City Council Meeting Date: December 3, 2024
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Charlie Fredericks, Streets and Parks Manager
Title
TEST/TRAINING MEETING Consider Resolution Approving the Sechler Park Long-Range Plan.
Body
Action Requested:
Consider approving a Resolution for the Sechler Park Long-Range Plan.
Summary Report:
The Northfield City Council will receive a presentation from Bolton & Menk, Inc. and Bruce Jacobson Landscape Architect LLC on the final Sechler Park Long-Range Plan, detailing proposed enhancements and the community-driven vision for this important park.
This initiative aligns with the city’s Strategic Plan and Riverfront Action Plan, aiming to enhance economic vitality by making Sechler Park more accessible and inviting to both residents and visitors. The long-range plan establishes a roadmap for phased improvements, enhancing the park’s appeal, usability, and integration with other nearby riverfront parks-such as Riverside Lions Park, Northfield Area Veterans Memorial Park, Babcock Park, and Ames Park-all of which contribute to the city’s broader riverfront revitalization goals.
Bolton & Menk, Inc. and Bruce Jacobson Landscape Architect LLC have worked closely with city staff and various community stakeholders to develop this long-range plan. Community feedback was collected through multiple channels, including an online survey (with 152 responses), an interactive map with public comments, three pop-up tabling events, and meetings with user groups like Northfield Youth Baseball Association, Age-Friendly Northfield, and Fastpitch Softball representatives. Based on this input, two concept plans were developed, refined with further feedback, and consolidated into the final plan.
The Park and Recreation Advisory Board has been engaged throughout the project, receiving updates and ultimately passing a resolution recommending approval of the final plan at their November meeting.
Council reviewed the concept plans on October 15, 2024, expressing a preference for Concept 1. Feedback emphasized improved accessibility via pedestrian bridges, enhanced connectivity with existing trails, and safety enhancements across the park-ranging from protective netting near baseball fields to improved parking lot safety. These elements have been incorporated into the final plan.
Staff requests that Council consider approving a resolution to adopt the Final Long-Range Plan for Sechler Park.
Alternative Options:
Council may request modifications to the plan and defer approval to a future date.
Financial Impacts:
N/A
Tentative Timelines:
ü July 8, 2024 Park and Recreation Advisory Board Introduction
ü July-September, 2024 Community Engagement and Feedback
ü September 9, 2024 Park and Recreation Advisory Board Review of Concepts
ü October 15, 2024 City Council Review of Concepts
ü November 4, 2024 Park and Recreation Advisory Board Approval of Plan
• December 3, 2024 City Council Final Approval of Plan