HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Packet 07-09-1992Regular Meeting of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission
July 9, 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.
S. Unfinished Business
a. Volunteer program - continue discussion
b. Park development projects - update
C. 1993-97 C.I.P.
d. Review sidewalk and trail plan
e. Focus groups and surveys - continue discussion (Steve
Burk)
f. Amendment to park plan - playfield site
6. New Business
a. Request for City to purchase land at 494 & Co. 9
b. Name the 10th Avenue Park
C. West Medicine Lake Drive trail report - cost estimate
d. Report on water quality issues, Parkers Lake and
Plymouth Creek Park
e. Ice rink locations - assign to sub -committee
7. Commission Presentation
8. Staff Communication
9. Adjournment
Next regular PRAC meeting - August 13
MEMO
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
July 1, 1992
PRAC
Eric J. Blank, Director of Parks and Recreation
JULY 9 AGENDA
Following are a few comments with regard to items on the agenda
in order to clarify a few issues.
Volunteer Program
I have invited Jeanette Sobania, the City's personnel
coordinator, to attend the meeting to discuss this subject
further with you. I am also attempting to get the volunteer
coordinator from either the City of Brooklyn Park or Hennepin
Parks to stop by to meet with you to review what they do in their
positions.
1993-97 CIP
Attached for your review is a draft CIP for the next five years.
This is just a draft at this time and you should feel free to
add, delete, or modify in any way that you feel would be in the
best interest of the community. Based on the current time table
for adopting the CIP, you do not need to take action on this at
the July meeting, however, it will be necessary to adopt the CIP
no later,than the August 13 meeting.
Sidewalk/Trail Plan
The sidewalk/trail plan, as proposed by Strgar-Roscoe-Fausch, is
still open for discussion, review, amendment, etc. The key
document in the plan is figure no. 8, titled "Revised Sidewalk/
Trail System Plan." If you are comfortable with this, or wish to
modify it, this is the main document that the Planning Commission
will need to hold a public hearing on for the amendment to our
Comprehensive Trail System Plan. The Planning Commission will
schedule that public hearing after PRAC takes action on this
document. I would note one conflict on this system plan, and
that is that the draft CIP indicates the funding of an off-road
trail on Ridgemount Avenue. The proposed systemP lan and the
current system plan call for a Class II trail on Ridgemount
Avenue. It is not necessary that you adopt this plan at this
meeting, however, if there are no problems with it, I recommend
that you proceed with an approval and recommendation.
Reauest to Purchase Land from Mrs. Ess
I believe that the 24 acres that is for sale at 494 and Co. 9 is
a key component in the preservation of the woods within the City
of Plymouth. I recommend PRAC suggest to the City Council that
staff be authorized to negotiate for the purchase of this
property. The current price of $10,000 per acre strikes me as
being a little too high. However, the -terms of spreading out the
purchase over four to five years would be good for the City in
that it would not greatly impact our cash flow through the park
dedication fund. I see no disadvantage in simply attempting to
negotiate a fair purchase price that PRAC and the Council would
find acceptable.
Names for 10th Avenue Park
Based on the article that appeared in the newspaper, I have
received two names for 10th Avenue Park. It is my understanding
that the Willow Woods Estate people will be submitting at least
three names for your consideration, also. I have placed phone
calls to Willow Woods asking them to have those names to us in
time for the meeting. This item does not require action at the
meeting on the 9th, but I wanted to get you thinking about a
name, so that we'll have one fairly soon.
West Medicine Lake Drive Trail
Fred Moore submitted a cost estimate for the City doing a quick
trail construction project this summer in an effort to improve
the safety along West Medicine Lake Drive. I believe this would
be a good expenditure, and recommend that FRAC suggest to the
City Council authorizing taking funds from park dedication for
the City maintenance crews to construct this trail.
Ice Rink Locations
I would like to request that two commissioners volunteer to work
as a subcommittee with Mark Peterson and me to formulate a
recommendation to bring back to PRAC with regard to siting ice
rinks for the 92-93 skating season. We need to get this done
this summer, so the information can be published in the fall and
winter City newsletter.
np
Attachment
Minutes of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting
June 11, 1992
Page 22
Present: Chair Anderson, Commissioners Burk, Gutzke, Johnson,
Waage, Wahl, Watson, staff Bisek, Blank, Greupner, and
Pederson
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Anderson called the June meeting to order at 7 p.m. in
the Council Chambers.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Commissioner Gutzke and seconded by
Commissioner Burk 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. Recreation Supervisor Karol Greupner presented
the June Employee of the Month certificate to Beth Myers,
who has been a part-time employee for five years. Beth's
positions have included teaching ballet and tap, day camp
counselor, playground leader, concessions manager and
currently supervising the Playground in the Streets
staff. Beth attends college and is majoring in
elementary education.
Karol announced the summer Concerts in the Park schedule,
with the first concert scheduled for June 18, at Parkers
Lake Park, featuring the Robbinsdale Community Band. She
indicated that all of the summer concerts this year will
be held at Parkers Lake, and are sponsored by Cub Foods
and Burnet Realty, both of Plymouth.
Mary Bisek made several announcements including part-time
summer staff training scheduled for June 13 and 14; the
HIPP program, which managed to attract 12 teenagers from
the Plymouth area, who will be trained by our staff and
then will go on to volunteer at least 40 hours of their
time this summer at one of our programs, such as Day Camp
or Playground in the Streets. She also stated that
articles for the fall brochure are due in mid-July, and
asked the commissioners if they had any suggestions or
recommendations for programs.
C. Others.
4. REPORT ON PAST COUNCIL ACTION
No report.
June 1992 PRAC Minutes
Page 23
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Volunteer program discussion. Director Blank reviewed
the list of volunteers used by the Park and Recreation
Department during 1991. The list had been compiled by
staff and was distributed to Commissioners at the
meeting. The total number of volunteers exceeded 800,
with 333 involved in the Adopt -A -Park program. This same
list had previously been made available to the City
Council. Commissioner Burk suggested that staff research
the possibility of securing the services of a volunteer
coordinator and stated that this individual would
coordinate all City volunteers, not just the ones used by
the Parks Department. Other commissioners concurred that
a volunteer coordinator will be necessary if the
volunteer program continues to expand. Commissioner
Gutzke believes that if no one is hired, this
responsibility will fall on the shoulders of Director
Blank, and he doesn't feel that that's appropriate.
Staff will research if other cities have hired volunteer
coordinators, whether they are full or part-time, and
what kind of salary they are paid. A few agencies, such
as the school districts and Senior Community Services,
have paid volunteer coordinators on their staff.
Commissioner Waage thought that perhaps the City of
Brooklyn Center or Brooklyn Park might also have a paid
volunteer coordinator.
b. Park development project update. Contractors are holding
off with seeding at Shiloh, Gleanloch and 10th Avenue
Parks due to the dry conditions. Work continues on the
two new playfields and construction crews will now begin
working Saturdays until the playfields are finished.
C. 1993-97 CIP. Director Blank reviewed the draft list of
projects proposed in the 1993-97 CIP. All of these sites
were identified on a map and were pointed out to the
Commissioners during the review process. Cost estimates
were provided for each project as well. Several of these
sites had been visited the night before during the parks
tour. Director Blank indicated that acquiring land for
playfield #9 is important and that Council wants staff to
find an alternative site to the one originally proposed
for Dunkirk Lane and Old 9. This also means amending the
Comprehensive Park Plan, which requires holding a public
hearing. Another important land acquisition to consider
is the wooded park site between Fernbrook and 494.
The fishing docks for East and West Medicine Lake were
discussed. It was suggested that perhaps Ryerson Steel
might consider a contribution toward the installation of
such docks. Staff will look into this.
June 1992 PRAC Minutes
Page 24
Trail segments that need to be connected were also
pointed out by staff. One of the trails identified for
completion starts in Plymouth Creek Park and will
eventually lead to West Medicine Lake. Director Blank
indicated that this is a key trail in the trail system
plan. Other trail projects were discussed including the
completion of a trail along West Medicine Lake Drive.
Several commissioners feel that lack of trail here is
very dangerous from a safety standpoint. People are
using the street for walking, biking and rollerblading,
and there are several areas where blind spots occur.
Commissioners are aware that West Medicine Lake Drive is
going to be upgraded and that any trail installed here
would later be torn up, but they feel something should be
done, even if it's only on a temporary basis. Director
Blank said that he would consult with Fred Moore,
Director of Public Works, about the feasibility of
putting in some kind of temporary trail.
Director Blank reviewed the process of adopting the five
year CIP. He explained that following PRAC's
recommendations for park and trail improvements, the list
goes to the Planning Commission, where it is combined
with other capital items from other departments. The
Planning Commission then holds a public hearing.
Following the hearing, the Planning Commission forwards
it to the City Council. If the City Council adopts the
plan, Director Blank then brings back to the Park
Commission, the following January, the items proposed for
that year. The Park Commission could, at that time,
decide for, or against, going ahead with any given
project.
Commissioner Johnson asked about the possibility of
getting outside funding to complete West Medicine Lake
City Park. He feels that if the City doesn't get started
on this project, this park will never be built. Director
Blank stated that he believes the plan for this park
needs to be redone, and that a consultant should be hired
for that purpose, because the original plan is now ten
years old.
Commissioners were asked for their input regarding which
capital items they would like to see completed in 1993,
1994, and so on. In past years, Director Blank has
prioritized the projects by year, but he stated he wanted
some ideas from the commissioners, since many of them
were new members. For 1993, Commissioners were in
concurrence that playfield site #9 needs to be acquired,
wherever it may be, that the Zachary Playfield parking
lot needs to be expanded, the building of the handicapped
accessible playground at Plymouth Creek Park and some
sort of trail along West Medicine Lake Drive.
Commissioner Waage suggested that Mud Lake Neighborhood
June 1992 PRAC Minutes
Page 25
Park be developed, also. It was Commissioner Watson's
feeling that the issue of safety should be the main
influence in prioritizing capital projects. Commissioner
Burk agreed with this, and suggested that old and new
could be mixed, when deciding what to do each year.
Commissioner Johnson requested that steps be taken to
begin the process of developing West Medicine Lake City
Park and that the total development could maybe be phased
over a few years. Commissioner Burk asked if it was
appropriate for tennis courts to be constructed in
neighborhood parks? Director Blank stated that our
City's Comprehensive Park System Plan calls for tennis
courts in the larger playfields. The commissioners
agreed that tennis courts should not be considered for
inclusion in neighborhood parks.
Director Blank indicated that he would have a draft list
of projects prioritized by year available for the July
meeting, and that it would be necessary for PRAC to make
a recommendation either in July or August.
d. Review sidewalk and trail plan. Commissioners asked if
they needed to make a decision soon on the sidewalk and
trail plan. Director Blank said there is no definite
time table for adopting the plan, but that commissioners
should review it to determine if they agree with the
recommendations made by the consultant. Eventually,
items will be taken from the plan and placed in the CIP.
NEW BUSINESS
Discuss focus groups and surveys. Commissioners
discussed how a survey could be accomplished and how it
might be funded. Commissioner Burk asked if park
dedication funds could be used. Director Blank said that
that was a possibility, however he was certain that the
Council did not wish to hire any outside surveyors, and
that it should be done internally with a questionnaire in
the City newsletter. Director Blank also stated that the
Council had indicated that focus groups should be formed
prior to a survey being done. Commissioners stated that
they strongly believe a survey needs to be done and that
it should be tailored to park and recreation. They also
all concurred that it should be done by a professional,
because they know what kinds of questions to ask and how
to get a broad, overall response. It was the opinion of
every commissioner that a questionnaire in the City
newsletter was not an appropriate way to seek input from
the residents, and that it would not be very scientific.
Commissioner Burk stated that he would discuss this issue
with the Mayor and report back to Chair Anderson, prior
to the July meeting, since he would not be able to attend
that meeting.
June 1992 PRAC Minutes
Page 26
b. Request for park at Xenium Lane and 38th Avenue.
Director Blank reminded commissioners that the residents
from Neighborhood #23 had visited their May meeting
requesting that a park be constructed in their
neighborhood. According to the Comprehensive Park System
Plan, this neighborhood is served by Heritage Park, and
based on this area's projected population, which is down
500 from the 1980 estimate, they do not need additional
park land. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WAAGE AND
SECONDED BY COMMISSER GUTZKE THAT AN ADDITIONAL PUBLIC
PARK IS NOT APPROPRIATE AT 38TH AND XENIUM, BECAUSE THERE
ARE ADEQUATE FACILITIES LOCATED NEARBY THAT SERVE THIS
AREA. The motion carried with all ayes.
C. Amendment to Comprehensive Park Plan - siting of
Playfield #9. The City Council recently amended the land
use guide plan which reguided the play£ield site at
Dunkirk and Old 9 from public/semi-public to LAl/LA2.
This reguiding is contingent on the park and trail
element of the plan being amended. In order to do that,
a public hearing must be held. It will be necessary, as
part of this process, to find an alternative site for
Playfield #9. PRAC concurred that we should be working
toward this end.
7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION
Commissioner Burk will miss the July meeting, and
Commissioner Watson will miss August.
STAFF COMMUNICATION
The next meeting is scheduled for July 9. Director Blank
asked if commissioners wanted to take the month of August
off, but they all agreed that it was necessary to meet.
Director Blank also indicated that during the joint meeting,
Councilmember Vasiliou suggested that PRAC review the
validity of the Park System Plan. In order to do that, he
indicated that PRAC should have a study session with the
consultant who did the original plan, Brauer and Associates.
PRAC concurred with this, and Commissioner Watson suggested
that maybe this could be accomplished in a one day retreat -
type setting in September or October.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
DRAFT
6-30-92
PARKS CIP
1993-97
1993 Land acquisition - playfield 750,000
Plymouth Creek Park handicapped playground 110,000
Zachary parking lot 65,000
West Medicine Lake Drive trail
Ridgemount trail
Plymouth Creek Park - frisbee golf course 15,000
Neighborhood Park (?) 150,000
1994 New playgrounds - Hemlock, Schmidt Lake,
Mission and Timber Shores 150,000
West Medicine Lake City Park Phase I 750,000
Plymouth Creek Park tennis courts 350,000
Trails 75,000
Fishing dock East Beach 14,000
1995 Neighborhood park (?) 175,000
West Medicine Lake City Park Phase II 500,000
Trails 75,000
1996 Neighborhood park (?) 175,000
Trails 100,000
1997 Neighborhood park (?) 175,000
Trails 100,000
June 18, 1992
Mr. Eric Blank
Director of Parks
Plymouth City Hall
3400 Plymouth Blvd.
Plymouth, MN 55447
RE: 24+/- acres NW corner of Interstate 494 and Co. Rd. 9
Dear Mr. Blank,
This letter is our offer to sell, to the City of Plymouth, the
above described property. The property's character, topography
and natural resources demand preservation as is for its best use,
City Wildlife Park. This land is presently guided LA -2 and as you
are aware, development may well destroy the integrity of one of
the last remaining stands of trees in the City of Plymouth.
As I understand, the Parks Department has been instructed by the
City Council to pursue land outside the development communities
for park acquisition. The cost of land in undeveloped areas
should be less than the cost of land in areas under development.
I propose to sell to the City our 24+/- acres for the amount of
10,000.00 per acre. This land cost is well within the cost of
land in undeveloped areas and our land certainly contains better
natural features and resources for preservation and public
enjoyment. Our land would connect with the City's previously
acquired park land to the west and provide the City the necessary
corridor for snowmobile trails north and south along Interstate
494. The City's acquisition would prevent the necessity of future
sewer extension to our land, provide needed park land for.closeby
development communities and provide a buffer from the light
industrial area to the south.
In order to help with the acquisition, we will not require
immediate cash payment. We will sell over time, 4 to 5 years,
with 2096-25% down and annual payments of 20%-25% of the sale price
plus accrued interest at the rate of 8% per annum. I believe this
is a fair and equitable offer to the City and I believe the City
will be appreciated for the preservation of this resource.
Please review this offer with the necessary City Officials and
respond to me as quickly as may be possible.
Sincerely,
liic dV le -i
Marion Ess
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS
14610 13th Avenue North
Plymouth, Minnesota 55447
612 476 ® 1077
June 18, 1992
Parks and Recreation Commission
City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, MN 55447
Mr. Chairman and Commissioners,
The need to attend a meeting of an Executive Board I sit on forced me to leave your June 11th
meeting early, so I would like to comment on a matter of personal interest and excitement. For
years I have enjoyed the incredible natural beauty of the large "wild" area at Cty. 9 and I-494.
A recent conversation with Eric revealed that opportunities are developing to acquire that
property and preserve it. I strongly support actions to protect that area for future generations to
enjoy, As a resident of East Parkers Lake Neighborhood, I'm thankful that earlier
commitments were made to provide the Luce Line Trail and Parkers Lake complex as a major
recreational center for Plymouth. The green component of our city is critical to its future, a
tangible component of Plymouth's quality of life that holds an intangible value.
I feel the area at Cty. 9 & 1-494, plus the Big Woods at Vicksburg & Hwy. 55 would be
invaluable additions to preserved natural areas in our region, on a footing with Wolsfeld
Woods or the Eloise Butler Wildfower Garden. Commissioner Burk's comments on corporate
involvement are key ideas to success in land acquisition, preservation or development.
Besides corporations, there are organizations and individuals interested in cooperating with
cities on these issues. I have offered Eric my personal and professional commitment to help
establish and develop those connections if and when necessary. The tall trees, sweeping
ravines, hillsides of ferns and wildflowers, variety of birds and wildlife we can pass on to
future generations is a remarkable opportunity and challenge. Thank you very much for your
interest and the excellent work you are doing to make Plymouth's park system a source of great
pride. Please contact me if I can be of assistance.
Sincerely yours,
c -u
David Shea
Business Communications * Environmental Awareness ® Management Enhancement
Bea Goucher
Music in Plymouth--WLd., June 24, 1992—Page 7
Help! This park needs a name.
Put on your thinking cap and help us
think of a name for the park on 10th
Avenue that is currently under
construction. (Can't someone come
up with a better name than "10th
Avenue Park"?)
This new three -acre park is located
at the intersection of 10th Avenue
and South Shore Dr. A small
informal game area is appropriate
for baseball and soccer. There will
o be a picnic shelter and
children's playground. A winding
trail will be available for biking,
walking, and jogging.
Ideas? Send them to Eric Blank,
Director of Parks and Recreation,
3400 Plymouth Blvd.,, Plymouth, MN
55447. Or, just call 550-5131.
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MEMO
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447
DATE: July 1, 1992
TO: PRAC
FROM: Eric J. Blank, Director of Parks and Recreation
SUBJECT: WEST MEDICINE LAKE DRIVE TRAIL
The cost estimate from Fred Moore will be distributed at the
meeting.
np
PARKERS PAVILION CALENDAR/JULY 1992
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
JR LG=JR LIFEGUARD TRAINING 2 3 4
PP/COAD=PLAY PALS/COME OUT AND PLAY 8:00-11:00 JR LG I 1
PSS=PRESCHOOL SPECIAL 1
WC=WATER CARNIVAL 9:30-11:00 EARTH FRIENDLYART CAMP
5 1 6 1 7 1 8 9 10 11
8:00-11:00 JR LGI
I
1 8:00-11:00 JR LG 8:00-11:00 JR LG1
8:00-12:45 PP & COAP________________________________________________> 9:00-12:30 PSS
I TRAFFIC JAM 1
1:00- 2:30 6:30- 9:00
DRAWING CLASS PUPPET SHOW & 110:00- 3:00 BIKE
CONCERT I BBQ & BEACH
CONCESS. OPEN 1 CHECK IN HERE
12 1 13 1 14 15 16 17 1 18
8:00-11:00 JR LG1 1 8:00-11:00 JR LG1 8:00-11:00 JR LG
8:00-12:45 PP/COAP___________________________________________________>1 9:00-12:30 PSS
I
1 1
I FOREST FRIENDS
1
I
5:00- 9:00 WC &
I
7:00- 8:00 T'AI
1
1 1
CONCERT CHI EXERCISE
19 20 I 21 22 23 24 25
8:00-11:00 JR LGi i 8:00-11:00 JR LG 8:00-11:00 JR LGi1
8:00-12:45 PP/COAD=====================-====---------------------====>1 9:00-12:30 PSS 1
DINOSAUR SEARCH
6:30- 9:00 1 1
1:00- 2:30 PUPPET SHOW & 1
DRAWING CLASS CONCERT 7:00- 8:00 T'AI 1 1
1 CONCESS. OPEN CHI EXERCISE 1 1
26 1 27 1 28 1 29 1 30 1 31
1 8:00-12:45 PP/COAP===================___________________________====>I 9:00-12:30 PSS
I 1 I PEANUTS, POPCRN 1
1 6:30- 9:00 1 PICKLES
1:00- 2:30 1 PUPPET SHOW &
1 DRAWING CLASS 1 CONC 1 7:00- 8:00 T'AI 1 1 1
1 1 CONCESS. OPEN 1 CHI EXERCISE 1 1 1
YNA . CLIPPING SERVICE
S'r. LOUIS PARK
SUNSAILORIlennepinC'._
PUN 17 1992
Artists invited to submit entries
for sculpture at Oak Park Village
By Mickey 75bbils
Sl. Louis Park has everything
except a piece of sculpture in
a politic place.
That is scheduled to change by
next year when a major art
piece is tentatively set to be
dedicated in July of 1993.
The community art project is
being spearheaded by the St.
Louis Park Rotary Foundation.
Rotary is donating approx-
imately one-half of the money,
including seed money to fund a
sculpture competition.
From the entries, a commit-
tee will select four finalists, who
will each be paid a $150 commis-
sion to construct a model of the
proposed sculpture. Residents
will have an opportunity to criti-
que the four models while they
are on display. The commit-
tee, chaired by Brimeyer, will
collect opinions before selecting
the winning design. An eight -
member committee composed
of representatives from the
Rotary Club, the Rotary Foun-
dation, the city and the com-
munity has been created to coor-
dinate and direct the project.
Artists are invited to submit
entries on paper by July 10, 1992.
There are no restrictions on the
material, size qr type of
sculpture other than it is to em-
body the ideals and principles of
Rotary. The Rotary motto is
Service AbM Self.•,
The sculpture should also
reflect the Sl Louis Park coin-
muulty," said Brimeyer.
The committee has establish-
ed a $50,000 budget for the
design, creation and installation
of the sculpture at Oak Park
Village (near the new mtersec-
tion of Highway 7 and Louisiana
Avenue). Although Rotary will
donate approximately one-half
of the cast of the art project, the
other half, Brimeyer said, needs
to be raised from donations and
sponsors.
Brimeyer has been working
on the art project for almost a
year, organizing the effort with
the City Ca ncil, Rotary and
other groups.
Far several years Rotary had
been looking for another big pro -
jest, in addition to the contribu-
tions it makes to various com-
munity service projects,
Brimeyer said. Rotary's last
major project was the
showmobile for Sl. Louis Park's
C:entemial in 1986.
The timetable calls for foal
selection of an artist in mid-
October. Construction is set to
begin in the spring of 1990,
Brimeyer said.
For more information about
the community alt project, call
Brimeyer at 915 -OM
JUN 2 :9c
IGH council approves
large-scale park plan
by Petrick Mulmoney problem," Anderson said referring to maps
MMA NIPPING SERVICE
that show walking paths through yards,
n iOUrH•WE5T
xEV1EW-5T. PAUL
place" .
aamrer Lo.
JUN 2 :9c
IGH council approves
large-scale park plan
by Petrick Mulmoney problem," Anderson said referring to maps
that show walking paths through yards,
Inver Grove Heights City Council ap. But in the big picture, this is a workable
Proved a comprehensive 30 -park develop. place" .
ment plan May 26 that should serve the es- SBvy urged the city to buy virgin land arena will rise in the future, though currently the de
Iimated 60,000 people who will live in the around the area south of Highway 55. maod is about 47 percent of the households.
dry by the year 2030. Dubbed "Region 2" by the parks commis- Klein said that attitudes towards an indoor ice art
In a 4-0 vote (Council Member Warren Sion, the land is undeveloped and bas an nor be" already changed since the survey was cordae
Srech was absent), the council approved a abundance of wildlife and natural re- ed three Years ago, and added the amendment to it
plan to purchase 400 acres of land spread Sources, including woodlands, wetlands dude the ice meas.
hroughout 15 sites:.The city cerrentty-'ndfraidw;- TIM Other two amendments brought changes in th
owns over 300 aces of land,' on which It of two of the land parcels proposed ft
no developed 14 parks. The price of the veloped land" reported the parks cif- development
un-acquized land is estimated a over $13 Sion, "them is a great opportunity at this The 48 -ace plot of land between County Road 7
million — not including development time to establish the structure of the park and 93rd Street was originally designated a "neigbhor
costs. The council is considering a forme system prior to further development" bond Preserve' (NP -1) by the commission. With a 2C
bond referendum to finance the plan. ace lake, deme wooded areas, and another 5.5 =
This is a very visionary plan that will ACCORDING TO Parks and Recre- Pood, the land is described by we homeowner as "th
carry m to the 21st century; said Bruce cion Commissioner Shelia Tatone, not all, most pristine and prestigious parcel of land yet m
Anderson parks and recreation director. He of the money for acquisition or develop- lunched in Inver Grove Heights."
said acquisition and development of the mem would come from a special bond ref- A neighborhood preserve would develop a pnrdo
park system could take 40 years. emndum of the site for recreation activities reed would also per
Four years in the making, the plan seek We expect to acquire a lot of dee lends net the land from privare developeain the fume.
In "improve the quality of life fa commu-
City residents by providing adequate park
through (tesidenu') Park dedication dopa-
tions,' Thione said -' However, the homeowners around the 48 -ace PIC
and open spaces...:' the park and recre- There is no value estimate of the pro- comend that Inver Grove Heights has ret developed o
anon commission wrote in its Compreben- posed referendum. Tamne added mamtaiced the Park it already has and -does not nes.
sive Park Plan and DevelopmentGulde. While the park and rectratim commis. to make another park. Others said that the Uaffi•
Envisioned throughout the park system sion is working on a new bond issue, they awn by a new park on the land is umwelmme. Th.
we saner fields, outdoor hockey facilities, have proposed over a dozen ways to fl- last atgiment said developing the land would not pre
baseball and softball fields, tennis courts, once the parks. Several ahemative funding serve the land as it is intended but would only discop
hose -shoe pits, family picnic grounds. bas-
ketball toms. walking and bike tails and
sources include taxes such as special to in-
cement financing and extra tipping fees at
the wild lira
If people don't want this park right now, we're or
horse riding nails in the rural Parkways. the Pine Bend Landfill Another funding going to shove it down anyone's dmz&L" said Com,
source could be service fees from city. Member George Tourville.
URBAN SPRAWL is the greatest erre- sponsored activities like gall words, swim- Consequently. the Council changed the status of th
my to the visionary pian, Commission ruing and team sports. The state of Min- land to "special me' land which mum the city wi
Member Marty Silly said, nesom also offers grams for fides like Inver not try to acquire the land but will rezone it to msur
H we don't make a plan that look to Grove Heights with land management Pm- the City's fut m acquisition should s®eore propose t
tbefuove w the boundary line continues to iVans. develop the Ind someday.
close in on Inver Grove Heights, we won't Klein's last smeodment to the plan was a mggv
have any green space in the city;' SBvy THE PLAN was passed with three tlon that the city of Inver Greve Heights ask the Dakc
said "West St Paul was the same way 50 ameodmeem Council Member Bill Klein to County Board of Commissioner to establish
years ago." said that a park system plan mot propose maty park on one of the designated parcels of lam
Park planners want m connect the park 1 development of an indoor hockey arer t. Ile advantages would be the County would fund it
network with an elaborate series of paved I The 1989 Interest survey Conducted by the park from its budgeL the park would be bigger than
nails, which can only be realized before ev- Parks and recreation commission found that city perk and would serve more People.
ery parcel of land is developed in Inver 53 percent of the 759 households that re.
Grove Heights. spouted would not use an ice arena, so it
Already, some homeowners expressed was left off the priority IisL
opposition to plans that show walking paths According to Anderson an ice arena
designed adjacent to their property. The M* -force projects the demand for an ice
commission said it wants to designate some
of the land before the vision vo isbes
Conceptually there is going to be a
EDINA
LL7 RJNLURRENT
Ilranrpin Co.
JVH 3 1992
Golf course
expansion
plan may,?,
be on again
By Mary Durben
The proposed .expansion of
Braemar Golf Course may be on
track again.
The city of Edina received
notice last week that the Army
Corps of Engineers would ap-
prove its plans to expand the
golf course on certain
conditions.
The Edina City Council was to
review the conditions at its June
I meeting, after this issue of the
Sun -Current went to press.
City Manager Ken Rosland
said last week he would recom-
mend that the council agree to
the conditions, which include
preserving two wooded hills and
a marsh area on the property
and providing additional
wetland mitigation.
We havealways been willing
to do that. We have always
wanted to save those hills,"
R,.cland-mid_
The city has sought to add an
additional nine holes to the
popular public course. A permit
was required because the
20 -acre expansion involved
disturbing 4-5 acres of wetland.
A permit application was filed in
1989 and funds were set aside for
the project. While the Caps of Engineers
was in charge of the application
process, the process called for
review by various agencies, in-
cluding the U.S. Interior Depart-
ment's Division of Fish and
Wildlife (USDFW) and the En-
vwo nnontat Protection Agency
EPA), which have opposed the
plan.
Recently, the city informed
the Corps of Engineers that if it
did not decide one way or
another on ft plan, the city
would lake the matter to court.
Rosland speculated that the
Corps didn't want to go to court,
and that there may have been
pressure in Washington to get a
backlog of applications cleared.
The fact Is, we pretty much
mel the guidelines and followed
an the rules," he said. '"Ifiey
ran out of things they d
make us do.'
Mick Weburg, was beads the
Corps' Permit Analysis Divi-
sion, said it simply took a long
time for the Caps to review all
the facts and investigate all the
alternatives, including building
a course elsewhere, outside the
city. Weburg said the Corps had
asked the city for additional in-
formation, and information sup-
plied recenUy helped finally
resolve the matter. That infon-
malion involved the feasibility
of the city folancirng the con-
struction of a new course
elsewhere.
The EPA and USDFW had
authority under the federal
Clean Wale' Act to Insist that
the decision-makingbe
to the federal hard Id agencyspokespersonsted
they would do an. Weburg saidtheCorpsnotifiedthemofItsin-
tent to issue the permit but they
decided not to elevate weremat-
I,The Spokespersons
available last week.
Rosland said the Corps'
recommendations do not involve
any major alteration of the
ply's plans, although there may
be "field adjustments-"
R the council approves the
conditions, construction could
begin sometime in the early fail
air_' ttie exparnsron could open as
early as spring 1994, Rasland
said. Work on exhbog holes that
are to be moved will be done in
the off-season an the existing
Cour-.,¢ can remain open, he
said.
MN.1 CIIPPIMa fERVICE
aRWC1.YN PARR
SUN -,(IST
xea„rpis cv.
JUIJ 3 1992
New play structures
for five city parks
I P tl IJya gman
Handicapped children in
Brooklyn Park will soon be able
to join their able-bodied
playmates on some of the city's
Playground equipment.
The City Council unanimously
approved a bid from Miracle
Recreation Equipment Com-
pany, Hastings, to replace or
supplement existing playground
equipment in five city parks.
The bid, which was the onlyone
received, totalled $86,614.
Parks that will have new
equipment installed are Central
Park, 8440 Regent Ave. N.,
Zanewood Park, 7200 Zane Ave.
N., and Sunkist Park I= - 82nd
Ave. N. Parks that will receive
supplements to existing struc-
tures are Jewell Park, 1400 -88th
Ave. N. and Greenhaven Park,
79th & Boone Avenue N.
Plans are to install the new
equipment later this year
Linda St. John, assistant
director of Parks and Recres-
hoNBusinem Operations, said
the money came from the Park
Improvement Budget. The bid
was within the amount budgeted
I or the project.
The new equipment will be
handicapped accessible, as re-
quired by the Federal
Americans with Disabilities Act
ADA) effecliveJan. 76, 19%, St.
John said.
Handicapped transfer points
will be built directly into the new
equipment. These area series of
platforms making it easier for a
person in a wheelchair to access
the equipment, Sl. John said.
The supplemental structures
will also have transfer points.
The ADA also states that
pathways from parking areas to
the equipment must be ban-
dicaPPed accessible. St. John
said these will be installed at the
same time as the new
equipment. we know we have residents
out there that are handicapped.
We know this will give them ac-
cess to that equipment,,, St.
John said.
St. John said the equipment is
being replaced because of its
deteriorating condition. Some
Pieces date back to 1970, while
other unsafe mles have been
removed and not replaced.
Changes in creativity levels
and experiences have also
changed, SL John said. '"Hie old
merry-go-rounds... have been
upgraded considerably.'•
CENTRAL PARK
BROOKLYN PARK, MN
CD05033
APRIL 16, 1992
CVC42-aAAK
This Is a drawing of what the
New playground equipment at
Central Park will look like.
Mioor maditkadons may allll
be made.)
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MNA CLIPPING SERVICE
SOUTH Sr. PAUL/
INVES CNOVE IIPJIaf15SUNCRD.W. n.
IUN J 1992
Residents balk
at i'w park plan
Homeowners afraid parks and trails may
infringe on property
By Heather Gay
New parks aren't needed and
property values will drop.
That was the gist of the com-
ments from Inver Grove
Heights residents May 26 when
the City Council passed the
Comprehensive Park Plan and
Development Guide 40. (Cotm-
cilmember Warren Krech was
absent) The Parks and Recreation
Commission has been develop-
ing the plan foraboul four years.
The plan looks at the following
issues:
Developing a city-wide trail
system that connects existing
and proposed parks with access
to major points of interest.
Divides the city into two
regions. Region I would be a
values and privacy
higher density development
area and Region 2 a
predominantly rural area.
Provide city-wide athletic
complexes.
Identity four special use
areas including the golf course,
the Macalester nature preserve,
a community center and swim-
ming complex. Increase the acreage of park
land.
Many residents turned out at
the meeting to speak against the
plan, because they don't want
parks and trails to infringe on
their properties and Privacy.
Putting in trails would disrupt
his neighborhood, said Kelly
Lundstrom.
CouncilmeniAer Bill Klein
recommended one ofBey vedparksbedesignateda
park to get county funding.
Resident Mike White question-
ed why the council is looking at a
plan for new parks, when the in-
stalled parks aren't complete.
We should develop the ones we
have," White said. "why don't
we expand on those instead of
making a new maintenance
arra."
The plan should be re-
evaluated because many
residents are concerned, said
Vance Grannis Jr..
Councilmember George Tau•-
ville said passing the Com-
prehensive Plan does not mean
any of the Projects will be done -
This does not give us the
authority to spend a nickel on
any of these plan,. we'd
f
see - dura is the only Y
nickel spent. H we adopt the
plan it doesn't mean we can Put
money into it-"
The plan is unrealistic, said
resident Wilfred Keech. He said
Inver Grove Heights doesn't
need more parks, rather the city
needs a community center and
youth programs.
A community center would
support 50 percent of the people
in this town and that ought to be
a priority," Krech said.
But this isn't a plan for today,
Ws for tomorrow, said resident
Marlin SRvi. "R we don't make
a plan that looks into the future
and designates areas for green.
space for our community then
we will never be able to get
any.,, Colncilmember Bob Pollock
said he is in favor of the plan
because trails that connect
parka are needed for bicyclists
and pedestrians for safety pur-
poses. He said the trails can be
put N so they don't impose on
private property.
To say that the trail is only
conceptual sounds good, but
people are womed because the
map shows trails running
Ruough their properties, said
Grannie.
The plan points out that the
trails are not set in stone. Actual
frau locations have not been ,
said Bruce Anderson, directoror of
Parks -and Recreation -It y
take 40 years to get all the trails
in, he said.
it's the principle we're look-
Andersa- ing at right now;
said. The take Calhoun and lake
Harriet areae are examples of
good planning, Anderson said.
Nobody was permitted to
develop withm 300 feet of the
lakes, and look what a legacy
that has been for Minneapolis/
he said.
MNA CIIIFIMO lER ICE
f SOUTIi Sr. PAUL/ I.
GROVE NFIGr[S
SUN -CURRENT
Ihkol. Ce. '
Ice
JUN 3 1992
arena task force work just
By (feather .Cayj
TheIce Arena I ask Force is
trying to figure out the best kind
of ice arena to build and the hest
way to finance it.
To help in the task, two
feasibility studies are planned.
A technical study will deter-
mine the content of an arena and
approximate costs.
A second "Financial Feasibili-
ty Study" — to be dole after the
technical study — will look at
the arena's design and deter-
mine revenue cash flow.
Projected revenue will help
determine to what extent a
revenue bond ran be issued to
support the facility debt and to
generate money to support an-
nual arena employment and ex-
pense, according to a statement
released by the Inver Grove
Heights Ice Arena Task Force.
Money for the technical
feasibility study is Coming from
the city. The Inver Grove
Heights City Council passed a
resolution for 59,900 for the
study May 11. It will be done by
Hammel, Green and Abraham-
son Inc., a Minneapolis architect
firm.
The architect's proposal was
50 percent of the bid from com-
petitive firms, according to the
statement.
Hammel Green did the design
for the Minneapolis Parade
Iadium Arena, and the new
Minnetonka arena.
The technical feasibility study
is expected to be complete the
beginning of August with the
financial study to follow in
September.
No contract has not been
awarded for the financial study,
but the Inver Grove Heights
Hockey Association has agreed
to pay for it.
So tar plans for the arena in-
clude seating for 1,200 and will
beginning
be big enough to hold many dtf-
ferent events.
Such activities could include
suburban conference hockey
games, physical education
classes, figure skating clubs,
and non -ice events including
soccer and tennis.
The task force is looking for
technical design by a profes-
sional architect, said Bruce
Anderson, city director of parks
and recreation.
The architect will make
preliminary designs and/
estimated costs, he said.
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