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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 . 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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.