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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark and Recreation Advisory Commission Packet 04-13-2000Regular Meeting of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission April 13, 2000, 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. Plymouth Creek Center rental rates b. Approved crossing agreements between City and Soo Line RR c. Approved Ice Center rental rates d. Reject bid for Ice Center dehumidification system S. Unfinished Business a. Comprehensive Plan update b. Plymouth Creek Center update c. Millennium Garden update 6. New Business a. Discuss annual park tour b. C. d. 7. Commission Presentation 8. Staff Communication 9. Adjourn Next regular meeting — May 11, 2000 n\parks\s[aff\eric\prac\agendas\aprll.doc MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING March 9, 2000 Page 10 Present: Chair Anderson, Commissioners Singer, Musliner, Fiemann, Thompson, Meyer, Wahl; staff Bisek, Blank, Busch, Sankey 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Anderson called the March meeting to order at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER SINGER AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MUSLINER TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY MEETING WITH ALL AYES. 3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS a. Athletic Associations. None were present. b. Staff. Rick Busch spoke on the successful startup of the fieldhouse. Revenue was a total of $50,000 for November and December and $40,000 each for January, February, and March. April rentals are a little slow. The total for the first six months will be approximately $190-200,000. We are receiving outstanding reviews - everyone likes the turf. Most of the rentals have been for soccer, but fastpitch softball, lacrosse, and rugby groups have been in the dome, too. The take-down will be April 29. It will be used as an outdoor field for six months, then the dome will be put up again at the end of October. Mary Bisek said she and Intern Regina Callies have talked to the Youth Advisory Commission about a teen coffee house in the lower level lobby of the Plymouth Creek Center. The kids have said they would like to get the project off the ground before school lets out. It probably won't happen that soon, but maybe this summer. Plans are for an open mike for poetry readings or acoustic music. Mary handed out a special event brochure. She pointed out Primavera and invited Commissioners to attend. Local artists and students from area will be displaying their work. There will also be live music and other performances. The art will be judged, and awards given. There are also art exhibits every month in the City Hall lobby. History Fest will be in the spring this year instead of August. We are experimenting with having school days. A voyageur encampment will be set up, with additional demonstrators because of the student participation. Approximately 1500 students in 4" through 6th grade are signed up to attend. Volunteers are needed. c. Others. None PRAC Minutes/March 2000 Page 11 4. PAST COUNCIL ACTION a. The Council accepted the 1999 Annual Report. b. The Council approved Change Order No. 6 on the Plymouth Creek Center. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Comprehensive Plan update. Director Blank spoke on the all day workshop attended by the Council. No changes were made to plan. The Northwest Greenway, golf course, third ice sheet, and living farm have all stayed intact. There will be a public open house on Wednesday, March 15, from 5-9:00 p.m. There will be a 60 day period for surrounding communities to review and respond to the proposed Comprehensive Plan, then the Council will take final action. The complete plan will go to the Metropolitan Council in June. A review will be held for the commissioners to help them become more comfortable and knowledgeable with the plan. The consultants will come in to discuss the plan and to aid in this process. A condensed version will be available to the public for their study and reviewal. Three years of work have gone into the plan, and it will be nice to have it completed. Developers are anxious to get started on new development in the city. Commissioner Fiemann asked if the plan will be on Web. Director Blank said it is currently on the City's home page, but work is being done to make it more usable. b. Plymouth Creek Center update. Director Blank said that the "Buy a Brick" program has begun for the Millennium Garden. Commissioner Thompson made a presentation to the Council at their last meeting, and she did a wonderful job. The mini garden display in the City Hall lobby is a focal point for the fund raising activities. Commissioner Singer asked if the bricks in the lobby are samples of the actual bricks to be used. Director Blank said that those are possible choices being considered. Rick Busch said that the building is coming along pretty much on schedule. It will be substantially done a week from tomorrow. A walk-through is scheduled next Wednesday. Exterior cement work should be done by the middle of April. Landscaping may need to be replaced. Besides himself, Rick said that the staff that will be moving into the new facility will include Dan Lauer, Sara Mittelstaedt, Sheri Moonen, and Susan Makela. The ceiling in the ballroom is pretty much done. Wallpaper, painting, and carpeting are being done. The ballroom carpet should go in the beginning of next week. The wood floor still needs to be done. Ballroom & meeting room furniture are due by April 1. The office furniture has started to arrive. A wedding reception will be held the first weekend in May. Kathy Bullard from the City I.T. staff has the honor of being the first event. The seniors grand opening will be in mid May, and the overall grand opening is the first Saturday in June. It will be from approximately 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. More information will be forthcoming. Commissioner Wahl asked if the connection to the dome will be done. Rick said we will use the temporary access for rest of this season. Commissioner Fiemann asked if there will be a lighted path around building. Rick said that it is substantially lit around building and parking lot. There will be a trail extension which will go over to Lifetime Fitness and the Ice Center. Commissioner Singer said she had toured the building and it PRAC Minutes/March 2000 Page 12 is fabulous. Commissioner Wahl suggested that the entire commission have a tour of the facility. Mary said the May meeting would be in the new building. 6. NEW BUSINESS Plymouth Creek Center Rental Rates and Policies. Rick Busch stated that the cost of the main ballroom was established last fall so that we could start to book the large events such as wedding receptions. Twenty events are scheduled from May through December. We are starting to get calls on the smaller rooms and partial rooms, so we need to establish the rental rates for these rooms. Equipment charges must also be established. Rick conducted a community survey and tried to find similar rooms to use in the report. Our other city -owned meeting rooms are included also. The proposed prices are probably a little on the low end because the city administration felt we should embrace the city groups for their meetings. Most of the money will be made on the large ballroom. Non- profit civic groups can have one meeting per month for free — they have to pay for additional meetings. Commissioner Thompson asked if the $5 fee for the slide projector and overhead projector would be adequate to cover replacement costs. She felt it should be increased. Commissioner Singer felt the flip charts charge should be $5 because the cost of providing these is fairly high. Commissioner Meyer asked for clarification on the renting priority. Rick said the Park & Recreation staff has first priority to book the rooms. Resident groups can book the rooms no longer than three months in advance. Mary Bisek said this was established because of the quarterly nature of planning for classes. Resident groups have priority over non- residents. Non-residents can book up to two months in advance. Mary said if there is an activity that merits reserving a room longer than three months in advance, it could be considered. In the schools, school activities take precedence over all other activities. Our programs held there can get bumped. Rick will have the ability to make decisions to bump activities if necessary. Commissioner Musliner asked if everyone will have to pay the $200 damage deposit, even if using the room for free. Rick said he would assume that for a non-profit Plymouth group, no deposit would be charged. Commissioner Musliner felt that a person may be turned off by that issue if it isn't clarified in the rental policies. Mary said that typically deposits are required when an activity might cause damage or require extra clean up. For a general meeting, it would probably be unreasonable. Commissioner Wahl suggested that we could say the damage deposit may be required. Chair Anderson said it could depend on the activity. Commissioner Thompson asked if the deposit would be refunded or applied toward the rental. Rick said the checks would be cashed and refunded after the event. Chair Anderson asked about the statement that under no circumstance would people be allowed to bring in their own beverages. How would the intoxicating beverages be provided? Rick said the caterer would provide them. The commissioners thought the words alcoholic and intoxicating should be made consistent in the rental policy document. Rick suggested they should be changed to alcoholic. He pointed out that if PRAC Minutes/March 2000 Page 13 alcoholic beverages are served, two police officers would be required at a rate of $35 per hour for each for a minimum of four hours. On the rental policies sheet, it didn't specify that two officers were needed. That needs to be clarified. Commissioner Singer asked if the policies would be part of the signed contract. Rick said yes it would. A number of changes to the documents were suggested. Mary listed the changes: Rental Rates: Change slide projector to $10. Rental Rates: Change overhead projector to $10. Rental Rates: Change flip chart to $5. Rental Policies, Rental Procedures 2a: Change to $200 damage deposit may be required Rental Policies, Rental Procedures 5: Change that to than. Rental Policies, Security/Conduct 2: Clarify that for events with alcohol, we require 2 Plymouth police officers on handfor a minimum of 4 hours at $35 per hour each. Rental Policies, Security/Conduct 4 and 8b: Change intoxicating to alcoholic Rental Policies, Security/Conduct 7: Change ending time to 12:00 midnight. Commissioner Thompson asked for clarification on what constitutes an adult. Rick agreed that we should clarify it. She suggested 21 years of age. COMMISSIONER THOMPSON MOVED TO ACCEPT THE POLICIES AND FEES WITH RECOMMENDED CHANGES AND COMMISSIONER SINGER SECONDED. ALL AYES. 7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION None. 8. STAFF COMMUNICATION. Director Blank reported that the Council held a study session last month to set their new goals, which should be adopted at their next meeting. These goals will be published and shared with the public. Their second highest goal was open space acquisition. This brings a new project into the forefront for us, and a workplan will need to be set up. Existing funds or a referendum would need to be used for acquisition. The fifth goal was the Millennium Garden. The 2001 Council could possibly set a new set of goals. Chair Anderson asked for more details on the open space work plan. Director Blank said it is probably too early to tell what the priorities will be, but the number one issue is the first link of the Northwest Greenway between Chesshire Lane and Vicksburg Lane. There is a need to be ahead of development. The property on Hadley Lake and also the Little Peninsula in Medicine Lake will probably be important. A lot of work will need to be done. Chair Anderson asked about the MN Wild. Director Blank said that they called on Friday and asked for clarification on our proposal. They indicated the our proposal was good, but gave no hint on whether they will accept it. Director Blank said he met with the superintendent of Wayzata Schools about facility issues, including ice rinks. The PRAC Minutes/March 2000 Page 14 superintendent assured him that they will keep their rink open. The City Council and School Board may have a joint meeting to look at some of these issues, including perhaps the ice rink issues. Mary reported that three consultants for the Millennium Garden are working on design proposals for the entire space, including the formal gardens and the transition and wetland areas. Presentations and estimates will come from each consultant. They are being paid for their preliminary work. Some elements of design may be used from each. Mary brought in a mock up copy of a brochure for the "Buy a Brick" program and passed it along to the commissioners. The committee for the Millennium Garden is working on other ideas, but the Buy a Brick program will be the cornerstone of the fund raising efforts. If anyone knows of any potential contributors, please let Director Blank know. Commissioner Thompson thought the bank may do matching gifts. Mary pointed out that if contributions are in before March 15, they will be listed in the Leisure Times. It would be good to have a strong showing to get the program off and running. Mary said that Bloomington has hosted a "Taste of Chocolate" event in the past. We are trying to initiate a similar event to be held in conjunction with Plymouth on Parade. The Friday & Saturday of that week are already booked for weddings, so we are planning to hold it on Thursday evening. We will be asking local restaurants to participate in a chocolate dessert competition for which awards will be given. There will also be a silent auction of donated items. Other fund raising possibilities include a bus tour with garden theme and a Home & Garden show on a local level in conjunction with the Horticultural Society. The commissioners felt these ideas sounded great. Commissioner Musliner suggested that we offer a birthday parry package at the dome. Mary said that this is being discussed. In fact, we are talking about putting together a birthday parry brochure, with all the possibilities offered by the city listed, such as programs at the Ice Center, Dome, Activity Center, Parkers Lake, and perhaps the Fire Department. L•\13111VIN0ILTJ I110IN The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. 12.2.5 PARKS, TRAILS, OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION The following specific implementation strategies are planned to carry out the Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan. TABLE 12-5 - PARKS, TRAILS, OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN (CHAPTER 8) IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES No. Description Timing 8-1 Maintain the Parks and Trails System— Maintain the quality of the existing Short park and trail system and fund the replacement of buildings, trails and playgrounds through the Park Replacement Fund. Determine priorities and plan for short-term funding needs through the annual review of the Capital Improvements Program (CIP). 8-2 Review Park Regulations— Review and update City Code Chapters 8 (Streets. Short Alleys and Public Grounds) and 13 (Traffic, Motor Vehicles and Other Vehicles). 8-3 Park Dedication Policy/ Subdivision Regulations Update— Update the City's Short policies and ordinance establishing park dedication requirements to provide for the park needs of new development. 8-4 Neighborhood Park Improvements—Implement improvements within each Varies by park service area according to Table 8-4 in the Parks, Trails, Open Space and park Recreation Plan. service area Plymouth Implementation Plan – (Draft for Review 02/12/2000) 12-11 No. Description Timing 8-5 Organized Sports Facilities—Monitor and respond to the need for ball fields, Ongoing soccer/football fields, sand volleyball courts, gyms and hockey rinks. 8-6 Develop 10 Playfield— Medium a) Select a site and acquire land for a 10"playfield. b) Develop a 10"playfield as needs dictate and funds become available. 8-7 Playfield Expansion— Consider acquisition of land for expansion of the Elm Medium Creek playfield and the undeveloped playfield property at I-494 and Schmidt Lake Road if land becomes available. 8-8 Natural Area Protection— Continue to protect natural areas through Ongoing a) Management of conservation areas within parks b) City regulations of shoreland, floodplain and wetlands c) Conservation easements d) Selected acquisition of sites the City has identified as significant. 8-9 Management of City -owned Open Space— Develop and apply a management Short plan for each existing and future City -owned open space parcel. 8-10 Northwest Greenway— Identify and secure land for an ecological and Short/ recreational trail corridor running from Wayzata High School and Elm Creek Medium Playfield eastward to Mud Lake Park and the future North Hennepin Regional Trail. 8-11 Living Farm— Consider development of a living farm through the following Medium process: a) Gauge community desire b) Select potential sites and begin acquisition process c) Develop management plan d) Explore potential project partnerships. 8-12 Special Recreation Facilities— Consider providing special recreation facilities, Ongoing such as a bark park, miniature golf, outdoor pool, art park, environmental park and skate park, in response to demonstrated need. 8-13 Golf Course— Continue to monitor the status of Plymouth's golf courses and Ongoing take action if necessary to preserve at least one publicly accessible 18 -hole golf course in the City: a) if availability is threatened; first determine how to ensure continued access public-private partnership; City purchase, other public agency purchase) b) give first priority to preserving Hollydale Golf Course. Plymouth Implementation Plan - (Draft for Review 02/12/2000) 12-12 No. Description Timing 8-14 Trails— Complete the gaps in the principal trail corridors which include: Varies by a) CSAH 61 (Northwest Boulevard/Xenium Lane) Trail trail b) North Hennepin Regional Trail c) Vicksburg Lane Trail d) CSAH 101 Trail e) Luce Line/South Medicine Lake Trail I) CSAH 9 (Rockford Road)/CSAH 24 Trail g) Plymouth Creek Trail. 8-15 Trail Crossing Improvements— Improve trail crossings in accordance with Varies by Table 8-14 in the Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan. Work with crossing MnDOT, Hennepin County and other agencies, as they propose intersection and location roadway improvements, to accommodate needs of pedestrians, bicyclists and other trail users. 8-16 Pavement Management Study—Conduct a pavement management study of Medium trails and parking lots. 8-17 Two-sided Trails— Consider providing trails on both sides of roadways based on Ongoing these criteria: a) the roadway is at least an A -minor arterial b) the daily roadway volume is at least 10,000 ADT c) identifiable safety concerns d) available funding. 8-18 Recreation Programs— Continue to provide a broad range of recreation Ongoing programs meeting the needs of all age groups, from pre-school to seniors, in a cost-effective manner. 8-19 Special Events— Continue to sponsor or co-sponsor special community events to Ongoing provide a common ground for celebration and develop community pride. 8-20 Volunteers— Continue to use volunteers to help stretch taxpayer dollars. Ongoing Improve the program by: a) increasing the training for the summer teen volunteer program b) developing better written materials for special event volunteers c) monitoring the fit of staff/volunteer matches. 8-21 Historic Preservation— Identify historic landmarks in the City and work with Ongoing the Historical Society to preserve and promote them (see also Land Use implementation strategy 4-11). 8-22 Collaboration— Continue to work with other public, private and non-profit Ongoing groups and agencies, local units of government and school districts to enhance the City's limited resources and to enhance the array of programs available to residents. Plymouth Implementation Plan - (Draft for Review 02/12/2000) 12- 13 ICMA Performance M Neighborhood Services Data Collect Parks and Recre No. Question Data Unit 1 Area Served 31 sq. miles 2 Residential Population 105,700 3 Year of Pop. Figure 1998 4 Source of Pop. Figure Planning 5a Adult Population 81389 5b Youth Population 24311 5c Percent of Youth 23% 6 Total of Sq. Miles Served 31 miles 7 Population Density 3,410 per sq.mi. Comments 8 Park Acreage, Undeveloped 262 acres 9 Park Acreage, Developed 1,449 acres 10 &11 Total Acreage 1,711 acres 12 Neighborhood Park Acreage 114 acres 13 Community Park Acreage 980 acres 14 City or County Park Acreage 121 acres 15 Regional Park Acreage 0 acres 16 Other Park Acreage 496 acres 17 & 18 Total Park Acreage 1,711 acres 19 Facilities 19a Rec/Comm. Centers 4 19b Visitor/Interpretive Centers 2 19c Multi -use Football/Soccer fields 6 19d Football/soccer Fields 0 19e Soccer Fields 0 19f Golf Course 27 holes 19g Playgrounds 35 19h Tennis Courts 34 19i Basketball Courts 20 19j Multi -use Baseball/softball fields 23 19k Baseball Fields 1 191 Softball Fields 0 19m Swimming Pools 2 19n Beaches 6 190 Ice Skating Facilities 0 19p Bike, Walk, Hike Trails 40 miles Programs 20a Adult education yes 20b Arts and Crafts yes 20c Before/after school programs yes 20d Day Camps yes 20e Dance Classes yes 20f Fitness Classes I yes 4 310 13& 1.2d8-- llvnb-04,S M,v.4 kyC 19 40 jn alop- 0 A10I9VQ &&oat 34a Excellent 38% 34b Good 48% 34c Fair 5% 34d Poor 0% 34e Don't Know 9% 135 IAre the facilities easily accessible? 35a JExcellent I 350/6 Good Fair 35e Don't Know 7% 36 Safety of facilities 36a Excellent 26% 36b Good 49% 36c Fair 10% 36d Poor 0% 36e Don't Know 15% Measures tion for Fiscal Year 1999 ation Comment Area served is limited to jurisdictional boundary Mercer Slough, Lake Hills Greenbelt plus openspaces with developed trail systems Mini too. Golf Course, Boat Launch Open space/undeveloped, no special/support facilities DATE: April 10, 2000 TO: PRAC FROM: Eric J. Blank, Director, Parks and Recreation SUBJECT: Plymouth vs. Bellevue, Washington I ran across this information about Bellevue, Washington, the other day on the Internet. Just for the fun of it, I did a quick comparison of some of their operations vs. the City of Plymouth's. I'm passing it along just for your information. EB/rip PLYMOUTH VS. BELLEVUE, WASHINGTON Population Total Expenses Total Revenue Net Expenses Net Expenses Per Capita Revenue Per Capita Plymouth 62,000 4,945,848.00 1,789,552.00 3,156,296.00 50.90 28.86 Bellevue 106,000 9,406,165.00 3,496,766.00 5,909,399.00 55.91 33.08 7 , E As green spaces become more important, caring for them becomes more of a challenge. Margaret Ahrweiler The changing landscape of American cul-' tul:e—the way we use technology, the way we work and play—is even affecting Lhe ac- tual landscape than surrounds IIs, (nldoor recreational spaces, and the ways pcoplc use them, are reflecting our society's evolution restoring natural environments and practicing horticulture recreational hobby—meld when volunteers work with park officials to improve open spaces. into the 21st century. II)CIC;lsell use of 01.11(1001 spares, evolving definitions of recreation, i remcr t imiol Mental awareness and even maintenance worker issues arc dclln- ini•, Ilse Innl< Illd hIII(Jon of rerrralinnal lulldk, 1pc< Hard use for turf The inuc:ucd use of ouldool Icrrnalwi ',I]( 1 . Irnnl tgdl courses to pinyin}; 1i-1<Is, nuCanS Ih:u nl,lnc pul hrl.lnd sc:glrs arc sIIII( inr, Ilam Ill- Inndrn I,I III, Il x,11 n .ur, the fisc of youth sorter ami IIIL In, Icu,I ,I ,oh 1).111111 pa(ia11 in Ieanl .polls mc:ul nlrl a<r LI. ,LIrn d 1 ,1,41 hlcd. AI IIIc s:unr III11C, 11111111111] ,J'11l In Im ,Moon their spolts Ilclds hlvc risen, 1111111:. I" ll dlrn nlc<II.I. People sec Ihr ytullill of the IICld, nn W101"d ?Ill,tnn; Lu•nls:uld 111111 w:IUI Ill:u Ill IhI II 11vI 'I .irnl hl b.III Ilclds Con IhnLlllh IhLI''Ic IIUII1 well II au ],- sundown," says tiCou 1<1111 Cad. 1111, runs :I lull cyoth. mcnt Bron. Rl ruler 10 111;11 emphasis on ucslhelirs, ;mnndslaeptrs must wall: IMI'LICI(11,111 OCC to kcrp II,In1111,d Lllld- scapes—especially toll—heahhl despite the he -Ring the% Lake, even while thc Ilavc Tess (illi to do sa 1111p is ann- ung hull ground, nMIIIIe- nanu uluilmnnl 11,111uLl, tura ,n .'011II Ir nl NloAtel, turd 11 RI r' II v ti ew,;"' " eau IIgh11r 14nprinl, I„ lilnil nal I mlrl,-win ,Incl p'"" Intl nlr lug. •,1111 lrll nni,n lir r I14n wn. ih.n ..In 11,111,11, h.ud II, al ulljol ]"hill v olltn itlll.11lh I1)" '111\ ll'. II, 1111M < l`:".' fcs, dcsl_nr•I L. I .I'-I , Ilei Cllh 111 1r 1 I1 aro'}i 'd n,In r l pll yin, ld .Ii aerl,lb. 111 ':•. ,111 a-' ...r t injrrnnll .1,Irnr. ]ILII 111.11 lacing asphalt for a Icss 0I :In unitlrI uunl rheu- ms. GI Consumers 11;11C aCl':II11A19 IhORIK.IIICI5 III ems meg see an rdie plugrvlbyCea1Illg tiny lis- Oerhan High school in SLII'C' 'Ill Ills' ral'lh. I h'Iti n9)'] ICIII dscapmg trends— also unr clficiendy Clelilrrs as an active 'pesticides and lcllihzers to s and recreation their intenIIC(I I:Irgcls 1)12101% the SLIrfLIC'C. 7op: Spurred by new under -surface stabilizers, gravel is rep paving to improve drainage and reduce stormwater proble want their facilities, however humble. to mirror the lush ri television. Aesthetics like the striping on the field at Cretin St. Paul, Minn., are more important than ever. Left: Two Ian AI i17VF: Recreation areas now include water features, natural areas and multipurpose traits to entice oser5 to interact with their environment- This site at the Oak Ridge Business Park in Ft. Calling, Colo., abuts a residential area and is used by both residents and office workers. Right: Comfort and safety features an maintenance equipment help keep older. year 'round employees happy in a tight labor market. Better drainage can also improve turf, as long as recre- "Recreation professionals should have access to as anon facilities have the nulncy to create a well-designed much education as possible," Voigt says. "In many cases, tui I sy}Icnl. "YOU can reduce d0w1111111C by creating n parks and rec people are dealing Willi issues from oppo- mot Zone \cith a Llectnt sul'ace and internal drainage— site ends of the spectrum, including how to manage it will he playable in a shorter period of time," says Dr. high -use areas with a low budget." The University of illi - Tom \'Digi. \'Dolt is the nu'I;grass specialist at the Uni- nois now even offers a degree in turf management. tr>ii) of Illinois depmvncnt of Mutual RC•SOLll'CC's and I'11vtIt III IIIr1wil ,I irllrr•, Illltl :Iko scl'Vl'5 Ie. 1111"I experl More active spaces mems more *hive use for its pupulal extension service, In an innovative use of Beyond turf, recreation professionals are creating part - space that also improves drainage, depressional nerships with researchers on big -picture landscape is - dstonnwatel etenuon areas are being designed to per- sues. Scott Mahaffey, ASLA, landscape architect with the recreation and sport are also changing to include active, form double duty as playing fields. And the trend to nationally recognized Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Ill., fit senior citizens who still keep outdoor recreation an eliminating asphalt trails and parking areas in favor of says the arboretum regularly works with such giant important part of their lives. Finally outdoor recreation stabilized gravel surfaces is improving drainage for groups as the Chicago Park District, as well as small- has become more of an intergenerational activity, as stressed green spaces as well. town rec boards, to help identify design needs and select families struggle to maintain togetherness. As a result, Turf managers also are making more informed seed hardy species. parks and recreation areas must provide more space for Choices to keep fields lookingY 0 n t , such activities as hiking, run - their hest. Recicition areas In 3c \ y x gary a i' 3r' y min};, huillln:; til hut, I: 11gul. transwon-_oro dint;nt} have :' z ' cvcn hiid wlitthill , tulncd Io V;lrIu-\vcrthu 1aNVy N v ~W 1 jY' y • This Mal11C\'10nskt gl',1}e* }lith 1. ZO3 usia of . y P >. yl w 7 re ,. til w „y yM' Ilicalls t i+. LIIICICI'll}l•l1 :1\CIl .11 Cil<—t,l:IYe hcrnlud,l I,I u} S1)CLIL's to r ,.. 144 ';. E pnik ;pacc- _arc bcn1," cpl.lnt- iIh>t.lnd diout,ln ulndiuuns. ' - 't'. :. i r, a -'. Vin- a cd anti cnncrurLl Irl,, And ill nonwun_sJ,oit. hellly d,R a nUIIaI II,1t LI1C,1l1"I II I.I I Ig tr.1lIr fl,l LA 1171 p11 A__ I til Ll ilSl'I}_ yA a11C1 llllll•SC COLA c}, AA1111 the I" t I111111g1'1} tJ LI}C• the Most use 01 hC10\\ SLIT hC Ila\Cl ball af ilio\ ingLiuf I)O}}711 C. IlllC IL left Ul res F l e 1 k ", o stabllizcl's, Ini'ing paths hasl r become more cost effecti\'cFst'c inose nunving it tl}u recovers d and less disruptive, WhenLeft: with hiking becoming increasingly popular, recreation officio Is, parks planners and landscape Ifrommore designers are rreating active recreation spaces, such as the Interactive natureincludesanmeuesthethatchthatthatchthat native plantings are used totrail' at the Morton replace lawns, maintenanceArboretuminLisle, ///- Right: Today's landscapes in recreation areas are designed to be enJa ed by 1 crea S cu s llonlllg on sports requirements call drop. different 4generations- fields. Private and public golf course Rcreaetion managers are getting landscape help in the And that big picture of the way; recreational land is facilities, often thought of as seas of grass, actually have form of greater education. In the Midwest, Voigt and used is being painted by how'today's consumers view led the charge for this turf conversion. Many course other researchers counsel nonprofit and commercial recreation. Once defined by team sports, outdoor recre- managers have found that by converting roughs and recreation professionals on managing and improving anon increasingly means personal fitness, especially for other areas beyond greens and fairways, they can signif- their turf through the University of Illinois Extension Ser- the influential aging Baby. Boomers who no longer wish icanty cut maintenance costs while reducing the use ofvicesTinfgrassProgram. to sacrifice their: bodies on, the field. Perceptions ,of pesticides and herbicides as well. March/April ROBB — Recreation Management From gaff courses to playing fields, grounds managers arc+ selecting turf varieties best suited to their climates, reducing the need far intensive pesticide use - Parks and recreation designers are finding alternatives to Landscaping as recreation ing and labor-intensive. But, in a twist that would mals turf for passive areas as well, to increase the opportunity for Cresting'and managing these recreational landscapes has Tom Sawyer proud, these activities have attracted great human interaction or encourage plain old contemplation. become its own form of recreational activity among users, volunteer interest. In fact, residents face waiting lists to Following a renewed interest in public gardens, recreation Mahzffey also notes. It complements consumer interest in enjoy this environmentally conscious activity. landscapes are featuring more flower beds and ornamental conveirtingJawns to gardens and nature areas. Restoring Beyond these restorations, today's Iecteation users also plantings, with benches, gazebos, and chess pavilions. public landscapes has become a popular form of recre- want to get their hands dirty through gardening, which As our lives require more and more time spent indoors ,atron iii many parts of the country,',which has proven a has become a perceived form of exercise. Groundskeep- we really need our outdoor environments to be designed.:boort Cd''public groups overseeir g:,'these areas. Re -intro- ers' or gardening clubs have sprung up to maintain newlyRe -intro - and managed to encourage human contact and inrerac ducir g native plantings into ar ^'area, or trying to reduce planted public spaces. And for more individualized gal - on," Mahaffey says. invasive species in a landscape;,; for"example, can be try- dening fun, some facilities now offer conununity gardens, a where residents can plant their own plots and 4 111 grow flowers or vegetables for themselves. Write 106 on reader inquiry fax card Recreation Management - March/April 2171717 Environmental awareness changing recreation landscapes The environmental awareness diiculg the pupulariq of native restoralinns :Md g:uden- ing is also affecting the way recreation faedi- ties design and nmintitin their "rnundc I irst, the (11 ire I<, native- h\ using In- digenous spccics in landscape plantings has gained grcalcr aea•ptanee in the List decade. In the SOUt11\VCst, far cxamplc, rerrention manager:s and pal It users air iIll )1,4111 design where water-innsr1' in; descl'1 l+Lnd. ings rrp61ecd norc uAlnIll I'll I1w>n 11011 native spccics, seriscapillg ha. Imeunu ,I more accepted practice to cona•rvc wnlcr •unI highlight n2tiec',pale~. In Ihr Vluhcr,1, h exam plc, colorful prairie .g %I«e, haNr gaInr,l polmhrit} as orn:tnlenLd pLIn1, I"hc p lbIir•s palate II; I, I II,III d your .i hit," sa}'s Torr}, I Liikne>,, a plwlr-on A LII Id sayu architc 11110 ;it thr t'mer1-111 "i Ilim Specie, Ih:u wr 11 elr,I ,,, v,,,,1 incl n long ago arc now illtzcd. 1 Ia11<ncs ,olds I!,,[ puhlic tastes in lalld."apes lore al<,, heel nn 11101Csuphisticau•d, meaning 111,11 iunalmer+ MUM Inure than espmlses of gars:old ecr1 grccns. Sumc flll'nlllale I'eeI'CM101I dcpMut- ments have even enjoyed increased landscape budgets to feed public desires for more di- verse greenery. Environmental awareness also has spurred the reduced use of herbicides, pesticides and other chemical applications. Due in part to health and ecology concerns, landscape man- agers have found other ways to discourage weed growth and insect infestations, from aerating regularly to using Organic top drCSS- ings. While chemical turf treatment may not disappear completely, grounds managers have become much more particular ahout its application. Chemical products arc now more pest -specific, no longer killing the good hugs along with the bad, and recrnnmended dosages have dropped as well. "In general. you're going to be required to use pesticides occasionally to maintain the higheS1 c{uality turf," Voigt says. "But it may not be o,cry year any Inure.• And when pesticides arc used, grounds managers now Gcqucntly post signs alerting Facility users in advance when n treatment will tal<e place and then noting when the u'hcmicills have heen npplicd. Finally, cnvirunnomtal cunscluusncss has spurred a mandate to recycle. 'This has pre - settled recreation managers with the CiMl- lenge of disposing of landscape waste, which By consulting with outside experts, turf managers can identify grasses that require less irrigations and handle summer heat more effectively. can no longer be dumped in landfills but must be recy- comfortable, manager's are also keeping them smart. Bet- privatization. Both private and public recreation facilities cled in many parts of the country Grounds maintenance ter -trained, educated grounds crews can better handle are increasingly outsourcing their landscape work to practices and equipment have evolved to adapt to this the complex demands of maintaining modern land- commercial operators. new reality. Facilities have been forced to establish corn- stapes, so managers are sending workers to school. Be it outside operators or their own staff, grounds posting areas or contract with outside refuse operators to Many facilities provide workers with the opportunity to crews and their managers are changing recreational land - take it to a compost area off-site. attend seminars and classes in horticulture and turf stapes io respond to consumers' evolving recreation What are you going to do with all those clippings? It's management. wants and needs. Environmentally conscious spaces always an issue," says Bob Walker, who runs a mowing Finally, some parks and recreation managers have with more interactive areas will continue to gain popu- equipment firm. "People are interested in mulching, and dealt with increasingly complex worker issues by aban- larity as the recreational landscape continues to mirror under ideal conditions you can do it pretty easily But if doning them altogether and following the trend toward the shifting landscape of modern culture. 4;W you want to mulch in less -than -ideal condi- tions, the difficulties increase exponentially." 11"ll 111111, ling i, intp(eclirnl, as it olien i; in ol''[u1J,,Itw,11111•.1l.ub11 11 ,,,,, oI 111rIll 111 r,nnlne,l u1.111Iw .iInd rinplyinll mharl.,nl Landscape worker issues changing Krcpill q Ll? with rmir(III III cnuul impacts and the evolution of recreational landscapes isn't the onk 1roundS ntaintcnanee issue facing c:rrnn,n m:uiahcrs. Social changes have af- lrct:l ,tallin a, ccll us the lanclsatpe itself. nut.t pat m,n'i ani ntion In wnrkr( It It ,,11111 '11. 1„1 rN;tmltic• I01 :1 mauler I it Al IC Il a lai 111: 11111we Malls 11:19e t_..L. 1.l.nl,ln; I`:r:, [1011<of P10,1m Iiritu I'll 111;111'(1, nrin:lprIti lntwt 1111(( a l-41.111 ctwIt, Iv'iI,nun(ill, ;md hr I•t„ Ilnr IIOM a wiJcr Iaho( pool as well. nninhrl ,,I \r; u, ltgo, you Imd L0-ye;n'- nl.t!r.nhlCit, icl,"ApuAin:;a\r.tll:hehinll nl,tvcr..ntJ 1110 "IIIIJ ,t;o all dna;VVallxr I 11.11', I wl ill,' , .I., I I A' 111111 P... Surfing for Landscaping Help Recreation managers can find out about the latest in landscape and maintenance trends, and learn how to manage their areas more effectively with just a few clicks of the mouse. The University of Illinois Extension Services operates an extensive Web site for its Turf - grass Program, filled with tips, contacts and the latest research on turf issues. The Morton Arboretum's Web site provides plenty of information on species selection, and offers research, as well as classes and seminars. U. of III. Turfgrass Program Morton Arboretum www.furf.uiuc.edu. www.mortonarb.edu Facilities mmnagers have also bowed to the pressure of increasing regulation by the Occu- pational Safcq, and Flcalth Administration to ensure worker safety. "You could get away with bare -bones equipment 20 years ago," Kinkead says, "but that's not the case any more. You aced cushioning, blade stops and anti -vibration mechanisms on equipment, among other things. This is a good conscious- ness; and it's really improved worker health and safety. There are fewer hazards, and a lot less fingers lost." In addition to keeping workers safe and of of work ethic that creates envy in competitors. features including: a, long runtime—up to 54 hours at full load irg"Nights meet US DOT and Canadian requirements lar'engine & generator, warranty given us the reputation as a leader for more than INGERSOLL-RAND PrP"aring for the Future of Recreation Though they've been a bulge in population statistics, Baby Boomers are determined not to be overcomeby their awn bulges. emographics is destiny."—Anonymous marheting consultant. Understanding the demographics of a market is vital to business success,'or in some cases, to simply survive over the long term. Recre- ation management is no different. The key to success is to know who your customers are—or you'll suffer the business consequences. On the broadest level, there's one American demo- graphic trend that will matter the most to health and fit- ness managers in the early 21st century: the aging of the U.S. population. Everyone has heard of this trend, but the effects of this phenomenon aren't as simple as you might think. And the implications for the health and fitness industry aren't always clear-cto, either. Before the graying of America can be understood, an underbrush of persistent myths about aging need to be cleared away. The aging of America is real First, .some numbers. Oven now, the "older" segutcni of the population is sizable. America is already the "eldest" it has ever been, zi,, mling to the latest estinwws from Alex Stallings the U.S. Census Bureau, which puts the elderly (65+) population at 34 million, or 12.6 percent of the nation's total residents. One step away from this "old" category are the Baby Boomers. In the not -too -distant future, there will be enor- mous opportunity in servicing the needs of America's most famous demographic group—the generation of peo- ple born roughly between 1946 and 1964. Formerly a youthful crew, this enormous population bulge of some 50 million is headed for old age. But they're fighting the aging process every step of the way Barring catastrophe, in 2015 there will be 45.5 mil- lion Americans over 65; in 2020, that age group will host 53.2 million folks; in 2025, the total will rise to 61.9 mil- lion; and in 2030, seniors will number 69.3 million. Rough- ly, that's a doubling of the "elderly" population from 2000 to 2030. 11 ynu're not concerned abow what will be happening in 2030, the increase between now and 2015 will still be fairly hefty, when more than 10 million peo- ple make the transition into the "over -65" category. Getting gray isn't what it used to be Moreover, not only is the number of consumers in this age group going to swell, but the overall health statistics of these folks are going to improve. According to new findings from the National Long Term Care Surveys, dis- ability mics among older peo- ple in the United States, arc falling dr.unatically, and the reduction in disability is gain- RecreeYlnn Management Morth/April 00170 ing momentum. Rcarunccrs at Duke Uni- versity cstimaic that 1.2 mil- lion McIverolder people were disabled in 1004 than would have hecn expected hasrd on disahihn r:ucs ohserved m 1982. Thr mmiher of older people wuh functional prob- lems in 1 stood at 7.1 milhnn, not dte 8.3 mullion IY mho would have hccn impaired if the overall health of seniors had not improved occr the last Icw ycais. This is one of the most importam I'Ind- ings in denulgraphy that I've seen in many years,., says Richard M. Suznum, Ph.D., di- rectnr A the Nmional Institute on Aging's Office of the Demography of Aging. "The powerful. Many factors maytrendIsvery be im olecil in the decline in disability. These fucwrs include better public health nrc:tsures bCIICInuurtlonal infotnnation sand hcalthiu eating habits, higher levels of eclucution, improved economic status, and medical ndvances. Now, to maintain and accclomtc the decline in disability rates, we need to pinpoint how each of these (actors is contributing to the im- proved health of older people", Seniors have time and money to work out So there will be a lot more older people in the next few decides, and they will be healthier. Soon, these people will be in the maiket for all the nceoutcrmcnts of old' age. The question is, will that include health and fiuuss services': Probably so, if current wends arc :illy in- dication. According to a study conducted in the late 19905 by Anrc lean Sports Data Inc, the number of Americans aged 55 nncl older who joined health dubs grew a whopping 145 percent hcctween 1988 and 1995. This number continues to increase as older adults tudize that exercise enables them to live work and function more ef- fcctively in their everyday lives. People are living longer and better by incorporating exercise into their lives," says Sheryl Marks Brown, an executive di- rector of the nonprofit American Council on Exercise (ACL-). "Our goal is to enable Fitness professionals- to tench them how to CIL) it safely and ellfectively." The ACE and other advocacy groups, Including the inllucntial American Associ- ation of Retired Persons (AARP), are at the forefront of spreading the word about the benefits of exercise among the elderly. The fitness industry would do well to note the newest thinking about exercise and aging, the better to steer the aging Baby Boomers into their facilities. Perhaps the most important idea in sen- ior fitness is that it's never too late to start. Older people have Fewer reserve mecha- nisms to augment their heart function during physical activities than younger people do," says Edward Lakatta, M.D., Chief of the Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science at the NIA. "But aerobic exercise conditioning can offset the normal aging of the heart by making it a better pump, even For those who begin later: in life, at age 60 or 70." Debunking the myths of old age So all the elements are there for a boom in seniors' fitness, fueled by demographics. But the manager of n illness facility in. Des Moines, for example, might ask, "Of course people are getting older, but what difference does it make to me? Everyone Write 118 on reader inquiry fax call Clean Up Recycle Beautify o — Do it all with Trash and Recycling Receptacle !Holders Yt 20, 32 and >S gallon capacity receptacles. Stand -;done units and'_- or 3 -module arrays. t Flat or donned lids I'ur trash or recycling; galvanized w or painted steel, or plastic. i Use galvanized steel or rigid plastic liners; steel drums or reusable recycling bags Welded steel frame rings feature formed flange for strength; painted or galvanized. i Slats of wood or recycled plastic in several colors. t Beautify your park or campground with receptacle 0 holders designed to disguise and protect your liner nside. PILOT ROCKg PARK EQUIPMENT R.J. Thomas Mfg, Co., Inc., PO Box 946, Cherokee, IA 510120946 PH: 712-225-5115 or 500-762-5002 •FAX: 712-225-5796 E-MAIL: pllulrockrririlhoi naernm • WF.R: www.pihdrnrk.n ui N4ite 119 on hailer inquin'.fas turd for safety and comfort. Kiefer Specialty Flooring introduces Flexideck, the safe and comfortable flooring solution for any wet, bacteria -prone environment. Our revolutionary "Comfort Dome" surface provides the most r comfortable surface available today without sacrificing the ra safety of positive traction. Flexideck's unique "flow-through" design safeguards against mold, mildew, and bacteria, allowing air and water to drain quickly and easily, so areas stay safe, clean, and bacteria -free. Ideal for showers, locker rooms, pools, saunas, jacuzzis, steam rooms and marinas. 1-800-322-5448 email: kfloor@mcs.net KIEF;EI SPECIALTY FLOORING, March/April 0000 - Recrea[lon Management o I Write 120 on reader inquiry fax card will move to the Sunbelt as they get old." The numbers tell a different story, however. In the Midwest, for example, more and more people are in- clined to stay in the places where they lived as younger adults, as opposed to moving to a warmer climate. Ac- cording to Census Bureau estimates, the 65+ population of Illinois, for example, will expand from 1.4 million this year to 2.2 million in 2025. Even a hard -winter state like Minnesota will see a near -doubling of the eld- erly population, from 596,000 to 1.09 million over the same period. So it would seem that preparing to accommodate grow- ing numbers of Baby Boomers in senior fitness programs is a no -lose proposition. However, that's not really the case, no matter how good the raw numbers are. Recreation is a service industry, after all. As large as the potential market will be, there will still be opportunities to misread it, and to offer the wrong services in the wrong places. One way to misread the market is to believe every- thing you read or hear about this particular demo- graphic group, which has long been prone to being stereotyped. "Hippie" and "yuppie" are two successive media fictions that come to mind. Any single character- ization that lumps together a group of 50 million peo- ple is suspect. The Baby Boom generation is as varied as any other, in any terms that matter—lifestyles, income, beliefs, and so forth. Another danger in preparing to serve this market in- volves overestimating the capacity of the demographic to absorb upper -end services. Many people in this age group are very affluent and will remain so. Others will find themselves financially strapped as they leave be- hind their jobs and ability to earn a living. But the good news is that the middle will always be the majority, and there's plenty of good money to be made in the middle. So be sure to follow the latest developments in senior health and fitness, as well as the newest medical aids that extend longevity and vitality. Healthy Baby Boomers will want to remain active into their twilight years. Your facility can benefit from this group, if you make sure you have the services and equipment that enhances senior fitness. 4xit, Write 121 on reader inquiry fax card Write 122 on reader inquiry fax card Fecrea Cion Management — March/April 2000 PLAYGROUNDS Continued from page 6 Section 16.1.5: This section involves the technical guide- lines for how children would interact with accessible play components. The section contains descriptions of: space required for a wheelchair to ma- neuver it to and from the play component height of entry points or seats provision of transfer supports, including a gripable edge or some other means of support reach -range requirements for manipula- tive and interactive features of play compo- nents, based on age-appropriate users. For complete technical guidelines, ask your playground consultant, or visit www.access-board.gov to review the access board guidelines. It's important to read the entire guidelines to obtain all the necessary technical information. Section 16.1.6: The proposed guidelines tackle the issue of how to provide surfaces at play components that are soft enough to limit injury from falls, but also are firm and stable enough for hecichair mancuveiabilit%t These requne- mcnts spring from two ASTM standards. ADA -compliant surfaces would be required 10 be "Ilrnt, stahle and slill-icsistmu- as slice - 14d in ADAAG and m meet an ASITI pro- isionel stan(lerd tASI't\i 1:1051), which is hnscd on nicasurcnxnt of the ph)sicul clfort al:cs 10 maneuver a \Nhccichair across a surfucc. Acct ihlr surfnccs ithin the use one would be requited to be "impuct aucn- unting' in compliance with ASITd F1292. Uon't forget, accessible routes also must be provided from the parking /at or building to the play area, and must connect the entry and exit points with at east one wheelchair - accessible route. The chart included on page 6 is an cash guide to follow when designing play struc- tures. Don't forget, accessible routes also must be provided from the parking lot or building to the play area, and must connect the entry and exit points with at least one wheelchair -accessible route. It's important to mention that on Nov. 16, 1999, the Access Board published in the Federal Register the proposed ride to change the ADA accessibility guidelines. This is the first step of a two-stage process that may re- sult in new ADA standards. If they're final- ized by the Access Boarcl and formally adopted by the Department of justice, they'll become enforceable standards. Most playground companies have been de- signing their products with the proposed standards in mind. The transition to the new requirements will he ankh easier if all play- grountl manufacturers and their representa- tives introduce consistency in their respective designs and marketing materials. I'd appreci- ate any comments so we can help make this transition truly "an opportunity for all." lc;b, Thad Joseph is the director of marketing/advertising and Government Sales at Miracle Recreation Equipment Company. He can he reached at pl gioundmancshotmail.com.