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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Packet 07-12-1990Regular Meeting of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission July 12, 1990, 7:30 p.m,. AGENDA 1.. Cali to Order 2. Approval of Minutes 3; Visitor Presentations a. Athletic Associations b. Staff C. Others 4. Report on Past Council Action a. Bass Lake Playfield - approved plan b. Parkers Lake Playfield - approved pl., c. Swan Lake Park - award contract 5. Unfinished Business a. 1991-95 CIR b. West Medicine Trail Update c. 46th Ave Trail Update 6. New Business a.. b. c. d. 7., Commission Presentation 8. Staff Communication 9. Adjournment Next regular PRAC meeting September 13 Minutes of the .Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Jdne 14, 1990 Page 20 Present:: Chairman Freels, Got*nissi.oners Andersonf Edwards, Beach, Rosen and Hanson; staff Blank, Greupner,, Patterson and Pederson, Councilman Ricker Absent: Commissioner Waage; 1 CALL TO ORDER Chair Freels called. the June meeting to order at 7:30 p.m, in the Council Chambers. 2. APPROVAL: OF MINUTES A motion was made by Commissioner Beach and seconded by Commissioner r Edwards to approve the minutes of the May meeting as presented. The motion carried with all ayes. 3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS a._ Athletic Associations.- None were present;. b. Staff. Karol Greupner announced the concert in the parks schedule and the special concert featuring the Rockin' Hollywoods set for Saturday, June 16, at 7 p.m. This special event was made possible by the. financial support of Schneider USA. The concert is to be held outdoors at Plymouth City Center, but in case of rain will be moved to the _gym at Wayzata East Jr. High. Additional programs Karol discussed included the Water Carnival at Parkers: Lake on July 24, which will feature the Teddy Bear Band and the Sons of the Beach band; the summer school program in District 281, featuring a class called "Just for Kids," which is sponsored by Plymouth Park and Recreation; a community music lesson program sponsored with northwest suburban park and recreation departments. Music lessons will be offered in two locations in each community and are geared to pre-school and elementary children. Karol presented this month's "Employee of the Month" certificate to Peggy Rick, who has a 'B.A. in Educational Psychology and teaches Jazzercise and Know More Diet to adults, Jr. Jazzercise to teens, and Small Change for mothers and their pre-school children from six months to three years old. Peggy will also be teaching the "Just for Kids" class which is part of the '81 Sumner School program. Mary stated that draft budgets for 1991 are completed. Fall programs for inclusion in the Plymouth News must be in by the end of July. A summer intern; will begin work with the Plymouth Park and Recreation Department June 18 and will be with us for ten web s. c • Others. None. 4 REPORT ON PAST COUNCIL ACTION None. June 199.0 PRAC Minutes Page 21 5. UNFINISHED BUSYNESS. a. Parkers Lake Playfield Master Plan. Brauer and Associates consultant,, George Watson, explained the master site plan for Parkers Lake Playfiel,d which features two soccer fields, three baseball fields, two of which are 90' diamonds, four tennis courts with an adjacent basketball court, two tot lots, picnic grounds with shelter located on the site of the Workhouse Superintendent's house, parking for about: 200 cars, and, a concession Irestroom building which wilt be located between the baseball fields., Hennepin County has granted the City permission for an entrance and an exit off County Road 6. The entrance to the picnic grounds will be: one way off County Road 6, and will use the existing driveway access to the Workhouse Superintendent's property. This, site. will also have a gate at both the entrance and exit, This will be a large group picnic area with parking on site for about 12 cars. Staff is recommending that lighting be included on the internal roadway/parking areas, tennis and basketball courts, the large soccer field and one large baseball field. Tunnel access 'co the Parkers Lake City Park will eventually be provided near the intersection. of Niagara Lane and County 'Road 6. Chair Freels invited comments from residents, but since none were - present, he asked the commissioners for their questions and comments. Commissioner Rosen asked what the: plans are for the southwest side of the Parkers Lake City Park. Staff respondedthat the master site plan called for group picnic facilities with shelter buildings, but it was contingent on securing off road parking in that area. Commissioner Rosen then stated that he agreed with: the comments made by a resident in a letter received by the Commission that group picnic facilities were not appropriate at the new Parkers Lake Playfi,eld site. It's a dupl.ic.Aion of services. He wants staff to further research the proposed group picnic aria on the southwest side of Parkers Lake, and to leave the old Workhorse Superintendent's property as is Commissioner Beach stated that she supports the new proposed group picnic area, because she feels the City needs a place for groups to reserve, since the large picnic shelter on the south side of County 6 is on a first-come, first -serve basis. Commissioner Anderson stated that Plan #2 as presented by staff was supported by the residents with the exception of one person. He commented that a tunnel is going to be constructed under County 6, which will provide access to the park on the south side of 6. Commissioner Hanson stated that French Park, has group picnic facilities which can be reserved, so she isn't sure that we need' them at the new playfield site.She also commented that the tunnel will provide some safety for people who want to get to the other side of County Road 6, but it's pretty far away from the group picnic area.. She is also concerned about haw the one way access would be controlled to prevent it from becoming a two-way road. Chair Freels supports the group picnic area and the development of the old Superintendent's property. He has visited the site with the x consultant and believes it is an ideal spot for a picnic grounds.. 0 June 1990 PRAC Minutes Page 22 Commissioner Rosen stated that if Plan #2 is approved,; he, would like the,, proposed picnic, grounds on the southwest side of Parkers Lake to be deleted from the muster site plan,. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BEACH TO ADOPT PLAN 2 AS PRESENTED BY STAFF,; INCLUDING THE LIGHTING RECOMMENDATIONS. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH FIVE, AYES; COMMISSIONER ROSEN VOTED NAY; COMMISSIONER WAAGE WAS ABSENT, A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER ,ROSEN' AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HANSON TO DELETE THE PROPOSED GROUP PICNIC AREA ON THE SOUTHWEST SIDE OF PARKERS LAKE CITY PARK FROM THE MASTER SITE PLAN. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH FOUR AYES., COMMISSIONERS ANDERSON AND EDWARDS VOTED NAY. b, bass Lake elayfigld Master Site Plan. George Watson briefly explained five different concept, planswhich he. ;prepared for Bass Lake,, and stated that Plan 5 was prepared because of resident input. Staff is, recommending Plan 3`, which includes one large and one small soccer field, one 90' baseball field, one 65' softball/baseball field, one hockey rink, a general skating rink, one tot lot, a picnic area, four tennis courts with an adjacent basketball court and parking for 218 ct.rs. Plan 5 is slightly different, with the deletion of the small soccer field and the hockey rink moved to a location east of the pleasure skating area, rather than 'being; south of the pleasure skating rink as shown in Plan 3. Chair Freels opened the public meeting and invited residents to make comments. Dick Bangston, 12.470 54th Avenue, stated he is not against the park., but is concerned about its effect on the, neighborhood. He is against lighting. He thought that positive steps had been taken in developing the ,five different plans and said he prefers Plan 5. He encouraged staff that if a plan is approved, they should work with the group Kids for Saving Earth. Chair Freels commented that as many trees as. possible would be preserved.. Pete Beckman, 12905 55th Avenue, opposes the playfield. He stated that he knew about the plans to build the playfield when he moved in, but assumed things would change. He lives right on the park and wants it to remain natural. Right now it is a wildlife refuge and he would like it to stay that way. He named several other cities around the Plymoluth area where ball fields can be utilized. Chairman Freels reminded Mr. Beckman that the City purchased the land in 1981 and alaiays intended to build a playfield there. Norman Gartner, 12910 56th Avenue, moved: to this area in 1984. He has a young son who looks forward to playing ball. He stated that the fields in the surrounding communities are not available to Plymouth residents as Mr. Beckman claims. He. has waited six years for this, playfield to be constructed and wants it built as soon as possible. He prefers Plan 5 with lights only on the tennis courts. He is concerned about the timing of the construction of Northwest Boulevard and urges the City to build a temporary access to the park if Northwest. Boulevard isn't in when the park is completed. June 1990 POC Minute Page 23 Don Kutz, 13005 55th Avenue,, lives on the northwest corner of the. proposed playfield and states that he believes the park will be built regardless of 'how some residents feel. He is not against the park but is concerned about fencing and landscaping and keeping park users from trespassing on his property:, Chair Freels commented thatstaff is sensitive to this issue and will work with residents to minimize the possibility of trespassing. Neal Lawson, 12730 54th Avenue, stated he was thankful for the process of involving the residents and also believes the park will be built. He is concerned about drainage and he is opposed to any lights. He feels the park's construction should be timed to coincide with the. completion of Northwest Boulevard. Scott Glatstein, 12850 54th Avenue, commented that he knew about the park when he moved in, but that the proposed plans are not the same as the one on the sign. He was quite upset to learn that a, hockey rink is. proposed next to his back yard'. He was happy to see that Plan 5 calls for moving the hockey rink farther away. Dick Livermore, 12840 54th Avenue., knew about the park when he moved in,, He prefers Plan 5 and is opposed to lights. If Northwest Boulevard isn't in when the park is ready for use, he feels people will trespass on private residents' property to get to the park. Jim Stimson, 13820 60th Place, stated he is in favor of the park. He has children old enough to play organized sports and now spends four nights a week driving them to northern, Maple Grove to play. tie likes Plan 5 but doesn't want lights. He thinks the cable for lights should be installed', however, when the park is built. Fran. Otto, 5475 Rosewood Lane, is concerned about drainage on his property. He is opposed to lights:. He would like as many trees and vegetation preserved as possible-. Libby Fairchild, 1725 Weston Lane, commented that even though she doesn't live in this area, she supports the construction of this playfield and the Parkers Lake site She was curious about why there is a hockey rink, proposed for Bass Lake but not Parkers Lake. Staff responded that: there is more need for a hockey rink in northern Plymouth at this gime, and that a hockey rink could be placed on Parkers Lake if necessary, Commissioner Beach then commented that it was her impression that the Plymouth -Wayzata Hockey Association didn't want outdoor ice, only indoor rinks. Director Blank confirmed that. Wayzata Hockey has plenty of outdoor ice, but that in northern Plymouth, there are only two outdoor rinks, and they are locatedat Zachary Playfield. Director Blank stated that it is not feasible to lay underground electricity for future lighting, but electric transformers could be installed at the time the playfield is constructed. Staff is recommending that lighting be included on the large soccer field, the. tennis/basketball courts, the hockey/pleasure skating rinks, and the parking lots June 1990 PRAC Minutes Page 24 A resident commented that he did not want lights on the large soccer field, because, of the, elevation of his property. His sight line will be in direct line with the top of the lights. Chairman Freels commented that staff will work with the residents on screening them from the lights as much as possible. Mr. Watson commented that the soccer field is at a lower elevation than the surrounding residents' property and that trees will be planted to help shield the glare of the lights,. He also stated that electrical engineers are now designing lights to ease the glare: Commissioner Rosen stated that he lives on a neighborhood park and that Director ;Blank lives on a major playfield, so they both are aware of the activities that take place in these parks. He further stated that he is upset with the 'City's Planning Commission for giving developers the go ahead to build homes surrounding playfields. He commented that he was involved in the process to get a sign. installed in the Bass Lake neighborhood informing prospective buyers that a playfield would. be built there. Commissioner Edwards asked ,if there, is a type of lighting availablegg that doesn't spill over. Director Blank responded that advancements are being made in the Lighting industry all the time. Mr. Watson indicated they would carefully consider the height of the light poles, the color of the lights and that the intent of the City is to minimize light: spill Commissioner Edwards thinks it is necessary to light the skating rinks, and she supports the addition of the small soccer field as shown in Plan 3. Commissioner Beach stated that she is the President of the. Plymouth Soccer Association and that 33% of the kids in the program are, from northern Plymouth. She supports putting the small soccer field back in the master site plan. Commissioner Anderson wanted to know why the small soccer field was deleted from Plan 5. Staff said it was because of resident concerns that they wanted more of the park left natural. Commissioner Anderson commented that the demand for soccer is very high. Commissioner Hanson asked about the scheduled extension of Schmidt Lake Rosd to Northwest Boulevard'. Councilman Ricker responded that Schmidt Lake. Road could be constructed before the park is completed. Commissioner Hanson further stated that if the playfield is constiscared, staff should coordinate with the Naple Grove Athletic Asso+cs "ion so that half of the games are played at this playfield and hall i-- Maple Grove, staff should meet with the surrounding residents concerning fencing and landscaping, and also meet with the group Ki.ds- fot Savin; Earth on the plans for the south part of the park where the tot lot and picnic grounds are proposed. Commissioner Edwards wondered where else the small soccer field could go if it's removed from its present location. Staff responded that there is no other available location. M June 1990 PRAC Minutes Page 25 Chairman. Freels stated that he supports Plan 3. Residents present reacted somewhat negatively to this comment and claimed that Plan 5 is what they want. They feel it is less -"community" oriented, and more neighborhood,'. than Plan 3. Commissioner Rosen commented that based on the standards adopted by PRAC, the City will be short in the area of baseball/softball and, soccer/football fields, even if Bass Lake Playfield and Parkers Lake are built to capacity. HeHe believes that scheduling procedures could help alleviate some of the pressure by scheduling more games and practices on weekends, Commissioner Beach stated she, is in favor of the small soccer field.' for use by four and five year olds.. She stated that a lot of these parents are driving their youngsters to southern. Plymouth in order to play now. Commissioner rEdwards wondered if Plan 5 were approved, could the hockey boards be removed in the spring so that this area could be used for soccer. The consultant responded that this was not very feasible. He went on to explain that the area south of the hockey rink in. Plan 5 could lie graded and then mowed to accommodate soccer, but it would not be a "formal soccer field. He also stated that the hockey boards coule be used as a retaining wall because of the elevation and this area could be landscaped, so that the residents wouldn't notice the hockey rink as; much. A resident then commented that because of the proximity of the hockey rink to his property, and the fact that hockey rinks are flooded at 4 a.m., it was asking a lot of him to put up with a rink so close to his back yard and that was why he preferred Plan 5. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER ROSENTO ADOPT PLAN 5 AS PRESENTED BY THE CONSULTANT AND TO APPROVE' THE LIGHTING RECOMMENDED BY STAFF. THE MOTION DIED FOR LACK.OF A SECOND. A -MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER ROSEN TO ADOPT PLAN 5 WITH NO LIGHTING AT THIS TIME. THE MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER HANSON TO ADOPT PLAN 3, WITH THE FOLLOTRING CONDITIONS; HOCKEY BOARDS SHOULD BE DEPRESSED AND NOT VISIBLE TO THE RESIDENTS, THE SMALL SOCCER FIELD SHOULD BE LEFT AS AN OPEN AND PASSIVE PLAY AREA, THE PROGRAMMING OF THIS PLAYFIELD SHOULD BE COORDINATED WITH MAPLE GROVE, KIDS FOR SAVING EARTH SHOULD BE INVOLVED IN PLANNING THE OPEN PICNIC AREA, THE RESIDENTS ADJACENT TO THE PARK SHOULD BE INVOLVED IN LANDSCAPING PLANS AND SOCCER LIGHTING SHOULD ,BE DELETED IN THE INITIAL DEVELOPMENT PHASE. LIGHT ONLY THE PARKING LOT, TENNIS COURTS AND SKATING RINKS. THE MOTION DIED FOR LACK. OF A SECOND. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER ROSEN AND SECONDED BY CHAIR FREELS TO ADOPT PLAN 5 AND TABLE THE LIGHTING ISSUE FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION AND A LATER MOTION. THE MOTION FAILED WITH FOUR NAYS. COMMISSIONERS ROSEN AND FREELS VOTED AYE. I Commissioner Freels commented that Plan 3 was almost identical to Plan 5, with the exception of the added soccer .field and the location of the hockey rink. The consultant stated that soccer could be accommodated in Plan 5 with some grading and reshaping of the area; south of the hockey rink. A resident wondered if the, general skating rink and the hockey rink could be reversed in the plan? This way the hockey rink would be even farther ;away from the residents and they might not notice the hockey boards at all. They wouldn't trind as much the pleasure rink being close to :their homes: The commissioners asked Mr. Watson if this was feasible. He responded that it was and that grading the area south of the rinks for the purpose of playing informal soccer there would not be a problem._ A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER-EDWARDS AND SECONDED BY CHAIR FREELS TO ADOPT PLAN 5, REVERSE THE HOCKEY AND PLEASURE SKATING RINKS, DO THE MINOR GRADING EAST OF THE RINKS SO SOCCER CAN BE PLAYED THERE, AND APPROVE THE LIGHTING RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY STAFF. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH FIVE AYES., COMMISSIONER. ROSEN VOTED NAY. Director Blank commented that all plans prepared by the consultant will go to the City Council and they will have the option to adopt any of them. Chair Freels thanked the residents, staff and the consultant for all their efforts. C. 1991-95 CIP. Director Blank reviewed his proposals for the 1.991-95 CTP and explained that he was not recommending a playground at: Plymouth Creek Elementary School, because of the playfield proposed at Dunkirk Lane and County Road 9 The request for a playground at Plymouth Greek Elementary is for matching funds from the City, and Director Blank feels we should spend City funds on our own parks first. He further explained that Plymouth Creek Elementary is not designated as a neighborhood park in the system plan and., therefore, does not quality for matching funds. Commissioner Beach requested that an outdoor pool be included in the 1991 CIP. Commissioner Edwards asked her why outdoor. She responded that she doesn't feel the community will ever vote to build an indoor pool and she also feels that an outdoor pool is less expensive to build. Commissioner Rosen stated he doesn't, like the words "soccer/baseball" associated with the playground at Shiloh Park in the 1991. CIP. He thinks that connotates playfield-, and he doesn't want anyone getting the idea that Shiloh will be a play£ield. He is also against any soccer goals or backstops in 'neighborhood parks. He suggests that the wording should be changed to Shiloh Park _redevelopment. Director Blank responded that he put the words soccer/baseball in the description, because this is what the residents requested when they attended the May meeting. Commissioner Rosen also said that he June 1990 PRAC Minutes Page 27 dcanf.- ove; the community center belongs anywhere in the CTP. He drat the purchase of a golf course be included in the year aeon asked by other commissionerswhy he doesn't want the center in the CIP, Rosen responded that he doesn't think the City Council will allocate enough funding to build it. Councilman Ricker commented that PRAC should` not be as concerned with where the funds will come from but more with what the community needs. He further explained that a special financial task force is being formed that will be studying the City's financial history and will make recommendations on what items the City would: have the ability to fund. He also stated that it is up to the Council to decide how to spend the funds in the CIP and that if PRAC wants a community center, the CIP is where it should be listed. Chair, Freels asked staff to identify which trails are being proposed in the CIP. d. West Medicine Trail Update. This trail will be going out for bid in the very near future. e., 46th Avenue Trail sjgdate. This is being designed in-house by engineering staff. 6. NEW BUSINESS None. 7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION Commissioner Beach commented that she is upset about the City of New Hope charging Plymouth residents a fee to use their pool, when we allow New Nope children to play on our fields without charging them a fee. She would like FRAC to consider drafting a policy that would charge non - Plymouth residents involved in youth athletics a fee of $5. Commissioner' Rosen said that he was angry that Plymouth kids are being cut from traveling teams by non-Flymouth kids, which means they can't play on Plymouth fields. 8.. STAFF COMMUNICATION Director Blank handed out some information to the commissioners on Canterbury Downs Night being sponsored by MRPF as a fund raiser. The event is scheduled for July 18 9. ADJOURNMENT The meeting, adjourned at 11 p.m. 1'IE IAI lOt, CITY MAMACEJt CITY OWJNCII PlIB c wm OtllECip1 FINANCE OMl fO .- PIJMAIMIG DNIE 1'011 ' NKiC SAF!!11 OMIECIOR .. June 20, 1990 9t Plymouth City Offices Park and Recreation Department 3400 Plymouth Blvd Plymouth, Minnesota 55447 Dear Six This letter is in reference to the Bass Lake Playfield that is to be constructed. We live at 13005 55th Ave. No. adjacent to the NW corner. The soccer field will be to the south_ of our property. I We have attended all the meetings and have expressed our concerns. This letter is to request that we would be informed of the decisions being made in this area. The following is a list of our concerns; 1. We would like to have input in regards to the landscaping that will be done along our south property line. 2. We would like to be informed as to the type and placement of light on the soceer field. We would expect the park to be designed and constructed with the same regulations as any other private enterprise would have to adhere to in Plymouth. SnC Donald and Yvonne F. -,t? / 1261$ County Rood q P O. box 47320 Plymouth; MN 6540.0320 191 -)phone (612) 559 -;OW Mr. Eric Blank Fox (612) 659.3297 3400 Plymouth .Blvd . Soard of Commissiows Plymouth, MN 55447 David J. Dombrowski Choir Dear Eric: St Louis Polk Nicholas P. Eolotf The Suburban Hennepin Regional Park District (Hennepin Parks) Vice Choly Btooklyn Centel recently reviewed and updated its Master Plan for a System of Judi@hS Anderson Parks. Copies have been sent to the Ridgedale, Brookdale and Bloomington Southdale Hennepin area libraries. Copies are also available sMr1eV A Boning Moyle Plafo for review at Hennepin Parks Headquarters. Robed L. Ellingson Brooklyn Center The purpose of this plan is to provide a comprehensive Mono Mcede development plan for all Hennepin Parks' park reserves. Golden Valley regional parks, regional trail corridors and special use James M- White Orono facilities. The plan constitutes a detailed analysis of all factors related to the development of a park, such as location Douglas Fdentnt and size, site characteristics, development concept, existing Superintendent 6Secletorytothe developments and descriptions of proposed development. Also Board included in this publication is the identification of the natural areas planned within each park unit. If ,you have any questions regarding this plan, please call me or Don King, Chief Landscape Architect, at 559-9000. See you soon. Sincerely, D uo 71aF.Br ant_y Superintendent DFB: Icz Enclosure War w a M»Mwlf M r!V RECYCLED PAPER Conserving Our Resources lumn COY ONNO v HENNEPIN malesPARKSamummosew NAM00 Suburban H.nn.pin Riel9ional Park, District 1261$ County Rood q P O. box 47320 Plymouth; MN 6540.0320 191 -)phone (612) 559 -;OW Mr. Eric Blank Fox (612) 659.3297 3400 Plymouth .Blvd . Soard of Commissiows Plymouth, MN 55447 David J. Dombrowski Choir Dear Eric: St Louis Polk Nicholas P. Eolotf The Suburban Hennepin Regional Park District (Hennepin Parks) Vice Choly Btooklyn Centel recently reviewed and updated its Master Plan for a System of Judi@hS Anderson Parks. Copies have been sent to the Ridgedale, Brookdale and Bloomington Southdale Hennepin area libraries. Copies are also available sMr1eV A Boning Moyle Plafo for review at Hennepin Parks Headquarters. Robed L. Ellingson Brooklyn Center The purpose of this plan is to provide a comprehensive Mono Mcede development plan for all Hennepin Parks' park reserves. Golden Valley regional parks, regional trail corridors and special use James M- White Orono facilities. The plan constitutes a detailed analysis of all factors related to the development of a park, such as location Douglas Fdentnt and size, site characteristics, development concept, existing Superintendent 6Secletorytothe developments and descriptions of proposed development. Also Board included in this publication is the identification of the natural areas planned within each park unit. If ,you have any questions regarding this plan, please call me or Don King, Chief Landscape Architect, at 559-9000. See you soon. Sincerely, D uo 71aF.Br ant_y Superintendent DFB: Icz Enclosure War w a M»Mwlf M r!V RECYCLED PAPER Conserving Our Resources