HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Packet 04-10-1997Regular Meeting of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission
April 10, 1997, 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. Approved plan for East Medicine Lake regional trail
b. Approved hiring consultant to develop cost estimate for activity center
c. Approved West Medicine Lake phase 3 park plan
d. Accepted annual report and thanked Commission for their work
5. Unfinished Business
a. West Medicine Lake Park update
b. Ice arena/Life Time Fitness update
c. Open spaces update
d. Elm Creek playfield update
e. Continue golf course discussion
L East Medicine Lake regional trail update
g. Skateboard park grant update - view videotape
h.
6. New Business
a. Review trail needs on 19th Avenue adjacent to Imperial Hills Park
b.
C.
7. Commission Presentation
8. Staff Communication
9. Adjourn
Next regular meeting - May 8
parks\statneric\prac\agendas\april97.doc
Minutes of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting
February 13, 1997
Page 7
Present: Chair Anderson, Commissioners Fiemann, Johnson, Priebe, Thompson,
Wahl, Willegalle; staff Blank and Pederson, Councilmember Wold
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Anderson called the February meeting to order at 7 p.m. in the Council
Chambers.
2. APPOINT CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR
Commissioner Fiemann moved to reappoint Don Anderson as chair. Commissioner
Wahl seconded. All ayes. Commissioner Priebe moved to appoint Wahl as Vice
Chair. Commissioner Johnson seconded. All ayes.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Commissioner Thompson and seconded by Commissioner
Johnson to approve the minutes of the January meeting as presented. The motion
carried with all ayes.
4. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
a. Athletic Associations. None were present.
b. Staff. There was no report from staff.
c. Others. See item 5a.
5. PAST COUNCIL ACTION
a. The dasher board rental program and the Zamboni rental program were
approved. The ice center behavior policies and zero tolerance policies were
approved. The Activity Center subcommittee was appointed. Councilmember
Wold is Chair of that subcommittee.
6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. West Medicine Lake park update. Director Blank briefly explained the history of
the West Medicine Lake Park project and the work that has been completed to
date. He stated that we are now at the phase 3 planning stage. Letters were
recently sent out on this subject to approximately 1,200 residents. Included with
the letter was a proposed master plan of phase 3. A consultant from the design
firm of Barton Aschman was present at the meeting to explain the various
components of phase 3, which include a parking lot off West Medicine Lake
Drive, a future community building, swimming beach, skating area, picnic
PRAC Minutes/February 1997
Page 8
shelters, a possible warming house, tot lot/play area, fishing dock, seasonal boat
rental, and pathways. Phase 3 includes the more active recreation areas.
Concept A shows a 92 space parking lot, relocated lake access for seasonal
access of boats, future lake pavilion building, parking lot connected to beach by
bituminous path, picnic shelters, open space for informal recreation, play
structure, a pathway to connect to pedestrian bridge, and fishing dock. Another
path would go down and connect to boat slips and continue on. Also part of this
concept is a boardwalk which would connect parking lot to wetland. Concept B is
different in that it has tennis courts. The play area has been shifted and sand
volleyball was added, and the picnic area was moved to the north. The preferred
concept incorporated what the Commission wanted: parking lot, picnic shelters
adjacent to the parking lot, sand volleyball, the pathways stayed the same, the
tennis court was replaced by a hardcourt area, and open area for informal
activities like throwing a Frisbee, etc. This concept is a hybrid of the other ones.
Louis Lavoie, 2675 Larch Lane. Excited about concept and process used. Visits
site often. He feels there are too few picnic shelters. Original plan showed seven.
Number of parking spaces concerns him. He thinks there are too many. There
used to be only 40 spaces, and those were never full. He suggested that staff
defer the one parking lot that's shown on the prime land and put more picnic
areas there. He would also like staff to think about ways to reduce the speed of
traffic in certain areas. Remembers a lot of support at earlier meetings to ban
motor boats. Thinks hard court is good idea but maybe not where it is proposed.
Thinks lake area should be preserved for picnic areas.
Tim Flugaur, 12023 23rd Avenue. Objects to seasonal boat access. Believes
that people will take their bicycles right through beach/swimming area. Thinks
people will prefer to ride along the lake instead of on the path. Concerned about
landscaping. Pointed out where full grown trees are. Doesn't want trees cut down
that are in the location of the boat launch. Wants trees planted to obscure his
view of headlights.
Paula Pursley, 2790 Evergreen Lane. She was concerned about the seasonal
boat access and wanted an explanation of what it was and who could use it.
Director Blank said it is a boat access with a locked gate across it. It would be
open two weekends in the spring and two weekends in the fall and will primarily
be used by deep hulled sailboats. It is not meant to be a daily operation. No
parking has been designed for cars with boat trailers. The shallowness of this
launch area is going to be the issue. It may have to be dredged some more, and
we will need to get a permit from the DNR for that. Director Blank says people
will call him when they need to use it. The launch will also be used in the winter
by ice fishermen.
PRAC Minutes/February 1997
Page 9
Erica Urban, 1541 West Medicine Lake Drive. Ms. Urban was concerned that at
some point in the future, the City would rent boats, etc. She asked for
clarification on seasonal use. Director Blank explained rental would be canoes,
paddleboats, etc. not motorboats. She also was concerned about silt run off into
lake. Director Blank said construction is following regulations as established by
the DNR. She also commented on how rough the new road is. Director Blank
stated that the road only has a base course down right now. All the potholes will
be fixed and final paving will be done later this spring.
Director Blank said picnic shelters are a matter of budget. One large shelter is
planned with three or four smaller shelters (satellite shelters). When funds are
available, we will build the large shelter. Commissioner Wahl said several picnic
tables will be scattered around the park without shelters over them.
Director Blank said the parking capacity is being downsized. There are 125 stalls
at Parkers Lake on the lake side that are always full. His concern is that the way
the road is designed, there is no other place to park, and staff doesn't want
people to park in surrounding neighborhoods.
The City's Forestry department is looking at landscaping the northwest curve.
They will be planting evergreens there and will preserve trees as much as
possible. Walking/biking path will wind through there.
Commission agreed that biking along the beach could be a problem. Need to
look at alternative place. Will try to find one to preserve safety of beach users. It
will be somewhat similar to what's at French Park.
Commissioner Johnson agreed with comments by residents that the one parking
lot is taking up one of the nicest pieces of land. This concerns him. Could it be
scaled down somewhat and then use that vacated portion for another picnic
shelter? Director Blank commented that if we don't build the permanent building
right now, we could cut back on the parking lot up to 20%. But once that building
goes in, we may need to expand parking lot to accommodate the people coming
to use the building. Commissioner Johnson thinks the northern parking lots will
end up being overflow lots like the ones across County Road 6 are for Parkers
Lake. Commissioner Fiemann also thinks the lower lot will fill up the fastest,
because of its location to the beach, etc. Commissioner Thompson asked when
the permanent building might go in? Director Blank said probably not for at least
three or four years.
Chair Anderson asked where we would reroute bikers? Commissioner Johnson
suggested we replace part of the path with a boardwalk and then sign the area to
say that bikers have to walk their bikes across the boardwalk. This is what they
do at East Beach, so they can do it in this location, too.
PRAC Minutes/February 1997
Page 10
Tim Flugaur wondered about the Indian burial mounds. Director Blank said after
all research had been done, consultants said there were no traces of burial
mounds. Mr. Flugaur was concerned about what new foot bridge would cost?
COMMISSIONER JOHNSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND PROCEEDING WITH
PHASE 3, BUT SCALING DOWN PARKING LOT TO 62 SPACES, AND
ADDING ONE PICNIC SHELTER IN THIS NEWLY VACATED AREA, LOCATED
TOWARDS WOODS IN THE GRASSY AREA. COMMISSIONER WAHL
SECONDED. ALL AYES.
Director Blank asked the Commission to give staff and the consultant some
leeway for where to put the picnic shelter, how to reroute the bike path to keep
bikers away from the beach and to scale back the parking lot in the most
economical way.
b. Ice Arena/Life Time Fitness update. The ice arena building is now totally
enclosed. The practice rink sub -floor heating system is being installed. We
should be skating on one rink in May. We have been interviewing staff and will
start off with two maintenance employees. One will start about two weeks prior to
rink opening. An open house may be scheduled for the same night as Music in
Plymouth, which is July 2. An official grand opening hasn't been scheduled yet.
Life Time Fitness is about one month behind the ice arena schedule and may
open in early June.
c. Open spaces update. We are continuing to negotiate on the fourth site. Open
space committee will reconvene soon.
d. Elm Creek Playfield update. The high school is on track to open in the fall. The
playfield is also on schedule. We'll be out for a re -bid on shelter building and
fencing for softball fields, and are scheduled to open those bids on February 26.
e. Golf course discussion. No new information. Owners are vacationing out of
state.
f. East Medicine Lake Regional trail. This item is scheduled for Council review
February 19. The first phase will be the entire east shore of the lake.
Recommending one way road going north. The Post Office was unhappy with
one way southbound traffic for delivering mail. The owner/operator of this project
is Hennepin Parks. The Upgrade of the road will also finally be completed from
Medicine Ridge Road to 36th Avenue with construction of the trail.
g. Approve 1996 annual report/1997 work plan. COMMISSIONER FIEMANN
MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ANNUAL REPORT AND THE 1997
PRAC Minutes/February 1997
Page 11
WORK PLAN AND FORWARD THEM TO THE CITY COUNCIL.
COMMISSIONER THOMPSON SECONDED. ALL AYES.
7. NEW BUSINESS
a. Review and approve 1997 rental fees and policies. No increase was
recommended in 1997 for facilities such as fields, rinks, etc. For use of the
Parkers Lake Pavilion, a slight increase in fees is being recommended to allow
for attendant to arrive early to set up and stay after to clean up. Rick Busch is
doing research on letting seniors reserve Parkers Lake tennis courts. Right now
we don't reserve any tennis courts for anyone. Commissioner Willegalle
reminded everyone that seniors only want to reserve these courts on Saturday
mornings.
COMMISSIONER WILLEGALLE MADE A MOTION RECOMMENDING
APPROVING RENTAL FEES AS PROPOSED. SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER PRIEBE. ALL AYES.
b. Indoor soccer/tennis facility. Staff has identified two locations, first choice is Elm
Creek Playfield. The next step is to meet with the school district. We are a year
ahead on this issue. Right now we are gathering information on operations and
rentals etc.
c. Skateboard park grant update. Director Blank attended meeting at Oakwood on
this subject last week. Representatives from the YMCA, churches, schools,
library, and City were in attendance. The school district has stumbled onto a
grant that could be applied for, and it's due February 14. The City has indicated
they would contribute $5,000, and the school district will contribute the same. It's
a matching grant. Volunteer labor would be used. The preferred site for a
skateboard park is Oakwood Elementary. A back up site is Parkers Lake Park.
The major issue of insurance and liability has not been fully addressed yet. The
YMCA has offered to secure the insurance, and they also offered to provide
staffing. The area outside of baseball field is where it would go if installed at
Parkers Lake Park. Director. Blank thinks Oakwood is a better location. The
skateboard park will be fenced off and locked when not staffed. If we end up with
one at Oakwood, we may study a location in the northeast part of Plymouth for
another skateboard park.
8. COMMISSION PRESENTATION
None.
9. STAFF COMMUNICATION
Eric thanked everyone who worked at Fire and Ice. The winning fish was a 1 1/2 Ib.
Northern. Contest participation was at an all time high. We may try a curling
demonstration next year based on a suggestion. S'mores were sold out.
PRAC Minutes/February 1997
Page 12
The letter sent by Mrs. Domaas requesting a park at the intersection of Vicksburg
and Schmidt Lake Road was discussed. Director Blank said this park may not be
built until 1998. He suggested that PRAC consider allocating funds for this project
when reviewing the 1998-2002 CIP. There are two other locations for new parks to
consider as well.
10.ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
DATE: March 10, 1997
TO: PRAC '
j
FROM: Eric J. Blank, Director, Parks and Recreation
SUBJECT: 19th Avenue Adjacent to Imperial Hills Park
For some time now, the residents on 19th Avenue adjacent to Imperial Hills Park, have
expressed their concern about safety on the road. Councihnembers have been meeting with
area residents to determine the best course of action to improve the safety throughout this area.
Last year, Council ordered a series of speed humps to be installed along 19th Avenue between
20th and Peony Lane. Although this does appear to be having some effect in slowing down
traffic, there is still concern about people going to and from the north entrance of Imperial
Hills Park. The Council subcommittee has requested that PRAC look at this issue and make a
recommendation. There would appear to be three options the Commission could recommend.
Option 1 would be to do nothing and leave the street as it is. If you drive through this area, I
think you can make a judgment as to whether or not you believe the existing conditions are
safe.
Option 2 is to recommend on -street bike lanes on both sides of 19th Avenue between 20th
Avenue and Peony Lane. This type of trail is a four foot wide striped trail and no parking
along the street is designated.
Option 3 would be to look at some sort of off-road trail or sidewalk. This too would be
primarily between 20th Avenue on the north and Peony Lane on the south.
On the attached graphic you can see the existing sidewalk coming in from County Road 6
going north along Peony Lane and then following Peony Lane as it breaks off to the east. Staff
would recommend that the on -street bike/pedestrian lane be tried this summer, to see how
effective that is.
This is a very difficult roadway to visualize from the map. It would be most helpful if you
could drive this section of road prior to the Commission meeting on Thursday. This is just
west of the Oakwood Elementary School/County Road 101 intersection. To get to the location,
go west on County Road 6 from County Road 101 to Peony Lane. Go north on Peony Lane
and follow it around as it becomes 19th Avenue northerly, to the 20th Avenue intersection.
EB/np
Attachment
G> 112 SEC. M F. 119 2. 22
nm, RES
GOVT LOT I 26M." REI GOVT LOT 1
i) uil)
A 26THAVE, N 1porK J-A
lal 1191 Ln llr) 46)
L
c RGS!
25TH
E
a lm
DH•
a) (49)
1
RS
45)
32)
An
As0 012(z
AV E
0 14
n1 21
SNYDER
0." 4uk "ID)
L A
P 'i I"A
3)-
x.
1]17•(M
20TH AVERTIlf
M -
ellAT nc
W)e (19). 13011 mn) du A
M re &-I- D
M4.
1100NEV
13er;
x L Pea 't (55) .. V. r
YO
J- 11T
Poo
3L
I'M 2(2 ,
74
61 (
5) to len
Pi
s* (
6) (7) (6)
NIA
All
u.
Ay
rAll
A
ow
1131
4TH AVE A" M CD
ie1 pal RANIER
Cl
of
Q1 1)
110
GOVT LOT 62%9.41 KS GOVT LOT 4 U11.15 W, GOVT LOT 5
0
April 3, 1997 CITY C
PLYMOUTR
Natalie Malphrus
Executive Director of Finance and Business
210 Co. Rd. 101, Box 660
Wayzata, MN 55391
Dear Natalie:
I'm writing this short note to confirm our conversation with regard to the future community
use of Greenwood Elementary School property. As you are aware, just over a year ago, the
City finished its youth sports study looking ten years into the future for the needs of additional
sports facilities in our community.
The recent development of the new Wayzata High School gymnasiums, the Elm Creek
Playfield and the Armstrong High School gymnasium are all the results based on our needs
analysis completed at that time. Our needs analysis also indicates that as the community grows
and participation in youth and adult sports continue to grow, we will need to continue to
develop new facilities to meet our growing community's needs.
We have been studying for some time the property that is surrounding Greenwood Elementary
School. The acquisition of the additional residential property at Greenwood School would
allow the city and school district to cooperate on further developing this site for youth
baseball, softball, football and soccer facilities. We believe this would be the most economical
way to develop new facilities in a growing part of our community.
The city is very interested in exploring these opportunities with the school district and moving
forward at the right time together to make the necessary improvements.
Sincerely,
Eric J. Blank, Director
Parks and Recreation
EB/np
cc: Dwight Johnson
City Council
PRAC
PLYMOUTH A Beau tif"[Place 'To Live
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000
March 5, 1997
Park Advisory Commission
City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, Minnesota 55447-1482
Hello Commission Members — I'm Back!
No, seriously I would like to follow up on the Park that
you approved for our neighborhood. I would like to ask
that you respectfully consider approving funding for the
park the next opportunity you have.
We aren't Lifetime and we aren't the school district, but
we would ask that our voices be heard.
Mona Domaas
557-0908
Thank you!
0
February 18, 1997 CITY OF
PLYMOUT4
Mona Domaas
15910 46th Avenue N
Plymouth, MN 55446
Dear Mona:
Thank you for your recent letter with regard to the park at Vicksburg Lane and Schmidt Lake
Road. The Park and Recreation Advisory Commission asked me to write and let you know the
status of that park situation. As you aware, at your urging, the Park and Recreation Advisory
Commission and the City did proceed with the acquisition of the corner of Schmidt Lake Road
and Vicksburg Lane for city park. This past summer, we also began work on extending the
bike trail on the west side of Vicksburg Lane to this new park area. That trail will be
completed early in the spring.
With regard to development of the park, there is nothing scheduled at this time. The
Commission is not developing any neighborhood parks in 1997, however, the 1998 Capital
Improvements Program does set aside money for a neighborhood park improvement project.
Currently, there are three 'undeveloped park sites within the community. The Park
Commission will make a recommendation early in 1998 on which of these sites will be chosen
for development. Any communication or input you would care to have with the Park
Commission would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time and interest in this matter.
Sincerely,
Eric J. Blank, Director
Parks and Recreation
EB/np/
cc: WRAC
City Council
PLYMOUTH .1'Beauti/id Tidce'To Live
3400 PLYiINIOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 - TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000
March 18, 1997
Jim Howard,
1535 Juneau
Plymouth, MN
Dear Jim:
r0PCITVF
PLYMOUTH+
EPLIA Treasurer
Lane
55447
On behalf of the Park and Recreation Department, I want to thank you for
your generous donation of $100 for trees and shrubbery around the log
cabin restoration site at Parkers Lake.
This is truly a wonderful gesture on the part of the East Parkers Lake
Improvement Association, and the City is very grateful for your
contribution.
Thank you, again.
Sincerely,
Eric J. Blank, Director
Parks and Recreation
EB/np
cc: City Manager
PRAC
City Forester
Superintendent of Parks
PLYMOUTH .A 6eaut fuCP[ace `ro Live
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000