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Home My WebLink AboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Packet 06-11-1992Regular Meeting of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission June 11, 1992, 7:00 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 a. 5. Unfinished Business a. Volunteer program - continue discussion b. Park development projects - update C. 1993-97 C.I.P. d. Review sidewalk and trail plan 6. New Business a. Discuss focus groups and surveys b. Request for park - Xenium Lane & 38th Avenue C. Amendment to Comprehensive Park Plan - siting of Playfield #9 d. 7. Commission Presentation 8. Staff Communication 9. Adjournment Next regular PRAC meeting - July 9 MEMO CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447 DATE: June 8, 1992 TO: PRAC FROM: Eric J. Blank, Director of Parks and Recreation SUBJECT: JUNE 11 AGENDA Item 1 Attached is an updated version of the 1993-97 draft CIP. The cost associated with each project on this list is simply an estimate at this time. Plans will need to be further refined and defined in order to get more accurate budget numbers. Item 2 Please review the sidewalk/trail plan as submitted by S.R.F. If you have questions about specific trail segments or concerns, or find omissions or errors in the report, please let me know prior to the Commission meeting, so I can have a S.R.F. response available at the meeting. Item 3 I have attached some base information with regard to planning neighborhood #23 where the residents have requested that an additional neighborhood park be constructed. Based on population projections, this area needed 8.5-.12 acres of park land (see park inventory attached). Heritage Park is 11 acres in size and was built in 1987. The new population projection for this neighborhood is 2,915 which is down 525 from the 1980 projection. Item 4 The City Council passed a motion requesting that the Park Commission and Planning Commission review and consider amending the Comprehensive Park Plan with regard to the siting of playfield #9. I believe this is an appropriate step to take, but only after we have identified and located an alternative site to be added to the plan. The City Manager has directed me to proceed as rapidly as possible in identifying alternative sites which can be evaluated for their acceptability as an alternative site to the current proposed site at Dunkirk and Old County Road 9. A public hearing is required to amend our Comprehensive Plan. np Attachment Minutes of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting May 14, 1992 Page 15 Present: Chair Anderson, Commissioners Burk, Gutzke, Johnson, Waage, Wahl and Watson; Councilman Edson; staff Bisek, Blank, Busch and Pederson 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Anderson called the May meeting to order at 7:25 p.m. in the Council Conference Room. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion was made by Commissioner Waage and seconded by Commissioner Wahl to approve the minutes of the April meeting as presented with a correction on pg. 12, para. 6, that Councilmember Tierney supported the Forster property acquisiton, and wanted assurance that FRAC was involved in that process. The motion carried with all ayes. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS a. Athletic Associations. None were present at this meeting. b. Staff. Rick Busch introduced himself and briefly described some of his responsibilities, including being the staff liaison to all the athletic associations, attending their board meetings, scheduling all athletic complexes for the associations' activities, as well as the programs sponsored by Plymouth Park and Recreation. Rick stated that the February Employee of the Month was Amy Lou Asche, one of the temporary employees he supervises. Amy's positions have included basketball scorekeeper, youth t-ball/softball/baseball instructor, and warming house attendant. Rick explained that over 200 adult teams are playing softball, Monday through Friday evenings, using Zachary and Plymouth Creek softball fields. The Zachary complex is also heavily used on weekends by groups holding tournaments. Rick indicated that almost all fields in Plymouth are in use every weekday evening by either organized youth sports or Plymouth Park and Recreation sponsored programs. Both new playfields, Bass Lake and Parkers Lake, will also be in constant use once they open. Responding to a question from Commissioner Waage, Rick indicated that groups wanting to get together for an informal game of softball may find an open field on a Sunday morning or afternoon. Commissioner Gutzke asked Rick if there are enough softball/baseball fields in Plymouth to accommodate all the groups wanting to use them. Rick feels that even with Parkers Lake and Bass Lake, there will still be a shortage. He explained that at the present time, we offer a daytime youth t -ball and instructional softball/baseball program, because we May 1992 PRAC Minutes Page 16 haven't wanted to take any fields in the evening away from the adult sports or the youth athletic associations. But this year, we have received numerous requests from working parents who are looking for evening T -ball. We do offer evening T -ball on Sundays, but many people are not able to participate on Sunday evenings and want something during the week. We may consider offering this program in the evening next year. Director Blank stated that he feels we have adequate fields to meet current needs, but we may have a shortage in the future for the 5-9 year old age group. Mary Bisek presented the May Employee of the Month certificate to Anna Shmidov, the founder of the Music for Everyone program, which offers private music lessons in piano, clarinet, saxaphone, guitar, and voice. The program is offered in several surrounding communities, and Anna is the coordinator. She is responsible for hiring the instructors, securing facilities, and billing the different communities. Each community oversees its own registration and coordinates this with Anna. The Music for Everyone program has been very successful. Mary indicated that the first day of registration for summer programs was beyond everyone's wildest expectations. We took in about $25,000 and over 1,000 individual registrations. Mary made several announcements about upcoming spring and summer programs including that the Spring Dance Recital is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, at Wayzata East Junior High. She also mentioned the new volunteer program Helping in Plymouth Parks (HIPP), for 13-15 year olds. The program was designed to help teens develop leadership skills, and to organize and lead children's activities. Those participating will also assist in the summer playground program and day camp. The individuals that enroll in this program would be given first priority when hiring part-time summer help in future years. There was a brief discussion regarding the storage of athletic association equipment on city property. Currently, the Plymouth -Wayzata Baseball Association stores equipment in three small sheds, which are located on Oakwood School property. None of the other associations have approached the City about providing storage for them on City property. A phone survey was conducted by staff to determine if other cities provide storage for their athletic associations. Of the communities contacted, about half provide some type of storage. C. Others. Sharon Maslow, 13210 35th Avenue, and Eileen Hedberg, 13420 36th Avenue, were present to discuss the May 1992 PRAC Minutes Page 17 possibility of their homeowners association purchasing some land and deeding it over to the City for park purposes. The parcel they are interested in is currently owned by the developer who is proposing getting it rezoned to high density. This item is on the Planning Commission's next agenda. Mrs. Maslow indicated that she believes the developer is open to negotiating. He's asking $625,000 for the land, which is 16.11 acres in size. Their neighborhood is against the Planning Commission granting the Conditional Use Permit which would rezone the land to high density. The land is bordered on the north by County Road 9, and on the east by Xenium Lane. The closest neighborhood park is Heritage Park, located southeast of them at 30th Avenue and Northwest Boulevard. Director Blank indicated that the Comprehensive Park Plan does not call for additional park in this area. He explained that Heritage Park is meant to serve this neighborhood. He also explained that this neighborhood is not large enough, by Comprehensive Park Plan standards, to qualify for an additional neighborhood park. Councilman Edson 'suggested that the homeowners association ask the City Manager to bring this item to the Special Assessment Committee for their review and discussion. Ron Anderson, 14915 46th Avenue, attended the meeting to request tennis courts in Turtle Lake Park and the installation of trail from St. Barnabas Church down to this same park. 4. REPORT ON PAST COUNCIL ACTION a. Approved demolition of Parkers Lake Park silos. The City Council was presented with two options for the silos at Parkers Lake Playfield. The options were to improve them or demolish them. The Council chose to have them demolished. The demolition took place the week of May 4. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Volunteer program - continue discussion. Commissioner Waage reported on her meeting with the Mayor regarding the use of volunteers. She indicated that the Mayor would like PRAC to actively seek volunteers for use by the City. The Mayor is aware of the fact that the Park and Recreation Department extensively uses volunteers in many of its programs. He believes that volunteers could help to create a sense of community in Plymouth. Commissioner Waage has experience in coordinating volunteers for the Osseo School District and explained that it's a very time consuming task. She recommended that if the City decides to actively pursue volunteerism, May 1992 PRAC Minutes Page 18 they may want to hire a volunteer coordinator. PRAC suggested that staff look into the cost to hire a coordinator on either a part-time or full-time basis. PRAC also requested that they be provided with a list of the volunteers used by the City in the past year. b. Park development projects update. Construction is progressing on schedule at all park sites. The three neighborhood parks, Shiloh, Gleanloch, and 10th Avenue, should be completed by June 1. Some facilities will be ready for use by mid-July at the Bass Lake and Parkers Lake Playfields. The athletic fields at these two sites probably will not be ready until the spring of 193. The sixth and final trail segment, which winds through Plymouth Creek Park, will be paved the week of May 18. 6. NEW BUSINESS a. 1993-97 CIP - review draft. Director Blank explained that the process for selecting items for the 1993-97 Parks CIP includes reviewing the list of proposed capital projects, visiting the sites, and allocating funds. He indicated that the park dedication fund is up compared to this same time last year. He stated that at total build out, it is proposed that the City will have 10 athletic playfields, including the new Bass Lake and Parkers Lake sites. Under the category "land acquisition," Director Blank pointed out some possible locations for future playfields. The site labeled #10 is in the southwest corner of County Road 47 and Fernbrook Lane, immediately west of Mud lake. It would have to be moved slightly to the west, because as it is shown on the map now, Fernbrook Lane, when it is extended to the north, runs right through the middle of it. Site #9 is south of County Road 9 and east of Dunkirk Lane and is currently owned by U.S. Homes. The City negotiated with them a year ago to purchase this site, but at the time, a price could not be agreed on. The City had the property appraised at $875,000, and the developer's appraisal was 1,600,000. Although the site is costly, its advantages include good road access, guiding for public use, and proper grading for a playfield. This site has also been considered by the Wayzata School District as a future location for a junior or senior high school. Eric explained that one of the advantages to cooperatively developing a playfield site with a school site is shared costs. Commissioners asked about the possibility of purchasing less expensive land outside the MUSA boundaries. Director Blank indicated that this is a good consideration, quite often property outside the MUSA is owned by more than one person and must be condemned in order for the City to purchase it. Also, the owners tend to hang onto their land until they are approached by a developer who will likely offer them more for the May 1992 PRAC Minutes Page 19 property than the City would. The last piece of property under "land acquisition" is the wooded site between Fernbrook and I-494. As requested by PRAC at the last meeting, Eric provided some information on the history of this piece of property. The site is approximately 19.43 acres in size and has an estimated value of $110,000 according to our City assessor. Hewitt -Peterson is asking $208,000 for the property at this time. The annual taxes paid on the property are $5,500. The current owners acquired the property through foreclosure proceedings in 1990. Under the category "existing undeveloped land," Eric listed neighborhood parks at Mud Lake, 22nd Avenue, County Roads 101 & 24, the northeast site, and the Fernbrook site. These sites are all currently owned by the City for future neighborhood parks. Redevelopment of existing parks includes West Medicine Lake City Park and Hemlock Neighborhood Park. Director Blank indicated that it might be possible to get a federal grant to develop West Medicine Lake City Park. A new site plan could be designed and could include plans for a garden or arboretum. Individual projects include tennis courts at Plymouth Creek Park, a handicapped accessible playground at Plymouth Creek Park, and playgrounds at West Medicine Lake City Park, Schmidt Lake Neighborhood Park, Mission Hills Neighborhood Park and Timber Shores Neighborhood Park. Other new development projects include fishing piers at East and West Medicine Lake City Parks, a warming house at Ridgemount and the Zachary Playfield parking lot expansion. General discussion about the playground at Plymouth Creek followed, when Commissioner Waage stated her concern about how isolated it was. Director Blank agreed that the changing times suggest relocating this playground to a place more visible to the public, although its current site is quite beautiful surrounded by the natural woods and woodchip trail. Also, because this site is within the larger Plymouth Creek City Park, it has been suggested that this playground, when redeveloped, be made accessible to the handicapped, in accordance with the new American Disabilities Act, recently enacted by legislation. Commissioner Johnson asked about the possibility of developing parks in joint cooperation with some Plymouth businesses or corporations. He cited some examples of other cities in the metropolitan area where this has been done. Director Blank indicated that it might be worthwhile to visit some of those sites and to consider this possibility in the future. May 1992 PRAC Minutes Page 20 Citizen requests for capital improvement projects included an off-road trail along Ridgemount Avenue from Zachary Lane east to Sunset Hill Elementary School. This project has the support of many residents living along Ridgemount as well as the principals of the Wayzata East Junior High and the Sunset Elementary Schools. Director Blank pointed out that the sidewalk -trail plan done by Strgar-Roscoe-Fausch did not recommend changing this trail from Class II to Class I. There was some discussion about having the consultant do a feasibility study on the cost of changing it to a Class I trail. Although the trail is used by both Plymouth and Minnetonka residents, Director Blank indicated that there is actually more available room on the south side of Ridgemount Avenue, which is the Minnetonka side. To change the trail to Class I on the Plymouth side would require building a retaining wall in some areas, which is a very costly project. Other trail requests have been received from residents for a trail from St. Barnabas Church down to Turtle Lake Park, a trail near Vision of Glory Lutheran Church, completion of a trail through the Fox Forest Townhome development to West Medicine Lake Drive along the railroad tracks, a trail on the south side of County Road 9 going east to Zachary Lane, and a trail from the intersection of Old Rockford Road & Revere Lane to County Road 9 & Lancaster Lane. Other trail connections for consideration with the CIP were indicated on a map provided to PRAC members. Another citizen requested project is landscaping north of the Ryerson Steel facility along South Shore Drive. The residents living there originally requested this landscaping during the 1990-91 fiscal year, but funding was denied at that time. They have resubmitted their petition for consideration with the 1993-97 CIP. The City has also received numerous requests from residents for tennis courts in Shiloh, Green Oaks, Turtle Lake and Heritage Neighborhood Parks. Special facilities to consider with the 1993-97 CIP include an outdoor and/or indoor pool, golf course, ice rink, senior center, field house and nature center. b. Pick date for park tour. It was agreed that the park tour would be on Wednesday, June 10, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Box suppers will be served on the bus. C. Review sidewalk/trail draft plan. Copies of the sidewalk/trail draft plan had been distributed to PRAC members with their agendas for their review. This item will continue to be discussed at future PRAC meetings. May 1992 PRAC Minutes Page 21 7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION None. 8. STAFF COMMUNICATION Director Blank informed the Commission that the City Council has been asked to request that Hennepin Parks install a regional trail from 36th Avenue down East Medicine Lake Boulevard to Theodore Wirth Regional Park. 9. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 10:10 p.m. DRAFT PARKS C.I.P. 1993-97 I. Land Acquisition Estimated Cost A. V#9 playfield site (50 ac. ) 5S m$400,000-900,000 B. #10 playfield site (35 ac.) $250,000-400,000 C. Woods between Fernbrook & 494 150,000 II. Existing Undeveloped Land* A. Mud Lake Neighborhood Park 'q30 v, q " `e 165, 000 B. 22nd Avenue Neighborhood Park 100,000 C. Co. Rds. 101 & 24 Neighborhood Park 165,000 D. Northeast Neighborhood Park 200,000 E. Fernbrook Neighborhood Park 165,000 III. Redevelopment of Existing Parks A. West Medicine Lake Park W"Q4;- AC. 1,750,000 B. Hemlock Neighborhood Park -%Ili, 30,000 IV. Individual Projects A. Tennis courts -Plymouth Creek Park (Phase I) 300,000 B. Playgrounds ( &_,q4, 1-5 1. Plymouth Creek Park handicapped accessible 85,000 irAk2. West Medicine Lake Park 50,000 MarK3. Schmidt Lake Park 50,000 4. Mission Hills Park 50,000 5. Timber Shores Park 50,000 C. Fishing docks -East and West Medicine Lake Parks 24,000 D. Shelter building-Ridgemount Playfield 1201000 E. Parking lot expansion -Zachary Playfield WG-fM 50,000 V. Citizen Requests A. Trail-Ridgemount Avenue 56101K 15/sq. ft. B. Landscaping -East Beach 15,000 C. Tennis courts -Shiloh, Green Oaks, Turtle Lake, and Heritage Neighborhood Parks (each) 35,000 SIS VI. Special Facilities A. Outdoor pool and/or indoor pool B. Golf course C. Ice rink D. Senior center E. Field house F. Nature center' 51$ 15/sq. 31 m,> VII. Trails (see maps)(see S.R.F. report)Uk.SErv W. $15/sq. ft. Each of the neighborhood parks listed under Item II has some sort of constraint, e.g., not all the land is acquired, or the site is inaccessible. June 1, 1992 Al Schrader 2715 Medicine Ridge Rd Plymouth, MN 55441 Dear Al: Mayor Bergman has forwarded your resident feedback form to me for review and comment. On your form, you requested that the City do something for the upgrading of 26th Avenue, including a trail or sidewalk. The City's traffic consultant, Strgar -Roscoe-Fausch, has recently completed a trail and sidewalk study for the City Council. In this draft report, the consultant has recommended that a sidewalk or trail be included along 26th Avenue. The Park and Recreation Advisory Commission is currently in the process of studying this report and will be making a recommendation shortly to the City Council. I think it's a fair statement that most people agree that some type of improvement is necessary along 26th Avenue due to the traffic volumes, speed, etc. It will be up to the City Council to set priorities Eft which projects get funded as part of our five year capital improvement program. I'm sure both the Commission and the Council will take into consideration your thoughts on this matter when they are making -their -deliberations. If I can be of any further assistance to you in this matter, please do not hesitate to give me a call at 550-5131. Thank you for attending the town meeting. Sincerely, 1,11-1 a Eric J. Blank Director of Parks and Recreation EJB/np cc: City Manager Communications Coordinator PRAC 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447, TELEPHONE (612) 550-5000 DATE: TO: MEMO CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447 May 26, 1992 Eric Blank7" PLark FROM: Chuck Vill Recreation Director nity Development Director SUBJECT: DIRECYION OF THE CITY COUNCIL REGARDING THE PARK PLAN AS TO COMMUNITY PLAYFIELD LOCATION AT DUNKIRK LANE AND ROCKFORD ROAD At its meeting May 18, 1992, the City Council directed the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission and the Planning Commission to consider amending the Parks and Trails Element of the Comprehensive Plan for consistency with the Land Use Guide Plan with respect to the southeast corner of Rockford Road and Dunkirk Lane. The City Council, on May 18, took action amendinq the Land Use Guide Plan to change the designation of this site approximately 50 acres) from Public/Semi-Public to LA -1 and LA -2. As a result of this action there is an inconsistency between the Parks and Trails Element of the Comprehensive Plan and the Land Use Guide Plan Element of the Comprehensive Plan with respect to designation of this 50 acre site. Responsive to the City Council's direction it would be my intention to schedule a Public Hearing before the Planning Commission to consider an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan (Parks and Trails Element) as early as possible. It is appropriate, however, for the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission to first consider the consistency and what could be done with the Parks and Trails Element concurrent with the reclassification of the 50 acres in question. It would appear the only two options available would be to seek another site for this community playfield or eliminate this community playfield from the Parks and Trails Element of the Comprehensive Plan altogether. I would sincerely appreciate your early inclusion of this matter on the agenda of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission --hopefully as early as their June meeting. Should you require any additional information or assistance from me in this regard please feel free to contact me at 550-5059. cc: James G. Willis, City Manager Mike Stulberg, Planning Commission Chairman pl/cd/eb.5-26:jw) Regular Council Meeting May 18, 1992 Page 175 budget. The Commission attorney estimates that an additional $2,200 will be required for attorney services, and about $5,500 will be required to publish the Notice of Election and Charter twice in the legal newspaper as required by law. ' MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember Tierney, to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 92-307 AUTHORIZING AN ADDITIONAL BUDGETARY ALLOCATION FOR THE PLYMOUTH CHARTER COMMISSION. Councilmember Vasiliou asked if an adjustment was made in the attorney's billing for the charter draft that some commission members felt was prepared prematurely. She also asked what items the attorney's bills cover. Councilmember Tierney stated that the draft was provided to commission members as a starting point. There was little cost for this draft as the Crystal charter was used with minor revisions. The Charter Commission has reviewed the third draft version. The attorney's bill covers legal services, secretarial support, and copying costs. Motion carried on a roll call vote, five ayes. MOTION was made by Councilmember Edson, seconded by Councilmember Vasiliou, to direct staff to prepare an estimate of costs to be incurred promoting the proposed Charter. Motion carried, five ayes. The Council reviewed the status report on pending and completed Council directives. MOTION was made by Mayor Bergman, seconded by Councilmember Vasiliou, to direct the Planning Commission and Park & Recreation Advisory Commission to consider amending the Park and Trails Element of the Comprehensive Plan for consistency with the Land Use Guide Plan with respect to 50 acres at the southeast corner of Rockford Road and Dunkirk Lane. Motion carried, five ayes. RESOLUTION 92-307 AUTHORIZING ADDITIONAL BUDGETARY ALLOCATION FOR CHARTER COMMISSION Item 8-D Council Directives Item ,8-E-1 PARKERS PAVILION CALENDAR/JUNE 1992 SUNDAY MONDAY TURSDAV WF.nNF.cnAV TRTTRcnev FRIDAY cemrmnev FFT=FUN FITNESS & TUMBLING 1 2 3 4 5 6 P&P=PICNIC & PLAY 10:45-12:45 FFT JR LG=JR LIFEGUARD TRAINING AND P & P PSS=PRESCHOOL SPECIAL BEACH OPEN FOR WEEKEND. ROBBINSDALE LEAH) SCHOOLS LAST 7:00 9:00 DAY SANDY ALDRIDGE 525-1500 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 10:45-12:45 FFT 9:00-12:00 BEACH OPEN AND P & P JOYCE HEYER WAYZ COMM EDUC 1:00— 4:00 BEACH OPEN DAILY 476-3200 MARI JOHN WAYZATA SCHOOLS FOR REST OF LEAH) 559-8309 LAST DAY SEASON. 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 10:45-12:45 FFT AND P & P 12:30— 4:30 1:00— 4:00 HIPP 1:00— 4:00 HIPP RENEE GREEN 535-7054 1:00— 4:00 HIPP 1:00— 4:00 HIPP 1:00— 4:00 HIPP 6:30— 9:00 LEAH) PUPPET SHOW & 6:00-10:00 CONCERT AQUATIC STAFF CONCESSIONS OPEN PARTY 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 8:00-11:00 JR LG 10:45-11:45 FFT 8:00-11:00 JR LG 8:00-11:00 JR LG AND P & P 9:30-11:00 9:30-11:00 9:00— 2:30 PSS JEWELRY BOX 6:30— 9:00 JEWELRY BOX LITTLE CRITTERS PUPPET SHOW & 1:00— 2:30 CONCERT DRAWING CLASS CONCESS. OPEN 28 29 30 8:00-11:00 JR LG 9:30-11:00 EARTH FRIENDLY ART CAMP 30 1:00— 2:30 DRAWING CLASS Star Tribune/Sunday/May 17/1992 Modern playgrounds can help kids bounce without injury Personal health Jane Brody Playgrounds are magnets for chil- dren. They give them a chance to run around outdoors, interact with others their age, explore and ex- tend the abilities of their develop- ing bodies while having fun. Adults, too, appreciate the oppor- tunity to visit with like-minded grownups while their children play in a safe setting. Unfortunately, many playgrounds are not as safe as they should be. Each year, about 250,000 children under the age of 15 require hospi- tal treatment for playground inju- ries, ranging from bad cuts and bruises to broken bones and head injuries, according to statistics gathered through Me National Electronic Injury Surveillance System. The American Academy of Ortho- pedic Surgeons has begun a mm- paign to foster better playground tlesign and safer use of play- ground equipment. In a pamphletcalled "Play Il an the academy outlines the problem areas and suggests improvements. Four factors contribute to play- ground problems: the surfaces un- der equipment, the design and ar- rangement of the equipment, how well the equipment is installed and maintained and how children use the equipment. While play by young children should never be unsupervised, if playgrounds are well designed and maintained, they can make the job of the adults in charge much easier. A look at where and how children get hurt at playgrounds suggests the most important areas for im- mediate improvement. The nation- al survey, conducted under the auspices of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, showed that in 1991 hospital treatment was m- Playground design can help kids avoid injury; modern play areas provide soft surfaces to give them a cushion when they fall quired by more than 31,000 chil- dren under the age of 5 who were injured by swings, nearly 25,000 who were hurt on slides and near- ly 13,500 who were injured on monkey bars. For children from 5 to 15, injuries requiring hospital treatment that occurred on swings and monkey bars each exceeded 60,000, and on slides they exceed - ad 26,000. The commission has found that in nearly 60 percent of cases chil- dren got hurt falling to the play- ground surface; 14 percentoYinju- nes were caused by falls that re- Racl in being struck by equip- ment 18.5 percent were caused by impact with moving or station- ary equipment, and nearly 7 per- cent resulted from contact with sharp points or edges, pinch points or protrusions on the equipment. Because falls are the most com- mon type of playground accident, there should be special attention to preventing falls and lessening their severity," the orthopedics academy said. "Children fall be- cause they slip, lose their grip, or lose their balance while playing on monkey bars, swings, slides, mer- ie and seesaws. Often they are hurtnot only by the fall by being struck by the equip- ment as they fall." Most of the accidents involve "old- fashioned" playgrounds with met- al swings and monkey bars, as- phalt or concrete surfaces and play areas that preschoolers might share with preteen children. Older types are still an overwhelming major. of public and private play- grounds in the United States, and many of their features are acci- dents waiting to happen. The more modern and considera- bly safer playgrounds, with cush- ioned mats and other soft sur- faces, wooden jungle gyms and soft swing seats, are still few and far beyond in America. But even in modern playgrounds, close atten- tion to design and location of equipment can make a consider- able difference in safety. Surface: For children, at least, fall- ing is an inherent part of rough- and-tumble play. The harder the surface a child lands on, the more likely a severe injury. Surfaces should be soft; the orthopedics academy recommends rubber mats or loose fill like wood mulch or chips, shredded tires, sand or fine gravel. Rubber mats at the bottom of slides and under swings and gymnastics bars are especial- Iy important. Not recommended for playground surfaces are soil or grass, which can become com- pacted by wear and tear and weather and lose their shock -ab- sorbing ability. Equipment All equipment should be firmly anchored with devices set below the surface to prevent tripping over them. Swing seats should be made of lightweight, im- pact -absorbing materials like rub- ber or plastic and sized so that only one child at a time can sit on them. Bucket -type seats should be used for toddlers. The hangers at the top of the swing should be spaced slightly wider than the seat to reduce side-to-side motion. Slides should not have more than a 30 -degree incline and the plat- form should be as wide as the slide and at least 22 inches deep and connect directly with the slide. All elevated platforms should have guardrails, 20 to 30 inches high for preschoolers and 30 to 48 inches high for older children. Spaces between steps and rungs should be large enough to prevent a child's head from getting trapped: greater than 9 inches for preschoolers and greater than 12 inches for older children. Hand- rails should have diameters of one inch to one and two-thirds inches. Design: The best playgrounds 3E provide separate play areas and equipment for very young and old- er children. Sight lines should be clear to allow adequate supervi- sion and to give small children an unobstructed view as they move.-,., from area to another. There should be enough space foR, children to enter and leave equip• ; ment without colliding with other,--., children. The playground should be separated from streets and roadways by fences, shrubs or , other barriers. Maintenance: Ideally, when equip,_ ment is damaged, it should be rat: . paired or replaced immediately. If this is not possible, it should be removed until it is serviced. There should be no loose, dam aged or missing supports, anchors, or footings; no loose or missing . t" nuts, bolts or protective caps; no -,,- broken or missing rails, steps, ,. rungs or seats; no deformed hooks, shackles, rings or links; rib, .. bent, warped, rusted or broken , - parts; no sharp edges or points; no wom bearings, swing hangers or chains; no exposed mecha- nisms that could pinch or crush fingers; no splintered or deterio- rated wood; no cracks or holes in, the surfacing material; no trash in, the area, and no environmental , hazards like roots, rocks or puddles. In addition, all moving parts that require lubrication should be ser- viced regularly. The above recommendations from , the Consumer Products Safety Commission are guidelines, not le-; gally enforceable regulations, so, it, is up to playground designers, school and park authorities and parents to see to it that play- - grounds maximize children's chances for pleasure and minimize their risk of injury. Jane Brody writes about health and medicine for the New York Times. I MRAI CLIPPING m"VICE SHAar1P8Y. VAL1 r% NEWStirnu1,,. f'! :1 1 " 100.: Dq you City K's By Patrick Minelli EditorThe city of Shakopee professional film m sury sill, residents to determine want— end arewilling t in recreation facilities. scope may dao be expo elude questions oo city The City Council on ed the survey rem from •subcommittee oft RCClestion Board on s 5-0 sort. Staff win directed to find a comultanl and work with a 30 -member committee chosen by Magor Gary Laurent to formulate survey queslmns, which want it? Will you pay? recreation -facilities needs would be refined by the Consultant. was qu Subcommittee member Jim Still- survey, will him a man said the survey would include ough s solve commu- 400 respmdents interviewed by phone ever pan or they and have a reliability of plusor-mi- opay for— nus 5 'cram. The subcommittee Stock s The survey learned of survey options when it wouldndedtoin- conmdcd the firm that conducted the for price services recent Shakopee School D'rstrta am- film. April 7 rep- vel, as commulydy feaed'mn INxds In emendation School offidslanvs,Qahoullha aav- lhatasu he Parke and racy oftha raalts.Tfie-fum,Dttision native a former more Indl:p4ndent-nePuon- can party held audit political mnsult- am K DOMAIN Michael Bard, who survey nstioned in the school district said it was the "most dtor- td straightforward smvcy I've ieipmed in." Avraam City AdmbmftWwBstr) id after the mating that he mesa about those survey Btma quotes, including the Morris Deamher, the council directed bcomml;M iovndgme aker- methods for conducting a w- vey to detemtiM facility Meda sod, what am mnrmunity was willing m pay for. On Marsh 27, the nbcoro- miGee presented Its me MP- istion to the Parki and Recreation Board, which made several modifications to the subcommittee's proposal. the fi- nalnal form of which was recommended to the City Council. Over a three-month period, the subcommittee discussed several sur- vey techniques. The key point, ac- stered, the subcommittee felt Ihot we would undoubtedly encounter persons who feel that the survey results are biased;' said Stock. Sleek said the subcommittee de- termined that thebestcourseofaclion was to select a scientifically accurate survey technique that would limit the amount of bias. A second key point continually addressed by the subcommittee, said Stock was cost—in the areas ofstaff time, volunteers' time and cash needed to condo" the survey. The subcommittee chose to me. ommend that an outside professional JIM specializing in surveys be re- tained because it would provide the most credibility. However, the sub- committee noted that the survey cost element would be greater with this alternative. Stock said that several area or - recreation. cilor Gloria Vierlin plestion of whether Councilor Joan men Contacted for favored the expand fund be used to pay for the portion of the comprehensive survey that to. cures on recreation Issues, and that the remainder of the survey be funded by whatever source the council e Cones. When the survey is completed, the subcommittee recommended that a "town mating be held to present the results and solicit input from community members. Stock said that while the subcom- mittee discuased community facility needs, it was decided that the survey Opportunity should perhaps be used to solicit opinions on issues beyond recreation needs. Stock mid the mb- committee fell that with major high- way projects underway in the area, it would be a grad time to receive opm. ions on such issues as economic de- velopment, downtown redevelop- ment, police and fire protection, city services, etc. Stock added that with the recent cuts in state aids, which threatens to curtail city services, the willing to help offset a portion of thecostofthesurvey. He said it appeared commshout, doubtful that the entire amount of lars" funding needed Could be raised. The general perception he acquired, said Stock was that the groups felt they had already contributed significantly ITioclud we're dol - Lynch strongly ed survey. With the development and growth Occur ring in the city, she said, it's lime "to determine what direction the city is going in. We can't always say we don't have the money." It makes sense to piggyback on this (recreation survey)" with com. munily questions, said Vierling. The cost of a survey to deal only with recreation issues was eslimaled at between I4,000 and $6,000, said Stock. The cost for a more compre- hensive survey would be anywhere from $6.000 to I30.000, depending on the number of questions. But he added that enexpandclisurvey would probably include a limited number of questions so the cost would not be excessive. Likely revenue sources for The survey would be the park reserve fond, which has a balance of more than 5100.1100, and the city contingency fund, which has about $50.1100, said Stock. The subcommittee incognizant of possible budget problems the city would have with impending state -aid cots, said Slock, but believes the in. formation gained from a eomprehen. sive survey would be a long-term benefit to the city. The council, while approving the recreation -needs survey, decided to discuss questions for an expanded survey at a future meeting. Stocksaid that while staff begins work ou the fecrestion-needs survey, there will be adequale time for the council todeter- mine if other questions should be added. j