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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-05-13 Park Board Packet*Memo To: Edina Park Board. From: John Keprios, Direc r Edina Park and Recreati n Department Date: May 9, 2003 Re: TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2003, PARK BOARD CANCELLED. Enclosed you should find the following items: 1. Summary of joint meeting with City Council and Park Board. 2. Letter from Patricia Beaver. 3. Revised layout of Fox Meadow Park plaque of recognition. Due to the lack of issues in need of immediate Park Board action, the May 13th Park Board meeting has been cancelled. I will mail a copy of the April meeting minutes for your review next week. Here are a few updates: FOX MEADOW PARK DEVELOPMENT PROJECT The contractor has begun work on the master plan construction at Fox Meadow Park. The General •Contractor, Arrigoni Brothers, has begun grading, installing silt fencing, and surveying the site. As a result, I have received two phone calls from that neighborhood inquiring about the construction. I have mailed a letter to all those who donated money to this project (whether they chose to have recognition on the plaque or not) and enclosed a copy of the proposed plaque language and design. A copy of my letter is also enclosed in this mailing. As a result, I received several phone calls about how they want their family name to appear. As you will notice in the letter from Mrs. Beaver, not all residents are pleased with the park's development. Clearly there are many more than just three families who approve of the park's development. SKATE PARK DEVELOPMENT PROJECT Kraus -Anderson will begin grading the skate park site next week. The company that will be developing the concrete bowls, Grindline Company from Washington, will arrive May 19th to begin development of the bowls and street amenities. This project should be complete in August. EDINBOROUGH PARK PLAYGROUND STRUCTURE The 6 -person selection committee for the new Edinborough Park indoor contained playground structure made a unanimous recommendation for the City Council to accept Earl F. Andersen's plan, which is International Play Equipment. The selection committee included: Michael Damman, Park Board Member Dave Fredlund, Park Board Member Linda Presthus, Park Board Member Tom Shirley, Manager of Edinborough/Centennial Lakes Park Ann Kattreh, Assistant Manager of Edinborough/Centennial Lakes Park Jeff Freund, Office Manager of Edinborough Park The City Council approved the selection committee's recommendation and the structure should be in place ready for use before August 22, 2003. NEEDS ASSESSMENT ASSIGNMENT - INDOOR FIELD SPORTS AND GYMNASIUMS The four Park Board members serving on the Indoor Field Sports and Gymnasiums Needs Assessment Committee are: 1. Mike Damman 2. Andrew Finsness 3. George Klus 4. Karla Sitek The committee and staff met with youth athletic association presidents who have an interest in these facilities. The meeting took place on Thursday, May 8, 7:00 p.m. at the Edina Senior Center. The committee asked the presidents to provide in writing how their program would change/improve with the addition of new additional facilities. Presidents were asked to submit their needs and desires to the committee no later than Wednesday, June 4th. They were also asked to commit to how much their organization is willing to pay to use these new facilities, as well as, what do they want for facilities ideally? There was good discussion and excellent questions regarding the City Council's directive and the Park Board's proposed process. The potential School District referendum was discussed and a copy of the School's Facility Committee Report was handed out. EDINA THEATER COMPANY I am sorry to tell you that our volunteer Edina Theater Company Director, Dr. Dick Cermele, informed me this week that they are unable to fill the male actor role for "The Voice of the Turtle" production. Dr. Cermele also shared with me that he is experiencing some health issues and may not be able to continue with this effort. Therefore, there will definitely not be a community theater production this spring or summer and likely will not be one this fall. If the School District is able to fund their proposed state-of-the-art theater at the High School, then we should consider budgeting for establishment of a community theater organization and assume a more proactive role. JUNE MEETING Our next Park Board meeting will be Tuesday, June 10, 2003, 7:00 p.m., City Council Chambers. 2 Memo To: The Park Board Indoor Field Sports and Gymnasiums Committee (Andrew Finsness, George Klus, Karla Sitek and Michael Damman. From: John Keprios, Director CC: Gordon Hughes, City Manager, and City Council. Date: May 9, 2003 Re: Results of Joint Meeting With the Park Board and City Council. This memo is written simply for the sake of keeping a written record of the joint meeting with the City Council and Park Board that took place on Tuesday, May 6, 2003, at 5:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers. One of the agenda items discussed was the directive from the City Council to the Park Board regarding gymnasiums and an indoor field sports facility. Park Board Chairman, George Klus, shared with the City Council that the Park Board has established a Indoor Field Sports and Gymnasiums Committee, which consists of • Andrew Finsness • George Klus • Karla Sitek • Michael Damman Mr. Klus also mentioned that the committee has already had its first meeting at which time it was decided to meet with all youth athletic associations who have an interest in these facilities. The meeting with these groups will take place Thursday, May 8, 7:00 p.m., at the Edina Senior Center. Mr. Klus then asked the City Council for further clarification of their directive. Mr. Klus asked if the Park Board's charge was to address the needs of just basketball and soccer, or should we include volleyball and other groups interested in gymnasiums. Mr. Klus stated that the committee assumes that they will not be addressing swimming pools or theaters. 0 Page 1 City Council members stated that the Park Board's charge is to revisit and validate the need for additional gymnasiums and an indoor field sports facility. Mr. Klus stated that he assumes that the City Council did not want another Blue Ribbon Committee approach to this issue but rather focus on just gym sports and indoor field facility sports. It was agreed that the upcoming meeting with the youth athletic associations is the proper first step in the process. A copy of the School District's Facilities Study for Deferred Maintenance and Program Issues was distributed. School Board Representative and Park Board Member, Jeff Johnson, informed the group that the report was just presented to the School Board. Mr. Johnson stated that there will be a work session for the School Board to discuss the report, followed by a survey by Decision Resources. The School Board plans to make a decision on June 16, 2003, whether or not they will offer a referendum this fall. There are additional gymnasiums under consideration within the proposal, as well as, artificial turf fields, including the Kuhlman Field. It was stated that the School District's referendum would have an impact on the City's desire to develop additional athletic facilities. City Manager, Gordon Hughes, gave an update on the status of the Best Buy warehouse facility located at 7317 Cahill Road across the street from Lewis Park. Mr. Hughes stated that the developer who owns the Best Buy facility recently informed Mr. Hughes that they have decided to offer the facility for sale to other interested parties because of the uncertain abilities of the City and School District to finance the facility, which is still being debated by state lawmakers. Mr. Hughes stated that we hired an architect to draw up preliminary plans, which show that there is room to support the Public Works operations, the school bus garage, and four gymnasiums. The facility has around 290,000 square feet and is in a good location. It may or may not be available at the time the legislative session adjourns. Another factor of influence is the final outcome of this legislative session. It was decided that the Park Board probably would not have their recommendations to the City Council until August, which was deemed acceptable. 0 Page 2 May 8, 2003 John Keprios Director of Parks and Recreation City of Edina 4801 W. 50th Street Edina, Mn 55424 Dear Mr. Keprios: You need to know that my heart is breaking today as your city crew destroys the meadow of Fox Meadow Lane. When this park idea was first introduced by one resident there was little interest shown by the neighborhood. A subsequent meeting was held with city officials, at the urging of one resident, to review design proposals already in progress. Those in opposition spoke objectively to save the meadow as open space so dearly needed in a city. Later, in the summer, a tent gathering was held on the proposed site with again little neighborhood support. There are now three families actively supporting the proposal. While it is clear that there was not general support for the project, I believe that you and the park board sold out to the resident with the money who had conceived the plan and approved 'his' project. He had stated at the city hall meeting that he would rather see the meadow developed into upscale homes than have to look at an undeveloped parcel of land. Close inspection of the resident who wanted this project will reveal that he and his family will never use the area they urged be destroyed to make a park. That family has a boat landing, tennis court, indoor / outdoor pool, sport court and more on their property. The development of this park is clearly the result of money talking not the neighborhood sentiments. Today the fragile environment in Edina, and by default, the earth, is being callously attacked by Edina workers. It was a beautiful parcel of land that was a joy to all who passed by on Blake Road as well as those of us who enjoy a walk on the "wild side" right in out neighborhood. In the past two years I have seen four beautiful fox in the area of the meadow. They and all other wildlife and wildflowers are now lost to us and the city. They cannot be replaced or replicated. I hope that you and the park board will consider the damage done to one lovely parcel of land which was the basis for the street name, Fox Meadow Lane. The budget of the city does not allow it to care for parks already in existence in an exemplary manner. This is the use of city money to add another park to an already inadequate maintenance budget is deplorable. It was a terrible decision to destroy this land. I urge you to serve the good of the earth and all residents and not develop anymore open, beautiful land in Edina. Sincerel Patrici er 6225 Fox Meadow Lane April 15, 2003 Dear Friends of Fox Meadow Park: City of Edina On February 18, 2003, the Edina City Council awarded a bid from Arrigoni Brothers Company for $139,634.00 to develop the Fox Meadow Park master plan. Weather permitting, construction will begin next week and will be 100% complete on or before June 20, 2003. A big thanks is due to all of you who made financial contributions to this project. There were 32 donors who contributed a total of $58,650.00 towards the development of Fox Meadow Park. Of the 32 donors, there are 27 who approved of receiving lasting recognition for their contributions. At their April 8th monthly board meeting, the Edina Park Board voted unanimously to approve the proposed bronze plaque and permanently display it in Fox Meadow Park to give lasting recognition to those who contributed to this exciting project. Therefore, enclosed is a draft copy of the bronze plaque that displays those 27 whom the Edina Park Board and I would like to honor. Please look over the draft and let me know if you have any changes or corrections before May 1St. You can reach me at (952) 826-0430. When construction is complete, the park will have: • 16' gazebo structure with decorative overhead lattice work and weathervane. • Little Tikes Kid Builders swing with two belt seats. • Kompan Company sand works playground structure for tots. • Multi -spring seesaw play equipment. • 6' wide asphalt walking trails around perimeter of the park. • 400 square yards of sod around play structure and gazebo. • $3,200 worth of turf grass seed in all open graded areas. • Park benches and trash receptacles. • A significant amount of new landscaping, such as red oaks, autumn blaze maple, sumac, daylilies, green ash, river birch clump, white pine, red twigged dogwood, white spruce, and swamp white oak. • Park identification sign. Once complete, we plan to have a grand opening celebration in the park in July with the unveiling of the permanent plaque. More on that later! Thanks again to all of you for your generous contributions. Without your support, this would not have become a reality for some time. Much appreciated! Sincerely, John Keprios, Director Edina Park and Recreation Department City Hall (952) 927-8861 4801 WEST 50TH STREET FAX (952) 826-0390 EDINA, MINNESOTA 55424-1394 TDD (952) 826-0379 • • 0 FOX MEADOW PARK This park was made possible in large part by: Jeffrey & Mary Werbalowsky The William D. Radichel Foundation Wayne & Tammy Mills With support from: Kurt & Laura Nisi The Lawton Family Peggy & Bruce Johnson Kimberly & Tim J. Montgomery The Masuda Family Senser Family Kevin and Pam Smith Eugene & Mary Frey The Michaletz Family Charlie & Kim Gits Carlson Companies Jill Woolsey & Family Frank & Toby Berman And additional donations from: Aaron Mowbray Family Norman & Edith Garmezy Karin Wentz & Mark Otness Craig & Ann Lagorio & Family The Paule Family Erik & Susan Lundquist & Family Anna & Lizzie Waddick Paul & Lisa Hartwig Jeff & Ann Wessels The Balafas Family Cynthia McGarvey The Komarek Family Quality Seasons, Inc.