Loading...
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 V4 t \ t Irl W \\\\\\`Cy.. , \ J \ \1 \ • ,, \ \ \\\t Sm- J /'' \\ \ \moi t a ! 1 "`\ \\ `e\ ,\, •fl litIt VV t \ \i\\\\ \\ : ' i r \\ • , \ _ Y ,\\ It j \ \` ,. I ,\ ,\ ; , i N \\ \ \ \ ,. rlr ` .., 14t1. _ ••`,11 1 I t t t 77 v y ) t r ! — x v _ ii ii 1 y gill tl ( t..• ' ? ti,% ' , , a (; , I.. `_\ \\ t 1 ...r. l ` 'I 1111"tif/!/1 J`' ti .\: boomIAIM ,,•IJrr („(d(. _ pIt\• `\\ \ ` jam. ..'", __ c .ri F-.. '--,...r.'. .. .._. •, I. S i1 •:./, \— r J ..rM Jj}F `nom f t '/ jj :. wi 1 !f t Lt'f .# / 1 .. t •r w w r u ra Sol PA NN tit r 1 1' 11 t •,* \ \ I \ /,•/ ' J! y` .'"•'." ` i It It IF 7( t • i fl MANIALL ti w MM '...., ,.- ..:. . , it*- \ 1 , \ \ \.\ • t 1 • 71 NkI\\ \ It til. ka fill 11 fes. "-`... ^i;* ` y • \ own" I A{ c games if r I r mc" / 7-1 IN.i Itmomt .. e•'/fir /,/.. • ift e re c 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 i r•/ ,.-,, /err/ + ,__,,, \ N\ • i- SOFMALL It 22? x APOW woo 1. ... ,, lYi r 'moi ai THE tx1Y Of• PL1111DM f VAcAf t SRF ---- #_ LME i `w. niru. A rr. MAU LME KAYFELD at 10th a 5 aiw 6 AMO3As Ltd IA1 gM.onro ow"m 1 1 A r`r / ` % —' a ` \ °*,•,,. ` i' I v 1 \ 1 rR PAR UMb Ile p' ANA Laejam \\\ /4 ppal - ''traut `•./ / / ( f t sod R— J. w+ w71 aaasatic e wr . ry t naay. : ` ? C 0 f s+aaia +.w+af.a_<>r, aa,r• x — - 41 / Et, t ` -.. '"? rr. `. / r///./%%ice f /' • ol THE CITY OF PLYMOUTH SRFR"wAs Mi MMMM 1'•Y•"YY 1..; Y"evw'YYYww+n• w amt' • " . , j t 1, • f t`. • • rt . . .. \ f «' AAA SOCCER^^ Uwxnw 77 , j l• . 1 t. 1 ` ,,'' arfUJULM, , 1 -1 , tit e Yom'. - I , .. ,. , M X =0, 4, M MAS[ \'`t, •^ 310 POLL Lm ISS t.r• .r, a • _ . i / . t ANA 14 mfr wv'w . .. , u. •.r. + • "' F t f, N CAS « THE COY OF PLrWWM a, fr • fii 5 1 MOW A=KkW U& J few~ ' f.... , a n.ra.ro.....r..r rwW N\ j` , cif"` ' rTf''/ , ,.-'• /•r ~.. _.,; t \ \ \\\ If r ' 400010 oo IN W Pow-Lok ft.~.: r,-. •h ai cs ww , . '" !" ,/ ! ^. , \* tr r 1 \ ice% \ % rte ' ) 1 r ;. YM •r t':I'i\•^:•: .` `• , - Ian.... •. ' 4 r..•-l i THE CCTV OF PLYMOUTH Ohm I 1 AliASUlmoaftsw-ROh NWAFAI LILI%C _ no tea_ .n . t•.r p its'• . <!` r •' \ `.. 1/ ,=^` top I Mal i l - SOCCER it of Ili! `. i ' f/!`" i 1-46 e / J J flow m O ram an swomw t 1 r may, .1.. • \ YYit.MLiM r '".ter" it j/////I%l' /1:, r r/r/,f • YK MOF PLYMOUTH lUffWAR-%0SC0L4FA1Ml"M•MIC : $ —.- _ i i aMlwj&lmd • uw luwsw.rw R I i 23) r H . ; ,• . t t ( 16) _ sW "' -lar .1/ _ ( IL I's 37) o' r a• a •'S'•v oil 1+ he in 14 In's• A, S`s 39) o ,: ti ( O X01 • OTTO - {+.- KARROW KARFOW KUTZ BOEN GE MITCHELL 1 • , w las • %0131•4Q•el n w U o 12. er 1 y HILL a - GOMSRUD v 4 M•11 1717.E •' Ill e» no.a HODEN LAWSON _ HAWK 4e) it tiff Sl WPArll j 4 a' tz d. 10 9e IM•oo•ao•• .LIVERNiO .1 . (74) RE t zs,t 1 g t2) n s g Z •• . LETAK. •24N ' G s S') 32)460 4'' h jr s f r '(33) K l tp t BURETT GOLDEN 4 13 w 36) x(24) 11 lotto? a 'P • 13) • 40) lu ,nt t .7 ^ 2) 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 16 Ip i 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 Ii NUEVA T&, CITY MAMA ER 9 CITY cWNCIL PUBLIC WORK DIRECTOR --"--+ FIM SCE DtRECiDR P1,AtiNING vo uc sir os ----- NOMWOMANOW nlWac+w 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' llaryy loth, .ahnif low MUM it an cam --r FKVU No= ---moi 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