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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Packet 02-09-1995Regular Meeting of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission February 9, 1995, 7 p.m. AGENDA 1. Call to Order 2. Approval of Minutes 3. Visitor Presentations a. Athletic Associations b. Staff c. Others 4. Report on Past Council Action a. Authorized staff to secure purchase options on open space sites 5. Unfinished Business a. Adopt 1994 annual report b. Private swimming pool update c. West Medicine Lake Park update d. Unique open spaces update e. Playfield/highschool update 6. New Business a. Study of youth sports facilities b. Review staff proposals for program enhancements 7. Commission Presentation 8. Staff Communication 9. Adjourn Next regular meeting - March 9, 1995 Minutes of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting January 12, 1995 Page 1 Present: Chair Anderson, Commissioners Bildsoe, Fiemann, Johnson, Priebe, Wahl and Willegalle; staff Bisek, Blank, Busch and Pederson; and resident Mona Domaas 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Anderson called the January meeting to order at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion was made by Commissioner Wahl and seconded by Commissioner Bildsoe to approve the minutes of the December meeting as presented. The motion carried with all ayes. 3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS a. Athletic Associations. None were present. b. Staff. Mary Bisek discussed the upcoming Fire and Ice Festival. She stated that this year's festival includes some new activities and some new sponsors. Approximately 150 volunteers, including PRAC, help with this event. Flyers advertising the festival will be distributed in the elementary schools the week of January 16. Mary announced that the next recreation activities brochure will be mailed to residents in early February. She stated that it will have a new look and invited commissioners to call the recreation office with their comments. c. Others. See item 5a. 4. PAST COUNCIL ACTION a. Council approved the 1995 work plan, but added item 8, regarding the study of youth athletic facilities. b. Council approved the name Heather Ponds for the neighborhood park in the Heather Run/Seven Ponds development. c. Council approved the concept plan for the proposed high school/playfield in northwest Plymouth. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Proposal for park in neighborhood 17. Director Blank showed a video tape to the Commission that he had videoed earlier that day highlighting the two areas proposed for park in neighborhood 17. He also discussed his staff report which recommended that site 3 be chosen, because of its location, its visibility from the road, and the PRAC Minutes/January 1995 Page 2 number of trees on it. Site 2 has no trees. Director Blank's staff report explained that this site would be connected with the Autumn Hills development by a trail running up through the Lundgren Bros. plat and then going along Glacier Lane to the park site. Director Blank then stated that he had received an easement agreement from Lundgren Bros. earlier on Thursday that stated Lundgren Bros. would grant trail easement only if site #2 was chosen for the park. Commissioner Willegalle asked if Mrs. Domaas had a preference for one site over the other. She indicated that it didn't really matter, as long as there were trails on Vicksburg and Schmidt Lake Road if site #3 was chosen. Director Blank responded that trails are proposed for Vicksburg and Schmidt Lake Road. The Vicksburg trail will likely be on the shoulder of the road for now, and will become an off-road trail once Vicksburg is upgraded. Commissioner Wahl asked if there were homes on the east side of Vicksburg across from site #3. Director Blank stated that there were. Commissioner Wahl then commented that these residents would have to cross Vicksburg to get to this new park. Director Blank responded that the residents on the east side of Vicksburg can walk to Turtle Lake Park, which doesn't require crossing any major streets, but he agreed with Commissioner Wahl that some may choose to cross Vicksburg to get to the new park. Commissioners asked what age group the new park would serve. Director Blank indicated that it would be primarily for pre-school through age 12. Commissioner Bildsoe asked about the possibility of developing something for the older kids at the water tower site. Director Blank stated that although there were no plans for any activities at the water tower site, that it was a large enough area that something could be considered such as an open field for informal pick-up ball games. There would be no lights, fences or backstops, etc. Commissioners then wondered about the easement agreement that Lundgren Bros. had presented if they were to recommend site #3 over site #2. Director Blank responded that site #3 would still be available to the residents in the Lundgren Bros. plat, but that it would be a little more inconvenient for them to get to. Commissioner Fiemann asked if Lundgren Bros. might agree to a trail through their development even if site #3 was selected. Director Blank said that PRAC should make a recommendation requesting that staff work with Lundgren Bros. to get trail easement through Autumn Hills if PRAC decides they want site #3 for the park. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BILDSOE TO ACCEPT STAFF'S RECOMMENDATION FOR SITE #3 FOR A PARK IN NEIGHBORHOOD 17. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL AYES. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER FIEMANN AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WILLEGALLE RECOMMENDING THAT STAFF NEGOTIATE PRAC Minutes/January 1995 Page 3 WITH LUNDGREN BROS. TO SECURE TRAIL EASEMENT THROUGH AUTUMN HILLS. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL AYES. b. Private swimming pool update. There was no new information to report on this item. c. West Medicine Lake Park update. Director Blank reported that the last home located within the boundaries of the park had been removed. The current priority at this time is the road alignment, so the project has been turned over to the Engineering Department for now. They are busy fine tuning the alignment in order to save as many trees as possible. Director Blank explained to PRAC what surcharging a road means in response to a question from Commissioner Fiemann. Director Blank stated that PRAC could begin studying a location for the tennis court at their February meeting. Commissioner Johnson wondered about some property that is currently for sale on the northern edge of the West Medicine Lake park. Director Blank indicated that it was very expensive land and that he would prefer to find a spot for the tennis courts within the boundaries that the City currently owns. d. Uniuue open spaces update. Director Blank explained that the City Council directed the Open Space Committee to select the sites that should be acquired and determine a method for funding any acquisition. The Open Space Committee is recommending four sites, #1, #5, #6 and #12. Each quadrant of the City is covered by one of these sites. The Open Space Committee's preferred method of funding is a bond referendum. Director Blank further explained that in order to come up with an estimated dollar amount for the bond referendum, purchase options need to be secured on the four proposed sites. PRAC asked Director Blank if the Open Space Committee had some idea about the dollar amount of the bond referendum. He responded that the Committee was considering $3,000,000. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER PRIEBE AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WAHL ENDORSING THE OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE'S RECOMMENDATION THAT STAFF BE AUTHORIZED TO NEGOTIATE PURCHASE OPTIONS ON SITES #1, #5, #6 AND #12. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL AYES. Commissioner Fiemann asked about the likelihood of the bond referendum including money for trail development. Chair Anderson responded that it was a possibility. e. Playfield/highschool update. Director Blank reviewed how much property the City would own and how much the school district would own. He stated that construction on the highschool building could start in October. The Planning Commission must still re -guide the property to public/semi-public. The EAW (environmental assessment) hasn't been completed yet, either. Commissioner Willegalle asked if there were plans to include an ice rink at the new highschool. Director Blank said there are no plans for an indoor ice rink at this time. He feels that if any new ice sheets are added, it would be at the old high school on Vicksburg. PRAC Minutes/January 1995 Page 4 Director Blank informed PRAC that the Mighty Ducks Ice Arena Task Force, set up by the Legislature in 1994, has been meeting regularly and plans to propose legislation in 1995 for a state-wide grant program that would give qualifying communities up to 250,000 to build ice rinks. It has been estimated that at this time the communities of Plymouth, Wayzata, Maple Grove, and New Hope are short ice rinks by at least two. f. Trail system segment review - consultant report. The City's traffic consultant, SRF, has concluded that the trail system plan needs to be modified by adding trails on Medina Road, Xenium Lane, 10th Avenue, Old 9 and County Road 6. The traffic consultant determined that the trail on County Road 6 does not need to be built at this time, if further development does not take place in the southeast quadrant of 6 & 494. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER BILDSOE AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER JOHNSON RECOMMENDING THAT THE PLANNING COMMISSION HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE COMPREHENSIVE TRAIL PLAN. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL AYES. 6. NEW BUSINESS a. Study of youth sports facilities. Director Blank explained that this item is an addition to the PRAC work plan, added by the City Council. Council wants the Commission and/or a subcommittee to study current and future needs of both outdoor and indoor facilities for youth sports. The study should address the priority of construction and how to fund any such construction. Commissioner Bildsoe asked if Council is looking for specific facilities, such as ice arenas, or a wide range of facilities in some sort of priority. He suggested that a starting point for this study might be the survey that was conducted in 1993 by the Minnesota Center for Survey Research. Director Blank agreed and added that a phone survey is being conducted sometime in 1995, and that PRAC will have an opportunity to suggest some questions relative to parks and recreation to be included in the survey. Director Blank will put together more detailed information on this item for continued discussion at next month's meeting. b. 1995 rental fees. Director Blank informed PRAC that it was time again to review park facility rental policies/fees and to make recommendations for 1995. Recreation Supervisor, Rick Busch, presented the policy on renting fields and rinks, explaining the changes that are being proposed. Some of the changes include providing lights for practice for youth athletic groups. In the past, lights for practice were provided only to youth hockey. A park attendant is no longer required to be on duty when a field is rented, however, a warming house attendant is required to be on duty @ $9 per hour when an ice rink is rented. Any group selling beer is required to provide two portable satellites at their event. Rick then briefly reviewed for PRAC what some of his duties involve as recreation supervisor of athletics. He explained that he schedules all fields and rinks for PRAC Minutes/January 1995 Page 5 Plymouth Park and Recreation activities, as well as for all youth athletic associations. He also now schedules all the facilities in School Dist. 284 that youth athletics use. In the past, Wayzata Community Education would schedule those facilities, but it became far too confusing for the youth athletic groups to deal with two different agencies when trying to schedule fields. Rick also distributed to PRAC a chart showing enrollment in adult team sports from 1985-1994. Adult team participation climbed fairly steadily until 1990, but has since leveled off. Rick attributes this to limiting our leagues now to basically resident teams only. This was done due to increasing demand on our facilities and our desire to offer our leagues to resident teams first and non-residents second. Non-resident teams are still permitted, to play in our leagues but on a more limited basis. Director Blank then reviewed the other policies, Parkers Lake Pavilion, Parkers Lake picnic shelter, Bass Lake shelter and canoe racks. Changes proposed in the pavilion rental policy are an increase in fees. School district use would remain at $8 an hour, Plymouth non-profit groups would increase from $18 to $19 per hour, private Plymouth groups would go from $30 to $31 per hour, and non-resident groups would go from $36 to $38 per hour. The only change proposed for Bass Lake shelter was to accept rentals on holidays, which wasn't done in the past. There were no changes proposed on canoe rack rentals. Changes proposed in the Parkers Lake picnic shelter policy are to accept rentals on holidays, accept rentals from non-residents and an increase in fees. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER JOHNSON AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER FIEMANN RECOMMENDING KEEPING FEES THE SAME FOR RENTALS DURING THE WEEK, BUT INCREASING THEM ON SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS AND HOLIDAYS, TO $50 FOR RESIDENTS AND $60 FOR NON-RESIDENTS FOR HALF-DAY RENTALS, AND $100 FOR RESIDENTS AND $120 FOR NON-RESIDENTS FOR FULL DAY RENTALS AT THE PARKERS LAKE PICNIC SHELTER. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL AYES. Commissioner Priebe also suggested that a clause be added to all the policies holding the City harmless in case of illness, injury, loss, or damage incurred by any user of any facility. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WAHL AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER JOHNSON TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF PROPOSED CHANGES TO ALL OTHER RENTAL POLICIES AS OUTLINED BY STAFF. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL AYES. c. Review draft of 1994 Annual Report. Director Blank briefly reviewed the 1994 Annual Report, explaining that it will need PRAC's approval at the February meeting, so that it can be forwarded to the City Council. PRAC Minutes/January 1995 Page 6 7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION None. 8. STAFF COMMUNICATION None. f 1:_ Y The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m. r January 27, 1995 CITY OF PUMOUTR Roger and Shelly Meyerhoff 11825 23rd Avenue N Plymouth, MN 55441 Dear Mr. & Mrs. Meyerhoff. My purpose in writing to you today is to update you on the status of West Medicine Lake Park, and more specifically, the tennis courts. As the consulting engineers have moved deeper into the detailed design and the definition of the wetlands throughout the area, we have determined that a portion of the proposed tennis court would lie in a wetland area. For this reason, the tennis courts have been removed from the northerly portion of the plan. At this time, an alternative location has not been identified for the tennis courts. The first phase of the project, mainly the mad, is moving forward, and we expect to let a contract sometime in March or April. The actual construction of park facilities will not commence until the summer of 1996, thus we have time to research and review alternative locations for the tennis courts. The Park and Recreation Advisory Commission will look at this issue later this year. Thank you for taking the time to write to me about your thoughts on the tennis courts, and I hope that this information will alleviate your concern with regard to the location of the tennis courts. If I may be of further assistance to you, please do not hesitate to give me a call at 550- 5131. Sincerely, l /"'' Eric J. Blank, Director Parks and Recreation EB/np cc: City Manager LWAC West Medicine Lake Focus Group We Listen • We Solve • We Care 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447 • TELEPHONE (612) 550-5000 pc,Tv January 27, 1995 F PUMOUTR Steven & Diane Chase 11901 23rd Ave N Plymouth, MN 55441 Dear Mr. & Mrs. Chase: My purpose in writing to you today is to update you on the status of West Medicine Lake Park, and more specifically, the tennis courts. As the consulting engineers have moved deeper into the detailed design and the definition of the wetlands throughout the area, we have determined that a portion of the proposed tennis court would lie in a wetland area. For this reason, the tennis courts have been removed from the northerly portion of the plan. At this time, an alternative location has not been identified for the tennis courts. The first phase of the project, mainly the road, is moving forward, and we expect to let a contract sometime in March or April. The actual construction of park facilities will not commence until the summer of 1996, thus we have time to research and review alternative locations for the tennis courts. The Park and Recreation Advisory Commission will look at this issue later this year. Thank you for taking the time to write to me about your thoughts on the tennis courts, and I hope that this information will alleviate your concern with regard to the location of the tennis courts. If I may be of further assistance to you, please do not hesitate to give me a call at 550- 5131. Sincerely, C. z-- "Sl Eric J. Blank, Director Parks and Recreation EB/np cc: City Manager L-PA'AC West Medicine Lake Focus Group We Listen • We Solve • We Care 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447 • TELEPHONE (612) 550-5000 January 27, 1995 rpow OF PUMOUTIf Thomas & Rosanna Luskey 11907 23rd Ave N Plymouth, MN 55441 Dear Mr. & Mrs. Luskey: My purpose in writing to you today is to update you on the status of West Medicine Lake Park, and more specifically, the tennis courts. As the consulting engineers have moved deeper into the detailed design and the definition of the wetlands throughout the area, we have determined that a portion of the proposed tennis court would lie in a wetland area. For this reason, the tennis courts have been removed from the northerly portion of the plan. At this time, an alternative location has not been identified for the tennis courts. The fust phase of the project, mainly the road, is moving forward, and we expect to let a contract sometime in March or April. The actual construction of park facilities will not commence until the summer of 1996, thus we have time to research and review alternative locations for the tennis courts. The Park and Recreation Advisory Commission will look at this issue later this year. Thank you for taking the time to write to me about your thoughts on the tennis courts, and I hope that this information will alleviate your concern with regard to the location of the tennis courts. If I may be of further assistance to you, please do not hesitate to give me a call at 550- 5131. Sincerely, Eric J. Blank, Director Parks and Recreation EB/np cc: City Manager vPRAC West Medicine Lake Focus Group We Listen • We Solve • We Care 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447 • TELEPHONE (612) 550-5000 January 27, 1995 CITY OF PLYMOUTR Eve Perlman 11911 23rd Ave N Plymouth, MN 55441 Dear Mrs. Perlman: My purpose in writing to you today is to update you on the status of West Medicine Lake Park, and more specifically, the tennis courts. As the consulting engineers have moved deeper into the detailed design and the definition of the wetlands throughout the area, we have determined that a portion of the proposed tennis court would lie in a wetland area. For this reason, the tennis courts have been removed from the northerly portion of the plan. At this time, an alternative location has not been identified for the tennis courts. The fust phase of the project, mainly the road, is moving forward, and we expect to let a contract sometime in March or April. The actual construction of park facilities will not commence until the summer of 1996, thus we have time to research and review alternative locations for the tennis courts. The Park and Recreation Advisory Commission will look at this issue later this year. Thank you for taking the time to write to me about your thoughts on the tennis courts, and I hope that this information will alleviate your concern with regard to the location of the tennis courts. If I may be of further assistance to you, please do not hesitate to give me a call at 550- 5131. Sincerely, 6,4,0 Eric J. Blank, Director Parks and Recreation EB/np cc: City Manager L,,PRAC West Medicine Lake Focus Group We Listen • We Solve • We Care 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447 • TELEPHONE (612) 550-5000 5' January 27, 1995 PCITYOF PUMOUTR Thomas Stout & Sara Biewen 11917 23rd Ave N Plymouth, MN 55441 Dear Mr. Stout and Ms. Biewen: My purpose in writing to you today is to update you on the status of West Medicine Lake Park, and more specifically, the tennis courts. As the consulting engineers have moved deeper into the detailed design and the definition of the wetlands throughout the area, we have determined that a portion of the proposed tennis court would lie in a wetland area. For this reason, the tennis courts have been removed from the northerly portion of the plan. At this time, an alternative location has not been identified for the tennis courts. The fust phase of the project, mainly the road, is moving forward, and we expect to let a contract sometime in March or April. The actual construction of park facilities will not commence until the summer of 1996, thus we have time to research and review alternative locations for the tennis courts. The Park and Recreation Advisory Commission will look at this issue later this year. Thank you for taking the time to write to me about your thoughts on the tennis courts, and I hope that this information will alleviate your concern with regard to the location of the tennis courts. If I may be of further assistance to you, please do not hesitate to give me a call at 550- 5131. Sincerely, rye Eric J. Blank, Director Parks and Recreation EB/np cc: City Manager LPRAC West Medicine Lake Focus Group We Listen • We Solve • We Care 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447 • TELEPHONE (612) 550-5000 January 27, 1995 CITY OFPLYMOUTR Pru Palecek 11917 23rd Ave N Plymouth, MN 55441 Dear Ms. Palecek: My purpose in writing to you today is to update you on the status of West MedicineLike Park, and more specifically, the tennis courts. As the consulting engineers have moved deeper into the detailed design and the definition of the wetlands throughout the area, we have determined that a portion of the proposed tennis court would lie in a wetland area. For this reason, the tennis courts have been removed from the northerly portion of the plan. At this time, an alternative location has not been identified for the tennis courts. The fust phase of the project, mainly the road, is moving forward, and we expect to let a contract sometime in March or April. The actual construction of park facilities will not commence until the summer of 1996, thus we have time to research and review alternative locations for the tennis courts. The Park and Recreation Advisory Commission will look at this issue later this year. Thank you for taking the time to write to me about your thoughts on the tennis courts, and I hope that this information will alleviate your concern with regard to the location of the tennis courts. If I may be of further assistance to you, please do not hesitate to give me a call at 550- 5131. Sincerely, E, 'yam Eric J. Blank, Director Parks and Recreation EB/np cc: City Manager PkAC West Medicine Lake Focus Group We Listen • We Solve • We Care 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH. MINNESOTA 55447 • TELEPHONE (612) 550-5000 January 27, 1995 PCI TvOF PLYMOUTR Bill & Gary Charboneau 2205 W Medicine Lake Dr Plymouth, MN 55441 Dear Bill and Gary: My purpose in writing to you today is to update you on the status of West Medicine Lake Park, and more specifically, the tennis courts. As the consulting engineers have moved deeper into the detailed design and the definition of the wetlands throughout the area, we have determined that a portion of the proposed tennis court would lie in a wetland area. For this reason, the tennis courts have been removed from the northerly portion of the plan. At this time, an alternative location has not been identified for the tennis courts. The first phase of the project, mainly the road, is moving forward, and we expect to let a contract sometime in March or April. The actual construction of park facilities will not commence until the summer of 1996, thus we have time to research and review alternative locations for the tennis courts. The Park and Recreation Advisory Commission will look at this issue later this year. Thank you for taking the time to write to me about your thoughts on the tennis courts, and I hope that this information will alleviate your concern with regard to the location of the tennis courts. If I may be of further assistance to you, please do not hesitate to give me a call at 550- 5131. Sincerely, Eric J. Blank, Director Parks and Recreation EB/np cc: City Manager i/FRAC West Medicine Lake Focus Group We Listen • We Solve • We Care 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH. MINNESOTA 55447 • TELEPHONE (612) 550-5000 DATE: February 6, 1995 TO: PRAC FROM: Eric J. Blank, Director, Parks and Recreation SUBJECT: STUDY OF YOUTH SPORTS In December, the City Council adopted your recommendations for your 1995 work plan. They modified the work plan by adding one additional subject. They have asked the Commission to work with them in studying youth sports' needs during this year. Mayor Tierney and Council members Lymangood and Wold have volunteered to be participants on this committee. I would recommend that three or four park commission members who have an interest also volunteer to work as a subcommittee on this issue. I would also suggest that we attempt to get one representative of the Wayzata and Robbinsdale school districts involved in the committee. Rick Busch, our athletic coordinator, and I would act as staff liaisons to the subcommittee. The subcommittee would be charged with the responsibility of gathering the information, meeting with athletic associations, etc., and preparing a report for the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission to review and comment on. EB/np PER CAPITA SURVEY • JANUARY 1995 City Name 1995 Est Population Square Miles Total Park Acres Owned Total Park Acres Maintained Total Edsting Milan of Trails Overall Budget Projected Overall Revenue Total Cost to Taxpayer Special Facilities Robbinsdale" 14,500 2.70 110 110 5 1,347,000 289,650 73.00 community center, indoor pool Bumsvib** 53,000 27.00 1,660 550 16 4,082,873 1,537,145 48.03 9 hole golf course (par 3), 2 -sheet ice arena Brooklyn Center 28,867 8.52 522 342 56 2,545,167 1,153,132 46.00 community, center, indoor pool with watersfide, 9 -hole golf course Fridley 28,300 10.00 490 316 3.5 1,483,639 174,872 46.25 nature center, senior center, athletic complex, beach Brooklyn park" 60,000 27.00 1,600 1,400 25 3,000,000 420,000 43.00 ice arena, community activity center, 9 -hole gaff course, 18fiole golf course, historical farm, 2 environmental areas, trails, community resource center, swimming pod Eden Prairie" 48,500 36.00 1,969 922 68 3,304,000 1,306,100 42.97 community comer with 2 ice stoats,1 indoor pock 3 historic sites, museum, senior center, outdoor center, 2 beaches, l outdoor amphitheater St. Louis Park" Cottage Grove" 44,000 25,500 10.50 38.00 800 620 500 425 15 14 2,662,000 2,478,600 847,000 1,450,700 41.26 40.30 indoor ice arena, outdoor pool, community center, nature center, historical societyldepot, showmobie golf course, ice arena, outdoor pool, 6 seasonal centers Chanhassen 15,500 23.00 415 190 9 793,000 210,000 39.00 recreation comer, senior center, beach, 2 pavilions Plymouth** 56,910 35.50 g00 300 65 2,611,773 582,517 36.81 none Apple Valley 42,000 17.50 765 575 51 3,162,610 1,631,795 36.44 18 -hob golf course, 2 community centers, l outdoor pool, l sports arenaltennisliar New Hope" 23,000 6.00 201 185 0 1,890,118 1,051,878 36.00 ice arena, 9 -hole golf course, outdoor pool, outdoor theater Eagan" 56,000 36.00 1,200 386 74 2,236,800 286,000 34.84 none Bloomington" 86,336 38.00 5,000 1,600 10 8,044,000 3,204,000 32.83 10 & 94wle goff course, driving range, pod, watersfide, beach, 3 indoor centers, art center, history museurn, senior and teen center Maple Grove 44,000 36.00 1,120 500 87 2,006,000 700,000 29.68 1101311 Inver Grove Heights 25,0001 36.00 794 292 15 973,400 231,830 29.66 golf course Minnetonka** 49,300 28.00 1,400 400 29 2,484,500 1,130,400 27.46 2 ice arenas, community center, small activity center, 2 beaches Maplewood 33,500 19.00 406 300 7 2,500,000 1,600,000 26.96 community center, pool, theatre, gymrssiun Lakeville 35,000 38.00 900 450 26 955,345 65,500 25.42 all purpose senior center, 3 beaches Champlin 19,500 9.00 300 231 15 613,998 145,000 24.00 senior center Blaine 40,800 33.00 518 340 15 1,044,235 82,500 23.57 senior center Edna 47,000 15.00 1,556 1,200 4 5,845,275 4,852,199 21.13 45 holes golf, golf time, driving range, art center, pool, indoor park, senior center, gun range, 2 indoor ice sheets Relates to General Fund pan of budget. Golf courses, uric., ars separate enterprise funds and perorate revenue substantially over Operating casts, e.g., golf course annually has 1100,0066150,000 in surplus above operating costs. includes forestry. DATE: February 6, 1995 TO: PRAC 12 FROM: Eric J. Blank, Director, Parks and Recreation E SUBJECT: FACILITY AND PROGRAM ENHANCEMENTS During the last year, staff has been visiting and reviewing programs and facilities at other communities throughout the metropolitan area. We have been looking for new programs or facilities that could enhance our existing parks in an economical or productive way. Also we get many requests from citizens, youth groups, athletic associations, etc., requesting that we provide additional opportunities in our parks. At our February meeting, I would like to take just a few minutes to review some ideas with you and have a brief discussion with you on your initial feelings on each of these subjects. At this time, we have not done detailed cost estimates on any of these subjects, but have gotten basic information from other communities. I intend to come back at your March meeting with more specific information, including estimated budgets and specific recommendations on each of these items. 1. Pave asphalt surface on existing outdoor ice skating rink. During the last couple of years, we have received many requests from people wanting either to skateboard or rollerblade and play roller hockey at our outdoor hockey facilities. We have checked around and found that there are three or four other communities including Edina and Roseville that have already started programs such as this. We think we would be quite successful in starting a youth roller hockey program this summer if we had a facility available by June 1. We have had one contractor give us an estimate on paving the east rink at Plymouth Creek Park for the amount of $19,000. 2. For a number of years we have been receiving requests for outdoor sand volleyball courts at Parkers Lake. We held off taking any action on this item pending the development of the playfield portion of the Parkers Lake complex. Although we have some concern with parking, we think it would be practical to proceed with the addition of two courts on the lake side of Parkers Lake Park. Courts would go on the grassy area across the driveway on the west side of the large picnic shelter. The estimated cost for this improvement would be in the range of $3,000 to $4,000. 3. The Plymouth -Wayzata Youth Baseball Association has requested that we consider the addition of two batting cages at the Parkers Lake Playfield. I believe there is adequate space available in the park for this improvement and that it is a practical use of the playfield site. With the addition of batting cages the facility would be much more productive in its use. Some team members can be taking batting practice in the cages while the other players are taking infield practice on the fields. If the City chooses to get financially involved in this program, the batting cages could then also be made available to the entire general public for their enjoyment as well. The cost associated with making this improvement is quite open at this time. The numbers could run from between $5,000 and 25,000. If the Commission thinks this is a worthwhile program, I think perhaps our best bet would be to propose the maximum you'd like to finance the program for, and have the baseball association fund -raise for the remaining dollars. (See attached memos from the baseball association.) 4. The City of St. Louis Park has been tremendously successful with two toboggan runs they opened in one of their larger parks a year ago. If time allows, I hope to get down to St. Louis Park to videotape this facility before Thursday night's meeting. We have looked at this in a very preliminary way and believe there is a possibility this could be added at Parkers Lake Park. We think the toboggan run could be built on one of the hills on the west side of the park with its run -out going down onto the frozen lake. The cost estimate for doing something like this is in the neighborhood of $6,000 to $8,000. We think this fits well at Parkers Lake because we already have a warming house, parking, and night lighting in the park. 5. Staff believes there is a need for a tent for the park and recreation department. A large canopy type tent with the availability of side walls to be used at many of our special events and festivals throughout the year. Many hours of staff time and volunteer time are put into planning these community -wide festivals and events, only to have them jeopardized by the threat of bad weather. Some of the events that would benefit from a large canopy tent would be Music in Plymouth, Fire and Ice, Old Fashioned Christmas, History Fest, Water Carnival, youth soccer and baseball tournaments, etc.. In many cases, we have to go out and pay $500 or $600 to rent a tent for these events, or we simply go without them and run the risk of fighting the inclement weather. We think there is a need for perhaps two tents, one roughly 10 x 10 that could be used for registration, basic information distribution, etc., at special events. This would run in the neighborhood of $500 to $700. A second larger tent, roughly 30 x 60 in size, would run in the neighborhood of $7,000 to $8,000. EB/np Attachments Picnic Shelter 8' Wide Asphalt Path Bench 12' Asphalt Path satellite Enclosure— See Detail .a Ben Rorm Sewer Extension Includes Catch Basin, 12• CMP,; k Flared End W1RIp-Rap) For Detailed Information lefer To Detail 8 L-7 Satellite Enclosure - 12' Wide Asphalt Path BENCH LOCATIONS INFORMATION , Contractor Shall Locate Benches As Indicated On Plan. Final Location Approval By Project L.A.-E. Prior ToInstallation. For Installation Information Refer To DetaileL-7 0 Bench Beach Curb & Beach Area Lr. AdditjOna 1 Inf Peac LunDGREn BROS. CONSTRUCTION January 18, 1995 INC- W. Eric Blank City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 Re: Granting of a Trail Easement to the City of Plymouth through Autumn Hills In summary, although we can not assist the City of Plymouth in this trail at this time, we look forward to working with the City on future park space and trails. Should there be any questions, please do not hesitate to call. Sincerely, LUND N SOS. CONSTRUCTION, INC. David A Hinners Enclosure cc: Terry Forbord Dear Eric: 935 E. Wayzata Blvd. After a great deal of effort and consideration by a number of individuals at Lundgren Bros. Wayzata Construction, Inc., I regret to inform you that we have rejected the proposed trail easement Minnesota 55391 between Lots 7 & 8, Block 1, Autumn Hills 2nd Addition. If you will recall, we only started our review of this matter at your request for a park immediately north of said lots. Even though we 612)473-1231 had reservations with the negative affects the trail and park may have, we tried to be accommodating. When the location of the proposed park was changed, in our opinion, any potential benefit to Autumn Hills was outweighed by the potential burden to the owners of the lots adjacent to the proposed trail. These owners would experience a lack of privacy, potential security risks and continuous maintenance concerns. Additionally, an established trail route is planned along Vicksburg Lane. We feel this trail is a much wiser choice and would benefit a wider range of citizens. In summary, although we can not assist the City of Plymouth in this trail at this time, we look forward to working with the City on future park space and trails. Should there be any questions, please do not hesitate to call. Sincerely, LUND N SOS. CONSTRUCTION, INC. David A Hinners Enclosure cc: Terry Forbord i January 19, 1995 01V OF PUMOUTR Mona Domaas 15910 46th Avenue N Plymouth, MN 55446 Dear Mona: Thank you for your kind letter we received on January 17. I appreciate the time and effort that you put into working with the staff and Park Commission to identify and address an issue for your neighborhood. You dealt with the issue in a very thoughtful and factual manner. I look forward to working with you in the future as we all work toward a common goal to develop this park and a trail system to meet your neighborhood's needs. Again, thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you in the future. Sincerely, v &K Eric J. Blank, Director Parks and Recreation EB/np cc: PRAC City Manager We Listen • We Solve • We Care 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447 • TELEPHONE (612) 550-5000 PROP0,5A L TO ADD P -A TTING CA GES AT TWO PLYMOUTH PLA YFIELDS To: Eric Blank Director of Parks and Recreation City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, MN 55447 553-5131 November 14, 1994 WHY BUILD BATTING CAGES? From: Kent Severson Field Manager Plymouth/Wayzata Youth Baseball Association 5555 Dunkirk Lane Plymouth, MN 55446 w)375-1870 (h)553-0033 coaches can be more efficient at practice, combining use of full fields and batting cages teams can take batting and/or pitching practice without tieing up a field one person with a batting tee can practice without chasing balls all over the field or hitting balls into the backstop, which, as Dan Heitke knows, eventually ruins the chainlink fabric kids who commit time to the finer points of hitting and pitching, can do so more effectively in a batting cage with more concentrated repetition if built on pavement overlaid with outdoor carpet the cages, if designed properly, can be used shortly after a rain. This allows teams to practice without tearing up wet fields WHERE TO PLACE THE BATTING CAGES The following information includes possibilities for the placement of full-sized batting cages at Parkers Lake Playfield and Plymouth Creek Playfreld. Also, some suggestions for future sites are presented. PARKERS LAKE PLAYFIELD This is the field which PWYBA would like the City of Plymouth to address first. It has two full-sized baseball fields which are used by house league teams and travel teams from age 14 up. These are also the fields of choice for tournaments that are hosted in the Plymouth/Wayzata area because of the quality of the fields and the existing concession stand. Therefore, we at PWYBA feel this is where batting cages would get the most use. This playfield should have two batting cages outside the fence along the left -field line of ballfield #6. (two 15' x 70' pink rectangles on field diagram) The green square between the cages is a building which will house pitching machines, safety screens, canvas field covers, and other equipment relating to baseball practice, games and field mainten ince. Electrical power would run to the building so doors on each side of the building can be opened to the cages and pitching machines can be utilized from within the building. A pitching mound should be built in at least one cage. The blue rectangles on the field diagram present an option for batting cage location. However, this area is very low and wet, which could create problems for installation, use, and maintenance. PLYMOUTH CREEK PLAYFIELD Batting cages at this playfield could easily fit between the right -field fence line and the hockey rinks. Two cages would be ideal and could be used by all teams who use the Plymouth Creek Playfield ballfields. FUTURE SITES The new playfield by the new Wayzata High School Oakwood Playfield Ridgemont Playfield QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS Please call me (w)375-1870 or (h)553-0033 or fax me at work (f)344-1259 I would be happy tqmeet with you. CC: Mayor, Joy Tierney; City Administrator, Dwight Johnson; Plymouth City Council Members; and the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission. PROPOSAL TO ADD BATTING CAGES AT PARKERS LAKE PLA YFIELD To: From: Eric Blank Kent Severson Director of Parks and Recreation Field Manager City of Plymouth Plymouth/Wayzata Youth Baseball Association 3400 Plymouth Blvd. 5555 Dunkirk Lane Plymouth, MN 55447 Plymouth, MN 55446 553-5131 (w)375-1870 (h)553-0033 WHY BUILD BATTING CAGES? coaches can be more efficient at practice, combining use of full fields and batting cages teams can take batting and/or pitching practice without tying up a field one person with a batting tee can practice without chasing balls all over the field or hitting balls into the backstop, which, as Dan Heitke knows, eventually ruins the chainlink fabric kids who commit time to the finer points of hitting and pitching, can do so more effectively in a batting cage with more concentrated repetition if built on pavement overlaid with outdoor carpet the cages, if designed property, can be used shortly after a rain. This allows teams to practice without tearing up wet fields 1' : l; . t o , ' a a-0HOW Parkers Lake Playfield has two firll-sized baseball fields which are used by house league teams and travel teams from age 14 up. These are also the fields of choice for tournaments that are hosted in the Plymouth/Wayzata area because of the quality of the fields and the existing concession stand. This is where batting cages would get the most use. This playfield should have two batting cages outside the fence along the left -field line of ballfield 6.(the two pink rectangles on the field diagram) The green square between the cages is a budding which will house pitching machines, safety screens, canvas field covers, and other equipment relating to baseball practice, games and field maintenance. Electrical power would run to the building allowing pitching machines to be powered from the building. DESIGN OF THE CAGES INCLUDING SAFETY/SECURITY FENCING The two batting cages will each be 70' long, 14' wide, and 12' high. The frames for each net would consist of three heavy duty tubular steel frames placed 37' apart to total 74'. The distance width -wise between the center posts is 18' with 14' between the two end posts. The recommended netting is whether -treated high-grade knotted nylon which is dyed green to provide a good hitting backround. Cost $1500 to $2000 each (does not include installation) The cages would be built on pavement overlaid with artificial turf for longer life, less maintenance, and efficient drainage. Cost $ Fencing would surround each cage for safety and security. This fence would be 8' or 10' high and run approximately 90' down the length of each cage where it would turn and run 20' to the existing fence. There would be a lockable gate in each cage area. The extra length in each cage would be used as a soft -toss area allowing two hitting stations inside each of the two fenced areas. Cost $ The cages, ideally, would be lighted, with the fixtures placed on existing towers. Cost $ DESIGN OF THE BUILDING The building will be approximately 20'x 20'. Built on a 6" floating slab with an exterior of rockface block and a wood roof with shingles, it will have electricity and no heat. There will be doors on three or possibly four sides for easy access and security of separate areas within the building. Cost $17,000 to $20,000 ($42.50 to $50.00 per square foot) CONTROL AND USE OF THE CAGES The gates in the fence surrounding the cages: can be left open so anyone may use these cages may be locked for security and safety reasons and controlled by the City of Plymouth Park and Recreation Department may be locked for security and safety reasons and regulated by the Plymouth/Wayzata Youth Baseball Association may be jointly regulated by the City and the PIVVYBA other options? CONTROL. AND USE OF THE BUILDING The doors on the building can be keyed differently to regulate usage. As an example, separate sections could house: a pitching machine or two and a portable pitching mound or two for the batting cages safety screens, tarps and maintenance equipment and supplies for the coaches to use on the fields Park and Rec. storage off-season baseball equipment storage (cage nets, pitching machines, balls, bats, etc.) QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS Please call me (w)375-1870 or (h)553-0033 or fax me at work (f)344-1259 I would be happy to meet with you. Sincerely, Kent Severson CC: Mayor, Joy Tierney; City Administrator, Dwight Johnson; Plymouth City Council Members; and the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission. 0 50 0 Plymouth Creek FERNB3625 ROOK LANE NORTH February 1995 PARKERS 1 2 3" 9:15.12:15 PD ,` 4-9 WARMING 9i#I,JCE PAVILION 4-9 WARMING 4 9 WARMING (FE 11fL; HOUSE HOUSE HOUSE 3 3 °' i ? ? 5 6 7 8 9 119:30.10:15 SS 9:30.11:30 SC 10:30.11:15 FFT 9:15-12:15 PDO 11-8 WARMING 4-9 WARMING 4-9 WARMING 4-9 WARMING 4.9 WARMING 11-8 WARMING HOUSE HOUSE 4-9 WARMING HOUSE HOUSE HOUSE HOUSE HOUSE 12 13 a' V 15 16 17 18 9:30.11.30 SC z 9-15-12:15 PD 11-8 WARMING! v HOUSE 4 9 WARMING, elf 4 9 WARMING 4 9 WARMING 4-9 WARMING 11-8 WARMING HOUSE HOUSE HOUSE HOUSE HOUSE 19 21 22 23 245 1:3Q? nm ,.::.: 9:3010:15 SS 9:15-12: 15 PD 1412 &DAY PA M. PRETTYMANaST? 10:30.1 1:15 FFT 559-230511-8 WARMING sE. AR 1-3 B DAY PARTY HOUSE a .... 1? T. WERTZ 44Z3-2492 26 27 28 9:30.11:30 SC9:30.10:15 SS 10:30.11:15 FFT 1-3 &DAY PARTY CATHY HALL 6:30.8:45 5:00.10:00 PM 559.8934 BCW/YOGA 55 ALIVE