HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-01-08 Park Board PacketMemo
To: Edina Park Board.
From: John Keprios, Director
Edina Park and Recreation Department
Date: January 8, 2003
Re: JANUARY PARK BOARD MEETING CANCELLED, MINUTES & UPDATES.
MEETING CANCELLED
Due to a lack of agenda items in need of immediate attention, the January Park Board
meeting has been cancelled. We will definitely have a meeting in February, at which time
we will elect officers and will have a couple other agenda items/issues in need of your
attention.
UPDATES
CIP
As I mentioned in my email to everyone, last night the City Council approved the 2003
Capital Improvement Plan as recommended by the Park Board. The only exception is
delaying the replacement of the showmobile until 2004.
SKATE PARK
Unfortunately, Best Buy Foundation decided not to contribute any dollars to the skate
park project. They have decided during this difficult economic period to donate only to
programs and not brick and mortar capital improvements. Currently we have $306,250
in the bank, which includes up to date fundraising. The total project costs were
estimated at $404,000. Since we finally heard back from Best Buy, we have downsized
the project by eliminating one of the three in -ground concrete bowls and slightly
altering the drainage. The project is still approximately $40,000 larger than funding in
place. I intend to approach the Edina Community Foundation and as the other partners
for any other financial assistance, including in-kind donations. I'll keep you posted. If
you have any other fundraising ideas, please pass them along.
DOME AND BASKETBALL COURTS
Ed MacHolda and I recently met with representatives from various youth athletic
associations who have an interest in pursuing an indoor soccer/football field, either a
dome or a permanent building. The meeting took place at Braemar Golf Course and
• was also attended by Todd Anderson, Assistant Manager for Braemar Golf Course. It
was determined that the Golf Dome site is not a feasible site to expand into a larger
field under a dome. Anderson/Johnson & Associates was hired by me to further
investigate the feasibility of building a dome or permanent structure over the Braemar
soccer field behind the East Arena.
We have also learned that the Northwest Athletic Club is trying to sell their property
known as their Midwest Tennis Center site, just one block east of Lewis Park. Hillcrest
Properties is managing the sale of the property for Northwest Health Clubs. We have
contacted the basketball and soccer association representatives and they have since
visited the site and considering the facility for public ownership. There are two
buildings on the site, one much larger than the other, which could be renovated to
accommodate basketball courts and/or an indoor soccer/football practice facility. The
asking price is $1.7 million. The facility is not ideal for either group for a number of
reasons; however, the property itself may be a wise investment in the long run.
We (Roy Anderson from AJA, Ed MacHolda & I) also visited the Viking's Winter Park
indoor football field facility and learned that it is significantly less expensive to operate
than a dome. The heating expense is about 1/3 the cost compared to a dome facility.
On a very sad note, Bob Favarro, who has been a part-time employee with the City of
Edina for 15 years and manager of the Fred Richards Golf Course died yesterday from
cancer. He was diagnosed with cancer on December 26th, 2002, just two weeks ago.
Bob, 76 years old, was a wonderful person, employee, and dear friend with a vibrant
personality. He will be deeply missed.
NOVEMBER PARK BOARD MINUTES
Enclosed you should find a copy of the November Park Board minutes. We will
approve those minutes at the February meeting.
Happy New Year everyone!
PA