5.b PW - Staff Report
Staff Report
Date of Meeting: 4/4/2022
For: Parks and Recreation Committee
From: Charles Fischer – Director of Public Works
Subject: Staff Report
Playground Grant:
On March 18th Public Works submitted the final version of the DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant.
After multiple reviews and revisions, the final document was completed and Public Works
would like to thank all of those who helped in the writing process. Terry Gorman was
instrumental in the full review of the document and help clarify specific detail required in the
application. Cami VanAble assisted in the public comment portion of the grant which was
written very well written to what the DNR was seeking for public engagement in the planning
process. Isiah Bubany from Bolten and Menk assisted with the Recreation Site Plan and
assembled the proper maps highlighting the Park site and playground project. Jay Webber from
Webber Recreation adjusted project plan drawings to match what the DNR required for the
Grant. Public Works is very hopeful for a positive response from the DNR to award the funds for
the playground project. The final grant document can be found in th e meeting packet.
The DNR will be reviewing all submissions this spring and have an award notification set for
some time in July. Ground breaking for the project will begin shortly after July if an award is
granted to the City. Due to the timing of the potential award, it is likely that the project will
extend into the 2023 season and Public Works expects that the project would conclude late
summer or early fall of 2023. Initial scope of work will start with Public Works staff removing
the old playground and setting proposed elevations for the playground and ADA sidewalk which
will serve the playground. Pubic Works anticipates minimal subgrade corrections or soil
removal as the new playground will be set to a higher grade than the existing structure to
accommodate ADA elevations for the new sidewalk and future potential sidewalks leading to
the tennis courts.
Lilleskogen Trail:
In the last few weeks of winter and the onset of Spring heavy snows brought down multiple
branches and weakened trees along the path in Lilleskogen. Public Works has been working to
clear the trail by moving fallen trees or branches off the trail. Further removal of the debris is
expected to happen this summer after the ground hardens and equipment can be brought into
the park.
Orwell Park:
Public Works has been working with Vacker signs, out of Roseville, for the design of the new
park sign at Orwell Park. The sign is made of recycled composite plastic and will follow the
policy in place for park signage within the City. Park locations not within the Village Center have
less restrictive requirements compared to the Lilleskogen Park sign which required the brick
columns and sign design. Public Works is working towards this design to become a standard for
all other parks out of the Village Center including: Orwell Park, Bone Lake Park, Hay Lake Park,
Wind in the Pines or other future park locations. To have a standardized sign will increase the
ability to readily install a sign at other or future sites and eliminate lengthy delays in
construction and installation. Cost for the sign is $?????. Total cost for sign, timbers and
installation is $?????. The requirement for this sign to be installed is due to the forfeiture of the
property to the City and need for a sign and other small amenities (short trial and picnic table).
Prices should be available the week of April 4th.
Sign design example from Vacker Sign with 6x6 rough Cedar posts.