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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-01-08 Park Board PacketMemo To: Edina Park Board. From: John Keprios, Direct Edina Q Edina Park and Recreati n Department Date: January 4, 2002 Re: JANUARY 8, 2002, PARK BOARD MEETING CANCELLED. Enclosed you should find the following items: 1. Tuesday, December 11, 2001, Park Board Minutes. 2. Revised Year 2002 Park Board Meeting Schedule. 3. Letter from Douglas Bryant, Superintendent of Hennepin Parks. 4. Press Release from Hennepin Parks Regarding Name Change. PARK BOARD MEETING CANCELLED! Due to a lack of agenda items, the Tuesday, January 8, 2002, Park Board meeting is cancelled. RESULTS OF SUB -COMMITTEE MEETING The Park Board Sub -Committee that consists of Floyd Grabiel, Linda Presthus, Ardis Wexler, and Tom White, held a meeting the evening of Thursday, January 3. After reviewing the data and after lengthy discussion, the Sub -Committee came to a unanimous consensus to recommend to the Park Board the following: "Do not go forward with a park improvement referendum at this point in time. Continue funding park improvements through the Capital Improvement Plan, Developer's Fund and other available sources other than a general obligation bond at least until the year 2004. Further, the Park Board should work towards a community wide needs -assessment survey to be implemented during the year 2004, at which time the needs will be re-evaluated and determine if a future park improvement referendum is necessary to meet those identified and validated needs." The Park Board will have this as an agenda item at the February meeting. REVISED PARK BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE I learned yesterday that we might not hold a Park Board meeting on September 10, 2002, due Isto that being a primary election day. Therefore, please note that the September meeting has been moved to Wednesday, September 11, 2002, at Weber Park, 7:00 p.m. 0 UPCOMING EVENTS AND UPDATES ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION PRESIDENTS MEETING Please know that I have invited all the Presidents of all 13 youth athletic associations to attend a joint meeting on: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2002 7:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS EDINA CITY HALL 4801 WEST 50TH STREET Any Park Board member interested in attending is welcome to attend. The agenda for the meeting will be: 1. Capital Improvement Plan and Future Park Referendum (short and long term park facilities improvement plan). 2. Overlapping Sport Seasons (Scheduling conflicts that result in children having to choose one or another commitment). 3. Second Season Sports (Wear and tear on facilities). 4. Open Forum (Common issues among youth athletic associations). LEWIS PARK SOCCER FIELDS RENOVATION PROJECT BID OPENING We open bids for renovation of the soccer fields at Lewis Park on Wednesday, January 16, at 2:30 p.m. We are budgeted to renovate two of the three fields, however, we have the west field included in the bid package as an add alternate in case bids come in low, in which case we will renovate all three fields. If approved, the fields will be under construction the entire 2002 year and will be playable mid -summer of 2003. HEIGHTS PARK PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT BID OPENING On Thursday, January 10, at 2:00 p.m., we will be opening bids to replace the playground equipment at Heights Park. If all goes well, the equipment will be in the ground by June 1, 2002. A small neighborhood group has been working closely with Ed MacHolda during the design process. 2 ARNESON ACRES PARK BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS As approved in the capital improvement plan, Arneson Acres Park building now has a new roof and is currently in the process of having new steel siding with insulation installed on the building's exterior. ARCHITECT/CONSULTANT FOR FOX MEADOW PARK I have contracted an architect/consultant to help us create some conceptual drawings for varying levels of appropriate development of Fox Meadow Park. The firm is Brauer and Associates, which is the same firm that designed the outstanding redevelopment of the Rosland Park playground area. I will be meeting with the architect prior to the February Park Board meeting. We may meet with the small neighborhood group by then as well. L� EDINA AQUATIC CENTER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT Just an update, the general contractor, L.S. Black, is making great progress on the Aquatic Center renovation project. The new plunge pool is under construction, as well as the expansion of the filter room. We are currently on schedule! WALNUT RIDGE PARK TENNIS COURTS I have contracted an engineering firm to establish specifications for replacement of the Walnut Ridge Park tennis courts. The courts are beyond resurfacing and need replacement due to poor sub -soil conditions. Our soil boring test results are completed and to no surprise show a very unstable foundation for sub -soils. The engineer is working on different approaches to stabilize the base and yet keep the project within our $50,000 budget. If the expected costs are too high, we may consider converting the area into an outdoor basketball court if it costs less to do so. I'll keep you all posted on our progress. DOG PARK STATUS I called the Minneapolis Park Board to learn that they are having a difficult time getting permission from the Minneapolis Public Works Department to allow them to lease the France Avenue property to use as an off -leash dog park. The property is owned by the Minneapolis Public Works Department and happens to be in the cities of both Edina and St. Louis Park. The Minneapolis Park Board hopes to resolve the issue in the near future but I don't know what the chances of success will be. Stay tuned! 9 December 13, 2001 John Keprios City of Edina 4801 W 50th Street Edina, MN 55424 Dear John: PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP THROUGH RECREATION AND EDUCATION IN A NATURAL RESOURCES -BASED PARK SYSTEM District Headquarters ■ 12615 County Road 9 ■ Plymouth, MN 55441-1299 Telephone 763/559-9000 0 TDD 763/559-6719 ■ Fax 763/559-3287 VAvKhennepinparks.org ■ an equal opportunity employer I am writing -to inform you that the Suburban Hennepin Regional' Park District is changing its common name from Hennepin Parks to "Three Rivers Park District." We value the importance of our relationship with the Technical Advisory Task Force and want you to be among the first to hear this news. The Park District has been considering a name change for a number of years. The common name Hennepin Parks has had many successes, but it does not accurately reflect the seven -county geographic distribution of our park properties and has .been a source of confusion for the . public. The Scott County Board of Commissioners requested that we consider adopting a name that better represents our joint powers agreement with them. We concurred that a common name change is important for the future of the Park District. Surveys of the public and of our volunteers confirmed a general misunderstanding of our jurisdiction as a special park district in the State of Minnesota. The name "Three Rivers Park District' was approved unanimously on December 6 by our Board of Commissioners. The name was selected with the assistance of a professional naming consultant following considerable public and staff input. We are very excited to become Three Rivers Park District and have chosen the name to reflect the following: geographic distribution of regional park properties within the watersheds of the Mississippi, Minnesota and Crow Rivers; and, • rich cultural history of these three rivers and how they have shaped our community. - Although the Park District is changing its common name,_ its mission to promote environmental stewardship through recreation and education in a natural resources -based park system remains unchanged as its foremost priority. As it has for the past 40 plus years, the Park District will continue to evolve for the benefit of our constituents. Enclosed you will find a news release and fact sheet that we will be sending out to the media and other associates later this week. • We hope you will share in our excitement as we introduce our new identity to the public. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call me at 763/559-6748. Sincerely, Douglas lFryunt, Superintendent and Secretary to the Board ® Enclosure SUBURBAN HENNEPIN REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT I-IENNEPINPARI(S dls 707, at a�r� December 13, 2001 John Keprios City of Edina 4801 W 50th Street Edina, MN 55424 Dear John: PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP THROUGH RECREATION AND EDUCATION IN A NATURAL RESOURCES -BASED PARK SYSTEM District Headquarters ■ 12615 County Road 9 ■ Plymouth, MN 55441-1299 Telephone 763/559-9000 0 TDD 763/559-6719 ■ Fax 763/559-3287 VAvKhennepinparks.org ■ an equal opportunity employer I am writing -to inform you that the Suburban Hennepin Regional' Park District is changing its common name from Hennepin Parks to "Three Rivers Park District." We value the importance of our relationship with the Technical Advisory Task Force and want you to be among the first to hear this news. The Park District has been considering a name change for a number of years. The common name Hennepin Parks has had many successes, but it does not accurately reflect the seven -county geographic distribution of our park properties and has .been a source of confusion for the . public. The Scott County Board of Commissioners requested that we consider adopting a name that better represents our joint powers agreement with them. We concurred that a common name change is important for the future of the Park District. Surveys of the public and of our volunteers confirmed a general misunderstanding of our jurisdiction as a special park district in the State of Minnesota. The name "Three Rivers Park District' was approved unanimously on December 6 by our Board of Commissioners. The name was selected with the assistance of a professional naming consultant following considerable public and staff input. We are very excited to become Three Rivers Park District and have chosen the name to reflect the following: geographic distribution of regional park properties within the watersheds of the Mississippi, Minnesota and Crow Rivers; and, • rich cultural history of these three rivers and how they have shaped our community. - Although the Park District is changing its common name,_ its mission to promote environmental stewardship through recreation and education in a natural resources -based park system remains unchanged as its foremost priority. As it has for the past 40 plus years, the Park District will continue to evolve for the benefit of our constituents. Enclosed you will find a news release and fact sheet that we will be sending out to the media and other associates later this week. • We hope you will share in our excitement as we introduce our new identity to the public. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call me at 763/559-6748. Sincerely, Douglas lFryunt, Superintendent and Secretary to the Board ® Enclosure HENNEPINPARKS oming THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT December 11, 2001 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Dawn Sommers or Public Relations Supervisor 763/559-6769 E-mail: dsommers@hennepinparks.org Nancy Lauseng Public Relations Specialist 763/559-6745 E-mail: nlauseng@hennepinparks.org HENNEPIN PARKS CHANGING NAME TO `THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT' Hennepin Parks is becoming Three Rivers Park District. Although the Park District's name is changing, it will remain the same wonderful system it has been for more than 40 years, and will continue to evolve for the benefit of its Sark visitors. Seeking an identity that better reflects the Park District's presence in seven counties, the Hennepin Parks Board of Commissioners on Dec. 6 voted unanimously to change the Park District's common name from Hennepin Parks to Three Rivers Park District. The new name will become more visible to the public next spring and will be fully implemented by the fall of 2002. The Park District's legal name, "Suburban Hennepin Regional Park District," is not proposed to change at this time. The name "Three Rivers Park District" was selected because of the geographic distribution of Park District properties, which are located within watersheds that flow into three rivers: the Mississippi, Minnesota or Crow. Rich in cultural history, these three rivers played a significant role in the lives of Minnesota's Dakota People and the many immigrants to the area. The name was selected with the assistance of a professional naming consultant following considerable public and staff input. 0 -more- Three Rivers Park District/2 common name that has had man Hennepin Parks is a co Y successes, but one that the Park District has outgrown," said Douglas Bryant, superintendent of the Suburban Hennepin Regional Park District. "The name Hennepin Parks no longer adequately identifies the Park District. In fact, in a recent survey, 68 percent of Park Patrons and Volunteers, persons most familiar with the Park District, don't understand our jurisdiction as an independent unit of government in the State of Minnesota. A new name is important for the Park District to better represent the geographic distribution of our park areas and facilities as well as our responsibilities as an implementing agency of the Metropolitan Regional Park System not affiliated with one single county. This new name is vital to the long-term success of the Park District, pursuant to our enabling legislation, as it will enable us to broaden public support for the tremendous quality of life resources that we have in our parks." Established by the Minnesota Legislature in 1957 as the Hennepin County Park Reserve District, the Park District was renamed Suburban Hennepin Regional Park District by legislative action and adopted the informal name Hennepin Parks in 1985. As the only special park district in the state, Three Rivers Park District is responsible for the f large reserves regional acquisition, development and maintenance of park � Parks and regional trails for the citizens of the metropolitan areas and the State of Minnesota. A special park district is an independent unit of government responsible for parkland acquisition, operations, preservation and environmental stewardship. The Park District owns and operates parkland in suburban Hennepin, Scott, Carver and Dakota Counties. It also owns parkland in Anoka, Ramsey and Wright counties that it currently leases to other agencies. With more than 26,000 acres of park reserves, regional parks, regional trails and special -use areas, the Park District attracts more than three million visitors each year. The Park District provides numerous regional park facilities including three nature centers, four golf courses, a downhill ski area, extensive trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing, as well as areas for camping, swimming, fishing, boating, picnicking, and snowshoeing. -more- I' 0 f Three Rivers Park District/3 ONVIRONMENTAL FOCUS REMAINS IN FOREFRONT Although the name of the Park District has changed, its mission to promote environmental stewardship through recreation and education in a natural resources -based park system remains its foremost priority. The Park District's policy for planning and management of natural resources has distinguished it from other park and recreation agencies in Minnesota. This unique policy specifies that no more than 20 percent of a park reserve may be developed for active use, and that at least 80 percent of a park reserve shall be restored to and retained in a natural state. As a result, the Park District has been actively involved in the preservation and restoration of wildlife and plant species. Once -rare osprey, bald eagles, sandhill cranes and trumpeter swans are now nesting in the park reserves. Woodland and prairie restorations have been accomplished using native wildflowers, shrubs and trees produced from seed collected in the park reserves by staff and volunteers. Park visitors are offered abundant opportunities to view and learn about the resources within each park. Careful routing of bike, hike and ski trails provides intimate views of woodlands, wetlands and prairies, as well as the wildlife that inhabit them. In addition, the Park District's knowledgeable team of outdoor education and recreation specialists provides a variety of programs that foster a better understanding of our environment. WORKING TOGETHER Regardless of its name, the Park District will carry forward Hennepin Parks' reputation for working with other government agencies to ensure quality recreational opportunities for the public. Since 1973, the Park District has operated regional facilities in Scott County as a result of a joint powers agreement between the two agencies. A nine -member Scott -Hennepin Park Advisory Board will continue to advise the Scott County Board and Three Rivers Park District Board of Commissioners on matters related to these regional park properties. The Scott County Board appoints six members to the advisory board and the Three Rivers Park District Board of Commissioners appoints three members. 0 -more- it Three Rivers Park District/4 o erativel with the Metropolitan Parks and en Space it Three Rivers Park Distract also will continue to work cooperatively p Op p Commission, Metropolitan Council and State Legislature as one of 10 implementing agencies of the Metropolitan Regional Park System. This system of parks was established in 1974 by the Minnesota State Legislature and collectively serves more than 29 million park guests per year in the seven -county metropolitan area, providing outdoor education/recreation facilities, services and programs. For more information about the Park District and the new name, visit www.hennepinparks.org or call 763/559- 991111 • I Hennepin Parks is Becoming Three Rivers Park District Background Information Sheet December 2001 BACKGROUND: The Suburban Hennepin Regional Park District is changing its common name from Hennepin Parks to Three Rivers Park District. Although the Park District's name is changing, it will remain the same great system it has been for more than 40 years. The name change was unanimously approved by the Park District's Board of Commissioners on Dec. 6, 2001, and will become more visible to the public by next spring and fully implemented by the fall of 2002. The Park District's legal name, "Suburban Hennepin Regional Park District," is not proposed to change at this time. Q. What is Hennepin Parks? A. Hennepin Parks is a natural resources -based special park district that maintains more than 26,000 acres of park reserves, regional parks, regional trails and special -use facilities in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The Park District is an independent unit of government with properties in seven metropolitan counties. Established by the state legislature in 1957, the Park District was first known as the Hennepin County Park Reserve District. In 1985, the Park District adopted the legal name "Suburban Hennepin Regional Park District" and the common name "Hennepin Parks." The Park District offers year-round facilities including: three nature centers, four golf courses, a downhill ski area, extensive trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing, and areas for camping, swimming, boating, picnicking, ice-skating, and snowshoeing. It serves more than three million visitors every year. The Park District's unique policy for planning and management of natural resources has earned it international recognition as a leader in natural resources management. The policy specifies that no more than 20 percent of a park reserve may be developed for active use and that at least 80 percent of a park reserve shall be restored to and retained in a natural state. Q. Why is Hennepin Parks changing its name to Three Rivers Park District? A. The Park District is changing its common name to better reflect its presence in seven metropolitan counties, its unique status as a special park district established by the state legislature, and its affiliation with the Metropolitan Regional Park System. In addition, the Scott County Board of Commissioners has asked the Park District to consider a name change. The name "Three Rivers Park District" was selected because the watersheds of each Park District's property flow into one of three rivers: the Mississippi, Minnesota or Crow. Rich in cultural history, these three rivers played a significant role in the lives of Minnesota's Dakota People and in the lives of the many immigrants to the area. Q. Where are the Park District's Properties? The Park District owns and operates parkland in suburban Hennepin, Scott, Carver and Dakota Counties. It also owns parkland in Anoka, Ramsey and Wright counties that it currently leases to other agencies. �r e � Q. How was the Park District's new name selected? A. The name was selected with the help of a professional naming consultant following considerable public and staff input. This process included marketing surveys of people who reside within the Park District's jurisdiction. Survey participants were asked numerous questions to gauge their understanding of the Park District's presence in multiple counties and to gauge the public's perception of several names that were considered for the Park District. The survey reiterated the Park District's need for a name that better reflects its multi -county jurisdiction. Q. How will the name change be implemented? A. The name change will be phased in over a one-year period. The Park District plans to formally introduce the Three Rivers Park District name in May. It will take several months for the Park District to replace durable goods such as signs, clothing and vehicle emblems. Non -durable goods such as stationary will be replaced as current supplies are exhausted. Q. How much will the name change roll out cost? A. With a phased -in implementation approach, the Park District anticipates that the name change costs will be minimal. Many of the costs associated with the name change will be absorbed into existing budgets as most materials would need to be purchased annually regardless of a name change. Other purchases have been put on hold in anticipation of the name change. In addition, the Park District is seeking corporate sponsors to help offset the costs associated with the educational campaign that will be necessary to inform the public of the new name. Q. Will the Park District's mission and services change with the name change? A. The Park District's first and foremost mission is to promote environmental stewardship through recreation and education in a natural resources -based park system. Three Rivers Park District will proudly carry forward this mission. To foster this mission, the Park District will continue its extensive natural resources management program which includes forestry, water quality and wildlife resource management efforts. The Park District also will continue to offer hundreds of informative and enjoyable outdoor education and recreation programs and special events as well as lessons to enhance the public's enjoyment of lifetime outdoor recreation. Write: Douglas Bryant, Superintendent Suburban Hennepin Regional Park District 12615 County Road 9 Plymouth, MN 55441-1299 Call: Suburban Hennepin Regional Park District Headquarters (763)559-6769 (763) 559-6719 Telephone Device for the Deaf C7 rj L -1