately,

the PNRC will evaluate the plan and present a final recommendation to the City Council for

consideration.

After receiving high quality proposals and interviewing four consulting firms to support this project,

the City contracted with I & S, Group (ISG), a firm based in Bloomington, MN, to support our

upcoming Parks and Facilities long-range planning efforts. Their project team will be led by highly

respected professionals with extensive experience guiding communities through this important and

impactful work. We are confident their expertise will help us build a thoughtful and forward-looking

plan.

## Next Steps & Draft Timeline

At a high level this is a preliminary timeline and will be further refined once a consultant is onboard

and staff PMT is formed.

Foundational work: Gather documents of previous or in progress studies Q4-Q1 2026

## Form staff Project Management Team (PMT) and Community Focus

Group (CFG)

## Q4 2025

Prepare Request for Proposal for consulting firm(s) to support this work Q4 2025

Award contract(s) Q1 2026

Refine timeline with consultant on board Q1 2026

Review baseline documents Q1 2026

Establish communications and community engagement plans Q1 2026

Begin Focus Group and community engagement Q1/Q2 2026

## Remainder of Long-Range Plan Process Q2 2026 to Mid 2027

## Recommendation

No recommendation is required currently; this is an informational update only.

/ s /

## Michelle Okada

## Parks and Recreation Director

## City of Woodbury

## Parks and Recreation Department

Parks and Natural Resources Commission Memorandum 26 – 02 March 3, 2026

The City of Woodbury’s annual Coin Quest brought residents out into our parks for three weeks of

treasure hunting for three uniquely hidden coins. The lucky coin finders received the original coin as

a keepsake, as well as $100 worth of gift cards to Woodbury businesses. In addition, each time a

coin was found, the Woodbury Community Foundation generously donated $100 to a local non-

profit. The event was a wonderful way to get outdoors, have fun, and connect with the community.

Thanks to favorable winter conditions and

dedicated maintenance efforts, the outdoor

skating rinks and warming houses were open for

45 days this season. Although that is slightly

fewer than last winter’s 51 days, it is a

significant increase compared to just 11 days

the season prior. Skaters enjoyed the rinks at

## Colby Lake, Kargel, Shawnee, and Ojibway

Parks. The facilities officially closed on February

16 due to rising temperatures and deteriorating

ice conditions.

The 2026 Pickleball Club registration was a tremendous

success! We received an incredible response, totaling 771

registrations between the Colby Lake Park and Shawnee

Park Clubs. This overwhelming response highlights the

continued desire for pickleball in our community, and

we’re excited to offer a season full of engaging pickleball

activities.

## Parks and Natural Resources Commission

Memorandum 26 – 02

March 3, 2026

At the 2026 Puzzlepalooza events, teams competed head-to-head in a race to be the first to

assemble 500-piece jigsaw puzzles. A special youth Puzzlepalooza is set for April 11 at Central Park.

The Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala recently took place at

Central Park, with over 250 guests enjoying an evening of

celebration with a “Hollywood Glam” theme. The event combined

elegance, networking, and recognition, making it a standout

occasion for the community.

Graduation Party reservations have been popular in 2026, with 20

events reserved for graduating seniors in our community. Lookout

Ridge also remains popular, recording over 6,000 admissions in

January.

A recent Performance in the Park featured The Dirty Shorts Brass Band, with around 125 people in

attendance at the event.

Woodbury High School recently honored varsity

boys hockey head coach Wes Bolin, who is

retiring from teaching and coaching after 43

years. Coach Bolin is known for the “double stick

tap” that concludes each practice and game. He

took center ice to perform the “double stick tap”

in front of family, friends and alumni that were in

attendance.

Woodbury Area Hockey Club hosted the John Erickson Memorial Pee Wee AA tournament with

several of the state’s best Pee Wee AA teams attending. The tournament is held each year in

memory of John Erickson, a long-time Woodbury resident and youth hockey coach for over 25 years.

## Parks and Natural Resources Commission

Memorandum 26 – 02

March 3, 2026

Eagle Valley Golf Course continued to host meetings and

events in the banquet space throughout the winter

months, including a quilting group indoor retreat and a

comedy show.

The new fleet of 65 lithium-powered golf cars has

arrived. After six years of service, the previous fleet had

reached the end of its life cycle. We’re looking forward to

rolling them out for our customers this spring.