7.a) Staff Report-Lilleskogen Park1}y 3
i 1 J
SCANDIA
StaffRenort
Date of Meeting: March 4, 2013
To: Park and Recreation Committee
From: Kristina Handt, City Administrator
Re: Lilleskogen Park
Agenda Item #: Ta)
Background:
In 2008, the Lilleskogoen Park Restoration Plan was developed. A copy is available on the
City's website under Parks and Recreation. The plan also includes a phasing implementation
plan, page 12:
In order to make the park immediately more usable for residents, Phase I improvements include
site grading for installation of the trail system and parking lot as well as the trail boardwalk
crossings. This phase would also include installation of a water control structure on the south
side of the wetland complex. Phase 2 improvements include beginning invasive vegetation
removals and restoration of the wetland and woodland vegetation areas. Phase 3 improvements
include installation of the picnic shelter, orientation kiosk, butterfly garden, and interpretive
signage.
While some of the items in Phase 1 have been completed such as installing the water control
device and the clearing of the trails and parking lot are, not all Phase 1 items have been
completed. At the November PRC meeting, Lee stressed the importance of having a sequence of
events for the development of the Park, such as clearing the canary grass and then completing the
parking lot.
Issue:
What are the plans for Lilleskogen for 2013? Staff would also add: What are the long term plans
at Lilleskogen? This was asked by the Council at the September 18, 2012 meeting.
Proposal Details:
Chair Zauner has proposed the following for Lilleskogen Park for 2013:
1. Clear out the area around the future pavilion. Alex volunteered to cut down and remove the
trees. He will keep the trees to offset expenses for the cutting and removing them. (Staff note: If
Alex agrees to this, he should complete the In Kind Contribution Form and clearly describe the
work he is willing to donate).
The City will chip the branches left behind and mow area. (Staff note: the City does not have a
chipper. This would require funds to rent a chipper)
2. Solicit donations to pay for materials for the pavilion. (Staff note: Donation forms may be
required. How much needs to be raised?)
3. Volunteers to build said pavilion. (Staff note: In Kind Contribution Form should be completed.
Will volunteers be required to have any knowledge of state and federal building code or safety
regulations?)
Staff note: Does the Committee wish to jump to Phase 3 of the implementation plan? When will
the tasks in Phases 1 and 2 be completed or has the project plan changed?
Fiscal Impact:
A timber picnic shelter was estimated at $15,000 per the Lilleskogen Park Restoration Plan. The
plan also included $4,500 for picnic tables. What other items will be included in the construction
of the pavilion?
Options:
1) Clear the area for the pavilion and solicit donations and volunteers as proposed by Zauner
(Phase 3)
2) Clear the canary grass (Phase 2)
3) Complete the parking lot (Phase 1)
4) Furnish and install boardwalk (Phase 1)
5) Complete Earthwork (Phase 1)
6) Any other aspect of the park the committee would like to pursue at this time
Recommendation:
Regardless of what comes next, staff would recommend that a plan for completing all tasks is
developed and used in communicating with the Council and the public. Identify your next step in
the context of the overall park plan. The committee seems to want to modify the phasing plan
from 2008 which may be acceptable if a complete new phasing plan is developed.