HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Packet 04-15-1993Regular Meeting of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission
April 15, 1993, 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. Approved four additional swings at Bass Lake Park
5. Unfinished Business
a. South Shore Drive landscaping - report from Forester Paul
Buck
b. Community survey - review pretest
C. Handicapped playground update
d. Athletic association storage space update
e. Grand opening of playfields update - Travis Lay (student
intern from St. Cloud)
6. New Business
a. Request for skateboard facilities
b. Annual park tour - pick date
C. Master plan - West Medicine Park - road relocation
d.
7. Commission Presentation
8. Staff Communication
9. Adjournment
Next regular PRAC meeting - May 13
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MN 55447
DATE: April 1, 1993
TO: PRAC
FROM: Eric J. Blank, Director of Parks and Recreation
SUBJECT: APRIL 15 MEETING - JUST A FEW THOUGHTS
1. City Forester, Paul Buck, is meeting with the residents along South Shore Drive on
April 7. He will present a report at the Commission meeting of the plan and cost
estimate for the planting.
2. The survey pre-test was mailed out to 50 homes on Tuesday, March 30. Pam
Schomaker from the Univ. of Minn will be available at the meeting on April 15 to
report on the results of the pre-test.
3. The first meeting of the Accessible Playground Committee met on Wednesday,
March 24. The minutes of that meeting are enclosed for your information. The
second meeting is set for Tuesday, April 13, at 7 p.m. I will update you on this
project at the Thursday Commission meeting.
4. Since we last discussed athletic association storage, the Fire Department has
indicated that they may have found some space in the basement of Fire Station 2.
They are in the process of doing further analysis and study on the exact square
footage that may be available and under what conditions. Once this information has
been supplied to me, I will pass it along to the athletic associations to see whether
or not they believe it will help them with their current needs. Again, I will update
you at the Commission meeting of the latest information on this subject.
5. Travis Lay is an intern with us from St. Cloud State University. He and Rick
Busch will be present at the meeting to give you a brief update on the planning for
the grand opening of both the Bass Lake and Parkers Lake playfields. Just as a
hint, you might want to get your softball gloves out of the closet and oiled up.
6. If all goes well, I am anticipating that three young people from the Wayzata School
District will be present at the Commission meeting to make a pitch for
skateboarding facilities. At the time of writing this memo, I have only one written
document from them, which is enclosed.
7. We need to be thinking about a tour date for the park system. Typically, this has
taken place after the May meeting and before the June meeting. I will be available
on weeknights or on Saturday mornings at your pleasure.
8. The 1994 CIP allocates $1.5 million of tax increment finance money for the
acquisition of property and the realignment of West Medicine Lake Blvd. through
West Medicine Park. In order to work on this in a timely fashion, I think it would
be wise to select a consultant and try and do all of the preliminary planning on the
park in the year 1993, so that actual construction could commence in 1994. This
will be one of the sites that we will want to visit during the park tour to bring you
all up to date on the proposed project.
I will be out of town from Friday, April 2, through Tuesday, April 13. If you are in
need of any assistance, please contact Nancy at 550-5130.
Have a great Easter!
EB/np
enclosure
Minutes of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting
March 11, 1993
Page 14
Present: Chair Anderson, Commissioners Burk, Mikula, Wahl,
Watson; staff Bisek, Blank and Pederson; Council -
members Edson and Tierney
Absent: Commissioners Gutzke and Johnson
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Anderson called the March meeting to order at 7 p.m.
in the Council Conference Room.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Watson questioned whether or not the City makes
any money when renting fields to the Wayzata soccer club for
tournaments. She had understood Director Blank to say that
the City made no profit, yet the minutes stated that "the
City did not make a large profit" from renting soccer
fields. Director Blank explained that the money received
from the soccer club shows up as revenue in our budget,
although we basically break even when figuring in what it
costs the City in maintenance. Therefore, he believed the
minutes could remain as written. A motion was made by
Commissioner Watson and seconded by Commissioner Wahl to
approve the minutes of the February meeting as presented.
The motion carried with all ayes.
3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
a. Athletic Associations. None were present.
b. Staff. Mary stated that a new feature had been added to
the Employee of the Month award program, which was the
addition of a gift certificate from Bakers Square in the
amount of $20, with the City and Bakers Square each
contributing $10. The Commission agreed that that was a
great idea.
Mary announced that the dates for the grand openings of
Parkers and Bass Lake Playfields have been finalized.
May 12 was set for Parkers Lake and May 19 for Bass Lake.
A new safety camp program will be offered this summer for
3rd and 4th graders. It will be held on June 15 and 16
and will teach personal safety. Members of the Plymouth
Police and Fire Departments will be involved. Weather
personality Mike Fairbourne will teach the kids about
weather safety. The Art Fair has been rescheduled for
Sunday, September 26, because the original date,
Saturday, the 25th, is Yom Kippur.
A student intern, from St. Cloud State University, will
begin a ten week internship with Plymouth Park and
Recreation starting March 15. He will be very involved
in planning the grand opening events, as well as other
special projects.
PRAC Minutes/March 1993
Page 15
The volunteer coordinator position will be 20 hours a
week and will be located in the Park and Recreation
Department. This decision was based on the fact that the
Parks Department uses the most volunteers, however, the
coordinator will be seeking volunteers for other
departments as well.
C. Others.
REPORT ON PAST COUNCIL ACTION
a. Council approved the rental policy for the Parkers Lake
Picnic Shelter for seven days a week, with the exception
of national holidays, rather than just weekend use.
b. Council approved the installation of a handicapped
accessible playground in Plymouth Creek Park.
C. Council accepted the 1992 Park and Recreation Advisory
Commission Annual Report.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. 1993 CIP.
1) South Shore Drive landscaping project. Russell King,
10000 South Shore Drive, representing the residents
living along this street, was present and made some brief
comments about how landscaping this area would provide
enhancements not only for the residents living here, but
for people visiting the park, as so many of them walk
down South Shore Drive. He stated that their request for
this landscaping was initially made in 1990 and again in
1992. Mr. King believes that the residents feel so
strongly about this landscaping that they would be
willing to help with the actual planting. Director Blank
reviewed the information that had been provided the Park
Commission in their agenda packet, which included a
memorandum dated June 14, 1990, from then city forester,
Don Kissinger, which stated that it could cost anywhere
from $5,200 to $11,000 to do this landscaping, depending
on who did the actual labor, city crews or a private
contractor. Director Blank stated that the 1993 Parks
CIP allocated $7,500 for this project, and it is staff's
recommendation that this project be approved, with the
City Forester being directed to work with the residents
to come up with the most efficient and cost effective
planting plan. Some commissioners were concerned that
7,500 would not go very far in purcashing the plant
materials if labor also had to come out of that figure.
They agreed that if the residents would provide the
labor, then more planting materials might be able to be
purchased. Commissioner Burk asked if this landscaping
would be on private or park property, and he was somewhat
apprehensive that $7,500 equaled $750 per residence,
PRAC Minutes/March 1993
Page 16
which he was concerned might set some sort of precedent.
Director Blank responded that the landscaping would
actually take place on park property. Commissioner Burk
then asked if a berm in this area might be considered as
a first step before planting any trees. Mr. King felt
the residents would be happy with a berm, because it
would provide even more privacy than just having trees
planted on a flat surface. Commissioner Burk suggested
that the City try to secure some dirt fill free of charge
this spring when the construction season begins and to
use this to construct the berm. Director Blank thought
that this might be arranged. A MOTION WAS MADE BY
COMMISSIONER WATSON AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WAHL TO
APPROVE THE EXPENDITURE OF $7,500 AND TO RECOMMEND THAT
THE CITY FORESTER WORK WITH THE RESIDENTS IN DEVELOPING A
LANDSCAPING PLAN FOR THE 1993 SPRING PLANTING SEASON.
THE MOTION CARRIED WITH FIVE AYES.
2) Trails. Director Blank reviewed the six trail
segments that had been recommended for construction by
PRAC at the February meeting. Of those six, it was
decided to drop the Turtle Lake trail, because one of the
landowners affected is out of town until April. Other
factors complicating this trail are numerous trees, the
severe slope to the land, wetlands in the area which must
be addressed by the DNR, and the length of the trail
makes it very expensive. This leaves five trail segments
recommended for construction, which based on cost
estimates prepared by the City's Engineering Department,
would run approximately $106,000. Only $75,000 has been
allocated in the 1993 CIP for these trails. An
additional $100,000 has been set aside from Minnesota
State Aid (MSA) funds, but this money can be used only on
MSA trails, which are trails constructed at the same time
that MSA roads are built or improved. Director Blank
stated that a trail along Vicksburg Lane from Highway 55
to Old County Road 9 could be constructed this year at a
cost of about $50,000 and qualifies for MSA funding, as
well as the extension of trail from Dunkirk Lane to
Medina Road, at a cost of about $56,000 and also
available from MSA funds. This would be two more trails
that could be constructed in 1993 and would not affect
the monies budgeted for the other trail segments
recommended for construction this year. The Commission
reviewed the list of five remaining trails that they had
recommended at their February meeting and discussed that
they would need additional funds if they wanted to
construct all five, or they could drop one of the
segments and stay within the budget. Commissioner Burk
asked about the trail proposed in the Mission Hills area
and stated he believed there was some controversy here
between the Baton Corporation development and the
residents and perhaps this segment would have to be
dropped. Director Blank pointed out on a map that our
PRAC Minutes/March 1993
Page 17
trail segment is not in the same loation as the land
being disputed and, therefore, isn't affected.
Commissioner Wahl then questioned the trail segment
proposed to run from Vicksburg to Fernbrook, which didn't
appear to serve anyone. Director Blank pointed out that
anyone using the north -south trails on Fernbrook, Niagara
and Vicksburg, can use this trail to go east or west
between those three major streets, and that it would
serve the residents living north of County Road 6 between
Vicksburg and Niagara and between Niagara and Fernbrook,
as well as the businesses located in this same area. A
MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER BURK AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER MIKULA TO RECOMMEND CONSTRUCTION OF THE FIVE
TRAIL SEGMENTS AS DISCUSSED AND TO RECOMMEND THAT COUNCIL
APPROVE THE ADDITIONAL FUNDING NECESSARY TO COMPLETE
THESE TRAIL SEGMENTS. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL AYES.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WAHL AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER WATSON TO RECOMMEND THAT COUNCIL AUTHORIZE
THE CONSTRUCTION OF MSA FUNDED TRAILS ALONG DUNKIRK LANE
TO MEDINA ROAD AND ALONG VICKSBURG LANE FROM HIGHWAY 55
TO OLD COUNTY ROAD 9 IN THE AMOUNT OF $106,000. THE
MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL AYES.
3) Handicapped playground update. See item 4 b.
b. Community survey review. Pamela Shomaker from the
Minnesota Center for Survey Research was present to go
over the survey with the Commission. She indicated that
the questions had been prepared with input from Plymouth
city staff and MCSR staff. Director Blank stated that a
joint meeting has been planned between the Park
Commission and City Council to review the questionnaire
on Monday, March 22, at 5:30 p.m., and any changes made
this evening would be ready for the joint meeting on the
22nd. Commissioners then went over the survey, question
by question, and made a few recommendations for changes.
One of their major concerns was pointing out that
Plymouth parks do not include French Park, and that
something should be stated in the survey about that,
because it might not be known by some residents. Pamela
indicated that a pre-test of the survey would go out
first and might help determine if some of the questions
should be eliminated altogether. Commissioners wanted to
know when the results of the survey could be expected,
and Director Blank said they hope to have the results
compiled by June 1.
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. Review fees charged by other communities for field use.
Based on discussions at last month's meeting regarding
the fees charged to the Wayzata Soccer Club for their
summer tournament, staff was asked to research what other
PRAC Minutes/March 1993
Page 18
communities charge and report back to PRAC. Eighteen
metropolitan cities were called and the results of the
phone survey indicated that seven cities charge some kind
of fee, while 11 do not. The 11 responding no indicated
that they would charge some sort of fee if extra ordinary
maintenance was required. Commissioners asked if
athletic associations are charged any other time for
their use of our fields. Mary responded that the only
time athletic associations pay fees is when they sponsor
tournaments, which tends to be once a year. The
tournament that this club sponsors gets teams coming in
from other states as well as locally, and every team is
charged $175 each to participate. After further
discussion, the Commission agreed that the Wayzata Soccer
Club should continue to pay field rental fees at the rate
established in the Field Rental Policy and Fee Schedule,
which was approved by PRAC in January and subsequently
adopted by the City Council. Director Blank stated that
he would send a letter to Mr. Gleason with PRAC's
decision. The Wayzata Soccer Club still has the option
to appeal to the City Council.
b. Review athletic association storage space issue. This
issue was also surveyed, and of the 10 communities
contacted, all of them allocate some type of space. In
most cases, the space is within a community center or
community building. Two communities allocated space in
their city hall or public works building, and one
community worked out a deal with the athletic
association, whereby the city provided the materials,
labor and the site, and the athletic association is
paying $5,000 a year until the cost of the materials is
paid off. At the request of PRAC, Director Blank
surveyed several City staff regarding available space at
the new police department, the public works building,
water towers, fire stations and city hall. At the
present time, there is no storage space available.
Commissioners asked if it was staff's opinion that the
athletic associations perhaps want the City to pay for
storage somewhere, or to build a special facility for
them. Director Blank said that may be a possibility, and
if so, it would have to be included in a future CIP.
Commissioners indicated they would like more direction
from the Council on what to do with this issue, and they
asked staff to contact the City of Wayzata to find out
what they might have in the way of space.
C. Time spent chart (park maintenance). Director Blank
distributed copies of a chart showing the hours spent by
park maintenance doing various types of work. For
example, during the year 1992, park maintenance spent 92
hours working at Imperial Hills neighborhood park and
2,987.5 hours working at Zachary Playfield. A second
chart showed how many hours were spent mowing (3,513.5),
PRAC Minutes/March 1993
Page 19
trail maintenance, repair & construction (2,724), snow
blowing rinks (49), etc.
7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION
None.
8. STAFF COMMUNICATION
Director Blank will be meeting with the Kids for Saving
Earth (KSE) organization regarding the new park along 494 &
County 9. A grant request for $100,000 has been submitted
by KSE to the American Foresters' Society. Director Blank
stated that they might expect to receive about $20,000 to
30,000 which could be used to put in wood chip trails this
summer.
The Mayor was contacted by a highschool student regarding a
place to skateboard and rollerblade in Plymouth. The
student may attend the April meeting to discuss the issue
with PRAC. A disk golf group may also attend the PRAC
meeting in April or May.
Discussions continue regarding land acquisition for a 9th
playfield.
9. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 10 p.m.
MEMO
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447
DATE: April 15, 1993
TO: Eric Blank, Director of Parks & Recreation
FROM: Paul Buck, City Forester
SUBJECT: UPDATE ON SCREENING PROJECT AT SOUTH END OF EAST MEDICINE LAKE PARK
On April 7th I met on site with a group of concerned residents. We all agreed
that the existing plan, as drawn up by Don Kissinger, was still feasible (see
enclosed sketch). We will fill in the gaps of existing Siberian Pea Shrubs
with 24 new plants. The second row would consist of 22 Colorado Green Spruce
spaced at 20 ft. apart. This dense, coniferous species will provide year
round screening. The final row will consist of 63 Amur Maple Shrubs, which
will fill in the gaps between the spruce. This hardy, fast growing shrub will
provide quick short term screening benefits as well as excellent fall color.
This plan will cover the area from 13th Ave. to the edge of the gravel parking
lot. I would not recommend planting in the gravel areas unless the soil is
amended to a more beneficial growing medium. The extra plants are shown as
Figure 2 (See attached figures).
The costs of this project are computed on two methods of installation in
Figure 1. Method 1 would involve purchasing the stock at wholesale price with
no warranty on survivability and the City and/or volunteers planting the plant
material. Method 2 would involve contracting for the purchase and
installation of the plant material. This would include a one time replacement
warranty for three years on each plant.
It is my recommendation that the City contract for this project. The added
labor and replacement costs for 3 years would bring Method 1 to approximately
6,000, almost $700 more expensive than Method 2.
FIGURE 1 INITIAL PROJECT COSTS
I OF
FIGURE 2 ADDITIONAL EXPANDED
METHOD 1 METHOD 2
PLANTS SPECIES SIZE CITY LABOR) CONTRACT)
24 Siberian Pea Shrub 2' 149.76 206.64
22 Colorado Green Spruce 6' 2,244.00 3,096.72
63 Amur Maple (Shrub) 4' 1,470.42 2,029.23
Subtotal
Labor/Replacement Costs
Total 109 Plants
3,864.18 $5,332.59
2,150.00 -0-
6,014.18 $5,332.59
SD q,
FIGURE 2 ADDITIONAL EXPANDED PROJECT COSTS
OF METHOD 1 METHOD 2
PLANTS SPECIES SIZE CITY LABOR) CONTRACT)
12 Colorado Green Spruce 6' 1,224.00 1,689.12
33 Amur Maple (Shrub) 4' 770.22 1,062.93
Subtotal 1,994.22 2,752.05
Labor/Replacement Costs 890.00 0-
Total 45 Plants 2,884.22 2,752.05
SD q,
Fq f ry
J r Q iL
vV-
r y
0
s..a.. .. ,, '_ .Kl`
M1.
v
t'` ---`----,szs.;r.'3# a."`w -...
yr`-.'
c _ _ •. • .. •_ ,
1 ^,yy
90B '399 'a '9 j
0
j
000PUr1r
i9 00 0 53 2eso 010 o ,a 000e Z 00 0' 000 DOS OOD Jia .JS .13S pp9LoT
q
te
J 0 1.j i n it 0 T-
Ler end
TrcC> or Sh,ru'D
P epoSec rtQS c1 y1 hr%5
c C, P v c
Railcood
rave
frees WkiLk are
fi ti. 0r\e' Lot s
lJ r
ProposeIl TrfleS
C6IOrR Or Pn S Ute )
t r
P
al
PL'Y'MOUTH PARK AND RECREATION SURVEY
When completing your survey, please refer to the following lists of Plymouth City
Parks, Neighborhood Parks, and Piayfields. These lists are included to help youdeterminewhichtypeofPlymouthpark/playfield you may have visited or used.
Citv Parks Neighborhood Parks Playfields
Timber Shores Hemlock Shiloh Plymouth CreekEastBeachMissionHillsHeritageZacharyWestMedicineSchmidtLakeRollingHillsParkersLakeLakeCircleTurtleLakeBassLake
Parkers Lake Green Oaks Lions Oakwood
see list above)
Maplecreek St. Mary's Ridgemount
h
Sunrise Kilmer Plymouth
Ql
Imperial Hills Swan Lake LaCompte
13
QueEnsland Gleanloch
A Plzy geld in Ply*7ou n (see lust above) q
South Shore
e
Please circle the number which corresponds to the answer closest to your opinion or
write in the information requested. All individual responses will be kept confidential.
Ql. In the last 12 months, has anyone in your household visited any ofthe follow ngPlymouthparkorrecreationfacilities? (Please circle one response for each item..)
PLEASE NOTE; I}ench Regional Park is a Hennep9n County Park, not aPlymouthpark.
Don't
Yes No_ Know
a. A Plymouth City or Neighborhood park
see list above)
h A City o€ Plymouu trail aria 13 y Ql
C. A beach in the city of Plymouth 0 13 YJ
d, A Plzy geld in Ply*7ou n (see lust above) q
e Parkers Lake Pavilion building 4 i
f other {$pe^ify 7 I
LI°°
i
Q2. If a member of your household needs special services or accommodations because of adisability, please tell us how well Plymouth Park and Recreation is doing to provideaccessibleservicesandprograms. (Please circle one.)
9 1. Park and recreation programs or facilities are very accessible.
i 2. Programs or facilities need some improvement.
Please specify which ones:
Q1 3. Programs or facilities need major improvements.
Please specify which ones:
CC) 4. No one in the household needs special services.
Q3. In the last 12 months, has anyone in your household done any of the followingactivitiesataPlymouthCityPark, Neighborhood Park, Playfield, or trail area? PLEASE NOTE: Do not include activities done FrenchPleasecircleoneresponseforeachitem.)
at Regional Park.
Don't
a Bicycle riding
Yes No Know
b Wal
li O
C. Running
15 O
d Rana' biadmg ar Skatrnb
e Cross-country skning
i' fo p
f Sv«mrrtnng m an area lake
I
r 2
15
15
g Team spots (soccer, baseball, softball) 0
h 3 Basketball C
i. Tennis
5 iJ O
Pncmck3rb
O
k Used children's playground equipment 9 8IUsedqutgorvgllryballcourt§ O
m Used a Vita (fitness) caurse a
n Played dark (Frisbees` golf ?i
12
o. Other (Specnfy Qr-r n p
13 a
ru ) l
2
Q4. In the past 12 months, did you or anyone in your household participate in the following
Plymouth Park and Recreation programs? (Please circle one response for each item.)
Don't
YesI!o Know
a. Arts and crafts 0 0
b ;i Drama: 0 11.
C. Dance C; J
d; i lusic'iesso s C ISO 0
e FltnessiWellness (Jazzercize, aerobics, etc.)
f Swtsing lessaits O 16
g. Sports instruction (tennis, T Ball, K -Ball,
gymnastics) 3
r, MaWNREM55 l a
J
L Day Camp 0 1 b 0
I `; Perro;ing artslConcerts iii fhe Park `; f 4 1,2 C
k. Senior Clubs 1 15 0
MWOMM""Mstiva,
5 13 p
m. Trips (ski trips, Getaway for a Day, Twins game) O lb O
n Other (Specify l 1
Q5. The Plymouth Park and Recreation Department uses carefully controlled amounts of
chemicals and herbicides to control weeds in Plymouth parks. Which of the following
would you most prefer for controlling weeds in Plymouth parks? (Please circle one.)
I 1, Continue to use chemicals on a carefully controlled basis to control weeds in parks
1) 2. Do not use chemicals and allow the weeds to grow in City parks
5) 3. Use organic fertilizers which cost three times as much as other fertilizers
1) 4. Other (Please explain:
3
e5FoY1512-5 ofher"' u5e mlr.;rna
or .+-Y hc".: 'Y".55 +n`
t''awc.e- cc ( weals
CLS`= 0.m X Gr Jart`,tl
Q6. For the programs listed below, please indicate if you think the Plymouth Park and
Recreation Department should offer more, the same, or fewer of these programs.
Please circle one response for each item.)
Don't
0
More Same Fewer Know
a. Arts and crafts I y A I
b`Dzam2 14 a to
c. Dance Q 11
d' Musie'lessons + Q 3 3 1I
e. Fitness/Wellness (Jazzercize, aerobics, etc.) 1 a P
f ': Swrmmtug lessc>3s i 3 a c
g. SWM instruction (tennis, T -Ball, K -Bali,
gymnastics) 3 a g
54MMMM a a 2
L Day Camp 1 4 a 11
J Perform' a*islConcerts aa.the Park 4
k. Senior Clubs 5 3 10
Y I t e spergal euents re and Ice
F`esiuvat, hfusic in Plymou) ,' 3 i 8
m. Trips (ski trips, Getaway for a Day,
Twins game) 0 3 4 0
n; Other (Specify l O O C 4
0
Q?. In the past 12 months, have you registered for a Plymouth recreation program?
I. Yes (PLEASE CflV`TLIZLE WITH Q8)
2. No —> What are the reasons you have not registered for a Plymouth recreation
program? (Please circle all that apply.)
a. Not enough time
I b. Programs cost too much
5 c. No interest
I d. Location is not convenient
4 e. Programs you want are not offered
2 f. You have not received information about programs
4 g. Other Please specify:
PLEASE SIS TO Q12)
Q8. When you registered for a Plymouth recreation program, how would you rate the overallregistrationprocess? (Please circle one.)
3 1. Excellent
3 2. Good
3. Fair
P/4. Poor
Q8a. What suggestions do you have for improvements in the registration process?
Q9. How do you feel about the fees you were charged for the Plymouth recreation programsyouregisteredfor? (Please circle one.)
1. Too high > Please explain why you feel the fees were too highLE2. About right and specify the programs:
d 3. A bargain
5
Res PC,) 5, tZ C\-. (a) -
Se,n cr e'EiZ2.v Jiro h 5 li`]r.iii2ci cGc;d i-y
pc -iC.Pci E ih ADD h ny Ocvlei 0.Gy'i Yi }'i ..
Use, r erc4, c rk
I
1 (.,Pn +C' Old
CIO nei dee' 7acE or L cLY Z:te, wl it ,
N s Wk
C +0 ase cu -'r K5 cx cj
IiV2 in .lyrnc;i.
Q10. In general, how well maintained are the Plymouth Park and Recreation facilities you have
used in the past 12 months? (Please circle one.)
R)l. Very well maintained
2. Well maintained
03. Some maintenance evident
4. Poorly maintained
0j 5. Other (Please explain:_
Q11. Overall, how satisfied are you with the quality of the Plymouth Park and Recreation
programs you have participated in during the past 12 months? (Please circle one.)
J)l. Very satisfied
5,)2. Satisfied
F3. Dissatisfied (Please expl;
4. Very dissatisfied (Please
Q 12. In terms of the maintenance of Plymouth Park and Recreation facilities, which of the
following, if any, do you feel need improvement? (Please circle all that apply and
indicate the location of the facility and the type of improvement needed.)
No facilities need improvement
Facility
b. Rest rooms
c. Beaches and picnic areas
d. Trails and hiking paths
1 e. Playing fields
f. Buildings
Ca g. Other
Specify:.
ice
Locatlon and Type of Improv meht Needed
Ye.Si h.> c lecxrer-
l F`rS5 Lp,>,E;i ic`E;
r`n
i c22ineae3-1 a. cue
deb c ciean;, ahc\ Ylocd;vtcJ,
Q13. Within the next five years, do you feel the City of Plymouth should build and operate
the following new facilities for Plymouth residents? (Please circle one response foreachitem.)
Yes, even
if it raises
Public
soccer
r. Meeting rooms
t.
3
1
0
0
3
6
5
1
4
2
3
3
O
3
4
O
Yes, only if No, this
it does not facility should Don't
raise my taxes not be built Know
5 3 _ ....
9
5
3
5
1
6
a
5
f
y
3
5
5
6
4
2'
3
2
0
1
3
4
3
7
2
3
l
6
4
3
9
4'
6
4
6
N
Q14. At this time the City of Plymouth has no plans to build any new facilities. However, if it
is determined that a new facility is needed, it would be very helpful to know the following:
If you are willing to pay more in taxes to build and operate any of the new facilities listed
above in Q13, how much more are you willing to pay? (please circle one.)
5) 1. $0
j# 2. $1 - $10 per year
3. $11 - $20 per year
D 4. $21 - $50 per year
5. Over $50 per year
7
Q15. Please rate the quality of the following park and recreation services in the City ofPlymouth: (Please circle one response for, each item.)
Excellent Good Fair
4 8 v
q o
4 3 3
3 l0 1
Don't
Poor Know
G 5
4
a q 1 1 4
O b a l
8 4 0 5
a 4 3 O fo
I 8 5 0 3
to 1 1 3
Q 16. How often do you feel safe when visiting a Plymouth park,or trail area?
Please circle one.)
3)1. All of the time
1Q)2. Most of the time
3. Some of the time (Please explain:_
4. Neve: feel safe (Please explain:_
5. Do not visit Plymouth parks or trails
E!
Q17. In the past 12 months, have you participated in any recreation activities at facilities, parks,
or traits outside the City of Plymouth?
V 1. Yes
1a) 2. No (PLEASE SKIP TO Q19)
Q18. If yes, please indicate the location of the recreation facility, park, or trail and indicate the
type of activities done.
1 I
Location
rtl5 tQV l<?c (/P t
iss i iCev f}vnr^
1'11a 1e. GroG e f/o e;L2'hK;
Activitv
U-5lleyha/l ,_
fro ICe
Q19. In the past 12 months, from which of the following sources have you received information
about Plymouth Park and Recreation programs? (Please circle all that apply.)
Qq) . Direct mail
b. Local cable TV channel
Sun Sailor newspaper
Od. Wayzata Weekly News
I Plymouth News (City newsletter)
u School flyers
g. Word of mouth (from other people)
Ih. Other (Please specify:
9(t. Have not received information from any sources
Lo ca+) o r1
Q20. Of the information sources listed below, which two would you most prefer for receiving Y sinformationaboutPlymouthParkandRecreationprograms? (Please circle two.)
ala. Direct mail
b. Local cable TV channel
g c. Sun Sailor newspaper
d. Wayzata Weekly News
1 i>e. Plymouth News (City newsletter)
rf. By telephoning the Plymouth Park and Recreation Department
9. School flyers
h. Other (Please specify:
s o--hbc: I
QOlT
C"c -V LaKes ruJJnnir,' b '(;r,q
F-e-nKlierl i iK;re y W'JK;ng JCioe}
ZiCC'Qyn 1TK Swlr, eXEvc se-
l1e cctm(z) xaseball/ sKc.%;lgSwan Ke c rK i,t;r,ll< cc isc<C<zr.
c:c fie. r/
aVGr°-'•aJ/ i]c SZix.i `
So't'Jbctll Tco o,1
h1'ts C;} -y LolCes K;r ccllerblo<1;r,
LV isCpnSirl Sricicn ,h
ut. 5now;utobil;n9
i-ieny)a#n C -Y C"' KS sw rte, wa11<<l;ke
T"iS 1
Q20. Of the information sources listed below, which two would you most prefer for receiving Y sinformationaboutPlymouthParkandRecreationprograms? (Please circle two.)
ala. Direct mail
b. Local cable TV channel
g c. Sun Sailor newspaper
d. Wayzata Weekly News
1 i>e. Plymouth News (City newsletter)
rf. By telephoning the Plymouth Park and Recreation Department
9. School flyers
h. Other (Please specify:
s o--hbc: I
Q21. How important are parks and recreation services to the overall quality of your life as a
Plymouth resident? (Please circle one.)
5)1. Very important
82. Impor-t
z4 3. Slightly important
a)4. Not very important
Q22. In general, how much do you feel parks, open space, and trails enhance the value of
property is Plymouth? (Please circle ore.)
1. Very much
5 2. Somewhat
Q) 3. Not at all
Please answer the following questions about yourself. This information will be used only to
compare people's answers. It will not be used to identify you in any way.
Q23. Are you male or female?
O I. Male
D L. Female
Q24. Do you own or rent your home?
19)1. Own
2. Rent
Q25. How many people in the following age groups live in your household?
Number of
People
a. Persons 55 years or older
b. Adults, 20 - 64 years
L
c. Teenagers, 13 - 19 years
d. Children, 12 years or younger
10
Q26. How many years have you lived in the City of Plymouth?
years
a i a I 3 S I i l t
Q27. Please circle the one number that corresponds most closely to your race/ethnicity?
e I.
ac)2.
Black/African American
White
03. Hispanic/Latino/Chicano
0, 4. Native AmericanlAmerican Indian
05. Other (Please specify:
Q28. What is your age? (Please circle one.)
1. 18 - 24 years
l! 2. 25 - 34 years
C13 3. 35 - 54 years
4. 55 - 64 years
z SS 5. 65 years or older
55yy)=3
Q29. What is your current home zip code? 55 y q a =5
55`146=3
Q30. What was your total household income in 1992 hefore taxes? (Please circle one.)
3 1. Less than $25,000
3 2. 25,000 - $49,999
313. 50,000 - $74,999
914. 75,000 - $150,00
t) 5. Over $150,000
11
0V,t1R -->
a - ,y M _
yrs=
or -
I < _ zf
Q31. Please use the space below to add any other comments you may have about
Plymouth Park and Recreation programs and facilities.
C-51
res/;—"?dmfs CJ.auz OOM7nerfsj
T wb4id l ; Ke }o sez c c uPle MG "a r
za y
areas 5J Ly, -they e, cts
elabO:} as e one c,1 Plyriio"l - &-ce k,
Tv ela s rne rKs
is
5 Ck Cis l}'l5oh`,tiqq t
cbLesi;`er elz rzr C i rQ l TbLe l
J
av e4 l-'emerl,'}•
tizr
Cnvtrto bZ Seer, tv w7 '}h UUsirl lecoanc
i C5T<'O vv Y1'1A5 hc:,SQs are12t-
au.I oio ( g `p 'h,e 11rK av,le55 CtCCCv Past;Zt1yOA11
Z) i12 Sclaeo! level ' ro ra.rns are 10.v 1y retc&,,A 4oWcLylc+ol SG1e I SlIol. Wca.r<- i., a£?I (-dobirsdo:le)
Y -A 4eelC;- ocL-. "ihe.y .5 kc, A WC'rK closer w1`'J
heicqVlopr n3 hM rit{(e5 eSc zC'Cd(y 45e 20.CrictrY,
tvu''r `Fire. Ih my k' "e. Ctv-A `' aA/ `r c.a{l 411
Yneljny OLi+
kj'
ba )`1-eejs Were V'x Slow ccr it`Tj coiC
CYl
JITIiANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION!
Please return your completed questionnaire in the postage -paid envelope provided to:
Minnesota Center for Survey Research
University of Minnesota
2122 Riverside Avenue
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55454
12
TLi e a r K l 1 c -Z-
is a.-Nw"L eme
cLde t e -Tc:- neec s or "E
4%Q--J*ClUlos
mer T e`,:itsr S' -
6L, eofszrv;ces. tiivJe
e5 4l T.il 1, dlSClfJ i.l'M
C„hA
5 +i P taS ivy ni5 c AA -Y.
rn.o'C z, +CA5 S;i;"s z'tc• wee. 6—ve,
Q !ccc\ SIS+enA YnOu'
t le' -
PARKERS LAKE PLAYFIELD - CITY OF PLYMOUTH
BASS LAKE PLAYFIELD - CITY OF PLYMOUTH
PARKER LAKE PLAYFIELD
GRAS\D OPJDNI!G MAY 12
Tennis Clinic
Plymouth/Wayzata Baseball 2 games
Plymouth/Wayzata Girl's Softball
Plymouth/Wayzata Soccer Barge Field
Plymouth Athletic Soccer Smaller Field
Dignitaries Softball Game (Police vs Dignitaries)
Ronald McDonald
Music ????
BASS LAKE PLAYFIELD
GRAN -D OPENMZ Q MAY 19
Tennis Clinic
Osseo -Maple Grove Baseball ????
Maple Grove Cub Ball 3rd and 4th graders
Maple Grove Soccer vs Plymouth Soccer 71h and 8th grade
Dignitaries Softball Game (Fire vs Dignitaries)
Music ????
Parkers Lake
Niagara Lane and Cty Rd.
Wednesday, May 12
6-9 p.m:
Ribbon Cutting 6:00 p.m.
6:15 Softball Game
vs
Police Department
Bass Lake
5450 Northwest Blvd.
Wednesday, May 19
6-9 p.m.
Ribbon Cutting 6:00 p.m
6:15 Softball Game
vs
Fire Department
3
MEMO
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447
DATE: April 15, 1993
TO: Eric Blank, Director of Park & Recreation
FROM: Bob Pemberton, Risk Management Coordinator
SUBJECT: SKATEBOARDING
In accordance with your request, I have reviewed the 'issue of a City owned
skateboarding facility with Dave Drugg, who is the loss control consultant
retained by our insurer, the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust.
While we were not told that we couldn't design, build, own, maintain and
supervise a skateboard course, I would suggest caution. I was informed that
they had problems in southern cities insured under their various programs and
discontinued the facilities. The issue is maintenance, supervision and the
American legal system, which is very liberal when it comes to the awarding of
damages.
It was suggested that should we decide to construct a facility, that it be
constructed, maintained, supervised and secured to the highest standard. The
public is willing to accept the risk associated with football, hockey, and
other organized sports but treats skatebaording as a recreational activity and
the courts will hold us to a higher standard.
I inquired into the possibility of an association insuring and supervising the
facility under an agreement with the City. However, the problem is that their
is no skateboard insurance market and the City would ultimately assume the
liability.
We would also have to be aware that the first $50,000 of each claim (and we
have the potential for serious claims) would be City money. Secondly, if our
loss experience deteriorated, our insurance premium would increase.
Dave Drugg finally informed me that the novice skateboarder would still use
the street and other public areas until they have developed their skill level.
Once that was developed, they would use our proposed facility.
As a risk manager, I do not recommend the establishment of a skateboard
facility. The supposed benefit to the few does not warrant the exposure of
City assets.
CC: Dale E. Hahn, Director of Finance
Rick McCoy
Peter Haugen
Peter Wilson
Hour 5
Critical Thinking Major Project
1. General problem
imagine, if you will, a group of adolescents in search
of something fun to do. After days of sitting around, and
being bored, they go over some of the choices and
possibilities that they have: sports, vandalism, drugs, a
hobo;•, or gust plain hanging out.
Unfortunately, some groups of kids will find drugs as
their way to have fur, in their "own little world". Others
will be so bored that defying the law and doing something
lik_ smashing up a car or painting a wall will be tempting.
Many smart kids will skip the vandalism and drugs and
ider:tiiy sports or Bobbies that they like to do. Some will
just go "hang out" and when they get sick of it this will
pos ibiy lead into evils like drugs and vandalism.
the "smart kids" will choose a variety of activities
tD t .c -o anywhe,e from insect collecting, to video games,
tc loctcall. Ecrr:e of these young adults even get involved
i sro,i _ike i-ateboarding, rollerblading, and biking.
Rftea f_nding the hobby that they like, there are three
main needs that need to be met: getting their hands on of
the e;e 1p.':el:'_ necessary do their particular hobby or sport,
finding a place to use it, and, in most cases, finding
othe=rs wiu-, the came interests.
Sports like football and baseball are rather easy to
satisfy these needs for. There are many teenagers that like
to play sports like these (baseball is the national
pastime), and after they get the little equipment needed,
they can start playing in any open field or backyard. If
they want to get more serious about this hobby, there are
many leagues with many teams all over the world.
SkateboarL;ing, Diking, and rollerblading are three sports
where the needs mentioned above aren't as easy to satisfy.
Skateboarding is one of the hardest to even be able to do.
You also run into many problems with biking. Rollerblading
isn't quite as bad as skating or biking.
You may think that you can buy skateboards in large
departmci:t stores like Target, but what they sell in these
stores is junk. The boards barely roll and break very
easI_y. The nearest place that sells decent skateboards is
Penn Cycle in Hopkins. This place isn't good to go to
e_tacr Because the charge high prices (175+ dollars for a
full setup) for skateboards that are out of date and aren't
orth it. The next nearest place is a choice of
three different little shops in Uptown Minneapolis. The
boards aie still pricy (90-150 dollars), but you have a
urge selection cf good boards, free service, and
i.nowlecgeabi2 sales clerks.
invi p_cple to skateboard with isn't bad.
Skateboarding is a sport where, if you like it enough, you
l1_1 -avc a good time doing it regardless of who you're
With. Skaters also have a way of identifying with each
other and sticking together.
The hardest part, by far, in skateboarding, is finding
a place to go to do it. Most skateboarders like to
skateboard on curbs, stairs, handrails, ramps, planters,
parkin,_ blocks, banks (man-made transitions not meant for
skateboarding), loading docks, drop-offs, empty pools, gaps,
or just flat, smooth, cement These are usually found in.
parking garages, public parks, backyards, in front of
buFinesses, on streets, on sidewalks, skateparks, parking -
lots, and driveways. The problem is that most of these
structures are found on private property. Ramps and pools
in people's backyards are fun, but they are hard to build,
cost E3 iot, el.ays reed repairs, and aren't always fun.
When most kids get their skateboards, they want to use
them. `h,=y travel to a place (usually a business or store)
near to them and begin to skate. Customers will be afraid
of th-, c.ud noses and teenagers appearing to be doing
somethii:g dangerous that has the potential to invade their
P.fte L while, the manager or some ether authority
ccr.:es and says this, "I don't mean to be a jerk, but we are
c._ get hurt. Would you please leave?.
RM
I the kids had fun, they will want to go back. Next
time they go there, the authority figure will say "Please
ie c,. we .,ave been getting customer complaints. We can't
pay you get hurt, either".
Ey t.,_z; time, other skaters will have probably heard of
this place_ Many people, not caring about what the
authority figure has to say will keep coming. The person
will be really fed up by this time and will say "You are
ruining our curb, benches, stairs, etc.. You are scaring
at -;ay Qu— business. Go away and don't come back!"
Mo -,e people, still riot caring, will go back and get the
police called on them. Now, they will have less choices. A
s:.gn that reads SKATEBOARDS, BIKES, OR ROLLERBLADES"
will usually go up. They can either attempt to go back
after business ho rs, or run the risk of getting the police
calie- on them. When the police come, they do anything from
tellin: you to leave, to taking your name and phone number,
to taking your skateboard. I have seen or experienced all
of
E-,Neis experience some of these problems_ When I say
biker2 I don't mean people that just ride their bikes
a:o_tr,(f_ They co "tricks" on the ground or off jumps or
cro•r,--)ffs. This can be called "freestyle". Most bikers
prefer to do their thing in places like the middle of
r_:lots or o`.{ dirt jumps. It is generally more "out of
the i; Peop._ still get people angry and annoyed with
t:,er„: ___ no' a_= often. I have even heard of some get
ay_t._ charges.
easy to acquire a bike. They are sold at
c:ar:y of the local shops_ Bikers usually hold the same
posit_,_„ on friends as skaters. A good bike can still get
prc ty pricy.
Rol'erblading is the easiest of the three to meet the
requirements for. When I say rollerblading, I mean
freestyle in-line skating". Rollerblades are sold at many
sporting goods stores, and can be bought for as cheap as
Cs. ,ray still experience some of the problems that
skaters and bikers run into, but, for some reason, they
d'en't get it as bad.
The main problem that we're trying to solve is that
m_st skateboarders, rollerbladers, and bikers don't have a
Place -o do their thing. We need a "skatepark"
il.Hcw we solved the problem
1;. '_he first group work day, we brainstormed ideas
abort w`o tc. call to get information. We knew that there
a called "Twin Cities Skate Oasis", and we
r.eh that it was run by a store in Uptown called the Alt.
ic; oiled the store and talked to Jay, the owner. He had
met 5a; bei or e, and he said that jay is a nice guy in his
1-:i_ ._r_l_- Lha` has Bone a lot to help skateboarders,
i.•_d.L: _, ano rcilerbladers.
I
e -y h•. scmc different ideas than us, and he provided
UK ..ith surae valuable insight that changed the course of our
about how the word "skatepark" is a word
o Id not be used when proposing our ideas to adults.
z& -,c th2t a skatepark" is extremely hard to obtain
privctely or directly through the city. He suggested going
through the Parks and Recreation system. we asked how you
can get insurance, and he said that you can't. we then
askeo hoc,: a skatepark is possible to be obtained. He told
us to to?ce a look at hockey rinks. If we can have these, we
car: I:•ave skating areas.
Next, we interviewed five people . Tom Haugen, a biker;
Jason Everson and Kevin Newinhouse, rollerbladers; and Andy
Mk,yi,_b-crry an_ Jesse Gamble, skateboarders. All of them,
ith th= exception of Tom Haugen, agreed that a place for
kateboarders, and bikers to go would be
good. Tom thought that the problem didn't concern him and
n- itr. mac=e 'un of us or wouldn't answer our questions.
Th- rest of them basically said that the already present
is too far away and costs too much. They
C!c ilti6r[cd that they have been harassed by business owners
afTicers often. They said that this area should
have rac:ps, stairs, curbs, planters, and other things that
lr. the street.
R=ci- typed up e: letter, and sent it to the MAYORS
of t•:;= __•_ah, New H''ope, Medina, Wayzata, Maple Grove, Golden
Ororr), Minnetonka, St. Louis Park, Crystal,
7
3, ar:G Ci nc Lake
le. -ter, w& just included it,
A -a strative Offices
14'_ Nc ,th Dc u ^'as Drive
MN 55422
Februar; 22, 1993
ear Mr . Mayor ,
Instead of explaining our
cny :her: i am skateboarding on "private property",
the sound of angry shopkeepers telling me to leave ruins my
fun.<Scmetimes the shopkeepers just call the police and then
it beco;-nes an extremely unfortunate situation. I am a tenth_
I -,,j ni at Wayzata Nigh School, and this is a
reccc_rring pattern for many people, like me, that like to
e ard., and rollerblade on property other than
their o.•n
It !.c i_ t,e ,_ce if there was an easy solution to this
out everybody has different wants and needs.
Snopi-ee;,er Pnd security guards are concerned with customers
beirng scared away, their liability if we get hurt, and their
p c;ert> bein, destroyed_ Skateboarders are interested in
Going so,et„ing constructive and fun. Lastly, the police,
cut fighting real crime, must get sick of
sccid_ng kids, who are basically doing nothing wrong. It
c easier on everybody to have a place where we
the c -1c go and riot be kicked out.
you thin%. that I'm thinking of a "skatepark",
b_t itc-r is a buzzword associated with liability and high
c:o'.s. '._--- ,.__idn'L be a skatepark, but it could be a piece
f lend in a park that has cool stuff to skate, bike, and
rci_e -°-ca or, It wouldn't have to be operational all year,
ane e:a:;y pecpie could come here to participate, watch, or
h_4
k" in the metro area, and I try to go
a possible. There are some problems with
r k" . For one, it is on East Lake Street in
outs: Minneapolis. This is not a very good neighborhood,
n I park my cLr down there, especially
I
prGciems are the high admission costs ($10
or no ;±:e 2: crs and sometimes finding a ride down there.
eGsier to skateboard at your local business
cat_on--.
rlr_r:y _ that the liability and insurance associated
Y:1 L.___ c f thing is a problem, but look at outdoor
e:ay sees. like skateboarding,
and freestyle biking are high risk sports,
ct hockey is just high risk as well. There
L,rc pi.'a 11'yin9 ail over the rink at high speeds and people
w2t:i sticker checking each other constantly. Hockey rinks
are found in many local parks. If you can have these
rec:eationai 'facilities with their associated risks, why not
have just one skate facility.
1 am nct nor a.^ I trying to annoy you with a letter
full of complaints. I am mainly writing to ask you for your
help. 1 i!ir;!. it would be good if we could work together to
try ar!d make a workable solution to this problem.
remind -cu that there is a very real problem
with skateboarders, bikers, and rollerbladers not having a
pla,e 'Lo go tG do our thing. Having a public place where we
can go, that we won't be kicked out of, would solve many
ihoni. _ .for _ stening to what I have had to say. I am
explor=n this problem and its possible solutions for a
claims: p,C'.text. I look forward to hearing your feedback on
within: two weeks. I can be reached at the
F o,r at 559-3727 after 2=30 pm.
letter wa sera cut to the thirteen mayors on the
3rd cf February, and Rick has gotten a letter back from the
M -y_, c H_•-.tn- saying that skateboarding and roller
t•iad_r:q are not compatible with pedestrians or auto traffic
tial areas." He also said that he is
ree±r _ester to their Park Board for review. The
I
able to be looked at until their April
r_.=_ cel ed a phcr.e _all from a Mr. Eric Blank,
F:ead of ar!<. and Recreation in Plymouth. Rick and Mr.
trouble getting their hands on of each
er, but when they did, they set up a meeting for March
Ih at This is a bigg aea and Rick is preparing
information to best explain his case with (including this
final project)_ He hopes that this meeting is productive
nable solution comes out of it.
r;n t--._ time between when Rick sent out the letters
and we received responses, Rick, Pete, and Pete made some
rM!-I. p cr:e cab s. We tried calling the head of Hennepin
he was unreachable the three times we tried. We
Police and talked with Lutenant Seiba(?) of
t'e plyr:: utt: p -'_ice. The lutenent recognizes the problem.
H_ sa=_ that it is real and needs to be solved. He talked
it, ics!rance and that going through the city
log -a. He said that going through the park
ouid be our beat bet. He was very supportive and
cei!ed Target Greatland in Plymouth. The
na sr says that_ they frequently get customer complaints
t: -La_ t:jeir liability is a problem. She also thought
should provide us with stuff to skate on
eL our input and gut feelings, it is obvious
elution to the problem of skaters, bladers,
IL
avng a place to go is to have the parks
ath a place to go where we won't get kicked out.
PMI
eas a__i_•ard_rs, bikers, and rollerbladers in
residential- and retail areas.
e_- roiic-_ will have more time to concentrate on real crime
Skaters, bikers, and bladers will be able to spend their
ti!_: _cr:2trL-c9_ivcly, H.ithout the worry of being bothered or
oUt.
The _ __ tes, sRopowners, and cops will all be more
n of concession stands by the area, this
couio 1e a le a-c-neymaker
w 1Id benefit. -
ve to -ful Id
ce::e treys or ccher wildlife might be cleared
do _rugs or smoke
ee on what should be in this space
interest group, some of the general
ll-_ r.:ic-`r_ r.at ward their tax money going into this.
Tor insurance, and, if there was, who
v.---- pa'% itt
Vic_ tran_portation here?
t•t ecc restrictions?
little numbers of people come here?
WuIc we have to wear pads?
biker_, skaters, and bladers not get along?
What would be the hours of operation? season(s) of
OPV
SKATEBOARDERS: Want to have fun doing their sport.
c_ do,;n upon by adults_ Sick of being kicked
ire treubie with the police.
Fiore widely accepted, but still looked down
bc- _-oncrned with getting made fun of or being
pu_he.Li skaters or bikers.
P.:t- v.AD,AGERS Sometimes forget what its like
bei F kid, and mainly worried with their business
P.Tc_d of the customers being scared away or
cf the store. Also afraid of destroyed
11s. Tired of kicking the kids out. Will
i_ "sk.atepark"
iz
t;'_ ___ y cuppol the idea also because they
to .._. t=. their time.
THP.? b ILL USE THE PARK: They will most
lir.eiy s;;pport the idea of the park because it will take
the_rr.a_s tram an uncontrolled situation to a controlled
situ_: - ,on where the opportunity for trouble is less.
i•;_i•:=t PUE'_Ir: H:-, see the change only by not having
bikers, and skaters in their way on sidewalks.
Mid• It c_: -i ..-ad i f they have to pay taxes on it
GCDVERNIMS t,:T OFFICiA_S (MAYORS, etc.. ): Most communities
ra_:y think that this is a big problem, and can be
tater. Hopkins and Plymouth are examples of
ci=_ es =cat sea this as a problem and realize that they need
to __z_ a:ith it punctually and rationally_
CAF
r'r;ICA_ FACTORS= Possible raise in taxes. It would
y COSI SC•G:Cbody some money-
TC- cu:c mane almost everyone more comfortable:
ic. lore owricr_, general public.
i =- „_= -._nicer cf injuries would remain
It ecesn`t and won't have a serious impact on
CSS
IMMEDIAT
e3s athletes on private property
esL, ^arassrcnt or skateboarders by store owners and the
between bladers, skaters, bikers and the
olice .
T--
sts overcrowded
B _ to hang out
r'=ra_ l•_e4, or skaters improves
a_r.>_•" sr&'I park is left to rot.
C _ n'_ 7 , .
treca__nt for ether skateparks around the
el no'_ have a long-term impact. Maybe
ave '"overboardparks in the future.
l
wL beiieve that we exhibited
U..ce. overcoming impulsivity, flexibility in
i.:_..._ imon in lan:_.=;and thought, cooperation,
and problem posing, and applying past
sent situations.
ioS':raP„
r< H_T. Telephone interview. early January 1993
Ga:bie, Jesse. Personal interview. 12 February 1993
es;, 'c::. personal_ interview. 9 January 1993
4. MiI-i. _ y, P.n_rew John_ Personal interview. 12 February
5, Verson, Jason. Personal Interview. 12 February 1993
tv2:,enhc•_se, Kevin. Personal Interview. 12 February 1993
i. =,;es_`_c•at Se. videotape. Mike Mcentyre and Tony
sseor:. Featuring the Plan e team. Waves i Motion
56 ,in,
E. __.--- ,pct Seiba Plymouth Police. Telephone interview. 19
F ct -
oyce. Teiephone in erview. 19 February 1993
ser recEVed from Nelson W Berg, Mayor of Hopkins.
Elam, 4: GO, march 9, 1993
is W-o_e __L'ers, talked to all people
coP.—cL- d a couple personal interviews, helped
and Wr0tc fir.E5_ copy. Pete W. got phone
14
j5
heSrc -:rlce final copy and parts of rough draft.
fc!r interviews, had contributions to rough
CITY C
April 8, 1993 PLYMOUTR
Dear Neighbor:
My records indicate you are one of several hundred property
owners that have city park land adjacent to your property. In
our effort to be a good neighbor to you, we would like to take
this opportunity to share with you a few thoughts about being
good neighbors. We program our management and maintenance
activities in a manner which allows you, as an adjacent resident,
to enjoy your personal property without being inconvenienced.
Our park lands are kept clean and maintained in order that they
do not adversely impact your property.
If you have a concern or suggestion about something that we might
alter, we would like to hear from you with your ideas. I have
attached a form you can fill out identifying your property
address, the park property you are adjacent to, and your
suggestion for any alterations to our current practices.
As part of our good neighbor program, we would also like to ask
your assistance in ensuring that your personal gardens, play
areas, sand boxes, dead leaves and lawn clippings, etc., remain
located on your property. In many cases, some of these objects
can be liability issues for the City, which could affect all of
our taxpayers in the event of an unforeseen accident. If, for
some reason, you are not sure where the property line is between
your property and City property, give us a call. We'd be very
happy to send_ someone out and help identify the property
boundaries.
Next, I would just like to give you some very brief information
about City rules and regulations:
o All parks and playfields should be vacated at closing time.
o Neighborhood parks close at 10 p.m., community playfields
close at 10:30 p.m. and Parkers Lake Park closes at 11 p.m.
o Motorized vehicles are not allowed in parks or on park trails.
o Dogs must be leashed, and owners are to clean up after their
pets.
3400 Plymouth Boulevard, Plymouth, Minnesota 55447
April 8, 1993
Page 2
This summer, we will be implementing a park patrol system. We
expect to have patrol vehicles visiting parks during the evening
hours, roughly from 6-11 p.m. If- you experience problems,
please give me a call at 550-5131. My voice mail is available
24 hours a day, seven days a week. Patrols can be scheduled in
your area if there is a problem.
Fortunately, Plymouth parks have been relatively free of
vandalism, with few complaints. However, if you witness any
wrongdoing on public park property, we encourage you to call 911
as soon as possible. We rely on you to be the eyes and ears of
activities taking place in our parks.
If you are interested in volunteering to care for a particular
park, we have implemented a volunteers in parks (VIP) program.
This may consist of cleaning, watering, planting flowers, etc.
If you are interested, you may call 550-7494 for further
information.
On behalf of the City of Plymouth and the Department of Parks and
Recreation, I would like to thank you for being a good neighbor
and wish you a warm and fun summer.
Sincerely,
Ery V &&'4..
Eric J. Blank
Director of Parks and Recreation
EJB/np
cc: PRAC
City Manager
Superintendent of Parks
Clip and send this form -----------------
Name Address
Our park is (name or location)
Do you have any suggestions for things we might change in order
to be better neighbors to you?
Return to: Eric Blank, 3400 Plymouth Blvd., Plymouth, MN, 55447
Building trust is the key to mutually beneficial cooperative plans
between park and other political entitites.
Park/school joint
development works in
McKinney, Texas
BY LARRY OFFERDAHL,
DIR., PARKS & REC.,
MCKINNEY, TEXAS
A business trend of the 90's is consoli-
dation and corporate mergers that result
in layoffs, scaling back inventories, and
a tighter profit margin.
As managers of public facilities, we
will face a similar situation in the 99s.
Most of us are experiencing staff reduc-
tions and reduced funding for opera-
tions while demands for our facilities
and services continue to increase.
As managers, we must be facilitators.
This means that, as we move into the
1990's, we must find new methods to
accomplish our assigned duties. What
management approaches were used in
the 1980's or even last year may be
totally inappropriate for the 1990's.
Joint use is not a new concept. For
example, the City of McKinney signed
its first joint use agreement with the
McKinney Independent School District
in 1972, to jointly build and operate a
baseball complex.
Most of us share facilities or have
joint use agreements in one form or the
other with our local school district or
municipal govemmenL
McKinney's joint use program is
unique in the respect that our agencies
have taken additional steps to totally
integrate our long range planning func-
tions to allow for greater cooperation
between our agencies.
McKinney's joint use program began
July 30, 1985, when the City of
McKinney and the McKinney Indepen-
12 PARK/GROUNDS MANAGEMENT 12192
dent School District entered into a Joint
Use Agreement
The basic goal of this joint agreement
was our mutual desire to "maximize the
use of both park and school facilities
and to further recreation and athletic
opportunities available in the McKinney
community."
This agreement further emphasized
that existing and future facilities be-
longing to the City and School District
bejointly developed, used, and operated
so as to maximize the benefits and ser-
vice to the community.
Since 1985, the agreement has en-
abled our agencies to 1) meet andjointly
plan joint projects; 2) facilitate commu-
nication at all levels of our organiza-
tions; and 3) undertake a number of joint
projects, i.e., from small playground
projects to the development of a 13.5
acre school/park site.
Examples of joint projects;
1986 Opening of a $1 million nata-
torium for school and public use funded
through school bond program operated
by city and school district.
1987 Installation of 3 playgroundsat
elementary school by city staff and vol-
unteers.
1988 Lighting of high school tennis
complex funded by the city.
1989 Installed new ballfield lighting
on MISD baseball field funded in partby
private grant funds, city of McKinney
and MISD.
1990 Installed new steel panel fenc-
ing on MISD baseball field jointly
funded.
1991 Designed and installed irriga-
tion system on school district athletic
field -- utilized volunteers and park
crews.
1991-92 Joint acquisition and devel-
opment of a 13.49 acre school/park site.
All land donated; $164,OOOstate match-
ing grant; total construction cost of 5.0
acre park $208,000.
On April 27, 1991, the Webb Recre-
ation Center was opened, a joint venture
between the city and school district.
One unique aspect of the Webb Recre-
ation Center is the joint payment of the
center staff with our local school dis-
trict.
Joint participation was based upon
our mutual desire to provide: 1) positive
VALLEY CREEK Elementary School. The
school site and park (13.5 acres) land was all
donated. The value of the donated property
was $337,500.
VALLEY CREEK Park, a joint city/school project, completed in 1992.
after-school activities for children; 2) and 4) special activities for Jr. and Sr.
educational programs, i.e. drug preven- high students.
tion; 3) tutoring programs for children; McKinney's joint use program has
publications
The International Society of Arbori-
culture has introduced a New Tree
Planting and Care Video. It is divided
into two programs: Planting a Tree
Successfully and Caring for a New
Tree. Proper planting considerations
are addressed in the fust program and
techniques for the care of newly
planted Imes are reviewed in program
two. The Tree Source Volume I
video may be purchased for $25 from
ISA, PO Box 908, Urbana, IL 61801.
Add $10 postage and handling for ad-
dresses outside the U.S.
The U.S. Golf Association has a new
book entitled Golf Course Manage-
ment and Construction: Environ.
mental Issues. The 900 -page book
relates golf coursemanagement to sur-
face and ground water quality, wildlife
and wetlands. The book is available
for $72.25 each (including shipping
and handling). Contact the USGA
Order Department at 800-336-4446.
The U.S. Tennis Court & Track
Builders Association's Track Con-
struction Manual Second Edition is
now available. Il contains speciftesfor
track and field events from the IAAF,
TAC, NCAA and NFSHSA, plus gen-
eral construction requirements, track
surfacing systems, track maintenance,
calibrating and more. It is available
for $15 plus $3.75 postage and han-
dling from USTC & TBA, 720 Light
St., Baltimore, MD 21230-3816 (410-
752-3500).
The Illinois Parks and Natural Re-
source Management Section of the Il-
linois Park and Recreation Associa-
tion has made available the Sports
Field Lighting Electrical Systems
Guidelines & Safety Considerations
booklet. It is a 36 -page book designed
to help the park professional to better
manage and maintain athletic lighting
for sports facilities of all kinds. II
covers proper grounding methods,
structural considerations, inspection
checklists and more. To order, send
14.95 plus $1.75 shipping and han-
dling to IPRA - Park Section, c%Sohn
Vann, Westmont Park District, 350
W. 59th St., Westmont, IL 60559.
Concern, Inc.'s latest action guide is
entitled Pesticides in our Commu-
nity: Choices for Change. It pro-
vides information on safe pesticide
use, examines health issues, and a dis-
cussion of alternates to pesticide use.
For information on receiving a copy,
contact Concern, Inc., 1794 Columbia
Rd., NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
202-328-8160).
broadened its scope. In early 1988, the
McKinney City Council and School
Board met and agreed to undertake the
For Kay Park Rec. Corp. Circle No. 803
12192 PARK/GROUNDS MANAGEMENT 13
completion of a joint "City/School Com-
prehensive Plan".
Key Components of thisJoint Plan were:
A. Park Master Plan
B. Future School Needs Assessment &
Development Plan
C. Park/School Coordination Plan
D. Land Use/Housing Data Base Stud-
ies
McKinney is the county seat of Collin
County, which is the second fastestgrow-
ing county in the nation. Therefore, it is
essential that a great deal of emphasis be
placed on long range planning.
Practical Elements of Updated Park
Master Plan
1. Analysis of futurepopulation growth.
2) Analysis of existing and future parks
and school/park sites.
3) Planning and development of joint
school/park sites.
4) Preservation ofnatural resources, i.e.,
native habitat, creek corridors, and
wooded areas.
5) Development of a hike/bike trail sys-
tem.
6) Coordination with Collin County
Open Space Plan.
Practical ElementsofFuture ParkPlan:
1) A guide to phased park development
2) Aid in donation of land for park
3) Aid in obtaining acquisition and de-
velopment grants.
4) Increased citizen support
5) Increased ability tobuild new, higher -
quality park/school sites.
Key Elements of Future School Needs
Assessment & Development Plan:
1) Analysis of population by planning
area.
2) Projection of enrollment holding ca-
pacity by planning area.
3) Short and long range population pro-
jections.
4) Development of school service ar-
eas.
5) Developmentofcompatibleparkser-
vice areas.
Practical Elements of Future School
Plan:
1) Analysis of ultimate student enroll-
ment.
2) Detailed data very valuable in deter-
mining immediate and long term staff-
ing and facility needs.
3) Jointbase studies of population trends
provide more complete data in estab-
lishing school service areas.
4) Aid of donated land for school
sites.
5) Lower acquisition and develop-
ment costs for future school sites.
6) Increased citizen support.
Park/School Coordination Plan:
1) Address concerns on insurance and
liability issues.
2) Coordination of joint daily, weekly,
monthly activities of both agencies.
3) Joint usage of school gyms/class-
rooms/athletic facilities.
4) Design ofjointfacilities, such asparks
by schools, athletic facilities that can be
shared by both agencies.
Fiscal Impact Analysis:
The City ofMcKinney also completed
a fiscal impact analysis in conjunction
with the 1990 comprehensive plan.
Afiscal impact analysis is an in-depth
planning tool that outlines the fiscal
impact of future growth of a city. This
analysis is based on a foundation of
economic trends and development vari-
ables that are extracted from past his-
torical experiences.
For example, the McKinney Fiscal
Impact Analysis estimated an annual
growth rate range of 4.25% - 5.42%.
Private recreational space development
is anticipated to involve 1,928 acres.
Public park land development is antici-
pated to involve 1,444 acres of neigh-
borhood, community, and major parks.
Estimated budget and staffing levels
were also provided in this fiscal impact
analysis.
MCKINN EY NATATORIUM, a$ 1,000,000 projectjointly operated by the City and McKinney Independent School District.
14 PARKIGROUNDS MANAGEMENT 12192
The City comprehensive and school
districtplan was initiated in the spring of
1988 with J. T. Dunkin and Associates
preparing the base studies that would be
used by both agencies.
The City of McKinney's planning de-
partment, with the assistance of several
othercity departments, heldseveral com-
munity input meetings where issues,
objectives, and concerns could be ad-
dressed by the public.
The city staff members prepared the
goals, objectives and policies, the fiscal
impact analysis and the draftof the com-
prehensive plan.
Additional input was received by the
community and school officials before
the final plan, goals, and objectives were
prepared and presented to the Planning
Commission and then to the City Coun-
cil for final adoption.
The fust major joint project under-
taken by the City of McKinney and the
McKinney Independent School District
was the acquisition and development of
a 13.5 acre school/park site.
The school district negotiated the do-
nation of theentire 13.5 acres and agreed
to transfer 5.0 acres to the City as a
neighborhood park.
The estimated value of this 5.0 acre
park sitewas$162,500. Agrantapplica-
tion was approved by the Texas Parks
and Wildlife Departmentfor a $164,000
matching grant. The value of this 5.0
acre donated site was used as our cash
match.
This $164,000 gramprovided 78% of
the construction cost. The school dis-
trict committed an additional $6,000
toward the project with the City of
McKinney funding the remaining
38,000 of the $208,000 construction
cost for the entire project.
The Valley CreekElementary School
was opened in the fall of 1991. The
construction of the Valley Creek Park
was completed in January, 1992.
Future Plan:
The 1990 Comprehensive Park Mas-
ter Plan's second major objective was
To encourage and promote a compre-
hensive system of joint usage withthe
McKinneylndependent School District. "
The completion of the joint city/school
comprehensive plan is the most signifi-
cant joint venture that the City has un-
dertaken in its entire history. This joint
comprehensive plan seeks to remove the
political barriers that often prevent cit-
ies and school districts from working
together. It has allowed our agencies to
develop a mutual trust by encouraging
the development of common goals for
the enrichment of life in the McKinney
community.
Bond issues for new schools, parks
and other municipal improvements re-
ceive greater citizen support because
they can more easily support bond pro-
grams that seek to minimize duplication
of programs and services.
Dr. Jack Cockrill, Superintendent of
McKinney Independent School District,
said, "The joint -use philosophy in
McKinney is a terrific benefit to the
citizens. The City of McKinney and
McKinney ISD have utilized joint use at
the baseball complex, McKinney High
School natatorium, City soccer fields,
Lions' Stadium, tennis facilities, school
gymnasiums, and most recently in de-
velopingjointschool-park sites. Acom-
mitment exists to continue to pursue
every opportunity to share facilities and
programs to provide excellent services
to all citizens in McKinney.
The most significant benefit of our
system of joint usage is the shared vision
of opportunity. IN
Miami -Dade College
establishes Hurricane
Andrew fund
Since a nation learned of the devas-
tation le in Hurricane Andrew's path,
Miami -Dade Community College has
received many calls from professional
colleagues oughout the country. Al-
most without xcepti eCy'haveasked
these question : Are you okay? What
damages did yo suffer? What c n I do
to help? The liege greatly ppreci-
ates the concern xpressed so many
and wishes to be respon 've to those
who have request in ation and a
desire to offer assis e.
All five of M- campuses were
damaged. Two c uses, the Kendall
Campus and the estead Campus
were in the du pa of the storm and
received exten ve Is age. It is esti-
mated that $2 millio of damage was
sustained to uildings, equipment and
landscaping The Coll ge expects in-
surance an governmen assistance to
cover prop rty damage.
There w re no employe deaths as a
direct resul of the storm. owever.
ACCUSPREAd®
A Spreader For All SeasonsT•
A new and proven method of granular material spreading that will give you results
both in winter and summer.
The AccUSPREAd is a versatile year round spreaderwhich accurately spreads sand,
salt, calcium chloride, top dressing, top soil and more.
The AccUSPREAd will reduce your labor cost because it is a one person operation
from loading through spreading.
The ACCUSPREAd will reduce your equipment budget because of its year round
multiple use.
The AccuSPREAd is manufactured in two models — drop spread only or drop
and broadcast spread.
YOU CANT AFFORD TO BE WITHOUT ONE. ORDER EARLYTO INSURE DELIVERY OF
YOUR ACCUSPREAd BEFORE THE SNOW FLIES!
Voss Products, Ltd.
9055 North 51st Street, Suite B o Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53223 o 414/357-8377
For AccuSpread Circle No. 801 12/92 PARKIGROUNDS MANAGEMENT 15
expansion
Shoreview helps fund
expansion at E.D.)YkI
Within five years, students at Emmet D.
Williams Elementary School in Shoreview will
have access to a new, expanded gym and
Shoreview residents will have the advantage of an
expanded recreational program.
The Shoreview City Council agreed Feb. 15 to
spend $250,000 in Capital Improvement Plan
funds to help defray the cost of improving the
north gym at District 623's Emmet D. Williams
Elementary School. Roseville and Maplewood
have similar agreements with District 623 to
upgrade gymnasiums at schools located in their
respective cities.
In return for the funding, the school district
will allow Shoreview to have exclusive use of the
gym after school, on weekends and in the
summer. The district would be able to use the
gym during non -school hours four times a year.
With the city's existing gym space there was
almost no room for recreational program
expansion," Jerry Haffeman, Shoreview parks and
recreation director, later said. "We didn't want to
cut existing activities (to make room for new
programs). We wanted to locate more fitness
classes out in the community but we needed the
gym space (for our existing after-school sports
and youth basketball programs) — 25 out of 26
fitness classes are held at the community center."
The new gym will allow the city to enlarge its
after-school sports program, have more gym
space for adult volleyball and open gym, and add
activities such as line dancing and badminton
clinics, Haffeman suggested.
For its assistance in funding the gym
enlargement, Shoreview will be able to use the
facility for its recreation programs during the
agreed upon hours for 10 years at no charge. After
that, the city will pay the amount required by
district policy.
The bond referendum approved by voters last
fall provided funds to remodel gyms in four of
Roseville's District 623 school buildings.
Construction at Emmet Williams is scheduled for
sometime between 1995 and 1997.
tie HOPCINSSUNSAIWN
H alga Co.
NOV 2 5"
Petition drive aims
to put aquatic center
on referendum ballot
By lik'hard amwfo d ballot because, in my opidon,
the substance of the amendment
One of the goals of a petition is illegal," Peterson's memo
Ibe proposed amend - drive conducted by a group ofMinnetonkaresidentsistolet states. meat would require resolutions
voters decide whether the city and all matters involving the ap- should spend money on m out- propriation of money and and le -
door aquaticenter,nt
Currently, the Minnetonka Ci-
taxers to be the subjectdwtifutandreferendum. f
ty Charter does not allow an believe this is illegal." (Peter- cited tore, previous legaladvisoryreferendumonanissuesuchastheproposed $3.9 sonrases to support her position.]
million aquatic center.
ILere should be snoppor-
Mimnetonke Mayor Tim Berg-
stedt said he understands the
tunity for the City Council and cancans of the residents butcitizenstoPutmatterstoasaidhebelievesaprovisionin
the charter to allow for referen- referendum," said Lam
Hoseck, one of five Minnetonka Bums could cause Problems.
residents spearheading the peti- flits gt'arP of citizens is do -
tion drive. The other leaders of ing something that is well within
the petition drive are Lyle Bay, their rights; Bergstedl said.
Don Bickel. Dave Coudray and lbe a is mill will' They have
about the pool andDiannelGodt. The group is collectingthe concernsvalidconcerns. But auce YOUallowthatProvision, anyti nesignaturesfortwopetitions:
fust calls for an amendment to you came to a difficult I
City Charter that would everyone isgoingto the
allow for referendums to apply .. drum and call for a referendum.
to city ordinances err resolute= Every November You could
have a dozen items on a ballot. Ithatappropriatemoneyorauthorizeincreasedtaxlevies: think there is a real potential for
the second calls for a referm- abuse. Before we Imp right in-
dumn for the approval of any to it, we need to look at all posai-
mmey for the aquatic center. '
Coudray said the group is coo-
ble repercussions.•'
Coudray said the intent of the
caned with spending city petitions u m't to force a vote m
money on projects such as the every dollar the city spends.
Minnetonka Community Center We don't want to hog-tie the
and city trail segments. The pro- City Council:' he said. But weposedaquaticcenterseroffthedowanttoallowmoreinput
petition drive, be said. from the public."
Prior to submitting the ped- Although on final financing
tions, the group needs to collect Plan has been worked out for the1,589 signatures m the first peti- proposed aquatic canter, city of-
fimmig wouldtimand3,198 or, the second
Hoseck said. draw heavily the ap"lan Com -
It's just a matter of time" munity Invermmmt Fund —
Hoseck said. "lberee are very money set aside for capital pro -
few people who will not sign iL jects that have community -wide
Even people in favor of the benifit.
aquatic center believe people It is also passible, however,
should vote or. it," that the city would also have to
But even if the petitions are sell gene alobligatfm bands, _
submitted, and are found valid, which would require a
that won't necessarily memresidentswilllieftovotem referendum. I. Bergsledl said the city is afro
changing foe charts and m the trying to gauge public supportaquaticcemfer, aorrding W for foe aquatic center by having
M'nnat.+.+t"LSty Attanry Desyl hired the firm of Deci®miResourcesInc-, at a cost ofPelasm.
Generally, if the petition is i abort $10,000, to Canmuct a
certified as suF5cient, then the- em'vey, of residents on whether
amendment must be submitted they support budding the
to the voters at a general or
special election," Peterson said
in a memo to the comcil'1te
facility. the-. survey shower thatEat[ kir it,
mmol determines the question I want to moue
b
to be m the h TW = ii, n !' -dnx Bait sand'"If Were Is
In this case, however, I won hike -warm support OrVO PIP -
advise We City Conal to reftm port, tip we can put the aqui tics
to place the amendment m the center on the bark burner."
wnA ' CLIPPIMO SEIIVICE
SHOBEVIEW /ARDEN
HILLS FOCUS
Bamsey Cu.
I: 9,1 P'r!
Shoreview
inks deal, for
school gym
SHELBY NICOLAUs-DUNSKI
Shoreview and die Roseville Area School District
are teaming up to build a larger gymnasium at Ernmet
D. Williams Elementary School.
The Shoreview City Council approved an agree-
ment hast week to fund a larger gym at the District 623
school located in Shoreview.
Shoreview will provide $250,000 in funding to
upgrade the gym in exchange for its use, according to
theagr Cffi_
The agreement is one of several being worked up to
upgrade four schools in District 623.
District 623 voters approved a S48 million bond ref-
erendum last fall to remodet its school buildings.
The cities of Shoreview, Roseville and Maplewood
are working with die district to help renovate gymna-
siums in fora of the district's school buildings.
The gymnasium in ED. Williams school, at 955 W.
County Road D, is planned to be revamped to a mid-
dleschool-size gym in 1995-97.
The renovation will "create a better use of space for
the community as a whole," Parks and Recreation
Director Jerry Haffeman said.
I think it's the kind of agreement that bodes well
With the school district and it bodes well with the
city:' he said.
The project' s funding has been included in the city's
Capital Improvements Program. Shoreview leaders
added an addendum to the agreement staring the city
would pay the interest en its payment if the project is
completed before 1997.
In return for its investment, the city will be given
exclusive use of the gym after school horns and first
priority for use during the summer. The district may
schedule up to four special events during the school
year. It also may schedule additional events at city
approval.
The city could use the space for a volleyball pro-
gram, for instance. Hat eman said. '11e primary rea-
son we ,rl' Nave mom people playing ... is because
of the lack of space," he said.
the city could also use the gym
for a junior Olympics program for
youth, fitness classes, youth after-
scheol sports, a youth athletic asso-
ciation and open gym. The space
would also allow the city to develop
new programs such as badminton
clinics and western line dance
classes, he said.
Shoreview's funding will my rm
an office and equipment room as
well as the gym, under the agree-
ment.
The district agreed to pay all
Operating costs for the first 10 years
of the agreement. After that time,
die district will charge the city on a
pro-mted basis for operating outs,
accoNing to the agreement -
But die cost to use the building is
much less than rending commercial
space, f Iaffeman said.
It's a good buy in tams of mere,
rational dollars:'
Council Member Sandy Martin
agreed the building will offer a
wide variety of uses to Shoreview
residents. It's this kind of collaboration
with another govemmcnt entity that
makes sense,- she said. "It's a lot of
money, but 1 think it's well spent"
AV council examines
Project'92 proposal
for second ice arena
By EVELYN HOOVER
According to a group of Apple
Valley residents, there is a
demonstrated need for a second
ice arena in the city.
Recently, City Council
members got a look at the group's
plans to bring a second sheet of
ice to Apple Valley.
Bernie Dusich, chair of the Ap-
ple Valley Hockey Association's
arena committee and member of
Project'92, the group of residents
who want a second indoor sheet of
ice, presented the preliminary
plans to the council during a Feb.
10 work session. Project'92 would
construct the facility if the city
agreed to operate it, Dusich said.
According to Dusich, an Olym.
pie -size rink with seating for 560
people and four team rooms can
be constructed for about $1.7
million. That's an annual cost of
166,000 for construction and debt
service. Using a conservative
estimate, Dusich said the arena
would make about $150,000 in ice
rental. Additional revenues from
skate sharpening, vending, snack
bar, pro shop and advertising
would also be realized, he said.
Expenses for staffing and opera.
tion would run about $100,000, ac-
cording to project -K estimates.
City staff estimates that the
arena would make about $197,000
in its first year and $156,000 by its
third year of operation. "I think
the potential Is there to generate
enough money to cover opera-
tion expenses," said Parks Direc-
tor Randy Johnson.
The money to build the arena
could come from revenue bonds
sold to finance construction,
Dusich said. According to City
Administrator Tom Melena,
revenue bonds are sold ata slight-
ly higher interest rate than gen.
eral obligation bonds. The pro-
jected revenues of a project are
then expected to pay off the
bonds.
I would suggest if you're
thinking of moving forward with
this, you look at revenue bonds as
the only source to make it
happen," Mayor Will Branning
said, making it clear he didn't
support a referendum on the pro-
posal.
Council discussion of the pro -
poral centered on possible loca-
tions for the new arena and the
potential affects the Construction
of arenas in Rosemount and
Eagan would have on the facility.
Dusich said adding the facility
onto the high school would add to
the construction Costs because
the exterior would need to be
brick to tie Into the existing
school building. If the a em were
built at Hayes Community
Center, Dusich explained, It
would reduce the cost because the
arena would be built of the same
exterior block material as the
communilycenter.
But Gary Pietig, manager of
the Apple Valley Sports Arena,
said some savings in operstions
costs could be realized if the
arena were added to the high
school complex.
Yet another possibility would
be to site the arena on the land for
the southern athletic complex,
when/if that land is purchased.
Construction of arenas in
Rosemount and Eagan would
have little or no impact on the
Project '92 arena, Dusich said.
When developing a list of arena
users, Rosemount users were not
added. Eagan users accounted
for only 500 of the estimated 2,200
hours of ice time estimated.
If we're proactive ... it's the
thing to do. The need has been
demonstrated," Dusich said,
pointing to the large number of
users at the high school level and
community level — varsity
hockey and ringetle, adult
hockey, open skating, learn-lo-
skateandyouthhockey.
Parks and Recreation Advisory
Committee Member Connie
Scheid, however, said she has re-
servations about the plan and
wonders if enough of a base of
supportexists.
Other potential uses for the
arena Include spring soccer
leagues. in-line skating hockey,
shows and other events,
volleyball leagues and short -
track speed skating, according to
Brad Lemberg, president of ICE
Independent Consulting Engi-
neers) and Project'92 consultant.
The council took no action on
the proposal but asked that
Dusich and city staff study the
possibility of adding the arena to
theli ghschool.
pkv
SNA/ CAPPING SERVICE
I Tius \s'EEK
All PIY VAI,LF.1
I rnkPla Co.
AV council examines
Project'92 proposal
for second ice arena
By EVELYN HOOVER
According to a group of Apple
Valley residents, there is a
demonstrated need for a second
ice arena in the city.
Recently, City Council
members got a look at the group's
plans to bring a second sheet of
ice to Apple Valley.
Bernie Dusich, chair of the Ap-
ple Valley Hockey Association's
arena committee and member of
Project'92, the group of residents
who want a second indoor sheet of
ice, presented the preliminary
plans to the council during a Feb.
10 work session. Project'92 would
construct the facility if the city
agreed to operate it, Dusich said.
According to Dusich, an Olym.
pie -size rink with seating for 560
people and four team rooms can
be constructed for about $1.7
million. That's an annual cost of
166,000 for construction and debt
service. Using a conservative
estimate, Dusich said the arena
would make about $150,000 in ice
rental. Additional revenues from
skate sharpening, vending, snack
bar, pro shop and advertising
would also be realized, he said.
Expenses for staffing and opera.
tion would run about $100,000, ac-
cording to project -K estimates.
City staff estimates that the
arena would make about $197,000
in its first year and $156,000 by its
third year of operation. "I think
the potential Is there to generate
enough money to cover opera-
tion expenses," said Parks Direc-
tor Randy Johnson.
The money to build the arena
could come from revenue bonds
sold to finance construction,
Dusich said. According to City
Administrator Tom Melena,
revenue bonds are sold ata slight-
ly higher interest rate than gen.
eral obligation bonds. The pro-
jected revenues of a project are
then expected to pay off the
bonds.
I would suggest if you're
thinking of moving forward with
this, you look at revenue bonds as
the only source to make it
happen," Mayor Will Branning
said, making it clear he didn't
support a referendum on the pro-
posal.
Council discussion of the pro -
poral centered on possible loca-
tions for the new arena and the
potential affects the Construction
of arenas in Rosemount and
Eagan would have on the facility.
Dusich said adding the facility
onto the high school would add to
the construction Costs because
the exterior would need to be
brick to tie Into the existing
school building. If the a em were
built at Hayes Community
Center, Dusich explained, It
would reduce the cost because the
arena would be built of the same
exterior block material as the
communilycenter.
But Gary Pietig, manager of
the Apple Valley Sports Arena,
said some savings in operstions
costs could be realized if the
arena were added to the high
school complex.
Yet another possibility would
be to site the arena on the land for
the southern athletic complex,
when/if that land is purchased.
Construction of arenas in
Rosemount and Eagan would
have little or no impact on the
Project '92 arena, Dusich said.
When developing a list of arena
users, Rosemount users were not
added. Eagan users accounted
for only 500 of the estimated 2,200
hours of ice time estimated.
If we're proactive ... it's the
thing to do. The need has been
demonstrated," Dusich said,
pointing to the large number of
users at the high school level and
community level — varsity
hockey and ringetle, adult
hockey, open skating, learn-lo-
skateandyouthhockey.
Parks and Recreation Advisory
Committee Member Connie
Scheid, however, said she has re-
servations about the plan and
wonders if enough of a base of
supportexists.
Other potential uses for the
arena Include spring soccer
leagues. in-line skating hockey,
shows and other events,
volleyball leagues and short -
track speed skating, according to
Brad Lemberg, president of ICE
Independent Consulting Engi-
neers) and Project'92 consultant.
The council took no action on
the proposal but asked that
Dusich and city staff study the
possibility of adding the arena to
theli ghschool.
pkv
4% wrUraURY FRILLLTIN
WUNapoa rte.
FEB 1 y •;
City Council puts athletic arena proposal on "ice"
Decision on feasibility study for proposed ice/soccer facility to be delayed
By Ken Surbaugh
Staff Writer
Two athletic organizations in the city have
proposed to finance a detailed study m look at
the feasibility of the city constructing an ic4
indoor soccer arena at the site of die proposed
new athletic complex.
The Woodbury Arm Hockey Club and the
Woodbury Athletic Assocatim Soccer ping -
pot made their Sales pitch to city council
members at its workshop meeting Feb. 17.
If approved, the study would provide a pre -
design sketch solution, site analysis and lay-
out, an operating cost estimate, revenue pro-
jections and preliminary idea or the estimated
construction costs.
Because of the scope and magnitude of the
project, the council agreed by consensus that
the feasibility study should be delayed until
the results of the city's community survey are
returned in March and the Park Commission
has rumored an evaluation of all planned
recreational improvements.
The Woodbury Arm Hockey Club has
wanted an ice ares in the community for the
Inst deoadc. In the early l91 the group
completed an architectural design (or an ice
are W be lomted on the grounds of Wood-
bury Senior High School, west of the tennis
courts. Thea proposal was brought before the city
and lite Woodbury Council appointed a task
Because of the scope and magnitude of the project; the
council agreed by consensus that the feasibility study should
be delayed until the results of the city's communitisifrvey aro. .
returned in March and the Park Commission has completed.
an evaluation of all planned recreational improvements.
force Io assess the community's nerds and a
study was completed in 1983 for a multi- million dollar facility. which included an ice
ares, to be built in conjunction with the St.
Paul YMCA. However, the YMCA eventually withdrew
its support for the project, and the city decided
that do facility was torr, expensive to pursue
further. Discussions between the city and the athle-
tic groups have ensued over the past 10 years
regarding the construction of an ice ares. A
new athletic complex is proposed to be con
varied this year, and the two groups have
requested that an ic4socca arena be built m
that site.
At its ]an. 5 mating, the Pah
Commission made a recommenda-
tion afar the city should purchase 80
acres of land near the intersection of
Tower Drive and Bailey Road.
They also rcommended Nal land
Should be set aside on the athletic
Comdex site for the fume con-
suuct on of an ice ares.
According to City Administrator
Barry Johnsen, the feasibility study
is peened before do city can seri-
ously crosidu building m im are-
s. The study would be able to
determine if revenue received from
the facility will finance the cos of
operations and debt retinerni
One of the major issues in the
building the ams is how to food its
construction.
The estimated cost of building an
ic4soccer arena is 52-3 million.
The cost of financing a S2 million
structure at 7 percent interest is .
SIg9,000 annually ova a 20car i
period. One of the ways b fiance such
Isle -sale project is through gen-
al obfigation foods. "is Could only
be autherrircd duough a referen-
arta, and Johnson thinks an ice ri
nor might ber hard to u0 because it
caters to a small minority of the
population. Other possible altematives for
financing are revenue bonds and
fundraising by the allelic organiza-
tions. Johnson believes that Nem
won'I be enough revenue gmerated
to support annual debt payments on
revenue bonds and alas the two
groups probably won't raise enough
funds m pay for dre budding's
conswction. Both options would, however,
help to pay operational. ensu,
pumhm equipment. and reduce the
annual debt payment
Johnson told council members
that there are three impmriamPolicy
issues for them to consider. Fust of
all, themes the question of whether
a nor a referendum should be held
far Nis type of facdi y
Depending on the type of finerc-
ing chosen, referendum may be
nnetessany. It so, Nat should le
liken into accost if lire feasibility
study is performed
Another critical issue is how the
community fats about this propos-
al. While the athletic Community
has smted that dire is a need for an
Sema. the question Nal city staff
fats Nal is needed to be asked is if
the matof the community is willing
to pay for iL
There art Several questions that
pertain b the ice arena proposal and
than may help to clarify to what
extent people are willing Io pay for
it. The fuel Issue is how this prop-
osal fits iso the city Comprchen-
give Parka and Tralls System Plan.
The plan oudittu many recreational
projects for the community and the
arum proposal steed, p Rereviewed
to dmermina row Nis fits into the
Pt -- IU pink Commission could
names how this proposal flu into die
ovemfl priority of recreational
Impsovemata the city selene for
funding," be said The Pink Com-
mfssioo has recently established a
subcommittee m prioritize and
dmamine a merindof financing for
all of the planned recreational
improvements of which an ic4/
soccer vara could be included.
The council agreed thea the fmsi-
billy study should be delayed until
the dam from the community survey
is revealed and the subcommittee
has fsnishW thea evaluation.
MNA, CxIPPINO SERVICE
AI•Ptr: SUr4411YILLr:9UN. 01. N'ruaxvmk,,.
Ice time
Plan for second ice arena
in Apple Valle
By Mikkel Kelly
While some n I, ring cities
have not built their first ice
arena, Apple Valley will con-
sider building a second sheet of
ice. The proposed ice arena would
be at the Hayes Community
Center, one block south of the
existing arena at Apple Valley
High School.
A feasibility study begun two
years ago by the Apple Valley
Hockey Association Project '92
committee recommended con-
struction of a $1.7 million con-
crete paneled ice arena with an
Olympic -size rink, seating for
56o people, and 14 rooms.
The need has been
demonstrated. The timing is as
good as it could be with con-
struction costs and interest
rates," said Bernie Dusich,
secretary of the Apple Valley
Hockey Association.
After a presentation by
Dusich and a brief discussion at
Thursday's Apple Valley City
Council work session, the plan
was referred to Apple Valley ci-
ty staff for review.
Dusich said the arena would
l cost $1,796,300 according to ICE
y considered
Independent Consulting
Engineers, Inc.) of St. Paul. ICE
also completed a study for a new
arena in Lakeville.
He said the committee pro-
jected the bond payment would
be about $166,010 per year, bas-
ed on a 7.5 percent interest rate
amortized over 20 years, and
paid for with a projected
150,000 in rental fees.
Randy Johnson, director of
parks and recreation, said the
rentals would need to fully pay
for the bond or the city may
need a financial commitment
from the hockey association,
because the city would already
be paying about 515,010 per
month in operation costs.
Johnson said although the
study projected 67 hours of ice
time sold each week, he is confi-
dent that 54 hours of ice time
could be sold each week. He call-
ed the plan a good opportunity, to
enhance recreational facilities
in Apple Valley, even with addi-
tional arenas planned in nearby
areas. The council questioned future
ice timeseeds with the ice arena
at the Armory in Rosemount
due far completion early next
year, and pending plans for
arenas in Eagan and Lakeville.
Gary Pietig, sports facility
manager of the Apple Valley
High School ice arena, agreed
there is need for more ice time.
However, he said, with con-
struction of arenas in Eagan and
Rosemount, the high school
arena is likely to lose some of
the 108 Eagan children and 18
Rosemount children who are in
skating lessons.
Councilmember Tom Good-
win mid, ,H you have extra ice,
you're going to fill it," and asked
what about the "pent-up de-
mand from older hockey guys"
who can't get ice time. He said
having two arenas so close may
be good for hockey
tournaments. Besides more league play, ad-
ditional uses discussed were
ringette teams, indoor short
track speed skating, open
I. skating. During summer mon-
ths, use of the arena for indoor
soccer, rollerblade hockey, and
other indoor events could be
Offered.
Johnson said his first site
choice for another sheet would
be to connect it to the high school
arena. The committee recommended
the new site because it would
cost at least $150,000 to match
the brick for a new sheet with
the walls of the high school
arena. Councilmember Virginia
Sterling said with other consti-
tuents who want a southern
athletic complex with more out-
door fields, she expects to hear
don't do that, do this."
Johnson said he will recom-
mend that the council seek land
for a southern athletic complex
at the Feb. 25 meeting. The
southern athletic complex will
provide fields for soccer,
baseball and softball players.
He said both are valid sports
needs and if he were to
prioritize, he would choose the
athletic complex first because
the need affects "6,000athletes) versus 600."
ppml
l f6 ST. I.OUI.S PARKSUN -SAILOR
III nveW. l'a.
NOV 2 51992
Driving force behind golf course opposition —parking lot
By Mickey Tibli ts51
If council Jeehng agendas
bad movie titles, this one would
be "Return of the Golf Course."
Last week the St. Louis Park
City Council spent more than an
hour considering a request from
0, Minneapolis Golf Club, 2001
Flag Ave. S., to construct a driv-
ing range, expand the clubhouse
and add more parking.
Why are we revisiting this
subject after all the effort we
went through a couple of years
ago," asked Council Member
Allen Friedman.
Two years ago after several
neighborhood meetings and
council meetings, the golf
course received permission to
build 30 parking spaces by the
facility's swimming pool. The
request had been for mom than
100 spaces, but was reduced
because of the opposition from
Westmoreland Drive residents,
who would have been affected.
The parking lot, however, was
not built. The request currently under
cwaidemtion is for a special
permit amendment that would
allow the golf course to build a
240-feo driving range north of
the clubhouse and swimming
pool, which would be next to
Aures. Drily limited -tight golf
balls would be used on the driv-
ing range.
nie second part of the request
is to expand the kitchen area of
the clubhouse and reconstruct
the dining arra. The dining
room addition Is 1,250 square
Feet larger than the existing din-
ing area. According to the ap-
plRation from the golf coarse,
however, the area designated as
living room" will no longer behusedfordiningisaToms,
will reduce the total dining area
slightly. Neither of Nese requests were
opposed. Flag Avenue residents,
however, were ups of i h ftproposedparking
would extend the existing park-
ing lot along Flag Avenue 400
Feel to the south.
The objections of the residents
koludedsafety factors, car
lights shhung m their windows,
devaluation ofheirProperty
and viewing a parking
The proposed eking t- „ts a
devastating said Peg
Heichmuth, and er Flag Mi -
dent. 'Wren I bought the Pre'
perry 1 knew it was close the
golf corse. I knew
some extra traffic. I knew I'd
have golf bails is my front yard
and f knew there world be sone
parking on the awoutwouldbeadidn't klaw, owe
parkhM „
She said the proposed parking
lot would take the problem away
from residents on
Westmoreland Drive and put it
in her front yard. fteichmuth
said many of the residents on
Fiafor sale if
tuld
thhe
Parkint
their g upa
approved.
Joseph Belzer, a Flag Avenuethe
M11 said the reqY to
golf cot m representatives
parking .ppeam to be a
game.' He wanted shermitives
for a forking site rnraidered.
Belzer also questialed
wheUW Sandy Barton,
member of the St. Louis Park
Ppmuring Commission, had a
coldlfcl of interestin voting on
the golf course request. tartan
lives on Westmoreland Drive
and, according to Belzer, would
herr t from having the
lot built on Flag Avenue.
City Attorney Lee Sheehy said
he had investigated the issue of
conflictcharter and 11 telaw city's
ing conflict of interest, Barton
did not have a legal conflict of
interest. Barton later addressed the
council. ,It is unfortunate that
sometimes people Perceive
bena
vole W be a personalto help
it
resolve a prwhenyouare 1 mutat existsdh
within au city." He commend-
ed the golf club was trying
resolve a mrieur limblent in
area — onstreel harked why thedues
golf course bad requested addi-
tional pkrKdg at this time when
neither the residents nor the city
had complained about the oa-
stiret parking. He also question-
ed why the parking lot approved
two years ago was not built.
John Simy the archkocthued
by the golf club, said the Pro- posal was the ult 01salaevaluatingtheP!°W_ __emr..I..h,
range and dining room additiontherequestfromthepingKtheitPassed
the first reading of them twocontinuedtheItems. The coullicil
parking lot issue toItsDec. 7
meeting. The neighborhood me"
dent and the golf club repremn-
tatives will meet la by to
resolve the parking lot Issue
before the council meetin&
use, wI u,- er -._-- neitia permitted use nor a
conditional use.
As a result, the golf comae
could put in additional larking
spaces wntinodcouncil'sthe
a coP
vat
forbyapplying
he rcoucouncil the
re-
minded t
comma
to be
based an the m'IYscanend
T9e ,m,jj members in-
dicated they were concerned
abed future Puking
ctior
n gistsandwantkeepde
the golf course.
dicated it will examine
that part
of thedivarim at UR, hearing
Nov. the driving / Allerer separating
pity ray contribute cash for 2 gyms I
MIN11 CLI INa SERVICE
ROSF.VILLE—
The
facilities
ublic th u h community un
to available b
FALCON IIEIGtM
referendum for District 623 in
September, role proposed improvement
FOCUS NEWS
NMM II, CO.
we have. We want to make sure what we
have is befttr;' Superintendent Carol
NOV 291992
pity ray contribute cash for 2 gyms ISUSAN .S`fAPLMN expressed interest in paying for improved
Despite voter approval of a $48 million
bond
The
facilities
ublic th u h communityun
to available b
referendum for District 623 in
September, role proposed improvement We don't just want to make shinier
stillneedsendorsementbyanothergovernment. we have. We want to make sure what wehaveisbefttr;' Superintendent CarolThedistrictproposedthatwiththehelpofEricsonsaidofthePfOjMLcities. it would build intattheelementaryw Proved gymnasiumspools. centeredDiscussionscentered on a contract
Board of Education members mel with between the city and the school districtwhichwouldrailfors $230,000RosevilleCityCouncilmembersNov. 16 m
ducescuss whether gymnasiums would be built
contribu-
tion by the city for two gymnasiums. For
at Central Pwk and Brimhall elementarydroolsinRoseville. Council
the first 10 yews of the agreement, the
school
for the facility, we'll be able to
off" programs m the public az
members had district would pay all utili- much lower cost than what we
ties, insurance, security and mu- could otherwise charge if we con -
Line maintenance costs. After 10' strutted a building ourselves," be
yews, those costs would be split said.
based on use.
The agreement would bring the
Included in the larger facilities
are buildings sized to city needs, a
city two new gymnasiums forabout $12,500 a year for the next separate entrance for communitymembers, locker rooms, a com-
20 years.
City Manager Steve Sarkozy
munity recreation office and star -
age space for community pro -
said recreation user fees at the grams, Assistant Superintendent
new facilities could more than of Business Services John Thein
make up that cost each yew, said.
That's one of the benefits here Council Member Joanne
the public will we. Because we Cushman asked for additional
don't have to pay overhead costs items, such as air conditioning and
access tokitcbeo.
The city
the
wtll be able to schedule
events at the schools from 4 p.m.
to midnight Monday through
Friday and all day on weekends.
During the summer, the city has
full use of the gyms.
It's not just a process of putting
up walls and making sae there is
room for kids. It's making sure
that the need for the students in
the future is met"ILein said.
Shoreview has also expressed an
interest in building a larger gym- nasium for community use at I
Emmett D. Williams Elementary
School.
Itl PLYMOUTH
WW
SUN -SAILORHtonepinCo.
NOV 2 lg ood
Kids club, Plymouth preserve remnant w
A J Other near Bass lake, adjacent to
By Jay Maxwell
The city of Plymouth and fhe world's
largest environmental club
forchildren
are partners in a project preserveacresofaBigWoodsremnantforest. The partnership was formed last
week when the
of woods at the
citynorPla'clla' u acres
western mlersec-
tion of Interstate 494 and County Road
9. Inhabiting the site is a dense standmapleandbasswoodtrees,misted tolBiWoodsbearemnantofaprimg
forest that once covered Ibousands of
acres in south-centralWoods forestMuchoftheBig
developmenttas
aid
Fallen to agriculture,
lire. Only scattered wood lots remail,
heightening preservation efforts in
cities such as Eden Prairie where a
group of residents is trying W
a wooded lot earmarked for new
homes.
But in Plymouth, a remnant cluster
d Big Woods has been spared from
residential development long plRnned
for the site.
children's environmental
organization with nearly 20,000
clubs and more than 600,000
members worldwide.
As large as the club has
grown, rounders say they
haven't forgotten their local
roots.
The club was founded by
Tessa and William Hill of
Plymouth, parents of Clinton, a
former student at Sunny
Hollow Elementary School in
New Hope. Clinton died of
brain cancer at age 11 in 1989,
before he could pursue a
dream of forming a children's
environmental club. Picking up
on the idea, Clinton's parents
Pra't'e organized the rust KSE club at
Sunny Hollow.
Last summer, national media
featured one of the club's
Young representatives efts he
spoke at the U.N. Earth Sum -
The 24 -acre parCet, plus nine adjoin-
ing acres the city has acquired in re-
cent years, will be protected as a
preservation park. Plymouth will be the
park's owner, but not Its guardian.
That responsibility will be entrusted
to Kids for saving Earth (KSE), a
pmt m Wo a aneun.
KSE members have mel with
U.S. senators and members of
Congress to discuss their en-
vironmental concerns.
While We club focuses on
global issues such as depletion
of the earth's ozone layer,,
Tessa Hill said environmental
campaigns should occur close
to home too. The new park in
Plymouth is a good example,
she said.
We see this as extremely
important because it is in our
own backyard, not too far from
where Clinton lived," Hill said.
He felt bad about the areas
that were being knocked down
around him. This new park
would make him happy"
Ironically, a different city
park brought the city of
Plymouth and the children's
club together a few Years ago.
City officials were proposing to
build a community playfield
OU(
the Hill's family home. Club
members asked that the park
be preserved as a nature area.
A compromise was eventually
reached, and a half acre of
woods was left undisturbed.
Under the partnership, the
new park will likely be named,
designed and maintained by
Kids for Saving Earth, said
Eric Blank, director of
Plymouth's Park and Recrea-
tion Department. While terms
of the partnership have yet to
be reached, Blank said the
park might include woodchip
trails, bud feeders and
markers to identify various life
forms.
We want to keep It as
natural as possible;" he said.
for"
We think it can be a wonder-
ful, collaborative adventure f
all involved."