Eden Prairie Parks, Recreation, Natural Resources Guide

EDEN PRAIRIE PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES GUIDE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Dear Eden Prairie Community Member,

On behalf of our Parks and Recreation Department staf, I would like to thank you for your appreciation and support of our programs, parks, and natural resources. This guide is our commitment to you. It is designed to ensure that, both now and into the future, the result of our efforts will enhance the lives of everyone in our community. In addition to your support, we acknowledge the help of other people and organizations in support of our services and care for the natural environment.

Our Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Members who served between the years of 2019–2023 were instrumental in providing ideas and feedback for the guide. Members were Patrice Erickson (Chair), Saratbabu Atluru, Deepa Bhujle, Cecilia Cervantes, Pedro Curry, Kim Harris, Larry Link (Past Chair), Andy McGlasson, Leonard Pesheck, Tom Poul, John Rahman, Ken Ross, Shanti Shah, Kirk Spresser, Keith Tschohl, Duane Hookom, Annie Klodd, and Ashley Young. We also thank the many young people who have served as student commissioners over the years.

In addition to the content, we are proud of the design and layout created by the talented staf from ISG. They helped make this a readable, approachable, and high-quality document. You’ll notice throughout the guide that there are many partner organizations that we rely on. We value their dedication to making Eden Prairie a unique and special place to live, work, and play.

Recreation Services Manager Lori Brink, Community Center Manager Valerie Verley, Parks and Natural Resources Manager Matt Bourne, and Administrative Assistant Brenda Uting played a large role in the development of the guide. I appreciate their commitment to the process and ultimately this guide’s implementation.

Thank you again for taking the time to read our Eden Prairie Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources guide. We look forward to continuing to provide the high-quality parks and programming experiences you have come to know and rely on from our department.

Sincerely,

Our City Council members and City Manager Rick Getschow continue to recognize the importance of reaching all members of our community and ofering high quality and community building experiences. Thank you, Jay Lotthammer Mayor Ron Case and Council Members Mark Freiberg, Parks + Recreation Director PG Narayanan, Kathy Nelson, and Lisa Toomey.

WE STRIVE TO ACHIEVE EXCELLENCE.

WE ARE PROBLEM SOLVERS.

WE SEEK AND IMPLEMENT LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS.

W E D ELIVER POSITIVE AND MEASURABLE RESULTS.

ABOUT THIS GUIDE

ABOUT THIS GUIDE

This is truly a unique parks, recreation, and natural resources guide. Certainly, it is specifc to the City of Eden Prairie, but what makes it special is what it includes and who was involved in bringing it to fruition. Our past park and open space master plans covered just what the titles indicated—parks and open space. This wasn’t unique to Eden Prairie, it was the template most cities followed. Previous plans documented what was in place and guided the Parks and Recreation Department regarding land acquisition and types of facility developments and amenities. Now that Eden Prairie is highly developed and nearing full land acquisition, it’s important to be deliberate about forecasting and planning based on our current population and how we can best engage them to continue to beneft their quality of life through programs, events, facilities, parks, and services.

The strength and basis of this current Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Guide is that it is staf-driven. We are fortunate to have highly trained staf who are considered experts in their program areas. They’re also the people who work closely with our residents. The strong relationships and the day-to-day oversight make them highly skilled to ofer insightful thoughts about the future. An additional beneft derived from this staf-driven method has been the rich discussions among our team to understand and celebrate the past, examine current initiatives, and chart a path toward the future to best serve Eden Prairie residents.

Public input and a deep understanding of our community has also been critical to guiding our future. Additionally, members of our Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission played a key role in the development of the guide.

The Parks + Recreation Department will foster a high quality living environment and provide healthy, safe, enjoyable leisure time opportunities for all segments of the population by:

Providing a variety of afordable recreational programs and services for all age groups and people of all abilities.

Developing and maintaining the park and open space system with sufcient recreation facilities to meet community needs.

Promoting maximum public use and access to all community facilities by those who live or work in Eden Prairie.

Identifying and recommending ways to protect and preserve unique historical and environmental features within Eden Prairie.

DOCUMENT STRUCTURE

This document is structured in fve distinct sections. It is published digitally and printed in a limited quantity. Additionally, there is a summary document intended to communicate future strategies and intentions.

Into The Future

How we move forward. We discuss how trends and social dynamics impact the future of Parks and Recreation and how we can proactively plan and respond to the anticipated changes.

Ways We Do Business

The behind the scenes is revealed. From partnerships to business processes, this section outlines the methods and means for providing and managing our programs, facilities, parks, and services.

Programs + Facilities

How we actively engage the community. Program Supervisors and Facility Managers discuss the history, status and future needs of our programs and facilities.

Parks + Natural Resources

There’s a lot to keep up and track. Each park is inventoried, described, and photo documented, and future maintenance and upgrades are proposed.

Appendix

A deeper dive and understanding. Here you’ll fnd work plans, strategic plans, reports, survey results, and other information.

ABOUT THIS GUIDE

WHY WE DEVELOPED THE GUIDE

We recognize the benefts of having a road map. We want to share our data, recommendations, and plans to continue making Eden Prairie programs and parks instrumental in our residents quality of life. This is also a process and a vehicle to engage residents, elected ofcials, and City staf in imagining and giving guidance to our future.

The timing is also right. Previous master/comprehensive park plans were created in 1965, 1989 and 2003. And in 2018, Parks and Recreation staf participated in the development of the City’s updated comprehensive plan, Aspire Eden Prairie 2040, which has components that serve as a foundation and data source for this update. Our new Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Guide is intended to recognize and embrace past eforts, acknowledge changes, integrate programming eforts, and inform plans and eforts into the future.

We’ve recently developed and updated several plans and inventories that informed the development of this guide.

Recently Developed Plans, Reports, and Surveys

Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan (2014)

Documents all current trails, sidewalks, and crossings. Suggests areas for improvement and new trails and connections.

Aspire Eden Prairie 2040 (2017)

Required by state statute; a guide for land use, zoning and population growth and changes.

Urban Forestry Master Plan (2021)

A guide to methods and strategies for managing and improving forests and natural areas. Also informs the public of best practices for their privately-owned trees.

Sport Trends Study/Report (2021)

A local look at participation trends, this report is informed by past statistics and local sport leaders. Assists in the planning for renovation and development of future sport facilities.

Outdoor Center Master Plan (2015)

Due to the complexity and costs of the overall efort, this plan acts as a guide for a measured approach to the additions.

Climate Action Plan (2020)

Strategies for achieving community-wide carbon neutrality by 2050 are identifed in the categories of commercial/industrial and residential efciency, electric grid mix changes, renewable energy, fuel switching in buildings, travel, and waste.

Marketing and Promotion Plan (2020)

Developed in coordination with a marketing consultant, this plan examines marketing strategies and ofers a guide toward online and digital content management.

edenprairie.org/AspireEP2040

Aspire Eden Prairie 2040

Community input for the creation of Aspire Eden Prairie 2040 was collected over two years. The document represents a unified vision developed through the input and proactive engagement of residents, City staff and officials, business leaders, and other key stakeholders. Through a variety of outreach activities, such as workshops, commission work sessions, focus groups, do it yourself workshops, online engagement and an interactive online mapping system, the public expressed their ideas and observations.

Recently Updated Plans, Reports, and Surveys

Capital Improvement Plan

Lists redevelopment and development projects for the next 10 years.

Trails and Sidewalk Condition Report

Lists all segments of trails and sidewalks. Provides a condition rating and uses past performance data to predict impacts of preventative maintenance and costs.

Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan

Lists the physical barriers that prevent program accessibility, describes how those barriers will be removed and establishes a schedule to remove those barriers, and identifes interim steps for transition periods longer than one year.

94% of residents think Eden Prairie has an excellent or good overall natural environment

Parks and Recreation Department Work Plan

Informs all City staf and residents of the programs and eforts planned coinciding with the two-year budget.

Historic Properties Inventory

Updated annually to track past eforts and indicate future improvement projects. Helps guide grant applications and priority levels within the Capital Improvement Plan.

Quality of Life Survey

This resident opinion survey is conducted every other year and is benchmarked across the nation. It provides feedback in all areas of our programs, services, and facilities.

In addition to the recently developed and updated reports and plans, a great deal of historical data available is used to help guide us into the future. The Eden Prairie Annual Report contains a historical record of data captured at diferent points in time, which is sequenced to demonstrate trends. Aggregating and displaying this data and using it to help others understand our history and recommendations for the future is an important part of this efort.

HOW WE DEVELOPED THE GUIDE

Continued Updates

Three previous Master/Comprehensive Park Plans have been created (1965, 1989, and 2003).

Added Recreation Programming

The past Master/Comprehensive Park Plans emphasized parks, open space and facilities. However, now that Eden Prairie is highly developed and nearing full land

acquisition, it’s important to be deliberate about forecasting and planning based on our current population and how we can best engage them to continue to beneft their quality of life through our programs, events, facilities, parks, and services.

Staff Input

Due to the size and breadth of the Parks and Recreation Department, we are fortunate to employ staf who are highly trained, experienced, and considered experts in their areas of programming and management. These individuals attend trainings, interact with colleagues, and engage with residents to improve and keep programs and facilities relevant and high quality.

Commission Involvement

We are fortunate to have a well-rounded and engaged Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission. Our staf routinely present program areas and seek feedback from Commission members who are residents and experts from a variety of areas. We’ve engaged them in exercises and processes to explore and imagine the future of parks and recreation in Eden Prairie.

The Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Commission acts in an advisory capacity to the City on matters of leisure services, recreation programming, and development and use of parks and recreation facilities supported by the general public.

Surveys

Staf routinely seek feedback from participants and those renting facilities. This provides City leaders with a snapshot of how residents feel about living in this community to determine current and future needs. The latest survey results show Eden Prairie residents continue to enjoy a high quality of life and rate most City services and characteristics higher than local and national benchmarks.

Social Media Feedback

Parks and Recreation and Communications staf gather feedback on past experiences and seek input on future programs and facility development. Staf monitor and post on many diferent social media platforms.

Industry Best Practices

Staf reviews recent literature, attends conferences and trainings, and networks among other professionals to evaluate and plan.

Consultants

Consultants are engaged in technical areas such as legal, engineering, architectural, and landscape planning.

PROJECT TIMELINE

2019

2020

In 2019, Park and Recreation staf began developing a document outline and strategy for assembling and organizing data. Along the way, concepts were reviewed with the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission and staf held program specifc data analysis sessions. Program and facility management staf began gathering and documenting program and facility use data.

2022

In March of 2020, Covid-19 drastically impacted our city, state, and nation, and halted all parks and recreation programs and facility use. The development of this guide was deliberately paused to allow staf time to understand the changes and impacts that resulted from the pandemic.

2023

In early 2022, staf felt comfortable that the drastic impacts of Covid-19 were passed and eforts to move the guide forward would be appropriate. In addition to revising program areas based on Covid-19 impacts, staf used recent data to forecast both the recovery from Covid-19 and implications into the future. In the fall of 2022, ISG, an architecture, engineering, environmental, and planning frm, was engaged to assist with the fnal design, development, and publication of the document.

Finally, the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Guide was reviewed by the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission and the City Council in the spring of 2023.

WHAT OUR RESIDENTS TELL US

The last Park and Open Space Plan was created in 2003. Since then, a number of communication opportunities have occurred, allowing Eden Prairie residents and businesses to share their opinions on what works, what needs improving, and what is missing from our parks, programs, and facilities.

It is important for the success of the guide to include a variety of community input and public participation. Some of the community outreach methods and data sources included:

Bi-Annual Community Survey

Results from questions surrounding parks, facilities and programs which are tracked over time.

Program Satisfaction Surveys

Direct feedback from participants and those renting facilities.

Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources

Commission Feedback

Commission members and student representatives ofer valuable feedback and insights for staf to understand and consider.

City Council Member Feedback

Resident feedback to City Council Members. Council members are also instrumental in setting overall city goals and budget priorities.

Program Evaluations

Program participant feedback suggesting changes to hours, topics, vendors, etc.

Polco

An online civic participation platform that seek public input on current ideas, initiatives, and issues facing the community.

SeeClickFix (SCF)

A website and app which assist users in communicating with the City about non-emergency issues. Residents report issues on the site and receive a response from City staf along with follow-up once the problem is fxed. SCF was implemented in 2013 and receives approximately 800 requests annually.

Social Media

The City maintains Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts. Residents and visitors ask questions through the platforms and the City posts information on upcoming events, sledding hill updates, registration deadlines, etc. Over the Hometown Celebration on July 3rd and 4th, the Parks and Recreation Department conducted a ‘take over’ of the Facebook account with real time updates from Round Lake Park.

Parks and Recreation Director Jay Lotthammer maintains a Twitter account where he shares information on Parks and Recreation Department happening.

DEMOGRAPHIC TRENDS

Demographic trends in Eden Prairie show an increase in racial and ethnic diversity. While the number of school-age children in the community is decreasing, the number of older adults is increasing with many choosing to “age in place”. These trends pose both opportunities and challenges in the area of recreation programming, as the interests and needs of residents continue to shift. New sports have emerged, new events have taken shape and changes in facilities have been made in response to these changing needs. While striving to ofer the highest quality programs and facilities, the Parks and Recreation Department works to identify and address barriers to participation.

Source: Metropolitan Council Community Profile for Eden Prairie

WE CARE ABOUT PEOPLE AND BUILD MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCES TO ADVANCE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL.

WE SHARE OUR TALENTS, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE FOR THE GREATER GOOD. W E A RE A LEARNING ORGANIZATION, COMMITTED TO ADVANCING IN A WORLD THAT IS EVER-CHANGING.

INTO THE FUTURE

INTO THE FUTURE

There is a wealth of information to assist us in planning for the future. Our own history and data provide examples of potential trajectories. Other sources from researchers, demographers, scientists, and economists help us understand and anticipate future trends. Listed below are cultural, demographic, environmental, political, and socioeconomic trends we believe will have an impact on how we deliver programs and services and care for and enhance our parkland and facilities.

Many of these trends are incorporated into the Programs and Facilities section of this guide. Parks and Recreation staf continue to monitor these trends and change-drivers within their areas of expertise. Additional information can be found in the Aspire Eden Prairie 2040 comprehensive plan (see Appendix) along with goals, objectives and strategies that are specifc to the Parks and Recreation Department.

Changing Demographics + Increased Diversity

Strategies and approaches to demographic and diversity trends impacting Eden Prairie Parks and Recreation are outlined in the Programs and Facilities section. The recent Race Equity Report, which outlines recommendations to make Eden Prairie a more equitable and inclusive community, is in implementation.

Currently, the population of Eden Prairie is growing and expected to increase steadily over the next decade. Similar to state demographic trends, our population continues to age. At the youth level, the Eden Prairie Schools Enrollment and Demographic Report shows an 8.9 percent decrease in enrollment in the past 10 years and is expected to decrease by roughly 4 percent over the next 10 years. Shrinking kindergarten classes are one explanation for this decline.

Increased diversity will likely lead to a greater variety of recreational interests and types of desired facilities and activities. Continued monitoring and forecasting of participation is important when determining long-term facility development. When appropriate, multi-use facilities will allow for unexpected changes in the future.

Income Disparities

Although Eden Prairie is regarded as an afuent community, many residents struggle to obtain basic necessities. Our team will continue eforts to engage all residents and make programs and facilities available and accessible to everyone. Outreach eforts, reducing fnancial barriers, and continued partnership development are important to make sure all residents can participate in our life enhancing activities and programs.

Older/Active Residents

Age considerations and strategies are important to enhancing the types of programs and facilities for the future. Understanding the needs of a growing older age group is important along with monitoring the decline or stagnant younger ages. Much of the recent housing development has consisted of multi-tenant housing geared to those age 55 and above. Residents have expressed a desire for housing products that will allow them to remain in Eden Prairie as they age. This type of housing has on-site amenities that provide social and recreational experiences for their residents.

Senior programming has shifted to expand upon active opportunities such as the Old Spokes biking club, pickleball, and low-impact ftness classes.

Workforce Shortage + Increasing Wages

Due to employee workforce shortages, wages have increased faster than in the past. Competition from retailers and restaurants has driven wages higher. More time is spent by staf recruiting and retaining employees. In some cases, service levels, building hours, and the ability to meet resident demand have been restricted by staf shortages. Continuing to highlight the tangible and intangible job benefts will be important. Recruiting hundreds of high-quality seasonal staf is expected to become more difcult. Retention eforts to engage older and recently retired workers through fexible scheduling and non-traditional schedules should be explored.

Climate Change, Energy Conservation, and Water Scarcity and Quality Concerns

Eforts to address environmental concerns throughout the park system and in the operation of programs have occurred. The City models sustainability practices for residents such as conversion of mowed turf to native grasses to reduce mowing and watering, use of electric vehicles and machinery to reduce carbon, solar panels to reduce energy consumption, and other emerging strategies.

Pesticides are strategically used in parks, landscapes, and open spaces to control insects, weeds, and other pests as part of an integrated pest management program. Management practices include proper mowing heights and times, use of smart irrigation systems, and a targeted fertilization program to reduce pesticide use for weed control. The City has adopted a Pollinator-Friendly Resolution and will continue to promote the smart use of pesticides.

Invasive Species

Invasive species have been present in the Eden Prairie community for years on land and in water. Historically Dutch Elm Disease and Oak Wilt have been the most prevalent and resource consuming. Recently Emerald Ash Borer has become a time and resource intensive remediation efort. In addition to City staf eforts, a campaign to encourage residents to treat their trees and diversify their plantings has been a helpful strategy. Staf continue to follow the management practices outlined in the Urban Forestry Management Plan and the Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan.

Aging Infrastructure

Much of the park system was frst acquired and developed in the 1980s and 90s. Facilities at parks like Round Lake, Staring Lake, and Lake Riley have been renovated and added to several times. Keeping an accurate conditions assessment and a robust fnancial plan is important for maintaining the level of quality our residents expect. Since land development will soon slow down, reliance on park dedication fees will be reduced and other funding sources will need to be established and planned for the future.

Changing + Increasing Digital Platforms

How we interact with our residents and program participants continues to evolve. Continuing to monitor and make use of the predominant engagement platforms and applications will be essential to reach a larger audience and demographic.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES + CONCEPTS

Geographic Distribution

The distance to and between facilities should be considered in future programming, planning and development decisions. Since not all places can support all types of facilities, consideration for equal geographic distribution is important. Outreach from current facilities will continue to be important to create opportunities for all community members.

Participation

Parks and Recreation staf will continue to monitor and react to increasing and decreasing levels of program participation and facility utilization. This data will help guide and right-size the number of specifc facilities needed. Monitoring sport trends at the local level will play an important role when developing future plans.

Incubating

Some sports and activities that emerge might not meet the usual resident percentage requirements, such as the game of cricket. Although the sport has many residents participating, teams are made up of people from multiple suburbs. Our department has worked with the organizers to provide a portion of their facility needs. Moving forward, continued eforts to provide participation and facilities are needed to support residents in their preferred activity.

Partnering

This document lists and describes the benefts of partnerships with non-profts and other similar organizations. These partnerships leverage and improve the programs, services and facilities ofered to our residents.

Community Engagement

Engaging community members and user groups will continue to be important as the community diversifes. Staf meet frequently with partners and community organizations to anticipate and respond to their needs. Feedback from surveys and social media channels also assist staf with ofering and improving programs and facilities. The Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission continues to provide feedback and ideas. In addition to the appointed members, student commission representatives provide a unique perspective.

System Reinvestment

The developed parks, natural areas, trails, buildings, and park amenities require a robust redevelopment and replacement schedule. Adoption of best practices, improved materials, and preventative maintenance are vital to the health of the system. A sustained and planned reinvestment approach will head of a decline and the need for large one-time reinvestments.

Year-Round Opportunities

The desire and demand for year-round opportunities continues to grow. Youth sports programs continue seeking opportunities to take outdoor sports indoors during the traditional of season and adults want to play traditionally warm weather sports in the winter. Pickleball is a recent example where adults are playing the game in gymnasiums during the winter. Sun exposure, air quality, and other environmental factors have also impacted a preference toward year-round indoor opportunities.

Historic Preservation, Enhancement, and Interpretation

When possible, eforts are made to interpret and honor history. Examples include the interpretive signs at the Prairie Bluf Conservation Area, recognizing the history of indigenous people; themed play equipment at Cedar Hills Park, honoring early settlers; and interpretive signs in the Staring Lake Park building that recognize and interpret life in the late 1800s. Caring for and preserving the current facilities along with emerging ones is important. In the coming years, additional facilities and locations will be recognized for their historic signifcance.

WE PROTECT THE CITY’S RESOURCES, INCLUDING PROPERTY, MONEY, AND TIME.

WE UPHOLD OUR VALUES AND ALIGN THEM WITH OUR GOALS AND PRIORITIES.

W E A RE HONEST, ETHICAL, AND TRUSTWORTHY.

WAYS WE DO BUSINESS

WAYS WE DO BUSINESS

Partnerships between the City and the community it serves are vital to the success of the Parks and Recreation Department. The following partnerships are currently in place:

Three Rivers Park District manages Bryant Lake Regional Park, Anderson Lakes Park Reserve, and the Minnesota River Bluf LRT (light rail transit) Regional Trail corridor that travels through Eden Prairie.

Institution Community Work Crews (ICWC) help facilitate park projects.

Eden Prairie Assembly of God Church leases land for community gardens.

The Eden Prairie Lions Club sponsors two annual events: Schooner Days and the Corn Feed, along with enhancing the Hometown Celebration on July 3rd and 4th by providing beer and wine services.

The Eden Prairie Historical Society provides tours of the Dorenkemper House and historic interpretation at the Fall Harvest/Halloween event.

The Eden Prairie Noon Rotary coordinates a RibFest at the Minnesota Festival of Jazz on the Prairie.

Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Edina, and Richfeld, provide a combined Adaptive Recreation + Learning Exchange (ARLE) brochure to market programs to individuals with disabilities.

The Metropolitan Airports Commission leases the City 55 acres of land adjacent to Flying Cloud Airport for youth athletics. The complex includes ballfelds, soccer felds, and parking. MAC also leases 3.17 acres of land for the community gardens, and a perpetual use agreement for Cedar Hills Park.

Numerous Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts conduct community service projects.

The Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District and Nine Mile Creek Watershed District partner with the City to conduct water quality research projects and vegetation management projects.

Senior Community Services partners with the Senior Center to provide a licensed social worker to support and aid seniors in Hennepin County, Trail easements are provided by along with providing volunteers to assist with Hennepin Technical College. health insurance.

Eden Prairie Senior Center, Richfeld Senior Center and Chanhassen Senior Center partner to provide coach bus trips and tours.

As part of Hennepin County’s Best of the Last Partnership, restoration work has been completed at the Prairie Bluf Conservation Area and Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area to improve and preserve some of the last remaining remnant prairies in the area.

Eden Prairie Library provides pop-up libraries and story strolls at various events.

Let’s Go Fishing – Eden Prairie Chapter partnered with the City to provide free boat rides for seniors in the community.

The Eden Prairie Senior Center started a partnership with Meals on Wheels to be a pickup and drop-of location for food warming bags.

Eden Prairie Professionals in Aging (EPPIA) work with the Senior Center to provide a resource and speaker fair during Senior Awareness Month.

Glen Lake Golf partners with the City to provide low cost golf lessons and give residents the ability to use a high-quality golf facility.

The University of Minnesota Master Gardeners program ofers weekly education topics on gardening to children attending the Prairie View Playground Camp. They also share their wisdom at the Annual Community Gardens Open House.

The partnership with PiM Arts High School allows the Eden Prairie Players to use their theater for winter performances.

The ftness division partners with Rabbit Rescue of MN for Bunny Yoga.

Many local businesses and organizations partner with the City at special events, such as the Hometown Celebration and Harvest to Halloween.

EDEN PRAIRIE SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Parks and Recreation Department and the School District Community Education Department work cooperatively to ensure a continuum of services and programming.

Park Maintenance staf and the Eden Prairie School District Grounds Maintenance staf share specialized maintenance equipment.

The Eden Prairie High School uses the Community Center for hockey practices and games, dryland training, swim and diving teams, and for physical education classes. The pool is also used by the track and cross-country teams and pole vault practice. City trails are used by High School track and cross-country teams. The tennis courts, baseball/softball felds, and soccer felds are used by EPHS sports teams and physical education classes.

Staring Lake Park ski trails are used by the High School Nordic team as a practice facility. The grooming of the trails is done by the ski coach. The public is able to use these trails for recreational skiing.

The Senior Recreation Supervisor receives referrals from School Service Providers for students with disabilities to get involved in programs.

Eden Prairie Schools partner with the Outdoor Center to provide environmental learning.

ATHLETIC ASSOCIATIONS

More than 16 Youth Athletic Associations ofer competitive experiences to local youth. They are provided a monthly board meeting location, a City liaison, and special pricing for feld, pool, and ice time. Associations provide additional funding for special maintenance projects and buildings. A current list and detailed information can be found at edenprairie.org/Recreation.

MARKETING + PROMOTION

In 2019, a marketing audit was conducted with the help of a consultant. Resident feedback was sought through online survey and focus groups identifying general trends. A variety of marketing tools are used to advertise upcoming programs and events, added park amenities, and general information.

Recreation programs and events are advertised in many ways, including:

+ Advertisements in partner newsletters

+ A-frame signs and lobby display posters

+ Blogs

+ Building banners

+ Destination Summer Guide, online and submitted through Eden Prairie Schools

+ Direct mailings and eblasts to current and past participants

+ Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media (free and paid advertising)

+ Grade-specifc school fyers

+ Group ftness app and promotions by program instructors

+ Hallway, entrance, and treadmill monitors

+ Local newspaper and magazine feature stories

+ Online activities calendar

+ Park kiosks

+ Quarterly direct mail Senior Center and Life in the Prairie newsletters

+ Related websites (Eden Prairie Players, Community Band, Skyhawks, Snapology)

+ Roadside banners and message boards

+ Seasonal, online listing of programs

The Parks and Recreation programs and events have a reputation for being quality, fun, and afordable. Participants from the across the Twin Cities seek out Eden Prairie Parks and Recreation programming. Word of mouth has been a constant form of communication of our activities. Residents tell their neighbors, co-workers, extended family, etc. about our programs and events.

MARKETING PLANS

Seasonal Brochure

Texting Preference

Print Value

The traditional 100-page seasonal printed A majority of respondents identifed Many seniors still preferred to receive brochure was no longer the preferred method email/text notifcations and accessing information in a printed catalog or of receiving program and event information. program information via a website as their newsletter format. Nearly half of people said they either primary methods of receiving program immediately recycle it, or glance briefy and and event information. then recycle it—preferring instead to go online for program information. Armed with this information, as well as the knowledge that about 95% of registration happens online, the Parks and Recreation Department began redesigning the printed seasonal brochures with a more contemporary look, including four-color printing and larger, impactful photos. Directory information was removed and programs were promoted with single sentence descriptions, with information about how to access the full program description online. Occasional feature stories and customer quotes were included to help show the positive impact of Parks and Recreation programs or a Community Center membership. The winter issue in late 2019 and spring/summer issue in early 2020 represented a fresh, more streamlined document that was well-received by the public. This was the frst step in a multi-year plan in which digital platforms would become the Department’s primary communication and marketing channels. The quarterly Senior Center newsletter was modestly redesigned based on feedback but continued to include information seniors felt was relevant to them.

The pandemic of 2020 changed the trajectory of that multi-year plan in ways that could not have been anticipated. No longer able to plan out six months and market three to four months in advance, the Department—out of necessity— began relying almost solely on digital platforms for program marketing during 2020-2021. Documents that were printed and mailed primarily consisted of image pieces, reminding residents of the wealth of outdoor opportunities available to them and informing them of how to access real-time information online. The Department has not printed a full program brochure since the redesigned 2020 issue. The marketing plan now calls for digital and downloadable program listings as well as a more robust and searchable online registration site. A four-color, spring/summer document is made available for download, primarily for its highly sought-after “weekby-week” snapshot of youth summer camp oferings.

Rather than spend signifcant resources on printing and mailing thousands of documents that end up in the recycle bin, Parks and Recreation is focusing resources on digital marketing strategies. A social media management platform has been purchased, which provides greater capability for personalizing messages for audiences. The Department has also moved toward increased use of video to tell stories and inform the public.

FUTURE MARKETING CHALLENGES Recruitment + Hiring

In the current hiring climate, particularly for part-time and seasonal employees, the Department’s marketing focus has shifted from promoting registration for programs and services to recruiting people to the Parks and Recreation team. This challenge is predicted to continue into the foreseeable future. Recent strategies have focused on social media platforms used by high school and college students, as well as hosting and attending job fairs to recruit young people. While these strategies will continue, it will take further creativity to reach and recruit other age groups, particularly older adults for whom a part-time role is a good ft with their needs and lifestyle.

Language Barriers

The move away from print documents toward digital helps to bridge the language barrier if an online translation service is used by the reader. However, the Department has a goal of identifying materials that are widely distributed in print form and have them translated into multiple languages. The City is currently developing a policy document that will guide this work.

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

Capital improvement projects include the purchase or construction of major community facilities or improvements that provide lasting value. Facilities such as fre stations, parks, and sewer and water facilities are typical of the types of capital improvements planned by communities. In the area of parks and recreation, capital improvements include the acquisition of land and the development or construction of recreation facilities, or the purchase of major equipment needed to maintain those facilities. Since most of the land has now been acquired and original development of many parks occurred in the 1970s and 1980s, redevelopment and modernizing the park system has and will be the focus into the future.

The development of a capital improvements program enables a community to anticipate major needs and to schedule them in a manner that is responsive to both demand and sound fscal policy.

The City’s Capital Improvements Program is a tool for fscal management that should be sensitive to local needs and resources. It is continually reviewed by City staf as actual (rather than estimated) costs are determined. It is updated annually by the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission and the City Council.

FUNDING SOURCES

Capital Improvement Program (CIP)

On an annual basis, each Eden Prairie service area revises a 10-year CIP that provides a mid-term vision of projects. The program assists staf and decision-makers in determining project priorities and spending limitations. Eden Prairie’s rapid growth makes related facility requirements difcult to implement on a short-term basis. Large parcel acquisition and development projects are costly and require long-term fnancial strategizing to accomplish. Priorities must be established to complete these projects on an incremental basis based upon prudent use of available funding and a priority that refects the community's best interest. Ultimately, the citizens of Eden Prairie must determine priorities for capital improvements to the park system. Their participation occurs by providing input to the City Council, the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission, City staf, and public meetings and hearings dealing with the CIP. In addition, the community may participate through public bond referendums to fnance land acquisition or park development.

General Funds

Eden Prairie, like many municipalities, has annual levy limits that generate funds based upon property taxes. Subject to constraints and annual increases set by the State of Minnesota, these funds provide the backbone of municipal fscal policy. Funding for park and open space projects is budgeted annually as a part of the entire City budget. Historically, however, revenues generated from these funds are obligated to operations and maintenance projects rather than acquisition or development. Multiple other sources are used to acquire, build, and renovate parkland.

Capital Reinvestment Funds

The Capital Reinvestment Fund accounts for the accumulation of resources to be used for capital improvements and maintenance of City property which have a project cost over $25,000. The fund helps to preserve and expand capital in a way that is sustainable and afordable for Eden Prairie residents. Budget surplus and liquor store profts are major contributors to this fund. These funds provide most of the funding for park renovations.

General Park Bond Issue

Park bond issues are often considered the most expedient way of funding large park improvement projects. Like most bond issues, a referendum is held at which time the public is given an opportunity to vote on the project’s acceptance. With an afrmative vote, the City can issue bonds of indebtedness for land acquisition or fnancing construction projects. Bonds are sold to private holders and repaid by public tax revenues collected over a predetermined amount of time, normally the project's useful life.

Park bond issues possess several attractive characteristics. By public referendum, the community determines whether the public improvements should occur. The bond issue also distributes bond payments not only to current City residents but also to those residents who may move into the City after the improvements have been constructed. Bond issues can vary in size and can include any number of facility types or land acquisitions.

Tax Abatement Bonds

The abatement law authorizes the issuance of bonds to be paid with the abatements. For example, bonds could be issued to construct public improvements or to pay for a site for a business. The bonds can be general obligation bonds or revenue bonds. The abatement bond provisions parallel those in the TIF law. This method was used to fund a large portion of the Aquatics Expansion project.

Cash Or Land For Park Fees

Developers are required to dedicate a fee or land for public use, such as parks, open space, and other municipal requirements. Minnesota Statute 462.358 permits any state municipality to obtain such dedications as a part of its subdivision regulations. The City of Eden Prairie has required a 10 percent fair market value fee dedication from all property developers. These funds have been typically used to help ofset neighborhood parkland acquisition and development costs, thereby benefting those neighborhoods where the development has taken place. Going forward, these funds are critical for keeping the park system current and relevant.

Land And Water Conservation Fund + Legislative Commission On Minnesota Resources Grants (LAWCON/LCMR)

Eden Prairie has had incredible success in attaining LAWCON/LCMR grants in the past. These monies, allocated by the state, are funded by state and federal revenues. Communities submit grant applications that are reviewed according to these established criteria. Restrictions exist as to project type and the funds must be spent within a two-year period. These grants require a local funding amount to demonstrate participation.

Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)

Community Development Block Grants are federal funds often targeted to low-income housing programs or similar projects. CDBG monies are intended to assist communities in planning for blighted areas and improving community quality of life. Park and open space projects may be eligible for partial assistance if the park project would be near or abut CDBG projects, such as low-income housing.

Department Of Transportation Funds

Funds from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) or the Hennepin County Department of Transportation (HennDOT) may be of assistance in constructing Eden Prairie’s sidewalks and bikeway system. MnDOT bikeway money has been available at various times for bike projects. In addition, MnDOT funds may be available as a part of trunk highway improvements, such as adjacent trail systems or trails that cross trunk highways. Trail improvements currently considered a part of the TH 5 corridor improvement, are an example of such a project. HennDOT funds may be available on a similar basis. When Hennepin County roads or county/state aid highways are improved, monies may be available to assist in the improvement or construction of sidewalks and bikeways. Eden Prairie's staf monitors MnDOT and Hennepin County road improvement projects for opportunities to pursue such trail improvements.

Private Donations, Gifts, Or Contributions

Many projects have beneftted from private gifts and donations. Some of the projects include the Miller Park Barrier Free Play Area, Miracle League Field, the Art Center, the Senior Center remodel, and the Observatory. Many forms of recognition like engraved pavers, interpretive signs and recognition before the City Council have occurred.

School District 272

The City of Eden Prairie has maintained a close working relationship with School District 272 and shares several park facilities for neighborhood and athletic facility use. Maintaining open communication between the two parties will help ensure continued cooperation and assured use of open space facilities. The two parties communicate regularly about projects planned for the upcoming year and explore opportunities to jointly develop and use open space facilities.

Naming Rights

Naming rights has been used as a funding method, primarily used to fund expansions at the Community Center. The frst set of naming rights began in 2007 and are set to expire in 2027. In exchange for naming rights at the Community Center (Wells Fargo Gymnasium, the Cambria Room, the Cub SuperValue Arena, etc.), companies contributed funds toward the project. This method was used again in 2016 to help fund the Aquatic Center expansion.

Incidental Grants

A variety of grants and other monies are available from both public and private agencies or institutions. City staf monitor and pursue available funds of this type. Most grants require a local funding amount to demonstrate participation. Recent grants have come from the Hennepin Youth Sports Grants Program, the United States Tennis Association and USA Swimming.

SUSTAINABILITY

Through various initiatives and actions, the City demonstrates a commitment to preserving and protecting the environment for present and future generations. In 2017, the City launched Sustainable Eden Prairie, an ongoing efort focused on education and implementation of sustainable practices in four focus areas: energy, landscape, waste, and water. The Parks and Recreation Department is well positioned to make impacts and improvements toward sustainability. In addition, recreation programs and park facilities should be used to help educate and demonstrate sustainable practices.

Prior to Sustainable Eden Prairie, 20-40-15 was a successful initiative which called for the City to improve energy efciency in its facilities by 20 percent and increase the fuel efciency of its vehicle feet by 40 percent by 2015. The City has also taken steps toward improving sustainability through developing and implementing an Energy Action Plan, converting acres of turf grass to native landscapes, implementing sustainable practices to conserve water, and ofering organics collection in several City facilities. Parks and Recreation staf should continue to lead by example and educate residents about sustainable practices to move toward a healthier and more sustainable community.

Strategies + Techniques

Maintain and improve native plantings

Control for invasive species

Convert blue grass turf grass to a heartier variety when appropriate

Expand use of battery-operated equipment and tools

Select environmentally-friendly and long-lasting materials

EQUITY + INCLUSION

Eden Prairie is a unique city that boasts socioeconomic, religious, ethnic, and racial diversity. The City recognizes its diverse socioeconomic makeup and is committed to providing equitable access to public facilities and services to all members of the community, regardless of race, identity, or income-level. The equitable implementation of public policies and distribution of public goods and services is crucial to establishing an equitable community. In addition, decision making should take into consideration the principles of racial and economic equity. The Parks and Recreation Department’s overarching goals provide a guiding framework:

+ Create a welcoming environment for all

+ Design facilities, programs, and events with an inclusive focus

+ Find and address barriers to participation

To best serve an increasingly diverse community, Department staf will need to engage in ongoing professional development and create more venues for conversations with diverse groups.

ACCESS, OUTREACH, AND COMMUNITY BUILDING

The most diverse work group in the City is likely the youth employees in the aquatics, summer camp, and childcare areas.

Research indicates printed brochures disseminated in the past are no longer useful and the intent is to use those budget dollars toward targeted digital communication.

Partnerships with Community Education staf, who also ofer youth and adult enrichment programming, allow Parks and Recreation to bring free activities to neighborhood schools rather than the community members having to register and attend programming at City facilities.

PeopleFest has grown from a small, one-day concept with 300 participants to over 800 people attending a week-long celebration of the many cultures that make up our community.

Free pop-up events are held year-round. In favorable winter weather, pop-up events provide free access to ice skates, crosscountry skis, snowshoes, and more. Many community members who have never tried winter sport equipment have taken advantage of these opportunities.

Another example is pop-up splash pads set up in neighborhoods that allow for fun and the approachability of City police and fre personnel.

The Race Equity Report is being used by staf for developing new Parks and Recreation programming.

BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER

The City’s many free, community-wide events provide opportunities for residents of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to connect, socialize, and have a shared experience. Examples include July 3-4 Hometown Celebration, Summer Concert Series, Summer Musical, Arts in the Park, Halloween events, PeopleFest, Art Center/Community Center/Outdoor Center Open House events, City-wide Open House, Winter Blast, Arbor Day Walk, and Fitness in the Parks.

Other smaller events are more targeted, with the goal of bringing recreational activities to geographic areas of the city that, through data analysis, have shown to have less participation in fee-based, community-wide programs. Examples of this include free Pop-Up Splash Pad events located adjacent to lower income housing areas, ice cream socials celebrating neighborhood park improvements or winter pop-up events giving free access to skis, snowshoes, skates and more.

Every week there are opportunities for all ages to access free activities, ranging from adult/child oferings at the Art Center or Outdoor Center to drop-in activities for older adults at the Senior Center. While providing a venue for recreation or lifelong learning, these oferings also help residents create and maintain social connections within the community. Recognizing that transportation can be a barrier for some, the Senior Center works in partnership with Southwest Transit to assist older adults in navigating public transportation.

ADDRESSING FINANCIAL BARRIERS

In addition to providing free events and programs, Parks and Recreation is committed to keeping fee-based programs and memberships afordable. One way is through the Passport to Fun fnancial assistance program. Passport members have free access to open swim, open skate (with free use of skates upon request), and open gym sessions at the Community Center. Members also receive 50 percent fee assistance (up to $200/person/year) for recreation programs. An inter-agency partnership with PROP (People Reaching Out to People) extends the $200 through cross referrals and cooperation.

The Department ofers several subsidized full-day summer day-camp options at various sites around the community. Many families use these camps as part of their summer childcare plan and, while not free, they are priced well-below market rate. Residents also can opt-in to a payment plan to spread out the cost of summer camps.

During the height of the pandemic in early 2021, the Department invested in an inventory of outdoor recreation equipment, including ice skates, cross-country skis, and snowshoes to encourage outdoor recreation throughout the winter. This program has continued, with free equipment options at Staring Lake Park all winter and at select parks and ice rinks during various pop-up events.

Grants and partnerships also fgure prominently in the City’s ability to serve those who may have fnancial or other barriers to participation. Through a grant from USA Swim, the aquatics program ofers free swimming lessons to those with fnancial need as well as provide a pathway to lifeguard or swim instructor certifcation for youth. A USTA grant is allowing for targeted free tennis lessons and tennis equipment for youth who may not otherwise have had access to a tennis opportunity. The Creative Connections program, funded by a grant from Hennepin County, allowed Parks and Recreation to provide free, high-quality arts experiences in places where youth were already gathering (TreeHouse and YMCA at Briarhill). These experiences use art as the medium for developing other important youth assets like confdence, leadership, and self-expression. Ongoing partnerships and grants will be critical in expanding the reach of what might be considered traditional Parks and Recreation programming.

Free Access with Passport to Fun Program

Low Cost Summer Day Camp Options

Free Use of Recreation Equipment

Funding

CULTURALLY SPECIFIC PROGRAMS + SERVICES

Eden Prairie continues to become more culturally diverse each year and it will continue to be important for Parks and Recreation to seek input from diverse voices. This will ensure that all residents not only feel included but truly welcome in programs, parks and facilities and that their recreational needs are being met.

Some initiatives in recent years have sprung out of conversations about racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity. One example is a summer festival called PeopleFest: A Community Celebration of Culture. This nearly two-week series of events celebrates the many cultures that make up the Eden Prairie community. Facilitated by a collaborative committee involving Parks and Recreation, the Human Rights and Diversity Commission, Eden Prairie Schools Community Education and community-based nonprofts, the celebration highlights cultural sharing and understanding through music, dance, food, lectures, classes, feld trips, visual arts, and more.

The arts are an impactful way to promote cultural understanding and appreciation. The Starring at Staring and Kidstock Concert Series at Staring Lake Amphitheatre features four free concerts each week during the summer, refecting a variety of cultural groups and traditions.

Examples from the 2021-2022 season include the following:

+ Aztec/traditional Mexican music and dance

+ Vintage jazz and blues

+ Caribbean

+ Afro-Pop

+ Soul

+ South-Indian dance

+ Classical music

+ Folk music

+ Spoken word

+ Somali dance

+ North-Indian dance

+ Andean music

+ Latin music

+ Irish traditional music

+ African drumming

Parks and Recreation will continue to seek out ways to refect the diversity of the community in the performing arts oferings on the stage.

The City’s public art initiatives have also brought cultural awareness to spaces where people gather in the community. Examples include, “First Person Plural/We,” a mural series by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) artist Cadex Hererra featuring images and stories of the local immigrant experience and the tapestry installation, “My Ancestral Landscape”, at the Senior Center by Hmong artist Pa Na Lor. Both projects included opportunities for the public to interact with the artist and hear how their cultural traditions shape their work.

Sports are another way that people gather around a shared interest and have a shared experience. It has been and will continue to be the role of Parks and Recreation to facilitate youth and adult sports opportunities in the community and to nurture the development of emerging sports, particularly those that are important to new immigrant communities. One recent example is the sport of cricket. Through collaborative planning, a new cricket pitch was developed at Nesbitt Preserve Park, providing opportunities for youth programming as well as a home for local teams to practice.

In 2021, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Words in Action Contest was started to provide a public venue for youth to express themselves around Dr. King’s message of racial justice and equality. This project amplifes youth voices by providing the contest winners an opportunity to share their work (essay, poem, visual art, media/performing arts) at a City Council meeting and on social media.

Sometimes cultural norms or religious expressions prevent groups from participating fully in City programs. Ongoing conversations with cultural organizations and key community stakeholders will be necessary to identify and address areas where the City can make accommodations. Examples of progress include swim sessions at the Community Center pool ofered solely for women and stafed by women or adjusting park hours to accommodate cultural/religious celebrations.

PROGRAMS DESIGNED FOR INDIVIDUALS OF ALL ABILITIES

The City has a strong history of inclusion services for people with disabilities or other unique needs. Adaptive recreation programs provide social connections, ftness/wellness, and skill-building activities designed specifcally for individuals with developmental disabilities. In addition, Parks and Recreation provides inclusion services to assist individuals who may need support or accommodation to participate fully in the program of their choice. Inclusion support provides greater access to programming by giving individuals with disabilities the same opportunities to participate.

Recognizing that large-scale events or noisy venues may be overwhelming for those with sensory processing diferences, the Department has begun ofering sensory-friendly areas at events and holding special swim sessions at the pool with dimmed lighting and a quieter environment. Ongoing professional development and outreach will be necessary to continue to expand services in this area.

Fitness and wellness programs at the Community Center ofered to individuals with unique needs include MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Aquatics classes, “Walk with Ease” arthritis-specifc programming, Parkinson’s “Delay the Disease” and “Functional Living” classes, Fun with Fitness, and TREC (Training, Rejuvenation and Exercise program for Cancer survivors).

INCLUSIVE PRACTICES

Parks and Recreation has come a long way from the days of advertising a “Four-Man Flag Football” program. Progress has been made toward gender inclusivity as well as gender role and family structure references in program design and descriptions. Similarly, care has been taken in recent facility projects to provide inclusive spaces like gender-neutral restrooms and changing rooms. Ensuring that all members of the community feel safe and welcome in City facilities will continue to be a goal.

The City has also made strides toward increasing access to outdoor spaces for individuals with physical disabilities or mobility challenges. Examples range from raised community garden beds to the barrier-free playground at Miller Park and the Miracle Field at Flying Cloud Ballfelds.

Keeping inclusion at the forefront of planning now and into the future will be a Department goal. Whether designing an event, facility, advertisement, or individual lesson plan, it will be important to view it through a lens of universal design and inclusivity.

ONGOING COMMITMENT

To make measurable gains in diversity, equity and inclusion, a culture of ongoing professional learning will need to be cultivated among the staf. It is relatively easy to create and deliver programs for community members who have few if any barriers to participation. It takes much more efort and sustained commitment to fnd and serve those who are underrepresented in current programming and face multiple barriers.

ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE + PREPAREDNESS

The Department is made up of three divisions. Each division has a manager who is responsible for oversite of the division. Additional details about each division can be found in the most recent annual report (see Appendix).

Prior to the pandemic, staf recognized the need for backups and redundancies amongst staf and program areas. Many of these eforts had taken place because of retirements or maternity leaves. Although eforts toward crosstraining were underway, the pandemic made the need and value for this efort even more important. All staf have completed and are maintaining “Backup Plans” in the event they are not able to perform some or all of their duties.

Department Organizational Chart

CITY MANAGER

PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR

COMMUNITY

PARKS AND NATURAL CENTER MANAGER RESOURCES MANAGER

CITY COUNCIL PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMISSION

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

RECREATION SERVICES MANAGER

PARK MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR

Division 1 Organizational Chart

PARKS AND NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGER

PARK CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISOR

FORESTRY + NATURAL RESOURCES SUPERVISOR

PARK MAINTENANCE TECHNICIANS

SEASONAL PARK MAINTENANCE

FORESTRY + NATURAL RESOURCES SPECIALIST

PARK BOUNDARY INSPECTOR

Division 2 Organizational Chart

COMMUNITY CENTER MANAGER

RECREATION SPECIALIST

RECREATION SUPERVISOR

AQUATICS

AQUATICS LEADS

RECREATION SUPERVISOR

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

FUN SQUAD LEAD

COMMUNITY CENTER + PARK RENTALS

ACCOUNTING REPRESENTATIVE

RECREATION SUPERVISOR

ICE ARENAS + CONCESSIONS SKATE

RECREATION SUPERVISOR

FITNESS

AQUATICS STAFF

FUN SQUAD STAFF

ACCOUNTING SPECIALIST

CUSTOMER SERVICE LEAD

CONCESSIONS LEAD

CUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF

CONCESSIONS STAFF

CUSTOMER RELATIONS LEADS

BUILDING SUPPORT STAFF

RECREATION SUPERVISOR YOUTH SPORTS + COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING

Division 3 Organizational Chart

RECREATION SERVICES MANAGER

SR. RECREATION SUPERVISOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

ADAPTIVE COORDINATOR

RECREATION SUPERVISOR ARTS + EVENTS

ART CENTER LEAD

INSTRUCTORS

SEASONAL STAFF

RECREATION SUPERVISOR ADULT + SENIOR

SPECIAL EVENTS LEAD

THEATER + PERFORMING ARTS COORDINATOR

INSTRUCTORS

RECREATION SPECIALIST

CUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF

CUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF BUS DRIVERS OUTDOOR CENTER SUPERVISOR + NATURALIST

RECREATION SUPERVISOR ATHLETICS

ATHLETICS COORDINATOR

INSTRUCTORS

OFFICIALS

WE STRIVE TO EXCEED CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS WITH EACH UNIQUE INTERACTION. WE EMBRACE DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES, EXPERIENCES, LIFESTYLES, AND CULTURES. WE CREATE A WELCOMING AND INCLUSIVE ATMOSPHERE.

PROGRAMS + FACILITIES

PROGRAMS + FACILITIES

The City of Eden Prairie has appeared several times on various “best places to live” listings, and one of the top reasons people enjoy living here is the quality and availability of parks, trails, and recreation facilities and programs. Recreation programming staf work to provide opportunities for residents to connect with nature and one another, maintain health and wellness, and enjoy leisure time activities.

Providing for the health and wellness of the local community is a major focus of the Parks and Recreation Department. In addition to the many ways parks, trails and ftness facilities enhance peoples’ physical well-being, helping residents create and strengthen social connections, explore a creative outlet, learn new skills, or simply spend time in nature addresses mental and emotional health.

Areas explored in this section:

+ Youth Recreation Programs (pg. 45)

+ Athletic Programs (pg. 52)

+ Eden Prairie Art Center (pg. 60)

+ Eden Prairie Outdoor Center (pg. 70)

+ Eden Prairie Senior Center (pg. 78)

+ Eden Prairie Community Center (pg. 86)

+ Ice Arenas (pg. 100)

+ Aquatics (pg. 106)

+ Fitness Programs (pg. 112)

+ Performing Arts + Special Events (pg. 122)

+ Public Art (pg. 128)

+ Facility Rental (pg. 137)

The City’s Youth Development area serves over 2,000 youth in lessons, programs, and day camps each year.

YOUTH RECREATION PROGRAMS

Recreational programs for youth are included in a number of other sections of this document, including the Outdoor Center, Art Center, and Aquatics. The City has a wide variety of oferings for youth from preschool age through young adults, including outdoor adventures, sports and many special interest and enrichment programs.

Until 2016, the Department had two closely aligned but separate program areas called Adaptive (programs for youth with disabilities) and Youth and Family programs. At that time, a transition was made to integrate all youth programs under the title of Youth Development. This underscores the Department’s commitment to planning and delivering programs for youth of all abilities and their families. It also represents a focus on whole child development, ensuring that assets like social skills, confdence and leadership are an important part of all oferings. Specialized programs are ofered for youth with disabilities; however, a menu of adaptations and supports are available for youth to fully participate in all recreation programs.

Youth programming encourages imaginative play, nature education, skill development and activities to support healthy lifestyles.

Above all, the goal is for every child to increase their appreciation and respect for nature, build new and lasting friendships, learn new skills, stay fit and healthy, and create lasting memories through play.

Programs and activities include afterschool programs, sports lessons, day camps, preschool skill-building classes, special events, day trips for families, and more.

Most programs are located at the Community Center or neighborhood park buildings. Collaboration plays a key part in ofering comprehensive programs. The Art Center and Outdoor Center are partners in ofering camps and nonschool day opportunities for youth with specialized program facilities. External partners also enhance program oferings. One example is the University of Minnesota Extension Service Master Gardeners program whose volunteers provide education on plants, garden care, and the environment to day camp participants at the Edible Playground.

The Youth Development team also fosters collaboration with other City services. Safety Camp, a safety education camp held annually at Riley Lake Park is produced in partnership with the Eden Prairie Police and Fire departments. Outreach special events such as the Pop-Up Splash Pads pull community and city resources together with the Eden Prairie Police, Fire, Parks and Recreation Departments as well as the Eden Prairie Library.

Family programs and special events bring youth and adults together for learning and fun. Adult-youth programs like soccer skills, tennis, golf, and music classes ofer parents/guardians and children the opportunity to participate together in an ageappropriate, non-competitive setting. Special events like dances or bus trips to performances give families the chance to come together for a shared experience.

Why Recreation Is Important For Kids

Today’s youth are considered digital natives, spending several hours every day in front of a screen or with a device in their hands. Increased screen time has had an efect on youth participation in social activities. A recent study by Preventive Medicine Reports published in Time Magazine found that young people aged 14–17 who spend seven hours or more a day on screens are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression or anxiety than those who use screens for an hour a day. Along with depression and anxiety, the study also found that youth were more easily distracted, less emotionally stable, and had more problems fnishing tasks and making friends. Screen time has also proven to increase the risk of obesity in youth.

Aside from some STEAM-based, hands-on technology camps, most of what Parks and Recreation ofers for youth is a chance to unplug from technology, experience nature, and have a shared experience with peers who share a similar interest. Several studies link time in nature to numerous benefts on a child’s well-being, including lower stress, improved mood and attention, and increased physical health.

Playing For Fun

In an era of more focus on sports performance and youth specializing in one sport year-round, Parks and Recreation ofer opportunities for youth to simply try a sport in a non-threatening, non-competitive environment. The demand for sports programming, however, is being pushed down to younger ages with soccer, T-ball, basketball, and other sports being ofered for toddlers and preschoolers. The Department focuses on adult-child programs at this age, ensuring that parents/ guardians work together with the child to learn fundamental skills. This type of program is among the most popular in the Department’s sports oferings.

Summer Day Camps: Outdoor Fun For Everyone

While non-school day youth recreation programs are ofered year-round, a major focus area is keeping kids active and engaged during the summer months due to the high demand and community need. Families can access specialty camps in various sports, the arts, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), or nature. Outdoor recreational Playground Camps are held at several parks and are designed in a variety of formats to provide activities and options for diferent ages. Playground camps are ofered at a subsidized price point, making them an afordable childcare option for some families. Camps provide a general program for campers such as swimming, outdoor recreational games, and arts and crafts. For older adolescents, there has been a trend toward specialty camps. Outdoor sports like archery, adventure challenge activities like zip-lining or high ropes, and of-site adventure trips for teens have been an area of expansion.

Specifc day camps for youth with disabilities have continued to be popular and in high demand. Camps are geared toward the specifc physical, developmental, and medical needs of the participants.

Access For All: Serving Individuals With Disabilities

As previously mentioned, the Youth Development area takes an integrated approach to planning and delivering programs for all youth, regardless of ability. To best serve the needs of youth with disabilities, the Department provides the following:

+ Inclusion Services: supports or adaptations to assist a child with a disability to participate fully alongside a child without a disability. This may take the form of staf training, program adaptations, modifed equipment, or an inclusion companion.

+ Adaptive Recreation: programs designed specifcally for youth or young adults with disabilities.

Some of the most important outcomes as reported by participants and families is the building of social connections and development of social skills. Research shows that social isolation is common among young people with cognitive disabilities, and inclusive and adaptive recreation programs create opportunities for meaningful friendships to be created and sustained. While keeping fun at the forefront of each experience, adaptive recreation programs help participants express themselves through art, music, or theater, stay physically active through ftness and sports programs, and foster independence on community outings and activities. Each year, approximately 75 youth beneft from either adaptive recreation programs or inclusion services.

Employment is an area that is currently lagging for people with disabilities and yet is central to the goals articulated by the ADA of equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency. In addition to offering recreation and socialization, the City can play a role in improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities by supporting employment skill building.

-

Employment + Program Staffng

The Youth Development area employs over 150 part-time staf each year to supervise program oferings, support participants with disabilities or staf buildings for skating and sledding. These employees are caring, enthusiastic, trained staf who are building or currently in careers in education, sports and recreation, special education, and child development.

The population of youth between 16-24 has not increased signifcantly over the past 10 years. The youth labor force participation has dropped signifcantly over recent years. Youth are making diferent choices on how to spend their time, balancing work and school as well as other nontraditional earning opportunities. Approximately 90% of the positions ofered through the Youth Recreation area are stafed by 16–24-year-olds, causing a potential workforce shortage in the future. Partner organizations (those that provide specifc programs through a vendor contract with the City) are facing the same stafng challenges as Parks and Recreation.

Creative solutions will be needed to continue ofering the same high level of services, and to reduce or eliminate the wait lists of youth unable to participate due to stafng levels. One potential example is to recruit retired or semi-retired adults for part-time positions throughout the summer. Another possibility in the winter is to reduce the need for warming house attendants by using technology solutions such as automatic light sensors and door locks, allowing access to buildings only during scheduled times.

Technology + Digital Platforms

Technology developments have changed the way program information is shared on a seasonal, weekly, and daily basis. Parents expect real-time information through their smart phone, so Parks and Recreation now uses texting solutions to get information out quickly. These platforms give parents real-time notifcations about their child’s program, including weather updates, reminders, or cancelations. Families have responded positively to the texting service and are looking for the service to be expanded.

Program fyers and advertisements are now mostly digital and nearly 95% of all registrations happen through the website. This equates to less time and resources spent on paper documents and more emphasis is placed on digital fyers, email, and social media promotions.

Technology advances have changed the communications systems between supervisors and employees. In addition to online applications and hiring systems, scheduling is completed through a smart phone app and texting is a preferred method of communication for quick messages.

FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS & DRIVERS

Engagement + Program Planning

As the community diversifes ethnically and culturally, youth programming should refect this change. Sports with an international following, like soccer, will continue to be popular. Regional sports, like cricket and badminton, ofer opportunities for growth and expansion. Even newer trends, like pickleball, are gaining momentum with youth.

A projected tight labor market will be an important future consideration, given that day camps and lessons employ over 100 people each summer. The Department will need to be creative in both recruitment and retention eforts. Recruiting from multiple age brackets, allowing job sharing, and adding incentives are strategies that may be employed.

Communication + Marketing Efforts

Families are continuing to schedule their child’s summer activities earlier in the year. Marketing eforts such as specialized camp-only publications and early registration dates have been established to allow families more time to plan out their child’s summer months of activities.

Addressing Barriers To Participation

Parks and Recreation program staf continue to strive to reach all segments of the community, seeking to identify and address barriers that may limit participation. For example, most programs require full payment at the time of registration, which can be a hardship for some families when summer camps fll up in March. Parks and Recreation has recently added a payment plan option for summer camp programs to help address this barrier.

To accommodate the needs of working families in the summer, day camp hours have been adjusted with more full-day and fexible options as well as evening and weekend youth recreation opportunities. Being responsive to the changing needs of families will be an important future consideration.

ATHLETIC PROGRAMS

Each year, over 6,500 players participate in Parks and Recreation Adult Athletic Programs. Oferings include organized leagues in volleyball, softball, fag football, broomball, basketball, pickleball, racquetball, and bocce/ yard games. In addition, open gym volleyball and basketball are scheduled to accommodate those who are unable to commit to an ongoing league. Adults in Eden Prairie also participate in regional leagues not ofered by the City like baseball, soccer and cricket with home games scheduled onto city felds.

Adult Programming

Volleyball

Softball

Flag football

Broomball

Basketball

Pickleball

Racquetball

Yard games

The Recreation Supervisor – Athletics oversees adult leagues and serves as the City’s liaison to the many youth athletic associations that call Eden Prairie home. This role includes coordinating feld scheduling for regular season play as well as multiple tournaments.

Facilities + Equipment

Outdoor leagues are played primarily on city felds, with indoor sports taking place at a combination of city and school district facilities. The outdoor facilities, particularly at Round Lake and Riley Lake parks are highly regarded by players. For indoor leagues, the City rents gym space at school facilities and at the Eden Prairie High School dome turf feld. This partnership is crucial to meet the needs and demand for this physical and social outlet for adults in the community. Equipment like volleyball standards/nets are often acquired and shared between City and school district programs. Gym space limits the number of teams and games for volleyball and basketball leagues.

INFLUENCING FACTORS

Demographics

Eden Prairie is an aging community, with more older adults moving into the city as a result of recent and upcoming senior housing developments. With many of the active sports like basketball and softball appealing to a younger demographic, programmers continue to seek ways to serve older adults who may have decreased mobility, but are still interested in competitive leagues.

Health Trends

Rising obesity rates among all age groups are an opportunity for the City to provide programming and venues for adults to remain physically active. Ofering league options that appeal to varying ftness and mobility levels will continue to be a goal.

Staffng Sports Offcials

Athletics at all age levels are facing the challenge of hiring and retaining qualifed ofcials. The primary reason given by former ofcials is the lack of respect shown by players, fans, coaches, and parents. The average age of Eden Prairie’s ofcials is getting older and not enough younger ofcials are replacing them as they leave. In order to provide trained ofcials for each sport, staf are hiring ofcials with less experience than in the past but providing more training and side-by-side mentoring. In addition, experienced ofcials in one sport are now cross training to ofciate an additional sport. Finally, showing ongoing support for ofcials and dealing with confict or player behavior issues promptly is an important element in retaining high quality ofcials.

Facing an extreme shortage of basketball ofcials for the 2022-23 season, a self-ofciated league was ofered. Feedback was predominately positive, with players expressing appreciation for the opportunity to keep the league going.

The U.S. obesity prevalence was 41.9% in 2017 2020

People who have more access to parks and trails are more physically active than those with limited access.

Source: cdc.gov

Evolving Interests

As sport trends change, interest in some sports wanes as interest in others increases. While not as dramatically as in other metro communities, softball has seen a steady decrease over the past 10 years. This mirrors a nationwide trend. To address this change in interest levels, Parks and Recreation has sought to retain teams by focusing on facility improvements and ofering more double-header leagues.

Volleyball, on the other hand, has increased and is now the city’s most popular offering. Beginning in the summer of 2019, there were more sand volleyball teams than softball teams and that trend has continued. Participants grade the facilities, ofciating, and quality of competition high.

The fastest-growing sport has been pickleball, which continues to see strong participation in both indoor and outdoor settings. Older adults have migrated to the sport of pickleball in large numbers, though people of all ages are beginning to pick up the sport.

The increased cultural diversity in Eden Prairie has seen the sport of cricket

become more prominent. While there is not currently a critical mass of adult

players necessary to facilitate a City-run league, many adults are seen playing on regional teams and pick-up games throughout the city. Nesbitt Preserve Park has a cricket mound.

There are a number of likely factors that contribute to the decline in league participation. The time commitment of a typical 12-week season and the challenge of flling out a full team roster can be barriers. Additionally, players in sports like softball are getting older and not as many younger teams are replacing them. Young parents report that their children’s busy activity schedule prevents them from participating. Business sponsorships of teams appear to be down, thus putting the full league registration fee on the players.

In addition to leagues played in neighboring cities, there are a range of other options for residents looking for recreational sports oferings. Bars and restaurants are hosting league nights like volleyball, bag toss, trivia, cribbage, darts, broomball, and the latest trend—axe throwing. These opportunities encompass the landscape of recreational oferings for adults.

ATHLETIC PROGRAMS Climate

Weather extremes have afected league scheduling and participation in recent years, most notably with broomball. To be safe and playable, outdoor ice rinks need relatively stable temperatures. Warm winter temperatures have delayed the start of leagues and extreme warm/cold variances have created unsafe surfaces in the past several years. The number of broomball teams continued to decrease along with the number of playable weeks. In 2023, broomball was switched to a free, weekly pick-up format so that teams could keep playing for fun when the weather and ice conditions allowed.

Summer precipitation has caused more rainouts and rescheduling for outdoor leagues, which can cause challenges for player/team retention. Recently, there have been instances of multiple extreme cold/snow or summer rain events causing enough cancellations that refunds were given.

RECENT EFFORTS

Facility Updates

Softball feld upgrades at Round Lake Park took place from 2016-2017 as the complex changed from four shorter felds to three longer felds. With decreased enrollment in leagues and players/bat technology necessitating a longer outfeld, this redesign was well-received by teams. More double-header leagues are now ofered at Round Lake, with new amenities like a covered picnic area and free Wi-Fi.

To accommodate the growing interest in pickleball, the City has made a number of changes and additions to facilities. In the short term, tennis courts at Riley Lake and Pioneer Park were double lined for tennis and pickleball, with portable nets and equipment stored on site. In 2017 the existing tennis court area at Franlo Park was converted to four permanent pickleball courts. In 2018, a redesign of the court area at Staring Lake allowed for the addition of eight permanent pickleball courts with shaded seating areas to accommodate the increasing number of players.

A cricket mound was added to Nesbitt Preserve Park to support the increased interest of this sport.

Programming Efforts

In 2018, Eden Prairie partnered with the West Metro Senior Softball organization to relocate their summer and fall leagues to Round Lake Park. While a growing number of players felt like they were aging out of the traditional adult leagues, Eden Prairie did not have enough interest to hold a City-sponsored 55+ league. Now, with the West Metro league held in Eden Prairie, area residents have access to a league designed with the older player in mind. Over 200 people, primarily men, participate two mornings a week from May through October. This partnership also maximizes the use of the newly renovated Round Lake felds.

Other new oferings have been designed to appeal to the older adult population looking for a competitive outlet with lesser physical demands. A new Yard Games Plaza featuring permanent bocce and bag toss courts was developed at Pioneer Park. The Senior Center promotes open play opportunities during the daytime, with space available for league oferings in the evening.

Following the local, regional and national trend, pickleball leagues have become popular year-round. In 2016, 105 individuals participated in pickleball leagues and in 2018 that number more than doubled to 263.

Geared toward new community members, Eden Prairie’s adult athletics programs maintain a Free Agent List where individuals can connect with a team looking for players. This list has been marketed more aggressively over the past year with positive results. In fact, multiple teams have formed by connecting free agents with one another.

Communication + Marketing Efforts

Texting and social media platforms have become the preferred method of communication for young adults, the target audience for leagues. Adult athletic programs have continued to develop new ways to market to this demographic, including paid social media ads and target marketing to Community Center members through the ftness center screens. Ongoing communication with team managers and players is primarily through email and the City’s subscription system, where individuals can sign up to receive text and/or email alerts related to their sport.

FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS & DRIVERS

Engagement + Program Planning

Eden Prairie’s reputation for quality athletic leagues has kept the program strong and viable during a time of rapid national-wide decline in sports league participation. With changing demographics, an aging population, and shifts in interests, simply ofering the same programs on the same schedule will likely not equal success in the future. Several focus areas will be considered in future program development.

With a major barrier being time commitment, staf will need to consider shorter-term, more fexible oferings. This may include more drop-in activities or pick-up games. It may also include non-ofciated leagues that are more casual in nature.

With a decline in the more traditional sports like softball and basketball, Eden Prairie will continue to explore other sports through resident feedback. Particularly for those newer residents to the United States, sports like soccer, cricket, and badminton represent areas of greater engagement.

Gender inclusivity will continue to be an important element in successful programming. While some sports are ofered in a gender-specifc way, the City has removed terms like “5-man basketball” and “4-man fag football” for sports that are not gender-specifc. These sports now focus on the player rather than the gender and are welcome to all players. More study and development are needed to maximize access and participation for all.

Future success will require creativity and responsiveness. Daytime leagues, non-traditional leagues, and other ways of providing recreational athletic outlets for residents will be explored. Public engagement will be critical to learn more about community interest.

EDEN PRAIRIE ART CENTER

The Eden Prairie Art Center building was donated to the City by the Sampson family in 2008.

The 5,400-square-foot building is the largest single gift ever ofered to the City of Eden Prairie. Over the past 15 years, the Art Center has continually developed its interior structure to meet the needs of visitors and increased programming to engage individuals of all ages and abilities. In addition, the City expands the arts reach by ofering free arts-based activities with Center faculty at most of its city-wide events.

Creative Classes

+ Programming

Media based Classes

Teen + Adult Art Workshops

Summer Art Camps

Afterschool Art Classes

Preschool

Skill Building Classes

Family Art Workshops

Cultural Field Trips

Adaptive Programs

Senior Specific Introductory Classes

Private Lessons

With daily visits from Open Studio pass holders, the public viewing Art on City Walls, class and workshop participants, private lessons, special group parties, and two open houses each year, the Art Center serves over 6,000 participants annually. Program oferings include a range of media-based courses and workshops for teens and adults, summer camps and afterschool classes for youth, preschool skill-building classes, family workshops, trips, birthday parties, private lessons and parties, outreach, adaptive programs, and special introductory classes for seniors.

Partnerships play a vital role at the Art Center. External relationships with Eden Prairie Community Education, Ultimate Sustainability, The Eden Prairie Historical Society, Eden Prairie Center, Normandale Community College, Eden Prairie Library, People Reaching Out to People (PROP), and Performing Institute of Minnesota (PiM) help to expand the reach of the Art Center within the community. Internal partnerships with departments like Youth Development, the Senior Center, and Human Resources have extended the resources of the Center to individuals who might not otherwise engage with art making.

Facilities + Equipment

The Art Center is equipped with a clay studio with eight pottery wheels, including two adaptive wheels, slab roller, wedging table, hand-building and glazing tables, kilns, and storage. There is also a fused glass and jewelry studio with a fused glass kiln, stained glass tools, and fame-working glass bead torches and tools for fabricating metal jewelry.

Two multi-purpose classrooms house courses in a variety of media, including painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, and fber arts.

Infuencing Factors

75% of Minnesotans are engaged in the arts

74% of Minnesotans vs 54% of Other Americans attend and participate in art activities

90% of Americans believe cultural facilities improve quality of life

86% of Minnesotans believe cultural facilities are important to local business and economy

Source: CreativeMN.org

Creativity is Key

Participating in the visual arts for as little as 10 weeks has been shown to increase the resiliency and neural connectivity of the brain, making for increased self-awareness and better memory processing. In addition, professionally conducted participatory arts programs impact older adults by improving health, decreasing depression and loneliness, and increasing participation in other kinds of activities.

Research continues to show that the arts are fundamental to brain development, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence. These characteristics are vital to the 21st Century where young students may hold jobs that haven’t been created yet. The Partnership for 21st Century Skills (P21) is a national organization of business, education, and government leaders working to prepare every child for today’s world. They have identifed the main skills of communication, collaboration, creativity, and innovation as important for success in a global economy.

Technology + Digital Platforms

The notion of art is changing. Studies show that 77% of arts organizations strongly agree with the statement that digital technologies have played a major role in broadening the boundaries of what is considered art (Americans for the Arts, Arts + Social Impact Explorer, Pew Research Center).

New technology has always been linked with the arts. Artists experiment, enhance, and transform new technologies to challenge the way we think about the world and how we interact with art. With the recent explosion in afordable technology, the process of creation through new technology has largely been democratized. Art and life continue to intertwine, and through widely available technology to share it on a global scale, audiences grow and become more involved in the conversation.

The Eden Prairie Art Center uses technology such as social media to increase its reach, engage audiences in new ways, and to document transitory art experiences. The Center has also added a classroom set of iPads to expand into digital art-making.

RECENT EFFORTS

Facility Updates

The Art Center has recently remodeled its facility to improve storage and staf support by adding dry and wet preparation areas, a large double sink for paint cleanup, and a small kitchen. In January of 2019, Center staf re-organized the main studio and garage storage area to maximize space, purge unneeded items, and create a better workspace for students. As a result, supply storage has increased dramatically for the staf and Open Studio pass holders. The staf continues to work on re-organizing the additional storage areas and holds an annual clean-out process at the beginning of each calendar year.

The front desk area was remodeled to be more welcoming and accessible. Now, one ADA accessible door acts as the entrance to the facility and guests are immediately greeted by front desk personnel. The front desk area also underwent cosmetic adjustments to better communicate current and future programming. A large shelving unit was installed to help defne the front reception area from the studio. This shelving holds all artwork ready for pickup so patrons can easily grab their ceramic or glass-fred pieces.

In response to the growth of the youth summer camp programs, an outdoor patio was constructed with the intent of using it as both an outdoor classroom and a casual gathering space. Adjacent to the patio, a green space was fenced in to allow for a safer and more contained environment for outdoor play and creative movement.

Programming Efforts

The Art Center continues to build internal relationships to serve more of the community. Examples of this include holding art classes at the Senior Center several times each month, working with Youth Development to ofer non-school day classes and outreach opportunities, and partnering with fellow recreation supervisors to ofer a summer Create-A-Camp option for youth (each program area ofers a choice for students to design their own camp experience through a la carte oferings). In addition, the Art Center has developed external relationships to increase its community reach by partnering with Eden Prairie Community Education (afterschool classes in art), Ultimate Sustainability (day programs for adults with disabilities), and People Reaching Out to People (events held to support their local fundraiser, Empty Bowls).

Several new programming options are being ofered at the Art Center. In 2019, “Happy Hour at the Art Center” began and continues to be a highly popular series, enrolling at full capacity for most sessions. A new evening youth ofering called “Kids Night Out (Your Night Of!)” has solid enrollment. Other recent oferings include “Holiday Hoopla”, a series for all ages to engage in holiday gift or decoration making, “Playdate at the Art Center”, toddler/preschool and guardian classes, “Art Trips”, and many new classes and workshops. In addition to new programs, youth non-school day classes and summer camps have adjusted to ofer full day options based on parent feedback and needs.

The Art Center continues to serve local artists through valuable skill-building workshops, its Art on City Walls exhibition program, and open studio access. Due to receding participation, the annual Art Crawl has been retired. However, Art Center staff are expanding and re-imagining services to local artists with opportunities to come together for creative sharing, critiques, and networking. The Arts in the Park event continues to bring local and regional artists together with community members and has increased artist and audience numbers dramatically in recent years.

Communication + Marketing Efforts

It is important to promote and document the Art Center’s programs to inform visitors and community members of all oferings. In addition to the City’s recurring marketing eforts, the Center promotes upcoming classes and workshops on a weekly basis through social media and local parenting sites and distributes fyers for programs each term. A promotional video was created in 2019 to tell the Art Center’s story and engage people on a new level.

FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS

& DRIVERS

Engagement + Program Planning

Based on community needs for high quality programming for ages 3.5–6, the Art Center will continue developing programs for preschoolers to gain valuable social, emotional, and academic skills. Future plans for baby shower and adult/corporate party options are in the planning stages. Art-On-the-Go kits are in development so faculty can bring programming into the community rather than expecting all individuals to come to the physical facility.

While the Center ofered full-day summer camp options for youth in the past, it has increased the promotion of this option and streamlined the camp schedule so that parents/guardians may choose a full day, full week option for their child.

The Art Center will continue to build relationships with local organizations, specifcally those looking for school year daytime options, as this is currently where the Center has the most growth potential. In addition, by working with Youth Development, the Senior Center, Outdoor Center and Community Center, the Art Center hopes to increase its reach within the Parks and Recreation community.

The Art Center revamped its open house schedule and now ofers separate open house events for youth and teens/adults. This allows the Center to focus its faculty and resources on specifc age ranges, providing free hands-on experiences that resonate with each group and translate into more registrations in classes and workshops. In addition, the Center plans to develop a teen-only social hangout space while also gaining new skills in art practices.

To ensure Art Center participants refect the full diversity of the community, outreach and inclusion practices will be a focus for staf and programs. A recent example was the Creative Connections outreach program, where Center teaching artists brought free high-quality arts experiences to youth in places where they already gather. By partnering with Treehouse and the YMCA at Briarhill, Creative Connections expanded the reach of the Art Center to a new and diverse audience.

Building Size + Capabilities

The Art Center has room to grow at certain times of the year. During the summer, it is often at capacity each weekday. By using other buildings such as the Staring Lake Park Building, the Center is reducing the summer strain by ofering outdoor arts education. This will be a continual strategy for other high demand times as well.

An outdoor paved patio was recently added to be able host outdoor classes or serve as a break-out or lunchtime space. To complement that, a fenced area was added to the south side of the building to give children a safe area for movement and exploration.

The layout and equipment in the main studio remains fexible and responsive to the current demands. Examples of this include a recent shift away from dedicated jewelry work space and the addition of more pottery wheels. As a potential longer-term expansion, research has been conducted to explore the feasibility of adding a gas-fred kiln to expand opportunities for ceramic artists.

Addressing Barriers To Participation

Many potential adult participants may feel intimidated or do not consider themselves artists. The Art Center is attempting to breakdown this barrier through its “Happy Hour at the Art Center” series, open house for adults with free hands-on projects each fall, new marketing materials, such as videos or participant stories/spotlight that communicate our accessibility and friendly environment, and by attending City and community events.

The physical location of the Art Center is in an ofce/industrial area which limits drive-by visibility. In 2019, Hennepin County provided a sign variance to install Art Center signage on this main thoroughfare, increasing visibility to those passing by.

While the Art Center works to make classes and programs afordable and accessible, these costs are still out of reach for some individuals and families. The Parks and Recreation Department’s Passport to Fun

program has recently increased the amount of funding an individual can access in fnancial support from $100 to $200 annually, and staf have worked individually with families to establish payment plans or fee waivers when necessary. An important part of the Art Center’s mission is to make art accessible to everyone. Teaching artists regularly set up projects and experiences at city-wide events for kids and adults to access free of charge. Some classes require special tools, supplies, or equipment to work in a particular medium. The Art Center provides less-expensive, shortterm rental options so individuals do not need to purchase supplies for an introductory-level class.

Enrollment for registered programs has increased signifcantly in recent years. During the pandemic in 2020-2021, there were limited in-person classes but the Art Center continued to serve the community through outdoor oferings, online courses, and take-home art kits.

EDEN PRAIRIE OUTDOOR CENTER

The Eden Prairie Outdoor Center is located along the northern shoreline of Staring Lake, within the 160 acres of Staring Lake Park.

The Outdoor Center features:

+ Historic cabin used for public programs

+ Observatory

+ Fishing pier

+ Trail system for hiking and biking, with interpretive/educational stations

+ Perennial fower garden

+ Edible playground for teaching children about gardening

+ 2-acre native prairie ecosystem

+ Play area with nature-inspired play equipment

+ Live animals, including reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and a raptor

+ Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing programs

+ Hiking, canoeing, fshing, and birding programs

The Outdoor Center provides Eden Prairie residents with a variety of opportunities for outdoor recreation and environmental education. Passive users of the site take advantage of nature trails that include creek, forest, and prairie habitats. Fee-based programs for the community are ofered year-round, with the largest participant group being families with young children. Over 400 children attend summer day camps annually, enjoying outdoor activities like fshing, canoeing, and archery. The facility is stafed during program hours, as well as every Saturday morning for a free community open house.

A partnership with Eden Prairie Public Schools has expanded and in recent years the Outdoor Center has seen over 2,000 student visits during the school year. With multiple habitats as well as live animals on site, students are aforded a number of hands-on learning experiences at a variety of grade levels. Lessons include topics like water quality, wildlife, water conservation, and tapping maple trees to make maple syrup. Outdoor Center staf also visit classrooms with standards-based activities like the monarch butterfy life cycle.

The annual Animal Open House draws over 500 people to the site each spring to experience a sampling of activities and to interact with visiting educators and animals. This free event is intended to welcome Eden Prairie residents to their Outdoor Center and expose them to the array of programming available throughout the year.

In 2010, the Staring Lake Observatory opened at the site, housing a 16-inch telescope, one of the largest in the state of Minnesota. In 2017, thanks to a generous community donor, a new computer-driven telescope replaced the original. Staf astronomers plan specifc programs that coincide with the best planetary viewing dates, averaging two–four programs each month.

INFLUENCING FACTORS

Demographics

New immigrant populations to the area may never have experienced lake fshing, swimming, kayaking, or canoeing. Other new experiences might include exploring a frozen lake, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing. The ongoing relationship with Eden Prairie Public Schools is one way for the Outdoor Center to introduce a diverse group of children to outdoor recreation and nature exploration. These children are encouraged to return with their families for the free open houses or public programs.

The demand for preschool-age enrichment and recreation programming is evident in the Outdoor Center’s enrollment patterns in recent years. Both adult/child and child-only programming for preschool children has been popular, with waiting lists in place for many oferings. This trend has been seen across all areas of youth programs.

Evolving Interests

For years, the Outdoor Center ofered a number of multi-day canoeing and backpacking trips as a regular part of the programming. Today, many local businesses specialize in these types of trips and the interest in participating in a City-sponsored program has waned. Shorter day trips for canoeing and kayaking have been ofered in recent years, as well as on-location birding and photography outings.

Technology + Digital Platforms

By design, the Outdoor Center is a place that encourages people to unplug from technology and experience nature. However, technology advances have made possible a deeper understanding of nature. Upgrading to a computerized telescope system has allowed the astronomy program a greater level of accuracy. Digital microscopes and live webcams give people a view into how various species survive and adapt in their natural habitat. Other amenities like GPS units for geocaching have also been added.

Climate

Unpredictable weather is a major disruptor of outdoor recreational programming. Programs like canoeing, kayaking, ice fshing, skiing, and snowshoeing are dependent upon favorable weather conditions. For greater fexibility and responsiveness, the Outdoor Center has begun ofering more frequent open, walk-in opportunities as well as customized group activities. The prior model of selecting a date six months in advance to ofer cross-country ski or canoe lessons has proven to not be efective. More fexibility and social media promoted pop-up style oferings will need to be considered in the future.

RECENT EFFORTS

Facility + Site Updates

The Outdoor Center underwent a master planning process during 2015 to examine the current and projected future use of the site and evaluate opportunities for enhancements. Areas for growth were identifed, with several changes taking place in recent years. Nature trails and paved trails were expanded, along with the installation of new wayfnding and informational signs throughout the site. Along the nature trails, educational nodes were added with accompanying interpretive signs. Currently, there are nodes dedicated to bald eagles, wood ducks, forests, and owls with plans to add others in the future. Building furnishings were updated with new child-sized and adult-sized tables and chairs.

With the adoption of a rescued barred owl, a raptor mew (a shelter designed specifcally to house a raptor) was built in 2016. The mew is the permanent home to the owl that serves as an educational ambassador. In 2018, an outdoor sunroom was added so that the owl could enjoy more time outdoors and allow the public to view the owl during non-program times. The owl was given the name “Whisper” as a result of a social media nomination and voting process, with the name representing the owl’s silent fight.

In keeping with the natural surroundings, a nature-themed play area was installed in 2016. This and other improvements help draw and enhance the experience of passive visitors—those coming to explore at times when no programs are scheduled and no staf are on site.

Partnerships

Partnerships allow the Outdoor Center to expand and deepen programming through the resources and expertise of other organizations.

Current examples include:

Watershed District

Provides trained staff and equipment for water-related studies

Let’s Go Fishing

Local chapter provides pontoon fishing opportunities during summer camps

Local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts

Regularly donate time and resources as a part of on site volunteer projects

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FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS + DRIVERS

Engagement + Program Planning

Following demographic trends, the Outdoor Center leadership will continue to collaborate with Department colleagues and the greater community to determine the best ways to serve the educational and recreational needs of older adults in Eden Prairie. Most afternoons during the school week, there is no programming at the site. Opportunities for enrichment, lifelong learning, ftness, and recreation that would serve retired or semi-retired adults are rich with possibility.

Another focus area will be to serve underrepresented area residents. Anecdotal feedback shows that some people have never heard of the facility and others may have real or perceived barriers to participation based on fnances or a level of experience. Proactive outreach, innovative programming, and addressing barriers will all be important to the long-term success of the Outdoor Center.

Positioning the Center as the preferred “outdoor classroom” for Eden Prairie Public Schools will be one way to maximize the use of the site and to engage the staf naturalists in more opportunities for nature education. Currently the school district’s preschools and elementary schools take advantage of the program, with a great deal of capacity for growth with Central Middle School, Eden Prairie High School, and Community Education.

Conservation

In addition to being a home for year-round outdoor recreation opportunities, the Outdoor Center works to educate the public on a variety of environmental topics. Being on a site that has a creek, wetlands and a lake, water studies and water conservation have become an area of focus. Students can look at water samples under a microscope, see how a rain barrel collection system works in the learning garden and even paddle a canoe to the location where the storm sewer empties into Staring Lake for some real-world examples of water resources and water quality in a community.

Conservation and sustainability will continue to be a focus in program and facility planning into the future. Examples include the possibility of driveway lighting that is solar-powered or a rainwater capture system with interactive display capabilities.

ANTICIPATED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

Master Plan + Site Amenities

A building/site master plan was conducted in 2015 to take inventory of the use of the current buildings and site amenities and overlay that information with programming goals and the user experience. After prioritizing based on available funding, it was determined that elements addressing access and visibility should be high on the list. A new paved trail directly from Staring Lake Parkway was added to separate pedestrian trafc from vehicles and new signage and buckthorn removal made the trail and roadway clearly visible to one another. Other elements of the plan that have been installed include improved nature trails, wayfnding and interpretive signage, informational kiosk, educational nodes, portable foating docks, a home for the raptor, and a nature-based playground area.

Another priority has been the improvement of the storage/ secondary programming building which includes improved HVAC and electrical, a new egress door near the playground, and new wall and foor fnishes. This allows for greater use of the space year-round as an indoor homebase for school groups, camps, and programs. Other elements of the master plan that were deferred as long-term goals include the expansion of the trail system to include foating sections within the wetland areas, new lighting along the driveway into the site, and a new entry archway.

EDEN PRAIRIE SENIOR CENTER

From 1973–1987 the Senior Center was located at what is now called the Eden Prairie Outdoor Center. The current building at 8950 Eden Prairie Road was then serving as Eden Prairie’s City Hall. In 1988 when City Hall relocated to its current location, the building began operating as the Senior Center. In fact, the current wood shop is where the council chambers used to be located.

Since 1988, senior programming and the function of the Senior Center has evolved as community needs have changed. While the building has continued to be a center for leisure activities for older adults, partnerships and co-located services have allowed the Senior Center to become a one-stop location for recreation, wellness, and lifelong learning with on-site access to social service providers.

With daily walk-in participants, program registrants, special events, and rentals, the Senior Center currently generates over 600 visits per week. This number has continued to grow each year. Program oferings include a variety of free drop-in clubs and activities, lifelong learning classes, ftness programs, outings, trips, and special events. An elected Senior Advisory Council provides input and feedback for the Senior Center’s operation.

Partnerships play an important role in the oferings at the Senior Center. Ongoing relationships with organizations like Senior Community Services, Eden Prairie Schools Community Education, Meals on Wheels, and others serve to expand the reach of the Senior Center. Internal partnerships with the Police and Fire Departments provide regular safety seminars and a liaison ofcer to the advisory council. Senior Awareness Month in May began in 1993 as a partnership with the Police Department that continues today. In addition to a City Council Proclamation, the month is flled with opportunities for the community to recognize the contributions of older adults and for seniors to take part in a variety of special activities.

While the Senior Center is a hub of activity, additional program opportunities can be found throughout the community. The Community Center provides a location for both ftness and socialization. Currently there are nearly 2,500 seniors afliated with the Community Center through direct memberships or health care reimbursement. In 2019, 943 area residents aged 60 and over registered for classes and programs ofered by Parks and Recreation located either at the Senior Center or one of the other centers. Programs and services are provided by a variety of other community organizations, and Senior Center staf regularly network with these providers through the Eden Prairie Professionals in Aging (EPPIA) collaborative.

INFLUENCING FACTORS

Evolving Interests + Abilities

Studies and recent participation rates show a desire for more active programs, giving credence to the phrase “60 is the new 40.” Programs such as biking club and weekly ftness classes have become popular. Interest in the Center’s community woodshop continues to grow. In 2008, there were eight active participants, a number that increased to 43 in 2018. Though participant interests continue to change, the most popular weekly activities continue to be card games and other social/partner games.

Technology + Digital Platforms

Communication methods continue to evolve as technology changes. Even though program and event information are readily available online, recent survey and focus group feedback indicates that the senior newsletter is the preferred source of information for most seniors. This publication, however, is only mailed to 800 homes, with 600 households preferring an email copy. Increasing numbers of Senior Center participants utilize the online registration system for fee-based classes and events.

Housing Amenities

Eden Prairie has seen the development of several new senior housing facilities, with existing Eden Prairie residents choosing to “age in place” as well as new residents moving here from other communities. Many of the newer senior facilities ofer recreation programs, ftness rooms, and other types of facilities and programs to encourage socialization. For some, this might fulfll their needs for recreation programming. However, recent patterns have shown that older adults who are new to our community still seek out the programs and services of the Senior Center.

RECENT EFFORTS

Facility Updates

Updates to décor, furnishings, and fnishes have been ongoing, creating more multifunctional spaces. Technology improvements were made to enhance sound and projection, as well as new security cameras at public entrances.

Located in Pioneer Park directly west of the Senior Center, the Yard Games Plaza opened in 2019 with the addition of permanent bocce and bag toss courts adjacent to the existing tennis and pickleball courts. A shade structure and seating area were included to provide a comfortable place to interact and gather. These amenities enhance programming for the Senior Center and adult recreational sports as well as serve as a neighborhood gathering space.

A recent efort to increase accessibility was the installation of raised-bed garden boxes for rent. Adjacent to the traditional community gardens located behind the Senior Center, these boxes allow wheelchair users and others who are unable to access a typical garden an opportunity to participate fully in the gardening program.

The most recent and dramatic upgrade was the renovation of the main level entry and lobby area. By reconfguring the entrance and ofce/ reception spaces, a new open lobby space was created to encourage casual gatherings, enhanced by an electric freplace and beverage/snack area. Also included was the removal of a permanent wall and replacing it with a retractable wall to increase fexibility and room capacity in the primary meeting room on the main level.

Programming Efforts

The Parks and Recreation Department has increased collaboration in the area of serving older adults. Examples include the Senior Center ofering art classes using instructors from the Art Center and holding some of their book club sessions at the Outdoor Center. Occasionally, programs are scheduled at local churches, restaurants, or senior housing facilities.

The collaboration between the Senior Center and Community Center has deepened in recent years, including an identifed ftness liaison, shared ftness instructors, and joint training. While the Senior Center is able to host a limited number of ftness classes each week, the Community Center sees hundreds of seniors attending daily for classes, swimming, indoor pickleball, and weight training. Oferings at both sites are designed and paced specifcally for older adults. Additionally, the Community Center ofers dedicated space for seniors to socialize after their sessions as well as monthly birthday celebrations.

As people age, the possibility of the onset of a chronic disease increase. Through specialized training, the City is ofering ftness and wellness programs specifcally for people with MS, Parkinson’s, and those in cancer recovery.

Trips and tours continue to see high participation rates. Adventure-based programs like zip-lining or local fash mob dances have gained popularity. The Senior Center has increased the number of programs that are more intellectually challenging, including fnance/investing, history, discussion groups, speakers, and tours to interesting locations that feed participants’ curiosity.

Communication + Marketing Efforts

Some seniors prefer printed materials, so brochures, newsletters, fyers, and posters are still a primary method of communication. This preference was evident in a recent marketing analysis that included survey and focus group input. Even so, several electronic strategies are also being used to meet the needs of all seniors. Examples include the City’s email listserv, social media, and targeted email lists through the Parks and Recreation registration system.

With the large number of active seniors visiting the Community Center regularly, the Senior Center has begun targeted messages on the treadmill screens. Collaboration and cross-marketing with program partners and other service providers like churches and housing facilities has been expanded to reach more seniors.

The staf and advisory council have had several discussions regarding the image and possible misconception of the name “Senior Center.” Some have shared concerns that newly retired adults may not consider themselves senior citizens and therefore may be hesitant to come to the Center. Others have expressed pride in this title and in their status as seniors. Conversations about changing the name of the building have ultimately pointed to the importance of having high-quality programs and a word-of-mouth reputation that will draw people in regardless of the name above the door.

FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS & DRIVERS

Engagement + Program Planning

Staf will continue to engage seniors regularly through a variety of methods to determine a future mix of programs. In addition to seeking input from regular attendees, the Senior Center will identify ways to reach newly retired seniors whose program needs and interests may difer than current participants.

Ongoing partnerships with the new and current senior housing facilities will be important in identifying the best way to serve our shared clients without duplicating services.

To have the attendees of the Senior Center better refect the cultural diversity of the community, outreach to culturally diverse groups will be a focus. These eforts will help the Senior Center staf better understand the social and recreational needs of specifc segments of the community. Through intentional outreach, all people throughout our community can be informed of the breadth of opportunities that await them at the Senior Center.

Building Size + Capabilities

Currently, the Senior Center rooms are at or above capacity during days and times of high demand. With population and program growth expected, there will be a need to analyze the current space utilization in the building, with consideration given to current program needs as well as projected growth and future needs. This analysis will evaluate the balance between the building’s primary senior programming and secondary community room rental functions.

In addition to evaluating the best use of space at the center, staf will continue to explore the use of other park and community spaces to help meet space demands and to better serve geographical areas of the city.

Addressing Barriers To Participation

Though many of the activities held at the Senior Center are free of charge, and there is no annual membership fee, there are seniors in the community for whom program fees are a barrier when it comes to classes, trips, and special events. The Passport to Fun fnancial assistance program is widely used by families with young children, but seldom accessed by seniors. Additional target marketing may assist in reaching and serving more seniors if they are able to access a 50% fee reduction through this program.

To address transportation barriers, the Senior Center partners with Southwest Transit to connect seniors with on-demand shuttle bus service. City shuttle buses provide limited service for select special events and programs.

EDEN PRAIRIE COMMUNITY CENTER

The Eden Prairie Community Center is a 225,000 square foot recreational facility that strives to be the premier gathering place for the Eden Prairie community. Since 1982, the Community Center has ofered recreational programs and activities to the entire community including skating, swimming, room rental, racquetball, ftness classes and ftness center, childcare area, play structure, concessions, gymnasium, and dry foor training area. Programming at the Community Center provides opportunities starting at six months of age all the way to centenarians.

Partnerships are an integral part of the Community Center daily operations. The facility is the host site for Eden Prairie High School (EPHS) boys and girls hockey as well as EPHS boys and girls swim/dive teams. EPHS physical education classes use the Community Center, as do Eden Prairie Youth Athletic Associations—most notably, Foxjets Swim Club, Eden Prairie Hockey Association, and Eden Prairie Figure Skating Club.

Between membership scans and unique visitors, the Community Center averages one million visits per year.

Demographics

While the Community Center serves ages six months and older, signifcant increases are being seen with the senior demographic. What used to be a slow time at the Community Center from approximately 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. is now one of the busiest times at the facility, fooded with active older adult visitors and programming.

Evolving programming to meet this growing population has been paramount. Increasing Silver & Fit and Silver Sneaker class oferings, and implementing daytime pickleball leagues, are all part of a larger push to meet the needs of the senior population.

The Community Center has also created a home for unique community groups through ftness programming. Diverse oferings for people with specifc needs, such as MS Aquatics, Delay the Disease Parkinson’s ftness classes, and the Training, Rejuvenation and Exercise Program for Cancer Survivors (TREC) have created sub-communities within the facility. These programs have a regional draw, which the Community Center is able to fulfll for those participants and their health journey.

Technology + Digital Platforms

Communication with members and daily-use visitors continue to evolve as technology advances. Both for how the Community Center operates and how it serves its patrons, there is a need to meet the people where they are.

To effectively meet this need, software has been implemented to streamline information and communication. Group Ex Pro became the ftness class scheduling software in 2015, allowing members to see a real time class schedule online and to download the app to their phone at no cost for instantaneous access to programming.

Fitness equipment has become as advanced with technology as it has in function. The Community Center has continued to purchase and enhance touch screen capability on cardio equipment to keep up with ftness trends and member expectations.

During the early months of COVID-19, a virtual ftness membership was launched knowing that in the fall of 2020 another COVID-19 surge was looming. Hundreds of members were going to be coming of a prolonged suspension in November, so we wanted to launch a membership ofering that could provide them with the comfort of accessing Community Center ftness classes from their home, while also staying a part of our community. This was to be conscious of peoples comfort level with the pandemic, to reengage them in our community, and to allow our members to take advantage of yet another amenity or program. After vetting diferent software platforms, a cost-savings approach was taken and Microsoft SharePoint and Teams allowed us to launch the frst virtual membership ofering.

Timing met opportunity and we launched days before the second statewide shutdown for COVID-19, allowing hundreds of members to be engaged in the Community Center ftness classes and their favorite instructors. Through live streaming or prerecorded on-demand classes, members could be retained even though the building was closed. This ofering has continued as a supplement to standard membership options. It is an added member beneft, included in their monthly membership payment or it is a stand-alone virtual membership option. Members have provided great feedback from this program and we have been able to retain members that have moved away or that travel for work. It was a project unlike any we’ve done before and it was incredibly rewarding.

Workforce Shortage + Retention

Nationally, the United States economy does not have enough workers. Two years prior to the pandemic, the Department of Labor tracked the number of open jobs each month, and nationwide, it has been higher than the number of people looking for work for nearly a year. Since they began tracking job turnover data two decades ago, this was the frst time that had happened. This shift is due to many factors, one of which includes baby boomers retiring at a rapid pace. That pace has only been accelerated due to the efects of the pandemic.

In April 2020, unemployment rates jumped to levels not seen since the Great Depression. Throughout the pandemic as jobs steadily began to return, not all of the workforce was prepared to return with it. This was felt at the Community Center as the facility reopened and continued to ebb and fow with the changing COVID-19 Minnesota Department of Health guidelines. The Parks and Recreation Department part time workforce was depleted. As the pandemic continued many Department supervisors needed to build up their part-time staf team from the ground up. Staf comfort levels largely afected how quickly programs reopened to the community.

Prior to the pandemic, the Community Center employed over 250 part time staff annually. The building depends on these positions to keep operations running at full speed. To counteract the workforce shortage, many measures are being taken.

Recruitment and staf

retention eforts have never been higher. Nationally, “The Great Resignation” began in 2021 with employees voluntarily leaving their jobs in droves. The pandemic changed a great deal, including the mentality of the workforce. Many people took stock of their lives and priorities changed. Many retirements took place, full time workers abandoned their second jobs, and many high school and college-aged staf chose not to work part time. The Community Center left no stone unturned in an attempt to recruit part time staff. Attending job fairs, hosting a job fair, virtual interviews, ofering incentives to employees for referrals, and advertising within EPHS.

Extensive market research has been performed with other municipal entities and other privately owned local companies. While the private companies are not direct competitors within the municipal industry, they are direct competitors in work force recruitment. Competition increased exponentially with climbing hourly rates throughout the service and retail industries. Employee retention became the focus for employers, and the Community Center was among them. In collecting compensation comparisons, hourly wages and compensation ranges for each position were examined and discussed with Human Resources. Strategic increases were given to existing staf to not only provide parody for incoming employees receiving higher rates, but also as a means of retention. Ensuring competitive wages has large-scale budgetary impacts but is critical to sustain facility operations and to serve the Eden Prairie community efectively.

RECENT EFFORTS

Facility + Staffng Updates

The Aquatics Expansion in 2016 included more square footage, additional programming, and additional building trafc. In turn, more staf have been added to serve these areas. Today, there are four Recreation Supervisors covering Ice & Concessions, Aquatics, Operations & Youth Services, and Fitness.

The initial Community Center remodel of 2008 created many of the amenities that are still heavily used today. Some of those renovations are being updated, including the front plaza at the main entrance. Deteriorating plaza pavers drove the need for this project, but it has also allowed for a more open plaza entrance, additional outdoor seating, and easier plowing access for enhanced public safety.

Concessions

The concession operation at the Community Center was created to provide an amenity for hockey tournaments and events. Soda, popcorn, pretzels, and light snacks ofer a nice service to hockey-goers throughout the year. While the operation is not a large revenue generator, it does cover the cost of operation. Concessions also serve patrons attending Aquatics Center swim meets.

When the Community Center reopened after the pandemic, concessions was one of the last areas of the building to reopen. With food handling being the main part of the job, concessions were not deemed essential. Vending machines were fully stocked during this time. Part way through 2021, concessions reopened and rebuilt a team that had been nonexistent for almost two years. Operations started slowly as the team was developed and more consistent hours could be ofered.

Concessions is an area that we are continually looking for technology automation and enhancements. We have gone cashless since reopening and instead complete contactless payment transactions. This has made accounting practices cleaner and more efcient as an operation.

Programming Efforts Youth Services

The Community Center ofers youth-specifc programming like Play Care, Fit Kids Club and our Prairie Play Zone play structure. Play Care is available to parents coming to work out, so that they can have childcare for anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours at a time. Children as young as six months to seven years can come and play under staf supervision.

The Prairie Play Zone is a play structure that families can pay to use during specifc hours. Parents attend with their children for this amenity. It can also be rented as part of a birthday party upon request.

Tot Time programming was born out of young families coming to our facility and the need for open young age programming. Tot Swim and Tot Skate are oferings available to families with children six years of age to babies. This gives families designated time and space for open activities separate from older children. This has proved to be extremely popular for young families, stay-at-home parents, and has become almost a “feeder program” for swim and skate lessons.

Birthday Parties

Since restructuring our birthday party programming in 2016, birthday parties have been in high demand. After performing market research in pricing and oferings, it was determined a two-tier approach was best, not only from an ofering perspective, but from a stafng/admin perspective.

A premiere party at the Art Center and Outdoor Center has a higher fee as do swimming parties at the Community Center.. For the Community Center there are standard party packages for a lesser rate giving options for skating parties, and gym parties. This is a turn-key ofering with no staf member involved, unlike at the Art Center and Outdoor Centers. Staf continue to keep a pulse on market rates and oferings to ensure that Parks and Recreation remain competitive but also maintains a reasonably priced ofering for birthday parties within the community.

Future customized parties may include a swim party renting the pool infatables. This would be at a higher price point for use of that equipment plus the stafng needed to administer and lifeguard appropriately.

One-on-One Training

To meet people where they are, attention is being paid to trends and demands with program oferings. In today’s world there is a desire for programming that fts within families’ hectic schedules. This has proven true through programs like personal training and private swim lessons that were once ofered as an add on service, but now are stand-alone revenue generating programs with consistent demand.

Fitness in the Parks

Fitness in the Parks is a program that was launched in the summer of 2015 to promote community-wide wellness and activity. The program aimed to eliminate the barrier of needing a gym membership to attend a group ftness class and to take advantage of the added wellness benefts of being in nature at one of our premier parks. Oferings from Zumba, family yoga, bootcamp, POUND, and other formats are ofered to the community from mid-June through mid-August provided by Community Center group ftness instructors. This has had an added beneft of marketing Community Center services, classes, and staf.

Memberships

The expansion of the Community Center has resulted in a facility that is no longer just a swim/skate facility; it is now highly used for ftness memberships, classes, and room rentals. With the 2008 building expansion, membership soared from 2005–2011.

From 2012–2019 membership grew and then remained consistent around the 3,000-mark depending on the season. The 2016 remodel pushed membership a bit higher, including a large increase in the senior population as that demographic continued to grow and paralleled with the building growth. Those memberships are not accounted for in our typical membership headcounts as many of them are through third party vendors under their health insurance, such as Silver Sneakers, Silver & Fit or Renew Active.

The facility was nearing carrying capacity in 2019 prior to the pandemic. Based on the size of the ftness areas, number of stations, and the patterns of use by current members, approximately 3,000 memberships appear to be a maximum carrying capacity.

During COVID-19, the facility had to close for many months. Recurring memberships were canceled or members had the option to keep their membership active without being charged. The facility reopened to member usage in July 2020 and memberships were charged at 50% of their 2020 rates starting in August 2020. This was to entice retention and in recognition that not all amenities were reopened. The facility would close once more at the end of 2020.

The pandemic cut membership in half, going from approximately 2,400 memberships to 1,200. Since the lows of the pandemic, membership has been climbing back as social distancing fades, the world reopens, vaccines become available, and people feel safe to return. In 2021 there were large strides in membership coming back, starting the year just under 1,200 and fnishing the year at 1,700. By fall 2021, we were just over 1,700 and have maintained that headcount throughout the summer when normal y memberships drop s gnfcantly. Membershi l i i p in 2022 was at just under 2,000 by years end; approximately 15% higher than 2021 and approximately 80% of pre-pandemic membership numbers. This data is further proof that we are recovering from the pandemic and stabilizing membership.

TOTAL MONTHLY + ANNUAL MEMBERS

P PRRAAIIRRIIEE C COOMMMMUUNNIITTYY C CENENTTERER

TOTAL MONTHLY + ANNUAL MEMBERSHIPS

Facility Amenities

Staf are continually tracking trends with programming and user group utilization throughout the Community Center. In that tracking, staf evaluate the best use of existing square footage for the future. The types of groups using current spaces, the costs of operating the current spaces, and the fnancial sustainability of these spaces are interrelated as staf evaluate future building optimization.

Nationwide the sport of hockey is seeing a decline in participation. Today, the Community Center has three rinks in operation with one rink closed for a few months in the summer to save on energy consumption and preventative maintenance.

Staf has started to research the potential for converting one of the rinks into a feldhouse in the coming years—a “Plan B” as we watch hockey numbers decline nationally. The feldhouse would have gym fooring, utilized for rental space, and space for internal department programming. The current gymnasium at the Community Center is heavily used and is in a constant state of push and pull to safeguard it as an amenity to members while also squeezing in programming. A feldhouse could alleviate this issue and the gymnasium would be for open activities, exclusively used by paying daily patrons or members.

Gymnasium space in the Eden Prairie community is at a premium. Champions Hall, the Community Center gymnasium, and gyms within Eden Prairie Schools are the only indoor court space available. When schools are out of session, approximately 80% of gym space in the community is unusable. This creates a large demand for indoor courts. Staf foresee a revenue-generating endeavor while also lowering operational costs of running a third sheet of ice, and the added beneft of alleviating pressure on the current gymnasium.

Additionally, staf recognize the opportunity for creating open foor plans within the Community Center. The building has been added on over time, creating spaces that are not as functional as they could be. Hiring a spaceplanning architect or consultant in the near future to do an assessment of these spaces would be a logical next step. There is an opportunity to optimize ftness foor space—attaching the old hockey viewing area, now the personal training studio, and removing some glass walls to expand the usable square footage.

Facility Room Rentals

Rooms are available to rent throughout the facility, accommodating groups from 10 to 100 with premier venue areas including the Cambria Room and Aquatics 110. Spaces are available to rent on an hourly basis with a two-hour minimum reservation.

Wireless internet is ofered throughout the facility, with AV capability built into or made available to every room. Amenities vary per room, with all diferent kinds of utilization. Rentals have held everything from board meetings to birthday parties, bridal or baby showers, religious celebrations, community group meetings, workshops, and family gatherings. Each room is multipurpose with a variety of setups available. The Facilities division assists with all room setup requests to ensure the room is clean and has the correct confguration.

Explore Room Rentals!

edenprairie.org/EPCCRentals

Marketing

To reach all segments of the community and future fnancial success, marketing will continue to be a main area of focus. Membership recruitment and retention are always part of running a membership-based facility. In the age of social media, ftness trends are more accessible than ever. Continuing to evaluate membership rates against others in the market will be paramount to ensure that we are afordable and serving the correct niche in the community while also remaining fnancially viable.

Creative marketing through technology and social media will continue to be expanded. Having its own standalone WiFi network will allow the Community Center to use splash-page marketing anytime guests sign into the network— pushing marketing eforts in real time. User data is also gathered to expand our reach for future marketing.

ANTICIPATED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

In 2023, new fooring will be laid in the gymnasium. This will be the same multi-purpose rubberized fooring, which best fts the need and how this space is utilized. The entire gymnasium will be repainted to maintain the updated look throughout the space and to match the new fooring.

In the next few years, new lockers will be installed in the men’s and women’s locker rooms. The existing lockers from 2008 are key entry and beginning to show their age. The new locker system will be modernized according to ftness facility trends and will be less labor intensive. Currently there are a lot of issues with keys breaking and locks malfunctioning, and parts are getting harder to fnd for old mechanisms. The new lockers will have a keyless locking mechanism using a four-digit code.

Aesthetic improvements to the main entry of the lower level will also be updated in the next few years. This will blend the 2008 renovations to the look of the 2016 renovations.

FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS

Going forward the economic impact of infation and stafng will continue to impact the Community Center. In 2022 there was a dramatic increase in utility rates. Being a facility that has high utility usage between powering three ice rinks, fve bodies of water, three ftness studios, a gym and everything in between—the monthly costs of operations is going to drastically afect overall budgets in the future if this trend continues.

As mentioned, stafng will continue to be a challenge as we are a facility that is dependent on part-time staf to fully operate. Part-time staf are needed from 5:30 a.m. until 10:00 or 11:00 p.m., 360 days per year. This includes holidays when the building is open, but we are struggling to fnd staf. While we have increased our hourly rates for operational and customer service staf, we are competing with other private businesses with more competitive budgets. At the end of 2022, a Premium Pay program was piloted. Key dates throughout the year were selected for part-time staf to make time and a half pay when they worked those dates. While we have seen huge success with this so far, between flling shifts and morale improvement on high demand dates, it is anticipated this program may need to grow in the future to ensure consistent service.

Future changes to combat part-time stafng shortages may include hiring more full-time staf with rotational schedules and keep the facility open during all hours of operation. There may be other technologies we adopt to facilitate a self-check-in process at our front desk. Certainly, if utility costs keep rising and stafng continues to go down, we may need to reduce our public hours of operation.

ICE ARENAS

In 1982, the construction of the Eden Prairie Community Center began and included the frst indoor ice rink in Eden Prairie. The main rink became the immediate home of EPHS Boy’s Hockey Program, along with a youth hockey association and fgure skating club. The main rink is 200’ x 85’ (NHL) and has seating for approximately 1,000 spectators.

In 1994, a second indoor ice rink was added with fnancial assistance from a Mighty Duck grant through the Herb Brooks Foundation, along with support from the Hockey Association. The “Olympic Rink” received its name due to its size (200’ x 100’), which is ffteen feet wider than the traditional ice rinks.

In 2008, a third practice rink was built with the Community Center expansion project. Rink three was constructed with a coolant system that utilizes ammonia. The Hockey Association partnered with the City to receive 20-year naming right donations from several local businesses. The three ice rinks were renamed to Cub/SuperValu Rink 1, Shuman Memorial Rink 2, and First American Funds Rink 3.

In 2014, the Shuman Memorial Rink 2 was remodeled. The renovation included connecting to the existing ammonia-based coolant system in Rink 3. The renovation resized the rink to the traditional 200’ x 85’ (NHL) footprint. The extra square footage (200’ x 20’) was used to create three dry-foor spaces, which included shooting stations, a mini-rink, and the dryland training area named, The Cage.

The Hockey Association solicited a donation from TRIA Orthopedics to construct a shooting and stick-handling area which allows youth players to practice their skills of-ice. The Community Center built The Cage to accommodate small group training for youth and adults.

Currently, the three ice arenas are used for City recreation programs and facility rentals.

INFLUENCING FACTORS

Demographics

Historically, hockey and fgure skating have appealed to younger ages from white afuent backgrounds. The challenge in the future will be to provide afordable options to get kids introduced to hockey from diverse backgrounds. Sports specialization is being targeted to young children, and hockey in Minnesota is competitive. If an athlete doesn’t start hockey at a young age, they will likely fall behind their peers and be less likely to make competitive teams. The Eden Prairie Hockey Association has made great strides in combating access barriers by creating a used equipment program to lower costs for incoming families or families in need. EPHA continues to fnd new methods for fundraising to ofset the cost of ice, coaches, tournament fees, etc. to lessen fees for families.

Youth hockey and figure skating have decreased in participation over the past 15 years.

Evolving Interests

Youth hockey and fgure skating have seen a steady decrease over the past 15 years in Eden Prairie, however the decrease is stabilizing. This mirrors a metro-wide trend.

The EPHA has seen a slight increase in participation with 595 skaters in 2021 which is up from 550 in 2019. However, the number of players is still down drastically from 2009 when the EPHA had roughly 1,000 skaters. The number of hours of purchased ice has decreased by approximately 200 hours in 2021 compared to 2009. The EPHA has taken steps to purchase as much ice as possible, by reserving some of their ice for neighboring communities and hosting additional hockey tournaments and clinics to help supplement the decrease in participation. Sports clinics that ofer hockey for free have increased participation at the mite level in recent years.

The Figure Skating Club has had a similar decrease in participation from over 130 skaters in 2009 to 98 skaters in 2022.

Contributing factors include:

+ The specialization, cost, and time commitment of ice related youth sports has increased, with upper-level skaters skating fve–six days a week, 10-12 months a year.

+ Youth participants are choosing activities that are less time consuming and less expensive, such as recreational soccer and in-house basketball.

+ The increased cultural diversity in Eden Prairie has also seen sports such as cricket become more prominent.

On-ice adult sports, on the other hand, have increased signifcantly. In 2021, 963 hours of ice was rented for adult hockey, broomball, and bandy groups/teams. This was a 550% increase from the 172 hours of adult sports reserved in 2009.

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On ice adult sports have increased in participation for hockey, broomball, and bandy groups/teams.

FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS & DRIVERS

Facility And Program Planning

Continued analysis and adjustments to ice rates will be important to future decision making.

Average Cost for One Ice Rink

+ In 2009, the Fall–Winter prime time ice rate was $175 per hour. Item Per Month

The non-prime time, late-night ice rate was $140 per hour

+ In 2022, the Fall–Winter prime time ice rate was $240 per hour. The non-prime time, late-night ice rate was $180 per hour.

The Community Center participates in an annual ice rate survey to ensure that rates are comparable with the Metro area ice arenas. Typically, prime-time ice rates increase $5 each year. Non-prime ice rates increase $5 every two years. Consistently what is seen through Gas

the surveys is that the Community Center’s price point is positioned in the top third when it comes to rinks that charge the most. That is kept in mind each year as we adjust fees and rates, ensuring that new price points will not price our rinks out of the market or provide

unfair costs to our residents using the rinks.

Utility Costs

Shown are the monthly average costs for ice rink operations as of 2022. There are

variables by season with winter versus summer months due to temperature, usage, and stafng diferences.

Based on these calculations when compared with the total budget of the Facilities maintenance/operation costs, all three rinks combined represent 38-40% of the total budget for the Community Center as a whole for the year.

Our internal Facilities division closes a rink every third year for necessary maintenance to keep costs at a minimum over time. However, this is not utilized for overall cost savings as much as for overall preventative maintenance.

Programming + Scheduling Efforts

In 2009, when the third ice rink was used, 7,400 hours of ice time were reserved, 4,600 hours were rented, and an additional 2,800 hours of ice time was reserved for City sponsored skating programs. The EPHA reserved 29% of all rented ice time and conducted 11 youth hockey tournaments.

In 2019, 9,800 hours of ice time were reserved, 5,800 hours were rented, and an additional 4,000 hours were reserved for City sponsored skating programs. The EPHA reserved 17% of all rented ice time and conducted 22 youth hockey tournaments.

FILLING THE GAP

Staf has worked hard to sell ice not used by primary ice users, totaling over 875 hours of late-night adult ice sold annually, along with several hundred hours of AAA tournament and practice ice. Adult use grows by 25-50 hours per year to fll the youth hockey decline. An AAA program (Ice Edge) rented over 350 hours of ice in 2019. Youth summer hockey camp (Exceed Hockey) and a high school spring/fall prep league reserve over 100 hours of ice annually. Over 25 hours of open skate ice opportunities are ofered each week for skaters of all ages, from tots to adults.

In 2021, over 5,800 hours of ice time were sold to a variety of user groups. The EPHA is the largest user group with approximately 2,000 hours rented annually. The Figure Skating Club is the second largest user group with 741 hours rented annually. Eden Prairie High School is the third largest user group with over 575 hours rented annually for boys/girls hockey games, practices, and physical education classes. In addition, 24 youth hockey tournaments were held.

Consideration:

Transition one of the existing 200’ x 85’ ice rinks into a year around, hard court gymnasium. Amenities would include court space, indoor walking track, and dry floor storage.

Rationale:

Due to continued declining enrollment of the EPHA, the Center may not need three ice rinks in the future.

The community would be better served by multi use courts to support the following activities:

+ Two full size and one youth basketball courts (high school basketball court is 84’ x 50’)

+ Four volleyball courts (high school volleyball court is 30’ x 60’)

+ Eight pickleball/badminton courts (pickleball court is 20’ x 44’)

+ A walking track around the exterior

Budget:

This solution would have a positive financial impact with year round rental opportunities and reduced financial pressures. A budget analysis will be needed to decide which of the three rinks is best suited for this transition.

AQUATICS

In July 2015, the frst phase of the Aquatic expansion took place at the Community Center. This included two eight-lane, 25-yard pools, two 1-meter diving boards, and a climbing wall. For the frst time since the 1980s, the Aquatic Center was able to host four EPHS Swim and Dive meets in the same facility.

Phase two of the Aquatic expansion was completed in 2016. This new pool included a zero-depth entrance recreational pool with four lap lanes, a two-story slide, fountain features, and a 10-person hot tub.

The continued relationship with the EPHS, Foxjets, and Western Wings makes the Aquatic Center a busy, fun place to be. The Aquatics Center has hosted YMCA swim meets, Champs Meets for the area Country Club teams, Special Olympics practice for Western Wings, Foxjet Swim Club swim meets, including Pre/C Meets, Distance Meets Senior State, Masters Swim Meets, and MAC meets. The facility has hosted True Teams and Sections for the EPHS along with numerous dual meets. Each meet brings in hundreds of participants and fans and has been a great addition to our community.

Since 2016, the swim lesson program has doubled in participation. In 2018, there were over 2,400 registrations for the American Red Cross Swimming Lesson curriculum. Participants range from six months old to 70 years young. Restructured private lessons served 228 participants for a total of $22,524. Our continued efort to train and certify staf has made hosting increased participants possible.

The Aquatics division also oversees Lake Riley beach and Round Lake beach throughout the summer months of June through August. Lake Riley hosted a reopening celebration on July 21, 2019, to show of the walk ramp addition down to the beach, bigger retaining wall, and a shower and drinking fountain right on the beach. With this expansion, there was an increase in swimmers and beach patrons at Lake Riley and the Aquatics department hosted over 30,000 swimmers between the two beaches.

INFLUENCING FACTORS

Demographics

A recent study through the YMCA by the USA Swimming Foundation and the University of Memphis shows that 64% of Black/African American children cannot swim and 45% of Hispanic children cannot swim, while only 40% of Caucasian child cannot swim. What is more concerning is that 87% of nonswimming youth plan to visit a beach or pool at least once throughout the swimming months and at least 34% plan to go swimming at least 10 times.

Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death accounting for 7% of all injury-related deaths. Drowning is the number one cause of accidental death of children ages 1–4 years old according to the World Health Organization and the Center of Disease Control. In the U.S., nearly 80% of people who die from drowning are male. African American children ages 5-19 drown in swimming pools at a rate of 5.5 times higher than Caucasians of the same age. Drowning of African American children ages 11-12 years old was 10 times higher than Caucasians.

Another growing demographic is the special needs population. According to the National Autism Association, in 2011 accidental drowning accounted for 91% of total U.S. deaths reported in children with autism ages 14 and younger.

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87% of non swimming youth plan to visit a beach or pool in the summer

Programming Efforts Due To Drowning Demographics

Knowing these demographics and seeing this increase is important considerations when teaching swimming lessons and designing programs. Many people are choosing private lessons instead of traditional group lessons. Private lessons continue to expand with a goal of having an instructor teach consistently throughout the whole week. Private lessons are held seven days a week, and currently there are approximately 50 private lessons hosted per week at the Community Center.

Lifeguards and the lifeguard trainers need to be certifed. Up until 2018, the WSI classes were taught by an outside contractor. Now the Eden Prairie Community Center hosts an American Red Cross Instructor Trainer Academy and the Aquatics Supervisor attends as well as one of the Aquatics Leads. This allows us to hold WSI classes ourselves, to ensure we have enough staf to teach lessons moving forward.

For the growing demographic of special needs participants, a specialized adaptive swim instructor was hired. Currently that has allowed for private lesson oferings throughout the year where our special needs demographic is better served. In coming years, the goal is to expand that into group lessons, additional instructors, and potentially an adaptive swim team.

Community outreach eforts continue to grow as Aquatics tries to reach more segments of the Eden Prairie community regarding the importance of water safety. One way this is being done is through “Women’s Only Swim” where only female lifeguard staf are on duty, the windows are blacked out and the locker rooms are blocked of so that women in the Muslim community can participate while still honoring their cultural and religious practices. This type of programming exposes caregivers to lifesaving water safety skills and has proven to attract females from many walks of life. Not only are cultural barriers broken down, but generationally, families that did not grow up around water can safely enjoy and protect themselves and their children.

A high priority is partnering with associations such as the Red Cross, Pool Safely, and National Drowning Prevention Alliance to provide educational classes to parents about safety around pools and what to do if someone is drowning. Each have safety tips and resources that can enhance the educational oferings and special events at the Community Center. The more education the City can provide to the community the better.

Lifeguard Staffng Shortage + Recruitment Efforts

According to the American Lifeguard Association, just 34% of the population of 16–19-year old’s are working. This is down 52% since 1998. Due to this, lifeguard jobs are becoming harder to fll with only 50% of the jobs being flled in 2018. A huge barrier is the cost to obtaining lifeguard certifcation. The prerequisites for the class are swimming 300 yards, treading water, and performing all tube skills throughout the course. These requirements prevent some people from pursuing lifeguarding.

Job fairs in surrounding area high schools and a targeted marketing efort have become important in recruiting lifeguards. Another strategy under consideration is pre-lifeguard classes, where participants can learn or brush up on skills prior to lifeguard classes. The Community Center has newly implemented a class fee waiver or subsidy, provided that the newly certifed lifeguard stays employed with the City for a defned period of time.

In 2022, we also began paying certifcation fees for potential employees to take the course.

In 2020, pay rates were adjusted to be more competitive and it is hoped that this will encourage more applicants. The partnership with the EPHS includes a lifeguard class two times a year. To continue training more guards, lifeguard classes will be ofered throughout the year on a bi-monthly basis in-house with our City staf teaching the classes. There is also opportunity within the older adult demographic to fll these positions.

Marketing and communication through social media and and partnering with the high school to get information into the hands of parents, coaches, and current staf to distribute to potential lifeguards, will be more important in the upcoming years.

Technology Efforts

Due to the lifeguard shortage, many people are looking at technology to assist with guarding. The technology, LifeguardEye is a camera installed at local beaches and pools that detect the processes and assesses people’s behavior while they are on the shore or in the water. The main purpose of the system is to automatically detect any alarming and dangerous situations that could be life threatening. If a situation were to occur, the system would immediately notify the local rescuers and send commands to begin the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) throughout the facility or beach.

Another technology on the rise is called SwimEye— cameras in the pool under the water. This uses state-of-the-art object recognition software. When SwimEye detects a swimmer in distress on the bottom of the pool, it will raise an alarm to the lifeguards and add a visual aid on the monitoring and control station. This allows the lifeguard to visually assess the situation on the computer screen and within seconds can start the EAP procedures.

Facility + Building Considerations For Future

During the summer months, the recreation pool is at maximum capacity many days of the week . One way to expand capacity is to install a splash pad in the area behind the hot tub/slide area. By converting the glass windows into a garage door, it could be opened on favorable weather days. Due to the proximity to the recreational pool, there is potential to integrate new pumps and fltration into existing systems.

Our city is committed to becoming more inclusive to kids of all abilities. To increase accessibility and create customized play stations for children with mobility challenges, the Department will research companies that specialize in this area.

How does SwimEye Work?

The live video stream from our underwater cameras is automatically monitored by our “state of-the art” object recognition software.

When SwimEye detects a swimmer in distress on the bottom of the pool, it will raise a radio alarm to pool lifegaurds and an visual alarm to our Monitoring + Control Station.

Lifeguards can visually assess the developing situation within seconds of the event first occuring and initiate their rescue procedure when necessary.

Source: SwimEye.com

Aquatic Special Events

Recent special events include Floating Pumpkin Patch for Halloween, Gobble Games, Swim with Santa, Swim for Gold for St. Patrick’s Day, and Floating Egg Hunt for Easter. Participation and feedback have been positive and there is a desire to expand this area of programming.

Through a Hennepin County grant, fve pieces of infatable equipment were purchased recently. Aquatics staf are currently evaluating usage for special events within indoor pools as well as potential private pool parties.

Other special events under consideration include “Little Lifeguard” swimming with your teachers/lifeguards. These are all pre-registration events to generate revenue.

Lastly, with the growing special needs population there’s a need for more sensory friendly activities. Water can provide a calming and soothing presence. The Sensory-Friendly open swim program became a once a month event beginning in Fall 2022. This has strengthen the relationship with families of special needs participants and is building a foundation for the Adaptive Swim programming.

FITNESS PROGRAMS

Post-pandemic, people are once again seeking a space to reconnect with their families, friends, and neighbors. The Community Center has fostered this philosophy and has made eforts to expand and contract based on the interests and needs of the evolving demographic of its patrons.

The Community Center’s ftness center started with minimal space and equipment, in what is now the free weight room, and with one ftness studio, what is now Studio B. In 2008 expansion included new space for many cardio and weight machines and a second, larger studio, Studio A. The 2015 expansion added a new ft foor section with several cardio units and a third studio, Studio C. With each remodel and addition, new ftness opportunities have arisen.

Fitness programming was minimal with the limited original space, only ofering personal training options for patrons who wanted guided workouts. With the addition of a ftness studio, group exercise classes became available. Classes and other ftness programming were instructorinspired as opposed to the current model in which instructors are hired to ft the classes already ofered.

In 2019, over 200 group ftness classes were ofered every week for a wide variety of age groups and all ftness levels. There are 15 personal trainers on staf, each with a variety of special skills and specialized interests. Small group training was recently introduced for those who are looking for a semi-individualized plan and who want to train with others of a similar population or with similar goals. There is a class or a training option for everyone.

Programming at the Community Center gives patrons a place to fnd health, clarity, and camaraderie. To sustain and obtain interest and membership, we must combine realistic goals and means with idealistic visions to meet the needs of the collective community.

“The power of community to create health is far greater than any physician, clinic or hospital,”

Mark Hyman - Doctor, author, and

wellness center founder

INFLUENCING FACTORS

Demographics

Eden Prairie is a community with strong representation in many age categories. Consideration of age appropriateness and mental and physical needs will be infuential for future decisions. An examination of their current contribution to the facility guides that trajectory.

Infants and Toddlers

Currently, young children enjoy the benefts of ftness at the facility from free play and imagination practice in Playcare and scheduled tot times in the pool and gymnasium. Thriving and accessible programming for these young ftness members gives an incentive for their parents and caregivers to obtain and retain memberships.

Youth Ages 5–12

At this age, children are starting to gain awareness of healthy choices and the benefts of an active body. Swimming lessons, access to Family Yoga, Family Zumba, and early introduction to ftness equipment help this group build a foundation of ftness.

Teens

The Community Center’s proximity to the high school is a beneft unto itself. Students can conveniently walk to and access the facility for their own health and ftness goals as well as for socialization. Many students enjoy playing basketball during Open Gym, working out on the ftness foor, and participating in group ftness classes. EPCC Fitness also partners with physical education teachers as well as high school sports teams and coaches for additional ftness opportunities. In 2022, members age 15-17 were our largest membership group.

FITNESS PROGRAMS

Adults

This demographic covers a diverse group in our ftness community. EPCC Fitness strives to provide a variety of ftness choices for all patrons to feel successful. From college students to ftness fanatics to those who are trying to be health conscious for the frst time, making each subgroup feel as though they have options for their ftness journey is what drives many ftness class choices and equipment purchases.

Seniors

The active older adult population in Eden Prairie has a strong presence at the Community Center and the Senior Center and continues to grow. Programs for this age group keep them active, stronger, and living longer and more independently. Classes like Functional Training, Cardio Gold, Muscle Gold, Zumba Gold, and Silver Sneakers options give active older adults an avenue to achieve ftness goals at the pace that is right for them.

Special Populations

Fitness is part of the rehabilitation process physically and mentally for those diagnosed with or recovering from illnesses. Specially trained instructors provide classes such as TREC for those undergoing or recovering from cancer treatments, MS Aquatics, Arthritis “Walk with Ease” programs, Parkinson’s Functional Living and Delay the Disease for those living with Parkinson’s Disease or other movement disorders.

Adaptive Services

Classes like Fun with Fitness provide additional safe opportunities for patrons with disabilities to live an active life. Participants gain a sense of independence while working toward ftness goals in a welcoming environment.

RECENT EFFORTS

Facility Updates

In the past 10 years, the Community Center has seen vast improvements in the ftness area with expansion of the ftness foor, modifcations to Studio A, the addition of Studio C, Dryland and the CAGE. Additionally, two restrooms were added to the expanded ftness foor area.

Equipment Updates

Considerable measures are being taken to extend the lifespan of existing equipment on the ftness foor with prompt repairs and replacements as necessary. However, regular updates are needed to keep the area safe, usable, and relevant.

In 2019, several new units of cardio equipment were added to the ftness foor, including one Max Trainer, two Zero Runners, four Lateral X machines, six X-Ride seated ellipticals, and eight XT One standing ellipticals. These updated machines give members options for a variety of ftness levels. In 2022, four step mills, fve recumbent bikes, seven upright bikes, and two Jacob’s Ladders were added to the Fitness foor.

Group Fitness + Personal Training

Group ftness conducts approximately 8,600 classes annually with a total of about 110,000 participants. Today, EPCC Fitness ofers 200 scheduled ftness classes each week along with specialty workshops and special events. Careful monitoring of class sizes, instructor credentials, and feedback from patrons contribute to a productive group exercise schedule full of choices.

In 2021, 676 personal training sessions from qualifed trainers were conducted to achieve personal ftness goals. Stretch Studio is a program that was added in 2021 to ofer individual sessions with trained ftness staf performing dynamic stretching to enhance mobility of the participant. The program continues to grow as more people hear about the ofering and marketing eforts are gaining traction. In 202, there were 301 sessions sold. Current and future trends anticipate this area continuing to increase.

Special Events + Community Outreach

Fitness contributions and eforts are made above and beyond weekly programming. Events such as Mother’s Day Zumba, Fall into Fitness and Fitness in the Parks give patrons and community members fun and free ftness opportunities. Day of Giving is an annual event that began in December 2017. It is an opportunity for community members to give back. During this event, patrons are encouraged to donate to Toys-for-Tots or non-perishable food and winter-weather clothes for PROP (People Reaching Out to People).

Communication + Marketing Efforts

To communicate the weekly group ftness schedule, the ftness area utilizes the online scheduling program, Group Ex Pro, which includes a schedule posted on the Community Center’s website and a mobile application. All class information is listed including class name, instructor, location, time and duration, as well as a clickable link giving a class description. Information about specialty oferings is communicated via monthly e-newsletters, posters displayed around the ftness center and on treadmill screens, brochure listings and social media platforms. Some oferings have specialized brochures that are given to specifc audiences, e.g. TREC sessions and CAGE rentals.

FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS & DRIVERS

Continue To Rebuild + Expand

When looking toward the future of ftness at the Eden Prairie Community Center, it is important to examine what is presently efective and efcient and how it can become even more so while remaining current and on-trend. The increase of specialty and pop-up boutiquestyle ftness is driving ftness trends. However, providing a one-stop-shop that answers the call for specialty programming may be the most strategic answer for bolstering and maintaining membership and patron satisfaction.

Fitness Equipment

Equipment should be maintained with quarterly preventative maintenance reports and by providing prompt and necessary repairs as required. Worn, unrepairable, or outdated equipment should be replaced in a timely manner to avoid a complete loss in resale value of used machines. This has been a best practice of the Community Center to maximize the current equipment. Staf are trained and then teach patrons to understand the complete capabilities of any equipment with new technology through ftness orientations.

Going forward, we will make enhancements to ftness equipment oferings (treadmills, bikes, strength machines, etc.) to refect an up-todate ftness facility that can compete with other local ftness facilities, with technological features that include how-to guides and multiple programs that provide members with motivating and efective ftness experiences.

Fitness is all about trends, and to market toward current or could-be members, the facility needs to stay relevant. Equipment technological advancements include TV, internet, Wi-Fi, interactive touchscreens on cardio and weight equipment, virtual reality training options or multi-activity resource stations. Patrons are coming for their own health and wellness goals, but they are also coming for an experience and having modernized equipment and oferings will be key to our marketability.

Fitness Classes + Fitness-Based Programs

The Department will maintain a pulse on current ftness trends by supplying updated and current versions of ftness class formats that our members have come to know and love. Classes and programs will be added based on instructor and member interest. The Community Center creates sub-communities for people through classes to specialty populations. Future groups to reach include pregnant women, new mothers, families and teens, and individuals with sensory issues.

Extending Playcare hours, as stafng will allow, will provide opportunities for member fexibility with their schedules and our oferings. If parents have this outlet on a consistent basis, they can access live classes at various times throughout the day.

Staff will continue to build upon virtual ftness membership offerings to keep up with ftness trends.

Being able to pull up a catalog of classes with their favorite instructor, take a class they have never tried before from the comfort of their living room, or streaming a live class while they are on the road are all opportunities within this platform. Investing in specialized software will be another way to grow this program, as right now the platform is operated of Microsoft SharePoint that staf created. A robust software system could have marketing capabilities, greater storage capacity and would be a great membership recruitment and retention tool.

Adding to the practices already in place, future goal setting will aim to add classes and programs based on interest, diversity and evidence-based research not seen at other nearby facilities such as Tai Chi, Muay Thai, Buti Yoga, Hula Hoop ftness, Trampoline ftness or Bollywood dance at the basic and senior levels. The future success of this implementation will depend upon specialty trained staf and their availability. This could be achieved by bringing in master trainers for various formats to elevate interest in struggling class formats.

Another area to expand upon is a space dedicated to cycle-based classes in which the bikes can remain in a class-ready set-up, reducing their wear and tear. EPCC Fitness can provide access to on-demand live virtual classes to current members and options for members who travel, have unpredictable schedules, or long commute times.

Personal Training

Current goals for personal training include implementing small group training for patrons of a specifc age group or with specifc goals, e.g., active older adults, women only, weight loss, and strength training. Using the Dryland Training Room and the CAGE for their unique equipment, trainers can expand their clients’ training experience.

After doing extensive market research for municipal and surrounding facilities, EPCC Fitness aims to increase the price of individual personal training to be more competitive. Coming out of the pandemic, personal training popularity has been booming, so the demand is there to capitalize on that revenue stream. There will still be special rates ofered during various events or times of the year to market this program.

To build on personal training, future lifestyle coaching with trainers who are also educated, and experienced life coaches will help members reach their wellness goals.

Creating training programs for patrons with sports-specifc goals, e.g., running a 5K to a marathon, participating in a triathlon or Ironman, will be another programming step toward specialty populations. The Center could designate space for small group training on the ft foor, with reserved times and machines to achieve this goal. Potentially, this could go a step further by creating training programs for specialty clientele such as body building competitors, Ninja Warrior competition participants, Spartan racers, elite athletes, Olympic weightlifters in state, national, and international competition.

Staffng: Personal Trainers And Group Fitness Instructors

To continue to recruit and retain top talent, competitive pay will be ofered to instructors based on experience and their level of training. The Center will hire instructors based not only their teaching abilities, but availability and willingness to provide coverage for instructors that need substitutes. Additionally, utilizing our instructor or trainer knowledge to speak at ftness staf meetings or provide opportunities for continuing education credits for certifcation renewal is another retention tool to staf.

In the future, one consideration could be a higher level of training after a year of employment and a ftness specialty or training population designation, required of each staf, so we can continue teaching to specialty populations. For further staf development, we should look to provide evaluation-based pay raises based on class or training clientele feedback, manager evaluation, and overall ability to contribute to a team atmosphere.

To continue pouring value into the ftness staf, a future step may be implementing a team ftness and personal trainer mentor program that can act as a resource and retention strategy for novice and emerging instructors.

Facility Upgrades + Layout

Without much budgetary impact the next step for ftness improvements will be the current layout to give patrons the best access to windows, TV screens, cooling systems, etc. As the budget allows, add additional wiring, outlets, and in-foor power sources to allow large units that need individual outlets, such as treadmills, to be placed in a diferent area. This will allow the main line of machines to be made up of pieces conducive to small group training so other patrons working out can see the benefts of joining a small group. Optimizing the space aesthetically whether with paint color, inspirational quotes, or a member-driven ideas would be a great next step for improvement.

Future capital improvements and monies spent to enhance the space will allow for more enhancements. One way would be to increase natural light in the ftness areas, improving the overall experience by fnding ways to add windows. Fitness facilities are trending toward a boutique style feel. Modifying and updating existing spaces or creating new spaces to dedicated cycle or mind/body areas could give the overall feel of boutique ftness.

With an aging population, new amenities need to be considered for enhancing mobility and assisting in people’s wellness goals to improve their daily living. One option could be a therapy pool maintained at therapist-recommended temperatures for patrons rehabilitating injuries. Construction of an outdoor pool with space available for recreational swimming, lap swimming, and aquatics ftness could appeal to a wider demographic of participants. Potential for a walking “river” within the pool area with further resistance of a current, would provide rehabilitation opportunities and is something many facilities have today.

If the ice rinks were reconfgured or reallocated to a feld house space this holds a lot of opportunities for ftness and sport programming. There could be gridded areas for specifc sports to practice, scrimmage, and training. This would increase usage and rental of the CAGE. Constructing a walking track that connects the feld house to the ftness foor with year-round access would be benefcial to members.

Member Services, Retention + Marketing

A big opportunity to market ftness oferings is by training the front desk staf about ftness equipment, classes, brochure oferings and personal training options so they can speak knowledgably to members and potential members. Implementing creative marketing strategies to generate interest in ftness oferings, membership, and having a strong social media presence are ways to capture the right audience for membership recruitment.

There could be potential to identify a corporate liaison to work with local businesses to provide membership drives and ftness incentive programs for their employees, spreading our programming even further into the business community.

Anticipated Capital Improvements

Treadmills are the most consistently used pieces of cardio equipment and while there is constant preventative maintenance completed, the wear and tear eventually comes to a head. In 2021 and 2022 the entire feet of treadmills on the ftness foor was replaced. Delays in manufacturing and shipping due to the pandemic have afected this replacement, pushing out the delivery for the second half of the treadmills.

The free weight area on the ftness foor is a space that has not been renovated. One reason is space constraints, and due to the popularity of group ftness classes, monies were spent accordingly. In the future we plan to hire a consultant identify how the space could be utilized, outftted, or expanded with a small amount of additional square footage. Depending on the cost and overall plan this could be done in phases or would become a part of future capital improvement plans.

PERFORMING ARTS + SPECIAL EVENTS

The residents of Eden Prairie have access to a wide variety of community and performing arts events annually. As the community has grown and changed over time, Parks and Recreation has sought to provide events that are appealing, relevant and community-building in nature. Some marquee events remain consistent from year to year, others change focus, some are ultimately retired and brand-new events are ofered.

The City’s performing arts events go beyond opportunities for audiences. The Eden Prairie Players community theater group and the Eden Prairie Community Band are local organizations sponsored by the City. Each year, more than 200 local performers get the opportunity to act, sing, dance, direct and play as volunteers with these organizations. While the majority of events and performances are outdoors, there are a series of indoor theater productions and performances that take place during the winter.

Check out the City of Eden Prairie Events Calendar!

edenprairie.org/Calendar

EDEN PRAIRIE PLAYERS

Originally formed in 1991, the Eden Prairie Players community theater group produces an annual summer outdoor musical, a winter play, one act productions, and an annual children’s theater workshop. Thousands of residents each year beneft from these opportunities—as audience members, actors, musicians, or as part of the artistic and technical production teams. Their mission is to enrich the community of Eden Prairie by providing entertaining and thought-provoking theater experiences for audiences and fostering growth and creative opportunities for artists and volunteers. An advisory committee of volunteers oversees theater operations.

Each year they produce a large-scale outdoor musical production, which is presented at the Staring Lake Amphitheater. Complete with full sets, costumes, and a live orchestra, these family-friendly musicals are a summer highlight in Eden Prairie. The performances are free to the community, with free-will donations accepted.

A Commitment to Inclusion

The Eden Prairie Players seeks to serve all segments of the community while addressing barriers to participation. The group is committed to accessibility, making their summer musical free to the community and at least one performance of each production a “pay what you can” ticket price. They have focused on elevating underrepresented voices, creating an annual Women’s One Acts production where they produce plays written and directed solely by women. In 2023, they expanded the title to “Women’s One Acts+” to be inclusive of playwrights and directors who have gender-diverse identities.

Inclusion Statement:

We commit to learning more about our own implicit biases, authentically engaging the entire community, and fostering diverse spaces. We pledge to practice inclusive and diverse storytelling in our performances and assure an equitable and safe space for all.

EDEN PRAIRIE COMMUNITY BAND

The Eden Prairie Community Band is an adult band of 60 musicians that performs a variety of music throughout the year in the city and neighboring communities. The group consists of a large concert band and several smaller ensembles, including the Jazz on the Prairie big band, a brass ensemble, woodwind ensembles, and the Prairie Ramblers—a traditional New Orleans style jazz band.

The group has been performing since 1973 when it began as a summer band, extending to a year-round ensemble in 1981. Rehearsals are held at local school facilities, and they perform regularly at city events and celebrations. Their annual December concert, Share the Warmth, focuses on the gift of music and giving back to the community by encouraging audience members to bring coats, hats, and mittens for those in need. Each summer, they host the Minnesota Festival of Jazz on the Prairie at Staring Lake Amphitheater. In addition to Eden Prairie’s Jazz on the Prairie Big Band, six big band guest jazz groups perform.

Purpose Statement:

Our purpose is to entertain the people of Eden Prairie and surrounding communities, while providing the traditional community band experience for adult musicians to play together for their mutual enjoyment and musical growth.

FACILITIES

Most community-wide special events are held in park locations or at the Community Center. The Eden Prairie Community Band uses Central Middle School for weekly rehearsals, and performances are held at a variety of indoor and outdoor locations in Eden Prairie and the surrounding communities throughout the year. The Eden Prairie Players hold rehearsals in several City buildings and perform at the Staring Lake Amphitheater, the Riley Jacques Barn, and at local high schools. The City was awarded a grant through the local Lions Club for the purchase of a trailer that is used by both organizations to move and store equipment

SIGNATURE EVENTS & PARTNERSHIPS

By far the City’s largest and most popular event is the July 3-4 Hometown Celebration. While the length and scope of the event has varied, it is now a two-day event attended by approximately 10,000 people. Attendees can visit community-based booths and food vendors and take part in youth and family activities, including infatables, street art, and more. The stage features free live entertainment by local and regional bands and the celebration is capped of by a large freworks display. Partnerships are critical to the success of the Hometown Celebration, with support provided by the Eden Prairie Lions Club (beer/wine vendor), and many more.

The Lions Club also hosts two community-wide events annually, which the City supports in a variety of ways. Schooner Days, held the weekend after Memorial Day at Round Lake Park, features a carnival midway and concessions, bingo, and entertainment. In early August they hold their annual Corn Feed, also held at Round Lake Park. The City prepares the site and provides logistical and public safety support, but the events are stafed by Lions Club volunteers.

Other notable spring and summer events include Arts in the Park (art vendors, food, live music), Arbor Day and Green Fair (tree and sustainability information, food, music, demonstrations), Festival of Jazz on the Prairie/ Ribfest (6 big-band jazz groups plus rib dinner provided by the Noon Rotary), Starring at Staring and KidStock Concert Series (4 free concerts a week) and Movies in the Park (Friday night movies in August).

In the fall, events are focused on harvest time and Halloween, utilizing the historic Riley-Jacques farmstead, the nature trails at the Outdoor Center or even the swimming pool for a foating pumpkin patch.

The signature winter community event is Winter Blast held at the Staring Lake sledding hill and skating rink featuring sledding, skating, food trucks, music, art projects, snowshoeing and more.

The City also holds its annual City-wide Open House, for which the Parks and Recreation Department takes a leadership role. All departments in the City provide demonstrations, tours, information, and family activities.

10,000 people attend the Hometown Celebration

July 3–4

INFLUENCING FACTORS

City-Wide Goals

In addition to providing residents with fun and entertaining opportunities throughout the year, community events align with the City Council goal of promoting a sense of community. In the 2020 Quality of Life Survey, over 95% of Eden Prairie residents rated their city and their neighborhood as a great place to live and raise a family. Bringing people of all ages and backgrounds together for special events is one way to help residents feel connected to one another and to their community.

Community Interests

The Parks and Recreation Department continues to monitor trends and gauge community interest when planning events. This has resulted in the decision to discontinue events such as Afternoon with the Bunny and change the focus of other events (modifying the Historical Society’s Sunbonnet Days to become the city’s Harvest to Halloween Celebration or changing the teen-focused Rock on Ice into the all-ages Winter Blast).

The concept of pop-up events is a recent trend. The Senior Center has held two fash mobs to engage seniors in a fun, trendy activity and to show the public that a Senior Center is not just a place where people go to play cards. The youth development team is now partnering with the police and fre departments to host Pop-Up Splash Pad events at local parks in the summer. Additionally, one-time events to celebrate the re-opening of a park or the opening of a facility have been well attended and well received by the public. A recent example of this was the re-opening of Riley Lake Park with a beach party complete with a DJ and sandcastle contest, free pontoon rides, ice cream, and beach activities.

Demographics

As the community has become more diverse, the City has worked to increase the diversity and scope of oferings. Years ago, the City held an International Festival that featured music and dance performances from diferent cultures. Today, instead of setting aside one day to expose residents to cultural performances, Eden Prairie integrates diferent genres into the Starring at Staring summer concert series which provides four free concerts each week at the Staring Lake Amphitheater. Over the course of one week, residents might experience a Somali dance troupe, a Beatles tribute band, and an Afro-Caribbean music ensemble.

In 2018, the City partnered with Eden Prairie Public Schools, the Eden Prairie Community Foundation, the Eden Prairie Chinese Association, and several other community partners to create a new series of events called PeopleFest! A Community Celebration of Culture. This 7–10-day festival in early August features book/author evenings, music/dance performances, educational seminars, tours to local houses of worship, and panel discussions. At the kick-of event, the PeopleFest Party, local cultural organizations set up educational booths and activities, a series of culturally specifc performing groups provide entertainment, and there are participatory art activities and ethnic food trucks. The celebration has become a celebrated ongoing, annual event.

Public Safety

Communities across the country face the challenge of making their events accessible to the public and as safe and secure as possible. Unfortunately, people have seen many reports in the media about gun violence, explosions, and the use of a vehicle as a weapon where large crowds are gathered. Eden Prairie Police and Fire Departments provide leadership and training in preparedness and on-site staf and equipment as necessary. An example of this is the placing of concrete bollards along the Round Lake Park entrance during the Hometown Celebration.

Climate

Although the weather is always unpredictable, unseasonable conditions have forced a number of cancelations and postponements in recent years. Unable to hold Winter Blast in January due to lack of snow and/or a rink that is underwater, staf have needed to re-launched the event at a later date. On the opposite end, the Arts in the Park event in early May has experienced several recent years of unseasonably cold and rainy weather and has since moved to August.

FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS & DRIVERS

Part of what binds a community are shared experiences, history, and traditions. Parks and Recreation work to stay relevant in a changing environment while keeping long-standing traditions. Future events will align with community wants and needs. Staf will remain fexible and responsive to keep events fresh and fun with an eye toward continuous improvement.

Access and inclusivity will continue to be a priority as events are planned and delivered. As the community continues to change, the elements that make a good event change too. With the Eden Prairie population aging, staf will review each event through the lens of ease of access and appeal for older adults. Ensuring that events are welcoming and accessible for people with disabilities will also be a focus. A recent example of this was the addition of a sensory-friendly area at the Hometown Celebration and several other events.

PUBLIC ART

Figuring prominently in the 2019 work plan for Eden Prairie’s Parks and Recreation Department is the following objective: Develop and implement creative placemaking projects to infuse art into more public spaces in Eden Prairie. Public art enhances the environment and creates a sense of place. Eden Prairie is already known for beautiful natural resources and outstanding parks, trails, and public facilities. This new objective seeks to further establish Eden Prairie as a community that values creativity and artistic expression in the daily lives of its residents. Additionally, public art increases the community’s awareness of the City’s Art Center and its services. For residents and visitors, public art has the power to create and reinforce a sense of community, spark dialogue, solve problems, and contribute to economic development. In addition, integrating art in public spaces and as part of private developments can further support and enhance the community values of health, equity and diversity, sustainability and resilience, and historic preservation.

The City intends to use public art to generate a greater sense of identity and understanding of where we live, work, and visit using the following objectives:

+ Develop the potential of artists and citizens to create new, inclusive spaces and to refect on historical sites and landmarks.

+ Increase the visibility of Eden Prairie’s commitment to innovation by incorporating public art into city planning, public facilities, community engagement partnerships, and infrastructure.

+ Refect changes and new opportunities through a strategic yet fexible approach that values artists and artistic practices.

+ Engage and connect a wide range of individuals and communities to support the City’s goals and contribute to economic growth.

River Rapids

Liv Novotny + Ramon Madden

Partnerships are vital to continued public art development in Eden Prairie. Large-scale works installed at the main entrance of the Community Center main entrance and the Purgatory Creek Park Veteran’s Memorial would not have been possible without the support of groups like the Eden Prairie Morning and Noon Rotary Clubs, the Edina Rotary Club, the Veterans Memorial Committee, and numerous individual donors.

Relationships with local artists, the Eden Prairie Community Foundation, Performing Institute of Minnesota (PiM), Forecast Public Art, and Eden Prairie private developers have helped to jumpstart several projects in the past fve years. The City has also been the recipient of several grants from organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the Minnesota State Arts Board (MSAB) and the Eden Prairie Community Foundation.

Eden Prairie is moving forward with gusto to incorporate public art into the city and has outlined art in public spaces in its Aspire 2040 document, Recreation Division work plan, and in private development agreements when appropriate. The City also considers public art integration with new city road and infrastructure projects. Public art and education are a key focus for the Parks and Recreation Department which spear-headed the Rotating Art Series and Wrap Project, placing art in unexpected places across the community in parks, athletic felds, trail ways, and public facilities.

First Person Plural (We) Cadex Herrera

INFLUENCING FACTORS

Public Spaces + Livability

Participation in arts and cultural activities often leads to increased civic participation and interest in volunteering. A study by Americans for the Arts showed that those involved in cultural activities were approximately 50% more likely to become involved in other, non-arts community activities. Participants involved in the arts are twice as likely to volunteer in their communities as those who do not, and this trend transcends demographics. Creative placemaking projects positively impact residents’ connection and feeling about their neighborhoods. An example of this is Minneapolis’ Hennepin Cultural Corridor, created to improve this business district and increase the city’s vitality (Americans for the Arts, Arts + Social Impact Explorer).

Economic Growth

The arts are a well-known economic driver, sparking innovation, jobs, business competitiveness, and community revitalization. Minnesota is lauded for its commitment to arts and culture and the payback is big. The total economic impact of the nonproft arts sector in the state in 2016 was $2.167 billion, generating $245 million in state and local revenue and $1 billion in resident household income generated by nonproft arts and culture organizations (CreativeMN.org Report, 2019).

Gail Katz-James

RECENT EFFORTS

Public Art Installation

The City has installed numerous public art pieces within the past eight years at multiple parks and public facilities.

Purgatory Creek Park Community Center

Multi-tile

Veterans Memorial Neil Brodin

Left-Right

installation Allison Luedtke

Large-scale mural Greg Preslicka

Left-Right

Soaring Bird James Gabbert

Yoga Richards Poey

In 2017, Eden Prairie became part of PLACES, Public Art and Community Engagement Southwest, an initiative to facilitate public art along the Southwest Light Rail Transit (SW) Corridor. The PLACES vision is to tell the story, character, heritage, and culture of communities along the SW Corridor through public art and corridor happenings. This group consists of key stakeholders from SW Light Rail Transit cities, St. Louis Park, Minnetonka, Hopkins, and Eden Prairie, the MET Council, Minneapolis Institute of Art, Walker Art Center, and Forecast Public Art.

Currently PLACES is working toward a strategic plan for fundraising and implementation of permanent art works in each city as well as public happenings along the corridor that connect artists with businesses and surrounding community members. In addition to this groundbreaking multi-city venture, Eden Prairie has already commissioned artwork for the Prairie Center Drive Bridge piers leading to its southwest station.

The City’s Engineering and Planning Departments recently worked with Parks and Recreation staf to commission public art for the Preserve Boulevard reconstruction project. Artist CJ Rench created four large sculptures along the new roadway representing four native plant species: Side Oats, Fox Sedge, River Bulrush and Indian Grass.

The City’s Communications and Marketing team reached out to local residents for new light post banner designs and selected three photographs that were erected across town.

Eden Prairie Art Center staf continues to work with the Planning Department to help assist new developers with public art installations and is currently working with the Elevate apartment development by Timberland Partners, the Smith Village housing development by CommonBond Communities and plans to work with Paravel, a Castle Ridge development also by Timberland Partners. City staf worked closely with Eden Prairie Center staf to approve public art and native plantings for the new Scheels expansion.

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT + EDUCATION

In addition to public art installations, Parks and Recreation staf are committed to extending the notion of public art through public engagement and education. One example is the Hometown Celebration chalk artist Shawn McCann, who transforms asphalt into a 3D illusion that can be photographed by visitors at Round Lake Park. Other community events ofer large-scale chalk murals where an artist creates a dynamic design for visitors to help color in and expand upon.

In 2018, the City and local partners held the inaugural PeopleFest! A Community Celebration of Culture, which brings Eden Prairie’s diverse population together with educational and cultural events. The Eden Prairie Art Center ofered its frst public art camp in conjunction with the 2019 PeopleFest! festival and students produced a one-of-a-kind backdrop for the performances as well as a mural for the Senior Center. In 2019, Arts in the Park hosted a station for guests to create their own wearable art.

Recurring Programming Efforts

With the assistance of grants from the NEA and the Eden Prairie Community Foundation, the Parks and Recreation department initiated the Rotating Art Series and the Wrap Project. Both projects were such a success and so well received by the community that both are continuing on after the grant periods’ end through available City funds.

Rotating Art Series: a state-wide call for art shown for a year in public spaces.

Wrap Project

This initiative allows the City to beautify functional infrastructure in park settings. To date, seven large metal storage boxes and one utility box have been wrapped and installed throughout the city. All artworks chosen for Wrap Project are from Minnesota based artists and designers.

Eggcited Kimberly Fiebiger Full Sail II Jon Kamrath Biodiversity and Belonging Chloe Rizzo MN River Vista Overlook Jenna Myrland

Communication Efforts

It is important to document the City’s public art endeavors so visitors as well as community members may see all that is happening in Eden Prairie. The Parks and Recreation Department is working with Communications and Marketing to build a robust web presence to show the variety of projects already installed as well as future opportunities to elevate and expand the vision of public art in Eden Prairie. View at edenprairie.org/PublicArt.

Parks and Recreation staf recently presented a thorough timeline of the City’s public art to the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources (PRNR) committee to further engage local residents and business owners in facilitating public art projects within the community.

To increase the quantity and quality of art to choose from, calls for submissions are shared through well-known arts organizations such as Springboard for the Arts, mnartist.org , Forecast Public Art, Juxtaposition Arts, Regional Arts Boards and when appropriate, national public art websites.

FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS & DRIVERS

Engagement + Program Planning

Staf will continue to promote public art throughout the city so more visitors and residents may enjoy the pieces on display. The Rotating Art Series will continue and the City will continue to fund additions to the Wrap Project. A box at Riley Lake Park was added in the spring of 2020 through the generous donation of a resident.

Continued work on the PLACES committee moves forward along with the construction of the light rail extension. A strategic plan and fundraising are forthcoming.

Building ongoing partnerships with local organizations and businesses will continue so that new public art opportunities may present themselves. As various grants become available, Parks and Recreation staf will continue to apply to expand funding for public art projects.

To refect the diversity of the community, outreach to culturally diverse arts groups and individuals will be a focus as well as inclusive policies and procedures. A Minnesota State Arts Board grant for PeopleFest! 2020 allowed the festival to expand its arts oferings in new and impactful ways.

As the City builds its public art presence, the Parks and Recreation Department will focus on developing a strategic vision for what public art can and should be in Eden Prairie. Focus groups, surveys, and a potential public art committee may serve to inform this process.

FACILITY RENTAL

Eden Prairie has many park facilities available for rental, including eight facilities open year-round and used as warming houses for sledding and skating participants. In 2021, the park buildings and amphitheater rentals through the City generated approximately $62,500 in revenue. Park buildings and facilities are available for Eden Prairie residents and businesses for hourly, half day, or full day rentals. Residents host diferent types of activities, such as family reunions, wedding receptions, seasonal gatherings, corporate events as well as fundraising walks and runs at the beautiful park locations throughout the city. The highest grossing rental location in 2021 was the Riley Lake Pavilion, generating over $13,000 in revenue. The park is a popular location for graduation parties and family gatherings.

Eden Prairie Parks are full and thriving every weekend throughout the summer. They ofer a wide array of amenities in addition to afordable options for pavilion and park building rentals. Fees range from $110 per day for a small park building, up to $80 per hour or $800 per day at the Riley-Jacques Barn. The pavilions at Round Lake, Riley Lake and Purgatory Creek Park and the Homeward Hills Barn range from $165 for half a day to $250 for a full day.

Smaller Park Buildings

Capacity: 40

These smaller heated buildings are available year-round and serve as warming houses in the winter. Available amenities include restrooms, drinking fountains, tables/chairs and electrical outlets. Picnic tables are located outside.

Crestwood Park Building

Edenvale Park Building

Forest Hills Park Building

Miller Park Building

Nesbitt Preserve Park Building

Prairie View Park Building

Large Location

Homeward Hills Barn

Capacity: 100

The site is available year-round, heated during the winter, and is the only park building in Eden Prairie with air-conditioning. The barn can accommodate 60 people on the upper level and an additional 40 people in the lower level. The upper level is comfortably furnished with versatile soft seating options, as well as banquet tables and chairs. On the exterior plaza six picnic tables are available. Amenities include restrooms on the lower level, a sink, microwave, and refrigerator in the upper level.

Purgatory Creek Park Lambert Pavilion

Capacity: 75

The pavilion is available to rent from April through October. Located at the entrance of Purgatory Creek Park, the pavilion has picnic tables and a fountain in an urban park surrounded by gardens and wetlands. The Eden Prairie Veterans Memorial is also located in Purgatory Creek Park. Parking is limited. Restrooms are available and the pavilion has access to electrical.

Riley Lake Park Pavilion

Capacity: 125

Available to rent from April through October, the pavilion has access to electrical, a nearby drinking fountain, picnic tables, and grills.

Riley-Jacques Barn

Capacity: 120

Available from May through October, the Riley-Jacques Barn (upper loft) is well-suited for a variety of gatherings. A 17 x 20-foot stage accommodates live entertainment. The facility can be set for audience or banquet-style seating. The main foor (upper loft) is 35 x 64 feet, including the stage area. Chairs and banquet tables are provided. The upper loft of the barn is wheelchair accessible via the outside sidewalk ramp. Restrooms are available, and the site is not heated or air-conditioned and does not have a kitchen.

Round Lake Park Building (under construction in 2023)

Capacity: 50-90

This facility is well-suited for gatherings of up to 90 people indoors. Restrooms, drinking fountain, coat rack, chairs/tables, and electrical outlets are available inside the building. Restrooms and changing rooms are also accessible from the outside of the building to support the beach and splash pad.

Round Lake Park Pavilion

Capacity: 125

The pavilion has picnic tables, grills, and electrical outlets available. A drinking fountain is located by the pavilion.

Staring Lake Park Building

Capacity: 125

This facility is well-suited for gatherings of up to 60 people indoors. Restrooms, a drinking fountain, coat rack, chairs/tables, and electrical outlets are available inside the building. The Caroline Room is used by skaters/sledders in the winter. The Lakeview Room features a sink with counter space and cabinets. The adjacent pavilion is open to the general public. It is not available as a standalone rental but may be rented in conjunction with the Lakeview Room for an additional fee. It has picnic tables and two outdoor grills. The plaza provides space for up to 40 additional guests.

Staring Lake Park Amphitheatre

Capacity: 400

This unique facility provides a wondrous setting for weddings, concerts, theatrical productions, or special religious services. The City can provide a sound technician to operate sound equipment.

NUMBER OF RENTALS

Staring Lake Park Building Riley Lake Park Pavilion Round Lake Park Pavilion Purgatory Creek Park Pavilion

Homeward Hills Park Building Riley Jacques Barn Miller Park Building Prairie View Park Building

Crestwood Park Building Nesbitt Preserve Park Building Forest Hills Park Building Edenvale Park Building

Staring Lake Amphitheatre

The Community Center has nine meeting rooms including two larger conference rooms that are available for residents, non-residents, businesses, organizations, and associations to rent. The rates for these rooms range from $15 to $80 per hour with a 2-hour minimum rental requirement. Currently, the Community Center generates approximately $18,000 annually in room rental revenue, accommodating over 4,800 people throughout the course of the year. These numbers higher prior to the pandemic, but are beginning to increase again.

As evidenced by the data, the Cambria Room and Aquatics 110 continue to be the most requested rental spaces. The reason is not only the quality of those rooms but they are the largest spaces we ofer. Since COVID, the rooms have also supported smaller groups that want to implement social distancing.

EPCC ROOM REVENUE

INFLUENCING FACTORS

Changing Rental Needs

Park facilities are used for a range of activities. A growing trend is the use of park facilities for baby showers, wedding showers, rehearsals, and receptions, birthday and graduation parties, corporate picnics, team building events, family reunions, and fundraisers.

Wedding Rentals

As weddings trend toward back-to-basics, rustic, boho, and unique venues, the Riley-Jacques Barn generates a large number of requests from Eden Prairie and non-Eden Prairie residents. The Barn is a unique option to fnd in a municipal entity. In fact, every other location for a “barn wedding” in the Twin Cities is privately owned, with the exception of Gale Woods Farm, owned by Three Rivers Parks District. In the past fve years the wedding industry has shifted to no longer ofer Friday and Sunday wedding discounted rates. Instead, discounted pricing is only allowed for Monday–Thursday weddings. The landscape for wedding afordability has changed, making the Riley-Jacques Barn an attractive and unique venue on all fronts.

Income + Economic Disparities

Market research is performed for rental rates with neighboring communities and other community entities to ensure we are an afordable option for residents. The Community Center room rentals are some of the most afordable in the community. The Hennepin County Library located in Eden Prairie ofers room rentals for free on a frst come frst serve basis and are the most economical in the area, but they often send renters to us if their location is full, and the renter needs a budget friendly option for their gathering or meeting.

RECENT EFFORTS

New + Existing Facility Updates

In addition to other renovations at Round, Riley, and Staring Lake Parks, both Round Lake and Miller Parks have added splash pads with another being added at Nesbitt Preserve Park in 2023. The splash pads are extremely popular and add to increased usage for birthday parties and family events combined with the pavilion or park building rentals especially at Round Lake Park. The pavilion at Lake Riley is also in large demand due to the beach and playground upgrades in 2022.

Homeward Hills Barn is a unique venue option as it ofers a kitchenette which was remodeled and upgraded in recent years. It is also one of two facility rental options that has heat and air conditioning, making it popular year-round.

The new Staring Lake Park Building has generated interest from residents and businesses, in addition to its use for special events and City programming. The inclusion of A/V equipment will likely increase requests from Eden Prairie businesses wanting to use the space for of-site meetings or mini retreats. It has provided additional programming space for our Parks and Recreation programs.

The 2016 Aquatics expansion at the Community Center added two rooms (110 and 112) available for rent. Both rooms ofer overhead projectors and built-in screens, counter space, and sinks.

Policy Updates

To ensure park facilities are available to Eden Prairie residents, the 5K walk/run rental policy has been updated. Due to increased general park use at Staring Lake, all 5K events must now be held at Purgatory Creek Park. These types of events are limited to two per month and only by Eden Prairie non-proft organizations that beneft the community.

To increase availability and revenue for rentals, changes have been made to the cancellation policy for the park and other rental facilities. Many renters acknowledged that they would rent a location as a backup and then cancel later, flling a spot that could have been used by others. The frequent cancellations required the Department to provide a pro-rated refund based on the number of days’ notice.

FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS

Technology

Consideration the addition of WiFi, keyless entry, and multi-use media options will be important. Additionally, staying current with digital platforms for marketing, customer intake and invoicing need to be considered.

Building Amenities

Interior amenities such as fat screen tv’s, refrigerators, sinks, and cooking stations are desirable.

Locations

Considering geographic distribution of amenities will be important when designing or redesigning facilities.

Sustainable Materials + Energy Effciency

Selecting interior and exterior materials that are sustainably sourced, durable, and cleanable is important for these high use facilities. When possible, incorporating energy efcient units and monitoring systems should be considered.

Location Appropriate Design + Flexible Space

Site consideration and building use will be important to the overall design of the facility. Context and placemaking should be a signifcant driver of the style and look of the facility. The benefts of fexibility should be weighed against the potential of diminishing from a high-quality design for a specifc us.

WE DEVELOP POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OUR ORGANIZATION. WE WORK TOWARD A COMMON GOAL AND CONSISTENTLY FIND WAYS TO BRIDGE GAPS

WE BUILD TEAMS TO CREATE COHESIVE SYSTEMS.

PARKS + NATURAL RESOURCES

PARKS + NATURAL RESOURCES

The Parks and Natural Resources Division is responsible for the care of the City’s 44 parks and special use areas. The 21 full-time employees and 20 seasonal workers maintain over 1,000 acres of developed parkland.

The passive areas of the park system include an additional 1,745 acres of open space. The removal of diseased and hazardous trees, prescribed prairie burns, trail mowing, and periodic boundary checks are the primary maintenance completed within these areas.

Parks + Natural Resources Services

+ Park and Trail Construction, Maintenance, and Repair

+ Forestry Management

+ Cemetery Administration

+ Natural Resources Management

+ Tall Grass/Weed Inspection

+ Park Property Management

+ Construction Contract

+ Development Review

+ Maintenance Contract Administration

Eden Prairie Parkland

+ 2,540 Acres of Land

+ 234 Miles of Paved Trails + Sidewalks

+37 Parks

+ 16 Miles of Nature Trails

+ 15 Conservation Areas

+ 7 Historic Sites

+ 5 Special Use Facilities

PARKS

The City of Eden Prairie has always put an emphasis on its parks and open spaces. Beginning with the Comprehensive Park and Open Space plan completed in 1989, it was a goal for the City to have a park within a half mile of any resident. This goal was achieved with the development of Cedar Hills Park, the last planned park within the City. The resulting efect of this plan has created one of the largest, most expansive park systems of any city in our area. This is found not only in the number of parks, but in their quality as well.

The Eden Prairie Comprehensive Park and Open Space Plan created one of the largest, most expansive park systems in the Twin Cities Metro.

Infuencing Factors

With the creation and the growth in popularity of new sports, many areas within the park system may need to be reconstructed or reallocated to accommodate these sports. Pickleball and cricket have seen a large need for additional space and with the park system being completely built out, these spaces will have to be created from areas that are currently used for other activities. City staf recently completed a report on the current trends in sports and participation levels for each. It will be important to continually use and update this data to guide the City in how the park system is used.

For many, COVID-19 gave them a renewed love for the outdoors. This took many forms from playing new sports to using nature trails. This has created a drastic increase in park usage, which has not slowed. The increase in usage has added additional strain on some of the parks but also identifed current needs. Additional amenities including docks, benches and signage have been added within parks to meet the needs created by this additional use.

Recent Efforts

The City continues to budget through the Capital Improvement Plan and the general budget to maintain and enhance the features and amenities found within the park system. As the system has aged, available funds have been used to replace and enhance these aging features. Replacing playground equipment with newer, safer equipment has occurred in many parks, and several of the hard court surfaces for tennis, basketball, and pickleball have been torn out and replaced as needed. These maintenance eforts will remain vital to ensure that our facilities remain at the level our residents have come to expect.

NATURAL RESOURCES

Eden Prairie’s topography lends to a variety of natural resources, including lakes, creek valleys, forests, prairies, and wetlands. The preservation and protection of these natural resources has been a priority for the City, while still providing access to these areas for the enjoyment of its residents. An abundance of parks and natural areas is one of the top reasons residents choose to live in Eden Prairie. As the climate continues to change and new invasive species are introduced into the area, it is important to identify and implement new policies and practices to maintain high quality natural areas. This will also protect native plant and animal communities against climate change.

Native Plantings + Conservation Areas

Native plantings and conservation areas have a multitude of benefts, including providing habitat for pollinators and wildlife, protecting against erosion, improving water infltration, and sequestering carbon. Prairie conservation areas are a high priority due to their rarity and the presence of state-threatened plants in these areas. We have and will continue to work with partners to manage these areas with a variety of techniques such as mowing, selective herbicide use, prescribed burning, and over seeding with harvested remnant prairie seed to improve plant diversity in restored areas.

Since 2017, over 25 acres of land have been converted to native plantings which serve as pollinator and wildlife habitat. In addition, over 250 acres of prairie in conservation areas such as Prairie Bluf Conservation Area and Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area are managed. Invasive species such as buckthorn, garlic mustard, Canada thistle, and crown vetch continue to be the greatest threat to native plantings and conservation areas. Conservation areas with low invasive pressure are highest priority to keep these areas in pristine ecological condition. Sites that have been heavily infested by invasive species and are in a state of severe degradation will require additional funding for efective management to occur.

Urban Forestry Program

The urban forest provides many benefts to Eden Prairie by providing shade, sequestering carbon, reducing storm water runof, increasing home values, and reducing utility bills to heat and cool buildings and homes. Eden Prairie has over 50,000 trees in maintained spaces (lawns, gardens, etc.) most of which are located on private property. Eden Prairie parks have over 5,000 trees in the mowed turf conservation areas, and right-of-ways. Invasive pest, pathogens, and climate change are threatening the health of our trees. The City’s urban forestry program will continue to mitigate these threats by monitoring and managing current and potential invasive pest and pathogen infestations and replanting public spaces with a variety of trees to increase tree diversity.

Water Resources

Eden Prairie is home to a variety of water resources, including 15 lakes, 528 wetlands, 251 stormwater ponds, three creek systems, and the Minnesota River. These resources form a network of green spaces and corridors that the City works to maintain to provide opportunities for recreation and wildlife habitat preservation. The preservation and protection of these water resources also help with stormwater detention and water quality enhancement. Three watershed districts are located within the City. They are actively engaged in monitoring and improving water quality of Nine Mile Creek, Riley-Purgatory-Bluf Creek, and Lower Minnesota River watershed. Along with preservation eforts, the City provides aquatic recreation, including swimming, boating, and fshing.

INFLUENCING FACTORS

Native Plantings + Conservation Area Management

Improving stewardship of native plantings and conservation area management as a part of the Sustainable Eden Prairie initiative has increased the number of native plantings and led to preservation eforts to conserve areas or convert degraded conservation areas to a higher quality environment. Invasive species continue to threaten these areas. It is vital to preserve these areas as the benefts they provide diminish quickly when they are compromised by invasive species.

Managing Our Urban Forest

Invasive pests, pathogens, and climate change are the greatest infuencing factors for urban forest management. Currently, we are managing for emerald ash borer, Dutch elm disease, and oak wilt. As trees are removed from these areas, they are replanted with a variety of tree genera to increase climate change resiliency and decrease the chances of widespread tree loss from invasives.

Water Resources Management

Similar to the prairies and conservation areas, aquatic invasive species management is one of the primary factors infuencing our lakes, wetlands and streams. Preventing the spread of these species is the best way to ensure water quality. Partnering with the three watershed districts to identify funding and resources for projects that limit the spread will be crucial in preserving our water resources.

Another factor afecting the city’s water resources is water conservation. As periods of drought have become more prevalent, it is important for the City to have policies and practices that limit water use to protect these limited, natural resources.

RECENT EFFORTS

The City works in collaboration with Hennepin County to restore portions of prairie and savannah in the Prairie Bluf and Richard T. Anderson Conservation Areas. Eforts include invasive removal and soil stabilization to reestablish the native oak savannah. Without management, these areas would become overridden with invasive species and would no longer be valuable sites for pollinators, prairie plants, or wildlife that rely on prairie ecosystems.

Riley Creek Woods has been a concentrated site for the removal of buckthorn and garlic mustard. Because most of Riley Creek Woods is not infested with buckthorn, a large efort is being made by the City and volunteers to remove buckthorn in invaded portions and preserve the pristine big woods found in this conservation area. The conservation area is surveyed on an annual basis and the highest priority buckthorn removal areas are noted.

Eforts have been made to identify turf space in parks that is not used for recreation and convert them to a low input, pollinator friendly native planting area. These plantings, most of which are under an acre, are used to decrease the environmental impact of our park system. They are also visually pleasing as wildfowers bloom during the summer months. These areas require extensive management to become established. Once established, these sites serve as environmental and aesthetically pleasing spaces in otherwise unused portions of our parks.

The City has been exploring the use of prescribed burning to manage woodlands invaded with buckthorn. For prescribed burning to be an efective management tool, these woodlands need to be burned on a regular basis. Areas in Staring Lake are being used as trial sites to see how efective fre is at managing buckthorn on a larger scale where mowing or herbicide use is not an option due to the scale of the infestation and cost of management. Eden Prairie is committed to using best management practices and keeping up with the current science around managing these spaces.

Tree Diversity Goals

To increase tree diversity, the City is following the tree diversity 5-10-15 rule:

+ No more than 5% of trees should be of the same species

+ No more than 10% should be from the same genus

+ No more than 15% should be from the same family

Special emphasis should be made on the 10% of the same genus as most pests and pathogens efect an entire genus. Planting our community with a diverse range of well adapted trees will mitigate the efects of invasive pests and pathogens. It is vital to make sure that diversity goals are met with proper tree selection and placement. Trees that are not well-adapted to the Minnesota climate should not be planted for the sake of achieving diversity goals.

Local Water Management

The City has initiated many projects over the years to protect and manage our lakes, wetlands, ponds and creeks. The main planning document the City uses to manage water resources is the Local Water Management Plan (LWMP), which was updated in 2020. The LWMP was developed to consolidate information on Eden Prairie's overall surface water management objectives, including management of lakes, wetlands, stormwater ponds, and creeks. The LWMP includes an Implementation Plan, Capital Improvement, and Funding Plan.

The LWMP is intended to meet the requirements outlined in the Watershed Management Plans developed by the three watershed districts within Eden Prairie's boundaries. The City works with the watershed districts to manage and protect these resources.

The City's Capital Improvement and Funding Plan includes a number of water quality improvement projects. Recently the City and the Nine Mile Creek and Riley-Purgatory-Bluf Creek watershed districts implemented a series of projects for Round, Riley, Rice Marsh, Staring, Birch Island, Bryant and Anderson Lakes.

The City has also worked with the Lower Minnesota River Watershed District on a bank stabilization project for Lower Purgatory Creek and the Minnesota River as well as partnering with the Riley, Purgatory, Bluf Creek Watershed District on a similar project in the Riley Creek corridor through the Riley Creek Conservation Area.

FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS + DRIVERS

Maintaining And Preserving Native Plantings and Conservation Areas

Continuing to increase maintenance in conservation areas to minimize or prevent ecological degradation from invasive species is an important driver for future management. Most invasive species alter the environment they invade to make that environment more favorable for their survival and spread. Because of this, heavily invaded sites are signifcantly more difcult to reestablish into high quality ecosystems. Increasing management of non-degraded sites with low infestation rates will be important to preserve these sites for the future.

Additionally, prioritizing degraded sites for ecological restoration will be important moving forward. Restoration goals need to correlate with available City resources. Because large scale restorations can be costly, work plans should include the fnancial and personnel requirements for the entirety of the restoration for the area to successfully be restored. These plans should include continual maintenance on the site to prevent another infestation. While restorations and native plantings provide a myriad of environmental and aesthetic benefts, their long-term success is based on well planned installation and consistent maintenance.

Increasing Diversity Of Our Urban Forest

As we lose ash trees due to emerald ash borer, we will replant with a diverse range of tree genera. To ensure that these trees reach maturity, it will be integral to routinely prune young trees. This type of pruning has shown to decrease mature tree structural failure in storms and is more cost efective than waiting to prune a tree once it has reached maturity.

Because a large portion of the urban forest in Eden Prairie resides on private property, the City implemented a tree sale to private property owners. Trees available for sale will be underrepresented to improve tree diversity. Tree sales allow residents and other private property owners to access a diverse pallet of trees at a lower cost. Tree sales not only improve overall diversity of the urban forest but increase the tree replacement rates on private property after mature trees are removed. Tree sales are a great tool to achieve diversity goals and prevent deforestation in the urban forest on privately owned properties.

Water Resources Collaboration

The City has developed a number of ordinances to help protect our water resources. Continued partnerships with the three watershed districts will be key in a collaborative efort to ensure these resources are protected.

TRAILS + SIDEWALKS

Eden Prairie’s vast system of trails and sidewalks provide connectivity within neighborhoods, schools, and to parks and other recreational destinations. Many parks ofer paved and unpaved recreational trail systems. In 2014, the City completed a Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan that identifed current conditions as well as proposed additional facilities and connections needed. This plan continues to guide trail and sidewalk projects throughout the city.

Trail Description Miles

Trails are paved with blacktop and are Bituminous 129 miles typically 8-feet wide.

Sidewalks are poured concrete and are

RECENT EFFORTS

Using the recommendations Sidewalks 97 miles typically 5-feet wide. outlined in the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan, the Parks Woodchip, gravel, crushed limestone or Maintenance Divisions continues boardwalk trail for walkers; cross-country Nature 16 miles to fill the gaps in the trail and skiers in the winter. sidewalk system. Nature trails vary in width.

FUTURE PLANS + CONSIDERATIONS

The approximately 14.5-mile Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) extension will serve the growing communities of Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Minnetonka, and Eden Prairie. Sixteen newly constructed stations with connections to streets and trails will be built, attracting new residential and commercial development. Service is expected to begin in 2027 as an extension of the METRO Green Line. This extension will bring four new stations to Eden Prairie, resulting in easier access for residents to travel to other metro cities and allow more visitors to Eden Prairie.

In 2014, there were about 35,800 people within a half mile of the proposed stations and 16,400 residents with access to the fve shared stations in downtown Minneapolis. By 2035, the population within the afore mentioned area is expected to grow by 56% to 55,800, and the population of downtown Minneapolis is expected to grow by 117%; a population increase of 35,600.

CONSERVATION AREAS

Location

6410 Indian Chief Road

Acres

Developed – 1.0

Undeveloped – 30.6

Total 31.6

Future Acquisition – 4

BIRCH ISLAND WOODS CONSERVATION AREA

This conservation area contains a half-mile section of former railroad right-of-way. The area has a diverse mixture of habitat and vegetation. There are fve wetland areas and an upland hardwood forest.

Birch Island Lake began drying up in 1988 after construction began on the extension of Crosstown Highway. The lake is now a cattail marsh. Natural vegetation includes oak, maple, ash, hickory, and box elder.

Amenities

Grassy Open Areas

Nature Trails

Parking Lot (Stalls 8)

User groups include bird watchers, nature lovers, bicyclists, joggers, snowshoers, history bufs, student groups and youth with special needs from nearby Eden Wood Center. A management plan for this conservation area was adopted by the City Council in 2002. Trail improvement and surfacing are done by City staf and citizen volunteer groups, such as Friends of Birch Island Woods and Scout Troops.

Existing Facilities

The eastern portion of Birch Island Park contains buildings from the former Glen Lake Children’s Camp, now called Eden Wood Center. This was the summer home to children from the Glen Lake Sanatorium who were diagnosed or exposed to tuberculosis. Although the main sanatorium buildings were demolished in 1993, the children’s camp portion remained intact with buildings built in 1925.

Eden Wood Center is leased to True Friends as a camping experience for children both with and without developmental disabilities, and adults with developmental disabilities.

True Friends has added a new headquarters building with kitchen facilities and a dining hall. It is also renovating the historic buildings for limited year round use.

Problematic Conditions

The active railroad tracks along the north side of the parcel create an access problem from adjacent parcels. The narrow roads and lack of trails limit access to the park from the north and west sides.

Recommendations

Interpretive signage will be installed adjacent to the parking lot.

Birch Island Lake

Birch Island Lake is 25 acres in size with an average depth of 3.4 feet and a maximum depth of 14 feet. The lake is shallow enough for aquatic plants to grow over the entire lakebed. It has a healthy mix of aquatic plants. Water levels had declined by about seven feet since the mid-1980s. To bring Birch Island Lake back to a normal level, the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District installed a pipe to direct water from the area north of Hwy 62 into the lake.

The improvements to the stormwater basins help slow water down before it reaches the lake. As the water slows, dirt and pollutants settle out of the water before it fows into the lake. This was part of the larger Eden Prairie Lakes Water Quality Improvement Project.

Water quality declined in 2015, as compared to previous years. In addition to the lake level restoration, two existing stormwater basins were cleaned out and improved and a new stormwater pond was constructed to treat stormwater runoff prior to reaching Birch Island Lake and to improve water quality.

Additional lake data can be found on the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District website: ninemilecreek.org/explore-the-watershed/explore-our-lakes-and-creeks/birch-island-lake/

Future Plans + Considerations

There are no upcoming improvements planned for this conservation area.

Location 12828 Gerard Drive

–

CARDINAL CREEK CONSERVATION AREA

Existing Facilities

There is a trail access within the Cardinal Creek Subdivision, which leads into this area. In addition, the students, parents, and teachers at Forest Hills Elementary School have developed a small nature trail adjacent to the school. A trail easement from Gerard Drive provides access from the south.

Problematic Conditions

No signifcant issues.

Recommendations

Develop a passive trail system to interconnect this area with the surrounding neighborhoods. Also, some interpretive signage and bridge work may be necessary in the vicinity of Forest Hills Elementary School.

Location 6655 Dell Road

Acres

Developed – 0.5

Undeveloped – 236.6

Total 237.1

EDENBROOK CONSERVATION AREA

Existing Facilities

There is a gazebo, benches, and nature trails with boardwalks over the marsh areas within this conservation area.

Amenities

Gazebo Parking (Stalls 7 + 1 ADA Accessible)

Trails

Problematic Conditions

Insufcient trail access and support facilities. Informal trails are currently used by neighboring residents. Neighborhood children consistently construct forts in this area and camp overnight.

Recommendations

The City and the Riley Purgatory Bluf Creek Watershed District developed a management plan in 2000 for all conservation areas in the Watershed District. This plan not only recommends best management practices for the area but also provides a plan for developing public access through trails and a parking lot location.

The plan recommended that a parking lot be constructed for approximately 10-15 cars on the west side of the park of Dell Road. This access point has a kiosk showing the trail system, a small sun shelter, picnic area, and grill.

A nature trail system was developed with several loop trails within the conservation area. Trails are either wood chip, aglime, or mowed grass throughout most of the system. These trails are used year round and provide access from the west and the east side of this conservation area.

Many sections of the conservation area have been overrun by invasive plant species. City staf and volunteer groups have attempted to slow the spread of these invasive species by removing and restoring areas within the site. Restoration projects should continue to be identifed and completed to limit the spread of these invasive plants and restore the areas with native plants.

Location

7200 Edenvale Boulevard

Acres

Developed – 0.5

Undeveloped – 180.5

Total 181.0

Future Acquisition – 10 acres

EDENVALE CONSERVATION AREA

Edenvale Conservation Area includes lands north of Valley View Road and west of Edenvale Boulevard, with detached units east of Edenvale Boulevard, north of North Hillcrest Court, south of Valley View Road, and west of the Southwest Regional LRT Trail. There is a detached unit west of Bittersweet Drive.

Amenities Trails

The Conservation area contains a mowed grass trail with footbridge south from Hillcrest Court and an eight-foot-wide, paved asphalt trail generally following Edenvale Boulevard and Valley View Road. Another asphalt trail from the south side of Valley View Drive extends southwest to Bittersweet Drive.

The trail from the Hillcrest Court Bridge follows Purgatory Creek south through the woods and alongside a large marsh to Edenvale Park and provides a link between the Hillcrest and Edenvale neighborhoods. The large marsh area ofers a unique opportunity for wildlife and nature study in proximity to schools and residential neighborhoods.

Recommendations

Continue to develop this area into a community resource, including additional trails, viewing blinds, and parking.

A large loop trail should be developed to allow limited access to this conservation area. The trail should be either wood chip, aglime or mowed grass and should be maintained for crosscountry skiing during the winter months.

Future Plans + Considerations

Development of fsh pools and shore fshing areas near the Hillcrest Court and Valley View Road footbridges should be considered. Future expansion of the Edenvale Conservation Area north of Hillcrest Court should be considered if the land becomes available. Expansion would include wetlands and uplands alongside Purgatory Creek and would enable the construction of a trail connection to Edgewood Park on Edenvale Boulevard and the terminus of Hallmark Drive to the northeast.

Location

11449 Landing Road

JAMES A. BROWN CONSERVATION AREA

Natural vegetation includes oaks, basswood, silver maple and green ash. There are portions of the site that have remnant prairie. A soft surface trail travels from Landing Road to the Minnesota River.

Existing Facilities

HENNEPIN TOWN SITE

Established in 1853, Hennepin was one of many speculator towns platted along the Minnesota River in the 19th century. And like many others, it did not grow. The plat surveyed for a sizeable town moving from the river up and over the blufs and beyond. Streets were platted, town squares planned, a ferry landing built, which was used for a time, and a unique canal was created for a future mill.

A few buildings were erected, but the town never grew further and today it is an Eden Prairie historic site.

Ox Cart Trail

The Yorkville and Bloomington Road segment lies entirely within the 76.7-acre James A. Brown Conservation Area. The roadway passes through the conservation area for an approximate 1,200 lineal feet. The roadbed is located about mid-way up the bluf in this location, at approximately 730-740 feet above sea level (ASL). The Minnesota River below is roughly 690-700 feet ASL.

Vegetation cover today is quite diferent than it was in 1864, when the road was constructed. The roadway alignment today is heavily overgrown with both native and invasive vegetation.

Problematic Conditions

The access points to this site are limited at the present time. Part of the area is subject to spring fooding of the Minnesota River, making trails unusable.

Recommendations

Work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to acquire the additional land through dedication or gifting. Joint development of a trail corridor to connect federal and City property should continue.

Location

Wild Heron Point, Antlers Ridge

Acres

Developed – 0.5

Undeveloped – 118.7

LOWER PURGATORY CREEK CONSERVATION AREA

Total 119.2

Future Acquisition – 23 acres

Amenities

Trails

Steep creek valley with wooded slopes.

Purgatory Creek

Purgatory Creek is 12 miles traveling from Lake Minnetonka to the Minnesota River. The invasive species include curlyleaf pondweed, eurasian watermilfoil, and common carp. Recreational activities include fshing for bluegill, white sucker, black crappie, and yellow perch. Additional data can be found on the Riley Purgatory Bluf Creek Watershed District website: rpbcwd.org

Existing Facilities

Pedestrian trail from Branching Horn to Antlers Ridge. A wooden bridge over Purgatory Creek.

Problematic Conditions

There are no signifcant issues to address.

Recommendations

Develop a pedestrian trail from County Road 1 to the Minnesota River trail within this creek valley conservation area. This could be completed with a grant and assistance from the Watershed District within the next fve to 10 years. It will require a trail easement from a homeowner’s association and a private property owner.

Location

North of Hwy 5, East of Dell Road

Acres

Developed – 2.0

Undeveloped – 36.2

Total 38.2

MITCHELL MARSH CONSERVATION AREA

The area is predominantly wetland with cattails and other marsh vegetation that drains into Mitchell Lake.

Existing Facilities

There is an eight-foot-wide bituminous trail around the area’s perimeter. There are three entry points to/ from residential areas and two from the trail along State Highway 5.

Amenities

Trail

Problematic Conditions

This area has a large amount of purple loosestrife invading the wetlands. Staf are using biological control to reduce the infestation and its impact on the native vegetation.

The trail is narrow in some areas and fencing in backyards is an obstruction to trail maintenance.

Recommendations

The trail within this area will need to be monitored for abnormal surface deterioration. Vegetation management will be necessary to reduce the impact of wilding trees that grow along the trail edge.

Location Between Hwy 212 and Washington Avenue

Acres

Developed – 3.0

Undeveloped – 86.7

Total 89.7

Future Acquisition – 15.0

NINE MILE CREEK CONSERVATION AREA

Creek valley with a variety of vegetation ranging from wetland species to upland oak trees.

Amenities Trail Flying Cloud Drive Dog Park + Parking Lot (Stalls 7 + 1 ADA Accessible)

Existing Facilities

Flying Cloud Drive Dog Park.

Problematic Conditions

Poor soil and narrow bottlenecks within this area present problems for the development of a trail system.

Recommendations

There are no future improvements planned for this area.

CONSERVATION AREAS

Nine Mile Creek

When early settlers traveled west from Fort Snelling along Old Shakopee Road, the creek crossing was nine miles from the fort—thus the name, Nine Mile Creek.

There are two branches of Nine Mile Creek. The source of the north branch is in Hopkins and is groundwater and stormwater fed. Minnetoga Lake and the surrounding wetlands in Minnetonka feed the south branch. The two branches join north of Normandale Lake in Bloomington. Nine Mile Creek fows through Normandale Lake as it continues its journey to the Minnesota River.

CREEK MONITORING

Because aquatic life and fshing are the primary purpose of Nine Mile Creek, the focus of its monitoring program includes:

+ Monitoring of the fsh community

+ Monitoring of macroinvertebrate

+ Habitat monitoring

+ Measurements of specifc conductance, dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, turbidity, and fow

MONITORING RESULTS

The 2017 water quality, fsh, and macroinvertebrate data indicate that despite urbanization impacts, water quality conditions in Nine Mile Creek from 1968 through 2017 have generally remained stable. The stream stabilization projects completed and currently ongoing have contributed to the improvements of fsh numbers, quality of the fsh community, and intolerant macroinvertebrates found in the creek. Monitoring will continue at the annual monitoring stations to maintain this long-term record of water quality and biota in Nine Mile Creek and to assess the biological community to determine changes in stream habitat or water quality that warrant further investigation or management measures.

Chloride Impairment

Nine Mile Creek has too much chloride. The chloride comes from salt used in the winter on roads, parking lots, and sidewalks. The levels of salt in the creek make the water unhealthy for the aquatic animals living there.

Additional creek data can be found on the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District website: ninemilecreek.org

Location

10092 Indigo Drive

Acres

Developed – 0.0

Undeveloped – 56.0

Total 56.0

Future Acquisition – 10.0

PRAIRIE BLUFF CONSERVATION AREA

The Prairie Bluf Conservation Area is one of the last remaining prairie remnants in the metropolitan area and is noted as a historical landmark. It is comprised of blufs, ravines, native prairie, upland oak savanna, and part of the Riley Creek Valley. With its impressive location overlooking the Minnesota River Valley, the site is Eden Prairie’s signature landscape.

Amenities

Gazebo

Fredrick Miller Spring (With Parking Lot)

Trails

Recent Efforts

The City has recently partnered with Hennepin County and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services to restore many portions of the Minnesota River blufs, including the Prairie Bluf Conservation Area. The project will comprise of removing buckthorn and other invasive species from many of the ravines and restore the area with native grass species to create oak savanna areas that once were common through this corridor.

Existing Facilities

Historic Fredrick-Miller Spring is found along Spring Road.

Problematic Conditions

The site is susceptible to serious erosion caused by hikers, recreation vehicles and bicycles and has been invaded by exotic plants. Biological controls and prescribed burnings are being used to reduce and control an infestation of leafy spurge in the prairie areas and common (European) buckthorn and red cedar in the savanna areas.

Recommendations

This site has an adopted management plan that was developed by a consultant and a citizens’ committee. Implementation of that management plan will take several years. Development of trails and interpretive signage will be considered in the future. The site has high value for interpretation of historical and environmental features.

Location

15440 Village Woods Drive

Acres

Developed – 0.5

Undeveloped – 33.5

RED ROCK CONSERVATION AREA

Total 34.0

Amenities

Boat Ramp Trail

The Red Rock Conservation Area is made up of oaks, willows, cottonwood, and miscellaneous shrubs. This property was supposed to be part of a linear trail system along the north shore of Red Rock Lake. Development to the east did not include land for the trail to continue.

Red Rock Lake

Red Rock Lake is 91 acres in size with an average depth of 11 feet and a maximum depth of 17 feet.

Red rock sandstone was held sacred by the Sioux Indians on the west shore of the lake. The Sioux would sit in council around the rock and leave behind beads and pipes.

Recreational activities include canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, and fshing for bluegill, northern pike, largemouth bass, crappie, bullhead and perch.

Boats with a maximum 10-horsepower motor are allowed.

Existing Facilities

A boat ramp provides water access.

Problematic Conditions

High water levels of the lake have covered much of the original trail.

Recommendations

The aeriation system should be installed permanently, increasing the efciency and reducing the set up/take down costs.

Location

18700 Flying Cloud Drive

Acres

Developed – 3.0

Undeveloped – 118.0

RICHARD T. ANDERSON CONSERVATION AREA

Total 121.0

Amenities

Natural Spring

Parking Lot (Stalls 20) +

Upper Parking Lot (Stalls 6)

Trails (3 miles)

Two clear streams start on the property from artesian springs and run to the Minnesota River. The singlefamily residential development along the north end provides access for two trailheads. Development of the soft surface trail system was completed during 1999-2002.

This conservation area was named after Dick Anderson, a long-time resident and Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission member and City Council member.

The Richard T. Anderson Conservation is a bluf area adjacent to Minnesota River containing native prairie to old growth maple, basswood, and oak forest.

Elizabeth Fries Ellet Interpretive Trail

Eden Prairie owes its name to writer Elizabeth Fries Ellet, who visited the city in 1852. In her travelogue, Summer Rambles in the West, Ellet describes the Minnesota River Valley. She climbed a river bluf to see the prairie in bloom and gushed that the area reminded her of the Garden of Eden. Returning to St. Paul, she urged the place be called Eden Prairie.

Vicki Pellar Price, a longtime Eden Prairie resident who shepherded the Elizabeth Fries Ellet Interpretive Trail to reality in 2007 is the director of Writers Rising Up, a non-proft to promote writers who portray place, natural habitat, and wetlands in their work.

The EFEIT interpretive signs inform readers of 95 species of insects, birds, and animals and 37 plant varieties. To visually describe the site, aerial and panoramic vista photos, native plant details, and other historic resources are represented on the signs.

R.T.A. Spring

The site is a naturally occurring artesian spring with piping and a trough to bring the water to the surface.

The water is monitored on a monthly basis for coliform bacteria and nitrates.

Minnesota River

The Minnesota River originates at Big Stone Lake on the border of Minnesota and South Dakota. From Big Stone Lake, the river fows southeast to Mankato before turning northeast to its confuence with the Mississippi River in St. Paul, a total distance of 330 miles.

Construction of a 4-foot-deep navigation channel on the Minnesota River was frst authorized in 1892. The project was from the mouth of the Minnesota River at its confuence with the Mississippi River, upstream for a distance of 25.6 river miles to Shakopee.

Between 1966 and 1968, a channel nine feet deep and 100 feet wide was constructed from the mouth in St. Paul to Savage, Minnesota, 14.7 miles upstream. The Lower Minnesota River Watershed District was created to act as the non-federal sponsor for the navigation project.

The quality of the Minnesota River near Eden Prairie is directly impacted by the quality of the river, creeks and streams that fow into the Minnesota River. Water quality in the Lower Minnesota River Watershed has persistent problems with excess phosphorus, sediment, bacteria, and other contaminants, according to a 2017 report by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).

Recreational activities include fshing for northern, walleye, catfsh, fathead minnow, and small-mouth bass.

Additional information can be found on the Lower Minnesota River Watershed District website: lowermnriverwd.org.

Problematic Conditions

Several areas of this site are steep and have experienced severe erosion in past years. Stabilization of those areas is a priority. In addition, removal of much of the invasive non-native plant material throughout the site will be necessary to reduce its impact on the desired native species.

Recommendations

A fnal management report for the entire site was completed in 1999.

One Native American burial mound associated with the Fieldman Group exists within the site. This should be feld verifed by an archaeologist prior to additional trail development. This site has high value for interpretation of historical and environmental features.

Location 9795 Canopy Trail

Acres

Developed – 0.0

Undeveloped – 61.8

Total 61.8

Future Acquisition - 62.0 (estimated)

RILEY CREEK CONSERVATION AREA

Riley Creek Conservation Area consists of wooded, creek valley with steep ravines and a relatively fat upland area. Much of the area is a Grade A, old-growth, Big Woods.

Much of this site, and most of the Prairie Bluf Conservation Area, was acquired with funds provided by the 1994 Land Preservation Referendum. The MN DNR ranks the Big Woods portion of the Riley Creek Conservation Area as one of the fnest remaining in the Twin Cities Metro and the state. There is little evidence of invasion by non-native plants, shrubs, and tree species at this time.

Amenities

Parking Lot (Stalls 13) Trail

Existing Facilities

Nature trails connect to many of the surrounding neighborhoods.

Problematic Conditions

The pristine quality of the wood’ ecosystem will be difcult to protect and manage along the conservation area’s edges and along its trails as use increases and as adjacent development proceeds. Erosion along the creek banks has increased with development of the surrounding area.

Recommendations

A consultant completed a management plan for this area with input from the City and Watershed District. As new development occurs adjacent to the proposed conservation area, staf will work with developers to provide trail access points, as well as delineation of various areas to be preserved along Riley Creek. Connections should be made to the north and west as part of any Dell Road improvements.

CONSERVATION AREAS

Riley Creek

Riley Creek begins at lakes Lucy and Ann in Chanhassen and fows through three, downstream lakes—Susan, Riley, and Rice Marsh—before descending to the Minnesota River Valley. The creek has mild topography in the upper and middle portions of the watershed, but below Lake Riley the banks become steep.

The creek is 9.6 miles. The invasive species include buckthorn and common carp. Common fsh include green sunfsh, fathead minnow, and bluntnose minnow.

Lower Riley Creek Restoration

Riley Creek is unhealthy due to high levels of sediment in the water. There is active erosion occurring along the creek because of increased stormwater discharge. If nothing is done, the creek will continue to erode the streambanks and surrounding slopes, picking up more sediment. The Riley Purgatory Bluf Creek Watershed District, in partnership with the City and the Lower Minnesota River Watershed District are working to stabilize and enhance the creek.

In 2019, contractors began in-ground construction on this project. They regraded part of the slope and installed a series of stream management practices that will improve the health of the creek.

Additional lake data can be found on the Riley Purgatory Bluf Creek Watershed District website: rpbcwd.org.

Location

6395 Ginger Drive

Acres

Developed – 0.0

Undeveloped – 70.0

Total 70.0

TIMBER CREEK CONSERVATION AREA

Timber Creek Conservation Area is situated within a creek valley with a mixture of wetland areas and wooded side slopes. There is a public access from the street along Mere Drive and Mallory Lane.

Amenities

None

Location

Between Ontario and Venture Lane

Acres

Developed – 0.0

Undeveloped – 24.0

Total – 24.0

WESTGATE CONSERVATION AREA

Westgate Conservation Area is a mixed woodland area with newly created wetland ponding. The site includes wetland vegetation and lowland trees, such as elm, box elder, cottonwood, aspen, and associated wetland shrub plants.

Amenities

Trails

Recommendations

Future plans include a trail linking the various neighborhoods with the bituminous trail along State Highway 5. This location could be a possible site for an of-leash dog park with access from Venture Lane.

CCONONSSEERRVVAATTIIONON AARREEAASS

Locations

Duck Lake Trail at Assembly of God Church: 16591 Duck Lake Trail

Pioneer Park: 8940 Sutton Road

Pioneer Trail: 13180 Pioneer Trail

COMMUNITY GARDENS

Since the early 1970s the City of Eden Prairie has provided rental gardens on parkland for Eden Prairie residents. Currently there are gardens located at Pioneer Park, Pioneer Trail on Metropolitan Airports Commission property, and Duck Lake Trail on Assembly of God Church property.

Services provided at the community gardens include spring tilling, fall plowing, staking the corners of each plot with a garden number, portable toilet service, and fall clean-up. Water tanks are flled regularly at the Pioneer Trail and Duck Lake Trail garden sites.

A Gardener Open House has been held in April since 2018. This is an opportunity for gardeners to meet their gardening neighbors, learn from Master Gardeners and take home gardening information and door prizes. The event is benefcial to new gardeners who have questions on what to plant, how often to water, etc.

Gardeners supply their own equipment, seeds, fertilizer, etc. for their plots. Gardeners are required to maintain and control the weeds within their garden until the end of the growing season.

Returning gardeners are given priority until April 15. After that date, all gardens are assigned based on the order of registration. The return rate of gardeners ranges between 68%–74%, so plots are usually available for new gardeners. Pioneer Park gardens ofer a secondary priority for residents age 55+. Plots are usually ready for planting around May, weather permitting.

Depending on the location, diferent plot sizes are available, including:

+ Small = 20 x 30 ft.

+ Medium = 20 x 40 ft. (can be split in half)

+ Large = 20 x 60 ft.

+ Table Height = 5 x 7 ft. (accessible for wheelchair or seated gardening)

Pioneer Park

+ Small: 12

+ Medium: 15

+3 Tables: 6 spots

Pioneer Park has three City water faucets

Pioneer Trail

+ Small: 70

+Large: 18

Duck Lake Trail

+ Small: 36

Eight-foot fence around the gardening area

3 Acres

Amenities

CUMMINS-PHIPPS-GRILL HOUSE

The J.R. Cummins House was built in 1879 by John and Mattie Cummins. The property’s signifcance results primarily from occupation by the Cummins family from 1856-1908. John Cummins was a noted horticulturist. Edwin and Harriet Phipps were subsequent owners, and it was Harriet who established the historic peony garden east of the house, planting 400-500 peony plants sometime before 1920. The Phipps daughter Mildred remained in the home with husband Martin “Pappy” Grill. Mildred sold the home to the City in 1976. In 1982, the home was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The house is used by the Eden Prairie Historical Society for special events, such as Santa photos and art exhibits.

Location

8810 Eden Prairie Road

5.4 Acres

EDEN PRAIRIE CEMETERY

Amenities

None

The cemetery was established in 1865, and many of Eden Prairie’s early settlers are buried here. Ownership was transferred from the Eden Prairie Cemetery Board to the City in 2021.

Plots Remaining For Sale:

+ North Section – over 100

+ South Section – over 600

Visit edenprairie.org/Cemetery to find detailed information regarding cemetery plots in Eden Prairie.

Location

13765 Staring Lake Parkway within Staring Lake Park

Amenities

None

EDEN PRAIRIE OUTDOOR CENTER

The Eden Prairie Outdoor Center building was originally built in 1935 as part of a State Emergency Relief Administration (SERA) camp. There were seven of these camps located in the Minnesota River Valley between Mendota and Shakopee. The camps were established for the growing number of unemployed during the 1930s Great Depression. Over 195 people were housed and employed in each camp. The SERA program transferred administrative duties to the Works Project Administration (WPA). From 1935–1943 the WPA managed the camps and work projects for the state of Minnesota.

In 1946–47 the building was purchased by Clarence Bush, a prominent fgure in the history of the Northrup-King Company. The building was moved from its original location, perhaps a camp in Savage, Minnesota, to its current location. The Bush family used the log cabin as a private residence until 1968 when they sold it. Several other families owned the cabin until the City of Eden Prairie acquired the property and building in 1973 and opened it as the Eden Prairie Senior Center in 1979. In 1988, the Senior Center moved to its current location and in 1988–89 the building was reopened as the Eden Prairie Outdoor Center.

Location

6350 Indian Chief Road

within Birch Island Woods

Conservation Area

Amenities

Basketball Court

Birchwood Cabin

Disc Golf (6 Holes)

Dormitory

High Ropes Course

Lion’s Den

Parking Lot (Stalls 15)

Play Structure

Volleyball Court

Welcome Lodge

EDEN WOOD CENTER

Eden Wood Center is leased to True Friends as a camping experience for children, both with and without developmental disabilities, and adults with developmental disabilities. The lease was updated in 2014 through 2034.

In 2017, True Friends hired MacDonald and Mack Architects to perform a facilities assessment of 11 buildings. Renovations of the historic buildings on the property are underway for limited year-round use. Parks and Recreation staf helped to secure a grant from Hennepin County in 2015 to install a new play structure. True Friends constructed a new Respite Center.

Dormitory

Built in 1925, the dormitory was the summer home to children from the Glen Lake Sanatorium who were diagnosed or exposed to tuberculosis. The Glen Lake Children’s Camp operated from 1925-1950. It is the only camp of its type left in Minnesota, one of two left in the United States, and the only one still operating in line with the original purpose as a children’s camp.

Although the main sanatorium buildings were demolished in 1993, the children’s camp portion remained intact and is situated in the center of Eden Wood’s beautiful 20 acres. The newly renovated dormitory has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1999.

Holasek House

Circa 1880. This newly restored Chaska brick house was established in the 1880s and once belonged to Stephen and John Holasak. The Joseph Holasak family established their frst farm in Eden Prairie on the shore of Bryant Lake in 1857. The house once stood near Hwy 62 and Baker Road and was donated to the City and eventually moved to Eden Wood Center for use as an administration building.

Welcome Lodge

The 6,000 square foot Welcome Lodge features a fully stafed catering kitchen. It ofers an ideal location for meetings and seminars. Reservations are made through Camp Eden Wood.

Location

9995 Spring Road

.01 Acres

FREDRICK-MILLER SPRING

Amenities

Parking Lot (Stalls 7)

Constructed in 1880, Fredrick-Miller Spring is one of many small springs that seeps into the Minnesota River Valley. This spring was used by Native Americans and early settlers. The site is a naturally occurring artesian spring alongside Riley Creek and within the alluvial valley lowland forest.

William Fredrick, assisted by neighbors August and John Krueger, improved the spring, moved it east to its current location and capped the spring. A wooden tank was built to hold the spring’s fow of water.

Arthur Miller later acquired the spring and in 1968 donated it to the City of Eden Prairie. The City maintains the site, provides public access, and monitors the water monthly for coliform bacteria and nitrates. The spring is a City landmark—a blend of environmental features and recreation—resulting in a geographical landscape of historical importance.

Location

12390 Pioneer Trail

1.6 Acres

PLEASANT HILL CEMETERY

Amenities

Columbarium with Ossuary (80 Niches, 100 Co mingled)

Parking Lot (Stalls 4)

Plots (Capacity 1,277)

An area north of the Eden Prairie Presbyterian Church was platted as a cemetery in 1885. The church building was removed in 1966 and additional cemetery land was purchased from a developer in 1971. Ownership of the cemetery was transferred from the Pleasant Hill Cemetery Association to the City in 1987. A columbarium was installed in 2020 with space for 80 cremation urns. A bench and landscaping surround the area. An ossuary was also constructed to hold 100 co-mingled cremated remains, with memorialization plaques. The fees to purchase a plot or cremation niche are set annually by the City Council.

Location

9100 Riley Lake Road

Acres Developed – 0.0

Undeveloped – 61.8

Total 61.8

RILEY-JACQUES HOMESTEAD

Future Acquisition – 62.0 (estimated)

Amenities

None

The signifcance of the Riley-Jacques Homestead is found in its original owner, Mathew Riley, its prominent local builder John C. Geiser, and the nearly intact set of farm buildings. The farmhouse was built in 1881 and serves as an example of a second generation settlement building in Eden Prairie. The Riley’s are documented as some of Eden Prairie’s oldest settlers, placed on Lake Riley as early as 1854. In 1990, owner Elaine Jacques sold the farm and 23 acres of property to the City. The farmstead retains the house (1881), granary (1890), barn (1928), and garage (1953).

This site includes mature trees around the homestead, as well as newly planted landscape trees. A row of coniferous trees has been planted on the south side to serve as a combination windbreak and shelter belt planting. The City’s Facilities Division maintains the structure and exterior of each building and the Park Maintenance Division maintains the grounds.

Riley House

In 2014, City sewer and water were connected in the house and the well and septic were properly abandoned by licensed contractors. Scraping and painting the peeling paint areas on the kitchen addition was completed in 2015. The softs, siding, and roof were sealed in 2018, resolving issues with bats.

Riley-Jacques Barn

Exterior painting was completed in 2014 and parking lot lights were updated in 2017. There are future plans to renovate the upstairs restroom.

Riley Garage + Granary

Since 2010, the Facilities department has been maintaining the structure.

Riley-Jacques Farmstead Grounds

Park Maintenance continues to maintain the grounds. Interpretative sign installed in 2014. Interpretive kiosk placed in 2015. Parking lot lights replaced in 2017. Grants received for additional interpretive signs. Six remaining interpretive signs were installed in 2018.

Dorenkemper House

Circa 1860’s. This is one of the last remaining log-built homes in Eden Prairie. Originally located along Pioneer Trail at Settlers Ridge, it was moved to the Riley-Jacques Farmstead in 2002 to save it from demolition.

The house has been meticulously restored and is available for tours by appointment or during scheduled heritage events. The hewn log construction makes the house unique and historically signifcant. The house has been restored and is used for educational andinterpretive purposes.

Facilities will continue to maintain structure and exterior, it is in pretty good shape now. Wood siding scraped and painted as needed in summer 2011. In 2014 touch-up scraping and painting was completed on all exterior siding where paint was peeling. Drain tile and sump system installed in basement/crawl space in Fall 2014. Trail to home installed in 2015. Added window shades in 2015. No planned Facilities projects for 2018 or 2019.

Location

8107 Eden Prairie Road

Acres

Developed – 1.7

Undeveloped – 0.0

Total 1.7

Amenities Building

Parking Lot (Stalls 44) Shed

Historic Places. The home was built by Sheldon Smith, a prominent fgure in the community at that time. The Smith house was intimately associated with the nearby Miller Store community, which included the Eden Prairie train station, post ofce, grain elevator, blacksmith shop, pickle factory, and farm implement dealership. At its construction, the house served as an overnight stop for train passengers who would then proceed to other parts of Eden Prairie and the surrounding area by wagon. The Smith-Douglas-More House is all that survives of this once thriving community center.

The site consists of mature trees, fower gardens, grape arbor, and fence line vegetation.

Location

6225 Eden Prairie Road

Acres

Developed – 3.0

Undeveloped – 25.3

Total 28.3

BIRCH ISLAND PARK

Birch Island Park is important because it preserves, in a relatively undisturbed context, a combination of the City’s early geologic and archaeological record. The park’s glacial features are unique to northern Eden Prairie and distinct from southern prairie, blufs, and Minnesota River Valley foodplain. Archaeological features, together with the environmental features ofer a quality setting for public interpretation.

Amenities

Nature Trails (0.5 miles)

Open Grassy Areas (1 acre)

Parking Lot (Stalls 14 + 1 ADA Accessible)

Picnic Shelter

Play Structure

There is an east/west ridge containing hardwood trees and upland grass areas that is partially developed for picnicking. The majority of the northern portion contains a large marsh and the southern portion of the site contains Birch Island Lake. The western portion of the park is open for public use with access of County Road 4.

The park is adjacent to Birch Island Lake and includes wildlife habitat of moderate value, and well-preserved glacial features. Birch Island Lake began drying up in 1988 after the construction began on the extension of Crosstown Highway. The lake is now a cattail marsh.

Natural volunteer vegetation includes cottonwoods, willow and box elder, oaks, maple and ash.

Development

The City of Eden Prairie purchased the initial 17 acres of Birch Island Park in 1972.

In 2006, residents were invited to an improvement planning meeting. Based on input, a concept plan was created to include trail access, a play structure, and a picnic shelter.

Park Usage

Birch Island Park is a neighborhood park within the Birch Island Woods Conservation Area.

Recent Efforts

The parking lot, play structure and picnic shelter were added in 2009.

Future Plans + Considerations

The playground equipment is planned to be updated in 2028.

Location

10458 Devonshire Place

Acres

Developed – 1.2

Undeveloped – 0.0

Total 1.2

BLUFFS WEST 1 PARK

The Blufs West Parks were acquired in 1980 and developed in 1984. Only trail access to the park is available.

Park Usage

Blufs West 1 Park is used as a mini park.

Amenities

Small Play Structure

Recent Efforts

The play equipment was updated in 2019.

Future Plans + Considerations

There are no future park improvements planned at this time.

Location

10292 Edinburgh Circle

Acres

Developed – 1.6

Undeveloped – 0.0

Total 1.6

BLUFFS WEST 2 PARK

The Blufs West Parks were acquired in 1980 and developed in 1984.

Park Usage

Blufs West 2 Park is used as a mini park.

Amenities

Small Play Structure

Recent Efforts

The play equipment was updated in 2019.

Future Plans + Considerations

There are no future park improvements planned at this time.

Location

11610 Tyrell Drive

Acres

Developed 4.3

Undeveloped – 10.5

Total – 14.8

CARMEL PARK

The parkland was acquired in 1984 and developed in 1989. The park has steep slopes adjacent to Crosstown Highway (State Highway 62), some of which are severe. The park contains mature aspen and cottonwood trees and signifcant natural volunteer vegetation.

Amenities

Parking Lot (Stalls 10)

Paved Trail

Play Structure

Tennis Courts (2)

Park Usage

Carmel Park is used as a neighborhood park.

Recent Efforts

The play structure was replaced in 2006 and the parking lot was resurfaced in 2020.

The Carmel Park tennis court is built on soils that are somewhat elastic, resulting in surface cracking that afects the playability of typical bituminous courts. In researching tennis court restoration, it was discovered that several communities have utilized a plastic tile surface rather than resort to a complete rebuild. Essentially the court surfaces are prepped with crack fllers, and then the plastic mat surface is installed over the existing asphalt and attached at the exterior to prevent it from being peeled up. The court has a similar red/green color as other tennis courts within the city. This system was added in 2006. These types of sport courts tend to play somewhat slower; however, for recreational play, they have been acceptable to people using the neighborhood parks.

Future Plans + Considerations

The plastic tile system on the tennis courts will be replaced in 2024 with the addition of pickleball being considered.

The play structure is scheduled to be updated in 2027.

Location

9580 Eden Prairie Road

Acres

Developed – 4

Undeveloped – 38

Total 42

CEDAR HILLS PARK

The park site is along Riley Creek and contains varied topography ranging from creek bottom to rolling wooded hills.

Amenities

Basketball Court

Open Grassy Areas (4 acres)

Parking Lot (Stalls 20 + 2 ADA Accessible)

Play Structure

Sun Shelter

The park was named after the Cedar Hills Golf Course + Ski Area located on the land in the 1970s and 80s. Metropolitan Airports Commission leased land (to the north) in the 80s consisted of a City-built horse riding arena. Many events and riding shows were held by the Eden Prairie Horseman Club.

This neighborhood park on Metropolitan Airport Council property is adjacent to Eden Prairie Road and Riley Creek. The property is under a permanent use agreement with the MAC. This park location was selected in 2002 and the terms of development and use were negotiated when Flying Cloud Airport was expanded. This area is undergoing rapid housing development and will serve the new residents of the area.

A neighborhood open house informed residents of the park plans. The park project was completed in 2017.

Cedar Hills Park includes a parking lot and paved trails with a bridge over Purgatory Creek, along with stormwater infltration basins. These new impervious surfaces and water crossing require compliance with the Riley Purgatory Bluf Creek Watershed District agreement.

Park Usage

Cedar Hills Park is used as a neighborhood park.

Recent Efforts

The play structure was added in 2017.

Location

12341 Sunnybrook Road

Acres

Developed – 6.0

Undeveloped – 19.9

Total – 25.9

CREEKWOOD PARK

The park has rolling terrain with lower wetland areas, which is foodplain for Purgatory Creek.

Amenities

Basketball Court

Open Grassy Areas

Parking Lot (Stalls 9 + 1 ADA Accessible)

Softball Field Tennis Court

There is some mature volunteer vegetation, typical for wetland areas. Conifer trees have been transplanted to the park in a number of areas.

Recent Efforts

The tennis and basketball courts were reconstructed in 2020.

Park Usage

Creekwood Park is used as a neighborhood park.

Purgatory Creek

Purgatory Creek is 12 miles long traveling from Lake Minnetonka to the Minnesota River. The invasive species include curlyleaf pondweed, eurasian watermilfoil, and common carp.

Recreational activities include fshing for bluegill, white sucker, black crappie, and yellow perch.

Additional data can be found on the Riley, Purgatory, Bluf Creek

Watershed District’s website: rpbcwd.org

Future Plans + Considerations

There is potential for nature trails and wildlife observation along the creek with a connection to future nature trails in the Lower Purgatory Creek Conservation Area on the east side of Homeward Hills Road.

Location

9580 Eden Prairie Road

Acres

Developed – 11.6

Undeveloped – 0.0

Total 11.6

Amenities

Basketball Court

Open Grassy Area

Parking Lot (Stalls 51 +

2 ADA Accessible)

Picnic Shelter

Play Structure

Sand Volleyball Court

Skating Rinks (1 Hockey + 1 Free Skate)

Soccer Fields (2)

Tennis Court

Warming House (Capacity 40)

CRESTWOOD PARK

In 1992, the City acquired the 11.6-acre parcel located west of Dell Road and south of County Road 1. The parcel had been farmed since the late 1800s and at that time contained no trees or visible wetlands.

A former agricultural feld has been developed into a park with many berms for screening, two wetlands, and landscaping on the perimeter and entry. There are no mature trees on this site. Most of the vegetation is the result of landscaping, completed with the development in 2002.

Recent Efforts

The play structure was replaced in 2020. The tennis and basketball courts were replaced in 2022.

Park Usage

Along with being a neighborhood park, Crestwood Park is used for the following activities:

+ Summer playground camp site for preschoolers

+ Outdoor art programs

+ Tennis lessons

+ Rental facility

+ Outdoor ice rink and warming house

Location

Acres

Developed – 12.4

Undeveloped – 0.0

Total 12.4

EDEN LAKE (SCHOOL) PARK

Vegetation and grade separate the school and playground. There is generous hard-surfaced area for overfow parking.

Park Usage

Amenities

Baseball Fields (3)

Basketball Courts (2)

Nature Trails (0.5 miles)

Parking Lot (Stalls 40 +

1 ADA Accessible)

Play Structure

This park serves as the playground for Eden Lake Elementary School. The school and City jointly funded the purchase of the play structure and fund other improvements needed to accommodate school use. Additionally, the park is used by the neighborhood and youth athletic associations.

11700 Anderson Lakes Parkway

Recent Efforts

In 2009, a catch basin and underground drainage pipe was installed to improve the low depression located of the parking lot area.

The play equipment was updated in 2018.

Eden Lake

Eden Lake is an excavated wetland of 17 acres with a clarity depth of two feet.

Additional wetland data can be found on the Riley, Purgatory, Bluf Creek Watershed District’s website: rpbcwd.org

Location

16600 Duck Lake Trail

Acres

Developed – 5.4

Undeveloped – 3.1

Total 8.5

EDEN VALLEY PARK

Amenities

Baseball Field

Basketball Court

Horseshoe Pit

Parking Lot (Stalls 22 +

1 ADA Accessible)

Picnic Shelter

Sand Volleyball Court

Small Play Structure

Tennis Court

Trails

The park includes a small area and open grassy felds with an oak woodland area.

Park Usage

Along with being a neighborhood park, Eden Valley Park is used by the Eden Prairie Baseball and Football Association.

Recent Efforts

The play structure was replaced in 2005 and at the same time a sand volleyball court and horseshoe pit were added.

Future Plans + Considerations

The play equipment is scheduled to be updated in 2025.

Location

7200 Edenvale Boulevard

9 Acres

EDENVALE PARK

Amenities

Baseball Field

Basketball Court

Hockey Rink/Off Leash Dog Area

Parking Lot (Stalls 33 +

2 ADA Accessible)

Play Structure Trails

Warming House (Capacity 40)

The Edenvale Land Use Plan was established in 1970 for a 1,000-acre community. Some of the planned greenways were created, but others were not. The Edenvale Association dissolved in 1997. Neighborhood residents purchased small out lots and formed the Edenvale Conservation Group. Eventually, the City acquired land for the park through tax forfeiture land and purchasing land.

In 2005, resident input resulted in the construction of the warming house building and courts and felds. The original warming house was constructed in the early 1980s as a temporary facility. The current building was constructed in 2007.

The park has an attractive conservation area with song birds and ducks in a marshy area. The woods and marsh limit the possibilities for athletic facility development but ofer good opportunities for nature observation and study facilities. Trail access exists into Edenvale Conservation Area.

The City and the Riley Purgatory Bluf Creek Watershed District developed a management plan for all conservation areas in the Watershed District. This plan not only recommends best management practices for the area but provides a plan for developing public access through trails and a parking lot location.

Recent Efforts

The play structure was replaced in 2006.

Park Usage

Along with being a neighborhood park, Edenvale Park is used for the following activities:

+ Summer playground camp site

+ Rental facility

+ Outdoor ice rink and warming house

Additionally, the dog park is used seasonally and the park is used by youth athletic associations.

The park is located in the Edenvale Conservation Area which includes a one-acre pond, Purgatory Creek, and a low marshy area.

PARKS

Purgatory Creek

The creek is 12 miles long traveling from Lake Minnetonka to the Minnesota River. The invasive species include; curlyleaf pondweed, Eurasian watermilfoil and common carp.

Recreational activities include; fshing for bluegill, white sucker, black crappie and yellow perch.

Additional data can be found on the Riley, Purgatory, Bluf Creek Watershed District’s website: rpbcwd.org

Future Plans + Considerations

The play equipment is planned to be updated in 2026.

The basketball court is planned to be reconstructed in 2027.

Location

6950 Edenvale Boulevard

Acres

Developed – 0.5

Undeveloped – 6.6

Total 7.1

EDGEWOOD PARK

Recent Efforts

The play structure was added in 2006.

Amenities

Parking Lot (Dirt Lot Stalls 6)

Play Structure Trails

Well House/Picnic Shelter

Park Usage

Edgewood Park is a mini park located near the Edenvale Conservation Area of Purgatory Creek.

Future Plans + Considerations

The play equipment in scheduled to be updated in 2026.

Location

15219 Pioneer Trail

Acres

Developed – 65.5

Undeveloped – 0.0

Total 65.5

FLYING CLOUD FIELDS

The Flying Cloud Fields are located on land owned by MAC. In 2011, the felds were expanded to the west and two lacrosse felds, two baseball felds and additional parking lots were added.

Recent Efforts

Amenities

Baseball Fields (9)

Concessions Building

Grassy Open Areas

Parking Lot (Stalls 864 + 22

ADA Accessible)

Soccer Fields

Softball Fields

The full-sized baseball feld that was located adjacent to the soccer felds was removed once the two lower felds were completed to expand the space for soccer.

Miracle League Field

The Miracle League Ball Field is a custom-designed feld with a cushioned, rubberized surface to help prevent injuries. Constructed in 2015, the site includes wheelchair accessible dugouts and a completely fat surface to eliminate any barriers to wheelchair-bound or visually impaired players.

Future Plans + Considerations

City staf is working with MAC staf to develop a long-term lease for the land. Once this is complete, many of the planned facility updates will be completed.

Location

13708 Holly Road

Acres

Developed – 30.0

Undeveloped – 27.0

Total 57.0

Amenities

Baseball Fields (2)

Basketball Courts (4 Half Court + 2 Full Court)

Free Skating Rink

Hockey Skating Rink (With Lights)

Parking Lot (Stalls 65 + 2 ADA Accessible)

Play Structure

Tennis Courts (2)

Tetherball Trails

Warming House (Capacity 40)

FOREST HILLS (SCHOOL) PARK

The park consists of rolling terrain with a drainage basin. The site is bisected by the school with varying topography.

Recent Efforts

The tennis courts were reconstructed in 2018.

Park Usage

The park serves as the active play area for the elementary school. The School District designed and constructed the play structure and pays for improvements to accommodate school use.

Along with serving the School District, Forest Hills Park is used for the following activities:

+ Rental facility

+ Warming house

+ Sledding area

The park is also used by the surrounding neighborhood, seasonally at the dog park, and by several youth athletic associations.

Future Plans + Considerations

There are no future park improvements planned at this time.

Location

10245 Franlo Road

20 Acres

FRANLO PARK

Amenities

Baseball Field

Basketball Court

Parking Lot (Stalls 96)

Pickleball Courts (4)

Play Structure

Soccer Fields (2)

Softball Field

Tennis Court

Maple, basswood, oak, and pine trees have been planted w existed on site.

Recent Efforts

The play equipment was updated in 2020.

ithin the park, as no natural vegetation

The tennis and basketball courts were reconstructed in 2015 with the addition of four pickleball courts.

Park Usage

Along with being a neighborhood park, Franlo Park is use by the Eden Prairie Soccer and Baseball Associations and pickleball players.

Future Plans + Considerations

There are no future park improvements planned at this time.

Location

18300 Twilight Trail

Acres

Developed – 15.0

Undeveloped – 24.2

Total 39.2

HIDDEN PONDS PARK

The site is fairly fat with topographical variation at the edges. There is strong distinction between the maintained area and the highly vegetated edges.

Amenities

Baseball Field (ADA Accessible)

Basketball Court (ADA Accessible)

Large Play Structure

Nature Trail

Parking Lot (Stalls 60)

Picnic Shelter

Soccer Field

The park contains several large storm water drainage ponds associated with the Hidden Ponds development. Trails along the ponds were created by the original home builders of the development.

In the 1980s, the park was known for its bike trails and bike course jumps.

Park Usage

Along with being a neighborhood park, Hidden Ponds Park is used by the Eden Prairie Soccer and Baseball Associations.

Future Plans + Considerations

There are no future park improvements planned at this time.

Location

6608 - 168th Avenue West

Amenities

Open Grassy Area

Small Play Structure

HIGH TRAIL ESTATES PARK

Basswood, ash, and white pine trees have been planted on site.

Park Usage

High Trail Estates Park is used as a mini park.

Future Plans + Considerations

There are no future park improvements planned at this time.

1.3 Acres

Location

6395 Pinnacle Drive

Acres

Developed – 2

Undeveloped – 2

Total 4

HOLASEK HILL PARK

The east edge of this mini park is densely wooded with oaks and basswood trees.

This mini park shares parking with the adjacent athletic club and use of the park is limited to tennis playing. The City water tower is accessed through this parcel of land.

Amenities

Tennis Courts (4)

The historical Holasek House, circa 1882, relocated from the nearby Holasek Hill Park in 1986 to Minnetonka, and then to Eden Wood in 1987. The City-owned structure is currently used as a residence for Camp Eden Wood staf.

Future Plans + Considerations

There are no future park improvements planned at this time.

Location

12000 Silverwood Drive

Acres

Developed – 16.0

Undeveloped – 25.0

Total 41.0

Amenities

Barn Rental Building/ Warming House

Full Court Basketball

Free Skating Rink

Hockey Skating Rink (With Lighting)

Large Play Structure (ADA Accessible)

Open Grassy Area

Parking Lot (Stalls 107)

Paved Trail

Sand Volleyball Courts (2)

Soccer Field

Tennis Courts (2)

HOMEWARD HILLS PARK

The park site is relatively fat with a large portion of the site consisting of marshland. Steep slopes rise from park edges on the western side up to the bluf area. The lowland area has marsh vegetation.

The majority of the site is situated on dry sandy soils, which pose ongoing turf maintenance problems.

Park Usage

Along with being a neighborhood park, Homeward Hills Park is used for the following activities:

+ Summer playground camp site

+ Tennis lessons

+ Rental facility

+ Outdoor ice rink and warming house

The park is also used seasonally for the dog park and is used by several youth athletic associations.

Future Plans + Considerations

A concept plan to expand the play area has been developed to apply for grants. The intent is to replace and expand the play area in 2024.

Location

8208 Eden Prairie Road

Acres

Developed – 103.7 | Undeveloped – 0.0

Total 103.7 | Future Acquisition – 2.0

Amenities

Baseball Fields (4 Youth + 1 Regulation)

Basketball Court

Boat Launch (Maximum 10 hp Motor)

Concession Building with Restrooms

Fishing Pier

Hockey Skating Rink

Large Play Structure (ADA Accessible)

Parking Lot (Stalls 900)

Soccer Fields (3 With Lighting + 2 Without)

Softball Fields (3 With Lighting at 300 ft.)

Splash Pad

Sun Shelter

Tennis Courts (2)

Trails that link to LRT trail

Warming House (Capacity 40)

MILLER PARK

Miller Park is located on the Fred Miller farm site, originally owned by Sam Mitchell. The four Miller brothers agreed to sell it to the City below market rate in the early 1980s.

The site is long and linear in nature with relatively fat terrain and woods and drainage basin. Mitchell Lake abuts part of this site. The topography varies from landscaped berms along the north side to marshlands on the south and a wooded area along the southwesterly shore of the lake.

There are naturally occurring wooded areas on the site. Mature trees include oaks and basswoods. Additional trees have been planted throughout the site as part of the landscaping efort with the initial park development.

Mitchell Lake

Mitchell Lake is 124 acres with an average depth of fve feet and a maximum depth of 19 feet. The current impairments are mercury, and the invasive species include curlyleaf pondweed, eurasian watermilfoil, and purple loosestrife.

Recreational activities include, boating, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding and fshing for bluegill, northern pike, black bullhead, black crappie, and pumpkinseed.

Additional lake data can be found on the Riley, Purgatory, Bluf Creek Watershed District’s website: rpbcwd.org

Future Plans + Considerations

There are no future park improvements planned at this time.

Location

8641 Center Way

Acres

Developed – 27.6

Undeveloped – 0.0

Total 27.6

Amenities

Youth Baseball Fields (2)

Full size Basketball Court with 3 Hoops

Cricket Field

Hockey Rink (With Lighting)

Parking Lot (Stalls 128)

Play Structure

Sand Volleyball

Soccer Field Sun Shelter

Warming House (Capacity 40)

NESBITT PRESERVE PARK

The site includes mature oak, basswood, and mixed brush with native grasses.

A cricket pitch and new playground with a splash pad was installed in 2023.

Park Usage

Along with being a neighborhood park, Nesbitt Preserve Park is used for the following activities:

+ Summer adaptive camp site

+ Tennis lessons

+ Rental facility

+ Outdoor ice rink and warming house

The park is also used seasonally for its dog park and by the Eden Prairie Soccer, Hockey, Baseball, and Football Associations.

Future Plans + Considerations

No future plans at this time.

Location

9514 Grey Widgeon Place

Acres

Developed – 0.5

Undeveloped – 5.8

Total 6.3

OVERLOOK PARK

The hillsides include mature oaks, box elder, and elm trees. Willow and brush vegetation surround the creek beds.

Amenities

Play Structure

Valley Overlook

The northern portion of the site accommodates a trail connection from Creek Knoll Road westerly under the Highway 61 Bridge to the trail within Staring Lake Park.

Purgatory Creek Bridge

Built in 1920, this bridge is one of three bridges remaining in Eden Prairie built before 1950. It is the oldest and only historic bridge still supporting local trafc. The bridge is a typical concrete deck structure with wing extensions and concrete balustrade. Evidence of an earlier version of the bridge is visible below in the stone abutments that have been incorporated into the current bridge structure.

Future Plans + Considerations

No future plans or considerations at this time beyond basic maintenance and repairs as needed.

Location

8420 Mitchell Road

Acres

Developed – 8.7

Undeveloped – 11.2

Total 19.9

PHEASANT WOODS PARK

This park is primarily a marsh area with landscape trees around the perimeter.

Problematic Conditions

Amenities

Parking (Stalls 20)

Play Structure

Soccer Field

Softball Field

Sun Shelter

The perimeter landscaping screens the park from Mitchell Road. The soil conditions are extremely poor throughout the lower portions of the park making development of a park building or hard-surface courts difcult.

Recent Efforts

The play equipment was updated in 2016.

Location

8940 Sutton Drive

Acres

Developed – 22.2

Undeveloped – 7.0

Total 29.2

Amenities

Community Garden Plots (31 Plots + 6 Raised Beds)

Flower Gardens

Parking (Stalls 47)

Pickleball Courts (4)

Play Structure

Senior Center Building

Sun Shelter Tennis Court Trails

Yard Games Plaza (Bag Toss, Bocce Ball, Kan Jam, Tennis Racquets, Pickleball Paddles)

PIONEER PARK

The park is a mixture of open and wooded areas with rolling terrain.

The City gardens on site are allocated on a frst-come basis, with senior citizens being given frst priority. Eden Prairie provides the soil tilling, water, and fall mulching/cleanup. There is an orchard with a variety of fruit trees.

Park Usage

Along with being a neighborhood park, Pioneer Park is used by yard game leagues and pickleball and tennis players.

Recent Efforts

The play equipment was updated in 2011. A fruit tree orchard was planted in partnership with Hennepin County in 2017.

In 2018, bocce courts, permanent baggo boards, and a seating area were added adjacent to the tennis court.

Location

10379 Balsam Lane

Acres

Developed – 4.0

Undeveloped – 6.2

Total 10.2

PRAIRIE EAST PARK

The upper area is developed with minimal vegetation while the lower area to the east is in its natural state and contains cottonwood and willow trees. The park contains a small pond.

Problematic Conditions

Amenities

Basketball Court

Play Structure

Tennis Court

There is limited access without parking facilities.

Park Usage

Prairie East is used as a mini park.

Recent Efforts

The play equipment was updated in 2022 and the tennis and basketball courts were reconstructed in 2018.

Location

17255 Peterborg Road

Acres

Developed – 4.0

Undeveloped – 6.2

Total 10.2

PRAIRIE VIEW (SCHOOL) PARK

This site is situated near Duck Lake.

Recommendations

Amenities

Free Skating Rink

Hockey Rink

Play Structure on School District Property

Small Soccer Field

Softball Fields (2)

Warming House (Capacity 40)

The City will coordinate future improvements with the School District.

Recent Efforts

The School District replaced the playground in 2019. An edible playground with raised bed gardens was recently added. The Playground Camp participants and staf tend the gardens throughout the summer.

What Happens Here

The park playground is on school property, adjacent to warming house building. This park is used as the outdoor activity area for the elementary school. The City/school boundary runs through the middle of the hockey rink.

Along with being a school park, Prairie View Park is used for the following activities:

+ Summer playground camp site

+ Rental facility

+ Outdoor ice rink and warming house

Several youth athletic associations also use the park for sports.

13001 Technology Drive

189 Acres

PURGATORY CREEK PARK

Amenities

Fishing Pier

Flower Gardens

Jean Harris Gathering Bridge

Lambert Pavilion (Capacity 125)

Parking Lot

(Stalls 52 + ADA Accessible 3)

Parking at Southwest Station

Parking Ramp

Restrooms

Trails (Supports Non profit 5Ks)

Veterans Memorial

Purgatory Creek Park is a 189-acre Community Park with a developed urban park. A Veterans Memorial, gardens, Lambert Pavilion, and walking trails are the main attractions. The park also has the Jean Harris Gathering Bridge.

There is a water level control structure at the south end, dike control structure, and path at the north end. The entry to the conservation area is a six-acre site at the intersection of Technology Drive and Prairie Center Drive. This entry area was developed as an urban park with public art, fower gardens, and a large plaza that can accommodate special events and public recreation programs. A trail around the marsh was completed in 2003.

The Lambert Pavilion was dedicated in 2008 in honor of the former Parks and Recreation Director, Robert (Bob) Lambert.

Location

15416 Boulder Pointe Road

Acres

Developed – 4.0

Undeveloped – 0.0

Total 4.0

RED ROCK LAKE PARK

The lake’s surface management ordinance is in place. City code restricts boat motors to 10 horsepower or less. The Minnesota DNR manages the fsh population of this lake for recreational fshing. The City operates an aeration system on the north shore of Red Rock Lake when low oxygen levels are detected in winter months.

Amenities

Boat Ramp

Parking Lot (Stalls 15 + Trailer Spaces 6)

Play Structure

Tennis Court

Park Usage

Along with being a neighborhood park, Red Rock Park is used as a lake access point for boaters using the boat ramp.

Recent Efforts

In 2022, the tennis court was replaced and a dock was added at the boat launch.

Red Rock Lake

Red Rock Lake is 91 acres with an average depth of 11 feet and a maximum depth of 17 feet.

There was a red rock (sandstone) that was held sacred by the Sioux Indians on the west shore of the lake. The Sioux used to sit in council around this rock and leave behind beads and pipes.

Recreational activities include canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding and fshing for bluegill, northern pike, largemouth bass, crappie, bullhead, and perch.

Location

8266 Erin Bay

Acres

Developed – 20.1

Undeveloped – 15.0

Total 35.1

RICE MARSH LAKE PARK

There are mature trees along the southerly boundary of the park. The natural vegetation along the westerly edge is wetland shrubs, trees, and cattails.

Amenities

Ballfield

Full size Basketball Court with

3 Hoops

Parking Lot (Stalls 30)

Picnic Shelter

Play Structure

Tennis Court Trail

Recent Efforts

A trail was built in 2013 to connect to the west side of the Bearpath Golf Course. This connection was made possible through an underpass of Highway 212 and around this lake, tying into the trail around the west side in Chanhassen.

Rice Marsh Lake

Rice Marsh Lake is 83 acres in size with an average depth of fve feet and a maximum depth of 11 feet. The invasive species include curlyleaf pondweed, purple loosestrife, and common carp.

Recreational activities include canoeing and fshing for bluegill, northern pike, and white sucker.

Additional lake data can be found on the Riley, Purgatory, Bluf Creek Watershed District’s website: rpbcwd.org

Location

36.6 Acres

Amenities

Basketball Court

Boat Dock (Let’s Go Fishing Pontoon)

Boat Ramp + Fishing Pier

Historic Dorenkemper House

Historic Granary

Historic Riley House

Historic Riley Jacques Barn

Large Play Structure

Parking Lot (Stalls 191)

Pavilion (Capacity 200)

Riley Jacques Barn

Sand Volleyball Courts (4)

Softball Fields (2)

Swimming Beach (Annual Solar Regatta)

Tennis Courts (2)

Trail that Connects to LRT

RILEY LAKE PARK

Riley Lake Park is a 36.6-acre community park with a variety of amenities and historical buildings.

Park Usage

Along with being a community park, Riley Lake Park is used for the following activities:

+ Adult softball leagues

+ Adult volleyball leagues

+ Softball tournaments

+ Rental facility

The park is also used as an access launch for boaters and by the Eden Prairie Baseball Association.

Recent Efforts

The play area was updated in 2022.

The boat launch and beach area were updated in 2016.

Lake Riley

Lake Riley is 297 acres with an average depth of 23 feet and a maximum depth of 49 feet. Currently the water quality of Riley Lake is mostly swimmable. The current impairments are mercury and nutrients, and the invasive species include curlyleaf pondweed, eurasian watermilfoil, common carp, and zebra mussels.

Recreational activities include boating, waterskiing, swimming, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding and fshing for bluegill, northern pike, yellow bullhead, and yellow perch.

Additional lake data can be found on the Riley, Purgatory, Bluf Creek Watershed District’s website: rpbcwd.org

103 Acres ROUND LAKE PARK

Round Lake Park is a 103-acre community park with a variety of recently improved amenities. Prior to being acquired for a park in 1968-1970, the land was used by the Twin City-Hopkins Gun Club. The clubhouse was turned into a teen center during the 70s.

Due to park’s size, amenities, and proximity to the Community Center and high school, it is a great location for large community events. The park is the long-time site for the 4th of July Hometown Celebration and the Lions Club Corn Feed and has recently become the site for their Schooner Days.

The park also serves as a location for high school physical education classes and varsity tennis practices and matches. A joint funding relationship for the maintenance and reconstruction of the tennis courts

exists between the City and School District.

The beach and splash pad are extremely popular and act as complementary amenities. The swimming beach is supervised by City lifeguards during the summer. The one-mile loop trail around Round Lake makes it a popular place for walkers and bikers.

Round Lake Stadium hosts baseball tournaments for the Eden Prairie Baseball Association and the Eden Prairie High School varsity team. The sand-based feld with lighting opened in 2009. It has seating capacity for 380, with some seating under the roof covering, dugouts, bullpens, batting cage, press box, and concession stand.

16691 Valley View Road

Park Usage

Along with being a community park, Round Lake Park is for the following activities:

+ Tennis lessons

+ Skateboarding and BMX lessons

+ Adult and senior softball leagues

+ Softball tournaments

+ Rental facility

+ Outdoor ice rink and warming house

The park is also used by the Eden Prairie High School Baseball and Tennis teams, several youth athletic associations, and as additional permit parking for high school students.

Amenities

Basketball Court

Boat Ramp (Electric Motors Only)

Fishing Pier

Free Skating Rink with lighting

Grassy Open Areas + Small Play Structure (West Side)

Hockey Rink

Large Play Structure

Lifeguard Shack/Canoe Rental

Parking Lot (Stalls 369)

Paved Trail (1 mile Loop and Neighborhood Trail Connections)

Pavilion (Capacity 125)

Picnic Shelter (Softball Support)

Sand Volleyball Courts (2)

Skateboard Park

Softball Fields (3 with Lighting at 300 ft.)

Splash Pad

Swimming Beach

Tennis Courts (8)

Warming House (Capacity 40)

Round Lake

Round Lake is 30 acres with an average depth of 11 feet and a maximum depth of 37 feet. Currently the water quality is mostly swimmable and its clarity is the best it’s been since the early 1980s. The current impairments are mercury and perfuorooctane, and the invasive species include curlyleaf pondweed, eurasian watermilfoil, and common carp.

The City and the Watershed District initiated a three-year study in 2001 to improve water quality through the use of natural bacteria to control algae, and barriers to control geese. Additional water quality eforts over the years have been included upstream ponding, weed harvesting, and alum treatments.

Recreational activities include swimming, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, and fshing for bluegill, northern pike, yellow bullhead, and yellow perch.

Additional lake data can be found on the Riley, Purgatory, Bluf Creek Watershed District’s website: rpbcwd.org

Future Plans + Considerations

West playground will be replaced in 2023.

Location

17465 Rustic Hills Drive

Acres

Developed – 4.0

Undeveloped – 0.0

Total 4.0

RUSTIC HILLS PARK

The park is fat and level but sits on a hill overlooking the the Edenbrook Conservation Area. Mature lowland vegetation is found in the conservation area and borders the site on the western and southern edges of the park. A variety of trees have been planted in the interior of the park.

Amenities

Basketball Court

Play Structure

Sand Volleyball Courts

Tennis Court

Trail with Connection to Edenbrook Conservation Area

Park Usage

Rustic Hills Park is used as a neighborhood park.

Location

7620 Smetana Lake

Acres

Developed - 5.0

Undeveloped - 41.4

Total 46.4

SMETANA LAKE PARK

The site includes Lake Smetana and is mostly marshland. The walking trail around the lake is heavily used.

Park Usage

Amenities

Boat Ramp (Electric Motors Only)

Fishing Pier

Parking Lot Pavilion

Play Structure Trail

Along with being a neighborhood park, Smetana Lake Park is used as a popular walking trail for surrounding business professionals and as a rental facility.

Smetana Lake

Smetana Lake is 17 acres with a maximum depth of 12 feet.

Recreational activities include fshing for northern pike and carp.

14800 Pioneer Trail

Acres

Developed – 68.7

Undeveloped – 118.7

Total 187.4

STARING LAKE PARK

Staring Lake and Park were named for Jonas Staring and family. Jonas was a captain on the Erie Canal and came to the Minnesota Territory. He built the frst frame house in Eden Prairie on the lake in 1854 and also was the city’s frst postmaster. In an 1860 map, the lake also was known as Lake Caroline; and Goodrich Lake after a family who had built a nearby resort and hotel. Summer vacationers would come to the Goodrich Hotel to relax with croquet in the front yard, enjoy swimming and boating on the lake and to feast on the hotel’s famous chicken dinners.

This park is made up of three diferent park areas, each with its own distinct character, ranging from open fat areas to elevated areas afording a scenic view of Staring Lake.

Purgatory Creek runs through the eastern portion of the park.

There is a highly vegetated separation between ballfelds and the lake. The main park site has mature oaks, and there is mixed, mature vegetation surrounding the lake.

On the north side, the Outdoor Center provides outdoor recreation and educational opportunities to all age groups. In the southwest corner, the historic Cummins-Phipps-Grill house is near the seasonal dog park and archery range.

Additionally, there are crosscountry ski trails, which are groomed by the Eden Prairie High School Nordic Ski Team.

Park Usage

Along with being a community park, Staring Lake Park is used for the following activities:

+ Rental facility

+ Outdoor ice rink, sledding hill, and warming house

+ Seasonal dog park

+ Disc golf

+ Archery lessons

+ Special events

+ Summer concert series

The park is also used by several athletic groups including the Eden Prairie Baseball Association, Eden Prairie High School Cross-Country ski teams, Minnesota Youth Ski League lessons, and the Southwest Pickleball Association.

Amenities

Amphitheatre (Capacity 400)

Archery Range

Basketball Court

Boat Ramp (DNR State Land)

Cross Country Ski Trails

Disc Golf Course

Dog Park

Fishing Pier (West Side)

Historic Buildings

Park Building (Capacity 125)

Parking Lot (Stalls 250)

Pickleball Courts (8)

Sand Volleyball Court

Skating Loop (With Lighting)

Sledding Hill (With Lighting)

Softball Field

Tennis Court

Trail (2.5 mile Lake Loop)

PARKS

Staring Lake

Staring Lake is 166 acres with an average depth of seven feet and a maximum depth of 16 feet. The current impairments are mercury and nutrients, and the invasive species include curlyleaf pondweed, eurasian watermilfoil, common carp, and brittle naiad.

This is the fnal lake of the six City lakes linked by the chain of lakes project. Staring Lake is then drained by Purgatory Creek.

Recreational activities include canoeing, kayaking, and fshing for bluegill, black crappie, and black bullhead.

Additional data can be found on the Riley, Purgatory, Bluf Creek Watershed District’s website: rpbcwd.org

Recent Efforts

The playground was renovated in 2015.

Pickleball courts were added in 2017.

The building was renovated in 2020.

Location

17800 Sterling Terrace

Acres

Developed – 1.9

Undeveloped – 0.0

Total 1.9

STERLING FIELD PARK

Sterling Field Park was Eden Prairie’s frst developed park and maintained by the surrounding property owners until the mid 1980s.

Amenities

Basketball Court

Grassy Open Areas

Picnic Area

Play Structure

Tennis Court

The terrain includes wooded knoll sloping down toward the streets around the perimeter. The site’s vegetation consists of mature oak trees.

Location

7231 Gerard Drive

Acres

Developed – 1.9

Undeveloped – 0.0

Total 1.9

TOPVIEW PARK

The site’s topography is fat and surrounded by vegetation. The highway and related noise are visible and apparent. There are overhead power lines at the park’s edge adjacent to I-494. Residents requested the park due to their distance from a neighborhood park. Overall, the park’s aesthetic appeal is fair.

Amenities

Basketball Court

Grassy Open Area

Small Play Structure

Location

7402 Butterscotch Road

Acres

Developed – 7.3

Undeveloped – 34.7

Total 42.0

WILLOW PARK

The park’s topography is varied with some wetlands but mostly level with a small hill in the center. The site overlooks marshland areas on the west side of park. The east side has some vegetation. A permanent pond on the site has water level fuctuations. The pond’s rectangular shape was altered to soften its edge shape. Mature oaks are found on knoll tops.

Amenities

Parking Lot (Stalls 25)

Ballfield

Hard Court Play Area

Play Structure

Park Usage

Along with being a neighborhood park, Willow Park is used by the Eden Prairie Baseball Association.

Recent Efforts

Tennis and basketball court tile system was added to improve playing conditions. A new play structure was added in 2023.

Future Plans + Considerations

There are currently no future improvements planned for this park.

Location

6525 Dell Road

Acres

Developed – 8.0

Undeveloped – 2.8

Total 10.8

WYNDHAM KNOLL PARK

The park’s topography has level areas in felds on the west end of the park, a wooded hillside in the center, and low wetlands in the east portion of the park. There is woodland and marsh vegetation on the east half of the park.

The parking area is small and those using the ballfelds have to park on adjacent neighborhood streets.

Amenities

Parking Lot (20 stalls)

Basketball Court

Picnic Area

Play Structure

Softball Field

Soccer Field

Tennis Court

There is a trail connection to residential homes on Harrogate Drive on the south side of the park.

Park Usage

Along with being a neighborhood park, Wyndham Knoll Park is used by the Eden Prairie Soccer and Baseball Associations.

Recent Efforts

A new play structure was installed in 2022.

WE PROGRESSIVELY SEEK OUT INNOVATIVE TRENDS AND PIONEER NEW IDEAS TO IMPLEMENT THE VISION OF THE CITY. WE ENGAGE OTHERS AND USE FEEDBACK TO LEARN, DEVELOP, AND GROW.

APPENDIX

APPENDIX

Aspire Eden Prairie 2040 edenprairie.org/AspireEP2040

City of Eden Prairie Budget edenprairie.org/Budget

City of Eden Prairie Capital Improvement Plan edenprairie.org/CIP

City of Eden Prairie Website edenprairie.org

Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan edenprairie.org/EAB

Local Water Management Plan edenprairie.org/WaterPlan

Nine Mile Creek Watershed District ninemilecreek.org

Parks and Recreation Annual Report and Work Plan edenprairie.org/ParksAndRec

Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan

edenprairie.org/ParksAndRec

Quality of Life Surveys

edenprairie.org/QualityOfLife

Race and Equity Report

edenprairie.org/RaceEquityReport

Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District rpbcwd.org

Sports Trends Report edenprairie.org/ParksAndRec

Three Rivers Park District

threeriversparks.org

Urban Forestry Management Plan

edenprairie.org/ParksAndRec

SOURCES

About this Guide

Eden Prairie Demographic Sources

1. Eden Prairie U.S. Census QuickFacts. Retrieved from census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/edenprairiecityminnesota/PST045222

2. Metropolitan Council Community Profile. Retrieved from stats.metc.state.mn.us/profile/detail.aspx?c=02394614

Programs and Facilities: Recreational Programming

4. Witt, Peter A. and Linda L. Caldwell. “The Rationale for Recreation Services for Youth: An Evidenced Based Approach.” National Recreation and Parks Association. Retrieved from, nrpa.org/globalassets/research/witt-caldwell-full-research-paper.pdf

5. Twenge, Jean M. and W. Keith Campbell. “Associations between screen time and lower psychological well-being among children and adolescents: Evidence from a population-based study.” Retrieved from, time.com/5437607/smartphones-teens-mental-health/

6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Adult Obesity Facts. Retrieved on January 3, 2023: cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html

Eden Prairie Art Center

7. Kinney, J.M. “Arts + Social Impact Explorer.” Americans for the Arts.

8. Cohen, G. “Arts + Social Impact Explorer.” Americans for the Arts.

9. Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, CreativeMN Report, 2019.

10. “Arts + Social Impact Explorer.” Americans for the Arts. Pew Research Center.

Community Center

11. Eden Prairie Parks and Recreation. 2018 Annual Report.

12. Hyman, Mark. “How Social Networks Affect Your Health.” Retrieved on October 23, 2019. drhyman.com

Aquatics

13. SwimEye. Retrieved from swimeye.com

Parks and Natural Resources

14. Metropolitan Council. Retrieved from metrocouncil.org