HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Packet 11-04-1993Regular Meeting of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission
November 4, 1993, 7 p.m.
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.
b.
5. Unfinished Business
a. Accessible playground update
b. 1994-98 CIP discussion
1) request to purchase 24 acres adjacent to French Park
c. West Medicine Lake Park master plan update
d. Study of unique open spaces update
6. New Business
a. Request for city to take over Amberwoods Park
b.
C.
7. Commission Presentation
8. Staff Communication
9. Adjourn
Next regular meeting - December 2
Minutes of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting
October 14, 1993
Page 43
Present: Chair Anderson, Commissioners Gutzke, Johnson and
Wahl; staff Blank and Pederson; City Manager Johnson
Absent: Commissioners Burk, Mikula, and Watson
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Anderson called the October meeting to order at 7:05
p.m. in the Council Chambers.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Commissioner Gutzke and seconded by
Commissioner Wahl to approve the minutes of the September
meeting as presented. The motion carried with all ayes.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
a. Athletic Associations. None were present.
b. Staff. None were present.
C. Others. Save French Woodlands representatives.
REPORT ON PAST COUNCIL ACTION
None.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Accessible playground update. Director Blank indicated
that he plans to have the accessible playground up and
operational by June 1, 1994. Delays have been caused by
new regulations and guidelines for accessible playgrounds
and safety issues. Our Parks Superintendent, Mark
Peterson, will be attending a conference the week of
October 18 conducted by the American Society of Testing
and Measures, which will explain the new guidelines.
Commissioner Gutzke asked if any of the designs for the
accessible playground included recycled plastic
components. Director Blank responded that all of the
submitted designs are of steel and metal construction.
rem
adjacent to French Park. Bob Donley, 11740 38th Avenue,
representing the Save French Woodlands group, distributed
copies to Commissioners of a handout on creating a nature
preserve in Plymouth and then briefly reviewed some of
the statements from that handout. The statements
indicate that there is strong citizen support (2,000
signatures on a petition) for not developing this parcel;
because the land is next to French Park it will have
expert staff that will maintain and improve its
potential; it will be available to a large number of
visitors; based on the City's survey, at least 240 of the
residents would be willing to pay for a nature preserve,
PRAC Minutes/October 1993
Page 44
and the purchase of the site would be a cooperative
effort. Mr. Donley suggested that the issue for the Park
Commission is to "determine if this 26 acre parcel has
some environmental significance and that the most
responsible use of the property is to preserve it for
public education and enjoyment."
George Daniels, 1865 Black Oaks Lane, questioned if the
purchase of the site would be cooperative. He reminded
the Park Commission that the Save French Woodlands group
has chosen not to reveal how much money they have raised
to help purchase this property. He again questioned why
Hennepin Parks did not make this part of their overall
park plan years ago, when they had the opportunity. He
also reminded the Park Commission that the City has an
approved park system plan in place, which does not show
this property as future park. He interpreted the survey
results to say that if 240 of the residents are willing
to pay more in taxes to have a nature preserve, then 760
are not willing to pay more.
Marlin Sjarda, 11720 38th Ave N, stated that many
residents of Plymouth have spoken in favor of not
developing this site. He also commented that just
because Hennepin Parks did not purchase this property for
park years ago, doesn't mean that it's not a good idea
now. He stated that the results of the survey show that
a nature preserve is the second most wanted park
facility, with trails being the first.
Chair Anderson thanked the residents for their comments
and closed the meeting to any further remarks from the
visitors. He then asked Director Blank for any
additional information that staff had on this proposal.
Director Blank indicated that the .Baton Corporation had
recently withdrawn its application to develop this
property, so that it can make some revisions to the plan.
They intend to resubmit it to the Planning Commission,
which will then hold another public hearing. The
proposal would then go before the Council sometime in
December.
Chair Anderson asked commissioners for their comments.
Tom Johnson stated that he had walked the site recently
and agreed that it is a beautiful piece of property, but
he cannot decide at this time if this is the best piece
of property to preserve. He prefers to reserve judgement
until after the study has been done on unique open
spaces.
Mark Wahl stated that most of the decisions PRAC has made
in the past involved active park areas and playgrounds.
He commented that the Kids for Saving Earth Park site
could be considered a nature preserve, and that it was a
PRAC Minutes/October 1993
Page 45
lot cheaper to acquire. He was supportive of setting
aside some funds in the CIP to acquire a nature preserve,
but could not commit to a particular site at this time.
Wyatt Cutzke commented that in the past, PRAC's decisions
on aquiring or developing property have always been for
playfields or neighborhood parks with active playgrounds.
He doesn't feel comfortable at this time making any
decisions on acquiring this property until after other
sites have been studied.
Director Blank explained that PRAC must act on the parks
component of the CIP at their November 4 meeting. Funds
can be identified for acquiring a nature preserve without
specifying a certain site. He also pointed out that the
information contained in the City Manager's memo implies
that there may be other funds available for acquiring
park land besides Park Dedication funds. Those funds
include the Community Improvement fund, the Project
Administration fund and the Permanent Improvement
Revolving fund. Once the Park Commission has approved
the parks CIP, it is then forwarded to the Planning
Commission who is in charge of holding a public hearing
on the entire city-wide CIP. After that, the CIP is
forwarded to the City Council for final approval.
C. West Medicine.Lake Park master plan update. The first
public meeting was held on October 6 and was well
attended with over 100 interested residents, according to
Director Blank. The overwhelming message from the
residents was no new boats are wanted on the lake. Based
on input from the residents, the consultant will now
prepare three different designs which will be presented
at the November 9 meeting. The alignment of West
Medicine Lake Drive is a major issue in the design of the
park.
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. Study of unique open spaces - update. The consultant who
did the Eden Prairie Parks and Recreation study suggested
that Plymouth conduct such a study in the spring, which
is the best time of year for this work. Director Blank
indicated that the committee will get together soon to
map out some areas to research. The preliminary work
will be completed over the winter, so that a draft can be
presented to the Council in the spring. Eden Prairie
spent $10,000 on their study. Don Anderson volunteered
to be on the open space committee along with Mark Wahl,
Mary Kay Watson, Tom Johnson, Eric Blank, Paul Buck, and
Councilman Edson. Bob Donley suggested that when the
open space committee begins to consider sites, they
should weigh the cost of the property, the availability
of it to the general public, future amenities, trails,
etc.
PRAC Minutes/October 1993
Page 46
7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION
None.
8. STAFF COMMUNICATION
Many of the trails have been completed that were designated
to be done as part of the 1993 CIP, Work is still being
done on the Vicksburg trail from Highway 55 to County Road
9. A representative from the Engineering Department is
meeting with the two property owners regarding the Turtle
Lake trail construction. Due to the delay in meeting with
these property owners, this trail will not be constructed in
1993.
Chair Anderson asked if the personal safety of residents is
a concern for the City when citizens use our trails.
Director Blank responded that he would ask the Park Patrol
to make a presentation at a future meeting regarding the
kinds of problems they encountered this past summer when
patrolling the parks and trails.
Commissioner Gutzke said that he had contacted the Plymouth
Police Department about firearm safety training classes and
was told that the park commission had decided not to offer
these classes anymore. Staff responded that it was not a
park commission decision, but rather an inability to secure
volunteer instructors. In the past, volunteers from the
Plymouth Optimists have conducted these classes for the Park
and Recreation Department, but this year, those instructors
retired. Mary Bisek attempted to find new instructors but
was unsuccessful. Staff suggested that Commissioner Gutzke
contact the DNR, which keeps a list of where classes are
being held. If the City can find a certified instructor,
firearm safety classes will be offered again.
9. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
1994-98 CIP DRAFT, 11-1-93
Project/Year
MSA
Community
Playfields/
Trails 218
Neighborhood
Parks Grants T.I.F. C.I.F.
Park
Replace.
Fund TOTAL
1994
Accessible playground 60,000 65,000 125,000
9th la field accittisition 750,000 150,000 900,000
10th playfield acquisition 450,000 450,000
Replace 4 nb park plygmds
1)
200,000 200,000
W Med Park road and ac . 1,500,000 1,500,000
Ply Creek tennis/basketball 350,000 350,000
Gleason Elem playground 10,000 10,000
Medicine Lake fishing dock 28,000 28,000
Trails 100,000 100,000 200,000
Seven Ponds n hhd park dev 120,000 120,000
Cardinal Ride nei hbad park 185,000 185,000
Contract payment SE ark 36,000 36,000
Transfer to park replace fund 0 25.000 11.000 0 0 36,000
Total 1994100 000 1 349 000 591 000 1,500,000 16QQ 000 4 140 000
1) Timber Shores, Mission Hills, Schmidt Lake, Hemlock
Project/Year
MSA
Community
Playfields/
Trails 218
Neighborhood
Parks Grants T.I.F. C.I.F.
Park
Replace.
Fund TOTAL
1995
9thla field special assess. 235,000 235,000
West Med Park Phase ll 500,000 500,000
Trails 100,000 100,000 200,000
Phase I develop la leld 1,500,000 1,500,000
Last contract payment (KSE
ark
38,000 38,000
Trnsferto park replace fund 26,000 12,000 38,000
Playground equip. replace. 1 0 0 100'M 0 100.000
Total 1995 100 000626 000 115010-00 ILIM5 000 ILkH 000
1996
Trails 100,000 200,000 300,000
Transfer to park replace fund 28,000 12,000 40,000
Park replacement work 0 0 0 99,000 99 000
Total 1996 100,000 5228 AD 12000 99 000439 000
1997
Trails 100,000 200,000 300,000
Neighborhood Park 175,000 175,000
Phase 11 develop la field 700,000 700,000
Transfer to park replace fund 29,000 13,000 42,000
Park replacement work 0 0 0 0 207,000 207.000
Total 1997 229,000 188,000 S700 000 1,424,000
1) East Beach, Maplecreek, Sunrise
Project/Year Community
Playfields/
MSA Trails 218
Neighborhood
Parks Grants T.I.F. C.I.F.
Park
Replace.
Fund TOTAL
1998
Trails 100,000 200,000 300,000
Transfer to park replace fund 30,000 14,000 44,000
Park replacement work 0 0 0 383.000 383.000
Total 1998 1100 000 5230 000 IIIA090 383 000 727 000
November 3, 1993
Attn: Eric Blank, Director
City of Plymouth Parks and Recreation
3400 Plymouth Blvd.
Plymouth, MN 55447
Mr. Blank:
as: Til-,:...:... ...;;. .. .
pIT.. --V,M1 O •w^
We are writing in regard to the future development of West Medicine Lake Park.
We own the property at 11814 18th Avenue North on the border of the West Medicine Lake
Park. After meeting with you on September 16, 1993, we understand that the city may be
purchasing our property to develop the West Medicine Lake Park beginning approximately
in July of 1994. After coming to terms with the city's future plans, we decided to start
looking at homes.
We are requesting that the City of Plymouth submit a bid on our property at 11814 18th
Ave. No. We would like this information as soon as possible.
We are looking forward to dealing with you and the City of Plymouth in the plans for the
West Medicine Lake Park development.
Sincerely,
Jay and Valerie Gjemes
11814 18th Avenue North
Plymouth, MN 55441
612) 557-1171
MEMO
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MN 55447
DATE: November 1, 1993
TO: PRAC
i/? C7
UFROM: Eric J. Blank, Director of Parks and Recreation
SUBJECT: AMBERWOODS PARK PROPOSAL
Attached is a memorandum from the Amberwoods Board of Directors requesting that the City
consider taking over the two acre Amberwoods play lot. On the attached graphic, I have
outlined the area which is the Amberwoods Park and Greenwood Elementary School. I have
also highlighted a portion of the City's public trail system. If you refer to your comprehensive
plan, this is walking neighborhood no. 32. The planned population is 1,830 people.
Greenwood Elementary School, at approximately six acres, meets the space requirements for
the neighborhood park for this walking neighborhood.
Some issues to be considered are:
1. Greenwood School is not centrally located within the walking neighborhood.
2. The Amberwoods site has some limitations in terms of access for the new
development that is taking place north and west of the park.
3. Amberwoods is the oldest private park that I am aware of in the City, and as such,
their equipment is worn out at this time. There are at least four or five other
locations throughout the City that are newer and at some time, they will also face
the expense of updating and remodeling their facilities.
4. We have not taken over play lots from private development in the past. Therefore,
what we do here could set a precedent for future requests.
5. The park system plan specifically indicates that we would not develop parks under
five acres in size because of the shear number that would be developed throughout
the 36 square miles and the dramatic increase in park maintenance.
I recommend that the Park Commission defer action at this time, in order to discuss the subject
and determine if there is any further information you would like to have staff gather on this
request. I think that by your next meeting, we could give you an estimate of the cost to
rebuild the park and bring it back up to today's standards, and what the operating cost would
be.
np
Attachment
f
n 'r
a x,x •RP , X .\ .v
f"
9
efti,
Y•
0 ..
I, Mnl 4•
I
i a )
Ax•.]x
i
a on .
n Fry• . y a !r3
p.
7uL
l
I Amp"
Q
w000s171, 1 \
w:P •LM
p`— iseia ' INI
C1m _
lia)+ u91 Mlsq[.,a}stj or Amuaw_ `a9I
LAN191
n nl'•• lal
In91 1 X1.9
M1 a
31}lli
I , :n
r'
e • 5,`.,e' Ixe) 5 Ital „ aY56Isrl - 1
i ,•.
A
41is1 _ C Im .
Ilol
f{1
Q.),m ' IRI, a IISI . ryx•)
T-
illntlq'- ' Ib) , 1111
ry J'•a Jlb IHl
ISII _ _d $IY) y
n`i
S5 n. o "' lia (611 on' la
Iwl
lin I
y)
1 • lLl yl 1)SI l T ' :n x
1 •
r' .
ai- R
1331 Ibl -
IA1
19)
115]
9 -
D - jyl v IRI
I •
a 1]A !
r})
P-l•1: Ip :
da
u : - '
y ;
q`, 111 (MI TIHI n '
i]I IEI ('1•i1
as
lal• L n
L l*.
iaa-ETny'i '' ,TC
0 1))) C - !,]l
b a ICm-'(m, `1111 'In•
ap us,®4 w -
lin ,n• .,,
v• l }I ,r 9 IE 9 Y tnl [Iil :9 ynl lay _
I.11
yn) _
a ge3..o=2:a' 9 Igo (ma .5 'liR 11"16 a .: n.. '^ ,a .a :. n .. .>
r•.. '° e r
ln) Oel Inl Oil_... 91 •M1 /,IFI): n' leg) IA)
o Im Jltm ¢_e (M)} Inl' OII' Issl Inl'p lb)" [sll 'r a•
e
n F L e u w, In\ _ lael n 16 ly) ,
p P
P a9 d cla,l
WE. n .•
@'
pR • ' _
bn
n n n n I ,
1
r !
J y,'I_ a n'. 9nr,- nj (6}
131 INI
I3H It.l 1IS1- 1}al_ 1111 6 lbl _
d nl e(•91`? IYI_ ~In: , LL x"5 1tF'Y
a .ur
L =
Ixn ,_.Ib, - 191 _ fb) _ Z y
ml L 3` u r e r • lar) J
111 t b ry Af J exl
n dC n C a "n N xsl 191 = PII t
a (
Nlm:
1 1'`I
i = L'l lml
p ' ..wml •• 1691 I n - (•al , , >Q : .
t• C 2' .09 a 1 II Itp Inl' Un- U51_ `
r S.Z.E&1 Sp. • - liEl =a °`tnl - SIL, ri ItInn , Y
a .•
Ilm
Ildl w ^- 6191
M,r •,:. Iml E V•,
y
1191
X Ir]) t. 5 IU)} -
1„Ael (]51 = i I,H `1161 e . u I5I1 O O :
p a ] 1551I
Tlvr`•.
0 n
lbl-^ 'E'a la, T flol 'I .Inl d,S CI n„` =
lin IYI - (ul Ib) tl5t f
as
uV,NS - Iytl (
al
e:'.
n Aaay
n s9 9 Ir)1 Iral- Iril"
Iraw
1q
1]I
b +
n ,• IPI, •• I n
Ir151 (r•1 I9
x = •
la
b
b •
Lar 19,•Ixf c •
l
yxn urn • ._
In
lar1 'ni, 'A
aa• :a ,w :: .a :n n Me I
I W,' tA"`--li 'rt •
nn
n.n Ism
6 n `lel
x'191 •
e r 'a tr an ••, 1151 , i =1a1 151 I.1 1]I 131 v
111
HI 1)rl 1]n-119 r 191 !
IllIYYISlr (YI •ILI _ ILI --,9 F4 _ - " n
n
r
1
October 29,1993
Eric Blank
Park Director
City Of Plymouth
Plymouth City. Center,
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, MN' 55447
Dear.Mr. Blank;
Enclosed is the Amber Woods Park proposal we discussed over the phone recently. Please
include the proposal on the agenda for the city council meeting scheduled for November 4,
1993. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to call me. My home phone
number is 473-2394.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerel ,
D arleo, 7 .
Don Farleo Advertising & Design Company
300 COLONIAL WAREHOUSE. 212 THIRD AVE NO. MINNEAPOLIS, MINN ESOTA'55401
TEL 612 341 0343 FAx 612 3334068 -
THE AMBER WOODS COMMONS AREA (PARK) PROPOSAL
TO THE CITY OF PLYMOUTH.
October 20, 1993
INTRODUCTION
The residents of Amber Woods located on County Rd. 24 in Plymouth, MN are presently exploring
improvement options for the Amber Woods Commons (Park) area. One option many residents are interested in
is having the City Of Plymouth take over the management and maintenance of the area.
The residents of Amber Woods propose that the City Of Plymouth take over the management and
maintenance of the Amber Woods Commons Area, including improving the existing facilities as
indicated below.
CURRENT SITUATION
The size of the proposed park area is approximately 2 acres. Currently that area consists of (2) fenced -in tennis
courts, a soccer field with (2) goals, a backstop, a metal swing set with gliders and children's swings, a
landscaped/raised picnic area with steps and a playground/climbing structure with a slide and swings in an
enclosed area of pea gravel (approx. 24' x 48'). There is also a short asphalt walking path leading from the
main city path. The total area is currently groomed and maintained. All the facilities are in relatively good
condition and can be utilized with minor repairs except for the playground structure which would need to be
completely replaced with a new unit and the walking path which would also need to be replaced.
WHY RESIDENTS WANT TO RELINQUISH THE PARK TO THE CITY
As stated above, the commons area is currently in need of some improvements. While the cost to improve the
total area is proving to be reasonable, it is still a substantial amount. Many residents are not willing to fund a
private" park when, with all the current development in the area, other adjoining developments have access to
it by a public path and can utilize it without having to bear the cost.
WHY SHOULD THE CITY OF PLYMOUTH TAKE OVER THE MANAGEMENT OF THE PARK.
There are a variety of reasons the Amber Woods Park should be managed and maintained by the City Of
Plymouth and be available to ALL the residents in the area:
The park is already on a city path so it is accessible from surrounding developments and no additional
changes or rerouting of paths is necessary.
The park is centrally located to many of the new and existing developments.
The residents of the surrounding developments do not need to use a major highway to get to the park,
therefore access is easy and safe.
It is our understanding that The Greenwood Elementary school is supposed to provide the public park
facilities for the area. However, that park is designed primarily for older children and cannot be used
when school is in session, since it is used for school activities.
The city will not have to purchase the land. Providing the land be used exclusively for a recreational
area, Amber Woods will donate the use of the land.
Since there is already existing facilities and landscaping the city will not have to start from scratch.
Obviously it is much cheaper to remodel and rebuild the existing park than to start a new one.
Amber Woods has established a committee that has contacted vendors and received estimates for much
of the improvements; including path replacement, tennis court repair, the addition of a half court
basketball slab, trash receptacles, bike racks and a completely new playground structure. Much of the
research and leg work is already done.
With the influx of new residents to Plymouth, especially families with children, the area needs to
provide a fun and safe place for all the residents to enjoy.
IN CONCLUSION
The Amber Woods Park needs repairs and improvements. The facilities are almost 20 years old and naturally
over time improvements that go beyond normal maintenance are necessary. Unfortunately, if the total cost of
the improvements has to be paid for exclusively by Amber Woods the improvements may not be made and the
park will continue to deteriorate. The time for improvement is now. The area is still in good shape and at this
point the improvements and transition would be relatively inexpensive and easy.
Naturally, this is just a proposal. For the city to officially take over the park the residents of Amber Woods will
have to have a ballot and vote in favor by a majority of 75%.
The residents of Amber Woods are providing the City Of Plymouth with a great opportunity to fulfill a
community need without having to expend the usual costs and resources. We hope that the City Of Plymouth
will seriously consider this generous proposal and help us provide a park that is fun and safe for all the
neighbors in the area to enjoy.
Thank you for your consideration.
Pat McDonald
Amber Woods Association President
473-7049
Don Farleo
Amber Woods resident
473-2394
TABLE I (Continued)
NEIGHBORHOOD PARK NEEDS - ULTIMATE minimum recommended size = 5 acres
Actual
Neigh- Projected Existing Park Needs Ultimate
bor- Ult)mate Neighborhood at 2.5-3.5 Deficiency
hood Population Parks/Acres Acre/1,000 * Acres) Comments
30 1,800 Shiloh/13.3 5.6.5 None 22 out of 33.6 acres at the )dent if l ed
Ponderosa/4.9 parks are credited toward neighborhood
Fazendln/12.2 recreation; the balance Is storm water
Olive Lane Pond/3.2 retention or otherwise unusable
2,560 6.5-9 6.5-9
32\ 1,830 Greenwood Elem(part)/6 5-6.5 None though classified as community playfleld,
Greenwood Is not developed as such.
Can serve neighborhood needs unless
and until developed as playfleld
33 1,520 Creentree Wast/10.8 5-5.5 None Green Oaks adequately serves
Green Oaks/6.8 neighborhood park needs. G-een-
Meadowood/10. tree West and Meadowood are
special use parks
34 1,890 Imperial Hills/9.1 5-6.5 None the best existing neighborhood park In
Plymouth
35 1,950 5-7 5-7
36 3,260 8-11.5 8-11.5
37 1,320 Lions Park/3.1 5-5 None -2 Lions Park functions as a neighborhood
park and would otherwise be adequate
for the population, except for the
five acre minimum stipulation
38 1,150 Gleanloch/6.9 5-5 None acreage Is adequate, but acquisition at
Gleanloch would be desirable for faci-
lities expansion
39 3,190 8-11 8-11 West Med)cine Lake Park and/or Community
Club can provide some neighborhood
functions
40 80 0 None entirely Industrial
41 830 5 None -5 small neighborhood, could be served by
St. Louis Park
42 770 5 5 La Compte could function as neighborhood
park, but is designed as playfleld
43 890 5 5 small neighborhood, could be served by
Minnetonka
44 1,410 Sunset Hill is/20.8 5 None
45 2,970 Circle Park/2.2 7.5-10.5 None also meets needs of neighborhood $50,
Blrchvlew/13.8 although Blrchvlew also functions as
community playfleld
46 1,640 5-5.5 5-5.5
47 1,800 Queensland/7.1 5-6.5 None well served
48 440 Ferndale No./5.3 5 None good site; needs development
49 340 5 None small neighborhood, could served by
Wayzata or by Queensland Park
50 310 5 None could be served by Blrchvlew and Circle
Park In neighborhood @45
1-6846 3T1 33 f9'fbT.3
October 28, 1993
Mary Hernandez
Amberwood Homeowners Assoc.
3405 Urbandale Lane
Plymouth, MN. 55447
SUBJECT: PLAYSTRUCTURE IN AMBERWOODS COMMON AREA
Dear Mary:
As per our phone conversation I have reviewed the condition of the
playstructure within the Amberwoods Homes common area. I find the
structure to be aging and consists mainly of treated wood. The wood
used may not be ideal in that it appears to be treated which may not
meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission Guidelines (C.P.S.C.) for
safety.
The structure as a whole provides little play value in my mind and is
riddled with entrapments. -An entrapment is where the body of a child
can pass through an opening but the head cannot. This can result in
injury or death.
When dealing with the installation of a playstructure we need to be
concerned with safety zones or the distance from or around slides,
swings, structures, etc. I don't think that there is an acceptable
safety zone with the entire area of the playstructure. Basically the
entire structure in my estimation does not meet the C.P.S.C.
guidelines for safety.
In reference to the swings they are an accident waiting to happen in
the form of an impact to a passing individual. The swing area is
also void of any impact absorbing material (Not Good).
I am sending a copy of photos of the area and excerpts of the
industry standard C.P.S.C. Guidelines. If you have any further
questions, please contact me at 550-7461.
Sincerely,
d//- ItIZ—
Mark S. Peterson
Park Superintendent
MSP:sm
cc: Dwight Johnson
Eric Blank
Dan Heitke
We Listen • We Solve • We Care
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447 • TELEPHONE (612) 550-5000
Deterioration of Equipment
Check all equipment and other playground features for
rust, rot, cracks, and splinters, with special attention to
possible corrosion where structures come In contact with
the ground.
Check for unstable anchoring of equipment.
Security of hardware
Check for any loose or wom connecting,covering, or
fastening hardware devices: for example, check the S-
hooks at both ends of suspending elements of swings and
all connection points on flexible climbing devices for wear.
Check all moving parts, such as swing bearing hangers,
for wear.
Equipment use zones
Check for obstacles in equipment use zones.
Drainage systems
Check the entire play area for drainage problems, with
special attention to heavy use areas such as those under
swings and slide exit regions.
APPENDIX B _
ENTRAPMENT REQUIREMENTS AND
TEST METHODS
Bl- Gener
Any completely -bounded opening (see Figure B-1) may be
a potential head entrapment hazard and should conform
to the recommendations in this appendix. One exception
to these recommendations Is an opening where the
ground serves as the lower boundary. Openings in both
horizontal and vertical planes present a risk of entrap-
ment. Even those openings which are low enough to
permit a child's feet to touch the ground present a risk of
strangulation to an entrapped child, because younger
children may not have the necessary cognitive ability and
motor skills to extricate their heads, especially if scared or
panicked.
An opening may present an entrapment hazard if the
distance between any interior opposing surfaces is greater
than 3.5 Inches or less than 9 Inches; when one dimen-
sion of an opening Is within this potentially hazardous
range, all dimensions of the opening must be considered
together to fully evaluate the possibility of entrapment.
The most appropriate method to determine whether an
opening is hazardous is to test it using the following
fixtures, methods, and performance criteria.
Handbook for Public
These recommendations apply to all playground equip-
ment, both for preschool -age and school-age children;
fixed equipment as well as moving equipment (In Its
stationary position) should be tested for entrapment
hazards. There are two special cases for which separate
procedures are given: completely -bounded openings
where depth of penetration Is a critical Issue (see figure
B-2); and openings formed by non -rigid climbing compo-
nents.
Low
Ground Bounded
Not Subject to
Entrapment
Requirments)
High
Figure B-1 Examples of Completely Bounded
Openings
Lim!
Figure B-2 Completely Bounded Openings with
Umited Depth
25
Handbook for Public Playground Safety
B2. Test fixtures
Two templates are required to determine if completely
bounded openings In rigid structures present an entrap-
ment hazard.
B2.1 Small Torso Template
The dimensions (see Figure Bf3) of this template are
based on the size of the torso of the smallest user at risk.
If an opening is too small to admit the template, It is also
too small to permit feet first entry by a child. Because
children's heads are larger than their torsos, an opening
that does not admit the small torso probe will also prevent
head first entry Into an opening by a child.
1.2 in.
Figure B-3 Small Torso Template
B2.2 Large Head Template
The dimensions (see Figure B-4) of this template are
based on the largest dimension on the head of the largest
child at risk. If an opening is large enough to permit free
passage of the template, It Is large enough to permit free
passage of the head of the largest child at risk In any
orientation. In addition, openings large enough to permit
free passage of the targe Head Template also will not
entrap the chest of the largest child at risk.
B3. Requirement
When tested In accordance with the procedure In B4.
below, an opening conforms to the requirement If:
1) the opening does not admit the Small Torso Template,
or
2) the opening admits the Small Torso Template and also
admits the large Head Template.
An opening fails to conform to the requirement If it
admits the Small Torso Template but does not admit the
Large Head Template.
26
Figure B-4 large Head Template
84. Test Procedure
Attempt to place the Small Torso Template In the open-
ing with the plane of the template parallel to the plane of
the opening. While keeping It. parallel to the plane of the
opening, the template should be rotated to its most
adverse orientation i.e. major axis of template oriented
parallel to the major axis of the opening. If the Small
Torso Template can be freely inserted through the
opening, place the large Head Template in the opening,
again with the plane of the template parallel to the plane
of the opening, and attempt to freely Insert It through the
opening. The test procedure is illustrated In Figure B-5.
B5. Completely -bounded openings where depth of
penetration is a critical issue
The configuration of some openings may be such that the
depth of penetration Is a critical issue for determining the
entrapment potential. This is a special case for which
separate test procedures are necessary.
For example, consider a vertical wall or some other
barrier behind a stepladder. The entrapment potential
depends not only on the dimensions of the opening
between adjacent steps but also on the horizontal space
between the lower boundary of the opening and the
barrier. A child may enter the opening between adjacent
steps feet first and may proceed to pass through the space
between the rear of the lower step and the barrier and
become entrapped when the child's head is unable to pass
through either of these two openings. In effect, there are
openings In two different planes each of which has the
potential for head entrapment and must, therefore, be
tested.
A
T
0
d
Handbook for Public Playground Safety
Specific Federal requirements for accessibility to play-
grounds by the disabled are expected to be published.
The Department of Parks and Recreation In the State of
Califomia has advised that after January 1, 1991, regula-
tions requiring that all types of play activity In new and
redone play areas must be accessible to the disabled.
Other states may similarly Issue accessibility requirements.
Playground designers, Installers and operators are re-
minded that they should determine what Federal and State
requirements for accessibility are in effect. These require-
ments could necessitate changes to existing playgrounds
as well as when new playgrounds are planned or existing
playgrounds refurbished.
10.6 Other Characteristics of Surfacing Materials
Selection of a surfacing material for a specific location
may be governed by the environmental conditions at that
location. Appendix C lists some characteristics of surfac-
ing materials that may influence the choice for a particular
playground.
USE ZONES FOR EQUIPMENT
he use zone or eac pie tpment Is made
up of two parts:
1) the Fall Zone: an area under and around the
equipment where protective surfacing is required, and,
2) the No -Encroachment Zone: an additional area
beyond the fall zone where children using the equipment
can be expected to move about and should have no
encroaching obstacles,
With the exception of spring rocking equipment, equip-
ment under 24 Inches In height, and the zone between
adjacent swings (see below), the fall zones of adjacent
pieces of equipment should not overlap. However,
adjacent pieces of equipment may share a single no -
encroachment zone,
Regardless of the type of equipment, the use zone should
be free of obstacles that children could run Into or fall on
top of and thus be injured. For example, there should not
be any vertical posts or other objects protruding from the
ground onto which a child may fall.
11.1 Recommendations for Fall Zone
11.1.1 Stationary Equipment
The fall zone should extend a minimum of 6 feet in all
directions from the perimeter of the equipment.
22
11.1.2 Slides
The fall zone in front of the access and to the sides of a
slide shall extend a minimum of 6 feet from the perimeter
of the equipment. Note: This does not apply to embank-
ment slides.
The fall zone in front of the exit of a slide shall extend a
minimum distance of 6 feet from the end of the slide
chute or for a distance of H + 4 feet whichever Is the
greater. H Is the height of the slide platform and the H +
4 foot measurement Is made from a point on the slide
chute where the gradient has been reduced to 50 from the
horizontal (see Figure 16).
H + 4 ft. 6 It.
M n. ~ y
L Denotes Fall Zone with Protective Surfacing
Figure 16 Fall Zone for Slides
11.1.3 Single Axis Swings
Because children may deliberately attempt to exit from a
single axis swing while It Is in motion, the fall zone in
front of and behind the swing should be greater than to
the sides of such a swing. It Is recommended that the fall
zone extend to the front and rear of a single axis swing a
minimum distance of 2 times the height of the pivot point
above the surfacing material measured from a point
directly beneath the pivot on the supporting structure (see
Figure 17). The fall zone to the sides of a single axis
swing should follow the general recommendation and
extend a minimum of 6 feet from the perimeter of the
swing structure in accordance with the general recommen-
dation for fall zones. This 6 foot zone may overlap that of
an adjacent swing structure.
11
2H 2H
i
f Denotes Fall Zone with Protective Surfacing
6 I
6 it
6 it
Figure 17 Fall Zone for Single Axis Swings
11.1.4 Multi Axis Swings
The fall zone should extend In any direction from a point
directly beneath the pivot point for a minimum distance of
6 feet + the length of the suspending members (see Figure
18). In addition, the fall zone shall extend a minimum of
6 feet from the perimeter of the supporting structure.
This 6 foot zone may overlap that of an adjacent swing
structure.
11.1.5 Merry -Go -Rounds
The fall zone should extend 6 feet beyond the perimeter
of the plaHorm.
11.1.6 Spring Rocking Equipment
The fall zone should extend a minimum of 6 feet from the
at rest" perimeter of the equipment but adjacent spring
rockers with a maximum seat height of 24 inches may
share the same fall zone.
11.1.7 Composite Equipment
The above recommendations for individual pieces of
equipment should be used as a guide In establishing the
fall zones around pieces of composite playground equip -
a
Handbook for Public Playground
ux`« Denotes Fall Zona with Protective
Figure 18 Fall Zone for Multi Axis Tire Swings
ment. Note that In Section 9.2.2 It was recommended
that single axis swings not be a part of a composite
structure.
11.2 Recommendations for No -Encroachment
Zone
No specific dimensions can be recommended for the no -
encroachment zone around individual pieces of play-
ground equipment. These dimensions will vary according
to the types of adjacent pieces of equipment and their
orientation with respect to one another.
For example, the recommended fall zone at the side of
both a slide and a wring is 6 feet. Since fall zones should
not overlap (with the exception of certain adjacent spring
rockers), a slide could be placed with Its side no closer
than 12 feet to the side of a swing. Therefore, there may
be no need to add an additional no -encroachment zone.
Conversely, it would not be desirable to have a slide exit
facing the front or rear of single axis swing.
No -encroachment zones extending beyond the fall zones
are recommended for moving equipment or equipment
from which the child is in motion as he or she exits. This
23
L
Figure 18 Fall Zone for Multi Axis Tire Swings
ment. Note that In Section 9.2.2 It was recommended
that single axis swings not be a part of a composite
structure.
11.2 Recommendations for No -Encroachment
Zone
No specific dimensions can be recommended for the no -
encroachment zone around individual pieces of play-
ground equipment. These dimensions will vary according
to the types of adjacent pieces of equipment and their
orientation with respect to one another.
For example, the recommended fall zone at the side of
both a slide and a wring is 6 feet. Since fall zones should
not overlap (with the exception of certain adjacent spring
rockers), a slide could be placed with Its side no closer
than 12 feet to the side of a swing. Therefore, there may
be no need to add an additional no -encroachment zone.
Conversely, it would not be desirable to have a slide exit
facing the front or rear of single axis swing.
No -encroachment zones extending beyond the fall zones
are recommended for moving equipment or equipment
from which the child is in motion as he or she exits. This
23
movement and multiple occupancy. Special attention to
maintenance Is warranted. The hanger mechanisms for
multi -axis tire swings should not have any accessible pinch
points.
The minimum clearance between the seating surface of a
tire swing and the uprights of the supporting structure
should be 30 Inches when the tire is in a position closest
to the support structure (see Figure 11).
Figure 11 Multi -Axis Tire Suring Clearance
9.2.5 Swings Not Recommended for Public
Playgrounds
The following types of swings are not recommended for
use in public playgrounds:
Multiple Occupancy Swings - With the exception of.
tire swings, swings that are intended for more than one
user are not recommended because their greater mass, as
compared to single occupancy swings, presents a risk of
Impact Injury.
Animal Figure Swings - These are not recommended
because their rigid metal framework results in a high mass
presenting a risk of impact Injury.
Rope Swings - Free swinging ropes that may fray or
otherwise form a loop are not recommended because they
present a potential strangulation hazard.
Handbook for Public Playground Safety
Swinging Exercise Rings and Trapeze Bars - These
are generally considered to be items of athletic equipment
and are not recommended for public playgrounds. NOTE:
The recommendation against the use of exercise rings
does not apply.to overhead hanging rings (see Figure 12).
9.3 Climbing Equipment
9.3.1 General
Climbers refer to a wide variety of equipment including
arch climbers, sliding poles, chain or net climbers, upper
body devices (overhead horizontal ladders, overhead
rings), dome climbers, parallel bars, balance beams, cable
walks, suspension bridges, and spiral climbers, as well as
composite structures with linked platforms (see Figure 12
for examples). Climbing equipment Is generally designed
to present a greater degree of physical challenge than
other equipment on public playgrounds.
Older children tend to use climbing equipment more
frequently and proficiently than younger ones. Because
very young children have not yet developed some of the
physical skills necessary for certain climbing activities
including balance, coordination, and upper body
strength), they may have difficulty using more challenging
climbing components such as rung ladders, non -rigid
climbers, arch climbers, and upper body devices.
9.3.2 Design Considerations
Since the more challenging modes of access discussed in
Section 8 are also Intended to be used as climbing de-
vices, the recommendations for the size of handgripping
components and stepped platforms covered In that
section are applicable to climbing equipment.
Climbers should not have climbing bars or other structural
components in the Interior of the structure onto which a
child may fall from a height of greater than 18 Inches.
Climbing equipment should allow children to descend as
easily as they ascend. One way of implementing this
recommendation is to provide an easier, alternate means
of descent, such as another mode of access, platform, or
piece of equipment. For example, a stairway can be
added to provide a less challenging mode of descent than
a vertical rung ladder or flexible climbing device. The
levels of challenge that characterize different types of
accesses are discussed In Section 8.
Preschool -Age Children Offering an easy way out Is
particularly Important on climbing devices intended for
preschoolers, since their ability to descend climbing
components emerges later than their ability to climb up
the same components.
15
October 28,1993
To: All City Council Members
City Manager
City Engineer
Director of Parks
Chief of Police
We have lived in Plymouth for over 5 years at 3030 East Medicine
Lake Blvd. During this time we have watched car traffic increase
substantially. There also has been very little regard for the
30 MPH speed limit. East Medicine Lake Blvd. from 36th Avenue
North to 26th Avenue North is being used as a bypass to State
Highway 169 for traffic every morning and evening. Not only
has this added to the increase of car traffic, but through the
increase of new housing and the popularity of French Lake Park
and Medicine Lake for recreational purposes, this has added to
our dilema.
The reason this issue has become alarmingly important is ped-
estrian traffic has also increased. Anyone walking along the
stretch of East Medicine Lake Blvd. from 36th Avenue North, down
to Harty's Boat Landing on the south east side of the lake, are
taking their life in their hands. This section of roadway, unlike
any other around the lake, is to narrow for two cars to meet and
a pedestrian to be walking. In some areas the shoulder to the road"
is almost non-existent.
It has been our understanding that widening the road and having
a safe walking trail has been proposed since 1987. It is also
understood that Hennepin County is involved with this process.
This is no longer an issue of "Gee, wouldn't it be nice to have
a trail," it is a very serious safety issue. We suggest that
the City of Plymouth take a strong stand with Hennepin County
to ensure this project does not get delayed one more day!
We, along with other citizens of Plymouth, are not going to
quit with this letter. We want action ...NOW! None of us
could rest knowing we had never tried doing something about this
safety issue when (not if) someone gets hurt or killed.
Please respond to this letter with a course of action.
P.e pectfully Your
See attached page of other concerned citizens ------ /
Harvey and Diane Keller
3030 East Medicine Lake Blvd.
Plymouth, Minnesota 55441
Telephone # 542-9219
I have read the letter drafted by the Kellers regarding the
safety of pedestrians on East Medicine Lake Blvd., and am in
full agreement that a course of action must be taken immediately
by the City of Plymouth.
Q/ ry i 4 k)d
c r. I-,
M/L/ s irk
0 5-Oo It/,
JAAmoi/ (L`GzcLam'
3 / P-"tlu
3olo
fN'
I . -
L3g tl'^ —
j
1,44 j.0 Q/rI-
N
4w, AJ
P6 O.L-Ougi Mo.
F
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MN 55447
DATE: October 13, 1993
TO: Eric Blank, Parks and Recreation Director
FROM: Nancy Pederson, Secretary
SUBJECT: STATUS OF PARKERS PICNIC SHELTER RENTALS IN 1993
Time Slots May June July August Sept Oct Totals
l0am-10pm 0 3 4 1 3 0 11
l0am-4pm 1 2 3 6 3 0 15
4pm-10pm 4 1 5 7 4 1 22
Total Rentals 5 6 12 14 10 1 48
Saturdays 1 0 4 5 4 0 14
Sundays 2 3 3 4 4 0 16
Weekdays 2 3 5 5 2 1 18
There was a total of 48 rentals this season, with August the most popular month to use the
picnic shelter. The preferred time slot was 4-10 p.m., and Sunday appears to have been the
preferred day.
Rental rates were $30 for a half-day (10-4 or 4-10), and $60 for a full day (10-10). You could
also rent a softball field on Sundays for $11 an hour, if you were using the picnic shelter.
The total revenue collected in 1993 was $1,773.
Many favorable comments were received from renters about the picnic shelter and the site itself.
I received one complaint from a renter who was bullied into sharing a portion of the shelter, by
the coach of a youth baseball team who did not have a reservation.
PAVILION CALENDAR
NOVEMBER 1993
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WE.DNESDAV T14TTRSnAV FR TT) AV CA TTTnnAV
1 2 3 4 5 6
9:30-11:30 SC 9:30-10:30 MWO 9:30-10:30 MWO 9:15-12:15 PD
10:45-11:45 FFT 10:45-11:45 FFT
1-4 PM SR BRIDGE
7 PM BRIDGE
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
9:30-11:30 SC 9:30-10:30 MWO 9:30-10:30 MWO 9:15-12:15 PD
10:45-11:45 FFT
1-3 PM B -DAY
1-4 PM SR BRIDGE PARTY, P. BOE
559-8040
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
9:30-11:30 SC 9:30-10:30 MWO 9:30-10:30 MWO 9:15-12:15 PD 9:30-11 PSS
10:45-11:45 FFT PLYM PILGRIMS
1:30-3 PM ART
1-4 PM SR BRIDGE
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
9:30-11:30 SC 9:30-10:30 MWO
10:45-11:45 FFT THANKSGIVING THANKSGIVING
HOLIDAY HOLIDAY
28 29 30
9:30-11:30 SC 9:30-10:30 MWO
10:45-11:45 FFT
A"S 2 5 1;;:7
M9 council gets negative input
on 109th Ave. trail project,
by
E.M. Perrault
The Maple Grove City Council
mlifeai feasibilityrepononatrail
on 109th Ave.N.mitsMonday,Aug.
16 meeting
Three members present, with
Mayor lames Deane and councilor
Irene Koski abmnL
Many residents weeon hand fora
discussion about the 1091h Trail
project. The council was scheduled
to vote on whether it would approve
plans and authorize advertisement
for bids for the proj=L
FEASIBILITY REPORT
A feasibility report for the Pro-
posedtmilwaspresented mthecoua-
ciL
be project would consist of an
eight -foot bituminous trail on the
south side of the roadway, which
would basically follow the existing
remain," states the reporL "Tk exist-
ing terrain, for themost part. follows
the elevation of the 1091h Ave. Woad-
waywilhtheexceplionoftwoamas."
One of the areas is a wetland and ,
the trail would be lower m eliminate
wetland impacts. The second area
has a steep slope and city staff has .
recommended cutting and filling to
reduce the slope of the trail.
The feasibility study also lo -
viewed an alternative for placing the
trail at the sueelelevation which will
result in a substantial Ions of vegem-
tion, wetland impacts. need for re-
taining walls and excavation:'states
the report.
A hail that follows terrain would
be about $125,000 and a red at road-
way grade would be abouf5180,000-
The schedule of events for the project
was a public meeting that was Aug.
12,thecouncil receiving lhefeasibil-
ily report Aug. 16 and Sept. 7 the
council will consider. the bids and
vote to accept or reject
RESIDENTS PPEAK OUT
About a dozen residents came to
eft Aug. 16 city council meeting.
Albert Zuberi said them were about,
30 people at the Aug. 12 public hear
j Ing. He said them are safety issues
regarding 109th Ave. because there
is no shoulder. He also said Ihecityof''
Champlin may be planning a bike
path for the other side of the road. i ,
At the meeting we were assured it ,
would service the community,"
Zubet said. "But we are adequately
serviced. It'snotnecessary fora bike
i; path coming through 109M."
Kevin Jansen said the path would
serve more Champlin and Brooklyn
Park residents than those living in
Maple Grove.
Orr objective tonight, is to say
that we encourage more thought into
the project and mom options should
be considered:' Jansen said. "Not
everyone is here tonight. There were
many mom Thursday IAug. 12]."
Councilor LeAnn Sargent asked if t
residents realized this is a right -Of -
way. Zubcrt said the roadway should
be improved into a fou lace road, not
a walkway and bike path.
Sargent said when she bought her
Maple Grave home there was not a
bike path in her back yard. Whenorle
was proposed her neighborhood
went through many :pro? and cons,
Now that jt,it's btdl Arany seen to
egjoy it. ,
CONCERNS, t.
Zuben said them are heavy duty i
trucks that use 1091h Ave, and if the I.
Wit is cut down, "dents will lose .t1
e sound barrier. '
lawAKoelxnskysaidshehasaday`
tam =let at her home and some-
times the children are in the back
yard. The hill helps to keep bcr prop-
erty a safe place. She said if she puts
fix -foot fence up she would still be
able to see rhe knees of bicyclists. :
Iobjecttothissuongly,"shesaid.
if you put the bike path in, put it-,
rid"by IhestreetsoomchAdVenran
have a safe place."
graben said the city should look at +
w hat it already has, Colalci for David
Barrie, said the waits are the city's
number one amenity and them tae
piens to connect many communities
with bike trails.
I understand you point, but this
is a democratic process." Business
said. "If all the trails were put in with
the willingness of home owners we
wouldn't have any because rto one
wants the bike paths by thew homes
We understand safety. That's
by we have trails. We're getting the
bikd and people off the atreeu. If we
accept the feasibility studytonight
that doesn't mean the project will go "
through:'
The council accepted the feasibil-
ity report and said it will cane up
again at the Tuesday. Sept- 7 meet:
Ng. In other action the council:
ADOPTED an amendment for
funding for the Urban Hennepin.
I.County Community'Developmeld
Block Grant Program. '
APPROVED a plan review for .
Maple Square Texaco development-
There was sane discussion because;
twill be hlwted neara child care 1
ceme.. • ir., !
Eagle Lake tax increment funding
district
SET a public hearing for a tax
increment plan for a senior bowing
project
Deadlines changed
for Labor Day week
Deadlines have been changed for k
the Wednesdsy,Sept. Ileditionof the+
Osseo-Mapk Grow Press, because'
of the alba fay holiday.
All letters to the editor must be.
submitted by 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept.
2,assomal.Thedeadlinesforallnews ,
articles and legal notices is 5 P.m.
Thursday, Sept. 2.
The deadline for all classified.
advertising is noon Thursday, Sept.'
2. no deadline for display advertis-
ing is 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept 2. ' /
rrxa CLIPPING aERVICE
f USSr:U-M GNIK F.
KESSPaws
Il....Pi. fx.
A"S 2 5 1;;:7
M9 council gets negative input
on 109th Ave. trail project,
by
E.M. Perrault
The Maple Grove City Council
mlifeai feasibilityrepononatrail
on 109th Ave.N.mitsMonday,Aug.
16 meeting
Three members present, with
Mayor lames Deane and councilor
Irene Koski abmnL
Many residents weeon hand fora
discussion about the 1091h Trail
project. The council was scheduled
to vote on whether it would approve
plans and authorize advertisement
for bids for the proj=L
FEASIBILITY REPORT
A feasibility report for the Pro-
posedtmilwaspresented mthecoua-
ciL
be project would consist of an
eight -foot bituminous trail on the
south side of the roadway, which
would basically follow the existing
remain," states the reporL "Tk exist-
ing terrain, for themost part. follows
the elevation of the 1091h Ave. Woad-
waywilhtheexceplionoftwoamas."
One of the areas is a wetland and ,
the trail would be lower m eliminate
wetland impacts. The second area
has a steep slope and city staff has .
recommended cutting and filling to
reduce the slope of the trail.
The feasibility study also lo -
viewed an alternative for placing the
trail at the sueelelevation which will
result in a substantial Ions of vegem-
tion, wetland impacts. need for re-
taining walls and excavation:'states
the report.
A hail that follows terrain would
be about $125,000 and a red at road-
way grade would be abouf5180,000-
The schedule of events for the project
was a public meeting that was Aug.
12,thecouncil receiving lhefeasibil-
ily report Aug. 16 and Sept. 7 the
council will consider. the bids and
vote to accept or reject
RESIDENTS PPEAK OUT
About a dozen residents came to
eft Aug. 16 city council meeting.
Albert Zuberi said them were about,
30 people at the Aug. 12 public hear
j Ing. He said them are safety issues
regarding 109th Ave. because there
is no shoulder. He also said Ihecityof''
Champlin may be planning a bike
path for the other side of the road. i ,
At the meeting we were assured it ,
would service the community,"
Zubet said. "But we are adequately
serviced. It'snotnecessary fora bike
i; path coming through 109M."
Kevin Jansen said the path would
serve more Champlin and Brooklyn
Park residents than those living in
Maple Grove.
Orr objective tonight, is to say
that we encourage more thought into
the project and mom options should
be considered:' Jansen said. "Not
everyone is here tonight. There were
many mom Thursday IAug. 12]."
Councilor LeAnn Sargent asked if t
residents realized this is a right -Of -
way. Zubcrt said the roadway should
be improved into a fou lace road, not
a walkway and bike path.
Sargent said when she bought her
Maple Grave home there was not a
bike path in her back yard. Whenorle
was proposed her neighborhood
went through many :pro? and cons,
Now that jt,it's btdl Arany seen to
egjoy it. ,
CONCERNS, t.
Zuben said them are heavy duty i
trucks that use 1091h Ave, and if the I.
Wit is cut down, "dents will lose .t1
e sound barrier. '
lawAKoelxnskysaidshehasaday`
tam =let at her home and some-
times the children are in the back
yard. The hill helps to keep bcr prop-
erty a safe place. She said if she puts
fix -foot fence up she would still be
able to see rhe knees of bicyclists. :
Iobjecttothissuongly,"shesaid.
if you put the bike path in, put it-,
rid"by IhestreetsoomchAdVenran
have a safe place."
graben said the city should look at +
w hat it already has, Colalci for David
Barrie, said the waits are the city's
number one amenity and them tae
piens to connect many communities
with bike trails.
I understand you point, but this
is a democratic process." Business
said. "If all the trails were put in with
the willingness of home owners we
wouldn't have any because rto one
wants the bike paths by thew homes
We understand safety. That's
by we have trails. We're getting the
bikd and people off the atreeu. If we
accept the feasibility studytonight
that doesn't mean the project will go "
through:'
The council accepted the feasibil-
ity report and said it will cane up
again at the Tuesday. Sept- 7 meet:
Ng. In other action the council:
ADOPTED an amendment for
funding for the Urban Hennepin.
I.County Community'Developmeld
Block Grant Program. '
APPROVED a plan review for .
Maple Square Texaco development-
There was sane discussion because;
twill be hlwted neara child care 1
ceme.. • ir., !
Eagle Lake tax increment funding
district
SET a public hearing for a tax
increment plan for a senior bowing
project
Deadlines changed
for Labor Day week
Deadlines have been changed for k
the Wednesdsy,Sept. Ileditionof the+
Osseo-Mapk Grow Press, because'
of the alba fay holiday.
All letters to the editor must be.
submitted by 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept.
2,assomal.Thedeadlinesforallnews ,
articles and legal notices is 5 P.m.
Thursday, Sept. 2.
The deadline for all classified.
advertising is noon Thursday, Sept.'
2. no deadline for display advertis-
ing is 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept 2. ' /
Nxa CIIPPINOtERVICE `'Courilfil'Isfosition,;gves;:,
4a Pi y(
MOUND—TtrELA1tER Forest develo er g o -aheadIP
g '
ND—TH
L AUG 2 3
1933 By Curl
Anderson The Minnetrista
Council passed a motion Aug. 16 to
ap- point Julie Klemp,
Waconia, zoning administratorlplanning
as-
sistant. She will be starting Aug.
30. Now the council needs
a planner for her to
assist. Last month the
council thought it had a new planner
to replace Jay Blake, who
resigned May 7 to go to Crow
Wing County as a planning and
zoning administrator, but he backed
out beforesigning. Before that. the council
pro. moted Cary Teague, zoning
ad- ministrator, to zoning
administra- tor/planning assistant.
However, he resigned May 29 to
join Northwest Associated
Consult- ants as a
planner. In one month, Minnetrista
los its planner and zoning
adminis Irator at a time when land use
is sues am on the
increase. Char Erickson, city
adminis Valor, along with staff
member and some councilmembers have runoff provisions. which is
ex - been interviewing aspirants for peeledsoon. A letter of credit in. the planner. for the past
two Wednesdays, three each night, in amount of $39,833 is on file -
with addition to interviewing for the the city, which includes $29,
973 for the dedicalion fie^
The' zoning administrator/
assistant planner position, which has
now
park letter expires Dcc.
15. been filled by
Klemp. Philip Carlson, AICP
plan- The issue of a trail or
side walk connecting the northern
end ning consultant, has been assist- of neighboring Loring Drive
with' ing the staff with both jobs in the the subdivision conic upagain. Philip Carlson said theoutlotinterim. The council approved, after a there has been dedicated to
the public hearing, the preliminary city and its value will be.
dcduct - 1lal and final plat of a
subdivi- ion BTK and Associates
and ed from the park dedication
fee. I'd like to see thedeveloper
of Hometime Video
Productions I known as Maple Forest
Addition develop a trail there now
rather Chad a dedication."
commented at 4120 County Road
44. The council allowed the.
dc- Pal Schaefer,
councilmember, adding, that she woYYId like
that velrlper to proceed with Site recorded on all relevant
docd- preparation, footings andfounda. tions fur Lot dl and another lot ofmens. There'll be a substantial
cost his choosing before street
im- t provemems are
complete. to the 'trail," replied-
Philip Carlson. "It's not reasonable
to The developer has promised ask the developer to pay for
It." the street improvements by fall.' 4(^:r,1,, The CostsOf the hail,
because All city codes have been,A of the Slope of the terrain and
a complied with except Sign -offbyrl I ' TRISTA -: Pi '. Cont. on C9' S the engineer for storm
water deteriorating retaining wall
there, could exceed the developer'
s park dedication fee by as
much as three times, according
to Philip
Carlson. It's (the outlot) deeded
to the city as OU110L B and what
the city docs with it is up to
the city," he
continued. Apparently it can be
sold back by the city later if it
sochooses. Mayor Carlson
suggested going slowly with the Vail at
this time. Although he is all for a
trail connection between the
two neighborhoods, he
explained, It's premature now to make
a decision and commit the city
to perhaps SI00,000 for the trail
to be located there," he
said. An alternative nail closer
to County Road 44 at the rear
of two adjoining properties has
been looked at, but apparently the
res- idents involved do not support
it. Therefore to assure some kind
of a trail in the future,
council opted for the dedication to
the city of Oudot
B. The road entering the
subdivi- sion from County Road 44
has been realigned to follow
more closely the current
driveway there. In the process an outlot
on the north side of the roadway
de- sired by the developer as a
buffer between Loring Acres and
the subdivision was lost to the
right- of-way (
ROW). The construction of
perma- nent entryway monuments
an both sides of the entrance to
the subdivision came up for
discus- sion. Because the outlot on
the north side of the street is
now part of the ROW, the issue
be- came whether a private
monu- ment should be put on
public properly. The possibility
appearsremote. There is no promise
tonight 1in any shape; manner, or form (
to permit it)," said
Councilmember Paul Pond. "We already have
a problem of a wall over there," he
iadded. The wall is of uncertain ori -
1 gin but apparently is on
publicl, property, and its
maintcnancc'- and repair may have become
diel responsibility of the city
becausel of its placement on public prop -
i erty.)
1 A stub road leading to
the', south was realigned to
correy spond more closely with an exist -'1 ing trail as was done with the
en-, tranceroad. The council approved for
the second a year in a row
a Hennepin Parks -
sponsored archery deer hunt
between King's Point Road and
County Road 44 in the South
Halstead Bay area, and set Sept. 7 as
a public hearing date for the
hunt, the same night as the hearing
on the multiple -dock
policy. Dates for the hunt are
Sept. 22-27, Oct. 27 - Nov. 2, and
Nov. 17 -23. These dates represent,
a reduction in the length of
the hunt from seven weeks to
three in an attempt to reduce
inconve- nience in property
owners. The manner of selection
of the boners has also
been changed. Last year they were
se- lected by lottery, but this
year the saint hunters will be
invited back to participate
again. The archery hunt will
partly overlap with a Hennepin
Parks - sponsored shotgun hunt in
Carver park Nov. 20-
21. In other business, the
coun- cil
approved: a preliminary plat and
exten- sion of a final plat approval
date for Donald
Nordblom; a planned unit
development final plan, a rezoning, and a
sub. division
ofT
tr T.' s
Une stqKe away
Task force dppraises
By baniot Jacobson
The prospect of a Public golf
course on the Filen Prairie-Minne-
tonkaborderis appedling meityoffi-
clalswho believe that s course m that
area could fill many needs.
It also appeals to members of the
Glen fake Task Force, a group
charged with recommending a use
for 310 acres of Hennepin County.
Ind surrounding the County Home
School north of Highway 62 and east
of County Road 4.
But there we still some questions
to be answered before the task form
tcsommendsthisuse totheliennepin
County Board. The 13-member task
form hntigated an architectural study
this summer to see if the land could
accommodate a golf muse, and will
vote on whether to recommend it
once the results of the study come
back.
Dick Stranik, who chaps the task
form, said a golf course is the oW7usebeingconsideredandifitdoesnI
work, the group will have to head
back to the drawing board for other
ideas.
There are no backup plans,
Because of all the wetlands on this
property this is the only option we'veMind," Strahik said.
Eden Prairie officials are in favor
of a golf course for three reasons,
according to City Manager Carl Jul-
lie. Fhst, Jullie said, it would provide
a buffer mne between the home
school, which is a correctional facil-
ity forjuveniles, and the neighboring
residential district.
Juliie also said a course could
provide job opportunities for home
school residents. "It would be a good
job opportunity for the kids where
they could get out and get some exer-
cise," Jullie said.
golf coixtse Popos, al : FIs
the County
ofIn
And third, the annse could turns
profit for the county, JuWesaid.
1 know Hennepin Parks las some
interest in operating t," be said. "With
the high concentration of people in
that area, it would probably be a.
money-maker." However, according to Stranik,
the task form is looking at ways to
leavethecountyoutoftheoperation
of a golf course.
Our recommendation would be
that the county not get involved(m
the operation of a golf course),"
Stranik said. "We're trying to make
W has other u
Eden Wood and
tie
from
mount . saes — is in mume-
tonkaPlans for use of this land have
ass of recommending a use for the
vacant land has game on longer than
this a win-win dta.tba If we een,
without mat ro the taxpayer."
71ne ideal aituadon, according to
Strands, would be for the county to
enter a long-term Imsewith a devel-
oper, who would bond and operate
the course. Tim way the coumy would
retain ownership of the land.
However it is developed, most
agree there isplenty of demand for a
new course In the area. With the
closest 18 -hole public eomsea being
Braemar in Edina and Dahlsreen in
Chaska,lulliebelievesthere ssneed
for another public course. Stranik
agrma "It's a nice area for it, and
everyone thinks a course would do
well there," he said.
Of the county -awned land in that
area, 92 saes is in Edea Paine. But
became most of this land's wetland
was expected, Stranik avid, and he
hopes the task form will be able to
forward its recommendation before
the end of September.
I thought we would have it all
EVEN PRAIRIE'. NEWS
Ilen,"vi" Co.
SEP 2 1993
NNP CLIPPING SERVICE
Ein'A
NN1'l1RRENT
11 .... Pi. ('".
AUG 2 51993
Council gets in step with teen entertainment needs \
By Katy Koch.,, helpers and advisers Kerrison
1 1 has recruited to help with the
Teen dances organized by a dances, each attended by more
parent working in cooperation than 100 students. Others are
with the city and schools of Kathy Stassen, Margaret
Edina will continue as long as Frances and Debbie York.
they are successful, it was Kerrison has spoken out about
decided last week. the challenges facing parents
Edina parent (Yawn Kerrison _. and students who find drinking
has proposed the idea of dances is a part of the social scene
to provide safe but entertaining beginning in about eighth grade- rade.
alcohol-andalcohol- andtobacco -free fun for if your kids are not doing it
teens who often lack such social themselves, they are at least go -
alternatives. ing to be present while other
Kerrison, who this summer kids drink," Kerrison wrote
has successfully organized two recently in a letter to the Edina
dances in an Edina warehouse, Sun -Current.
has received a growing base of With a lot of frustration fuel -
support from throughout the ing me, and a lot of help from
community. wonderful people who feel the
She coordinates the dances same way I do, -Warehouse
now as an aged of the city. Ragers' have come into being,"
1 think it is a real important Kerrison said.
piece of our Chemical It's easy to my 'don't do it,'
Awareness program," Jay Jaf- to just say no,' "said Deniece
fee, coordinator of program for Golden, a psychologist who
Edina schools, told the Edina Ci- spoke in favor of the program.
ly`6amcil Aug. 16. Kids need to have an alternate
Jalfee is one of several
school that we're not u dermhh-
option; V . 5 web.
The City Council on June 16 The city has agreed to help
voted to su;aport another pay for the police officers and
warehouse party;., this one for mailings to be sent to parents of
ninth- and 10th -graders, students in the different grades
scheduled for 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. being targeted Ages vary, ac -
Saturday, Sept. 18. If that one cording to the dance.
goes well, there are tentative The city did not agree, as re
plans for two additional dances quested. to open a sewer line
in Octaber, one in November from a sheet to the warehouse
and one next spring. being used, nor did officials
There are volunteer pared agree to fix existing beating
chaperones present at the pipes in the building which
dances, although they remain formerly housed Lewis
outside the actual room where Engineering.
the party is taking place, Two Before lending their
off-duty police officers plus unanimous approval to the nod
college-age bouncers provide dance, City Council members
added security throughout the had their concerns addressed
dance. After the parties, Cowl Mems Jane I78Wus
students are sent hone with said she is concaved about a
responsible adults. perception that the independent
The total cast to put on each dances are undermining what
dance is more than $1,000, but the schools are wing.
Kerrison has worked to obtain I think we need to get good
volunteer support and donations communications back to the
to defray costs. Shdents press ,J- school that we're not u dermhh- ther Ms to purchase tickets for ing'dnse events," Paulus said.
We're the ones who get the
phone calls."
Kerrison said the Warehouse
Railer dances are intended to
supplement what the public
schools are offering She has
tried to schedule dances on a
tentative basis not to conflict
with (public) school events,"
she said
City Manager Ken Rosland
said he would include the topic
of dances, coordinating in a
meeting with Superintendent
Ken Dragseth.
I still believe the approach
Daum is taking is solid in the
mamer of working with young
people;" Rosland said in his
recommendation to the council.
It is understood that we will
only proceed with web dance
based upon success in terms of
the kids' compliance with our
rules and our ability to keep the
dances paying for themselves;
Kerrison stated in her propasaI
to the city.