Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 01/09/2020

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5. COMMISSION BUSINESS 5.01: Draft Recreation Policy Plan Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood introduced the draft recreation policy plan by recalling that this same topic was on the October agenda by way of an introduction. The recreation plan is a component of the Park System Plan. A final draft will be presented at the January meeting, and then it will be presented to the City Council. Recreation Specialist Proulx noted this plan is to be an encompassing document that has practical use for the City. Staff is looking for detailed feedback on the first section and also general feedback on the overall format. She noted it is important to set specific goals to reach desired outcomes in terms of recreation, with the goal of connecting residents physically and socially. The City's strategic plan has approved the action item to update the programing work plan and deliver to create a robust system of recreation services. Previous research has found a void of recreation programming in this area and surrounding areas. Recreation Specialist Proulx continued that the first three chapters of the policy plan highlight the trends for the City and the surrounding areas and the call for programming. After that come the current state of offerings, the vision of what to offer in the future, and how to do it. She highlighted the mission and core values adopted by Ramsey. Four core values particularly relevant to the Park and Recreation department include: fiscal responsibility, cooperation and teamwork, excellence and quality in the delivery of services, and adaptability and continuous learning. The impact recreation has already had in the City will also be included in chapter 1 of the document. Chapter 2 of the document will include trends related to demographics, economy, and recreation. Chapter 3 of the document will include information on the necessity of programs, with a focus on the importance of promoting personal health (both physical and mental) as well as community health (livability and economic development). Recreation Specialist Proulx then highlighted partnerships with local businesses, specifically the very first Ramsey Resident Day on the Farm at Pearson Family Farms. The City partnered to offer a day of fall events like face painting, hay rides, pumpkin painting, and more. The event was a great success, as over 180 pumpkins were painted and taken home, and there has already been talk of expanding the program for next year. Recreation Specialist Proulx continued that chapter 4 will cover the state of the programs in Ramsey, highlighting current programming as well as programming considerations for the future. Chapter 5 will communicate the vision of the department, motivations, goals, and program philosophy. There are a lot of elements that go into the plan, and the goal is to have it be workable and maintain relevance in the future. Chapter 6 will provide an overview of the plan, i.e., restate mission and vision, provide program assessment and evaluation, prioritize record - keeping, provide a facilities update, include a consideration of local partnerships, discuss the value of programming for lifetimes, notate inclusivity and accessibility for all, consider fee setting and cost recovery, as well as marketing and outreach. The goal for the final plan will be how to provide and maintain this plan for years to come. Park and Recreation Commission/November 14, 2019 Page 2of5