HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Packet 06-14-1990Regular Meeting of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission
June 14, 1990, 7:30 p.m.
AGENDA
1. Call to Order
2 Approval of Minutes
3. Visitor Presentations
a. Athletic Associations
b. Staff
c. Others
4. Report on Past Council Action
5. Unfinished Business
a. Parkers Lake Playfield Master Plan
b. Bass Lake`Playfield Master Plan
c. 1991-95 CIP
d. West Medicine Trail Update
e. 46th Ave Trail Update
6. New Business
a.
b.
C.
d.
7. Commission. Presentation
8. Staff Communication
9. Adjournment
Next regular PRAC meeting July 12
Minutes of the Park and Recreation, Advisory Commission Meeting
May 10, 1990
Page 17
Present; Chair Freels, Commissioners Anderson, Edwards, Beach, Rosen, Hanson
and Waage; staff Blank, Busch, Patterson and Pederson
Absent
1 CALL TO ORDER
Chair Freels called the May meeting to order at 8 p.m. in the Council
Chambers.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Commissioner Anderson and seconded by Commissioner
Edwards to approve the minutes of the April meeting as presented. The
motion carried with all ayes.
3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
a. Athletic Associations. None were present.
b. Staff. Mary Patterson told the commissioners that summer program
registration was in progress and some classes are filled at this tim6
Swimming registration is scheduled for May 19. Beaches open Memorial
Weekend for just three 'days. They re -open the weekend of ;June 2 6 3
and then close again until June 7, when they open and stay open until
August 12. A special summer concert has been arranged for June 16
funded by Schneider U.S.A. It will be held in the natural
amphitheater area outside city hall. Music in Plymouth is June 27;
the Yater Carnival is July 24. A summer intern from the University of
Minnesota will be joining our staff on June 18. Walk Minnesota was
held on May 5 at Parkers Lake and attracted about 250 participants..
Rick Busch presented Todd Enge with an Employee of the Month
certificate for the month of June. Todd's name will be added to the
plaque that hangs outside the Park and Recreation office. Todd
started working part-time for Park and Recreation in 'December of 1985
as a warming house attendant. He has also worked as a field attendant
during the spring, summer and fall seasons for the past four and a
half years. He has performed a variety of duties and is always
willing, to help whenever and wherever necessary. Rick
enthusiastically stated that Todd has been his best employee and that
he will soon be leaving the City to attend Marine Corps Officer
Training. Todd graduated from the University of Minnesota and is
currently attending law school at Hamline.
c_ Other„1. A resident questioned the improvements at Shiloh Park and
when they were scheduled. Director Blank gave her a copy of the 1991-
95 CIP and stated that Shiloh's improvements are proposed for 1991.
4. REPORT ON PAST COUNCIL ACTION
a. Swan Lake Neighborhood Park,. Director Blank informed the Commission
that. the City Council approved the master plan for Swan Lake
Neighborhood Park with the addition of s. parking lot on the north end'
that includes six stalls. This will cost an additional $18,000. The
May 1990 FRAC Minutes
Page 18
project will be under construction some time in July. Commissioner
Rosen stated that it is important to stress to residents that the Park
Commission is only an advisory group and does not have the authority
to approve. or deny the requests of residents when it comes to issues
relating to parks, such as parking lots, etc. He wanted this
statement recorded, because of the Council's action to 'include a
parking 'lot in the Swan Lake park, even though the residents were
against it and PRAC had endorsed the plan without, parking..
Commissioner Rosen went on to say that if residents feel strongly
about an issue, they should attend :the Council meeting as well as the
Park Commission meeting, since the Council has the final decision.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Playfields/Bass Lake/Parkers Lake. Director Blank stated that staff
had met with representatives of the various, athletic associations and
had, shared with them the concept plans for both Parkers Lake and Bass
Lake Playfields. He stated that he encouraged the Associations to
also attend City of Wayzata council meetings to stress to them their
need for more fields. Director Blank went on to say that we do not
charge for the day to day use of our fields, only for special events
and tournaments, and that. any group consisting of 50% or more Plymouth
residentscan use our facilities free of charge. The fields we
provide to the athletic associations are based on the percentage of
Plymouth kids' enrolled in the program. At the present time, Plymouth
is providing most of the fields for most sports.
Commissioners, staff and consultant George Matson briefly discussed
the plans for the Bass Lake Playfield based on the meeting held
earlier that evening with the residents. It was the opinion of PRAC
that tennis courts should be constructed in a low lying area for
protection from wind. The consultant stated that he heard strong
concern from residents for making the park more neighborhood oriented.
Some commissioners asked if there was a shelter building in the plan.
Mr. Watson pointed it out for them. Commissioner Rosen stated that
the concept of a playfield is to serve the entire community, not just
the neighborhood and that the architect is the one to rely on to keep.
the plan somewhat balanced. Commissioner Waage said that as the plan
looks now, it is not very balanced. It appears to be predominantly
baseball/softball with little area for football/soccer. Director
Blank indicated that the consultant will be reworking the plans.
Commissioner Hanson commented that the current concept plan does show
an area of trees being conserved which should help to ,,atisfy the KSE
Kids for Saving Earth) group. She suggested that staff meet with KSE
And show them what efforts are made to save trees when parks are
planned. Staff and the architect agreed that they would try to
arrange a meeting with the KSE group.
b:, Traits West Medicine/46th Avenue. The West Medicine trail is still
in the design process. Two homeowners who are concerned. about saving
some trees that ace in the way of the trail will be meeting with the
consultant to work on ways to go around these trees.
May 1990 PRAC Minutes
Page 19
c. park Tour' Director Blank reminded; Commissioners of the park tour set
for May i7 at 5 p.m.
6. NEW BUSINESS:
a. 1991-95 CIP. Director Blank briefly reviewed the items proposed for
development, improvement, or acquisition during the next five years.
He was unable to give the commissioners any information on funding
availability at this time, but said he would know more next month.
Commissioner Beach tiuggested, that the community center be put back in
the CIP for 1991.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER EDWARDS AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
ANDERSON TO PUT THE COMMUNITY CENTER IN THE 1991 CIy. THE MOTION
CARRIED WITH FIVE AYES. COMMISSIONERS ROSEN AND WAAGE VOTED NAY.
COMMISSIONER-R09EN FELT' THE PROJECT'S FUNDING SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN' FROM
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS AND COMMISSIONER WAE^E DID NOT THINK THE TIMING
WAS RIGHT.
1990-91 Skating Rink Locations. Director Blank informed the
commissioners that 33 sheets of ice are maintained during the winter
skating season with the majority of them located in southwest
Plymouth. He is suggesting that a sub -committee be formed to work
with. staff to come up with more balanced locations throughout all of
Plymouth. Commissioners Beach and Waage volunteered to work with
staff.
7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION
Commissioner Hanson informed staff that when she ;jogs near Timber Shores
Park she has noticed kids smoking pot This is happening between 4 and 5
p.m. and around 7 p.m. She asked staff to have the police patrol the ares
periodically.
Commissioner Edwards would like a new deck put on the playground equipment
at Zachary. The one that is there now has too much space between the
boards, which causes small children's feet to slip through. Director
Blank said he would look into it.
5. STAFF COMMUNICATION
Director Blank indicated he would be meeting with the residents around
Parkers Lake to come up with some type of ordinance on surface use and
personal watercraft such as jet skis. When an ordinance has been drafted,
it will go to the City Council and the City Council will then hold a
public hearing.
9.. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned ,at 9:35 p.m.
MEMO
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH,:MINNESOTA 55447
DATE: June 11, 1990
TO: FRAC
FROM: Eric J. Blank, Director o% Parks and Recreation
SUBJECT: MASTER PLANS - PARKERS LAKEJ'11 S LAKE PLAYFIELDS
l PARKERS LAKE PLAYFIELD
We sent out a written questionnaire with regard to the Parkers Lake
Playfield to '758 households. We received approximately a 10% response,
which is the lowest percentage of return we've had on any of our projects.
The consultant and I have also met with representatives of the baseball,
softball, football and soccer associations. We conducted two public
information meetings, one on May 16 and one on ;lune 6. Based on all of
this input and data, it is my recommendation that the attached master plan
2 be adopted as shown.
The site plan includes: two soccer fields, three baseball fields, four
tennis courts, two tot 'lots., picnic grounds with shelter, and a shelter
building with restrooms located between the baseball fields. We have also
confirmed that the County will grant a permit for a full ingress and
egress access at the corner of County Road. 6 and Shenandoah Lane. We are
recommending that this be a one-way entrance from that location. The
picnic grounds will have a one-way driveway with parking and will have a
gate on it for closing each evening. On the attached graphic the one-way
road is shown in yellow. The driveway is in blue.
It is my recommendation that the following facilities, shall be lit:
internal roadway, parking areas, tennis court, basketball court, large
soccer field, one 'baseball field.
2. BASS .UAKE PLAYFIELD
The same procedures were held for the Bass Lake Playfield as were used for
the Parkers Lake Playfield. The first Bass Lake meeting was held on May
10, with a follow up meeting on May 30. I have attached for your
information a list_ of those citizens. who were in attendance at these
meetings.. I have also enclosed a reference map showing the location of
where people live around the boundaries. I have also attached the five
different concept plans that were reviewed. with the r° -hborhood during
our public meetings. Plan #5 has been prepared in resp-, je to some of the
residents co^^erns for limiting activities within the park.
PARKERS LAKE/BASS LAKE ,MASTER PLANS
June 11, 1990
Page 2
It is my recommendation that Plan #3 be adopted as the master plan for
Bass Lake 'Playfield. I have attached an information vheet which George
Watson has prepared showing what facilities would exist within the
community in .the year 1992 and an estimated population of 56,000 people.
The chart indicates, that based ,on our recently approved. standards, if we
build all of these facilities, with the exception of tennis, we will still
be short in all categories including (soccer/football fields.. We own no
other property, nor does the school district own any other property within
the Bass Lake driving neighborhood. I cannot justify, under any
circumstances, the .acquisition of additional property elsewhere for the
construction of one or more soccer fields. Remember,; we have already
deleted one 'baseball field from the first site plan we prepared.
I am recommending that Plan #F3 be built which would include two soccer
fields, one 90' baseball diamond, one multi—purpose softball/baseball
diamond, one hockey rink, one tot Lot, four tennis courts and parking for
approximately 218 cars* A shelter building near the center of the
activities is also included in this master plan. I further recommend that
the following facilities should be lit at this complex; parking lot,
tennis courts,; basketball court, hockey rink, pleasure rink, and the large
soccer field located in the northwest corner of the park.
EB/np
Attachments
PERSONS ATTENDING PARKERS LAKE
PLAYFIELD MEETINGS
G.F. Weber
Greg Anderson 16225 18th Ave
Laukka Development
Henry Will.egalle
Ron Anderson 1525 Juneau Lane:
100 Ranchview La"e
Kim Bergman, Mayor
Libby Fairchild
1725 Wesson Lane
Peter Hitch
Plymouth Athletic Assoc.
LeRoy Houdeshell
Plymouth/Wayzata Baseball
Eileen A Stan Hunt
1571.5 17th Ave
Mary Kaehener
14603 County Road6
Diane Nagengast
14610 17th Ave
Deb Notto
1845 Terraceview Lane
Gordon Olson
Laukka Development
r
Bob Rice
1510 Terraceview Lane
Ron Robenson
15705 17th Ave
Bert Sheldon
1300 Dunkirk Lane
M. Stark
1345 Harbor Lane
Roger Teske
14900 31st Ave
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we5"t W1 Moil
June 11, 1990
To: Plymouth.Planning Commission, Mayor and City Council
Subject: Parker's Lake Park North of County Road 6
The Park and Recreation Commission/Department has proposed that the
site of the former workhouse manager -- on the north sideofCR 6 --
undergo substantial additions, including pavilion building, auto
access roads and separate parking area.
I question the value and soundness of this plan for these reasons:
1. The 3 -acre site offers a unique natural walking park AS IT IS
with some upgrading of grassy areas and. the continuation of the
standard pedestrian path)... without expensive additions. The.
P&R Department states that there is a "need" for a picnic area
that can be reserved for groups. it is questionable that this
area is adequate or appropriate to absorb that much activity.
2. The county will soon be making CR 6 into two full lanes each direction
In addition, the east -bound lanes will soon provide access to 494;
near Fernbrook. The traffic on CR 6 will increase dramatically
in the near future.
I
The present lakeside park area south of CR 6 and the increased traffic
can cause a major safety problem if groups were to use: the hilltop
area on the north side. There will be a natural tendency for people
especial youngsters -- to be running from the group on the
north site, across the four lanes to the beach area -- and back.
The current_P&R proposal also calls. for highway access off CR 6
to enter the north side area. Certainly the additional amount
of traffic, plus the present concentration of beach area, traffic
will cause problems.
3 There are ten or more new home sites in the Laukka Parker's
Lake development that back directly up to the proposed hilltop
park area. The residence concept -- as studied and approved by
the City of Plymouth - is based on high density structures, with
the high density relieved by a backyard '" courtyard "' for the
owners' privacy and outdoor use.
The juxtaposition of the; proposed high activity plan, including
group pavilion, -car parking and roadway vehicle access, is bound
to violate the purpose for which the "courtyard home" owners
purchased these homes.
The simple fact is that the proposed small site is not the proper
place to encourage group activity.
Plymouth leaders have done a real service to the community by
sequestering park area. Let's have some of these areas serve the
community as Buffers to development rather than create their own
development,
Robe L-. ce 151.0 Terraceview Lane
Plymouth, MN 55.447
ME
RESIDENTS ATTENDING: BASS
LAKE PLAYFIELD.-MEETTNGS_
Laura Keller=Gauts.ch Mike Scanlon
Dean Anderson 12.434 54th Ave 12825 54th Ave
5560 Pineview Ln
Don A Yvonne Kutz Doug Schon
Dick -6 Matt Bangston 13005 55th Ave 6055 Kirkwood Ln
12470 54th Ave,
Chuck Langer Vivian Starr
Kim.Bergman. 12935 55th Ave 6060 Annapolis
13930 60th Ave
Neal Lawson Jim Stimson
Tom Brothen 12730 54th Ave 1382.0 60th Place
5565 Rosewood Ln
Randee Lee Dan Storms
Gary Burke 5600 Sycamore Ln 12815 56th, Ave
5405 Norwood Lane
Steve Letak Jerry & Judy Surprenant
Don Butler 5430 Sycamore Ln 12845 54th Ave
12805 55th Ave
Judy Livermore
Charles Darth 12840 54th Ave
5761 Oakvi,ev Lane
Tom Malat
Rose Fallt 5575 Rosewood Lane
5375 Pineview Ln
Steve McNattin
Bev Faulkner 12625 58Eh Ave
5720 Sycamore Ln
Tim Miley
Jeff A Rochelle Fenton 12720 30th Ave
12437 54th Ave
Steve & Linda
Norman b Shelley Gartner Mittelholtz
1291.0 56th Ave 1271.0 54th Ave
Scott. Glatstein Tom Mottaz
12850 54th; Ave 12900 56th Ave
Bob Gomsrud Fred Netter
5415 Pineview Ln 5430 Norwood. Ln
David Hanson Jackie 6 John Palmer
12830 54th Ave 12805 56th Ave
Phyllis Hanson Jim Peterson
5310 Larch Lane, 5835. Oakview Lane
Tins. Heikkinen Jim Peterson
9520 Sycamare Ln 5711 Oakview Ln
Randy b Sue Hochste n Mary Pietsch
12520 54th Ave, 12860 54th Ave
Scott Jacobson David Rosenquist
12920 55th Ave 12443 54th Ave
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PLYMOUTH PLAYFTE`,DS 1992
Prepared by Brauer & Associates
Bass Lake Parkers Lake
I-baseball 90` 2-baseball 90'
2-soccer/football 2-soccer
1-softba"11/baseball 60-715' I-softball/baseball 60-75'
1-hockey
4-tennis 4-tennis
3:baseball fields
i` 4:soccer fields Total fields added with
2:softballl/baseball current proposals for
l:hockey rink Bass Lake & Parkers Lake
8:tennis courts
2192population.- 56 03b9pp ,
1990 = 52,939
1995 = 60.68
7,743 increase divided by 5 = 1,548.6 per year
1,548.6 per year x 2 - 3,097.2
1992 Needs (56_.036.2)
Softball/
Hockey Tennis Baseball Baseball
14 28 28 11
City" Wide
acs sties @ completion of Bass & Parkers
i I
I1 36 25 8
Football/
Soccer
17
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Mr. Eric Blank December 21, 1c,
Plymouth Park System Final Report ` B&A 89-4
BEDS (continued)
population growth projected by the City planning staff. The projections are for
saturation at the current M.U.S.A. line and assume a straight line growth. Attached
to fins report is the inventory of existing facilities supplied by your office. With a
current population of 51,390, we have calculated the current demand for each
facility. It is assumed that softball fields must have backstops, skinned infields, and
a minimum foul line range of 200 to 300 feet.
WAKE tis "KueanON (oily 1Qlfd.) - IMASIM UPOW STANDAMS 1982
Year Pop' Hockey Tennis Softball/ Baseball Football/
25/1000 .5/1000 Baseball .2/1000 Soccer
60'-75-) (901), 3/1000"
5/1000
1990 52.939 13 26 26 11 16
1995 W,682 15 30 30 12 113
2000 66.426 17 34 34 14 21
2010 83.913 21 42 42 17 25
This rspnsonts growth with the owent M.U.SA line
Modified 12/14/89 as directed by P.RAC.
These projected needs are compared with existing facilities to determine the
3 demand for new facilities between 1989/90 and 2010. This analysis assumes the
participation in these sports continues to grow in proportion to the straight line.
growth in population.
X
T
PRaJECrM AMIM FACILITIES .(City Wide) - BASED UPON SWIPIF NEEDS PFCOECTIM
Existing
1969 19W 1995 2000 2010
Tennis 28 +_0 +2 + 4 + 8
Courts
Softball/Baseball 23 + 3 + 4 +4 +8
k 800/75''ban
Baseball 5 +6 + t + Z + 3
901 ban
Hockey 10 +'3 +2 + 2 _ +4
Nnk:
Football/Soccer 12 +4 +2 + 3 + 4
Fields
These Added Facilities Are Not Cumulative)
5
MEMO
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447
DATE: June 13, 1990
TO: PRAC -
FROM: Eric J. Blank, Director of Parks and Recreation UD
SUBJECT: NATURAL RESOURCES REVIEW OF BASS LAKE PLAYFIELD SITE
During our second 'meeting on the Bass Lake Playfield, one of the residents
questioned whether or not we had done a natural resources review of the land.
Although we have not done this in the past on sites proposed, for development,
I concluded it would be in everyone's best interest if we had a quick review
of the site done. The attached document is not meant to be a full blown
environmental review, but it will give you one person's impressions of their
visit to the site.
I apologize .for the delay in getting this to y -u, but I did not receive it
until this morning. If you have any questions about this material, try and
reach me at the office Thursday prior to the Commission meeting (,550--5131).
EB/np
Attachment
i
Mr. George W. Watson
Brauer and Associates, Ltd..
7901 Flying Cloud Drive, Suite 11119
Eden, Prairie, Minnesota 55344
STATEMENT OF MISSION:
General Impressions of the site are very positive. It is
located in a very pleasant neighborhood with home owners
that obviously take pride in their homes. The neighborhood
is very fortunate to h ve so much quality open space which
includes this space and the large marsh to the west.
Topography is very interesting with the sites rolling hills
and prominent knolls. Unf ortunatel y there are no existing
wetlands or potential impoundments. The southeast corner of
the property provides some potential for impoundments but
flooding would kill many of the large existing trees.
Vanetation on the site is restricted to new growth materiel
with the exception to the southeast corner of the site.
This area has large mature oaks (pin, white & red),
basswoods, red maple, etc. The understory in the ravine is
of particular interest with pagoda dogwoods, chokecherrys
and large old ironwoods. The old farm site is also
interesting with the old farm buildings and several
introduced plants.
The majority of the site appears to be old farm fields l eft
to revegetate. The grasses consist primarily of common
bluegrass with sizable areas of bromegrass and clover (all
nonnative species). Several species of trees have
volunteered including ash, blackcherry, cedar, elm,
boxelder, aspen, etc. Other plants include prickly ash,
wild plum, sumac, poison ivy, raspberry, large areas of
goldenrod, thistle, yarrow, wild strawberry, common
milkweed. sweet clover, ~c klebur, goatsbeard, bladder
campion, etc. There is no intent to provide a complete list
of plants but to provide enough to evaluate the habitat
types and their potential value for wildlife.
Wildlife on the site at the time 1 visited it was fairly
significant, but not as much as I expected. I observed
several species of birds, butterflies_, deer- tracks and
pocket gopher mounds. This also included a common egret in
flight headed to the large marsh to the west. To do an
adequate inventory of wildlife would take several fours of
observation and would not be necessary ,or this evaluation.
From the existing vegetation and surrounding habitat one can
reasonably predict the wildlife use in this area.
CONCLUSIONS:
From my brief site review I present the following
conclusions:
1. The City should prioritize protection of the large marsh
area to the west and provide signi f i cant upland for nesting
cover. This should also 'include -monitoring the watershed
entering the marsh to maintain, a quality water supply.
2. The wooded area in the southeast area should be
protected and not utilized for- general public use., It,
should be set aside asci unique habitat and provide
potential use for limited environmental education. Natural
succession should be allowed to tae place and outside
development and drainage should not be allowed to negatively
impact on this area.
7. The study site, could be incorporated into the large open
space to the northwest and increase/maintain the sites value
for wildlife. The construction of Northwest Boulevard will
limit the value of ::his proposal.
4. To provide significant beneficial habitat for wildlife
would require an aggreIesive management program with the end
result possibly not justifying the return. If the site is
left unmanaged it will eventually grow up. :into a heavily
wooded vegetation with little value to wildlife. Burning
the area every 3 to 5 years would be a minimum requirement
and the sooner the better:
5. Knowing that cities have limited budgets and the ! ity of
Plymouth has several potential quality wildlife areas that
co+il d and should be preserved, the preservation of this site
should be of a lower priority.
h. '4f this site is developed, the edges should be left as
natural as possible tc provide nesting and a_ wildlife
corridor to the e:sisting natural area in the southeast
corner of the site.
Da id M. Shaffer
Landscape Architect and
WildlifePlanner
YarKs and Recreation
City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Blvd.
Plymouth, Ill 55447
Re Parkers Lake Playf,elds
Eric:
i
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NUEVA T&,
CITY MAMA ER
9
CITY cWNCIL
PUBLIC WORK DIRECTOR --"--+
FIM SCE DtRECiDR
P1,AtiNING
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air
First of all, thank you for your help in getting water surface use
regulations for Parkers Lake. I appreciate your involving the
residents in the drafting stages.
As I mentioned, my primary concern with the playfields at Parkers
Lake is the lighting. Since the playfields will be near_ the
relatively natural lake area, I would like to see every attempt
made to limit the glare of lights visible in the lake area.
My personal preference is that these fields not be lighted for
night use, because that would best maintain the evening relaxing
quality of the park. However, if lights mast be used, they should'
shine down, not out, and be directed away from the Take. I
understand there are lights specifically designed to shine down,
so that little surrounding glare is produced. If and when lights
are installed the contractor should be absolutely required to
provide this type of lighting --no substitutions.
The one; facility that I would like to see included is tennis
courts. If lighted, perhaps the coin-operated type would be best
so that they are only lit as needed.
Sincerely,
Marsha Videen
June 4, 1900
To: Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
Subjects Parker's Lake .Area
I understand that the Parks and Recreation Department is
planning improvements to the area on the north side of CO. RD 6
and west of Niagara. Specifically, my comments relate to the
proposed "picnic" area on the site and grounds of the former
workhouse manager's residence,
1. The hilltop site lends itself to a natural setting amid the
mature trees and some improved grassy areas. I submit that
a pavilion structure (as proposed) would not be required to
fulfill a, family picnicing function.
2 Please do not install an improved road through this relatively
small area. Certainly the short distance from existing parking
will allow people to easily reach the picnic area.
The principal reason to restrict vehicles from this area is
rather obvious. If motor vehicle access to the picnic area
is allowed, it will without a doubt become frequented by more
drivers of vehicles than by the people who will be using the
picnic area. A through roadway will encourage "Cruisers"
who will simply interfere- with the picnic activity j
and require extra police supervision day and night.
3. 1 am sure that the hundreds of thousands of dollars saved
by avoiding the structural and road "improvements" to the
proposed picnic area can be invested in far more productive
ways.
and we can have one piece of public area that is not
covered by asphalt, concrete, jungle gyms or metal buildings.
I respectfully request your consideration of these suggestions
and will be interested in your review at the meeting scheduled
for June 6.
Znce
Rice Copies for
1510 Terraceview Lane
Plymouth, MN 55497
Mayor of Plymouth
City Council
Public Safety Police Division
12470 S4th Avenue N
f Plymouth, Minnesota SS442
May 14, 1990
Mr. Eric Blank
DiVector of Parks and Recreation
cl :y of Plymouth
V „3U Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, Minne ota SS447
f
t Dear Mr, Blank:
4
First of all I would like to than'c you for the opportunity to attend
the meeting last Thursday regarding the proposed development of the
Dass Lake Playf iel,d. You are to be sincerely compl invented and thanked
for taking the concerns and desires of those `for whom the park, is
being developed into consideration during its design and development.
As you stated, the park will probably he th :t%e for 50 years-, It is
imperative that what it is designed to provide is in synch with the
needs of those who will utilize it, those of us in its immediate
proximity whose daily life will be affected by its use, and projected
social trends in general
I do have some very strong concerns of the park's development as
currently proposed. I am not a professional planner, nor do I pretend
to be one, However it does, appear to me that:the density of
facilities proposed for the park is too great for the area available..I
fear that the potential quality of 'the park is being sacrificed by the
quantity of fields proposed. This situation would be even worse than
what was shown ctn the latest design you displayed by the fact ,'hat
that design did nog include the sk-.ting pond which vGu stated would
have to be "squeezed In somewhere"
Y ' other concern I have is he degree of lighting requi red for the
a-ells and rinks as proposed. 1. do not doubt the need for thet
Iightxrno you described for the types of fields proposed.. I do'
strongly question if this type and amount of lighting is appropriate
or a park that is to bc: located in the middle of a residential
nt-ighborhood. Zachary Pare, which I understanto be sioilar in
design to x',.he current proposal for Bass Lake Playf ield, is next to a
chur-h at =d water tower and across from a school. Bass Lake Playf ield
on the other hand is suriounded at least on three sides by residential
neighborhoods.
The impact of the park, as currently proposed,, on Motor traffic volume
and speed on Pineview is perhaps the most wor^isome of all my
concerns., The Bass Lake n. ghborhocd is dominated. by people who like
to walk, jog, and bicycle_ Many of these activities are done in
a.
family groupings, and with the 1, rations of the various residential
pockets it is impossible to par{4al;e in any of them without utilizing
P'ineview, out of regard for safety, the last thing that is needed on
that street is more and faster traffic.
I want to assure you that. I am not against the development of the
park. T have two childrenwhoare actively involved in organized
athletics and recreational activities, i°nd therefor from a personal
standpoint I am excited about the park's potential Furthermore, the
benefits ofa soundly thought out and well designed park are something
that all of northern Plymouth and the Bass Lake area can be grateful
to the Plymouth PRBC and city government for, What I want us to -void
is any action that: for expediency sake sacrifices quality for quantiy
and turns a community neighborhood into an area with a "light
industrial" feel.
I have, every reason to believe that quality of neighborhood and life
is important to you. Otherwise I do not: think you would have taken
the time Cor hassle and grief) to involve the community as openly as;
you have in the planning process. I do not feel, that we need to or
should go to the extent that Minnetonka went to recently when it
totally abandoned plans to develop an athletic complex:. However, I
hope we all will excercise the foresight to assure that what is
developed today will enhance the quality of the Bass Lake area and
Plymouth as a whole for the neat 50 years,
You have nay sincere gratitude for allowing me to express, nay concerns
and views.
BincereIY,
Dick Sangston
ct: PRAG
City Council
Mary Koch Jahnke
12510 - s s tb Avenue North
Plymouth, Minnesota 55442
WINWAD
I MINN*
hay 15, 199 fM tMICEOM1.10t _.ra
PLJIG DIRECtOR` ......
hr. Eric Bank PU81iCSAffTr'D
City of Plygouth ADMINISWATWE A
ARK OOIAN WON
ZTY AITORNEY
Dear hr. Blank, Ionil*
011iE
I at- writing you about the Bass take Playfields.. Me have been residents
of Plyeouth for the last 12 yearn, and for the past 9 years we have eagerly
be#, anticipating the building of the Bass tike Playfields.
As.a parent of elecentary age children, we feel the playfields are sorely
needed in this area. In order for our children., and those in this area to
find a baseball field, they oust be driven at least 2.5 tiles. It is further
tZ the MrES,t hockey and soccer facilities-. As you can see, we need
playfiflds in this area.
Last year t+e sowed within the Pass lake area to a new hose. One of the reasons
fbr this eecision was the pending pldyfields that Mould be close to our hose
and anal ablE for, both children and .dolts.
Iunderstand that there is some opposition to the playfields from residents .
sarroundine the park. They have proposed a more natural park. This is not,
it ty opinion. what M4 need. There are several natural parks in the area,
includinz Frena Perk ane the Fist Lake Park Preserve. What we need are
pla'jfA-11d ,
SnE*es}?
i'
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PLANNII OME:ION .....
PUBLIC 8Af!'n DNtEM
ADMIRSIOATIVE ASKSTRN
PARK COMItI$ M
XI Y,AT1ORFIEY ---
May 21, 1990(
Mr. Eric. J. Blank
Director, Parks and Recreation
City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Blvd.
Plymouth, MN 55441
Dear Eric:
I am writing to tell you how excited our family is
over plans for the Bass Lake Playfield. We are
residents of the Bass Lake Heights neighborhood, and,
currently there is a real dearth of playgroundand
athletic facilities in our area.
My husband and I are particularly pleased to hear that
the park will include tennis courts. As you know, the
Zachary courts are fully utilized. Additional court
space, with lights and wind screens as planned, will
be a great addition to the neighborhood. I understand.
the working plan calls for four courts--six would be
even better!
My son has some growing up to do before he joins the
soccer and baseball programs, but he's more than ready
for the playground equipment planned. We will also be
heavy users of the park's planned bike trail system.
I look forward to the discussion of revised plans for
the playfield, scheduled for May 30 beginning at 7
p.m. I also look forward to using the park in the
not-so-distant futurel'
Sincerely,
Kratbn Wenke
5655 Sycamore Lane N.
Plymouth:, MN 55442
Sunday, June 3, 1990
Michael Dering
13035 56th Avenue No,
Plymouth, MN 55442
Dear, Parkboard Member:
In 1986 my family moved to the Bass Lake Heights area of Plymouth, our children were
six. and tour at. the time.: Prior to selecting an, aran to build our home I went to City Nall and
studied proposed parks, roads, trails, and schools. I believe this is an action most people take or
should take before making such an important move, A major draw to the area for us was the park
to be built at the Pineview prion. The thought of our children growing up in the area with such a
facility< so close by thrilled my wife and me;
Of course, with the initiation of every city project comes controversy, Now that the
proposed park is finally nearing its groundbreaking stage, some residents are claiming they didn't
know it was going to be there [therefore, it shouldn't by built]. Others say they knew it was
coming, but thought they would have moved by then [in other words, let's delay it until i do]. Then
there are those who knew it was Supposed to be there, chose to build next to it, (expensive homes
at that), and now cry "environment" when we know it's their property value and privacy they are
really worried about, All this, of course, is really at the expense of the children of this
community who badly need a place that can. accommodate the type of activities children participate
in today, And while we are waiting for it to become a reality, we continue to drive our children to
more distant playfields in Maple drove to participate in their athletic events,.
This land was purchased by the city with a playfield in mind, not a nuture preserve, or a
wonderful big backyard for those who happen to be too close for comfort. The idea of nature and
preserying the earth is a noble idea, and one 1, too, am interested in, but let us not lose sight of
what the real protest is about here.. What's more important is the good that parks bring to our
society as a whole. They bring people together in activities that are healthful for the body, mind,
and spirit, Nature parks are also good for body, mind, and spirit, and we have many of such
beautiful regional parks, one of which is but 3/4 of a mile from the proposed Pineview Playfield
In closing i would like to say that i Kra* there is a very vocal opposition to this playfield,
but I feel strongly that there is art even greeter silent majority who is for it, Please get this
already delayed project underway.
IiRespectfully,
0ael Dering
cc, council members
DRAFT CTP .1991-95
1991,
Shiloh Park playground- (soccerlbaseball)
Gleanloch Parkplayground
Northeast neighborhood park development
Parkers Lake Playfield development
Playfield/land` acquisition County Road,9 6 Dunkirk (U.S. Homes)
Trails
Plymouth Creek Park ;tennis courts
Zachary Park- expansion parking
Ri.dgomount Playfield - irrigation for new ball fields
Community Center
1992
County Road 9 b Fernbrook Neighborhood Park acquisition/development
West Medicine Lake Park Phase I
Timber Shores parking lot (if road is 'built)
Trail (Zachary Lane from Old 9 to Co. Rd. 10 if road is built)
Trail other
193
Mud Lake Neighborhood Park
Wetit Medicine Lake Park Phase II
Trails
Ridgemount Playfield shelter building
122
County Road 101 &,24 Neighborhood Park
Trails
Plymouth. Creek Park (dredging of pond)
1995
Parkers Lake Neighborhood Park (Vicksburg & 22nd)
Trails
and May 25, 1990'
M. EA i.c BCanc
Diptectoit oS Parke and Recneat%on •``. ' 'i
City 06 Ptymouth
ts w n.
Ptymouth, Mn.'.." .`
Dean 9k. Stan- t
At a tecent gathming o5 Ptymouth. Crceek Homeowaeu we were att
taC.king o 5 how trice it woutd be .is the hikinging and biking tuu,t
wene•to be extended to Ptymouth Cxeek Pank. We WAe aU urged to
unite .to you to euppont th,ie eugge.ation. I am aurae. that you
have tete ived many nea.eona box thiz, ao I won't go into detail.
I do beeieve, however, .that we wautd be, w Uing to give you any
auppoAt needed-Ao aeeomplieh. I wout.d urge ,that you give thi i
veAy 6eAiou6 c.ouidma,t on. Thanke So,% your e66ontU
cera y,
t)m. C. Maiming
15545 416t Ave. No.
Ptymouth, Mn. 55446
ofd WMW .
cnv 'Ill
may 8, 1990
AUC NOlR /CARS ----a
PtA NW D;i'ECWs
t PUBLIC .My n L
Mr Eric Blanc M
Director, of Parks a Maintenance PRRKC+,;J 1
Plymouth City Center cIRY 1170A "_Y
3400 Plymouth, Blvd
Plymouth,,MN. 55447
Dear Mr. Elanc;
As. residents of Plymouth Creek townhomes, my wife and I would
like to urge you to extend the recreation trail in our area to at
least the: Plymouth Creek park. Currently this trail extends only
from 41st Ave to 37th Ave North.
The population density in,this area demands that the trail be
extended to allow additional off-road jogging and biking areas.
The highways in the area do not have shoulders that: permit safe
use for these popular exercises. This lack of trail space is
complicated by the fact that the trail area under new County Road
9 floods with every rain fall and is not passable.
Please consider our regrost and vote to extend; this trail as far
as possible to provide safe exercise space. Hopefully this trail,
will be available for use during the 1990 season.
Sincerely,
Allan Mary Campbell
41,20 Ranchvi&w Lane
Plymouth, MN. 5544.6
1
Community Development Division
900American Center
150 East Kellogg Boulevard
St.. Paul, MN 55101-1421
612/296.5005
612/296.1290
IMUM 10
G" WAVE
1000AI
N tl«O t O IpR
May 11, 1990 POW so= 1pj "
I'll
jn" Wov a 7np
alE ANUM
Mr. Eric Blank o1fielliti;
City of Plymouth It'
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth. MN 554420
RE LW27-00818, Plymouth Creek Playfield
City of Plymouth, Hennepin County
Dear Eric:
This letter is to inform you that the Department of Trade and Economic
Development, Outdoor Recreation Grants Section, recently made a post-completion
inspection of the above-referenced park. Periodic inspections are required of
all sites previously funded under the federal' Land and Water Conservation Fund
LAWCON)
Our inspection revealed that the Park is being properly maintained and operated
for public outdoor recreation use. 1 especially like the excellent development
plan done for the park. We wish to commend you for your commitment to providing
a high-quality outdoor recreation facility for the residents; of your area.
If you have any questions about this letter, please do not hesitate to call me
at 612/297-4831.
Sincerely,
Marcia Taubr
Project' {Officer
Am
LAWCaN X/8-CP
An Equel Opportunity Employer
t
CIN 0.
My 23 1990 PIYMC+
Carol J. Bryant
Plymouth Croak Elementary
16005 41st Ave. N'
Plymouth, MN 55446
Dear Ms. Bryant;
I am writing in follow u? to your letter and phone conversation with regard to
the playground for Plymouth Creek Elementary School. We, discussed that the
Park and Recreation Advisory Commission will be considering this matter as
they review the capital improvement 'budget at their June and July meetings.
If you, or a representative of the school, wishes to sit in on those meetings,
they are scheduled for June. 14 and July 12, beginning at 7s30 p.m.. in the City
Council Chambers.
The most important issue the Park Commission will have to deal with, on this
subject is whether or not. Plymouth Creek Elementary School will be considered
a substitute for s neighborhood Pl rk in the City's Comprehensive Park System
Plan. This is the first criteria which must be suet in order to qualify for
any matching funding.
Thank you for your time and intereat in this matter. If I may be of further
assistance, please do not hmsitate to give me a call at 550-5131,
Sincerely,
Eric Blank
Director of Parks and Recreation
EB/np
cc: City Manager
PRAC
3400 IYMOUT H BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447, TELEPHONE (612) 550.5000