HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-06-10 Park Board PacketCity of' rkal(.
EDINA PARK BOARD
TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2003
7:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
EDINA CITY HALL
AGENDA
* 1. Approval of Tuesday, April 8, 2003, Park Board Minutes.
*2. Edinborough Park Fees & Charges Recommendation.
3. Facilities Study Committee Report — Indoor Field Sports and Gymnasiums.
® 4. Park Assignments — George Klus.
5. Updates.
A. YMCA/Tri-City Skate Park.
B. Edinborough Park Playground Structure.
C. Fox Meadow Park Development.
D. Disc Golf Course.
E. Normandale Park Playground Equipment.
F. Sherwood Park Playground Equipment.
6. Other.
7. Adjournment.
*These are agenda items that require or request Park Board action.
City Hall (952) 927-8861
4801 WEST 50TH STREET FAX (952) 826-0390
EDINA, MINNESOTA 55424-1394 TDD (952) 826-0379
Memo
To: Edina Park Board.
From: John Keprios, Directr
Edina Park and Recreati n Department
Date: May 23, 2003
Re: TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2003, PARK BOARD MEETING STAFF REPORT.
Enclosed you should find the following items:
1. Tuesday, June 10, 2003, Park Board Agenda.
2. Tuesday, April 8, 2003, Park Board Minutes.
3. Proposed Recreational Fees & Charges for Edinborough Park.
4. Memo to athletic association presidents.
The following is the monthly staff report concerning each item on the agenda with the exception of
Approval of the Minutes and Other. "Other" is listed on the agenda for other information items (not
requiring formal action), last minute items that may come up between now and the Park Board meeting,
plus, cover any other concerns of Park Board members and/or attendees.
PARK BOARD MEETING AT
EDINA CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
EDINA CITY HALL
4801 WEST 50TH STREET
The June 10, 2003, Park Board meeting will be at 7:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers at Edina City
Hall.
If you are unable to attend, please call either Office Coordinator, Janet Canton, at 826-0435 or me at 826-
0430.
EDINBOROUGH PARK FEES & CHARGES RECOMMENDATION
I am proposing that the Park Board approve the enclosed fees and charges recommendation for
Edinborough Park.
As you will notice, the proposed fee is $4.00 for use of the new playground structure, which is shown as
"Playpark daily admission." Children under 12 months and adults with a paid child do not pay an
admission fee. If park users wish to use the new play structure and use the pool the same day, the cost is
$6.00 per day.
Edinborough/Centennial Lakes Park Manager, Tom Shirley, will be present to answer questions about the
proposed fees & charges. Tom will present comparison fees & charges from other similar facilities.
Park Board action is requested on this agenda item.
FACILITIES STUDY COMMITTEE REPORT - INDOOR FIELD SPORTS AND
GYMNASIUMS
The Facilities Study Committee Park Board members are:
1.
Mike Damman
2.
Andrew Finsness
3.
George Klus
4.
Linda Presthus
The committee and staff (myself and Ed MacHolda) met with presidents from the various youth athletic
associations on May 8th. A copy of a follow-up memo of that meeting is enclosed in this mailing. The
athletic associations were asked to submit in writing by June 4th a description of their perceived needs
and how these facilities will affect their programs. The Facilities Study Committee has a meeting
scheduled for June 5 to review the written descriptions and will make a verbal report to the Park Board
and discuss the next step in the process.
No formal Park Board action is requested on this agenda item.
PARK ASSIGNMENTS — GEORGE KLUS
Park Board Chairman, George Klus, would like Park Board members to be prepared to discuss their park
assignments and how we can:
• 1. Inform the public of these assignments.
2. Request suggestions and input from the public regarding parks of their interest.
3. Utilize the park assignments in the upcoming needs assessment survey.
Consensus of the Park Board is requested on this agenda item.
UPDATES
I intend to give the Park Board verbal updates on:
1. YMCA/Tri-City Skate Park
2. Edinborough Park Playground Structure.
3. Fox Meadow Park Development.
4. Disc Golf Course.
5. Normandale Park Playground Equipment.
6. Sherwood Park Playground Equipment.
OTHER
This is an opportunity for Park Board members and residents to address other concerns.
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EDINA PARK BOARD
7:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
APRIL 8, 2003
MEMBERS PRESENT: Andy Finsness, Mike Damman, Karla Sitek, Ardis Wexler, George
Klus, David Fredlund, Floyd Grabiel, Linda Presthus, Allyson
Grande, Mike Weiss
MEMBERS ABSENT: Jeff Johnson
STAFF PRESENT: John Keprios, Ed MacHolda, Janet Canton
I. APPROVAL OF THE TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2003 PARK BOARD
MINUTES
Floyd Grabiel MOVED TO APPROVE THE MARCH 11, 2003 PARK BOARD
MINUTES. Mike Weiss SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED.
II. FOX MEADOW PARK DONATIONS RECOGNITION PLAQUE
Mr. Keprios explained that a group of people came before the Park Board and City
Council and asked that their park be developed and noted that they would donate money
towards it. He indicated that the Park Board and City Council was very supportive and
that they would like to recognize those donors in an appropriate manner. Mr. Keprios
informed the Park Board that the group of people who have donated the most money
have come forward with some recommendations and have asked everyone who donated
money whether or not they would like to be recognized. He noted that the plaque would
be a reasonable size, approximately 8" x 11 ", and they would find a nice spot in the park
to place it. Mr. Keprios pointed out to the Park Board that technically the plaque is in
violation of our own standing policy. However, it's not really a memorial, it's more of a
thank you to the neighborhood for recognizing them for their contributions. Mr. Keprios
added that he thinks it's a very tasteful plaque and method of recognition.
Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that he received some input today from one of the
neighborhood committee members who suggested a slightly different approach to the
proposed plaque of recognition. Mr. Keprios then handed out the revised donor list. He
noted that this is what the committee would like to see done. Ms. Presthus stated that as
long as it's not a memorial she thinks it's perfectly appropriate and is very much in favor
of it.
Mr. Klus asked Mr. Keprios if he is going to encourage some type of neighborhood
picnic once the park is completed in August to which he replied yes, he is planning a
grand opening event for the park and unveiling of the plaque.
Ms. Presthus asked if for some reason the plaque is vandalized or defaced who is
responsible for replacing it to which Mr. Keprios responded that the City would replace
it.
Dave Fredlund MOVED TO ACCEPT THE DONATIONS RECOGNITION PLAQUE
TO BE PERMANENTLY DISPLAYED AT FOX MEADOW PARK. Linda Presthus
Mr. Keprios indicated that later this year he plans to propose an amendment or revision to
the existing Donations/Memorials Policy to promote similar donations in the future.
III. EDINBOROUGH PARK PLAY STRUCTURE & SPECIAL MEETING
Mr. Keprios explained to the Park Board that they are planning on purchasing a new play
structure for Edinborough Park in a way that has not been done before. He indicated that
he would like to have three staff members and three Park Board members form a
committee and meet with each vendor who submits a bid. Under this method, each
vendor can explain their plan, which will help us do an educated job of assigning point
values. Mr. Keprios indicated that is one way this could be done or they could hold a
special Park Board meeting on April 30th to review staff's findings and make a
recommendation to the City Council who will move on it the first Tuesday in May. He
indicated that the recommended vendor would also be present at that City Council
meeting to explain their plan.
Mr. Klus indicated that his recommendation would be that if there were two or three Park
Board members who would be interested in doing this then let them do it and let the Park
Board give them the authority to do it. Mr. Klus commented that he doesn't think it's
necessary for the Park Board to hold a special meeting for this one issue. Mr. Klus noted
that he would trust the judgment of anyone on the Park Board. Floyd Grabiel, Linda
Presthus and Mike Damman all volunteered to help Mr. Keprios with the project.
Mike Weiss MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT MIKE DAMMAN, L INDA
PRESTHUS AND FLOYD GRABIEL WORK WITH MR. KEPRIOS AND BE
EMPOWERED ON BEHALF OF THE PARK BOARD TO MAKE A
RECOMMENDATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE PURCHASE OF
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT FOR EDINBOROUGH PARK.
Andy Finsness SECONDED THE MOTION.
Mr. Finsness asked what the amount of the play structure is to which Mr. Keprios replied
they are asking for a $210,000 play structure. The specifications call for vendors to give
2
them the most play value for $210,000. This method eliminates having to accept the
lowest responsible bidder but rather the best plan for the money.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
IV. UPDATES
A. YMCA/Tri-City Skate Park — Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that the original
concept for the skate park was designed 3 1/2 years ago with input from kids themselves.
He noted that the kids knew they wanted in -ground concrete bowls with steel coping,
street amenities and rails and spines knowing full well they were going to get a
professional who does this for a living to improve on the plan. Mr. Keprios noted that all
three cities are now on board. The Bloomington City Council was the last to sign off on
the agreements, which they did last night. Mr. Keprios passed around a copy of the plan
for the skate park. He noted that the whole park is approximately 20,000 square feet.
Mr. Klus informed Mr. Keprios that as he understands it the Rotary Club would be
passing a motion on Thursday to donate the money needed to build the attendant
building. Mr. Keprios replied that is wonderful. Mr. Klus noted that they would like to
have someone from the City of Edina be present as well as someone from the YMCA to
which Mr. Keprios replied he and a YMCA representative would be there.
Mr. Keprios indicated that the contractor is ready to start breaking ground the first week
of May and hopefully at the latest they will have a skate park by the middle of August.
Mr. Keprios added that this will be the first in -ground all concrete skate park in
Minnesota and feels it is going to be extremely popular. Ms. Presthus asked if they could
get publicity on it somewhere to which Mr. Keprios replied they would be sure to have a
lot of publicity on it.
Ms. Wexler asked what the admission fee is going to be to which Mr. Keprios replied that
the YMCA is putting together a fee schedule. Also, if there are people who cannot afford
it, they are going to try to find a way to get them financial assistance to cover their
entrance fee. He noted that the Joint Powers Agreement states that the YMCA may
charge just enough to pay for operating costs and that the YMCA may not make a profit
from skate park revenues. He stated that they are moving right along and are making
great progress.
B. Fred Richards Golf Course Maintenance Building — Mr. Keprios indicated that the
2,800 square foot maintenance building at the Fred Richards Golf Course was approved
by the City Council. He noted that it was desperately needed, the current building is
approximately 900 square feet and therefore expensive equipment had to be left outside.
He noted that the money for this project would come out of the golf course proceeds.
C. Normandale Park Playground Equipment — Mr. MacHolda informed the Park Board
that it has been slow moving at Normandale Park. He indicated that he has met with two
neighborhood representatives, Cyri Prescott and Paul Nelson, who are going to discuss
t]
with the neighborhood what was talked about and report back on any additional feedback.
He noted that so far they have met with three playground equipment vendors. Mr.
MacHolda explained that the reason he thinks they have been moving so slowly on this is
because they were discussing where the best location would be for the play equipment
when the snow started to fall. He noted that once the snow started to melt they saw how
the water channeled and therefore determined that the existing location is the best
location. However, the neighborhood committee has not narrowed down the playground
manufacturer and that is what is keeping them from being further in the process. He
pointed out that they would need to decide whose equipment they want to bid and specify
that and then move forward. Mr. MacHolda commented that it is his hope that the new
equipment will be in place by mid to late summer.
Ms. Grande asked what the affect would be on the playground program when they take
out the old equipment and put in the new equipment. Mr. MacHolda replied that the
City's staff would remove the existing equipment, concrete container and safety surface.
He noted that they would hold off on removing the old equipment until the installation of
the new equipment is ready to take place.
D. City Staff Work Session — Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that this past
Saturday the City staff and City Council had a work session for approximately four hours
at the Senior Center. He noted that it was very good and that they covered the top issues
that the City will face in the next five years as well as they covered the City's
accomplishments over the past five years. He indicated that they also covered the factors
of influence or forces of change that they've been faced with during the past three years.
Mr. Keprios indicated that they are going to have another Saturday work session on May
17 I to come up with a plan of action on how to address the issues they are going to be
faced with.
Mr. Keprios indicated that he asked his staff what they thought the top five
accomplishments were for the Park and Recreation Department and they came up with 32
different things. He noted that his staff really deserve a pat on the back because their list
is quite impressive.
V. PARK BOARD ASSIGNMENTS
Mr. Klus indicated that when everyone started on the Park Board they were given a list of
all of the parks along with a classification of the parks. He noted that he thinks it would
be helpful for the Park Board members to receive this list again because everyone is not
familiar with all of the parks in Edina. Mr. Klus stated that as he mentioned at the last
Park Board meeting he thinks it would be nice to have periodic reports about each park in
Edina so that all Park Board members can become more familiar with every park. Mr.
Keprios stated that there are 39 parks in Edina and indicated that he will make up a list of
each park including their classification and description. Mr. Grabiel asked if a map could
also be included with this information to which it was noted yes.
9
Mr. Keprios indicated that he thought it made sense for each member to take a park or
two and felt they should visit parks that have construction going on this year. Ms.
Presthus asked why don't they cover all of the parks. She noted that each board member
could be assigned three parks and make sure that everyone gets at least one new
construction site park. Everyone agreed it sounded like a good idea.
Ms. Wexler stated that perhaps they might want to get a list of the neighbors who live
within a two -block radius of the park to let them know we are interested in their park and
ask if they have any questions or suggestions. However, the down side of this is people
will be calling saying they want all kinds of things. Mr. Klus commented that he thinks if
the residents knew which Park Board members were responsible for which parks they
could call those members and relay their thoughts. He noted that perhaps they could run
an article in the Sun Newspaper. Mr. Keprios replied that they could certainly do those
things, however, the Park Board is going to have a very large task when they get to the
Needs Assessment Survey that will be happening in 2004. Mr. Keprios noted that he
thinks this is a wonderful project for everyone to be a little more in tune with what our
needs are out there. Mr. Keprios stated that the City Council has already approved the
Park Board's recommendation and are going to hire a professional consultant to come in
and help us draft the questions for the survey.
Mr. Keprios indicated that if there's an immediate issue with a park people will and
should call him because that is his job. He noted that he thinks the Sun Newspaper would
be more than happy to publish an article that says, "the Park Board is actively involved in
looking at your parks and here are the people who are assigned to these parks". He noted
that this way the whole community is covered and no one gets overlooked. Mr. Klus
asked the Park Board how they feel about having the responsibility of learning about a
couple of parks and what their needs are for the next year or two. He noted that it would
be impossible for them as a group to know about all of the parks but if everyone were an
expert on a few of them it would really help with the Needs Assessment Survey. Mr.
Keprios stated that he thinks this will be a prelude to let the community know we have a
Needs Assessment Survey coming down the road.
Mr. Klus indicated that he would recommend that everyone take the park that is closest to
them, however, he's not sure how much overlapping there would be. He noted that if
anyone has a specific park that they would like to be responsible for they should let Mr.
Keprios know. He stated that Mr. Keprios and his staff could put together a list and bring
it to the next Park Board meeting to see how it looks. Ms. Presthus suggested that not
only should they divide up the park that's closest to them but also make sure everyone
has a different type of park. She noted that they need to be sure that someone doesn't end
up with all of the big parks.
Ms. Wexler noted that rather than calling for a motion maybe they could just agree as a
consensus. Mr. Klus indicated that he would recommend that the best way to reach the
citizens of Edina is to put an article in the Sun so that we aren't excluding people. He
noted that if we word it right we might not get any calls from people who feel excluded,
plus, citizens of Edina will know what we are doing on their behalf. Everyone noted that
they liked the idea.
VI. OTHER
A. Edina Baseball Association — Mr. Finsness asked if there was any response to last
months Park Board meeting regarding the EBA and ETBC. Mr. MacHolda replied that
he has completed the house league scheduling for the EBA and will have the traveling
part completed by the end of the month. He noted that the EBA has taken more field
time this year. Mr. MacHolda indicated that the EBA scheduled Braemar so heavily that
they shut out their own traveling teams that he had to meet with Mr. Nelson to free up
some time.
Mr. Keprios noted that there would be a revised policy on this issue long before the
season is over that the Park Board can move on.
VII. NEEDS ASSESSMENT ASSIGNMENT — INDOOR FIELD SPORTS AND
GYMNASIUMS
Mr. Keprios indicated that, as it states in the March 18, 2003 City Council minutes on
page 12, the City Council made a motion to direct the Park Board to complete a needs
assessment for all recreation facilities for indoor field sports and gymnasiums and
realistic options for consideration and to come back before the City Council in three to
four months with the study. Mr. Klus pointed out that the School Board is looking at
having a potential bond issue next November, contingent upon what happens with the
legislature. He indicated that the schools have been doing their own assessments over the
last few months and noted that a few weeks ago he met with Mr. Keprios and Ms. Feige
from the School Board on a Sunday afternoon to talk about what they are looking at
doing so that nothing would be duplicated. Mr. Keprios suggested to Mr. Klus that the
Park Board form a committee to study this, go on some field trips and see some of the
things that are out there and what some of the options are. Mr. Keprios noted that he did
make an error on his staff report. The members of the committee are: Mike Damman,
Andrew Finsness, George Klus and Karla Sitek. Mr. Keprios noted that he thinks that the
task in front of them is to first look at what the real need is. He indicated that they need
to get all of the gymnasium sports and indoor field sports associations around a table for a
meeting and hear them out. Mr. Keprios stated that currently the school's plan, which is
a work in progress, is looking at putting in eight gymnasiums, four of which are a priority
one.
Mr. Keprios noted that he asked the question at the Athletic Association President
meeting if the school built four gymnasiums wouldn't that be enough. He noted that Mr.
Bjork from the Edina Basketball Association replied that the school's plan wouldn't solve
all of their needs because they still need a tournament facility with four or more gyms
under the same roof. Therefore, the Park Board's special committee really needs to focus
on what are the needs and how are they going to approach them. The committee should
talk to each organization that has an interest in additional gymnasiums and find out what
lei
the true needs are and what ideally they want. The committee should also determine
what these organizations are willing to pay to use these facilities.
Mr. Keprios pointed out that the school has also made it very clear that they do not want
the community to have the perception that it's another city/school referendum and that
the current proposal is work in progress. The School Board will ultimately decide
whether or not to have a referendum and what should be included.
Mr. Keprios explained that his initial reaction to the City Council's direction was that it
seemed to make the most sense to set up a smaller committee and run with it. The small
committee will do all of the legwork as far as all of the research, dollars, looking at
facilities and meeting with the groups who will be served by these facilities. The four -
member committee will then make a recommendation to the Park Board. Mr. Klus stated
that he expects the Park Board to question whatever the committee brings back so
everyone can be in sync before a recommendation is brought before the City Council. He
noted that they only have until June to do this and a lot of it will be contingent on what
the school ends up doing. Ms. Presthus stated that they can research anything they want
but if the schools are coming out with a referendum where some items will either be
complementary or contradictory isn't that sort of a waste of time. Mr. Keprios replied
that this would not be a waste of time. We are following the directive from the City
Council. He noted that they need to inform the City Council as part of their report that
the school district is considering these facilities and therefore their recommendation
perhaps should not take action right away but wait and see what happens with the school
district's referendum. He noted that we also should be aware of new laws being
considered by the state legislature, which may not be decided upon until June. Therefore,
they may want to ask the City Council for an additional 30 days to see what the outcome
of the legislature is.
Mr. Finsness asked Mr. Keprios if he has any insight as to why this is on the fast track to
which Mr. Keprios replied that all he knows is there are at least a couple of City Council
members who really want to see these done soon.
Mr. Keprios asked the Park Board if they feel this is an appropriate process to follow to
address this directive.
Ms. Wexler commented that her immediate reaction to this is there seems to be
something that is not quite right but she is not sure what it is at this point. Mr. Klus
replied that he understands what Ms. Wexler is saying and noted that he thinks that will
dictate their process as they go through it. He stated that those are things they will have
to deal with as a Park Board in their recommendation.
Mr. Klus asked the Park Board if everyone feels comfortable with the process of the four
mentioned board members running with this and bringing back a recommendation to the
Park Board. By consensus everyone agreed to move forward with this process.
7
Mr. Keprios handed out to the Park Board what the projected enrollments are for the
school district and it looks at though they are holding their own for the next fiv years.
Ms. Presthus asked if they see growth in any particular area or quadrant of the city that
affects facility needs. She noted that some of the parks seemed to be more heavily used
by the younger kids. Mr. Keprios replied board members may want to research that
question when they are reporting on their assigned parks.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Andy Finsness MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:10 P.M. Mike Weiss
SECONDED THE MOTION. MEETING ADJOURNED.
Proposed Recreational Fees & Charges for Edinborough Park
Effective September 2, 2003
Pool/Fitness Area daily admission $4.00
Punch pass —10 uses $35.00
Pool/Fitness Area season pass $200 resident/$230 non-resident
Each additional person $25 resident/$30 non-resident
Playpark daily admission (1)
Children under 12 months
Adults
ED Assoc. members daily pass (2)
Playpark punch pass —10 uses
Playpark season pass
$4.00 per person
Free
Free with paid child
$2.00
$35.00
$75 residents/$100 non-residents
Total facility daily admission $6.00
(1) Playpark admission would include admission to the lower level of Edinborough
Park including the new contained play structure, Great Hall, Tot Lot and grotto.
(2) ,Edinborough association members contractually receive complimentary use of the
pool and fitness area. These members include Edinborough Corporate Center,
Edina Park Plaza, Edinborough Village Home residents, and Marriott Residents
Inn.
Price comparisons for indoor play facilities
City of Chaska — The Playc
$3 resident
$4 non-resident
Adults are free
The Playcastle is a small two-story play structure.
City of Woodbury — Lookout Ridge
$5 ages 1 and up
Children under 12 months and Adults are free
10 visit punch pass is $40
Lookout Ridge is a large "Themescapes" designed play structure.
City of Maple Grove — Maple Maze
$3 resident
$4 non-resident
Children under 12 months and Adults are free.
10 visit coupon book is $29
The Maple Maze is a 28' tall, 40' x 40' contained play structure.
City of Eagan — The Blast
$5 ages 1 and up
Children under 12 months and adults are free.
10 visit punch pass is $40. Residents only.
The Blast is a new 24' tall, 24'x 36' contained play structure.
City of New Brighton — Eagles Nest
$4.50 ages 1 and up
Children under 1 and Adults are free.
12 visit coupon book is $45
The Eagles Nest is a 26' tall, 30' x 28' contained play structure. It is being replaced by a
slightly larger structure that will open this fall.
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Memo
To: Dale Nelson, Gregg Bjork, Mary Bohlig, Steven Friedman, Julie Rutkiewcz,
Charlie Gits, Greg Ettinger, Kurt Meyer, Bob Stein, and Megan Grande, and
members of the Gymnasi &Indoor Field Sports Facilities Committee.
From: John Keprios, Direct r
CC: Edina Park Board and Ci Council.
Date: May 14, 2003
Re: RESULTS FROM SPORTS FACILITIES COMMITTEE MEETING.
This is simply a follow-up to our Thursday, May 8`° meeting that took place at the Senior Center.
The youth athletic associations that were represented in attendance at the meeting were:
1. Edina Basketball Association
2. Edina Girls Athletic Association
3. Girls Traveling Basketball Association
4. Edina Soccer Club
5. Edina Football Association
The youth athletic associations that were not in attendance at the meeting were:
1. Edina Baseball Association
2. Jr. Olympic Volleyball
3. Edina Youth Softball Association
4. Edina Girls Fastpitch Softball
5. Edina Lacrosse Association
For those who attended the meeting, thank you for your input into the process. The Lacrosse
Association was the only group who informed me that they could not attend the meeting. For
those who were not in attendance, if your association has any interest in the City pursuing these
0 Page 1
facilities, please submit to me in writing your association's responses to the following questions no
later than June e:
• How will additional gymnasiums and/or an indoor field sports facility (i.e. dome) impact
your sports program? In other words, will the number of practices and/or games increase;
will you be able to accommodate more participants; will your scheduled events have fewer
late evening events; how important are these facilities to your program or are there other
priorities higher on your list (if so, which ones); how much will you use these new
facilities; and how will your program schedule change, if at all.
• How much would your association/participants be willing to pay per hour to use these
facilities? Please know that the City does not expect these facilities to be 100% financially
solvent based on only resident use.
The first stage in this process to ensure that we understand the scope of the need and desire to
have these additional facilities. We cannot afford to make any assumptions. We need the
facts from you and your organization. We would greatly appreciate any additional
information that you can share with the committee in their quest to identify the needs and
desires.
The next stage will be the how and where. I'm looking forward to the challenge. It will be
very exciting to get the facilities that these kids need. Thanks in advance for your help.
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May 22, 2003
Dear John,
I apologize for not attending the meeting May 8t", as I was coaching so.
hisoftball. I have Directed the
Junior Olympic Volleyball Club for 6 years now and have had such a horrible time getting gym
space. Donna, by the way, has been such a great help and feels my frustration.
Our program started 6 years ago with 18 Edina young ladies. This past year we had 93 kids
come for try -outs. The program has bloomed to were I beg for gym space and desperate for
coaches. I do expect JO Volleyball to grow even more next year.
In the past we've used Highland Elementary's cafeteria and CPC church. CPC only aloud us 1
hour a week, Highland's cafeteria's ceiling is so low it's been frustrating to coach properly. This
past year we used Highland, CPC and Calvary Church, although Calvary Church charged us
$150.00 a night.
Our Season:
We have try -outs in November, start practicing in December, league starts in January thru April
(Approx. 5-6 mos.) Two 2 hour practices a week, play days every other weekend (6-8hrs) and
maybe a tournament or 2 if we can fit it in.
I've been looking for gym space in the past starting in August and seem to get beat out by
Basketball and other indoor sports.
Volleyball is becoming a popular sport among young women and is now becoming a young
man's sport too (girls and boys).
Please consider our position and hope that some time down the road we're able to get the
appropriate gym space.
Thank you for your consideration.
Julie Rutkiewicz
Director
Crosstown Juniors
Volleyball Clu
u
EDINA GIRLS TRAVELING BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
6613 SALLY LANE
EDINA, MINNEOTA 55439
952.917.0607
22 May 2003
Edina Park & Recreation
4801 W. 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
Attention: John Keprios, Director
Re: Additional Gym Space
Dear Mr. Keprios:
I understand that the City of Edina is in the process of evaluating an expansion to the field and
indoor facilities. I strongly recommend that the City expand the indoor facilities in particular as
well as the fields. As detailed below, expanding our indoor facilities will promote the health and
well being of our children in addition to further enhancing the stature of our community.
The last several years, have seen an increase in the number. of sports and teams vying for indoor
gym space. Both boys and girls basketball (traveling and house league) are very popular.
Recently, the popularity of volleyball has increased and will continue to do so as that program
matures. As a result, there is a great demand on the limited gym space. For example, this past
year the Edina Girls Traveling Basketball Association (the "EGTBA") has had to reduce practice
times and schedule practices which do not end until 9:45 pm. By the time our children get home
it's around lOpm. After cooling down and showering these young athletes are lucky to get into
bed by 10:45pm. That is very late for any 5th — 8th grade student -- especially those who have to
wake up at 6am for their lam bus stop. Seven hours of sleep for a child of that age is not
healthy and impacts their ability to focus, be productive and do well in school the next day.
Increasing the gym space will also allow more children to participate in our program. In the last
several years we have had to cut children. We don't even have the possibility of fielding four
teams in a grade as we don't have the practice facilities to accommodate. I think we all agree
that it is better for our young people to participate in constructive activities as opposed to having
idle time on their hands. To the extent we have qualified athletes, we should strive to keep them
in a program.
As you also know, living in Minnesota the inclement, cold weather predominates which makes
having adequate indoor facilities a priority. With adequate facilities we can schedule beyond
youth basketball, volleyball etc. and our Park & Recreation Department will be able to offer
adult leagues to further use the indoor facilities. We have also seen other neighboring towns
construct first class, state of the art indoor facilities. While such a facility would be nice for
Edina, at a minimum we should at least have adequate facilities to serve our citizens. It goes
without saying that such facilities will help reinforce Edina's stature as a well-rounded desirable
community in which to live which will enhance our quality of life not to mention helping to keep
EDINA GIRLS TRAVELING BASKETBALL ASsocIATION
Page 2
John Keprios
22 May 2003
Having a new facility will also allow us to host State and AAU tournaments which will generate
revenue for the EGTBA and will help to pay for the new facilities. As stated above, expanded
indoor facilities will allow the Park & Recreation Department to offer additional opportunities
for adult league which will generate revenue to help pay for the building. The EGTBA would be
willing to support community fund raising campaigns to help make this dream of a new indoor
facility a reality.
In closing, the expanded facilities will contribute to the overall health and well being of our
children and community and on behalf of the EGTBA, I strongly urge the expansion of the
indoor facilities.
Very truly yyoour-s,
724049.
STEVEN A. FRIEDMAN
President EGTBA
May 2003
John Keprios, Director
Edina Park and Recreation Department
City of Edina
4801 West 50'' Street
Edina MN 55424
Re: Multiple Use Sports Facility Proposal
The EGAA (Edina Girl's Athletic Association) supports the proposal of a multiple use sports
facility in Edina. Our program is unique in the fact the we run 3 different sport programs, all
under the realm of "house league" play. Our programs begin girls with their earliest form of team
sports in 2nd grade and continue in a non-competitive format through high school, giving all girls
the opportunity to play and benefit from team activities. Some of our sports over the years have
"spun off" to form their own leagues, in the form of traveling teams. Our sports currently include
Basketball, grades 2-9; Flag Football, grades 4-12; and Volleyball, grades 5-10. When it comes to
game location of our play, we are scheduled at virtually every school facility in Edina for
Basketball and Volleyball, and we utilize Van Valkenburg Park for Flag Football on Tuesday
nights.
Many of the school facilities are not adequate for our sports, in particular, the height of the
ceilings for Volleyball. The elementary school gyms are not high enough and many of them have
divider nets on the ceilings which causes interference in play. Even so, we have been assigned to
those facilities for lack of a better place to play. Many girls in Edina are now leaving our
program to join other Volleyball programs in the area, because our program does not enhance the
early learning of the game as well. This is quite unfortunate for the Edina program.
Another issue that we find when scheduling our gym times, is the conflict between our house
league games and the traveling teams practice schedules. Our Basketball season is in direct
conflict with both the boy's and girl's traveling basketball schedule. Our Volleyball season
cannot start until the traveling programs are finished for the season. This impacts us in many
ways. Mostly, it impacts our ability to get "good times" for our sports and adequate locations. It
seems like everyone wants the same 2 gyms in town. This past season we made several
concessions to our Volleyball program (mostly in the way of gym location) as to have the games
over by 8:30pm. In years past we had some Volleyball games begin at 8:30pm, which meant that
our players didn't get home until 10:00 at night. This is less than desirable, with the school start
times, and how it impacts family time.
As far as Green Space issues, our Flag Football program is in utilization of Van Valkenburg Park,
on an alternative night from the boy's program. Our program has gotten to be so popular among
the girls that we have just devised a high school league so the older girls can still have the
opportunity to play. We schedule 4 hours of football on Tuesdays for 6 weeks, playing once a
week. There are field issues with the heavy use the field gets and the condition for our girls to
safely play. Due to the fact that our program is run in the Fall, and nightfall being when it is, we
need to play on a lighted field, which are few and far between that are available to us in Edina.
•
A multiple use facility would ease our scheduling difficulties and increase the ability to have all
girls in Edina play team sports in a noncompetitive atmosphere, without a hindrance to family
time. It would also enhance our ability to have our sports played in a more realistic setting,
having the younger athletes learn the basics in our programs. The girls who compete at higher
levels through high school have begun their sport's involvement through the EGAA leagues. A
positive beginning leads to a successful future. Many families are torn between the quality of
family life the younger girls have in the gyms/fields, or, at home. We strongly believe that the
girls should be home at a reasonable time, to enhance regrouping with the family and preparing
for the next day at school. This should be a priority for our families, but it is compromised by
late game times. Some families feel such conflict, they don't have their daughter play the later
games, which effects the quality of team life. Either way, it is a conflict.
The EGAA would like to make a financial contribution to the configuring of a multiple use
facility for our young athletes. Our fees for our program are deliberately set low to enable more
girls to play our sports without financial hardships. Currently, our Flag Football fee is $45, our
Basketball fee is $35 for 2"a grade (Saturday games) and $65 for 3'd-9 b grades (Monday,
Tuesday, and Thursday games), and our Volleyball fee is $45. With these fees, we pay for our
administrative costs in the form of our brochures, mailing fees and roster information, we hire
professional referees (with a training session added for our volunteer coaches), have team shirts
for all the players, and trophies for the championship teams. Our fee also includes the usage fee,
gym fee, and adaptive recreational fee for each player, rounding out to roughly $10 per
participant per sport. Many girls play more than one of our sports, sometimes, all 3 sports. We
also contribute to the community and sports facilities when that is needed to the benefit of many.
Recently, we donated to the high school weight room and to the high school Lacrosse program.
We also give back to the community in the form of scholarships to graduating seniors who have
participated in our sports. Many of these girls would never have had the opportunity to play team
sports, if it weren't for the EGAA mission.
Overall, we would like the families of Edina to have a safe and structurally correct place for their
daughters to learn the fundamentals of these sports. Many of our girls continue on athletically
and give back to the community in varied ways. We want that tradition to continue. We want
our girls in their house league play to be given ample opportunity for playing locations, timeslots,
and the basics of sportsmanship and team leadership. We don't want our Edina families to
compromise on their daughter's play due to later games and poorer facilities. We don't want our
Edina families to have to compromise on family time to the detriment of the girls and our
programs.
I appreciate the opportunity to present the EGAA's view on a mulitple use sports facility and the
impact it would have on the community as a whole.
Sincerely,
-X�K,
Marcia . Friedman
EGAA President 2003-2004
EDINA SOCCER CLUB BUBBLE USE STUDY
Present use at AHA Stardome
Winter Training -
Nov. 1 through May 1
Approx. hours 168
Winter Leagues -
Nov. through May
25 Teams
Approx. hours 250
5:30 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.
Every Tuesday/Thursday
1/2 of AHA Dome
($185 hour for 1/2 field)
Saturday and Sunday
1/2 of AHA Dome
Estimate ESC presently pays $30,000+ in field rental and league fees
to Holy Angels annually.
If there was an Edina based bubble we could expand our use another
100 hours for 1/2 a field.
Kuhlman Field is the obvious best location because the school could
use the indoor space during the day for PE class. The field is slated for
artificial turf already and there is room under the bleachers for skin
storage.
John Keprios
From: Greg.Ettinger2@mortgage.wellsFargo.COM
mnt: Thursday, June 05, 2003 3:26 PM
fo: jkeprios@ci.edina.mn.us
Cc: emacholda@ci.edina.mn.us
Subject: Dome Facility
Dear Mr. Keprios;
The Edina Football Association has been asked to comment on how much use the
Association would use a Dome facility and what we would be willing to pay to
use.
Football is a fall sport, running from mid August through the end of
October. The daily needs of supporting a program from grades 2 through 8,
are primarily met by the existing greenspace in Edina. Our program has
three facets:
* Flag Grades 2 and : One game a week on Saturdays for 6 weeks (250
kids)
* 9 Man Football, Grades 4 to 6: Eight games in six weeks, plus
playoffs for two weeks, with one to two practice per week (350 Kids)
* 11 Man Football, Grades 7 and 8: Eight games over six weeks, plus
playoffs over 2 weeks. Two practices per week (200 kids)
I see specific use needs, such as for the playoff and championship games
that are played in late fall. This would be in the range of 8 to 10 games a
year, for approximately 15 hours of use. The high school program could also
utilize a dome to run practices in adverse weather conditions and for
preparation of potential playoff games.
The question is "what is a reasonable fee". Fundamentally, an hourly rate
charged to the various Associations is our recommendation. To arrive at the
definition of a reasonable fee is a separate and much different discussion.
In summation, the EFA would not be a primary user of a domed facility,
rather a specific purpose user. With that stated, the EFA is very
interested in pursuing this endeavor and supports the construction of a
Dome. A Dome Facility is important in maintaining an attractive and
competitive park and recreation system in Edina.
Greg Ettinger
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
Institutional Lending
4300 Marketpointe Drive
Suite 100
Bloomington, MN 55435
W) (952) 842-2350
F) (952) 897-3042
Memo
To: John Keprios, Edina Park & Rec
George Klus, Edina Park & Rec
Members of advisory committee
From: Dick Ward, Edina Basketball Association
Date: 6/5/2003
Re: Need for new facilities
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Edina Basketball Association is pleased to provide comment and feedback to the Edina Park &
Recreation Board regarding new facilities in the community. It is our understanding that your Board is
seriously reviewing options to solve the on-going, growing demand for space and facility needs in
Who: The Edina Basketball Association runs a youth basketball program for boys and girls in grades
1-9. We are the only active basketball programs for boys in Edina for grades 3-8. All of our programs
combined serve an average of 1,100 youth each year during the basketball season.
What:
exclusio
We operate a pee wee league (grades 1-2; boys and girls), house league (grades 3-9; almost
ply boys after grade 3) and a boys traveling program (grades 5-8.) We also host several major
events each season including a 3 -day traveling tournament, an AAU tournament, one or more in-house
3 on 3 tournament(s) and multiple skills and training sessions. All of these events are over and above a
full schedule of practice and game events for each program.
Where: Our programs begin in late September and run through March. Many of our participants
engage in AAU basketball in the fall and spring, which can run into June. For all practical purposes,
youth basketball in Edina should be considered a year round sport for facility needs.
HOW: One hundred percent of our program is conducted by adult volunteers or EBA employees.
Our governing board comprises upwards of 25 active volunteer board members who meet on average
once a month. The Board is responsible for all planning and general oversight of the programs. Our
house and pee wee programs are run by over 200 volunteer coaches and parent administrators. We
hire qualified independent coaches to conduct our traveling program along with volunteer involvement.
Thousands of volunteer and paid man/woman hours are required to run our program.
The EBA works closely with Edina Park & Rec as a resource to assist in collecting registrations and
scheduling the programs.
Our program is completely financially independent and supported by charges to participants and
fundraising.
9 Page 1
Where: The EBA does not own physical assets. We rely on rented gym space from the Edina
School District at a substantial cost to our program. We estimate our current building permit request for
facility time to exceed 2500 hours a year. That is equivalent to 104 days of constant use a year.
Because we rent, we also compete for use of District facilities with School programs, other youth sports
and other outside users. Other users in our main season, outside of use by the School as owner,
include EGAA (girls basketball and volleyball), Edina Girls Traveling and others.
Why: The EBA fully supports the efforts of Edina Park & Rec to provide more, newer and better gym
space in the community. Based on several standards, our perspective is that the need and demand
has been more than substantiated.
1 Based on current programs alone, the EBA and other users need more space to operate our
programs. Any continued growth in our program or related programs will increase demand for
more gym space.
2 Based on age and condition of rented facilities, the need for new space is substantiated. A range
of issues including lighting, adequate spectator seating and appropriate court size for age groups
all measure the Edina facilities to be inadequate. When compared to facilities in neighboring
communities, Edina does not even begin to compete with the market or the City's stated objectives
in Vision 20/20 when reviewing adequate recreational facilities (gyms.)
What next: Based on the need for EBA and other programs, please consider the minimum space
needs outcome. At a minimum, a facility would have no less than 4 full-size courts in one contiguous
location. The court floor needs to be wooden, with sufficient viewer seating. These attributes, among
others, are necessary to provide a facility that can accommodate and draw the variety of use, including
revenue generating tournaments, that is demanded by the market.
The EBA, our volunteers and our constituents (the youth of Edina) look
forward to your continued pursuit of a solution. We pledge our commitments
and efforts to assist your cause.
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INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO: FILE
FROM: JOHN KEP. S
SUBJECT: FACILITIES STU Y COMMITTEE
DATE: JUNE 5, 2003
As of 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 5, 2003, I had received written input from only the following youth
athletic associations as requested by the Facilities Study Committee:
• Edina Girls Athletic Association (EGAA)
• Edina Girls Traveling Basketball Association
• Edina Soccer Club
• Jr. Olympic Volleyball
At 2:00 p.m. on June 5th, Ed MacHolda phoned the Edina Football Association and Edina Basketball
Association Presidents to ensure that we had not misplaced their written submissions. Both admitted
that they had not yet submitted anything in writing but would send me an email ASAP.
At 3:26 p.m., I received an email from Mr. Ettinger from EFA. At 3:43 p.m., I received an email from
Mr. Ward from EBA.
At the time of this memo, I have not received anything in writing from the following athletic
associations:
• Edina Baseball Association
• Edina Youth Softball Association
• Edina Girls Fastpitch Association
• Edina LaCrosse Association
Written submittals are attached.
n
EDINA PARK BOARD
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Edina Park Board is advise the Edina City Council as to the
policies and availability of open space, park lands, leisure services and facilities
which are responsive to the recreational needs of all segments of the population.
•