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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Packet 09-12-1996Regular Meeting of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission September 12, 1996, 7:30 p.m. Uei4j, a - 1. Call to Order 2. Approval of Minutes 3. Visitor Presentations a. Athletic Associations b. Staff - Meet Bill Abel - Ice Arena Manager c. Others 4. Report on Past Council Action a. Awarded many ice rink contracts b. Approved funding of Greenwood playground ($55,000) and Armstrong field fencing ($27,000) c. Accepted log cabin donation and approved site 5. Unfinished Business a. Review ice arenalpool complex - discuss names b. West Medicine Lake Park update c. Open spaces update d. Elm Creek Playfield update e. Senior citizen needs analysis update f. Continue golf course discussion - letter has been sent 6. New Business a. Maple Creek Park - location of hard court - Mark Peterson b. 1997-2001 CIP - review draft c. East Medicine Lake Regional trail update 7. Commission Presentation 8. Staff Communication 9. Adjourn Next regular meeting - October 10 DATE: September 9, 1996 TO: PRAC FROM: Eric J. Blank, Director, Parks and Recreation SUBJECT: September 12 Commission Meeting 1. This is just a reminder that the meeting will start at 7:30 p.m., rather than 7 p.m. The meeting will take place in the Council Chambers, because we are expecting some residents to attend. 2. To facilitate our discussion on the name of the ice arena complex, I would appreciate it if you would call Nancy with your top two choices. This way we can compile a list with which to begin our discussion. Nancy's number is 509-5210. Staff does not have any great thoughts on this subject, but we'd favor a name other than "ice arena." The name "ice arena" is so typical, and our relationship with Life Time is not typical. However, if the Commission thinks ice arena is the best name, then that's what we should recommend to the Council. 3. Maple Creek Park. The location of the hard court became an issue this summer as we were redeveloping the playground at Maple Creek Park. The old hard court was located immediately adjacent to the playground. However, the new playground, in order to meet the new safety regulations, is almost twice the size of the old playground. The area for the hard court was used to accommodate the playground. There appears to be two logical places to locate the hard court in the park. One is immediately north of the entrance off 27th Avenue and the other is approximately 200 yards down the path to the south in the open clearing. I have asked Mark Peterson of the Park Maintenance Department to stake out both of these potential areas. I would suggest that you try to visit the park prior to the meeting, so you have a clear picture of the possible locations. Mark will present this report to the Commission Thursday evening. We do anticipate residents attending the meeting to express their feelings on this subject. The two choices the Commission has are to recommend not reinstalling the hard court or installing it at one of the two locations proposed. If the Commission chooses to recommend reinstalling the hard court, staff is recommending that the southerly site in the large open area would be the most appropriate. This is a neighborhood park and is designed to have activities taking place within the park. Approximately 27 of our 30 neighborhood park areas have hard court basketball facilities. 4. CIP. A draft copy of the CIP will be passed out at the meeting on Thursday evening. The City Manger and I are still working on it as of this writing. We are not anticipating that the Commission will take any action on the CIP at this month's meeting. 5. East Medicine Lake Regional Trail. I have enclosed a copy of the feasibility report on the East Medicine Lake Trail for your review and comment. As you are aware, it is a high priority of the City Council to get this trail moving forward, and we are working diligently toward that end. We anticipate taking this report and a final Concept plan to the City Council at their first meeting in October. EB/np Minutes of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting July 11,. 1996 Page 32 Present: Chair Anderson, Commissioners Fiemann, Johnson, Priebe, Wahl and Willegalle; staff Bisek, Blank and Pederson; Planning Commissioner Bildsoe; Councilmember Wold Absent: Commissioner Thompson 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Anderson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion was made by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Priebe to approve the minutes of the June meeting as presented. The motion carried with all ayes. 3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS a. Athletic Associations. None were present. b. Staff. Mary stated that the Summer Carnival went well and that the park is beautiful right now with all the blooming going on. She announced that the History Fest is August 10. There will be lots of new entertainment. A pig roast is scheduled for noon. She stated that a new advisory group has formed and to be on the look out for their logo, which was displayed. This group is interested in promoting visual and performing arts within the community. Mary announced that the Recreation Division is looking at changing direction, what with the addition of Life Time Fitness in the community. One of the things that has been brought to our attention is that some youth athletic associations are saying they are strained for time and volunteer staff and cannot handle soccer any more on their own, for example. Commissioner Willegalle asked if we could hire another recreation programmer to offer support to this group. Mary responded that we haven't added any recreation programmers since 1987, but that we have budgeted for a part-time person in 1997. Commissioner Priebe asked about Music in Plymouth and who had been in charge of that event? Director Blank responded that it was sponsored by the Plymouth Civic League and was held at the new amphitheater site. The crowd was estimated at over 10,000. Garbage collection doubled pound wise over last year's event. A complaint came in about the site being too dark after fireworks. Director Blank wants to put up some spotlights next year. Will put money in CIP for this. People are still arriving at 10 p.m. just to watch fireworks, so it's difficult to estimate crowd size. Commissioner Priebe heard PRAC Minutes/July 1996 Page 33 that it was 30,000. There were many spectators south of Hwy. 55 in the Industrial Park area. Lost and found items included pagers and cell phones. Tim Bildsoe was in charge of police reserves. He explained that there was a problem with traffic afterwards and with a couple of kids who threw smokebombs. They were apprehended. Fifty police personnel were on duty, including bike patrol. Director Blank stated that we need to do a few more upgrades to the amphitheater, which will be used for other events in addition to Music in Plymouth. c. Others. There were no other visitors. 4. PAST COUNCIL ACTION Several contracts were awarded for the ice arena and Life Time Fitness complex. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Review ice arena/pool complex. The project is still in fast track design. Five contracts were awarded recently totaling over $3,000,000. Next bid package is going out in the next few weeks. Received the footing permit July 11. There were plans to pour the footings the same day, but it rained. Director Blank said we have now lost four weeks due to weather and other problems. He is moving the anticipated completion date from January 1 to February 1. He received the first request today from an individual who wants to rent the practice arena for a cat show. The last week in April is ice out on the practice rink. He announced that there were 35 applicants for the ice arena manager job. Narrowed it to three. Will make offer tomorrow. Council ratified the agreement with District 281 on their use of the arena by their hockey teams. b. West Medicine Lake Park update. Pilings have been driven down 35 feet and footings poured for the bridge. The next step is to build the road and have it paved by November. The City is waiting for a permit from the DNR to dredge the beach. Road will be done this year. c. Open space update. Director Blank is meeting tomorrow with Jean Williams. She is in the process of reclaiming property from Mr. Stewart. This is the open space parcel in the southeast corner of Plymouth. d. Playfield/high school update. Director Blank explained that the bids opened on June 3 were very disappointing. All came in way over the estimate. The School District awarded the irrigation and landscape contract, electrical for lighting, and asphalt contracts. Building came in at $377,000, and it was rejected. Fencing was budgeted at $85,000. Two bids of $195,000 were received for that item. This project is about $350,000 over budget now. Director Blank explained that some of these items will go back out in August PRAC Minutes/July 1996 Page 34 for rebidding. If no better at that time, will rebid in January. Seeding and sodding playfields will take place in August. e. Senior citizen needs analysis update. There are no new developments on this item. g. Request to place log cabin in Parkers Lake Park update. Council approved this. Mark Peterson and Director Blank looked at two sites. Proposing to put it south and east of open air shelter. There is a little grove of brush and trees 15 ft. wide and 35' long. Can tuck it into the grove. Will fit right along trail. Mark will be meeting with Mrs. Creelman and log builders from Ely. f. Continue golf course discussion. Director Blank asked for input from the Commissioners on the next steps to take after meeting with all three owners. Commissioner Priebe commented that if we can take them at their word, there's nothing to worry about. Mr. Sherber would probably develop the Elm Creek course if numbers come in right. The Hampton and Hollydale owners insist they'll keep their golf courses. Commissioner Priebe doesn't necessarily accept that the children of the Hampton and Hollydale owners will continue the family tradition and wonders if we should look at the private - public ownership thing like we have with Life Time? Director Blank has similar concerns. He feels it could change if the right situation came along. How do we determine which one to have a relationship with if we pursued a public-private venture? Director Blank will try to hire a consultant next year to help decide this. The Commission suggested sending a letter to all three owners inviting them to discuss such a proposal. Councilmember Wold wondered if we might appeal to them by offering to help them out in some way with their taxes, since they had all expressed concern about this, although he wasn't sure this was even possible. Director Blank indicated that the taxes are something the county would have to get involved in. Chair Anderson asked when a letter might be sent? Director Blank responded that he would send it out in the next few weeks. He also explained that all rural property owners will be getting a letter inviting them to a meeting at the end of July to discuss future development of northwest Plymouth. The golf course owners will be invited. Director Blank will not hire consultant until after budget is approved which happens in December. Director Blank says there probably isn't any other acreage in Plymouth for building a new course. PRAC will have to update park system plan along with the planning for northwest Plymouth. 6. NEW BUSINESS None. PRAC Minutes/July 1996 Page 35 7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION Commissioner Priebe asked if PRAC needed to address the request from the seniors for tennis court time in Parkers Lake Park? Director Blank explained that he will include it next time we update the fees and rental policy for playfields, shelters, etc., in January. Commissioner Willegalle stated that the seniors are well organized and are looking at Saturday mornings to accommodate those who work during the week. Director Blank said they can come to the PRAC meeting in December and make a pitch. Commissioner Johnson suggested that we need to find out level of current usage at Parkers Lake on Saturday mornings. Mary responded that we have no statistics on that. Director Blank commented that we have maintenance people out on Saturday mornings, and they can start monitoring this. Director Blank will discuss with the seniors the various options that may be available. Will talk with other cities to see if they've had similar requests and see how they've responded. Commissioner Willegalle stated that beer cans are turning up on the south side of Parkers Lake. Who should people call? Planning Commissioner Bildsoe said he will talk to park patrol officers to check it out. People should call 911 if they see someone drinking. A worse problem is wine bottles being tossed and broken. Commissioner Johnson asked when trail will be completed to Hwy. 55 along West Medicine Lake Drive from the railroad tracks? Director Blank said bids are being opened next week, and it should all be wrapped up by November 1. The project got delayed because of some easement problems. Commissioner Willegalle asked about the names for ice arena. Will wait until September meeting to discuss that further. Staff will remind commissioners when the September agenda is sent to bring their three favorite names to next meeting. 8. STAFF COMMUNICATION No meeting in August, unless there is critical business. 9. ADJOURN Meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m. September 12, 1996 Dear Park Board Members: I am writing to express my objection to the proposed construction of a basket ball court in a previously undeveloped area of Maple Creek Park. Maple Creek Park has the character and attractiveness of a natural preserve. This aspect of the park is highly prized by surrounding residents. Walking the trails that lead through woods, creek, marshes and field offer great pleasure and respite, and contributes to quality of life for the adjacent neighborhoods. The wildlife which inhabit the park are also part of the park's attraction. I have often visited with friends about seeing various critters and birds, and it is a favorite place for my children to observe and collect such bugs and creatures as they find. Constructing a basketball court in the proposed area would be disruptive to all this. An equal comcern is that the area is secluded and would be an unsupervised area for adolescents. Already one can find cigarette butts and broken glass. The city should not undertake something to add to this problem. There are many legitimate concens felt by surrounding residents which remain to be addressed. Until those concerns are met, the city should not proceed with any further additions" to Maple Creek Park. I would like to know why there is any urgency for a basketball court, and if this is the only possible site. Has the planning staff made an assessment of need, and a survey of such facilities in the area? Has the planning staff contacted any local churches regarding facilities available to adolescents? Your consideration of these concerns is most appreciated. Sincerely, Christine Chiles 16120 21st Avenue North Plymouth, MN 55447 City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, Minnesota 55447-1482 Mark S. Peterson Superintendent of Parks September 11, 1996 Dear Mr. Peterson, I live in the Fox Run neighborhood, which boarders Maple Creek Park. I've enjoyed the beautiful natural area on which you are going to place a basketball pad. On many outings with my children we've played soccer there, walked my dog, seen many animals and just enjoyed the beauty of it all. My husband and I feel a basketball pad is not something that we would like to have in our neighborhood at this time. If you took the time to study this area you will find many homes which already have nets on their drive ways or in their yards. The children that are old enough go to Parkers Lake or Oakwood Elementary to play basketball. We like the Maple Creek playground just as it is, a playground. Maple Creek is already starting to show there will be problems. I have on multiple occasions picked up piles of beer cans and almost cried when I saw the graffiti written on the little bridge. This is a secluded area. My children are not allowed to go to the playground or near this area without an adult. This is also a requirement of most parents who live in Fox Run. We, my husband and 1, believe a basketball pad will further compound these problems. We do base our assumptions on past experiences. We lived in Oak Park, Illinois where the homeowners opinions were valued, we elected to remove all basketball courts from Anderson Playground in Oak Park, Illinois. This was done primarily because the park became a social gathering point for the teenage youth in the neighborhood. Although this is not bad in itself, once the word spread group's of teenagers found out about the basketball cool ts. Crime rose in the area, litter and filth became unreasonable, there was wide spread graffiti and the noise became unbearable for homeowners in the immediate area. Upon removal and with no place to skateboard or shoot hoops, the problems dissipated. Will this happen at Maple Creek Park? More than likely, yes, because it is a hidden sheltered area. Plymouth already has so many places for the youth to do these things and they are very accessible especially to this subdivision and ones bordering Maple Creek Park. So please leave the grass just as it is. We love it that way. September 10, 1996 Dear Park and Rec Board: I would like to express my concern over the proposed plan to replace the green field area near our neighborhood park with a basketball court. My objections are threefold: he current open space is large enough for several sports such as football, soccer, volleyball and baseball. With a basketball court present, there would not be as much room for these sports, that cannot be played as easily in our yards, due to our small lotsizes. 2) There is not a need for a basketball court at the park now that portable adjustable basketball hoops are available. Many families have them in their driveways and neighbors can move them together for games. Also, there are already many courts available at the schools and Plymouth Park for basketball. Why should the city incur additional unnecessary costs? If a single desired, it can be placed by the playground for adults watching their children), at a lower cost than a court, and without disruptingthelargeopengreenspacewhichisusedforotheractivitiesandenjoyedas landscape scenery along the paths. 3) Playground -type parks such as the one we are discussing, are typically geared toward young children and families. Basketball courts are usually built adult size, for older children/teens and adults. There is a likelihood that a basketball court in this more secluded location coul become a hangout for teens, and a threat to younger children playing at the park./Also, especially during the summer, it would be an added burden to police to to enfor a curfew laws in this area "off the main road," and it would likely end up being the responsibility of nearby neighbors to report violations. These neighbors bought their property with the understanding that the park would remain park, and not become a ball field. Consideration of their situation is only fair/ In conclusion, I suggest that the monies available for this proposed basketball court be spent on a greater community need, without disrupting one of the few open park land areas we enjoy. Thank you for considering my viewpoint. Sincerely, 9 F C A„2_ Heidi Dick Plymouth Resident Zywotko 16135 24th Avenue North 475-3660 September, 12, 1996 To Whom it concerns at The City of Plymouth:: In our absence, we would like to voice our objection to the proposed basketball court(s) on the North end of the Fox Run housing plan. Our primary concern over this issue is that the area could be used as a "Hangout" late at night, and any enforcement of "usage times", would be made more difficult, because of its secluded location. Our vote???? .... leave it as a useful "green area", for kids to play baseball in, families to picnic around, and wildlife to frolick upon. Sincerely, Rick Zywotko C, Linda Zywotko JAMES G. WILLIS 15511- 26th Avenue Plymouth, MN 55447-1303 611) $59.3099 September 11, 1996 Park and Recreation Advisory Commission City of Plymouth, 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, MN 55447 Re: Mopledell Neighborhood Park Ladies and Gentlemen: Please consider this letter in support of the inclusion of an informal play area within our neighborhood park, generally to be located to the South of the newly installed play structures. I believe it is wholly appropriate to reinstall such a play use as the other was removed to accommodate the installation of the new play structures. Our neighborhood has many young children, many of whom would find a surfaced play area for basketball very useful, In the years ahead, many of the very young children will grow out of the play apparatus features and need other neighborhood typo recreational f scilitiee. A basketball feature would be entirely appropriate for their use. The area I believe is most suitable for this type of activity is located to the South of the play apparatus area, in the northeasterly part of the large open play area. This area is screened from adjacent homes by tree on all sides, yet is readily available via the existing trails. As the Mapledell Homeowners Association liaison to the City, I wish to thank and commend you and the Park and Recreation staff for the improvements which has been made to our park. The youngsters are enjoying the new play features, and will for years to come. I hope you will now complete the reconstruction of the basketball play area yet this construction season. Thank you for your consideration of this request, Yours truly, 97pkrvpd 97pkrvpd City of Plymouth 1997 - 2001 Capital Improvements Program Park Dedication Fund—Community Playfields and Trails (Fund 218) Year Beginning Balance Estimated Revenues Projected Expenditures Transfer to Park Repl. Fund Projected End Balance Interest Earnings 5% on avg balance Projected Final Balance 1996 1,393,611 485,000 1,900,000) 0 21,389) 34,306 12,917 1997 12,917 425,000 310,000) 27,000) 100,917 2,846 103,762 1998 103,762 425,000 300,000) 28,000) 200,762 7,613 208,375 1999 208,375 350,000 380,000) 29,000) 149,375 8,944 158,319 2000 158,319 350,000 200,000) 30,000) 278,319 10,916 289,235 20011 289,235 300,000 200,000) 31,000 358,235 16,187 374,422 97pkrvpd 97pkrvnp 97pkrvnp City of Plymouth 1997-2001 Capital Improvements Program Park Dedication Fund—Neighborhood Parks (Fund 219) Beginning Estimated Projected Transfer to Projected End Interest Earnings Projected Year Balance Revenues Expenditures Park Re I. Fund Balance 5% on avg balance Final Balance 1996 217,113 210,000 325,000) (12,000) 90,113 7,681 97,794 1997 97,794 200,000 205,000) (13,000) 79,794 4,440 84,233 1998 84,233 175,000 175,000) (14,000) 70,233 3,862 74,095 1999 74,095 100,000 0 (14,000) 160,095 5,855 165,950 2000 328,880 100,000 175,000) (15,000) 238,880 14,194 253,074 2001 329,949 1 100,000 200,000) (16,000) 213,949 13,597 227,546 97pkrvnp 97cipprk City of Plymouth 1997 - 2001 Capital Improvements Program Park Projects Park Park Project Paris Year Planning Park Dedication Dedication State/ Tax Community Other Number Project and Design I Constructlon Playflelds Trails Neighborhood Parks MSA Funding County/ Federal Increment Financing Improvement Fund CIF Funding Sources Total Other Funding Sources Notes 1 2 3 4 Elm Creek Playfield Development Playground Equipment Replacement Greenwood Elementary Playground Trails 1996 1996 1996 1996 1995-96 1996 1996 1996 1996-97 1996 1996 1996 1,500,000 0 0 0 0 50,000 55,0001 0 0 0 100,000 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 75,000 30,000 0 0 1,575,000 includes utility vrork for lights 80,000 Park Replacement (Maple Creek Park) 55,000 New project with PTA 100,000 4a East Medicine Lake Trail 1996 1996 1997 0 0 0 0 0 100,000 0 100,000 5 Neighborhood Park (Cardinal Ridge) 1996 1996 1996 0 220,000 0 0 0 0 0 220,000 6 West Medicine Lake Park Road 1996 1995-96 1995-96 0 0 0 0 1,575,000 0 0 1,575,000 6 West Medicine Lake Park Development 1996 1995-96 1996-97 400,000 0 0. 50,000 0 0 0 450,000 7 9 9a Park Replacement Work Ice Rink and Pod Joint Recreational Facilities Subtotal- 1996 1996 1996 1996 1996 1996 1996 1996 1997 0 0 0 1,900,000 0 0 0 325,000 0 0 0 100,000 0 0 0 50,000 0 380,000 2,000,000 3,955,000 0 5,000,000 0 5,100,000 40,000 3,700,000 0 3,845,000 40,000 Timber Shores boardwalk; Bass Lake Shelter air cond, park replacement 9,080,000 Project Admin, grants, contributions 2,000,000 Wayzata gym, possible Armstrong gym 15,275,000 1 4 Elm Creek Playfield Development Trails 1997 1997 1995-96 1997 1996-97 1997 225,000 60,000 0 0 0 100,000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 225,000 Finish phase one 160,000 5 7 10 Neighborhood Park Development Park Replacement Work West Med Park Phase 2 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 0 0 55,000 0 150,000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 160,000 55,000 Bkchview $25,000; Sunset $15,000; Pilgrim Lane $15,000 160,000 Park Replacement Fund; replace two neighborhood plgmds 150,000 11 12 Amphitheater Activity Center 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 25,000 700,000 1,500,000 25,000 Lights,, fountain 2,200,000 Sale of land $750,000; end of'96 surplus $50,000 Subtotal 310,000 205,000 100,000 01 0 700,000 1,660.0001 2,975,000 Comm. Imp. ley'97$250,000; CIF $700,000 4 Trails 1998 1998 1998 100,000 0 100,000 0 0 0 0 200,000 5 Neighborhood Park Development 1998 1998 1998 0 175,000 0 0 0 0 0 175,000 Nev project 13 14 8 Field House Upgrade Zachary for baseball Tenth Playlield Land Acquisition 1998 1998 1998 1997 1998 2000 1998 1998 2001 200,000 0 0 0 0 700,000 0 1,500,000 125,000 0 2,200,000 Project Adm fund $1,000,000; comm. imp. lavy'95 $500,000; CIF $700,000 125,000 Park Replacement Fund 200,000 Subtotal 300,000 175,000 100,000 0 0 700,000 1,625,000 2,900,000 4 Trails 1999 1999 1999 100,000 0 100,000 0 0 0 0 200,000 8 Tenth Playlield Land Acquisition 1999 2000 2001 280,000 0 0 0 0 0 0 280,000 Subtotal 380,000 0 100,000 0 0 0 0 480,000 4 Trails I 2000 2000 2000 200,000 0 100,000 0 0 0 0 300,000 5 Neighborhood Park Development 2000 2000 2000 0 175,000 0 0 0 0 0 175,000 Subtotal - 200,000. 175,000.. 100,000 0 0 0 0 475;000 4 Trails 2001 2001 2001 200,000 100,000 300,000 5 Neighborhood Park 2001 2001 2001 200,000 200,000 Subtotal 200,000 200,000 100,000 0 0 0 0 500,000 Total3,290,000 1,080,000 600,000 50,000 3,965,0001 6,500,0001 7,130,000 22,605,000 97cipprk AUTUMN ARTS FAI Saturday, September 14, 1996 Parkers lake Park, Co. Rd. 6 & Niagara Ln. 1 mile west of Co. Rd. 6/1-494 intersection) 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Enjoy an entertaining day for the whole familyl Quality. arts and crafts for sale: Musical performances and food served. A special children's area and .seniors' display. FREE Admission. Sponsored by the City of Plymouth. For more information, call 509-5223. Y q p AYar yµ 4 y4 5 4 yT4 zir S +4Y Y q p AYar yµ 4 y4 5 4 yT4 zir July 30, 1996 CITY OF PLYMOUTR Michael Phillips 4535 Ranchview Lane Plymouth, MN 55446 Dear Michael: Mayor Tierney has forwarded your letter to me for review and comment. During the last three years, we have had some communication from young people asking the City to develop a skateboard park. Both the staff and the Park Commission have seriously looked at this matter and have had youth work with us on developing some ideas. Unfortunately, the City's insurance situation is such that at this time, we are prohibited from developing a skateboard park for liability reasons. But I am happy to inform you that we have paved a skating rink at Plymouth Creek Park, and it is available for skateboarding, rollerblading, and other activities of this nature. This park is located on Fernbrook Lane, about three blocks south of County Road 9. We will continue to look at the idea of developing a skateboard park and hope that the insurance situation becomes less prohibitive. Sincerely, Eric J. Blank, Director Parks and Recreation EB/np cc: City Manager City Council PRAC City_ply\voll\PARKS\STAFF\ERIC\LT:)Io9IBeautifuCPCnce To Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000 1-7a Dear city of Plymouth, we the local bikers, skateboarders, and agresseve in-line skaters constentlie keep getting kick out of the only desent places to do our hobies and we also keep getting fended for just tying to have a little fun. So what I am rilly trying to say is it would nilly keep us out of trobel with store owners our parents and the police if the city would bulied a skate park for us the local kids. Sencerlie, the locial bikers, skateboards, and the agresive in-line skaters. 7_11r'03S wd MPLS MN 4 07 18 9g PLY1'iO(-27-f-j CZ';'Y-- 346-0 , y„_a.•1 , L It E7e+RE55 AMERIfAN Financial Advisors Stephen M. Beachler Personal Financial Advisor Registered Representative Bus: 612.525.0258 Fax: 612.525.0372 August 22, 1996 Mr. Eric Blank Director of Parks and Recreation City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Blvd Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Eric: American Express Financial Advisors Inc. IBS Life Insurance Company Suite 200 55 West Financial Center 10405 Sixth Avenue North Plymouth, Minnesota 55441 P&C, I completed my third year coaching a baseball team for 16-17-18 year-olds a couple of weeks ago. This year the Wayzata -Plymouth group was responsible for coordinating the post season tournament, which I ended up organizing. This league includes 14 teams from Maple Grove, New Hope, Edina, Minnetonka and SDt. Louis Park, as well as Plymouth/Wayzata. It turned out to be a great tournament, held August 8-9-10. We used the Parker's Lake facilities, as well as Plymouth Creek, Zachary Lane and Bass Lake Playfields. hi all cases the Park & Rec crews had the fields in excellent shape, always drug/swept and lined and ready for baseball. Many times we saw your crews checking back throughout the day to see everything was OK. My point is simply that we are so fortunate to have such fine facilities, but more importantly, to have such courteous, hard working crews who keep those fields in wonderful condition. It was a pleasure. The other coaches and parents also appreciated the fine facilities - not just during the tournament, but also throughout the summer. So please•express our thanks to Rick Bush and your other crews who participated in making for an enjoyable tournament and enjoyable season! Sincerel Insurance and annuities are issued by IDS Life Insurance Company, an American Express company.