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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2.a. Community FacilitiesAGENDA ITEM: Community Facilities AGENDA SECTION: Discussion PREPARED BY: Dan Schultz, Director of Parks and Recreation z AGEN `L..' ATTACHMENTS: Task Force Recommendations /Progress Report APPROVED BY: RECOMMENDED ACTION: None, discussion only. ACTION: CITY OF ROSEMOUNT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FOR ACTION City Council Work Session Date: April 13, 2005 ISSUE Staff would like to provide updates on the status of the facilities reviewed by the 2004 Community Facilities Task Force and the athletic complex land search. BACKGROUND Facilities Task Force In December of 2003, the Council and staff discussed possibly forming a task force to investigate the need for additional recreational facilities that have been requested. In March of 2004 the Council appointed thirteen community members to the task force and for several months the task force conducted a needs assessment on the following facilities: senior center, arts /cultural center, youth /teen center, aquatic center, and a second sheet of ice. In August of 2004 the City Council received the Community Facilities Task Force Report. Athletic Complex A 2004 -05 goal of the City Council was to pursue the development of an athletic complex. The Council asked staff to identify potential sites and explore various options to purchase land for an athletic complex. SUMMARY Facilities Task Force The recommendations made by the Facilities Task Force and an update on the work that has been done in each of the facility areas are attached. The only item that was identified in the 2005 budget as having a scheduled outcome was the aquatic facility feasibility study. Athletic Complex There are three land owners east of Akron Avenue that staff continue to meet with regarding the land search for an athletic complex. This information is being provided for Council to discuss and give direction on what additional information they would like to receive. 1 Community Facilities Update 4/4/05 Task Force submitted the following recommendations: Senior Center In 2005, provide a part -time coordinator to organize the programs and activities offered to the seniors. (The increase in organized programming should result in an increase in the participation in an already active group). This would increase the immediate need for a senior center. The City should secure a space that can be used on a permanent basis and will meet the needs of the seniors The seniors would like a place to call home and to create an identity that can help them recruit others to participate in the opportunities provided. Update: Staff proposed a 20 hr a week position in the 2005 budget. The position was not included in the final budget. In Janua- of 2005 using existing staff, the Parks and Recreation Department started coordinating programs for seniors zn Rosemount. Beginning on April 25, 2005, rooms 206 and 208 in the Community Center will be used on a trial basis as a location for a daytime drop in meeting/ recreation location for the seniors. The space has some limitations based on the joint use with the National Guard Aquatic Facility In 2005, conduct a feasibility study to determine the financial impact of indoor and outdoor pools. The reason for an indoor versus outdoor facility was to try meeting a different market than the other local outdoor aquatic facilities It would possibly be available during the year for birthday parties, special events and competitive swimming. Update: The 2005 budget includes funding for a feasibiliy study for a pool. This Item has not yet been discussed by Council. Second Sheet of Ice /Multi Purpose Arena The hockey association feels that a second sheet of ice would need to be a multi- purpose facility. They feel that with our community's projected growth they will be able to purchase a majority of the available ice There is an immediate need for the City to start reviewing financial plans and possible locauons for a second sheet of ice /multi- purpose arena. In the near future the local youth hockey organization will have lumted ice available to rent from other local rinks which will not be able to provide space for all of those wanting to play. Update: Staff have met with engineers and architects to get an idea as to what the cost of a new sheet of ice would be. The Mayor and the Director of Parks and Recreation spoke at the Apnl RAHA Board meeting to update them on the information we have been gathenng and to share the results of the 2005 Community Survey. Arts and Cultural Center The Task Force felt this resource was valuable to have m our community. In the last City survey, having a strong arts and cultural presence was viewed by 78% of residents as being somewhat or very important. The Task Force felt it was also important but also noted that 75% of people surveyed felt there were enough facilities and programs to meet household needs. The thought was that if we built an arts and cultural center, we would need to create or search for a user. This is why an arts /cultural center could be more of a gathering place to help with building community. A coffee shop was also mentioned as a possible on -site amenity. The members did feel the community should be supportive of a grassroots movement to provide access to cultural and art opportunities. Update: The Ciy has conducted a feasibility study on the old St. Joseph's Church and school buildings to review the possibilities of future use. The feasibiliy report will be presented at the April 13, 2005, Ciy Council Work Session. Teen Center The Task Force recommended that the City approach Project 540 and ask if they would consider taking on a project or further discussing the idea of a Teen /Youth Center The members of the Task Force felt that other local commumnes did not have long standing and successful teen centers for a numbers of reasons. Competition with school and church activ ities, teens having their own transportation and a feeling of not wanting adults or city government providing activities and then watching over them, were a few of the reasons why teen centers might tend to be less successful than other facilities. There was also an idea to focus more on middle school age youth rather than actual teens. Update —Staff have been to round table meetings regarding teen /youth centers operations. We continue to gather information regarding the success and struggles of other metro areayouth /teen centers. Further information needs to be collected regarding this topic.