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;
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mcnt Bron.
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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-
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a
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ms. GI Consumers 11;11C aCl':II11A19 IhORIK.IIICI5 III
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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'
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I" t I111111g1'1} tJ LI}C• the Most use 01 hC10\\ SLIT hC Ila\Cl ball
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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.