HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Packet 09-10-1992Regular Meeting of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission
September 10, 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. Ice rink locations
b. 10th Avenue park name
C. Ridgemount sidewalk/trail feasibility study
5. Unfinished Business
a. Volunteer program
b. Review sidewalk and trail plan
C. Park development projects update
d. Focus grdups and surveys - continue discussion (no
action)
e. Amendment to park plan - playfield site selection
E. Proposed 1993-97 CIP (no action necessary)
6. New Business
a.
b.
C.
7. Commission Presentation
8. Staff Communication
9. Adjournment
Next regular PRAC meeting - October 8
Minutes of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting
August 13, 1992
Page 33
Present: Chair Anderson, Commissioners Waage, Wahl, Burk,
Watson, Gutzke, staff Bisek, Blank and Pederson
Absent: Commissioner Johnson
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Anderson called the August meeting to order at 7 p.m.
in the Council Conference Room.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made
Commissioner Gutzke
meeting as presented
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
by Commissioner Burk and seconded by
to approve the minutes of the July
The motion carried with all ayes.
a. Athletic Associations. None were present at this
meeting.
b. Staff. Mary Bisek stated that summer programs had ended
and that during the final week of the puppet wagon,
puppeteers collected food for area food shelves. She
stated that participant evaluations were being collected
from those that had been involved in the HIPP (Helping in
Plymouth Parks) program. Commissioner Waage said that
her daughter had been a participant in HIPP and had a
very positive experience. She feels that her daughter
gained both self-confidence and self-esteem and that her
participation in the program will be very beneficial to
her daughter in the future. Mary indicated that fall
soccer registration was continuing with kids from waiting
lists now being added to teams where possible. Fall
soccer begins September 8. Mary stated that she had
recently attended a meeting regarding the use of gym
space in the 1992-93 school year. It appears that our
use will be decreasing in the coming year, due to
additional demands on space made by youth athletics.
This year, more gym space is going to youth basketball
and indoor soccer. This will have an impact on our
revenue projections for 193, because the vast majority of
our gym use has been for adult basketball and volleyball
leagues and open gym basketball, as well as a number of
adult fitness classes. Mary stated that in planning
program budgets for 1993, additional funds had to be
added to program expenses to allow for additional staff
training as prescribed by OSHA and the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA). Also, the City is currently
evaluating its handicapped accessibility to different
programs and facilities. To expand our program
offerings, we have been cooperating with School District
August 1992 PRAC Minutes
Page 34
284 in an "After School Program," which is now going to
be expanded to include District 281 as well. This is a
program whereby the school advertises the class, recruits
and registers the students, and the City finds the
instructors. The classes are offered right after school,
so the students can stay after to participate in them.
Some of the classes offered in the past include karate,
floor hockey, and art.
4. REPORT ON PAST COUNCIL ACTION
a. Land acquisition at 494 and County Road 9. The City has
hired a firm to conduct an appraisal of the property,
which is scheduled to be completed near the end of
August.
b. Approved trail on West Medicine Lake Drive. Based on
PRAC's recommendation, this trail will be constructed
using City crews.
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Hennepin Parks Volunteer Coordinator Deb Vossler. Ms.
Vossler attended the PRAC meeting to discuss Hennepin
Parks' volunteer program. She distributed copies of the
Volunteer," a newsletter which Hennepin Parks sends out
to all its current, past and any interested volunteers.
The newsletter explains how the volunteer program works
and the different categories or types of volunteers
needed. Hennepin Parks uses volunteers in their
recreation programs, outdoor education, natural
resources, group projects, office work, at workshops and
other special events. Ms. Vossler explained that they
recruit through the newsletter, media releases,
statements on flyers and bulletins, and letters to
groups, organizations and corporations. They also
provide the training once the volunteers have been
selected. Ms. Vossler explained the various awards
Hennepin. Parks uses in showing its appreciation to
volunteers, which included free annual parking permits,
patches, lapel pins, plagues, t -shirts, hats, social
events, field trips, special dinners, etc. She indicated
that it is very important to make the volunteer feel
respected and that his/her contribution is important and
appreciated. She further explained that it is also
important to stress the attitude that volunteers do not
replace paid staff, rather, they are there to support the
paid staff. Volunteers also help to advertise the
programs, which is another benefit in addition to the
dollars saved, which is estimated at about $85,000 for
Hennepin Parks. Hennepin Parks has had a formal
volunteer program in place since 1981. Ms. Vossler
indicated that her background was in environmental
studies, biology, park and recreation and her own
August 1992 PRAC Minutes
Page 35
personal volunteer experiences. She recommended a number
of organizations to contact to receive more information
on volunteerism, which included the Minnesota Office of
Volunteer Services, the Minnesota Association of
Volunteer Directors, and the National Volunteer Center.
Ms. Vossler suggested that if the City decides to hire a
volunteer coordinator, the structure of the volunteer
program should already be in place. The Commission and
staff thanked Ms. Vossler for attending and stated that
this item will continue to be placed on future agendas.
b. Review sidewalk and trail clan - Strcar-Roscoe-Fausch. A
resident of Minnetonka, Rick Jenson, was present to
discuss the petition which had been sent to the City
requesting that the cities of Plymouth and Minnetonka
cooperatively upgrade Ridgemount Avenue and add an off-
road trail. They would like this trail to run along
Ridgemount Avenue from Pineview to Zachary. Eighty
percent of the homeowners living along Ridgemount signed
the petition, with most of these residents living in
Minnetonka. Mr. Jenson stated that Ridgemount is the
only street in Plymouth running in front of schools that
does not have an off road trail. Director Blank stated
that the Engineering Department's proposed road
reconstruction projects for 1993 do not include
Ridgemount Avenue. The reason for this is there are
higher priority streets that need work. Also, the
sidewalk -trail report does not indicate a need for an
off-road trail here. According to Mr. Gardener, the
representative from S.R.F., Ridgemount does not meet the
criteria for separate trail, because it does not have
enough daily traffic to warrant it.
Councilmember Edson stated that the City has a 20 year
road reconstruction plan, which means that at the end of
20 years, every street in Plymouth will have been
upgraded. He also stated that Ridgemount is a State Aid -
road, and qualifies for State Aid funds. State Aid funds
can be used for sidewalks, but not trails. Director
Blank explained that sidewalks differ from trails in that
they are three feet narrower and are made of concrete
instead of asphalt.
Director Blank explained that Minnetonka's plans call for
upgrading Ridgemount in 1997, but they are willing to
negotiate if Plymouth decides it should be done sooner.
Minnetonka city officials told Eric that they. may not be
able to help fund a trail if done in 1993. If the City
of Plymouth funded the entire trail project, it would
cost approximately $175,000.
The Plymouth side of Ridgemount Avenue has steep grades
and several trees, whereas the Minnetonka side is much
flatter. Director Blank thinks the Minnetonka side may
be better suited for trail than the Plymouth side.
August 1992 PRAC Minutes
Page 36
Mr. Jenson stated that the number of students walking to
Wayzata East and Sunset Hill in 1993 will increase
because of bus funding cuts, so from a safety standpoint
the trail is needed.
Mr. Gardener again stated that Ridgemount does not meet
the criteria for off-road trail, but it does meet the
criteria for sidewalk. He further explained how their
report has prioritized Plymouth's trail system needs,
with the first need being to close the gaps in existing
trail corridors, followed by filling in the gaps between
trail ends and existing development, and then filling in
the gaps between trail facilities. Other needs are one
sided trails, unmarked or unprotected crossings, bike
lanes on major roads and bike lanes at intersections.
Mr. Gardener also explained the criteria for deciding
when you need sidewalk, asphalt trail on one side of the
road, on two sides of the road, off road trails, bike
lanes and bike routes. Some of the factors to consider
when making this decision include where the sidewalk or
trail will be located such as in _commercial/retail
districts, near schools, along two or four -lane major
Collectors, minor arterials and streets, railroad right
of way, within parks, etc; and the annual daily traffic
counts and the speed of that traffic.
Director Blank indicated that some of the trail/sidewalk
projects would have to be done in conjunction with county
or state road improvement projects. Commissioner Burk
stated his interest in having the trail projects put in
some kind of priority order. Mr. Gardener indicated this
has already been done by Strgar and is outlined in their
report.
Director Blank stated that approval of this
trail/sidewalk plan or approval of - figures 7 & 8 in the
plan would be necessary this month or next.
Commissioners chose to wait until the September meeting
to make their recommendation, but they unanimously agreed
that they would like some sort of feasibility study done
regarding the construction of an off-road trail on
Ridgemount Avenue.
C. Park development projects update. The two playfields are
basically done, but the seeding of the soccer field at
Bass Lake didn't take, so contractor is totally ripping
it out and will be reseeding over the weekend. Only
minor details remain. The three neighborhood parks are
basically all finished, too. The residents of Willow
Woods called Director Blank and are considering
adopting" 10th Avenue Park.
d. 1993-97 CIP - adoption program. Residents living near
Ryerson Steel on South Shore Drive attended the
August 1992 PRAC Minutes
Page 37
Commission meeting to request some landscaping to
visually block the industrial area from their view and to
help cut down on noise pollution. These same residents
submitted a petition to the Council in 1990, asking for
this landscaping at that time. Their request was denied,
and now they would like the City to reconsider it in
planning the next CIP. Bridget Jodell has lived on South
Shore Drive since 1951 and remembers that Ryerson Steel
planted trees as part of their agreement with the City.
Those trees died many years ago, and Ms. Jodell, along
with her other neighbors, would like new trees planted as
well as a berm constructed. She feels this will improve
the area not only for the residents, but for those
walking along South Shore Drive on their way to East
Medicine Lake Beach and the park. There are a few trees
there now that were planted by the City, but they are
deciduous and lose their leaves in the fall, thus
exposing Ryerson Steel and other industrial buildings in
the area. In addition to this, a refuse hauler comes to
one of the businesses in the middle of the night to empty
dumpsters. Residents are awakened at two and three in
the morning by this noise. Councilman Edson stated that
refuse haulers must be licensed by the City, and if they
are violating the City's noise ordinance, their license
can be revoked. He suggested that one of the residents
try to identify the offending hauler, so they can be
contacted and informed of the ordinance. Another
resident stated that Ryerson Steel operates all night
long, sometimes with its doors open, and any
announcements made on their loud speaker system are heard
throughout the neighborhood. She is wondering if they
can be asked to close their doors or stop using this loud
speaker.
Commissioners asked what it would cost to have City crews
do some landscaping in this area. Director Blank
indicated that our City forester had drawn a plan which
was estimated at between $5,200 and $11,300 depending on
who did_ the work. It was suggested that the City
consider negotiating with Ryerson Steel to see if they
would help fund the planting of some new trees. Director
Blank responded that Ryerson had met the terms of the
original agreement, which was to plant trees at that
time, but that he would follow up on this suggestion.
Commissioners stated that they would like a little more
time to consider this request, and they will try to get
over to South Shore Drive prior to the September meeting
to view the situation firsthand.
Discussion continued on the 93-97 CIP, with Director
Blank explaining some of the recent changes he had made
as requested by PRAC. The Ridgemount trail was added to
1993, and the West Medicine Lake Drive trail was removed.
August 1992 PRAC Minutes
Page 38
Playfield #10 was added to 1996. Commissioners then
asked for some changes in the proposed 1993 capital
improvements. Commissioner Gutzke wanted to know if
Plymouth could construct the Ridgemount trail on the
Minnetonka side of the street. Director Blank didn't
think so, but he thought that perhaps the City could fund
some of it if Minnetonka built it. Commissioner Gutzke
then recommended that a feasibility study be done with
Minnetonka paying half the cost. He also recommended
that the $175,000 allocated for Ridgemount trail in the
193 CIP be left in, but that the item title be changed to
read just "trails." Commissioner Waage stated that she
feels Bass Lake Playfield needs more swings. Others
agreed, as did Director Blank. Commissioner Burk asked
about adding sand volleyball at Plymouth Creek Park.
Director Blank said the recreation programmers need to
study if that location would be good for sand volleyball.
Usually people want to play sand volleyball near a lake.
A few commissioners felt that frisbee golf was not a high
priority item and asked that it be removed from the 193
CIP. They asked for clarification on the handicapped
playground at Plymouth Creek. Director Blank indicated
it would be totally new play equipment and it would be
relocated to a different, more accessible site in the
park. Commissioners also requested that the South Shore
Drive landscaping request be placed in the 193 CIP.
Commissioner Gutzke stated that if the City needs dirt
for the berm that these residents want, NuAire on
Fernbrook Lane is getting rid of loads of fill.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WATSON AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER WAHL TO ACCEPT THE 1993-97 CIP WITH THE
CHANGES AS RECOMMENDED. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL
AYES.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WATSON AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER GUTZKE RECOMMENDING THAT COUNCIL AUTHORIZE A
FEASIBILITY STUDY REGARDING THE RIDGEMOUNT TRAIL ISSUE.
THE MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL AYES.
Commissioner Burk asked if PRAC must now follow this to
the letter. Director Blank said no. Items could be
changed later, amounts could also be changed. He also
stated that the Commission would get more specific about
their 193 recommendations in the month of January.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WAAGE AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER WAHL TO ADD MORE SWINGS TO BASS LAKE
PLAYFIELD. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL AYES.
Director Blank said that he would speak to the Council
about this matter and try to get it added to the current
contract, so that it could be done yet this fall. He
indicated that it's not a simple matter of adding another
August 1992 PRAC Minutes
Page 39
swing, because the Consumer Product Safety Board has come
up with new guidelines stating that three swings together
are unsafe. Swings can now be sold only in groupings of
two, so an entire new "area" must be added to the play
equipment site at Bass Lake in order to get more swings.
e. Focus groups and surveys. Copies of Plymouth's last
citizen survey and the City of Hastings citizen survey
were included in PRAC packets for commissioners to
review. It was suggested that a sub -committee be formed
to research this subject: Director Blank indicated he
would ask Commissioner Johnson to chair the committee,
because he has experience in this area. In addition,
Commissioners Anderson and Burk, Councilman Edson and
Director Blank will serve on the committee.
Amendment to park plan - playfield site selection. No
action.
g. Name 10th Avenue Park. Commissioners reviewed the names
that had been submitted by residents. Director Blank
indicated that in the past the City Council has refrained
from naming parks after people. A MOTION WAS MADE BY
COMMISSIONER WAAGE AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WATSON TO
RECOMMEND THE NAME SOUTH SHORE PARK. THE MOTION CARRIED
WITH FIVE AYES. COMMISSIONER GUTZKE VOTED NAY. HE
PREFERRED THE NAME TENTH AVENUE PARK.
h. Ice rink locations. A committee comprised of Director
Blank, Superintendent of Parks Mark Peterson, and
Commissioners Anderson and Wahl reviewed the list of
rinks maintained in 1991-92. Based on location and past
attendance, it was recommended that rinks at 12th Avenue
Pond and Maplecreek Park be deleted. New rinks that were
added to the list included Bass Lake Playfield, 10th
Avenue Park and Greenwood Elementary. All totaled, 33
rinks will be maintained in 1992-93. This includes
hockey rinks, general rinks and ponds. Commissioners
also reviewed the three modes of maintenance performed on
the City's rinks to get a better understanding of what
that entails. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WAHL AND
SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WAAGE TO ACCEPT THE LIST OF
RINKS PROPOSED TO BE MAINTAINED IN THE 1992-93 SKATING
SEASON. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL AYES.
6. NEW BUSINESS
Fall park tour. Commissioners agreed that it was not
necessary to conduct a fall park tour. They will visit
facilities with handicapped playgrounds on their own when
their schedules permit.
7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION
Chair Anderson questioned how Commissioners felt about the
August 1992 PRAC Minutes
Page 40
need for a volunteer coordinator and did they want any more
information to make a recommendation? They agreed that the
services of a volunteer coordinator could be useful, but
they weren't sure if they could justify the expenditure,
which is estimated at between $20,000 and $50,000. They
wondered if a coordinator would be able to recruit more
volunteers and where would these volunteers be used? It was
suggested that the volunteer coordinator from Brooklyn Park
be asked to attend the next meeting.
STAFF COMMUNICATION
None.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m.
PROPOSED
9-02-92
PARKS CIP
1993-97
1993 Land acquisition - playfield 750,000
Plymouth Creek Park handicapped playground 110,000
Zachary parking lot 65,000
Trails 175,000
Neighborhood Park (?) 150,000
South Shore landscaping 7,500
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
Playfield #10 350,000
1997 Neighborhood park (?) 175,000
Trails 100,000
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PARKERS PAVILION CALENDAR/SEPTEMBER 1992
SUNDAY MONDAY TTTR3nAy WPnMygnAy T TMCMAV VDT"Av CAITro, AI
1 2 3 4 5
WO=Body Conditi ning Workout 9:00-1:00
T= Fun Fitness Tumbling C. BARGHINI
V0= Mom's Workout 476-3200 (LEAH)
Playtime Dis overy
3= String Band
Small Change 7:00-8:00 T'AI
CHI CHUAN EXER.
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
LABOR DAY 11:30-2:00
HOLIDAY WHS SOCCER
6:15- 9:00 LEAH)
CHELSEA MEWS HOA
667-9019
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
9:30-11:30 SC 9:30-12:00 MWO/ 9:30-10:30 MWO 9:15-12:30 PD
FFT
12:00-5:00
POST OFFICE
4:00-10:00
HOME FREE DINNER
RON FOREMAN
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
9:30-11:30 SC 9:30-12:00 MWO/ 9:30-10:30 MWo 9:15-12:30 PD 9-12:30 PSS
FFT 10-2:30 KIDS ART Fall Fantasy
1:00-5:00
JIM MCCULLOUGH
476-6118 (LEAH) 6:30-8:45 BCWO 7:30-9 SB 6:30-8:45 BCWO
YOGA YOGA
27 28 29 30
9:30-11:30 SC 9:30-12:00 MWO/
FFT
6:30-8:45 BCWO 6:30-8:45 BCWO
YOGA 7:30-9 SB YOGA
I. A...-'---- 1
MNPf CUPPING SERVICE)
1
lilt 11111.1.11
SON -1l iRIMN I
llrnnrl,in l N.
lilt,! R4 1997.
Local architect wants to build `art park'
ev Lisa Harden
A Richfield architectural,
designer wants to build a stu-
dent art gallery in a city park.
Brian McMahan calls his pro-
ject "Richfield Art Park." He
has designed a combination art
gallery and playground that he
progxes be built In Veterans
Memorial Park.
Students' work would be ex-
hibited on two floors of the
building and in an outdoor
sculpture garden. A glass -
enclosed gallery on the first
floor would house fragile or
valuable work. A partially
enclosed gallery on the second
floor would have pictures
mounted in secure frames.
According to McMahon, all of
the rxNNIS would be visible
from the outside of the building
or by walking through the
gallery. To ensure that the art center
a not only a place for creative
expression but fun as well,
McMahon has included a
playground. His design calls for
a 40400l -long playslide and an
observation perch atop the two-
story structure, accessible by
climbing a tubular ladder to line
roof. McMahon, who has his own
architectural firm in Richfield,
ABC Design, thinks the city
needs an art park. Richfield is
one of the few suburban com-
munities that doesn't have its
own art center or public gallery,
he said. He discovered Richfield's lack
of public exhibit space when he
looked for a place to display his
daughter's class art project.
Two first -grade classes at
Sheridan Hills Elementary
School made models of a play ci-
ty for a project on shelter. They
had a chance to show them to
renowned architect Frank
Gehry when he was visiting the
University of Minnesota this
spring. The students' artistic ability
amazed McMahon. "The
students did beautifd models,"
he said.
McMahon, who started his ar-
chitectural career later in life,
wants to encourage students' ar-
tistic endeavors through an art
park.
Kids have innate artistic
skills. It's such a natural thing
for young kids.
I feel strongly that the
earlier on in the educational pro-
cess you can introduce them to
art. the better."
The art park's collection
would include works from
students of all grade levels.
McMahon views it as an exten-
sion of the schools.
My hope is that it becomes a
design center; he said.
Although McMahon has
presented a written proposal to
City Co U and school board
members, the project is a long
way from reality. It would have
to go through the traditional pro-
cess —staff analysis, Continual-
ly Services Commission ap-
proval, and final City Council
approval, said Don Fondrick,
Community Services director.
JWs is the fust I've heard of
it,' he said.
Fondrick said the city would ,
have to take a realistic look at
the project to make sure it is
needed and funding is available.
Many park projects have been
put on hold because of budget
cuts, he said.
H everything works out as
McMahon has planned, the city
wait terve to foot the hill for
capital expanses or shell outi
much for operating expenses.
McMahon plans to solicit 1
funds to build the project from f
charitable organizations. The:
Walker Art Center Sculpture .
Garden was funded by grants. ,
He plans to ask the Walker can-
tributors if they will help fund
Richfield's outdoor gallery.
McMahon said he designed
the building to require few
operating funds. No site person-
nel would be necessary to pro-
vide supervision or security, he
said.
In addition, the building does
not have a healing or cooling
system, which reduces
operating costs. Where possible,
McMahon used solar energy
design features. He believes the
building can be used at least 10
months of the year.
v
SHOREVIEW
ARDEANUNN 1111,1-S
NULI.l:I
R. -Ii) r".n.
JUL.8 1992
Roseville
I1
bylluM Rudd
hopes 'oval's' well that ends well,
If you build it, they will come."
That catch phrase from the
baseball movie "Field of Dreams"
sums up the hopes of the Roseville
City Council for another sports
facility.
At a public hearing July 1, the
council voted unanimously to
formally receive the state of
Minnesota grant of $1.9 million for
the John Rose Memorial Oval, a
spccd skating and multipurpose
sports facility, and authorize the
expenditure of $1 million by the city
to construct support facilities and
site improvements.
In front of the overflow crowd of
more than 150 people — mostly
enthusiastic supporters — the
council also approved the city -
owned property at One Civic Center
complex, adjacent to the existing
Roseville Ice Arena at Firewood
and County Road C, as the location
for the Oval.
Independent Consulting
Engineers, Inc. (I.C.E., Inc.), a form
which has designed approximately
60 ice arenas around the country,
evaluated the Civic Center site and a
county -owned site on Larpenteur
Avenue east of Dale Street. -Them
are two different costs associated
with each site," said Orad Lcmbeng,
2.9 million speedskating/multipurpose
sports facility gets OK from city council
president of ICE.. Inc.
ACCORDING TO the
eonsWtant's report, the Civic Center
site is far superior to the Laryenlew
site in the areas of access, site
visibility, proximity to hotels and
restaurants, and availability of
utilities. It was deemed on par with
the alterative site on the issue of
property size and parking, and was
rated less desirable than the
Lwpenteur site on the issues of
surrounding land use, lopography
and soil conditions.
Lemberg commented [bat the
construction and operating costs
would be significantly higher at the
Larpentew site. At the Civic Center
site, administration/management
facilities can be incorporated into
the existing ice arena as opposed to
building completely new facilities.
Maintenance costs should be
considerably less at the selected site
because of less navel time for stow
plows and other equipment. Also,
them are maintenance personnel in
place at the existing ice amna that
would have been duplicated if the
other site had been chosen.
According to the report, the
coordination and management of the
new facility can best be handled as
pan of the total Civic Center rather
than as a totally separate or
independent facility since much of
the needed management staff is
already in place. And the ability to
coordinate various group skating
limes by one scheduling office
would better serve the public and
provide for better facilities
coordination.
MANAGEMENT WILL be the
key to the success of the Oval,
according Dr. Jack Vivian, director
of the Sport Facilities Research
Laboratory at the University of
Michigan, Ann Arbor; assistant
professor in the department of sports
management and communication in
the University of Michigan;
president of 1RV Management, Inc.,
a consulting and sports facility Imn-
around company; and part-time
seem for the New York Islanders of
the National I lackey League.
Vivian said that the day-to-day
management of mesa sports facilities
is under the direction of a full-time
manager supported by two full-time
assistant managers. The manager
attends to the business, personnel,
promotional and booking aspects
while the assistant managers assume
responsibility for the .daily
operations aml program supervision.
Programming and marketing
will Ee very imporumt," Vivian said.
A dynamic management learn must
be put in play "
Aside from weekend
supervisors, Vivian recommended
that the Oval have a full-time
assistant manager who will be
primarily responsible for program
development. The maintenance;
operational and booking
responsibilities could be shared with
the manager at the Roseville Ice
ArenaVivian also strongly
recommended that a mission
statement and marmgerial goals and
objectives be developed to guide the
management team as they market
and promote the facility. Since many.
gmups will be competing for limp;
it's important that the missi6A
statement specify and prioritim how
the facility will be scheduled.
Otherwise, hockey rentals could
easily eat up all of the bandy surface
time.
THE POTENTIAL revenue
senores for the speed skating oval,
the outer ring of the facility, will
include: international, national,
regional and area roars and training
sessions; competitive and novice
speed skating clubs; high schools;
youth and adult hockey; youth and
adult figure skating clubs; and [earn -
so -skate classes. The proposed fee
for ice rental at the speed skating
oval is $100 per how.
Revenue sources for the bandy
surface, the infield area of the
facility, will include: bandy
practices and competitions for the
American and Minnesota bandy
associations; leam-to-play-bandy
sessions; hockey practices on the
complete bandy surface or sectioned
areas (the bandy surface can be
divided by a moveable dasberboard
system to create several practice and
game configurations); boot hockey;
broomball; public skating; skating
parties; and school system rental.
Rental of the bandy surface will be
135 a how complete or Shy a how
perxaion.
The proposed public skating fee
structure for Roseville residents is
250 per session for adults, $2 per
session for youth and seniors. For
tan -residents, it's $3 per session for
adults and $2.50 per session for
youth and seniors. Speed skating
training and figure skating sessions
are proposed to be $3 per 45 -minute
session.
When the 19 -week season of the
refrigamed surface is over, the dry
floc of the speed skating oval will
be used for in-line skating and a
walking and running track. The
bandy surface can be wW for rolhr
and boot hockey, and activities such
as sower and volleyball. Dry flour
fees will be based on the activity or
event, the time of day and week, and
FAC
shared income potential.
Supplementary revenue sources
include: the concession/snack bar;
the pro shop; advertising;
sponsorships; community room
rentals and catering; skate rental;
skate sharpening and repair; and
ticket income.
The Oval's expenses will
include: salaries and wages;
insurance; maintenance; supplies;
administrative expenses such as
general printing, postage and
telephone costs; marketing and
promotion; pro shop operation;
concessions; utilities; and other
expenditures such as management
training, travel and dues and
subscriptions. See the graph on page
I for a three-year financial esthrmle
of revenue and expenses.
Phis is a tremendous facility
duo will have a tremendous amount
of community interest when it
opens," Vivian said. "it has
tremendous potential to make
money."
In
MINA
M INA 'I RREN1
JUL 15 1372
Fore!
I 1 11
Reopening of
Normandale will
mean more holes
for golfers
By Mary Durben
Gotten will have more holes
to choose from when the city of
Edina reopens the nine -hole
Normandale Golf Course as a
municipal course. The reopen-
ing is targeted for the spring
The Edina City Council last
week approved an agreement
for the purchase of the closed
golf course from the Rauenhorsl
family for 38W,W0.
The city will blend the present
acreage of lake Edina Park and
the water pump site with the
present 22 -acre golf course. The
existing clubhouse fronting on
West 77th Street will be
demolished and a new one built
close to lake Edina.
Playground will be relocated
to the northeasterly side of the
park, the tennis courts will be
removed, and a small parking
lot will be added to serve
nlavground users.
KeBugg Avenue will ce made
into a cul-de-sac and the entire
area between Kellogg and
Parklawn Avenue will be
fenced. The redesigned course will be
unique in the metropolitan area
because each green will be ex-
ceptionally large and have two
pin placements, one with a sim-
ple approach and one with a
more challenging approach.
All holes will be designed s0
that the backyards of neighbors
on West Shore Drive and Sedum
Lane will not be threatened by
wildly hit golf balls.
A contingency of the agree-
ment is that the sellers will have
the option to reacquire acreage
for a period of 15 years for $1 for
purposes of building an office
building on West 77th Street. The
budding would be restricted to
39 feet in height and have a cir-
culir ar setback averaging 217
feet from the back (north) pro-
perty line.
The plan to acquire the golf
course had come before the
council earlier, but neighboring
residents objected to that pro-
posal because of the building
height and setback. The council
directed the city staff to con-
tinue to explore the acquisition.
City Manager Ken Rolland
said the new proposal includes
the changes desired by the
residents. "We got what they
wanted," he said.
The Rauenhorsl family has no
plan to build on the site im-
mediately. Under the agree-
ment, B the sellers don't exer-
cise the option within the 15 -year
period, the option will expire
and the city will acquire the title
as a gift from the sellers.
In order to gain access to the
new clubhouse, the city reached
agreements with the Shidler
Group, owners of the property
east of the Lake Edina pumping
station just south of the Fidelity
State Bank building, the most
logical location for an access
drive.
The city will move trees
within the easement to other
locations, build and maintain
the public driveway and prepare
plans for reconstruction of a
store water drainage system.
The city will sell $2.45 million
in bonds for the acquisition so
that construction can begin late
this fail. Costs for the project in-
clude $800,000 for purchase of
land; $200,000 for construction of
the parking lot and sanitary
sewer connection; $300,000 for
construction of the clubhouse;
100,000 for maintenance equip-
ment $825,000 for redevelopment
of the golf course and M0,000
capitalized interest. The bonds
will have a 30 -year retirement
schedule.
Rosland said because the city
is already in the golf cause
I business, owning and operating
Braemar Golf Came, it will be -
able to take advantage of
economies of scale in the opera- ,
tion. Overall management will
be provided by the current
Braemar staff and no additional
full -lime employees are ex -
peeled to be hired. Equipment
will be maintained at the
Braemar maintenance facility
but stored at Normandale for ,
day -today use.
A few neighbors to the proper-
ty still object to the plan but
most felt comfortable with the
new proposal, Rosland said,
Nornandale Golf Cause was
created as a private memal-
Bonal facility for office workers
in the office park developed by
Dunn & Curry during the late
19505 and '00s.
The city also recently receiv-
ed approval from the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers for a plan to
add nine additional holes of golf
at the Braemar facility.
Braemar officials have been
unable to meet the demand for
lee -Braes at the present cause
and have had to restrict league
activity and turn away golfers.
In other matters, the council:
Gave the green light to
McDonalds to tear down its
restaurant at 3220 Southdale Cir-
cle and build a new structure at
the site. The council had con.
tinned the matter at a previous
meeting, asking city staff to
gather additional comment
from neighbors in adjacent
residential property. Council
members were concerned that
residents might object to the
plan because of the position of
the building and drive-through.
According to the city staff,
residents preferred McDonalds'
plan to alternatives suggested
by the council.
Authorized the hiring of a
part-time parking monitor to en-
force parking regulations in the
Stith & France business district
The monitor will work 20 hours a
week. The cost will be split bet.
ween the city and 50th & France
property owners. The city's
share will come from the sale of
annual parking permits; tao-
perty owners will be assessed
for their share.
MNA CLIPPING SERVICE
SHORE%IEW/ARUEN
HILLSSUN-FOCUS
Ramsey Co.
JUL 211992
Swinging into action
Mounds View forms
golf course task force
SHELBY NICOLAUs-DUNSKI
Plans to build a golf course in Mounds View are moving forward
with the formation of a task force to study the proposal.
The Mounds View City Council agreed last week to form a Golf
Course Task Force to study and make recommendations to the city
on the proposal.
The group would be made up of one Planning Commission mem-
ber, one Parks and Recreation Commission member, one Mounds
View Business Association member, two City Council members
and one resident.
Mayor Jerry Linke appointed council members Gary Quick and
Phyllis Blanchard to the task force hast week.
The city is proposing to build a par -three, nine -hole course on a
109 -acre site in the northeast corner of the city.
A land -use study commissioned by the city concluded the site is
conducive to a golf course.
t:hEN PRAIRIE
SIIN.SAII.IOR
11 1. ('n.
JUL 22 III, i ing woods
Panel seeps public views on presery
onIivDavidPhrictens11in Mit- City Council renis`' Aug. 4, butthecam" A housing dcvelapmentchelllakeuloidsmak he the commission askedtothinkitsBeckton Monday.
delayed while the Eden Prairie
Recreation Commis- ctrl 1 think we owe it to air
them andParksandSiontestspublicsupportforcitizenstoeducategivethemachancetospeakon
preserving the properly.
11ie voted 5-2 to it," said Commissioner Dianecommission
call for public comment on the Lynch, Lynch said the commission
meetin ala tics p.m. Aug. l7meeling. Participants are ex-
doss not have enough informa-
lion on the value of the weak or
pecl(d to meet at city olfices,
766 Executive Drive, go to a
rehowmuchpubicinterestit. Biers
might be in preservingmiwalkinglonrofthesitesouthofCam-
t asAone-month delay mightbecausetlMitchelllakeandwestof
4, then return to city of-
well be a year, `oulldPerm
ty Road
ices for discussion. West housing
delaY governmentproenoughtomove the Pro-
the next construction1TaFairfieldprojectwouldplaceTwitsand40tintosaidDickPutnamof
single-family lots and roads inofthe25 -acre Proowner Tandem Corp. the developerssloetosevenacresaremoonlofthe "Big
Putnam said to
relay that informationtiwoods,
Woods!, hardwood forest nativeFairfield
wgild BtnetheCityCouncilalongwithcommission
L• Minnesota. own most of the resdta of
Avelopers alsoofthe woods and Plan review. B will also seeTheCityCaucaremainder
develop it for bowing in the a request from planning
to investigate buy - future.Commission
Fairfield Well was slated for ung all or part of the woodlandinFairfieldthatisnotincluded
West. The Planning Commission
recommended approval of Fair-
field West and construction on
same wooded acreage as a test
of the tree preservation Policy Of
Tandem Corp. er
Centel Homes.
According to the developers'
tree survey, the Property con-
tains about 1.1100 larger trees.
dominated by sugar maple and
basswood, with some oak and
ash. The woods is considered a
mature forest in which many
trees have reached Bair bill
growth. forming a dense canopy
overhead which blocks the sun
and inhibits undergrowth.
The woods provides Poor
habitat for wildlife because of
the lack of Mush and small
plants. Tfie site is very not and
would not require much grading
or other disruption for construc-
tion, said Dan Blake of Centex
Hones.
Blake described w cut
tion aplandesigned able forasfewtreesasboss
rads Rod home sites, limiting
tree loss to an estimated 29 Per -
cell. Centex would also iostrucl
builders to use conslruc'
t
techniques that would not 1damagetrees, he said.
Culling dead trees and i
building roads would create
open spaces in the woods, and
the whole character of that
ecosystem in there is going to
change,' said Bob lambert,
parks and recreation director.
City officials ooneconSI of thethewoodsapotentialpaPlannedWtrhenlakePark, but
when a route was chosen for.
U.S. Highway 212, it separated
the park site front the WRUda,
Lambert said.
Park rnnothewoods in thehavepastedbuying
Past, but "we can't afford to buy
every neat Piece of Properly in
Eden Praivie;' lambert said.
Past decisions have set higher
ioriprties on buying lord t
southwest neighborhood parka
and public access for Smetana
Lake , he said.
The lard may be Priced to the
1.5 minion range, and help
from grants m. governmentnt
id
k unlikely,
He
suggested a referendum vole al
the Nov. 4 ballot on bd issueforesttobuyandPreseryethebutwarnedThalbuyingland
dliofor
Preservation, not
use, may not be Papular.
ugh of Biose
dings where
in it for me?'
a tough sell;
nmol(.. saying Bier'eLYnchdisagreedsayingtl
s an bareased
in
preservation as well as recrea-
tion. I think perceptions and
people's values have changed
quite a bit this decade.' she
said. Bruce
Commissioner
Bowman said he k not sure
whether voters would approve,
but "maybe it's worth asking
the question.••Commissi members sug-
tpsled larger and fewer lots topreservemomoftheforest. But
larger ruts would not be prac-
tical ratticalforBredeveloperorbetter
for conservation, said Putnam.
The market Is soft for wooded
lot,. and the smaller Centex
horses on large wooded lots may
not sell. said Putnam. R larger
louses ate Mill, their awns
tend to expand their homes and
as such as SWMM-
meg spools a lends courts,
destroying more trees, he said.
Put am said lot and home size
on the remaining acres depends
surrounding development of
housing and routes for Dell
Road, Scenic freights Road,
Highway 212 and light -rad tran-
sit on former railroad line.
Developers have the burden of
road and sewer assessments due
on the property, Putnam said.
fanr problem is, things are
beginning to happen and they're
going to happen. We're sand-
wiched in by roads and railroad
right -Of -way and freeway, and
it's not a place to build $500,000
home in a pristine wilderness
anymore. We don't know what's
going W happen ... We're kind
of up in the air;' Putnam said.
r--- l
MNA CLIPPING SERVICfiJ
t
BLOOMINr, ,ON
J
SUN -CURRENT
I1eoneP1. Co.
AUG 121992
Local pools suffering0
fromsummer' s chill
By Lisa Harden
Attendance at several area
pools has taken a nosedive this
summer because of cold
weather.
Attendance is down 50 percent
from last year at this time at St.
Louis Park's municipal pool.
Through July 31, 1991, the pool
had 29,015 swimmers splashing
in the water. Through July 31,
19M, 12,378 decided to take a dip.
It's definitely attributed to
the weather," said Craig Pann-
ing, who manages the city's
pool. This is the coldest summer
he can remember in his 12 years
as recreation center manager.
Normally on days where
we'd be getting 70o-900 people,
we're having 100-20D," he said.
The situation is similiar in
neighboring communities.
Bloomington's municipal pod
has an average of four or five
swimmers a day, said Dave Kl-
ingerman, recreation super-
visor. The pool usually has 100
people a day.
The best swimming weather
is a humid 90 degrees. But this
summer, the mercury has bare-
ly topped so degrees.
Ironically, the water
temperature at SL Louis Park's
pool has been warmer than the
air temperature. The pool is
heated to W degrees, Panning
said. "So on cold days, it's OK
once you get in the water but
then you eventually have to
come out," he said.
Cold, miry weather shut down
Lichfield's municipal pool seven
days and closed St. Lads Park's
pool for two days this summer.
Both have also closed early on
numerous days.
As a result, lifeguards are
racking up fewer haus. Many
St. looms Park lifeguards are
looking far a second job to sup-
plement their shrinking pool
paychecks, Panning said. Most
lifeguards are college students
on summer beak.
The cool weather does have
one benefit. Because of the sav-
togs on lifeguard salaries, the
pool season will be extended in
St. Lapis Park from Aug. 16 to
Aug. 23, Panning said.
But even if August hes record-
breaking heat, the city won't
make up for the lost revenue.
Revenue is down 30 percent
from lastifiniFi t this time, Pan-
ning said.
Swimming isn't popular in
August," Panning said. "People
lake endof-thesummer vaca-
tions. Whatever the weather, we
won't get back what we've lost."
Attendance at one local pool is
up despite the cold weather. A
new water slide and water
feature Is luring mom people to
Edina's municipal pool, said
Bob Kojetin, director of parks
and recreation.
He stopped by the pool last
Wednesday and saw more ileo -
pie there Wen on a typical day
last summer.
The city added a waterslide
and children's play structure
this year. H we did not have thea it
would be a disaster," Kojetiii
said of attendance.
if new attractions don't draw
ospmton %.
pool, perhaps
I think people are fed up with
waiting for the warm weather
and will cane anyway," Kojetin
said.
Panning, from St. Louis Park,
thinks It all depends on the
weather. "If we have nice
weather, people will come out, if
we don't, they won't," he said.
SMA CLI naa fERVICE
t APPLE YALLFy/LAEF: y ll.l.h: 5UN1:U RRh:N'1'
1)•4eif Ca.
A% I v
Pulltabs delay Lakeville
By Mikkel Kelly
Because fakeville's proposed ice
arena would depend on pulltab revenues,
the sale of revenue bonds to finance C011-
slruclion has become more difficult than
expected.
Lakeville planned to award hands at
the Aug. 3 City Council meeting but was
informed that almost none of the bonds
had been sold. At a work session, the
coned extended the deadline to Aug. 17
for bond company Juan and Moody Inc.
to sell the bonds.
Dick Asleson, vice president of Juran
and Moody Inc., said the hand company
had commitments for about a $.5 million
in bond sales for the $1.37 bond sale to
build the arena. The unusual financing
plan for the proposed ice arena would re-
ly an $70,000 per year worth of Lakeville
Hockey Association pulltab revenues,
which me sold at the Ole Piper Inn and
the Red Fox Inn in Lakeville.
Asleson concurred with a memo from
Lakeville Finance Director Dennis
FeRar that stated "investors are ex-
tremely skeptical about purchasing in -
ice arena
vestments which are backed, at Mast in
part, with pull -tab revenues." Asleson
said puiltabs "don't have a bad name but'
they certainly don't have the glamoue
they had before."
Since pulltebs were introduced in Min-
nesota in 1981 and put under the auspices
of the Gambling Control Board in 1984,
there have been some changes including
a 2 percent tax based on the ideal gross
receipts of each batch of pulltabs. Also
there is a combined receipts tax in which
a 2 percent tax is assessed an combined
receipts of more than $580,008, and a 4
plans 1
percent and 6 percent tax for amounts
more than $700,000 and $900,000
respectively. Besides unpredictable changes in
pu9fab rules, Aslesun said, "With a
significant amount of new casinos and in-
terest in gambling, people have concerns
whetter pulltabs will continue to be a
viable source of revenue."
He said his company is considering
what other incentives to recommend K IL
can't sell the remainder of the bonds. He
said an overall low interest rate
of about 62 percent isn't a con- /
tributing factor. "Even offered
at a higher yield, it would not
change the attitude," he said.
Councilmember Lynette
Mulvihill, who spent more than
a year on the' Ice Arena Task
Force that developed the plan,
said she thought it was a "done
deal," but said the committee
had discussed potential pro-
blem with pulilabs.
1 think the whole group
realized Unat legslation could
change and pulllabs would no
Ilonger be viable, t it there
weren't pulltabo available, there
would be something else," she
said.
Meanwhile the LHA and LCC
Lakeville Community Corpora-
tion) have begin the prom of
raising $500,000 for the ice
arena, which they muust do by
October of next year according
toWe plan approved July 8.
Mike Walters, chair of the
LCC fundraising committee,
said a consuitant was recently
hired to help with that effort.
Watters said he is confident
the ice arena plan will succeed
even if the pulltab plan stalls the
sale of the bonds. It will be
mare difficult if (the bonds)
aren't saleable. We will have to
back up with how we go about
the fundraiser; • he said.
He said arena revenue projec-
tions were conservative and
predicts the arena will generate
more than expected in rental
revenue. The school and the city
have expressed interest in using
the arena, which c0uld provide
additional help, he said.
Tfie LRA has already donated
118.72D far the 40,000 square
foot $1.8 million proposed arena.
In addition to $70,000 of LHA
putltab revenue and 90 percent
of any additional profits, the
arena would be maintained with
an expected x.5,000 par year in
sublease payments according to
the plan. Land for the arena, donated
by Lakeville School District 196,
is an the north side of Highway
50 about half a mile northwest of
Dodd Road and Highway 50. /
MN/.
C11111Na SEPVIGE
t RlINN5V11.Ll,tiON
t:VKRl.N1'
Ibtab Co.
AUG 121992
City referendum won't make November
Itv Martha Irvine
1 Y'\
A phone survey has shown
that less than 25 percent of
Burnsville's 51,000 residents
have heard of the city's propos-
ed referendum for parks
improvements and a communi-
ty center. Those resuhs arc despite what
some have called "massive" ef-
forts to get the word out.
The question was. 'I lave you
heard of it?' 1'd hale to think
whal the result would Ir if the
Survey shows
question was 'Do you under-
stand it?"' Mayor Dan
McElroy said at a Burnsville Ci-
ty Council worksssion on Mon-
day night. "It's disappointing."
Because of the survey results,
the conned has decided not to
pursue a referendum vote in the
November election. Instead,
they are considering reschedul-
ing a vote for spring 1993. The
next few weeks will be spent pin-
pointing a more specific plan, or
lack of resident awareness
as resident Larry Schluter put
it, "Something we can sell."
In June, the package dropped
from a 216.4 million wish list to a
more realistic" 211.5 million.
That's the sum total of 23.2
million for parts and playing
Field improvements and addi-
tions (for which land must still
be found), and about 28.3 million
for a community center, which
would contain a leisure pool with
four lanes for swimming. The
community center would also in-
clude teen and senior citizen
space and some arts facilities.
Still left to nail down are deci-
sions about increasing the pool
from four larges to six and mak-
ing the pool diving friendly- Both
are additions lauded by the
Burnsville Swim Club, especial-
ly since the Burnsville High
School diving program was cul
due to lack of facilities.
Estimated cost of adding such
amenities would be 2165,10 to
219D,006 for the added lanes and
about 2103,000 to add diving in
the pool.
Also left to consider are re-
quests from local arts groups to
add dressing and performance
rooms and art rooms for their
use. Those using the facilities
would be such organizations as
the Dakota Valley Civic Or-
chestra, Community Theatre of
Burnsville and Burnsville Area
Society for the Arts (BASH).
The arts additions pricetag
ranges Iron 2293,56a to 2630,600.
Steve Patrick of St. Paul -
based BWBR Architects advised
the council to plan for "a
building that is multi,use in
nature" rather than designing
specific uses for special interest
groups, including arts groups
which have been particularly
vocal of late.
The resident survey results
are based upon calls made by
Minneapolis-based Decision
Resources, which also con-
ducted an earlier survey to test
residents reaction to a possible
referendum. The most recent
survey showed that, of the t -s
percent who knew about the
referendum, the majority were
in favor of it — hence the coun-
cil's decision to forge ahead with
a six-month education blitz. The
hope is to increase awareness to
at least 40 to 50 percent of Bunss-
ville residents.
lune bottom line is that we
want it to pass ...but we need
more time to educate
residents)," said Parke and
Recreation Director Randy Op -
pelt, who — admittedly disap-
pointed — believed any last-
minute efforts to get the wad
out would be "lost In the
presidential election."
MIxA CLIpp1a0 tEKVICE
t
MINNFTt/NKA
SUN-SAIIAaIlennepinCu.
AUG 1219S?
Task force prepares
recommendations for
aquatic,
fly Itlehard Crawford
rec center
A Recreation/Aquatic Center
task force is currently preparing
a recommendation on what kind
of municipal recreation building
and aquatics facility should be
built at the Minnetonka Civic
Center.
The group hes met several
Wises this summer and will be
forwarding a recommendation
to the Minnetonka City Council
perhaps as early as September.
The 12 -member task force, ap-
pointed by Bre City Council, is
comprised of two lour-
cilmembers, two park board
members, two swim club
representatives, and six at -large
representatives of the
commrmity. BWBR Architectural fan has
been hired by the city to help the
task force develop recommen-
dations. 7fie contract with
BWBR calls for paying the firm
a maximum of $52,590 to draft
Um recommendation and
develop a plan for ailing the pro-
spective rospectivefacilities.
The task force is currenBy
deciding on whether to build a
recreation ceder, an outdoor
aquatic facility, an indoor swim-
ming facility, or sane canbina-
t au of the three.
Cost estimates for the
facilities:
n $3.9 million for a recreation
center that would primarily
save adult and youth recreation
leagues. The facility would have
annual expenses of $363,000.
3.9 minion for an outdoor
aquatic center with a 1,500 pe -
shin capacity. The facility would
have annual expenses Of $250,¢90
with annual revenues of
325,090.
4.1 million for an indoor
leisure pool with a 500 person
rapacity. 7Le facility would
have annual expanses of WIN
with annual revenues of
W5,000. Based on discussion at an
Aug. 6 Task Force meeting, the
outdoor aquatic center and the
recreation ceder appear to be
the two top priorities of the
1M 7hsk Face is consideing
building the outdoor aquatic
renter where an equestrian ring
errantly costs to the norm of
Die Ifinnetooka Ice Arem, If
that site is used, the city might
persue relocating the equestrian
ring at lune Lake Park, in We
souWmstero part of the city.
If any of the facilities are
built, money from the city's
Cammuaity investment Fund
may be used. The Community
Investment Fund is money set
aside far projects But have
community -wide benefit.
However, City Manager Jim
Miller said the city may also
consider selling bonds — which
would require property -fax in-
creases — to pay far the
facilities. The fest face plans to meet
at least two more times before
selling its recornnendatian to
the Minnetonka City Council.
The Minnetonka City Council
would have to approve any plans
before instruction could begin.
f.AGAN
arN{uaae:NI
DAM. l'".
SVG I7
Eagan's trails offer array
of activities for young,
By Terrance Memel
Chuck and Irene Lovejoy
always enjoyed walks around
lake Harriet near their Min-
neapolis home of 30 years.
Not any more. After mov-
Ing to Eagan two years ago,
the retired couple has walked
around the ever popular lake
only once. We thought we could
never Wave -Lake Harriet,"
Irene said. Now the L0vejoys spend
their time on the High Line
Trad in Eagan walking three
miles in the morning and
three miles in the evening.
It's better than Harriet
because it's not as busy,"
Irene said. "The wildflowers
are beautiful and the tress —
there am so many kinds."
While most area cities have
trails, it's the maze of trails
that separates Eagan from
the pack. Not many cities can
boast of a trail network that
leads to as many schools and
parks, said Fen Vraa, parks
and recreation director for
Eagan. The idea of using trails to
tie neighborhoods with parks,
businesses and places such as
the library surfaced in 1978,
Vrm said. City officials had
been drafting a Comprehen-
sive Guide Plan for Eagan
and wanted to create a
sere of accessibility."
By 1981, the city had
adopted a Trails Designation
ppl1aan that began to look into a
pan system. Questions had to
be answered on the type of
trails and where they would
Walker$flmne9 and hikers
appear to be the main laser of
Fallen trace. However, krBta
skaters (Rofferbladers) and
skateboarders are noting the
C an countrypathsmore. r
skiers have used the trait In the
Ifrla winter.
LL. Trails aro sot plowed In the
winter for fa¢ mesons, Vraa
go.' ear :cast. fairness ofwhereIn1993, a Park Systems', woWd be opt removing
plan went into effect that",, the snow and Itol lty. Once s
coordinated a transportation al trail has been rlesred, the city'
plan, designating where4i would be responsible forkeephg
trails would link together..',. it clesr. Most of the trails have fin: A 1990 troll use survey
built along with the major' ;'.t demonstrates how well Eagan's
stood' ! trails are used. Parks and
Today, them more than Recreation intern Jennifer
7o miles offtrails and r Peterson ehodncl[A the survey
sidewalks open three season used far informllOW PMVNN.
a year. They are generally'
eight -foot bituminous surfer It was not mead to be a adew
gr trails, with a few areas i trams
alsotifiC
ll Not Knob
gavel.
About 85 percent of the roads.
city's
of
Iberia
nom Same 85 the
aline
study's
plate, aloin, many aj them built
usersg
a agaralongwithmajorroadnLramostpeoplewethe trail fair ea- .
Trail
The papula High
Trail now traverses rolling excise, followed SY Mian; ,.
hills and native prabie from 17 percent travel Fall s's fralls
Nicole Road to Dodd Road. for transportationpurpose
I just leve thio path,' said when asked it any lad rnm_ Joy Swanson, Eagan. "This plaints, at percent of thosewholearraisjustthewaytogosurveyedbadnose. Nearly 70 percent could offerforwalking' traria offer no suggestions for im- Baskinmemine, remens. Regarding Possible
chance to meet migbbom and trall expeaslo0. nearly half ofsay "hi" topmpl sah` Swan" ad appmVed
a spoechci.
bpeople e
son' of such axpam o s (25 pacedThomasLakeElementarydan _ School. Thomas fake snrdeuta But as bad use Increase, Vraaalsowethetrailfarhairyearlysaidandoesthecity's cancan
onrmile run, she Said. for safety. The trolls see destgn-
ed for casual walkers, Joggers
and bikers. Infine skatersfindthetratedeep, such Be
along Lexington Avenue ap-
proaching wnlkmes Rum Rand
In southeastern Fallen.
A lotolspo ft when new, the
Mkryetfe and proper use of the
equipped doesn't develop as
fast as the spat," he said. The
reliance on helmets, gloves aad
1paadosm,(follows after sportsepopular.
Most of the time, trail uses
need only abide by caurnon
sense to enjoy a safe stroll along
Eagan* pats, Vma said. He
stresses bran etiquetteforhkes
approaching walkers, and of
walkers not hogging trails.
I don't care where the trail
is, we are going to lave sane
abuses," slid Vraa, adding he
isn't aware ol any aims directly
related to a trail.
RecenHy, a group of residents
living along Flsh Lake cam -
about shoes an the trail
leading to a fishing pier.
Residents have reported such
apses as people having sepal
intercourse, urinating and
defecating on private property,
trespassing, and property
Vras said the city has taken
action to prevent these abuses
each as placing a portable toilet
statim in the park and inc e
I, log patrol.
Trails lave not been without
injury to persons, either.
lawsuits have been brought
against the city for accidents
that occurred m the bails, Vras
said. overall, Vraa olid the city pea
received mostly complimmfsm
its Iran system.
More trail improvements are
in the works as the city looks to
connect remaining
aelghbodaods. Masks are one
way to help point people in the
right di edim. Better co mec-
tom with surrounding cities is
another future consideration, he
said. Meanwhile, trail uses can ex-
pect an updated trail map next/
spring.
ifMMA CLIppum SERVICE
t MIN-SAIIAntSUN-SA11.11N
Ilsnvspin Ca.
AUG 121992
City officials discuss
future of trail system
survey says most like it,
but not some close to it
By Richard Crawford
A proposed 30 -mile Loop Trail
Corridor system in Minnetonka
is about one-third complete and
several years behind schedule.
To get to that point, city of-
ficials have spent hundreds of
horns dealing with concerns of
residents living close to the trail
routes that have been built. Con-
cerns have ranged from loss of
privacy to impact on property
values.
But now, city officials agree,
the easiest trail segments are
built. H more trails are con-
structed, as much or more time
likely will be needed to satisfy
neighborhood concerns.
The Minnetonka City Camra
met in a joint session with the
city's Park Board Aug. 5 to
assess the current status of the
trail system and discuss
priorities for route construction.
The joint -meeting was set up
after residents near Oakland
and McGinty roads had raised
concerns about a prospective
trail route through their
neighborhood.
According to city surveys, the
majority of Minnetonka
residents like the trails and sup-
port trail construction. At the
Mkmetadm Summer Festival
June 2T, an informal survey was
conducted with 252 people; it in-
dicated that:
91 percent of families use the
trails. 66 percent of the respondents
said it was of "high importance"
to complete the 30 -mile system;
21, percent said it was of
medium importance,' end 8
percent said it was of "low
importance."
11e vast majority of people
are overwhelmingly In support
of the Rail system," said Mayor
Tim Bergstedt. He said the
cnmed has a difficult decision
bemuse it has to weigh the
overall community sentiment
and the concerns of the im-
mediatelymediately
neighborhoods..
Although 6mtding trails In
Minnetonka has been discussed
since the 1970x, the Loop Trail
Corridor System was first pro-
posed in 1987. The goal of the
system was to connect the city's
five community parks (Civic
Center, Big Willow, Meadow,
une fake and Purgatory) and
serve both recreational and
transportation needs.
i Trail plans were stepped up
after two fatal pedestrian ac-
cidents occurred while people
were using the paved shoulders
of the road, according to a city
report.
some city officials believe the
transportation element of the
trails will be compromised if as
30 miles aren't built.
In some areas where we fond
insurmountable roadblocks, we
may need to look at alter-
natives," said Councilmember
Karen Anderson, "But we need
to accomplish the system."
The more gaps thereare in
the overall system, said City
Manager Jim Miller, the wase
the transportation component of
the system will be.
Council members Terry
Schneider and Dick Aaendorf in-
dicated that they weren't con-
vinced a 30 -mile trail is
necessary to have a successful
system.
Councdmember Dorris
Burke, who represents the Me-
Gintyoatland Road neighbor-
hood, said the Issues of privacy
and cast were important can-
muerationd for him.
The McGintyOakland Road
residents spoke against the Pro-
posed route Aug. 5. Residents
questioned the need for the Rail
and said their privacy and pro -
Perry &Augbvaluesproposed trail would
be built on city right-of-way, It
would be Incited in front Of
hones. Fred Brirtseth, who lives neat
to the trail in the westernesse
neighborhood, called the Rail a
massive invasion of privacy."
Unforhmately I have a trail
right next to my house;
Brimselh said. "I daily clean up
dog feces ... and have trucks
boded with gravel that drive
five or six feet from my kitchen
It's a good idea gone sour."
Park Board Char Larry
Blackstad said the concerns that
have surfaced in the past year
aren't new, and said the city has
demonstrated a willingness to
respond to concerns in a sen-
sitive manner.
H the City Council decides not
to build a trail segment because
residents don't want it in their
neighborhood, Blparcekesetdaad said,
that uldjeopardizerddi
et aze building futurthaej
sep ao-
A meeting between city of-
ficials and residents of the Mc-
GintyOakland Road neighbor-
hood will Rely be planned to
discuss the proposed route in
ince detail.
Iuxw CLIPPING SERVICE J4
SHAKOPEE VALLEY
NEw\ M+xl Lb.
406 1 3
A lesson in bureaucracy
vt-Lk
There seemed to be plemy of
confusion following lase week's 3.1
vote by Shakopee's City Council
directing city staff to begin
working on the proposal for a hard
shell over the existing bubble at
Valley Ice Arena.
On the one hand, council
members weren't sum why the
plan's proponents weren't happier
with the outcome of the vote. After
all, the council could've easily
turned a deaf ear to the group at the
Aug. 4 council meeting. But — Go
the other hand — the people who
favored the hard shell over the
worn-out nylon and canvas heap
didn't seem to understand why
council members didn't leap at the
opportunity to support their
450,000 request. After all. the city
has the money needed to approve
this request. The need is obvious.
The request for the 5450.000
permanent shell over the existing
facility was brought by the mem-
John Mueller
ben of the makopee-Priot Lake
Youth Hockey Association. The
bubble they have poured thi mend;
Of volunteer boon into Cora mg
along over the yeah may finallyy
have gone down for The count. 'a m
privately-owtred bubble and the
arena it covers sirs on city -owned
land. The bubble ha collapsed
several limes recently, mostly the
result of bad weather and advanced
age. The hockey group had been
working, unofficially, to convince
Council members to allocate funds
to erect a permanent hand shell
over tea ice amna -- the only one in
Scott County — in lime for the
coming winter season.
Because of the time needed to
order materials and erect the
stldcium, the SPLYHA felt their
window of opportunity to save
youth hockey in Shakopee wale
closing. So, the group weld fol
broke, requesting and receiving
time on the council's.Aug. 4
agenda to make a do-or-die plea for
help. The council listened carefully
to the material presented by Dave
Kaufenberg, vice-president of the
SPLYHA. Instead of voting
immediately To constmn such a
facility, the council instead opted
lo.bavo.Oty staff take:a
look-afthe bockey,twip aProw.,.
popal. City councils rarely move Sea.,
quickly as the situalioe might
warrantCouncil members voting in
favor of having city staff lake a in-
depth look at the plan included
Mayor Gary Laurent, council
members Mike Beard and Joan
Lynch. Gloria V ieding opposed the
idea, Bob Sweeney was missing
from the meeting.
Some council members didn't
understand the immediacy of the
hockey group's situation. Wilhoul-
at least some progress, youth
hockey in Shakopee will beshelvedforayear, maybe more. I.
Kaufenberg said he already knows,
of four families which will be
taking their kids elsewhere for
youth hockey this winter. Some
council members have also learned
bat area rinks have plenty of boon
to sell to groups like the SPLYHA.
Unfortunately, the overwhelming
majority of those hours are avail-
able after IB p.m. and before 6 a.m.
Hmkuva deal.
Although pleased they weren't
rejected once and for all, the
SPLYHA folks hoped the city
would start work immediately me
the project following the Aug.4
vote. Because of the Condition of
Ile bubble -- the latest damage may
not be repairable -- the SPLYHA
members Intending the meeting left
fearing the project wouldn't be
done in time to save the corning
season and ultimately, their
organization. After that meeting, however,
members of the SPLYHA now
undenamad that the wheels of
govcnemem mrri slowly. Mayor
laureoi conceded Iha1'Ihe'cky
should Got totally may ou Private
chimes to pmvide recreational
opportunities for an entire commu-
mey. But at least elle wheels of
government are turning. Since the
bubble makes an important
contribution to the community —
juu ask any hotel owner or waitress
at a local restaurant about in-
creased business ou loumamem
weekends — the klea that the city
will even consider the proposal is
good news. Since The presentation before
aIle City Council, Kaufelberg has
met with city staff to begin
discussing what reeds to be done to
transform Ihelr proposal Crone the
drawing board to reality. One of
the products of that recent meeting
was a time line of dales when
various steps of the project can be
GomQleted.
1 was just Ihdlled to death
aper our meeting Friday (Aug. 7);
Kaufenbeig said.
As he prepared for an Aug. 1 I
meeting where the City Council
was scheduled to consider the
architect for The plan. Kaufenberg
realimd the city could still pull the
PIGS on the project. But for now,
the Fell of The supporters and
Kauffenberg of local hockey have
Seen the wheels begin to tum,
albeit slower Than they'd likke.
1 understand that they have a
Id of red tape to go through.— he
said "But we're finally moving in
the right direction."
THE FUNDAMENTALS
18 FOCUS GROUPS
The Fundamentals" is a concise overview of the important aspects of progra7hming classes for the community. It is produced and
copyrighted exclusively by the Learning Resources Network (LERN) for its subscribers and members. Programs should use "The
Fundamentals" as a checklist for successful operations.
The Focus Group Technique is perhaps the most flexible and cost-efficient way of getting market research information. A focus
group is led by a moderator using a structured discussion format. It involves individuals of particular importance to your market.
1. The selection and recruitment of individuals to participate in focus groups is of critical importance. After listing the questions
you want to answer, you must define the population that can give you the best answers to those questions. This may be current
students, previous students who have not repeated with you, representatives from major institutional clients, or individuals in a new
market that you wish to penetrate.
2. Focus groups generally work best when the members of each focus group have some things in common. You will need to
recruit 8 to 12 individuals for each focus group. It is probably best to conduct several focus groups following the same discussion
format with each group while varying the characteristics of the individual group members.
3. Recruitment is usually done over the telephone with a written follow-up confirming time, date, and place. You should also
plan a telephone reminder the day of the focus group. It is usually necessary to offer some inducement for participation. For focus
groups that last an how to an hour and a half, it may be necessary to offer an incentive to each participant. Usually $25 is a good
minimum. Even with the telephone recruitment, written follow-up, and an inducement, your participation rate is unlikely to be any
higher than 50 percent. Thus to get twelve participants for a focus group, you will need to recruit at least 24.
4. The focus group meeting itself requires considerable planning and preparation. The structured discussion must force involvement
on the part of all participants. You may ask them to respond to questions that require complete answers, request that they create
lists of words, things, feelings, or require them to complete a sentence. Responses should be recorded by the individuals on paper
before discussion of a question begins. The best way to ensure complete participation is to go from individual to individual and list
their responses on a flip chart. After the list is complete, engage the group in discussion and priority setting. This approach has the
advantage of enabling you to use the flip charts as a record of the discussion if you do not choose to tape record the session.
5. One of the most important aspects of the focus group meeting will be the role of the moderator. You must select the moderator
very carefully. He or she should be someone who does not have a vested interest in the results of the focus group. This person
should be comfortable in front of a group of persons. Remind the moderator that you are interested in the responses of focus group
members and do not care what the moderator thinks. Your focus group conversation should not be dominated by the moderator.
Characteristics that are desirable in a moderator are the ability to project a "kind but firm" attitude, flexibility, sensitivity, curiosity,
and an encouraging demeanor.
6. Analysis of focus groups is done by summarizing the content of the group discussions. It is important to have a debriefing
session with your moderator or moderators immediately after the focus group session. This makes certain that subtle nuances which
they pick up on are not lost through the passage of time. The analysis itself should be somewhat formal. Whether you are doing the
analysis from transcripts, from tape, or from flip chart notes, you should first go through the source of material three or four times
without trying to summarize or form opinions. Then identify key words and major discussion items that seem very important to
you. Separate discussions surrounding these key words from the other source material and summarize this abstracted material for
your research results. A final step is to go back through the original source material to make certain that you have not left out
important findings.
7. Focus groups are an extremely valuable market research tool. They can be used to analyze products and process, to establish
validity of visual cues, to generate ideas and to receive emotional and effective responses. They require considerable organizational
ability, but do not require technical research skills. The analysis of focus group materials is time consuming, but not complicated.
Perhaps no other research market tool has the ability to produce findings as rich and detailed as focus group research.
Learning Resources Network (LERN), 1550 Hayes Drive, Manhattan, Kansas 66502. (913) 539-5376
Marketing Recreation Classes September 1992 11
Cities Tie
For Award
Ithough completely different pro-
jects got them there — both Ger-
mantown, Tenn., and San Francisco,
stand as recipients of this category's
award of merit.
Germantown's park and recreation
department won for its "Germantown
Centre," a community facility, which in
its initial phase has 133,000 square feet
of recreation, leisure, educational and
artistic space. Additionally, this phase
saw construction begin on a 60,000 -
plus -square -foot theater completed to a
shell. While this first phase cost ap-
proximately $9.5 million, completion of
the theater will cost an additional $4
million.
The Germantown Centre includes
three junior basketball courts, one adult
court; a four -lane, 1/12 mile indoor
track; three volleyball courts; two gym
divider curtains; a natatorium that in-
cludes an eight -lane, 40 -meter pool with
a movable bulkhead; three diving
boards; a whirlpool; two saunas; locker
dressing areas for boys, girls, men and
women; a bleacher balcony area that
will seat more than 250 people; a fitness
center that includes exercise rooms,
testing offices, a director's office and
full Eagle Cybex equipment; six meet-
ing rooms of 600 square feet each; a
nursery area; an arts and crafts room
for ceramics and pottery; a holding
kitchen; a game room that includes pool
and ping pong tables, video games, and
television; a concession vending area;
multiple offices that include space for
the parks and recreation department;
a r,
n
K V
a -
C.
ty
a
I-
d
and adults in all aspects of aquatics, fit-
ness, education and arts.
Design is one of its most unique
points. With an exterior of brick and
dryvit, there are no exposed concrete
blocks. Its pool area is completely tile
and features a sound system that plays
music above and below the water. Ad-
ditionally, the center has two control
points — one upstairs, one downstairs:
From these points, one person can su-
pervise many areas of the building,
which makes staffing cost effective.
The center is operated as an Enter-
prise Fund, where all staff, supplies,
utilities and depreciation are met
through membership and program fees.
In the first full year of operation, the
Germantown Centre had expenditures
of $1,050,000 and revenues of
1,120,000. The fees are so affordable
a family membership being $250) that
there are more than 3,700 member-
ships, representing more than 14,500
people, or one of every three German-
town residents.
San Francisco's "Playground For
All Children," located in Golden Gate
Park, is unique in its approach to play
for paraplegic and quadriplegic children
and its method for raising wheelchairs
six feet above the ground in a non -ob-
trusive manner.
In this playground, paraplegic and
able-bodied children alike reach slides
maneuvering through several levels of
cells," grabbing and pulling through
with upper -body strength. Because both
sets of children must get to the tops of
slides in the same manner, the "differ-
ences" between them are lessened. The
bottom of each slide is adjacent to a
space frame cell that leads to the top of
another slide, thus forming a continu-
ous play loop; there are nine such con-
tinuous loops within the structure. This
alleviates the need for long, expensive
ramps for wheelchair access to slide
tops, as well as the need for constant
assistance from attendants supporting
paraplegic kids. Additionally, the de-
sign eliminates the danger of children
colliding with wheelchairs that have
been integrated into the play area.
And for quadriplegic children ...
As in the paraplegic section, where
the focus was not on the child's inabil-
ity to use his/her legs — but instead
his/her arms — the quadriplegic section
emphasizes the children' eyes, ears and
mind. The "Rainbow Room," a cubic
octagon, is designed for this group in
particular. This space is built of 48 -inch
struts that form a shape of two pyra-
mids, joined at their square bases and
then rotated 90 degrees. Triangular
lexan windows, inserted into the panels
and covered with diffraction film splits
sunlight into spectral bursts of color.
Custom metal percussion music instru-
ments are welded to the walls: one in
the form of a dog and the second a
more abstract shape resembling a bird's
head.
Although quadriplegic chilcren can
not physically participate in the play in
the other cells, part of the playground
called "The Balcony," allows them to
move their wheelchairs close enough to
watch. The Balcony is six feet above the
ground surrounding the rhombic cells,
allowing the wheelchair-bound the rare
opportunity to "look down on the
world."
The final task, getting the wheel-
chairs up to the Rainbow and Balcony
in an aesthetically and environmentally
sensitive manner, involved grading and
a single retaining wall that gradually in-
creases in height from two feet at the
ends to six feet in the center. Two gen-
tly curving "ramps" emerge from the
perimeter path surrounding the para-
plegic section to meet and continue up
into the Rainbow and Balcony.
32 American City & County/December 1991