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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-04-11 Park Board PacketCity of Edina EDINA PARK BOARD TUESDAY, APRIL 11, 2000 7:30 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS EDINA CITY HALL AGENDA * 1. Approval of Wednesday, March 14, 2000, Park Board Minutes 2. Youth Athletic Association Presentations: A. Edina girls Traveling Basketball - Jim Simons. B. Edina Girls Fastpitch Association - Dick Glover. C. Edina Baseball Association - Dale Nelson. D. Jr. Olympic Volleyball - Jeannie Masotto. *3. Grandview Square - Sherwood Park. *4. Donations/Memorials Policy. 5. City/School Referendum Update. 6. Community Education Services Report - Linda Presthus. 7. Other *8. Adjournment. * These are agenda items that require or request Park Board action. City Hall (612) 927-8861 4801 WEST 50TH STREET FAX (612) 826-0390 EDINA, MINNESOTA 55424-1394 TDD (612) 826-0379 Memo To: Edina Park Board. From: John Keprios, Director Edina Park and Recreation Department Date: March 7, 2000 Re: MARCH 14, 2000, PARK BOARD MEETING STAFF REPORT. Enclosed you should find the following items: 1. Tuesday, March 14, 2000, Park Board Agenda. 2. Wednesday, February 9, 2000, Park Board Minutes. 3. Skate Park Start-up Guide. 4. First Tier Trails, Greenways & Parks Plan, Prepared by SRF Consulting Group, Inc. 5. May 9, 1995, Park Board Minutes. 6. Exert from the June 8, 1999, Park Board Minutes. 7. Exert from the August 11, 1999, Park Board Minutes. 8. Exert from my August of 1999 Staff Report. CHANGE OF PLANS!!! PLEASE NOTE: THIS MEETING IS AT CITY HALL, NOT AT BRAEMAR ARENA! STAFF REPORT 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. ELECTION OF OFFICERS In March of each year, the Park Board self -elects a Chairman and Vice Chairman. At the beginning of the meeting, I will request nominations from the Park Board for Chairman. If there is more than one nomination, I will pass around paper ballots for Park Board members to vote for their choice of Chairperson. The same process will then be used to elect a Vice Chairman. In the case of a tie, nominations for that position will reopen and the process will start over until a Chairman and Vice Chairman are chosen. The main duties of the Chairman are: 1. To work with staff in establishing an agenda prior to each meeting. 2. Chair the process of each Park Board meeting. (In other words, the Chairman provides leadership that keeps Park Board meetings orderly, democratic and encourages input from all Park Board members and guests). 3. Serve as spokesperson for the Park Board at City Council meetings and other public functions. The Vice Chairman is to carry out the duties of the Chairman in the absence of the Park Board Chairman. SKATE PARK There will be young skate park enthusiasts (and their parents) in attendance at the Park Board meeting to request that the Edina Park and Recreation Department address the need and desire of our youth who would like to have a skate park in Edina. What is a skate park? It is a place where youth (primarily ages 11-15) can experience everything from low-risk to high-risk skating opportunities for skate boarders and inline skaters (commonly referred to as the brand name "Rollerbladers"). There seems to be no two skate parks alike. Some are large continuous formed concrete bowl -like creations with plateaus of differing heights and sizes. Some are wood and steel creations in various sizes and shapes, such as, half -pipes, quarter pipes, stairs, railings, edges, jumps and so on. These youngsters approached me and Ed MacHolda requesting that a skate park be established somewhere in the Edina Park system. They (meaning the kids and parents) seem to prefer a skate park that is supervised with mandatory safety gear requirements and charges a user fee. This is an energetic group that is willing to do fund-raising and soliciting for their cause. Ed MacHolda has done some preliminary research with respect to varying levels of risk (depending upon the type of park) and the insurance costs related to those risks. He will share his findings at the Park Board meeting. Ed and I have both visited skate parks in different communities and I have attended educational sessions at conferences on the subject. According to 1995 national estimates, statistics show that inline skating injuries are significantly lower than those caused by basketball, bicycling, football, baseball and soccer. A copy of those estimates are included in this packet. For those who have internet access, there is a very informative web site on inline skating under the address; http://www.iisa.org/index.htm (which is the International Inline Skating Association web page). The enclosed start-up guide and injury estimates were copied from that web page. From my perspective, this is a very reasonable request and one that deserves serious consideration. There are many alternatives to providing a skate park. Please know that some of these alternatives could include: • A fenced in area around the Golf Dome parking lot (access to restrooms, telephone and concessions). • A fenced in area of the Braemar Arena parking lot. • A year-round joint venture with the Southdale YMCA at Yorktown Park (similar to Mankato model). • Provide unsupervised low risk skate park inside an outdoor hockey rink (Lewis, Pamela or Normandale). • Use a set of two fenced in tennis courts (convert into a skate park). • Create a permanent unsupervised low-risk concrete structure in a park with a dirt track and jumps. • Place skate park structures in Braemar South Arena during summer months (lose ice rental revenue). As you can see, there are numerous alternatives that need to be explored and studied, each one of course requiring substantial funding. I estimate that approximately $50,000 would develop a medium quality skate park with fencing. $100,000 would go a long way to building a high quality concrete base (preferred base by skaters) skate park. Another level of funding would be required to build a permanent year-round indoor facility. After hearing the requests from these energetic residents, the Park Board, in my opinion, should request staff to further study the feasibility of alternatives suggested by the Park Board. I recommend that the Park Board request staff to further study the feasibility of developing a supervised skate park for summer use in a park setting, such as, the Golf Dome parking lot or similar site. I further recommend that the Park Board encourage the kids to participate in funding the project to establish a sense of pride and ownership in the facility. Park Board action is requested on this agenda item. FIRST TIER REGIONAL TRAIL - SRF Architects As you may recall, I have been attending meetings with Hennepin Parks staff, Park Directors from several other first ring suburbs, and consultants from SRF in an effort to develop a metropolitan area trail system that connects all first ring suburbs to a master trail system. After meeting with the consultants and giving them a personalized tour of Edina's park system, it is SRF's recommendation that the best alternative at this point in time is to develop a regional trail from Richfield across 70th Street and up Nine Mile Creek to the Eden Prairie border, referred to as the Edina/Richfield corridor in SRF's Draft for Review. To give the Park Board a in-depth look at the proposed first tier (first ring suburb) regional trail, architects from SRF will give the Park Board a comprehensive presentation. In short, this regional trail would be developed, funded and maintained by Hennepin Parks. The City of Edina would have to provide easements to Hennepin Parks to the park property owned by the City of Edina along Nine Mile Creek. • In my view, this is an excellent opportunity for the residents of Edina. There will no doubt be opposition to the project from those who live adjacent to the creek. There are other physical barriers that create other challenging obstacles, however, I strongly believe that this is an exceptional opportunity for Edina. There are numerous cyclists, walkers, joggers, runners, and inline skaters who would benefit and welcome this park amenity. The ideal regional trail for Edina would be to convert the railroad line into a pathway, however, it appears as though that possibility is many years away if ever. Therefore, I recommend the Park Board's support of this initiative. Park Board action is requested on this agenda item. LEWIS PARK BANDY RINK - AMERICAN BANDY ASSOCIATION Representatives from the American Bandy Association have requested to attend the Park Board meeting to address their concerns regarding short and long term plans for the Lewis Park bandy rink. Based on previous Park Board input, I have been advocating that, as soon as adequate funding becomes available, the bandy rink at Lewis Park will be renovated and upgraded to a quality playable soccer field. This will in turn eliminate the ability to use the field as a bandy rink in the winter. There is a long history behind this issue and, therefore, I have included copies of previous documentation on the subject (previous Park Board minutes and staff report). The individual who recently contacted me to request this be on the agenda is Mike Kojetin (son of former Park Director, Bob Kojetin). Mike has been and continues to be an active bandy participant. As many of you already know, Bob Kojetin brought the sport of bandy to the United States many years ago in exchange for traveling overseas to teach foreign countries how to play softball. Lewis Park was the first established bandy rink in the United States. At the present time, there is not funding available to renovate the bandy rink into a quality soccer field. However, funding for this project is proposed as part of the upcoming referendum. Funding is also proposed within this year's capital improvement plan that is currently not funded. However, the capital improvement plan funding proposal will likely be presented to the City Council within the next two months. MEMORIALS/DONATIONS POLICY If time permits, I would ask that this issue be addressed by the Park Board. Please refer to previous staff reports and minutes on this item. Park Board action is requested on this agenda item. City/SCHOOL REFERENDUM UPDATE Things change almost daily on this item, so therefore, I will gladly give the Park Board a verbal update of the status of this proposed referendum. COMMUNITY EDUCATION SERVICES REPORT - LINDA PRESTHUS I ask that Linda Presthus give the Park Board a brief report on the last Community Education Services Board meeting. Thanks Linda! OTHER This is an opportunity for Park Board members and residents to address other concerns. EDINA PARK BOARD 7:30 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS MARCH 14, 2000 MEMBERS PRESENT: Tom White, Dave Fredlund, Chuck Mooty, Floyd Grabiel, Karla Sitek, George Klus, Andy Finsness, Scot Housh, John Murrin, Andy Herring, Linda Presthus STAFF PRESENT: John Keprios, Ed MacHolda, Janet Canton OTHERS PRESENT: Mike Kojetin, Bob Kojetin, Tish Crane, Chris Halden, Paul Meehl, Liz Nordstrom, Mary Peterson, Ralph Peterson, Carl Gulbronson, Duane Nordstrom, Andrew Peterson, K.C. Olson, Tim Hohn, David Olson, Pete Anderson, Adam Arvidson, Del Miller I. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Mr. Keprios opened up the floor for nominations for Park Board Chair. Chuck Mooty NOMINATED ANDY HERRING AS RENEWING HIS POSITION AS PARK BOARD CHAIR. JOHN MURRIN SECONDED. Mr. Herring commented that he would be happy to do it but wanted everyone to be aware that he has been given the opportunity to participate in a management program which will take him out of town for nine weeks. Therefore, he will miss the next two meetings and with his travel schedule he can't promise that he won't miss another meeting. Chuck Mooty MOVED TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS. Dave Fredlund SECONDED. ANDY HERRING WAS VOTED IN AS CHAIR. Mr. Keprios opened up the floor for Park Board Vice -Chair. John Murrin MOVED TO NOMINATE GEORGE KLUS. Andy Herring MOVED TO NOMINATE TOM WHITE. Chuck Mooty MOVED TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS. Andy Herring SECONDED. Paper ballots were handed out and results were counted by staff. TOM WHITE WAS VOTED IN AS VICE -CHAIR. II. CITY/SCHOOL REFERENDUM UPDATE Mr. Keprios explained that at the last meeting with the School Board and City Council there was some very good discussion. The meeting left off where the City would send a • memorandum of understanding to the school district regarding the operational expenses, priority access to facilities, construction management and ownership. Decision Resources will be surveying approximately 400 households and they are currently in the middle of that process. There was also discussion of what will and will not be in the referendum as well as looking at the feasibility of building a dome. He noted that is currently being studied by Anderson/Johnson Architects and they should have the results on the facts and figures in a report by early next week. Mr. Keprios indicated that he was asked to attend a meeting with the president of the Edina Swim Club, the Swim Club Coach and Edina School swim coaches. He noted that Tim Moody, President of the Edina Swim Club, made it very clear that they will support this initiative only if an additional pool is added on to Valley View. They indicated that if an additional pool is not built it doesn't gain them any additional pool time. Mr. Moody stated that the Edina Swim Chub will not support a plan that simply renovates the existing pools in the middle schools and does not add more available pool time. Mr. Keprios stated that the City Council has also indicated that they will not make a decision on the proposal until hearing the results of the survey by Decision Resources and more information from the School District with regard to the memo of understanding. Depending on the timing of the results of the survey, the vote may have to be delayed until the fall. Mr. Klus asked when the results from the survey will be in. Mr. Keprios responded that they should have the results by the April 4t' City Council meeting. Mr. Mooty indicated that realistically there is no way a referendum could be put to vote by this May. He noted that currently there are so many moving parts to this that residents don't know yet if they are in favor or not because no one knows exactly what's involved at this time. Mr. Mooty stated that he feels realistically fall is going to be the earliest that it's going to be able to get done. III. APPROVAL OF THE FEBRUARY 9 2000 PARK BOARD MINUTES George Klus MOVED TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 9, 2000 PARK BOARD MINUTES. John Murrin SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED. IV. SKATE PARK Mr. Keprios explained that he and Mr. MacHolda met with KC Olson and Andrew Peterson to discuss the possibility of building a skate park. Mr. Keprios indicated that there are no two skate parks that are the same. He noted that the consensus from the two young gentlemen and their parents is their interest right now lies with having a supervised, pay as you go facility. Mr. Keprios stated that there is a lot of leg work that needs to be done once they get further into the process. Mr. Olson informed the Park Board that a skate park would be the answer to a lot of problems. First, whenever they go skateboarding or rollerblading in a public area they always get kicked out such as sidewalks, parking ramps, etc. Secondly, not all kids play sports all year and they need something else to do. Thirdly, the local skate parks are few and far between except for the one in Minneapolis on Lake Street, which is a not real safe area to drop a kid off at. Therefore, Edina needs a skate park. Mr. Olson indicated that there is a skate park company for people who are interested in purchasing ramps, rails, etc. to build a tier I skate park as well as a tier 2 skate park. Mr. Murrin commented that he thinks the skate parks look like they could be dangerous and kids could get hurt. Mr. Olson explained that the tier 2 ramps are over three feet and need to have adult supervision whereas the tier 1 ramps are under three feet and there does not need to be supervision. Mr. Murrin indicated that just because someone is supervising doesn't necessarily prevent a kid from making a wrong turn and really hurting themselves. Mr. Peterson stated that there are always going to be accidents in every sport whether it's hockey, baseball, football, etc. Mr. Murrin asked if they feel this is any more dangerous than any of those other sports. Mr. Peterson replied that for sports like football and hockey they wear protective gear which are also worn at the skate parks. Mr. Murrin asked with protective gear does that help to keep high risk injuries to a minimal amount. Mr. Peterson responded that protective gears does help to reduce injuries but you can's always prevent injuries. He also stated that all participants at skate parks have to sign waivers indicating that they know there is serious risk of serious injury and they are taking responsibility for themselves. Mr. Housh asked what kind of a demand is there for a skate park. Mr. Peterson pointed out that they have started a petition and there are a lot of kids interested and the demand is there. Mr. Keprios indicated that they had a wonderful meeting with these two young gentlemen and he really applauds them for being here. He said that these are a couple of great kids. He noted that some of the ideas that he put in his staff report are to fence in the area around the golf dome. At this location there are restrooms available, a telephone and concessions area. Another idea is to fence in an area at the Braemar Arena parking lot. Also, another possibility would be to look into a joint venture with the YMCA. The City of Edina owns Yorktown Park which is right next to the YMCA. Mr. Keprios pointed out that this is an age group that likes high risk activities and not all kids are into team sport activities. Mr. Keprios noted that he likes the idea of having an unsupervised, very low risk skate park made of concrete where kids can show up and use it at their own risk, unsupervised, at any time. He indicated that the kids thought it was a good idea but are concerned that they might get bored with a tier 1 after awhile. However, looking at the plus side there would be very little operating expense and very little insurance premium expense. Mr. Keprios indicated that another idea is to use a tennis court, take down the nets and declare it as a skate park for the summer. They also talked about not putting in ice at Braemar Arcna on the third sheet for the summer and just absorb the cost for that operating expense and have that be the supervised indoor area. 3 Mr. Herring asked how big of an area is needed for this and asked if it can be concrete and/or asphalt. Mr. Olson replied that asphalt is okay but when it gets really hot it gets soft and sticky and it's hard to skate on, therefore, if you have the right temperature it's fine but otherwise, no. Mr. Herring commented that he thinks the golf dome is a great idea because it's not used in the summer months and all of the amenities are there to support it, however, the one down side is it's asphalt. Mr. Keprios indicated that there is always the possibility that with adequate funding it could be converted to concrete. Mr. Klus indicated he likes the idea of having a joint venture with the YMCA. He noted that if a skate park is developed it will probably be a tier 1 and over time kids are going to want a tier 2 skate park. Therefore, if the YMCA worked with us it would be a way to provide supervision as well as have a cost savings. Mr. Herring asked if possibly other cities would be interested in doing this such as Richfield and Bloomington and have it be more of a regional opportunity. Mr. Keprios responded that is something they can definitely look into. Carl Gulbronson, Edina resident, indicated that he has been skateboarding for 36 years and has been roller blading for the last 12 years and he supports these young gentlemen's efforts to develop some aspect of a skate park anywhere in Edina. He stated that areas that are nice for skate boarding and rollerblading are generally in public areas where people don't want them to be, such as the Aquatic Center. Mr. Gulbronson noted that as a parent he would support a plan for developing a tier 1, unsupervised, skate park. He also commented that in his opinion the incidence of serious injury is probably lower than there is with hockey or football. He stated that football has the highest level of injuries in any sport. Mr. Gulbronson pointed out that from an adult perspective there are other people out there like him who may have toned down their rollerblading or skateboarding to circles around Lake Harriet or on city streets. He noted in his opinion traffic in the neighborhoods is getting worse and that tends to be very dangerous as well. Tish Crane, resident, indicated that she has talked to Mr. Keprios about a skate park in the past. She explained how her family would go to Golden Valley where there was a rotating skate park that went to different cities and asked Mr. Keprios how Edina could get one of these. She noted that within the month this skate park was in Golden Valley her family ventured there at least 8 to 10 times. She pointed out that it was supervised by one adult and there were very specific rules, such as you had to sign a waiver, wear all of the pads and a helmet. She indicated that it cost about $4.00 per hour and was always crowded. Ms. Crane commented that the Park Board should really listen to these young gentlemen because there is not a lot for this age group to do unless they are in organized sports during the summer months. She noted that these kids are still going to be skateboarding and rollerblading in most places where people don't want them to be doing that. Mr. Crane stated that in her neighborhood they have built four ramps in which one is 12 feet high and they have never had any injuries. She also noted that the kids always wear protective gear. 4 Mr. Keprios indicated that he remembers when Ms. Crane approached him about the traveling ramp and he did look into it. At that time, however, there was no funding available because they had to have money to up -front to pay the private skatepark provider. Mr. Keprios pointed out that the traveling group has since gone out of business because it's very expensive due to insurance premiums and staffing costs. There was not enough profit inargin for the private fink to continue. Liz Nordstrom, resident, indicated that she has a 9 year-old and a 5 year-old and they have experienced a skateboard park in another city and her kids were there every moment she would take them. She commented that they also have their own makeshift skateboard ramp in their driveway and would truly like to see the city put one in because when the kids come the driveway, off the ramp, into the street it can be very dangerous. She noted that it's not just the kids who are using these, it's people from age 5 to 45 that would utilize it. She noted that there is some very strong support for this and she would like to see it happen. Mr. White asked what it happening with the gun range site. Mr. Keprios responded that they are going to wait for one last legislative session to see if the dollars will become available to build a fire/police training facility, so that land may be available. Mr. Grabiel indicated that he likes the idea of a skate park and his first reaction was to put it someplace over by Braemar so that it's out of the way. But he really likes the idea of working with the YMCA, Bloomington and Richfield. Ms. Sitek stated that she agrees, the city lacks activities for the pre -teen to early non - driving teen age group and this would be a very good activity for them. George Klus MOVED THAT THE STAFF LOOK INTO RANKING SOME OF THE OPTIONS FOR A SKATE PARK THAT COULD BE PUT IN THE CITY AND BRING THAT INFORMATION BACK TO THE PARK BOARD WITHIN THE NEXT 60 DAYS. Mr. Keprios indicated that he would like to know a little more as to what the Park Board is looking for such as a tier 1 or tier 2, supervised or unsupervised, or just look at all of the options. Mr. Klus commented that his concern is that a tier I would get old quickly. Mr. White commented that they should spend money on what the kids want. Floyd Grabiel SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Mr. Herring thanked everyone who attended the meeting and provided input and noted they will let everyone know when this item will be back on the agenda. 5 Mr. Olson suggested have a small tier 1 for the younger kids and small tier 2 for the older kids and that way no one would get bored. V. LEWIS PARK BANDY RINK - AMERICAN BANDY ASSOCIATION Paul Meehl, City of Savage resident, indicated that he has been in contact with Mr. Keprios and Mr. MacHolda for a number of years regarding the bandy rink at Lewis Park. He stated that the bandy group hasn't done the best job of reminding the city that they appreciate all of the work they do each year. He noted that after they use it in February they forget about it until the next fall when they usually have a conversation about two weeks before the season starts whether there will be a bandy rink or not. He noted that they get all worked up and ask how can you talk about losing the rinks when they haven't done anything about it in the last 8 months and therefore, he apologizes for that and that is what has brought them here tonight. Mr. Meehl stated that they really do appreciate the facility and knows that it's not all Edina residents who use it and that economically he doesn't know all of the details. He pointed out that the bandy program is very unique in that it is the only one of its kind in the whole continent and outside of the Scandinavia countries and Russia. He explained that at its peak there were about 300 to 400 participants in the program. Mr. Meehl stated there is talk about replacing the bandy rink with a high quality soccer facility and that is a great thing too. He noted they have done some research and have looked at different sites for a bandy rink but because there are 300 players spread around 35 different cities, it's pretty tough for any one of them to go to any one town. Mr. Meehl commented that they are clinging to Lewis Park as their home and with all natural ice their program is really in jeopardy. Therefore, they are here to ask the Park Board to look outside their normal frames of vision for city projects. If you look within your normal frames of deciding what facilities to keep and what facilities not to and you look at the residents use, cost effectiveness, how many weeks of the year are used, bandy would lose. He indicated that they would like the Park Board to look at things like the uniqueness given that the program is one of a kind in the country. Because of Lewis Park hundreds of people have had the opportunity to play international bandy and there are almost 200 kids coming into the program now that are going to have those opportunities as long as the program continues. Mr. Meehl pointed out that without a cost effective place to play with natural ice like Lewis Park, they are in pretty rough shape. He noted that they have to pay around $250.00 an hour for oval bandy rink in Roseville. Mr. Herring asked how much is the oval to which Mr. MacHolda responded they charge $250.00 including referees whereas Edina charges $120.00 an hour. Mr. Meehl commented that he hopes there is a way, should the soccer facility be approved and budgeted for, to keep both sports. He indicated that he understands the pressure from the soccer side and that it's not realistic to expect you to set aside this area for 6 to 8 weeks a year in a lieu of a facility that would be used 6 to 10 months a year. He indicated that he hopes the surface can be used for both ice and grass. no Bob Kojetin, resident, gave a history of bandy and how he brought the sport to the United States in 1976. He introduced softball to the Soviet Union and they in turn introduced bandy to the United States. He explained that he thought this would be an opportunity to give youngsters more time on the ice. Mr. Kojetin noted that the sport of bandy has grown in the Scandinavian countries and the Soviet Union. Mr. Kojetin indicated that it took a lot of promoting and the bandy program was started in 1980. Mr. Kojetin explained that a lot of people asked him why he promoted the sport because it's expensive and uses a large sheet of ice. He noted that his response to those people was there is a group of people out there who want to do other things and indicated that a lot of people at that time were not using the outdoor rinks. And needed something to bring the kids back to the outdoor ice. Mr. Kojetin indicated that at that time Lewis Park was starting its construction. He pointed out that Lewis Park was always looked at as a soccer facility but at that time kids weren't playing soccer and he literally had to call people to get them out to play soccer. Mr. Kojetin pointed out that soccer was a dead sport for 50 years in this country and it has only exploded in the last 25 years. Mr. Kojetin indicated that he thinks the area can be used for both soccer and bandy and that there is a lot information out there on what could be used for the surface. He explained that almost all of the small communities in Europe use the same area, which is like a grass surface with sand in it, for both soccer and bandy. Mr. Kojetin noted that the staff has looked at some kind of dual surface in the past and realizes that the most parents want their kids to play on grass and not an artificial surface. Mr. Kojetin informed the Park Board that the soil at Lewis Park is very, very poor and there is a sink hole. He indicated that they have put tons and tons of sand in there and it just keeps sinking away. He noted that originally they put irrigation out there but had to eventually take it out because it had settled so much. Mr. Kojetin again stated that he would like to see some type of a dual purpose surfacing out there so that both sports could be played there. Mr. Kojetin pointed out that even though a lot of the participants do not live in Edina they did grow up in Edina and they always come back and want to play in Edina. Chris Halden, Minnetonka resident, indicated that he has been with the bandy program for 18 years. He indicated that there is a lot of culture at Lewis Park with the bandy rink, and if it's ever taken out, it will do some real damage to Edina. Mr. Halden stated that two years ago there was this same discussion and the local neighborhood stepped up and said they wanted to keep the bandy rink. He noted that they have never created any problems and have just gone about their business very quietly and never really asked for much other than a place to play and they are charged $2,000. He noted that they basically run the program themselves. Mr. Halden explained that bandy has done a lot of good things for the community, they've had the soviet national teams here and the world championship here. He stated that they played at the World Cup in Russia last year and it was on national television with 20,000 people at the game. Mr. Halden noted that not everyone in Edina knows about bandy because they haven't really promoted it and that's the Bandy Associations fault. However, they have worked really hard to keep it going 7 • and Edina should be proud of the accomplishments they've had. He stated that it would be a real mistake to eliminate it because it's something that's very unique in the United States. Therefore, he feels Edina should continue to support the program. Mike Kojetin, Eagan resident, asked if the Bandy Association could be informed of what the Park Board's thoughts are in the future as well as be informed of any meetings where this issue would be brought up. Pete Anderson, President of the Edina Soccer Association, indicated that the Edina Soccer Association (ESA) has over 2,500 participants in their house program, which does not include the traveling program. He informed the Park Board that for the first time they are going to have to deny participation to some children who want to play because they are constrained in terms of facilities that are available for soccer games. He explained that the Under 6 age group will play at Lewis Park this year, that means 600 to 700 children of Edina residents will be playing each week at Lewis Park. Mr. Anderson indicated that in talking with members of the staff in the past it's impossible to grow grass on that area primarily because of flooding and no irrigation system can be put in there. Lewis Park is an area that is very susceptible to flooding, even an inch of rain will sit on that area for up to a week or more. Therefore, it's not an ideal facility but because soccer facilities are so constrained they have to use it. Mr. Anderson stated that if the proposed improvements to this facility were made it could be used not only for soccer but also for football, rugby and lacrosse. He indicated that as Mr. Kojetin mentioned soccer in its inception was not a popular sport. However, the difference between the time of soccer starting and the current time with bandy's popularity, Edina is a very well developed community and there is not enough green space available to allow a program that uses the facility for 6 or 8 weeks a year. Mr. Anderson suggested looking at communities south of the river that possibly have more green space as well as might be a better location for a bandy program. Mr. Anderson stated that ESA is paying approximately $4,000 to use the Lewis Park facility. He indicated that ESA has also contributed over $20,000.00 in the past couple of years to the City of Edina for various field improvements throughout the city. Mr. Anderson explained that they are asking that the Lewis East area be developed as a better quality turf field with real grass and no flooding. He pointed out that the amount of maintenance required to maintain a soccer field versus a bandy rink and the amount of residents versus non-resident's use of Lewis Park, he would ask that it be developed as a soccer facility. Mr. Klus asked Mr. Keprios where they are at with doing some work at Lewis Park. Mr. Keprios replied that last year they decided to keep bandy because there wasn't money available to do the things that Park Board wanted to see done at Lewis Park. He noted that it is still a question mark if we are going to get money through a capital plan, however, it looks much more optimistic this year than it did last year. Mr. Klus asked are we still a year away from being able to do any upgrades to Lewis Park if it was deemed necessary. Mr. Keprios responded that it's possible funding could be available this calendar year. He noted that the previous direction from the Park Board was as soon as funding is available he is to start to develop that into a soccer field and stated that is the track he has been on. Ms. Sitek asked if they can co -exist, flood the sheet of ice and have grass. Mr. Keprios indicated that previously they looked into the possibility of flooding over astro turf and the professional in the field said no. Mr. Keprios noted that there are places in Sweden that do it but it's more of a combination of grass and gravel. He stated that maybe it could be possible but it is not something that ESA would want. Mr. Housh asked the bandy people if they expect to continue to have players who are going to want to use this rink. It was noted that right now they have the largest youth program they have ever had with almost 200 kids, which is almost as large as the adult program. Once they are done with the youth program they will need a place to play because right now they are in a small area. Mr. Meehl noted that they cannot compete with soccer by saying they have over 2,000 players who are Edina residents. They are saying there is one natural ice rink in North America and it's here in Edina. Mr. Herring asked how many Edina residents are in the bandy youth program to which Mr. Meehl replied only a handful. Ms. Presthus asked how many Edina residents are in the adult program to which it was noted approximately 15 to 20. There are 200 participants in the program and they are spread throughout the state. However, at least half of them either grew up in Edina or have lived in Edina at one point in time. Mr. Halden stated that when this issue came before the Park Board about 5 years ago the neighborhood clearly liked having the big sheet of ice in the winter. He noted that he doesn't think the neighborhood would want a soccer complex. Mr. Halden commented that a decision based on only money shouldn't always be the correct decision, there are other things involved. Mr. Herring indicated that he is speaking for himself and a number of the members on the Park Board that they do want to look very seriously at converting Lewis Park into a soccer facility. However, it's a mute point right now because we don't have the funding to do the renovations necessary to convert it. He noted that he would suggest that long- term it's probably going to be a soccer facility and therefore bandy may want to think about where the program is going so you are on notice that he thinks this is where we are headed. He stated that right now it's year to year because we cannot make a change but long -terns it probably will be a soccer facility. He noted that it is driven by economics as well as the number of Edina residents. Mr. Halden asked why can't it be both. Mr. Herring replied he keeps hearing that because of the soil we either have a quality bandy rink or a quality soccer field, the soil that is out there cannot be used for both. 9 Mr. Klus asked what other soccer facilities are in Edina. Mr. Herring suggested that Mr. MacHolda have a report for the next Park Board meeting indicating where all of the soccer fields are in Edina, their look, use, location and who owns them. Ms. Sitek asked if staff would again look at what type of surface could be used for both. Mr. Herring agreed that staff should further study the possibility of dual surfaces to accommodate both sports. Mr. Herring thanked everyone for attending the meeting. Mr. Halden suggested to the Park Board to find another piece of land that could be converted into a youth soccer field instead of going through the painful process of trying to eliminate an ice sheet and inflame the neighborhood. VI. FIRST TIER REGIONAL TRAIL - SRF ARCHITECTS Mr. Keprios introduced Del Miller from Hennepin Parks and Adam Arvidson from SRF Architects who will talk about the first tier regional trail. Mr. Miller explained that Hennepin Parks is not a part of the county government, they are a special park district set up by the legislature in 1957. He explained that the suburbs now number over 700,000 people and Minneapolis has approximately 350,000 people. He pointed out that the first ring suburbs are a lot smaller than the second ring suburbs and therefore the second ring suburbs have a lot of trails and park reserves. Mr. Miller indicated that park reserves are typically a couple thousand acres and a lot of them are on a significant body of water. More intense recreation park reserves have a much bigger component of natural resource management and preservation. Mr. Miller stated that Edina pays taxes to Hennepin Parks as a special park district and recently they realized they have never systematically gone back and really analyzed the ten first ring suburbs, particularly looking at trail connections. Therefore, they brought SRF Architects in to take a look at this. Adam Arvidson, SRF landscape architect, explained that he was hired by Hennepin Parks to look at first ring suburbs to see what kinds of parks and trails there are. He explained that the process started off with a steering committee. Members from each of the first ring communities, including John Keprios, met and devised the process for how to go about the trail planning. He indicated that another planner and himself met with Mr. Keprios one day and actually drove around Edina to look at the facilities and see what possibilities there are for a regional park trail facility. He stated that the steering committee continues to meet and they are putting together a plan that Hennepin Parks would theoretically adopt as the first tier trails and green way plan. There are a variety of corridors shown throughout the first ring suburbs. He pointed out that some of them are being called "recommended contingent" which means it would be a great corridor but it needs railroad abandonment or major redevelopment. • 10 Mr. Arvidson explained that there are two other possible items to identify within Edina. One is Bredesen Park to receive help from Hennepin Parks and become a special trail because there is not enough acreage for it to be a regional park. He noted that the second item would be to incorporate a trail and a green way through Edina. He stated that if this were to happen, there would be a whole detail design phase that would have to be undertaken. He noted there are a lot of things that have to be worked out. Mr. Arvidson then stated if anyone has any ideas he would like to hear them because this is definitely not an absolute corridor. Mr. Arvidson then explained different possibilities of what can be done in natural environments with trails. Mr. Miller emphasized that this is a work in progress and that the implementation would definitely be driven by the communities. This would have to involve both Richfield and Edina, they have to know that both communities want it to happen and it's definitely going to be driven by the community. This would have to be something where the citizens of Edina, through their park commission and ultimately the City Council, feel it has merit. He indicated that this is something that might happen in three, five or ten years, timing is very critical. Mr. Keprios asked Mr. Miller to explain to the Park Board that if they go along with this what is the process. If this becomes a reality who pays for the development and maintenance. Mr. Miller replied that if everyone thinks this is a good idea conceptually then he would encourage the Park Board to tell the City Council that you think it's something worthwhile. If the City Council agrees that it's a good idea then they would start looking at it and would expect to pick up most of the costs involved. However, if every community came to them at the same time that might tap their resources, not only from a money standpoint but from a staff standpoint, etc. What is looked for from the city is where they have properties where they would give us an easement. Mr. Miller again stressed that this has to be community driven. Mr. Herring noted that we are not wedded to this specific trail to which Mr. Miller replied that is correct. This is just a draft, a conceptual idea. Mr. Herring indicated that he thinks a trail through Edina is a great idea and we should move forward with it. Mr. Keprios stated that he feels very strongly that this is a great opportunity for Edina residents that we should take a serious look at and Hennepin Parks is very open to us adjusting the plan to what we think might fit better. He stated that he would like to see the Park Board go forward with working with Hennepin Parks and their consulting firm to establish a first tier trail through Edina. Linda Presthus I'LL MOVE TO WHAT HE SAID. Toni White - SECONDED MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 11 Mr. Keprios thanked Hennepin Parks and for all of their time and looks forward to working with them. VII. COMMUNITY EDUCATION SERVICES REPORT - LINDA PRESTHUS Ms. Presthus indicated that they approved the budget and spent most of the time talking about objections and considerations from Normandale School for the proposed referendum. The problem Normandale School has is that they were never recognized as a school, it was recognized as the Edina Community Center and didn't take into consideration that there are 500 and some kids at that school. ,'Ill. OTHER A. Minneapolis Off -Leash Area at Weber Park - Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that the Minneapolis Park Board is proposing to develop an off -leash, run free dog area in the City of Edina on property that is owned by Minneapolis. He explained that the piece of land has a Minneapolis well and building on it and it's a swampy area. Mr. Keprios stated that Mike Siitari, Edina Police Chief, has contacted them and told them that they would have to abide by Edina Code which currently does not allow off -leash dogs on public property. Mr. Keprios stated that the Minneapolis Park Board is proposing to fence in the area and sell season passes to which Edina residents will have to pay non- resident fees. Mr. Keprios stated that Edina's view is there is not enough parking spaces or access to toilet facilities. He informed the Park Board that there is going to be a public input meeting on Thursday, March 23rd, 7:00 p.m. at Linden Hills Park and he will be there to speak on behalf of this group. He noted that it's a real unique situation that they have put on the shoulders of the City if Edina. IX. ADJOURNMENT Toni White MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 9:20 P.M. George Klus SECONDED THE MOTION. MEETING ADJOURNED. 12 , Skate Park Start-up Guide - Design & Planning Page 1 of 2 k Skate Park Start -u" � O�Allvz/ I14IEANd1ICN41, IN-LINE ;KdIiNG hTSaC!GIION Guide Return to HSA Home Skate Park Start -Up Guide Aaron Spohn's Tips for Would-be Builders Introduction Aaron Spohn's company, Spohn Ranch, has built several skate facilities across the US and abroad. Here are some things to consider when Funding planning your skate park. You & Your Town council Work With Local Authorities Where to Locate Your Skate Park Because each municipality will have its own rules and regulations, it's important to work closely with local authorities. Classification can be a Irksurarm grey area (for example, is a skate park a playground or an amusement park?), but by working with officials you can make it black and white Design & Planning and stay out of the red. The Roseville Experience Indoor or Outdoor? Desiener�_&_Ruildef1 Indoor is more expensive, but operation is more predictable. If building •Skate Park Directory outside, the first consideration should be the weather, which affects not only the ability to do business, but also impacts the costs of materials and maintenance. Pros and Cons of Various Ramp Materials Wood - Relatively low initial cost but requires high maintenance. Marine plywood is best but expensive; masonite or hardboard are in most cases more than adequate. Wood is good for indoors and dry climates. Splinters and gouging are drawbacks. Steel - Low maintenance, but gets hot and could have dangerously sharp edges. Concrete - Low maintenance, less Iikelihood of dilapidation or injury. Fasteners - Long screws are good, staples and nails are bad because they tend to come up and snag unwary skaters. In general, build it right the first time with materials that require less maintenance; these are safer and pay for themselves in the long run. Safety First Fire Planning - Even an all concrete indoor park will need a sprinkler http://www.Ilsa.ora/skatepai-k/skateparkdesiQn.htm 11/2!99 Skate Park Start-up Guide - Design & Planning Page 2 of 2 system. Again, work with local authorities to determine what precautions are necessary. Guards for Flyaway Boards - Skates will stay on a skater's feet, but bikes and skateboards will get away from fallen riders. Precautions should be taken to keep runaway equipment in isolated areas. Emergency Egress - Emergency access to all areas, even the bottoms of concrete bowls, should be provided to facilitate extrication of injured participants. Handicap Access - In keeping with the Americans with Disabilities Act, all restrooms and viewing areas must be fully accessible. Design Work with Kids and Hardcore Skaters - If you build it, they will come—once. But if it's dull, they won't come back. Work with the skaters in your community to design a course that will be challenging yet safe. In Santa Clara, kids were given clay to play with and shape into a skate park model. The final design incorporated many of their suggestions; today the park enjoys a steady flow of skaters. No Cross Patterns - Set up ramp arrays so that runs are roughly parallel. While cross patterns might maximize available space, they are an invitation to disaster. Segregation - Set up different areas for different levels of skaters. Less embarrassment, less injuries. Building - High ceiling, no poles, smooth but "sticky" surface. Do you have an example of a successful skate park? http://www.iisa.ora/skatepark/skatepm-kdesian.htm 11/'_'/99 ,CPSC Inline Skating Safety Data INTERNATIONAL INLINE SKATING ASSOCIATION Home : Inline Skating Safety Data The following information was compiled by the Consume _r Products Safety _Commission (CPSC). With these statistics, the CPSC has begun showing inline skating and skating (all types) as two different categories, while hockey includes both roller and ice hockey. The CPSC does not report fatalities, and gets its data by checking emergency room information from selected hospitals around the country, then estimates national figures. 'In 1995, data showed that 162,100 children ages 5 to 14 were treated in emergency rooms nationwide due to baseball injuries. This is 29% higher than those inline skating related injuries reported for the same age group in 1995. NATIONAL ELECTRONIC INJURY SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM (NEISS) INLINE SKATING SAFETY STATISTICS Inline Skating Injuries 1992 - 1996 1996 Inline Skating In ury Breakdown 1996 Percent of Total Injuries by Location Characteristics of Injured Skaters (1995) Characteristics of Falls and Injuries (1995) Page 1 of 5 Explore our Site :-) 1995 National Estimates Activity Injuries Basketball 693,933 Bicycling 599,874 Football391 0,180' i Snow skiing j' 33+_ 0,000 Skating all type 322,311 Baseball 219,023 Soccer 157,251 Inline Skating 99 600 [-volleyball IF86,603 Hockey (all types]) 77,140 Golf 40,000 Inline Skating Injuries, 1992 - 1996 - All Age Groups EearTotal Injuries % change over previous year Total # skaters % change over previous year Injury rate (injuries/skaters) Injury rate vs. previous year 1996 102,9113+% 28.9 M + 7 % 1-0.013% 1995 1+32%, 1+24% 0.369 % + 0.022 % 1994 1+103% 1+56% 0.347 % 1+0.081% 1993 1+28%, 1+43% 0.266 % F+0.037% 1992 29,000 n/a 79.7 M + 33 % 0.229 % n/a Source: National Electronic Injury Surveillance System tQP 1996 Inline Skating Injuries - All Age Groups Total Injuries in 1996: 102,911 Most Frequent Sites of Injury wrist: 24.2 % of total injuries I http://ww•,v.l isa.orq/tips/safetv.htmi 1112/99 • , CPSC Inline Skating Safety Data Page 2 of 5 ,lower arm: 13.5 % of total injuries !Most Frequent Injuries fracture: 40.8 % of total injuries ;strain, sprain: 21.5 % of total injuries Most Frequent by Type and Site i fracture of wrist: 14.4 % of total injuries fracture of lower arm: 11.0 % of total injuries strain/sprain of wrist: 8.1 % of total injuries total: 33.5 % of total injuries Source: National Electronic Injury Surveillance Survey'l SAFETY ALERT The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that as many as one-third of inline skating emergency -room treated injuries could be prevented or lessened in severity by the use of wrist guards. tQp 1996 Percent of Total Injuries by Location (alphabetized by body part) Ankle 6.7% Leg (lower) 3.8 % IArm (lower) 13.5 % Leg (upper) 1.1 Arm (upper) 10.7% Mouth 1.2 % Elbow 7.6 % Neck Eyeball I 0,2 % Pubic Region Face 7.1 % Shoulder 4.2 % Finger Foot 1.0 % Torso (lower) 5.1 Hand Torso (upper) Head 1wrist Knee -16.8 % Other10.5 % Source: National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS)� http://www.ilsa.ora/tips/safety.html top 11/2/99 CPSC Inline Skating Safety Data CHARACTERISTICS OF INJURED INLINE SKATERS L jam) Characteristic ;j % of Sample 'Ability Level ,Novice 10 Beginner 34 Intermediate 37 Expert 118 Number of Times Inline Skating 1 - 5 ;125 ,6 - 12 12 13 - 99 i26 > 100 ;137 Reasons for Participation To get exercise 75 To play roller hockey 1i37 For transportation 135 iT perform erform tricks (aggressive) 31 j Number of Lessons Taken 10 150 1 - 5 1137 > 6 1 I Ownership of Skates j Owned 72 Rented or borrowed !28 Condition of Skates Good 85 I Fair or poor 14 The percentages are calculated for an estimated 6,331 persons treated in emergency departments nationally during the study period. They are based on data from 161 injured skaters, weighted according to the hospital in the NEISS sample in which they were treated. These values do not include subjects for whom the following were unknown ability level (1 percent of the total), number of lessons taken (2 percent), or condition of skates (1 percent). WP 11 CHARACTERISTICS OF FALLS AND INJURIES 11 Page 3 of 5 http://www.iisa.org/tips/safety.htmi 11/2/99 CPSC Inline Skating Safety Data SUSTAINED BY INLINE SKATERS_ Ll',j Characteristic % of Sample — -- -----_—___ Location of Fall j Sidewalk or driveway 26 'Street ;Park or bike path 19 Indoors 10 Parking lot 9 Other 14 Proximate Cause of Fall Spontaneous loss of balance 41 Striking a stationery hazard 1 140 Striking a moving object 2 11 f Swerving to avoid hazard or collision 4 Other 4 Special Factors Pertaining to Fall 3 Hazardous Road Condition Cited 53 Cited as key cause 63 Skating out of control Cited 25 Cited as key cause 67 Poor visibility (twilight or darkness) Cited 17 Cited as key cause 6 Fatigue Cited 11 Cited as key cause 37 Anatomical Site of Primary Injury 4 Wrist1132 Lower leg (including ankle) 13 Face (or chin) 1112 jElbow 9 Knee 6 I Head 5 1Other i23 Page 4 of 5 http://www.iisa.orJtips/safety.html 11/2/99 s CPSC Inline Skating Safety Data Type of Injury Wrist fracture 25 Face or chin laceration ; 10 Wrist sprain ;16 Elbow fracture 115 (Lower -leg fracture !15 (Ankle sprainF4 j Severity of Injury ,Major 1151 j Minor IF49 iSafety Gear Worn at Time of Injury Wrist guards � 33 Elbow pads 28 45 Knee pads11 Helmet �E20 All of the above geari17 No gear 46 The percentages are calculated for an estimated 6,331 persons treated in emergency departments nationally during the study period. They are based on data from 161 injured skaters, weighted according to the hospital in the NEISS sample in which they were treated. These values do not include subjects for whom the following were unknown ability level (1 percent of the total), number of lessons taken (2 percent), or condition of skates (1 percent). Page 5 of 5 Footnotes: The hazard was usually a defect or debris in the road. Collisions usually occured with another skater, and less than one percent involved a motor vehicle 3 More than one response was allowed. Percentages given for key -cause citations are of those who cited the factor. a Thirteen percent of skaters had more than one injury. Seventy-two percent of wrist injuries, 48 percent of elbow injuries, 38 percent of head injuries, and 34 percent of knee injuries were major. Six percent of patients with major injuries were admitted to the hospital. i © IISA 1201 N. Front St. #306 1 Wilmington, NC 28401 USA I tel 910-762-7004 1 director@iisa.org http://www.iisa.org/tips/safety.html 11/2/99 SKATE PARKS QUESTIONAIRE How long has your facility been in operation? Roseville Oval: 4h Year Mankato YMCA: 5d' Year Chanhassen: 6 Months Burnsville: 3rd Year Chaska: Will open summer 2000 What was the initial expense? Roseville Oval: $65,000.00 Mankato YMCA: $170,000.00 Chanhassen: $15,000.00 Burnsville: $70,000.00 Chaska: $45,000.00 Is it a indoor or outdoor facility? Roseville Oval: Outdoor Mankato YMCA: Indoor & Outdoor Chanhassen: Outdoor Burnsville: Outdoor Chaska: Outdoor Is it a supervised facility? Roseville Oval: Yes - Staff is equipped with first aid kit and 2 way radio. Mankato YMCA: Yes - All staff members are first aid and CPR certified. Chanhassen: No Burnsville: Yes - Two employees on at all times and both are first aid and CPR certified. Chaska: No What is the attendance? Roseville Oval: 5,040 Mankato YMCA: 5,720 Chanhassen: 2,520 Burnsville: 3,268 Chaska: Anticipate 30 to 40 a day Do you charge a fee? If so how much? Roseville Oval: Yes - $50.00 membership plus $6.00/Day or $9.00/Daily for non- members. Mankato YMCA: Yes - YMCA members $3.00/Day and all non-members $10.00/Daily. Chanhassen: No Burnsville: Yes - $5.00 per person per session (sessions last two hours). Chaska: No HI, We heard that the Edina Park board was going to be discussing the possibility of locating a skate board park in Edina, and we are unable to attend the meeting this evening due to scheduling conflicts. As a family we would be very much in favor of the park board looking into this. For children who do not participate in summer organized sports in the younger teen area, Edina does not offer many alternatives. Our children who choose to not participate in organized summer athletics in this age range would benefit by having an option to direct their energies. We have heard that there is some discussion of a concern about noise. We live 2 blocks from Pamela park, and on any evening where there is a soccer/football game, we can clearly hear the fans screaming and the whistles blowing when our windows are open in the evening. I don't see much difference here. We would also like to strongly voice support for putting walking paths in Pamela Park. Pamela Park is a beautiful park with it's creek and lake. I'll bet most residents don't even know about the creek there. I have lived in the Pamela Park area for all but 5 years since 1962, 1 grew up playing there, and have owned a home in the neighborhood since 1974. Pamela Park NEEDS walking paths. Pamela seems to be always LAST on the list for improvements. Pamela Park has very poor drainage in the center area and as a result after a rain is boggy with areas that hold puddles for a long period of time, -(similar to Cornelia , Arden and Lewis) making if difficult to walk/bike from one end to the other. Due to it's geographic location Pamela Park is difficult to walk, bike, or skate to if you don't cut through the park per the above. If you live on the South end (off 62nd street) your options to access the tennis courts are walking on France -an extremely busy street, through the park -not desirable if it has been wet at all, or down Oaklawn, and then down the VERY STEEP 58th Street hill. Not a safe alternative with the speed of cars coming over the hill. The same options hold if you live on the North end, and want to access the South end of the park. If we feel we need to have paths at the very small 50th and Woodale park, I don't understand why we don't consider them necessary at the very large Pamela Park. By putting connecting walking paths through the park, like you have done at SO MANY other parks, it would greatly add to the accessibility of the park, and increase it's use. Our adults and children could enjoy all areas of the park by walking, biking, or skating to all of the recreation areas like so many other Edina residents can do at their neighborhood parks. Putting a walking area could also spread some of the walking congestion from Cornelia. For those of us in the East side of Edina who access Cornelia Park via Valley View Rd by foot, bike, or skate, it is dangerous trying to get their with the speed, and unyielding traffic on Valley View Rd. I know that I would personally use walking paths there instead of Cornelia Park if they were put in Pamela Park. Thank you for considering the above requests. As you can tell, we feel that both would enhance our neighborhood parks. Teri and Jim Ellis 6223 Halifax Ave. S. c El EDINA PARK BOARD 7:30 p.m. May 9, 1995 MEMBERS PRESENT: Andrew Herring, Andrew Montgomery, Beth Hall, Jim Fee, Becky Bennett, Dave Crowther, Jean Rydell, Bill Jenkins, John Dovolis, Frank Bennett, Mike Burley STAFF PRESENT: John Keprios, Ed MacHolda, Janet Canton, Laura Lancrete, Vince Cockriel, Susan Weigle OTHERS PRESENT: Laura Odegaard, Mary Kuppe, Sue Patrick Seary, Jane Berkey, John Landin, Dennis Withers, Virg Dissmeyer, Clyde Blinn, Marion Kloster, Doris Clegg, Del Bruss, Lorraine Johnson, Clarence Guldberg, Tom McCanna, Bob Carlson, Nancy Tracy, Jim Tracy, Louis Starita, Jeff Albrecht, Florence Liemandt, Marion Sorem, Frank Jones, Jerry Witowski, Jim Gray, Julie Turnbull, Julie Cologne, Mary Finnegan, Mark Anderson, Michele Simonet, Alice Hulbert, Jim Callanan, Jim Stangl, Dick Friedrichs, David Davison, Andy Turnbull, Patti Kelly, Gary Dalasta, Shannon Hierlmaier, John Hopko I. APPROVAL OF THE APRIL 11. 1995 MINUTES Jean Rydell MOVED TO APPROVE THE APRIL 11, 1995 MINUTES. John Dovolis SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED. II. SR. CITIZEN CENTER ANNUAL REPORT Ms. Weigle explained to the Park Board that the Senior Center has been located on the third floor of the Community Center since 1989 and one of the biggest concerns is that the lease will be up in the year 2000. She stated that doesn't necessarily mean that the Community Center doesn't want them, it's just that the senior don't want to be scrambling around at the last minute to find a replacement senior center. Mr. Herring noted that he thought the Community Center has offered to extend the lease an additional 5 years. Ms. Weigle noted that she has not heard that. Mr. Herring indicated that he and Ms. Rydell are on the Community Education Services Board and have been talking about planning and continuing to have the Senior Center at the Community Center. He noted that he feels this is not issue, and that the real issue is whether or not the seniors want to continue to use that facility. Ms. Weigle noted that was the next point she was going to make. Ms. Weigle stated that they really wanted to know what the seniors feelings were about being at the Community Center and so they sent out a survey which had about a 398 return on it. She indicated that Laura Schenk, her new assistant, has been tabulating the results. She noted that most people who answered the survey were between the ages of 71 and 80, however, surveys have also been received from seniors between the ages of 61 and 70. Ms. Weigle explained that those who live close by are quite happy with the location and that the majority of complaints were the third floor location, parking, and transportation to and from the center. Ms. Weigle pointed out that the senior bus does not bring people to the Senior Center and there is no public transportation that goes to the Senior Center. Ms. Weigle indicated that Ms. Schenk has also put all of the members into the computer system. She noted that there were approximately 150 people that had not remained active members who were still receiving a newsletter and being counted as active. Currently the membership is approximately 1,400. Ms. Weigle stated that the Advisory Council has indicated that they would like to have someone from the baby boomer age sit on the Advisory Council. The reason for this is they are trying to think of what the baby boomers are going to want for their future because eventually they will either need to enhance the current facility or else move to a different location. Mr. Fee indicated that he thought there was some kind of transportation that went from the senior buildings on York to the Senior Center. Ms. Weigle indicated that it doesn't bring them to the Senior Center, it brings them to Congregate Dining, which is at 7151 York. She noted that Congregate Dining averages 99 people a day compared to 25 to 30 when it was at the Community Center. Ms. Weigle explained that there is also transportation to the grocery store and that volunteer drivers are used and therefore the bus only goes to the grocery store 2 days a week. Ms. Weigle indicated that the bus can take 10 people at a time. Mr. Jenkins asked if that service is well used and Ms. Weigle indicated that yes it is. Ms. Weigle noted that both Mr. Rosland and Mr. Keprios have asked her to do a study on transportation because eventually they are going to have to do something. Mr. Fee asked Ms. Weigle what she would want to see in the way of transportation and she noted that she thinks there is going to need to be paid drivers. It's been nearly impossible to get volunteer bus drivers on a regular basis. Mr. Jenkins asked how the facility is working after the remodeling that was done a few years back. Ms. Weigle noted that the Community Center has been very accommodating and they have a nice working relationship. Mr. Keprios indicated that it's also worth mentioning that Ms. Weigle does a wonderful job programming a lot of activities outside the Senior Center. Ms. Weigle stated that there is a 55 plus softball league that plays at Van Valkenburg and they have over 100 men a year that play. Also, there is a line dance held four times a year at Edinborough as well as a birthday celebration four times a year. Ms. Weigle indicated that they play volleyball at Edinborough during the winter and noted that a lot of the seniors participate in Laura Lancrete's swimming program at Edinborough. Mr. Jenkins asked Ms. Weigle what she feels her biggest challenge is and she indicated getting people to the Senior Center who just simply can't get there. 2 Ir Mr. Fee asked Ms. Weigle if she feels she has the funds to pay for this service and she indicated she does not. Mr. Fee noted that he would like to work with Mr. Rosland on the transportation issue and see what other possible alternatives might be out there. It was noted that all other communities charge a discount fee for a transportation service and that no one is doing it for free. III. EDINA SOCCER ASSOCIATION PROPOSAL FOR LEWIS PARK Mr. Keprios thanked everyone for coming to the Park Board meeting and thanked everyone who responded with phone calls, letters and petitions. He indicated that everything that was sent to him he copied and passed along to the Park Board. Mr. Keprios indicated that he would like to briefly go over the proposal to bring everyone up to speed and explain what happened at last month's Park Board meeting. He stated that at the April Park Board meeting the Edina Soccer Association and those interested in bandy gave their views on the proposal that the Edina Soccer Association presented to the Park Board. He indicated that since that meeting they have sent out notices to everyone who lives within approximately 500 feet of the park. Mr. Keprios then showed an aerial photograph of the Lewis Park area and explained where everything is located. He noted that the proposal from the Edina Soccer Association (ESA) is a request to make the bandy field a soccer field and ESA will donate up to $40,000 to make that happen. To do this, however, there is basically the potential elimination of the 40 large sheet of ice and bandy in Edina. He noted that bandy does have another place to go in Roseville for $190/hour at the John Rose Minnesota Oval. Mr. Keprios indicated that a lot of the concerns he has heard is from the residents living in the Lewis Ridge Condominium units whose biggest concern is people parking in their private drive. He noted that there are signs posted which say "NO PARKING - FIRE LANE." Mr. Keprios has checked with Steve Landry, Edina Fire Marshall, and was told that the City did not place those signs at that location because it is not (in the Fire Marshall's opinion) considered to be a fire lane. Therefore the police cannot tag people who park there. Mr. Keprios suggested that the people living in the units contact their association's attorney to see what steps can be taken as far as erecting signs and cars towed who are literally trespassing on the property. Mr. Keprios stated that the neighbors have also shown a concern about the amount of scheduling that would be going on. He indicated that, if this proposal is accepted, he cannot guarantee that all three fields would not be scheduled at the same time because there may be times that will happen. Mr. Keprios noted that staff would like to be able to have both bandy and soccer. However, it doesn't look as though that would be possible. Mr. Keprios then introduced Vince Cockriel, Park Foreman, and John Hopko, the turf management plan consultant. Mr. Hopko showed a slide presentation and explained why the turf at Lewis Park cannot be used as 3 a multi-purpose site. 19 Mr. Hopko explained that planted annual rye grass or clover takes at least 60 days before it can be exposed to traffic. It takes even longer for sodded areas to take hold and become a safe surface for athletic use. Mr. Cockriel indicated that at one point they tried planting rye grass on the bandy field at Lewis Park and the end result was a bed of weeds. Mr. Keprios asked Mr. Cockriel if you can flood over irrigation heads and Mr. Cockriel explained that you cannot because there's a concern of breaking lines and ruining heads. He noted there is also a safety concern because on warms days you can get a 3 foot melted circle around an irrigation head. A resident stated that she talked to someone at the University of Minnesota Extension Service and they said that you wouldn't have the problem of the ice killing the grass if you didn't install it on the grass but waited for snow cover. Mr. Hopko indicated first of all it would be a challenge to do that because the minute water is applied to the snow there is going to be some melting. He stated that the second thing is that if ice of any form stays for 100 days you are in big trouble and practical experience would tell him that it can't be done. Mr. Cockriel stated that another issue is in the past few years it's been hard finding enough snow to even get ice by Christmas. There isn't the luxury of waiting for a nice coat of 6 to 8 inches of snow before flooding can begin. Ms. Simonet, resident, asked about putting down pads like what is done on the putting greens. Mr. Hopko explained that those mats are actually very a thin material that would not help in the ice situation because they actually allow the water to go right through. Mr. Keprios indicated that in Europe right now they do use fields for both bandy and soccer and explained that they use a granular material. He then stated that Mr. MacHolda has played on a similar surface at the University of Minnesota. Mr. MacHolda indicated that it's a surface in which you would not leave your feet and attempt to slide. Mr. MacHolda pointed out that he doesn't think this surface would work for young children. Mr. Keprios noted that the Soccer Association and staff looked at what other alternatives there were for soccer. He explained how some of the other parks would not work and then noted that we do rely already on some of the school facilities and there is the question as to whether they will be available year after year. He indicated that with a good turf management program you can rest a field, which is what the high school likes to do. Mr. Keprios explained that we don't have the luxury of resting our fields but by possibly acquiring this area as a soccer field we may be able to rotate fields on a limited basis. Tom McCanna, Kemrich Drive, indicated that he feels most of the people he has spoken with feel that this isn't an issue of multi -use but it is an issue of traffic and the desire to keep the neighborhood park a neighborhood park. Mr. McCann explained that if you look at the neighborhood around the park you will see that there is a high senior 4 content in the townhouses but there is also a lot of young children and preschool children in the neighborhood. He stated that there is a need 49 to keep the park as the park as originally planned and not as a sports field for very dedicated purposes such as soccer. He noted that he has nothing against soccer and that his sons play soccer, but to sacrifice a multi -use park for a very specific park like this is not in the best interest of the neighborhood. He indicated that he very strongly opposes putting in the soccer field. Mr. Keprios then explained how the different parks are classified. He noted that the parks are designated by their acreage which also determines the service area that the particular park should serve as far as recreational needs. He noted that Lewis Park is a community playfield park which is designed to serve the recreational needs of young people and adults in a 16 square mile service area, which is essentially all of Edina. A community playfield also typically has an area set aside for smaller children, which is the case at Lewis. Mr. Keprios indicated that community playfields typically range in size from 20 to 60 acres. Lewis Park is 21.04 acres. He noted that these parks serve the whole community and are not really designed to serve just the immediate neighborhood. Mr. Burley indicated that he totally disagrees with this and feels it would be making Lewis Park a soccer complex and does not feel that Lewis Park would have the necessary diversity of recreational opportunities. Mr. Keprios indicated that it is important to recognize the purpose or mission of Lewis Park that it is not a neighborhood park but a community playfield. Julie Cologne, Kemrich Drive, indicated that she has no association with bandy and that she is the mother of small children. She stated that when she takes her children to the park there are spectators watching soccer while sitting on the swings and the equipment and therefore her children don't have access to the play equipment. She noted that there is not another park they can walk to. Ms. Cologne also indicated that she doesn't see this as soccer/bandy issue but sees it as the Edina Soccer Association having $40,000 to offer versus the neighbors that do not want this soccer field. She noted they do not want it in their park because people park up and down the street and are in the neighborhood for a long time and it's just going to get worse. She pointed out that the bandy people play their game and leave and there is never a parking problem. She is strongly opposed to it. Micki Simonet, Coventry Way, wanted to know if there was any way there could be a compromise. She noted that the main concern of a lot of people is not bandy but is hockey. She explained that she will now be having girls play hockey and there is not a lot of ice available in Edina. She asked if it would be possible to take out the bandy rink and make two hockey rinks and double the size of the recreational rink and perhaps they could be moved closer to the other soccer fields. Frank Jones, Lewis Ridge Parkway, asked what the definition is of adequate parking. Mr. Keprios indicated that there is adequate parking but not at all times especially if all three fields would ever be scheduled at once. Mr. Keprios pointed out that there is not adequate parking at many of the scheduled parks. At Strachauer Park, for 5 example, there is no parking and they fill the neighborhood streets. Mr. Fee asked for a clarification of when soccer would be using the soccer fields. Patti Kelly, President of ESA, indicated that their soccer season starts May 15th and ends July 22nd, so it's about 2 1/2 months and they play four nights a week, Monday through Thursday for 2 1/2 hours each night. Jack Landon, Lewis Ridge Parkway, asked if there are any funds for restroom facilities for the kids from May 15th through July 22nd so they don't knock on the neighbors doors saying they have to use the bathroom. Mr. Keprios noted that is one of the things they are looking into having. He explained that the Soccer Association has been willing to help come forward with a plan to build new restroom facilities on the west end. However, for now they are considering putting in some portable restrooms with fencing put around them. The Lewis Park shelter building restroom facilities will be open and available during scheduled soccer games. Mary Finnegan, Coventry Way, indicated that she feels this is not a soccer versus bandy issue but rather soccer versus general recreation. She stated that the big sheet of ice is not just used for bandy, it is used for pick-up hockey games, boot hockey, and children learning how to skate. She stated that you can drive by there any day of the week and see it filled. Ms. Finnegan pointed out that she thinks it's very sad that unless you don't come with the voice of an organized sport, you don't have a voice. She noted that she understands how the parks are classified, however, if that holds true then the people in this area have no park and are left with nothing. Ms. Finnegan stated that rather than eliminating something to put in a third soccer field she would hope that all of the other options are explored. Ms. Finnegan noted that the bandy rink is enjoyed by the whole community. Ms. Bennett indicated that the rink attendance number for 1993-1995 at Lewis park was 5,459 and that number includes everyone. She noted that the next closest park in attendance numbers was Arden with 2,934. It was asked how many of those people are from Bloomington and Ms. Bennett indicated that she was told that has always been deemed a compliment because we've got a great sheet of ice and leave it at that. She pointed out that she just wants to make sure that everyone knows that sheet of ice is being used and that it's not just sitting there. Mr. Keprios stated that the large ice rink was built specifically for bandy and Mr. Kojetin did a wonderful job of bringing bandy to Edina. Mr. Keprios indicated that when the rink is scheduled for bandy, it's scheduled 7 days a week every evening and every Saturday and Sunday primarily for adults. He pointed out that there are over 20 adult teams and that 90% of the people on those teams are non -Edina residents. Mr. Keprios indicated that it's been a great program and he would love to be able to keep both of them. A resident pointed out that even when the warming house is not open there are a lot of kids using the rink and those numbers are not put in the attendance numbers. to A resident who lives residents would have in a 55 plus building attended the meeting indicated that all 53 if there was more room. However, she wanted everyone to know that they love the game of bandy and the mix that is at the park. She noted they are not in favor of another soccer field in the summer because it will create more traffic. Doris Clegg, Lewis Ridge, asked how many games are played on the existing fields and how many are purposed for the third field. Mark Anderson, Vice President of the Soccer Association, noted that the fields would be used for the U6 and U8 divisions. He stated that there are 400 kids in the 5 and 6 year old range and 300 kids in the 7 and 8 year old range. Mr. Anderson explained that the fields would be used Monday through Thursday evenings starting at 5:00 p.m. He noted that they play half hour games with the last game ending at 7:30 p.m. He indicated that right now these kids are playing at Weber field and it is a real concern from a safety perspective. Mr. Anderson stated that the Park Department has two full-time men keeping the ice nice and it's mostly because of the bandy rink. He noted that a lot of money is being spent to keep that sheet of ice for 24 Edina youth residents to play bandy because all of the other people playing are non-residents. He noted that he would like to see the field used for more Edina residents. Mr. MacHolda stated that the existing two soccer fields are scheduled for traveling soccer and adult soccer. A resident asked how many residents play on the adult teams. Mr. MacHolda indicated that currently 75% of the adults that play are residents. Dick Friedrichs, 59th Street, stated that he is a bandy player and a member of the Edina Hockey Association. He noted that his biggest concern isn't losing bandy but indicated that there are a lot of young adults, boys and girls using the bandy rink to develop their skills. He also noted that he thinks it will be hard to get ice at the John Rose Oval, and that it's not just 24 youth bandy players using the rink. Alice Hulbert, Tara Road, noted that she has four kids under the age of 10 and they use the park all year round. She noted that she thinks it's very arrogant of the Soccer Association to come in and say they need another field and here is $40,000 and you can't use it for anything else for the rest of the year. She stated if they want to buy it they should have to pay full market value for it. She indicated that she likes to take her kids to the park to play kickball, baseball, summer frisbee, walk the dog, etc. and now there will be no space to do that. She noted that there are already two soccer fields and there needs to be a little space left to do other things. Ms. Hulbert also noted that she brings her kids to the park four days a week to skate and she noted that they don't play bandy or hockey but they do like to figure skate on the rink. She stated that she is worried about everyone being crammed into the other rinks and is also worried about the girls getting enough ice time for their hockey. Patti Kelly, Edina Soccer Association President, indicated that she thinks there is a gross misconception that appears to be surfacing that Edina Soccer wants to use these fields solely for soccer and eliminate any other activity on the field. She noted that is wrong. Ms. Kelly 7 stated that they are asking to use these fields for a soccer program and then they will be open for individual use when they are not having their games. She explained that they will use the field for 2 1/2 months, four evenings a week and then the fields will be available to the neighborhood for frisbee throwing, etc. Ms. Kelly pointed out that if you don't flood the field and money is spent to make it a nice field it will be a much better for other activities. Again, she stressed that Edina Soccer is not trying to get a hold of these fields and use them solely for soccer. She noted they are just asking to be able to schedule games so there are enough fields to service the Edina resident players. She stated that there is already a hockey rink and skating rink there and that by eliminating the bandy rink it could free up one full-time maintenance man to possibly open up a rink in another neighborhood. She noted they are not trying to take away ice because it can be put in another place that currently has no ice. She explained that their purpose is to try and make the field usable for all people for approximately seven months out of the year. A resident indicated that he would like to see a study of all of the fields before a decision is made. He noted that it seems to him that Pamela would be a good spot and asked what kind of study was done on all of the parks. Mr. Keprios indicated that there is nothing in writing but that the Soccer Association and staff took it upon themselves to go to each and every park in Edina to see if an alternate site exists for another soccer field. He noted that the answer is yes, however, they aren't anywhere close to what Lewis Park has to offer. Mr. Kojetin asked if there could be some other type of turf surface like what Mr. MacHolda was referring to so that the area could be used for both sports. Mr. Kojetin suggested putting some of the kids on the west field and let some of the older kids play in the dirt and then split some of the kids that are playing at Weber. Mr. Kojetin also indicated that from time to time that field is going to need to be regraded even with a good sodded field and that will cost a lot of money to do. Mr. Kojetin noted that he would like to see a trial or experimental program where the kids are shifted around a little bit rather than zero in on one particular facility. Mr. Fee asked who did the turf study in the last 30 days and it was noted the Engineering Department went and looked at it. Mr. Keprios indicated that the Engineering Department believes that they have a temporary water main leak and the Utility Department is trying to correct it. He stated that in their professional opinion there is going to be some settling, however, the majority of it has already taken place. Mr. Fee asked with the third soccer field is there anything we can do as far as either adding another hockey rink or expanding the skating facility on the north side of the warming house. Mr. Keprios indicated that would not be possible if we need to make the area a playable soccer field. Mr. Burley indicated that he can certainly empathize with the Soccer Association trying to seek new fields for the kids to play on. He noted that after running the Basketball Association he knows it's not easy finding adequate space. Mr. Burley stated that he has a real problem ■ with an organization coming to the Park Board and asking for a specific piece of land for X amount of dollars. He noted that the Basketball Association had $100,000 in their kitty and if they were aware that there is a potential to, so to speak, bid for a piece of land they might want to come in and put in basketball courts. He stated that he doesn't think either situation is right. Mr. Burley also noted that he has a real problem when Mr. Keprios said that Lewis Park is scheduled to be a diversified park. He noted that he doesn't see any diversity there and that his kids have to play baseball on the cul-de-sac with Dewey Hill Road as their backstop. He noted that if you put another soccer field there you make the conditions worse and then you also have all of these other issues that the residents have spoken about. Mr. Burley indicated that he didn't see anyone put a letter together besides the Soccer Association that's in favor of this idea. Mr. Burley pointed out that his kids play soccer and he certainly wants a field for them to play soccer on but he is opposed to this entirely. He noted that as far as the bandy versus soccer he doesn't feel that is the issue at all. He thinks it's a neighborhood ice rink that people have grown accustomed to that would be sorrily missed by not only the immediate neighborhood but throughout the whole Edina and neighboring north Bloomington. Mr. Fee indicated that he is having a hard time understanding why everyone is getting upset about 2 1/2 hours a night, 4 nights a week for 2 1/2 months. Mr. Fee indicated that a lot of people don't realize that we have had to close a lot of neighborhood rinks and that a lot of maintenance is required to maintain the bandy rink. He indicated that hopefully this maintenance can now be utilized to reopen some of the skating rinks that have had to be closed. Mr. Fee stated that he was one of the original guys who played bandy and is very much in favor of it but he has seen it change drastically from when it started 10 to 12 years ago. He indicated that it used to be 90% Edina residents and now it's less than 10%. Mr. Fee also pointed out that this is a community park and not a neighborhood park. Mr. Fee explained that as far as baseball is concerned it was never intended to have a baseball field. He noted that some parks have baseball fields and some parks have soccer fields. Mr. Fee noted that he is very much in favor of the soccer field. Mr. Herring indicated that one resident asked what kind of study was done on the parks. He noted that it was his understanding that Mr. MacHolda and members from the Soccer Association went to all of the parks looking for alternative facilities. He stated that while there was no written report it was discussed at the last meeting and he gives a lot of deference to our staff and Mr. MacHolda who works with both bandy and soccer. Mr. Herring noted that we are fortunate that the Soccer Association can bring $40,000 to the table so that we can use that money to upgrade the fields and make them playable. Mr. Herring also pointed out that he is swayed by the number of Edina residents who play soccer compared to the number of residents in the bandy program. Mr. Herring also noted that he is swayed by the availability of additional workers to go and work on other parks and do some of the other things that we want to do during the winter. Mr. Herring indicated that maybe Strachauer Park could be opened up again. He 41 stated that he is in favor of the soccer field. I Mr. Bennett asked if the 5 and 6 year olds could be divided up so on Monday they are at one park, Tuesday at another, etc. This way maybe the turf could also be rested and the community as a whole could share some of the traffic and hardships that go along with providing a park for all of our citizens. He noted, however, that this may be compounding the problem. Mr. Anderson indicated that's a possibility and something that would have to be worked out with staff because they do all of the scheduling. Mr. Bennett noted that it probably wouldn't work for the older kids but may work for the younger ones. Ms. Hall indicated that we don't know how many U6 and U8 kids there will be in the next 5 to 8 years. She also noted that with the possibility of getting a professional hockey team there may be more kids interested in hockey and feels that is something to think about. Ms. Bennett indicated that she lives in the Lewis Park neighborhood and has made a lot of phone calls and has received a lot of phone calls. She noted that she didn't talk to one person who was in favor of the soccer field other than what has been received from soccer. She stated that her kids play all of the sports and she is not biased one way or another. She pointed out that she does not feel that the John Rose Oval rink is an alternative to bandy for $190/hr. Ms. Bennett noted that she feels if we eliminate the large sheet of ice we eliminate bandy from Minnesota. Mr. Keprios noted that youth bandy could be played on the hockey rinks. Ms. Bennett stated that she doesn't see this as a bandy versus soccer issue but sees it as a sheet of ice that's well used by the neighborhood people as well as people who don't live in the immediate area. Ms. Bennett indicated that she doesn't think all of our alternatives have been looked at with regards to soccer. Ms. Bennett noted that if it's an issue of lights that there are other facilities that could possibly be used such as the high school since their program is a fall program. Ms. Bennett indicated that she realizes the high school likes to rest their fields but it is still our taxpayer dollars. Ms. Bennett also suggested that possibly the younger kids could play in the daytime like the Jugball program and the $40,000 could be used to create jobs for teenagers to coach the kids during the day. Ms. Bennett noted that she doesn't like the idea of eliminating one sport for the sake of another if something else can be worked out. She stated that she thinks it's real important to look at all of the alternatives and noted that she doesn't think that has been done. Ms. Bennett indicated that she doesn't think putting in another soccer field is the best use of that piece of property at Lewis Park. Mr. Dovolis indicated that he disagrees with most of Ms. Bennett's comments. He explained that he grew up in Edina and played sports in Edina as a young boy. He noted that he recognizes the need of getting young people involved in sports and explained that he grew up realizing the importance of what Edina Parks mean to Edina. Mr. Dovolis indicated that he doesn't look at this as a bandy/soccer issue but feels we need to look at what is good for the majority of Edina residents. Mr. Dovolis stated that it doesn't make sense to him that a resident looks 10 at the park as it being on their own yard and only the sports they think should be played can be played there. He noted that to him the 40. enjoyment comes from the whole park system whether it be visiting or watching young people playing. Mr. Dovolis indicated that our parks need a lot of work because there is a lot of deterioration there. He noted that he is here on behalf of all Edina residents and the youth to use our facilities. Mr. Dovolis stated that he is for soccer using the facility because he is for the people and the youth to be able to use the facilities we have in Edina. Mr. Jenkins explained to everyone that the Park Board is an advisory board to the City Council and that at this point they are just trying to get the facts and information so they can make a recommendation to the City Council. Mr. Keprios indicated that he feels the group present right now represents the immediate neighborhood and his sense is that they do not want soccer there regardless of the surface. He then noted that the soccer people would not be satisfied with anything short of a turf that is considered safe. Mr. Keprios stated that the majority do not think of this as a bandy/soccer issue but rather a large general sheet of ice that a lot of people want to keep for various reasons. Mr. Fee asked Mr. Keprios if his recommendation is in fact to accept the Soccer Associations proposal and asked him if he is comfortable to say that this is the best alternative to solve the problem that exists for the soccer people. Mr. Keprios indicated that is an accurate statement and that we need to look at all 40,000 plus residents in which the park serves. He noted that if it's a giant piece of ice for general skating that people want, Centennial Lakes has one of the best spots for that in the Twin City area. He noted that his concern is when neighborhood groups come before the Park Board wanting an ice rink or hockey rink because there neighborhood rink has been closed down. He stated that he doesn't know if there are a lot of people here who in good conscious can say that Lewis Park deserves this giant sheet of ice but the other areas need to be denied because of the lack of available resources. Mr. Keprios indicated that he feels this is a whole community issue. Jim Fee MOVED THAT WE ACCEPT STAFF'S RECOMMENDATION TO ACCEPT THE PROPOSAL FROM THE EDINA SOCCER ASSOCIATION TO PROCEED AS OUTLINED IN THE MEMORANDUM. John Dovolis SECONDED THE MOTION. Mr. Crowther asked that one point be clarified before he votes. He asked if the bandy rink is closed could those resources go to Strachauer Park or another park to add a skating facility to offset the loss. He noted that it would serve a great need that we are hearing with girls hockey, which is not going to be served by the bandy rink. He asked if he can be assured that will be available. Mr. Cockriel indicated that if we lose the bandy rink and keep the hockey rink and general skating rink at Lewis his maintenance people could maintain two other complete facilities. Ms. Bennett asked if $40,000 is going to take care of getting the soccer 9 field to the level they want and asked if a feasibility study had been 11 done. Mr. Keprios indicated that the Engineering Department has assured him that the job can be done for approximately $40,000. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION. JOHN DOVOLIS, JIM FEE, ANDREW HERRING, FRANK BENNETT, JEAN RYDELL, DAVE CROWTHER ALL THOSE OPPOSED TO THE MOTION. BILL JENKINS, BECKY BENNETT, MIKE BURLEY, BETH HALL, ANDREW MONTGOMERY MOTION CARRIED 6 TO 5. Mr. Keprios indicated this issue will be brought before the City Council at their June 19th meeting. The Park Board thanked everyone who attended the meeting. IV. PARK IMPROVEMENT PLAN UPDATE Mr. Keprios handed out a first draft of the staff's proposed park improvement plan. Mr. Keprios noted that he would like to work with the park improvement committee to help prioritize how we are going to approach everything. Mr. Keprios indicated that it is to be expected that not everyone would agree with staff's suggestions in this first draft. Mr. Keprios indicated that part of this plan he is hoping will include input from the community. Mr. Burley asked if this list is what we are hoping to raise funds for or have a referendum for. Mr. Keprios indicated that there are different ways to fund something like this, however, it appears as though the City is leaning towards a bond referendum. Mr. Burley indicated that he is on the long-range planning committee and doesn't know if he has the talent to be able to guide everyone on what should be done first or second. He noted that he has an opinion but doesn't know if he is qualified enough to make those kind of decisions. He noted that he feels a little lost. Mr. Jenkins indicated that he will also be there to help out. Mr. Keprios stated that it really is his job to come forward and make the recommendation and help prioritize and come up with the information that is needed. V. SUBCOMMITTEE MEETINGS The Park Board and staff set up meetings for each of the subcommittees. VI. JUNE MEETING - INCLUDING PARK TOUR Mr. Keprios asked the Park Board where they would like to go for the June Park Board tour. Mr. Crowther indicated that he would like to go to the Gun Range since there have been some problems there. Mr. Keprios then indicated that there has been another proposal put on the table regarding the gun range. He noted that they would like to make it into a multi -city training facility for police and fire personnel. He noted 12 that it would still be used for firearm safety training and it would correct all of our environmental issues at the site. He indicated that it's worth looking at. Mr. Montgomery noted that he would like to see Walnut Ridge. Mr. Jenkins indicated that he would like to look at one of the soccer alternative fields. Mr. MacHolda indicated that Walnut Ridge was looked at as a soccer alternative. Mr. Fee suggested Cornelia School since there have been some improvements done there. Mr. Keprios indicated that the June Park Board Tour will begin at 7:00 p.m. VII. OTHER A. Normandale - Mr. Herring asked if they are done working on the ball field at Normandale. Mr. Keprios indicated that they have been struggling with the weather. He noted that the City Council did approve to put in irrigation and it will regraded and seeded. B. Todd Park - Mr. Montgomery indicated that he played softball at Todd Park and it is not in very good shape. Mr. Keprios indicated that it's in the park improvement plan. C. Park Board Meeting Time - It was asked if anyone objected to the Park Board meetings starting at 7:00 p.m. It was noted that would not work for everyone therefore the meetings will remain at 7:30 p.m. VIII. ADJOURNMENT Dave Crowther MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 9:40 P.M. Andy Herring SECONDED THE MOTION. MEETING ADJOURNED. 13 Taken from the June 8, 1999, Park Board minutes: V. LEWIS PARK BANDY/SOCCER FIELD Mr. Herring indicated to the Park Board that as they can see from their packet of information that this has been a very controversial issue in the past. He noted that it has now been four years and he feels it is time to revisit the issue. Mr. Keprios pointed out that what is different about the issue today than what it was when it was first brought to the Park Board is the Soccer Association was offering money to develop a soccer field. He noted that offer is no longer on the table but feels if we were to go to the Soccer Association and ask for money they may still be willing. Mr. Keprios explained that this time the issue is being initiated from the Park Board and not the Soccer Association therefore it has a much different twist. He stated that he can remember people at the City Council meetings with signs saying "don't let the Soccer Association buy our park land", which now is not part of the equation. What it comes down to is what services do you want to provide? Do you want to provide a service for bandy which started here and was the first bandy rink in the United States and continue with that tradition or do you want to take the approach that Edina has done it's part and maybe it's time to move it all to Roseville, which really should be its home. Mr. Keprios pointed out that from staff's perspective he really doesn't think our recommendation has changed from when the issue first came to us. He noted that their recommendation back then was if you want to serve the residents of this city they would be best served if we developed the facility into a viable soccer field and spent the money to do it right and ask bandy to step aside and go to Roseville. Mr. Keprios stated that it would be disappointing to the bandy world but he thinks that what really turned the City Council the first go around wasn't so much the bandy program as it was the criticism he got from the neighborhood of Lewis Park that came forward and said we don't want to lose that large sheet of ice. He pointed out that at this time, however, it is a completely different City Council as well as a different group bringing the issue forward. Mr. Herring indicated there are a few reasons why he wanted to bring this issue up again. His number one concern is the cost of maintaining that large sheet of ice. He noted that as he recalls we spend over $100,000 a year to maintain our outdoor ice and we have one person who spends all of his time maintaining that one sheet of ice. He stated that his recollection is that you could take that one person and have him do other things than just maintain one rink. There has been a lot of effort and a lot of resources dedicated to that one facility. Mr. Herring pointed out that his recollection is the neighborhood is very concerned about parking as well as concerned that this park will become a soccer complex with lights and tournaments going on during the weekends. He noted that the large sheet of ice is very much valued by the people around Lewis Park, however he thinks there could still be a large sheet of ice there just not the size of a bandy rink. Mr. Herring pointed out that we are running out of space for the soccer program and commented that there are now approximately 3,000 kids in the program. Mr. MacHolda indicated that is correct we are short of space and are reliant on the school district to help S facilitate the program. Currently he uses five Edina School district fields and it has already been communicated to him by the athletic director that next year the school is planning to re- seed and restore some fields which means he will really have a shortage. Mr. White asked how many fields do you envision putting on Lewis if you were to eliminate the bandy rink but still keep a fairly large sheet of ice. Mr. MacHolda replied it would be one soccer/football field, however in essence another field is actually gained because the field has lights so it is almost like gaining two fields. Ms. Presthus indicated that the football association has indicated to her that they would be thrilled to have this made into a football field because they are also in desperate need of a field. Mr. MacHolda added that the Baseball Association is also on board with this because what is happening is in the fall youth football is using Courtney baseball fields and Van Valkenburg Park for fields which really don't go hand in hand. Soccer and football are more compatible than what they are with baseball. Mr. Klus asked what have the bandy people said about this issue and asked if anyone has talked to them about this. Mr. MacHolda replied that he thinks they are obviously aware that they may lose the facility because they know going into each season that there may be a change. It's a great amenity for them and it's very inexpensive. He noted that it costs $240.00 an hour at Roseville and it costs $60.00 an hour at Edina. Mr. White asked why do we only charge $60.00? Mr. MacHolda responded that is a big increase from what they paid in the past and explained that the bandy players will say that we don't have a zamboni or refrigeration like Roseville as well as we don't plow in the afternoon if we get a snowfall. Mr. Mooty asked how much hockey and free skating are utilized on the big sheet of ice. Mr. MacHolda stated that it's hard to say because with the Bandy program there are three leagues which means 24 teams and therefore most evenings, Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons are scheduled. Therefore, the daytime hours are free and he knows that speed skaters and residents with young children use it this time of day. Mr. MacHolda also pointed out that when the bandy program started there was no Centennial Lakes, which is a very large free skating area. Mr. Mooty indicated that from his standpoint if the facility is not really focused on residents to a large degree and it obviously costs a significant amount to maintain it. However, his concern is not knowing exactly what other uses there are for the facility, who else are we taking it away from is it more than just bandy. He noted that he thinks Mr. Herring's idea of still providing a free skating area as well being able to utilize the field would be great but he would like to see some type of diagram or layout as to whether or not that is doable. He stated that this facility is truly recognized and known as a really nice place to go and skate and added that he is not a skater and his kids are not in hockey but that is what he has heard. Mr. Mooty commented that he would hate to see it lose the image of it being a nice place for people to go and be able to skate. He stated that he definitely agrees that we need more soccer and football fields, especially with lights and if we are able to pick something up that • would be wonderful. However, how are we going to re -seed and maintain these fields is something that needs to be looked at, how will these things be funded. Therefore, he is concerned that we are going to take something away and not really have the dollars to put anything in there. Mr. Mooty noted that brings us back to soccer and football, would they be willing to provide any dollars to help subsidize the cost. Mr. Mooty explained that he is not in disagreement with where this might be going but he would like to see what we are trying to do before we just get rid of something as well as what costs are we talking about to re- seed and get the field to a functional level. He also stated that he would like to get some written agreement from the football and soccer associations as to what it is that they are willing to do to help us. Mr. Mooty also indicated that he would like to get some feedback from bandy and the Edina Hockey Association as to what that will do to them as far as taking that service away. Therefore, from his standpoint he thinks the concept is a good concept because it's different from where we were before because the community is not as involved in bandy as it used to be but he needs to have a greater comfort as to what we are trying to pull off before we pull the trigger. Mr. Klus indicated that from his view he would like to see what the long range plan is. He noted that he understands there is a crunch right now because we are going to lose some soccer fields next year but beyond that how many soccer fields are we going to need in the future. He stated that he needs a bigger picture so that he knows that when a decision is made it will solve the problem for the next four or five years in terms of facilities for certain sports. Therefore, he doesn't feel comfortable making a decision until he has more information on the long range plan. Mr. Murrin commented that he would be interested to take the next step and ask if a motion would be in order to support this to go out and do a study as to what it would cost as well as what budget allocation could be committed to the project from the funding sources that are available to the city. He suggested that possibly calls could be made to see what other contributions we might be able to gather from the soccer and football associations. He stated that this would give us more of a road map and something we can work with. He then noted that once Mr. Mooty and Mr. Klus' points are dealt with and we can see the numbers and the time table and at that point if it looks workable then invite all of the interested parties to attend a meeting so they can't say they got ambushed since it is such a controversial issue. Ms. Sitek commented that she understands that was the proposal, that if we chose to pursue this issue that notices will be sent to the Lewis Park neighborhood, bandy and all of those involved in the decision making process. She noted that she lives in that area and knows that she and the neighbors are concerned about games being played at night with the lights as well as tournaments being held on the weekends. She stated that this is a much bigger issue than a simple soccer game. Mr. MacHolda pointed out that the original proposal stated that we would never schedule more than two fields at one time. He also noted that the reason the Soccer Association brought this forward is because the 5 and 6 years olds were playing at Weber Park on a surface that is flooded for skating and therefore you can't grow grass and they basically were playing on dirt. Secondly the on street parking was very difficult and with this age group there were 450 kids in the program. Therefore, they came to the city and offered $40,000 to develop a field. He indicated it would not be turned into a soccer complex and there would not be any soccer tournaments held there. Mr. Keprios informed Mr. Klus that there is a long range plan for the fields and he will share that at the next Park Board meeting. Mr. Keprios explained that as Mr. MacHolda pointed out part of the goal is to get these large ball programs off of the softball and baseball fields and one way to do that is to put them at a field where there is existing lighting. Mr. Keprios indicated that he will ask the Engineering Department to draw up a diagram of how the area will look and literally do some square footage measurements and compare that to what we do in our other parks. He stated that he also thinks there might be enough money in the operating budget to hire an engineering architecture firm who are professionals at field and development. They could research it and tell us exactly what it is going to cost to get the j ob done. At that time Mr. MacHolda could make the necessary phone calls to the Soccer and Football Associations to see if those dollars are in fact available as well as anyone else who may be interested in donating some money for this. Mr. Keprios stated that they will then report back to the Park Board with their findings and at that time a motion could be made for a recommendation to the City Council. Taken from the August 11, 1999, Park Board minutes Ill. LEWIS PARK BANDY RINK/SOCCER FIELD Mr. Keprios stated that as his report indicated the architects study came in with a price tag a little higher than what was expected. He noted that it would cost $150,000 and the soccer field would be out of play for an entire year. He pointed out that we could save $20,000 to $30,000 by seeding and not sodding. However, the right way would be to sod it and have it playable a lot sooner. Mr. Keprios commented this was a good recommendation from the Park Board to hire a professional who does this for a living and to show what the true costs would be to make it a quality playing field. Mr. Keprios stated that as Mr. MacHolda pointed out at the site the field is flat and will always be wet even though drain tile has been installed because it's a boggy area. It was noted that short of changing the grade and putting in the right drainage it will never be a quality playing field. Mr. Keprios indicated that he was also asked to pursue other sources of financing that might be available to us. He noted that he received the study from the architect the same day he completed the staff report and therefore did not know what financing we would need. However, Mr. MacHolda has stated in the past that he feels the Soccer and Football Associations would be able to donate at least half of it. Mr. Jenkins asked how many fields would be gained out of this to which Mr. MacHolda replied one, but in essence it would be two because the field has lights. Mr. Keprios stated that although it looks like half of the money would be from donations we would still be short the other half. Therefore, he asked what direction the Park Board would like to go. Mr. Klus asked what are the options because if we don't have the money there really is no reason to get donations when we can't finish it. Mr. Keprios replied that is why he made the recommendation he did, there are not many options. He stated that if the Park Board feels very strongly that we should no longer support bandy, the only thing gained would be better quality ice at another location(s). Mr. Mooty asked Mr. Keprios if it would be possible to go forward with his proposal and try to monitor the fees that are generated by bandy and/or the users of that rink and compare that to the incremental cost. Then as we try to create some dollars and support for this next year we will have some greater justification of the economics of why we are trying to do this and the rationale for it. Mr. Mooty noted that if we could really try to analyze what the costs are this year it would be very helpful. Mr. Klus asked if there are cost savings by not having bandy this year, where does that money go. Mr. Keprios replied that money wouldn't be saved, however, it would create better quality ice at other facilities as well as possibly extend the rink season. Ms. Presthus asked how much revenue does bandy take in. Mr. MacHolda replied that we • charged them $60.00 an hour in which they had approximately 45 hours last year. Mr. Mooty asked if there is any way that the bandy rink could be monitored to see how much is for recreational purposes only. He noted that to him personally he doesn't see any reason to keep it open just for bandy. The question really is are people getting a lot more utilization out the rink than what we think. Mr. Finsness asked if the smaller rink is still being flooded in which it was noted yes. Mr. Keprios commented that the reason the small rink is flooded is because the bandy rink is scheduled quite heavily and for someone who doesn't play hockey they need a rink to go to. Mr. Mooty asked how can it be scheduled that heavily when it's only being used approximately 45 hours. Mr. MacHolda replied that it is usually scheduled Monday through Thursday evenings starting at 6:00 p.m. until close. Therefore, there is some general skating before that time. On Saturday and Sundays bandy is scheduled from approximately 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Mr. Mooty asked how come we only have billable 40 some hours if that's the case. Mr. MacHolda replied that because of the weather this past year the season was very short and really was not a good season to compare it to. Mr. Klus asked if bandy will be using the rink this winter. Mr. Keprios replied that as soon as Mr. Herring brought this issue to his attention he gave a heads up to the bandy teams that they may not have a facility this year. Mr. Klus asked when does the bandy organization need to know this to which Mr. Keprios replied it can be delayed right up until December when the ice is starting to be made. Mr. White asked if we did have the financing to build the soccer field we wouldn't start until next spring, is that correct. Mr. Cockriel commented that if we had the financing we would start tomorrow. Mr. Klus asked for a better understanding of what we would gain in our park system if we didn't have bandy, what would you like to see enhanced that we haven't had in past winters. Mr. Cockriel indicated that right now there are two sites, Strachauer and York Park, where crews are not able to spend a lot of time on them. Therefore, those two rinks could get a lot more attention and have better quality ice. Mr. Klus asked if those two rinks are scheduled to which Mr. MacHolda replied that Strachauer is a scheduled rink. Mr. Keprios added that the only rink in which he received complaints this past winter was Strachauer Park. Ms. Sitek asked how many complaints will you get from Bandy people. Mr. Keprios replied that he has put the word out on what may be happening and he hasn't received one phone call. He noted that at least 90% of the bandy players are non-residents and commented that their numbers are going down. Mr. Jenkins indicated that we obviously cannot do the soccer field right now because we don't have the funds. Therefore, the question is do we want to eliminate bandy this year or do we want to continue with it. Mr. Jenkins asked if we do continue with bandy is it too late to raise their rates. Mr. Keprios replied that his recommendation would be that since we don't have the money to build the soccer field at this time to keep bandy one more year and raise their fee and let them know that this will be their last year. Mr. White indicated that it is his understanding that Roseville charges $240.00 an hour and we charge $60.00. Mr. MacHolda replied that the bandy players complain that 2 $60.00 is too high because we don't have a sweeper and we don't have lines right away. Mr. White noted that he thinks we should be charging at least $120.00 an hour. Mr. Mooty asked if we do that are we going to lose the bandy players and end up maintaining a big sheet of ice with no one using it. Mr. MacHolda stated that the bandy players have nowhere else to go. Mr. Grabiel commented that he doesn't feel this is really a money issue, it's an issue of whether we want to provide a program or not. Mr. Klus indicated that his recommendation would be that we keep the sheet of ice for bandy this year and keep the program and leave it up to staff as to whether there should be a raise in the fee structure. Because we will not be starting the soccer fields at this time he sees no reason to take the bandy sheet of ice away because there are a lot of families in the community who use it. Mr. KLUS MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT WE KEEP THE BANDY RINK AS IT IS AND LET STAFF DECIDE IF THERE SHOULD BE AN INCREASE IN FEES. Mr. White indicated that it was mentioned that some of the soccer games had to be canceled because the fields weren't playable and asked if that was in any way related to the bandy sheet of ice. Mr. MacHolda replied no. Mr. Keprios added that the twist to that is if we had a playable field where the bandy field is we could rest our fields and renovate them. That is part of the problem, so in a way it is related. Linda Presthus SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Mr. Klus suggested that this topic again be brought up at the end of the bandy season so we can discuss whether or not we want to have bandy next year. Mr. Mooty noted we should also try to get a sense from the people that if we had the ability to do another soccer field would that be supported. Also, we should start working with the Soccer and Football Associations and any other group that may have an interest in trying to get something there. Therefore, we will know what our potential is for raising dollars. 3 This is a section of my August 1999 Park Board Staff Report: LEWIS PARK BANDY RINK/SOCCER FIELD At the June meeting, the Park Board requested that I begin the research necessary to develop the bandy rink into a playable soccer field. I hired a consulting firm, Brauer and Associates, to provide estimates on developing the field into a playable full-size soccer field, including irrigation, proper soils, drainage etc. The results of that study are included in this mailing. As you will notice, the total cost of development is approximately $150,000. At the time of this staff report, the Engineering Department has not yet completed the study of general skating rink layout and comparisons to other general rinks. Time has not allowed any further study of availability of financing from sources other than the City. Therefore, I will give the Park Board a verbal report on financing possibilities. I did make contact with the President of the American Bandy Association to alert the bandy world that Lewis Park may or may not be a bandy rink this coming winter season. I also contacted the Park and Recreation Director at Roseville, Bob Biersheid, and discussed the availability of additional ice time for the bandy program. In summary, his response was that Roseville is not interested in providing any additional ice hours than what they had provided in the past due to financial reasons. The City of Roseville makes more money selling Oval Rink ice time to hockey teams and speed skating than to bandy teams. I also asked him to consider making more ice available to the bandy program in the future. There is currently no commitment from the City of Roseville to provide the bandy program with any additional hours. There clearly is more research to be done on this issue, however, the findings of the consultant gives us a better and more realistic picture of the financial implications associated with developing a quality soccer field. Based on the consultant's findings, I would like to request that the Park Board come to a consensus on what direction we should take with the issue, or delay any direction until additional research is completed. TO: CITY OF EDINA PARK BOARD RE: LEWIS PARK PROPOSAL March 12, 2000 City Of Edina Dear City Council and Park Board Members: It has been my pleasure and privilege to be a part of the American bandy program for the past 16 years, as a player, coach, referee, and, most recently, president of the American Bandy Association. During that time I have worked closely with the City, especially with Mr. Keprios and Mr. Macholda, who's assistance has been an invaluable part of the program for so many years. When Bob Kojetin created the Lewis Park Rink in 1979, it was an historic event in the 100 -plus year history of organized bandy; Lewis was the first bandy rink built and used outside of Europe and Russia. The park continues to be the premier (and only) natural bandy rink in North America, and is a crucial part of the unique US bandy program, which exists solely in the Twin Cities. The city should be proud of this historical, well- maintained, high-quality facility. I understand that Lewis Park is under consideration for a conversion to a high-quality soccer facility, which, in the plans under consideration, would end the twenty-one years of existence of the Lewis Park bandy rink. It is our sincere hope that, should the decision be made to go forward with this plan, a design compatible with both soccer and bandy can be found, so that the wonderful, unique program that has flourished there for so long can be continued. We in the bandy program look forward to working with the city planners and commissions to find a way to keep intact the tradition of bandy, speedskating, and pleasure skating on the one -of -a kind rink at Lewis Park. Very Truly Yours, / R ,, Paul R. Meehl President, American Bandy Association March 12, 2000 Chris Halden American Bandy Association Minnetonka, MN Dear Chris, Unfortunately I will be out of town on business this Tuesday when the Edina Park Board meets to help determine the future of Lewis Park as a skating rink . I was hoping you could pass on the following message to the ladies and gentlemen present. Skating at Lewis Park has always been a special experience for me, having grown up five blocks from the park. I remember playing pick-up hockey whenever I could and watching the international tournaments at Lewis Park . I felt proud to live in a city which has one of two bandy rinks in the entire U.S. Now that I am older, I truly appreciate the wonderful ice rink that I call home. Not only has bandy helped me live my dreams of traveling, but it has also fulfilled a dream of playing on the same team as my brothers. My younger brother Todd recently represented the U.S. developmental team in a tournament in Sweden and my brother Patrick and Scott have played when they are home on vacations. I feel very strongly about keeping Lewis Park a unique ice skating facility which continues to build on the tradition of 20 years of bandy in Edina. I hope the people here tonight feel the same way. Sincerely, Andy Fronek Edina H.S. 1991 U.S. National Bandy team 0 March 10, 2000 City of Edina Park Board City of Edina City council RE: Lewis Park Dear Honorable Members, It is my understanding that there has been recent discussions regarding the possible conversion of the Lewis Park ice sheet into a permanent soccer facility should funds become available.. This would result in the elimination of the big ice sheet. Assuming this is true, I feel the Park Board and City Council members should be made aware of the impact on any decision which results in the elimination of the large ice sheet known as "the bandy rink". About five years ago this same proposal was made, and to those who remember, it was loudly rejected by the neighborhood. The citizens clearly expressed that they enjoy having the large ice sheet available and do not want a special area designated strictly for soccer. I doubt the neighbors have changed their mind on this matter. Over the last 20 years, a unique winter culture has evolved at Lewis Park where hockey "rink rats", bandy players, youth skaters, families, and people merely walking by, have had a peaceful co -existence. Elimination of the bandy rink would end this unique wintertime cultural universe. The Edina Bandy Program: 20 years Later Former Edina Park and Rec Director Bob Kojetin founded the first bandy program in the United States 20 years ago at Lewis Park and since that time the program has evolved to where hundreds of players take the ice every winter to play. Many of the teams consist of current or former Edina residents who grew up in the Lewis Park neighborhood and play bandy to keep ties with their friends, family and community. Both Lewis Park and the John Rose Oval rinks are used two sustain the bandy program. Both are critical to the survival of the sport. Since 1981, the ABA has sent over 30 National teams and club teams all over the world to compete in world bandy championships, tournaments and friendship matches all the way from Toronto to Siberia. In 1989, the Soviet National team came to Edina for the Glasnost Cup, drawing 500 fans to Lewis Park. In February 1999, the USA Bandy team played Team Russia in Archangelsk and the game was on Russian National Television. In 1995 the ABA hosted the World Bandy Championships in the Twin Cities which was on local cable TV. Many of the players traveling overseas include players who went through the Edina hockey program including present National team members Andy Fronek and Steve Nelson who grew up skating at Lewis Park. The point I am making is that I think it would be very short sighted and somewhat ironic for the City of Edina to allow these unique opportunities to vanish after being the force behind the original birth and growth of the bandy program. Bandy has now finally moved into the next generation and over 175 kids participated in our youth program this year. There is currently talk on the international level of making bandy an Olympic sport in the next decade. The John Rose Oval in Roseville has indicated that it is now at full capacity and cannot rent any more ice time for bandy. Therefore for the sport to survive, the Lewis Park ice sheet is needed to sustain the program. If this ice sheet is eliminated, 20 years of hard work go down the drain. I truly believe a solution can be found where the ice can remain in place in the winter and soccer can be played on the field in the summer as well. My understanding is that the whole issue basically depends upon whether a reasonable field of grass can be grown on the bandy rink in the summer to the satisfaction of youth soccer. Perhaps a compromise can be worked out where a different type of grass surface is acceptable for just the bandy rink field. Soccer and bandy are so closely related, they should be mutually inclusive rather than exclusive. In conclusion, I am sure that the City of Edina will do the right thing and find a fair solution so that Lewis Park can be enjoyed both in the winter and summer by all. It has been and honor and privilege operating our unique bandy program in Edina over the last 20 years. We sincerely appreciate the cooperation of the City of Edina for supporting the only bandy league in the United States. We are look forward to working with you on into the new Millenium. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Sincerely, Chris Halden American Bandy Association Board Member USA National Bandy Team player and coach 1982-2000 Phone: 612-933-7192 h 612-349-9275 w E-Mail:haldenusa@aol.com To: Chris Middlebrook, Director Magnus Skold, Director Minnesota Bandy Federation and Bob Kojetin, Director Edina Park and Recreation Department From: Craig Bell, Manager Stabaek Bandy Club Dear Chris, Magnus, and Bob, On behalf of the Stabaek handy Club, I would like to formally thank each of you for a wonderful Glasnost Cup Tournament. The games provided all of us with a clear picture of the style of bandy towards which we need to strive and the skills we need to attain. Just as important, those of us who participated beyond the actual games were rewarded with a tremendous cross-cultural experience and established some international friendships. The spirit of Glasnost was well served. Again, thank you. Sincerely, Craig Bell 1995 Sandy World Championships 3F'= U.S. Bandy i1 •\ LES ONES 1973 First discussion between the American Softball Association and April 1984 the International Bandy Federation regarding expansion of both July 1987 sports. July 1976 Bob Kojetin in Moscow, sets up the exchange program between bandy and softball at the annual I.B.F. meeting. Dec. 1976 Finnish bandy coach. Claus Berner puts on bandy clinic in Nov. 1987 Edina. March 1977 Soviets and Swedish handy coaches put on clinics in Edina and Feb. 1988 Duluth. MN and Detroit. Mi. Dec. 1979 Bandv rink built by Bob Kojetin in Edina. First ever bandy game April 1988 played in U.S. at Lewis Park inEdina between two Swedish teams. Dec. 1980 Swedish instructor and bandy missionary Gunnar Fast arrives in Minneapolis to start the first U.S. Bandy League. Jan. 1981 First U.S. Bandy League started with seven teams. Feb. 1981 Bandoliers become first U.S. Champions American Bandy Assoication formed and becomes member of the International Bandy Federation. Oct. 1981 U.S. Bandy Team travels to Sweden for the first time. playing four games against Swedish elite teams. Duane Pederson Scores first U.S. goal in international competition. 1990 -Soviet Union National Team comes to U.S. for the Glasnost Cup. Oct. 1983 U.S. champion Bandoliers become the first team from the U.S. to compete in the Dex World Cup Club Team championship in Ljusdal. Sweden. Chris Halden scores the first U.S. goal in the tourney. First U.S. victor in international competition as Bandoliers beat Swedish team by Tjureda 2-0. First national team match for a U.S. squadas Bandoliers lose 6-1 to Norway in Oslo. Michael Blessing scores first U.S. National team competition goal. Three U.S. players. Jeff Johnson. Chris Middlebrook and Steve Swenson remain to Sweden for the winter to play for Swedish teams. Dec. 198+ Third U.S. bandy rink built in Roseville. MN. April 1984 The Minnesota Bandy Federation formed for the purpose of expanding July 1987 and improving bandy in the United States. Oct. 198.1 U.S. team Bagheera Blades take World Champion Boltic to the wire before losing 2-1 in the Dex World Cup in Ljusdal. Dec. 1984 First North American Cup Bandy Tournament put on by the Minnesota Nov. 1987 Bandy Federsuon with magnus Skold as director. Played at the three Twin Citv rinks. The toumev includes teams from Finland. Norway Feb. 1988 and Sweden. Finnish champion OLS tops Essinge from Sweden. 3-2 in the final. Feb. 1985 July 1985 Nov. 1985 U.S. National Team competes for the first time in the World Champion- ship in Oslo. Norway. Dave Reichel scores first U.S. goal in World 7 Championship in a 5-1 loss to NorwaN. First U.S. rink bandy league started in U.S. by Tom Howard. T.C. Rats win championship. Bagheera Blades becomes first U.S. team to play in Finland, participating in the Jolly Jazz Bandy Tournament. Dave Reichel becomes first American to play bandy for Swedish Elite team, the equivalent to ice hockey's NHL. s a rI r w .March 1987 The Minnesota Women's Bandy Federation is formed together with the first women's rink bandy league. Four teams participate. Spree 1991 USA National Team vi'ins Stars become first U.S. Women's rink bandy champions. July 1987 First World Championship Game - First North American Rink Bandy Cup tournament put on by the MBF. Played at Breck Ice Arena. the toumev includes teams from Finland Helsinki Finland and Canada together with 10 U.S. teams. Palokan Pyry of Finland beats the T.C. Rats 7-5 in the title game. Nov. 1987 Karen Jamison becomes the first U.S. women player to play bandy in Sweden. playing the season tis Gota of Stockhom in the Swedish women's elite. Feb. 1988 An American bandy team plays in the Soviet Union for the first time as the U.S. National Team antes to Ahakan in Siberia to pias in the Soviet Rossia Tourney. April 1988 U.S. women's bandy travels to Sweden for the first time to play rink bandy against Swedish competition. Pam Jamison Lenz scores first U.S. international goal. Team wins 3rd game ever 9-2 against Swedish Squad. Oct. 1989 U.S. Women's National Rink Bandy team participates in World Cup of Rink Bandy in Lillehammer. Norway. They win their first same vs Holland 13-0. Jan. 1990 World Champion USSR National mens team visits the Twin Cities for one week. March 1990 An American Bandy team plays in Hungary for the first time. 1990 First youth Bandy program begins in the U.S. in Edina. Minnesota. 1991 First youth Bandy tournament held with over 90 kids participating. March 1991 U.S. Men's National Team wins for the first time in World Championships, beating Canada 10-0 in Helsinki. Mark Perrault of U.S. leads the tourney in scoring with 15 goals as U.S. wins the B Pool. Dec. 1991 Youth programs begin in Roseville and Ewan. March 1992 U.S. Women's National Team plays big ice Bandy internationally in tourney in Sweden. Feb. 1993 Mark Perrault again leads the Bandy World Championships in scoring as U.S. again wins B Pool. Dec. 1993 The John Rose Oval. the first artificially refrigerated Bandy rink in North America opens in Roseville. Minnesota. Feb. 199.1 Steve Jecha becomes the first American to play handy in Holland with the Eindhoven Bandy Club. Jan. 2()- Feb. 5. 1995 The Bandy World Championships are held in North America for the first time ever at the John Rose Oval in Roseville. Minnesota. Star Tribune photos by Jerry Hoft Rick Haney of Duluth fires a shot toward goalie Yuri Preugschas of Edmonton, Alberta, during a recent bandy practice at the John Rose Oval in Roseville. If you enjoy hockey, take a shot at bandy Uame requires more slating but less hitting By Karin Winegar Star Tribune Staff Writer When Delaney Middle- brook asked her dad to let her play bandy, he cau- tioned her, "No whining, no 'I want mommv,' OK?" "OK," said Delanev, who is known as Tent Girl because of the way her huge jersey drapes over the 4-year-old's body. Delaney and her 6 -year-old brother, Ian, are among the 140 kids playing bandy at the John Rose Oval in Roseville. Her father, Chris Middlebrook of Minneapo- lis, plays on one of the Oval's 18 adult teams. Bandy is similar to hockey but requires more conditioning, less rough stuff and lighter gear. Bandy is played outdoors on an ice rink the size of a soccer field (that's triple the space of a hockey rink) with 10 skaters and a goalie on each side. Players use short, curved sticks resembling those used in held Uff to the races: John Dreyling of Vadnals Heights, Chris Preiss of Minneapolis and Chris Halden of Minnetonka, all members of the U.S. bandy team, skate around the John Rose Oval track during practice. Where to play Bandy season runs from early November to March. For more Informa- tion, contact: > The American Bandy Association, 542-3672 > Minnesota Bandy Federation, 595-8711 > John Rose Oval, 2661 Civic Center Dr., Roseville, 415-2160 > Lewis Park, c/o Edina Parks and Recreation, 826-036 7 adult teap Bandy is similar to hockey but requires more conditioning, less rough stuff and lighter gear. Bandy is played outdoors on an ice rink the size of a soccer field (that's triple the space of a hockey rink) with 10 skaters and a goalie on each side. Players use short, curved sticks resembling those used in field hockey. They grip the stick like a golf club and use a small ball with a cork center and hard plastic cover. The boom in youth soccer hap- pened in part, Middlebrook said, because parents disliked the injuries and violence of football. Similarly, bandy is a less physical version of hockey. There's no checking and players can't use the stick to hook, hold or slash. "It's competitive, you skate hard and have to be in good shape," Middlebrook -�ttd. "It takes teamwork and coorffination, but it lacks violence. Collisions occur, but it's not purposely smashing the other guy," Bandy was conceived in 16th or 17th century England, where it was the winter sport of soccer clubs. People in Scandinavia and Russia began playing the sport in the 19th century. In 1980, the Swedish bandy federation sent a "bandy missionary" to Min- nesota's hockey community, said Middlebrook, who played hockey in high school and college. He tried bandy and found the bigger ice and'more skating "a tremen- dous amount of fun." Paul Meehl of Eagan has played bandy for 15 years. He tried the game as an exchange student in Finland and now is a player, coach and referee. "While hockey is played in three shifts, in bandy you are out there skating 80 or 90 percent of the time," Meehl said. "And size is not nearly as important as it is in hockey." y, " Bandy players wear knickers with thin pads, light gloves to allow room for movement, a hel- met and a mouth guard: They don't wear shoulder pads. Another benefit of bandy is the players' penchant for internation- al exchange, said Middlebrook, who is the former president of the Minneapolis-based American Bandy Association, which has sent teams overseas 26 times since 1981. Two metro youth bandy teams will go to Sweden next October. And 21 members of Middlebrook's league will travel to Chabarovsk, Russia, next week for the 100th anniversary of Russian bandy. > The American Bandy Association, 542-3672 > Minnesota Bandy Federation, 595-8711 > John Rose Oval, 2661 Civic Center Dr., Roseville, 415-2160 > Lewis Paris, c/o Edina Parks and Recreation, 826-0367 O 4 v ■ a m m 4 s� CL aD cz O Ig •� 3��-gy m 9 x y���1 giffla 3ila30 1' o� ■.�. Sv o'�a.a�a 9�0�^> e86.�aq `a 8'oa�_h�e$�; �s y��o I WU� ��a❑� ���ayo xu�'ot='a, �x�m3�tE�r�$Q�uP ;o�•g�a o so c o� d c °o mac m m1°mog`oZom.. $` �eZ>a $au°osimvmcm,o Ei�0-0—e°o °ac o v'�PE"pOw o� 3iie ;•� a�� 6 5 Q o C o� 55. V w° o+ yc r•1$� °'-1 0�— 9 3 Q a.= ;gosu= o o> .�iyZim� Yo a �r3o>��00 sa0��3 v 7rr ■�� Wtx 3e<Eia F 122 �3 �� Ha of� 3�: .5 a• "v ��.a o-8,co ammae�a y 33�t i ao 0 ° aucxr9 o i .• Min >rii3=mMar5 N 7• l� 15 f_ (�■(J wX,, c r to . r. cc cz ` V N ■CZ 3 v N a CL r W Ail- el EXECUTIVE BOARD President Bob Kojetin Vice -President Frank Rog Secretary Rick Pease Treasurer Rick Jacobson AmERicAn BAt1DY AIJOCIATIOfI A rudimentary kind of modern bandy was played in the 16th century. There was a game called "sticks on ice" played in Bury Marsh, England, considered to be the birthplace of bandy. It was very popular in Holland and Ireland and in the 18th century, during the time of Peter the Great, "sticks on ice" was a favorite attraction at folk gatherings in Russia. In those days there were no official rules; they were made up just before a game. Two long willow branches were used as goal posts in the early British games. The branches were stuck in the ice six feet apart and the tops bent over to form an arch. The goals were placed as far apart as the ice allowed. The "bandies", or sticks, were generally cut from willow trees and so curved as to lie nicely on the ice and enable the "cat" or ball to be easily pushed along. Bandy became a more organized sport at the end of the last century in Russia in 1898. Organized bandy was first played in Sweden in 1907, in Norway in 1903, in Finland in 1908. Also, some form of rink bandy was played on a regular hockey rini- in Holland. Mongolia, Japan, and China also have some form of bandy. The modern development of the sport of bandy was started with the formation of the International Bandy Federation in 1955. Since 1961, the World Championships have been played in odd numbered years. *The first history of bandy in the United States resulted from conversation between the nternational Softball Federation and the International Bandy Federation in trying to organize an exchange of sports. In 1976 Bob Kojetin was invited to the International Bandy Federation in Moscow to try to organize an exchange program between the International Softball Federation and the International Bandy Federation. Mr. Kojetin conceived a five year exchange program of clinics, coaches, and teams in the United States, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Soviet Union, and Canada. During those five years from 1976-1981, bandy clinics were held in the United States in Massachusetts, Michigan, and Minnesota colleges, high schools, and communities in various parts of the states. The first bandy exhibition game in the United States was between two Swedish teams on December 15, 1979, at Lewis Park in Edina, Minnesota, for the purpose of promoting bandy in the U.S. The American Bandy Association was organized to promote the development of bandy in the United States and held its first official meeting on February 5, 1981. February 11, 1981, the American Bandy Association was admitted into the International Bandy Federation. With this exchange program, Mr. Kojetin introduced bandy into the United States in 1976 and then started a league in Edina, Minnesota, in 1981. The winter of 1980-81, John Keprios organized and operated the first league at the Edina Park and Recreation Department in Edina, Minnesota, where the first bandy rink was built. Gunnar Fast, exchange coach, helped coach, referee, and teach the players and coaches of the first six organized bandy teams in the United States. The first official bandy leagues were formed and the first United States Championship was held February 15, 1981 when the Bandoliers bandy team was declared the official winner. The players of this first league were selected to participate in the Swedish Dex Cup as an exhibition team which was the start of the first International competition between the United States and the other bandy countries of the world. In 1985, 28 teams were playing bandy in the Minnesota area on three bandy rinks: one in Bloomington, 'innesota, one in Roseville, Minnesota, and one in Edina, Minnesota. From these 28 teams a .:elect group of 17 players participated in the first United States' Bandy World Championships in Norway January - February of 1985. In 1987 a select group of 17 players participated in the second United States' Bandy World Championships in Sweden. 5016 WILLIAM AVE., EDINA, MINNESOTA 55436, U.S.A. / AREA CODE (612) 927-8861 — 929-8889 WORLD BANDY FEDERATION v cTi ro T w c� x �o No t=D � �O t=D .� Cin � � • A O 0:O A W ON W CJI m on 6-_ r f r • THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON January 12, 1995 Greetings to the participants, coaches, and spectators gathered for the World Bandy Championships. Athletic competition can bring out the best in all of us. As we practice and strive to develop our skills, we find untapped energy and talent, and we discover the true potential within us. When we finally put our training to the test, we join with dedicated individuals who share our enthusiasm for the spirit of friendly competition. Contests like yours provide an exciting opportunity to strengthen our faith in ourselves and our understanding of the value of teamwork. I salute each of you for your energy and enthusiasm, and I extend best wishes to all for a most exciting competition. R 'k ls�sp�f � January 9, 1995 WELCOME TO ROSEVILLE! Players, Staff and Fans; All of us associated with the City of Roseville are pleased to host the 1995 World Bandy Championships. We are thrilled to have the John Rose MirmesotaOVAL as the site of this most prestigious event. In just one year, the OVAL has already been the host venue for several major events, but none have been as significant as the World Championships of Bandy. Bandy is an exciting sport that we believe has an excellent future in America. We are confident that as teams from other countries continue to play at theOVAL , this will be a very positive influence on the development of USA bandy. Our youth program continues to grow. With support and competition from world bandy teams, we believe that this sport will become a major competitive and recreational activity for our youth and adults. Roseville is proud of its many fine facilities. We also believe that we have outstanding opportunities for you to shop, eat and entertain yourselves during your stay. Please do not hesitate to ask our staff if you have any questions or particular needs. We hope that your stay is most enjoyable and that you will come back and visit us many times in the future. Best of luck to all of the teams and have a safe journey home. Sincerely, d'o), Vern Jo n, Mayor 2800 AROMA STREET • ROSEVILLE • MINNESOTA • 55113 612-628-0088 • FAX 612-628-0927 cR!K S. BER",!ER Helsinki, January 21, 1982 Mr. Robert J. Kojetin 5016 William Ave. EDINA Minnesota 55436 U S A Dear Bob, Last Saturday at the board meeting of IBF, Gunnar Fasth gave a report on the bandy progress in USA.. I have to congratulate you for the unbelievable progress you have reached. Your work has been splendid and the performance your team was able to put up in Sweden last autumn got but admiration. There was the general feeling that within a few years the USA team will compete with any other nation for the World Championship. I am glad for this, personally, and also feel that the assistance Klaus was able to give at an early stage has been well received and bearing fruit. I feel very happy for your sake. Gunnar also gave your regards to me and mentioned that I should write my address to you. Here it is: Berner Oy PB 15 SF -00131 Helsinki 13 I hope we will meet next year at the World Champion- ships here in Finland at the latest. With kind regards, Yours, s r SUNDAY, MARCH 12.2000 SPO hs onds left, and a pair of free throws by Matt DeWane bumped the lead to 60-57 with 4.1 seconds left. A last-ditch three-point attempt by nuducury uyyo. r. � . - -- • — has resigned after nine seasons. Soccer fields scarce The Minnesota Amateu Sports Com- mission has formed `a task force to mves- ilez. tigate. the shortage of soccer' fields throughout the state. Tlie task force will be conducting public meetings on the issue statewide, and using the informa- tion gathered to present a detailed plan to the Legislature. T M' Min.,Rep. Harry Mares of White Bear Lake ' aufak will chair the task -force.; he is an MASC 6 member. "Socceriis the.fastest-growing "'— sport in Minnesota "'Mares said. "And if cn� current growth in participation continues, + the demand on the existing number of bhe9 soccer fields will more than double by � 619"1 2010. ivaukee nswonh, This year enrollment inthe Minnesota: d, Minn. Youth Soccer Association is expected to z� vftu exceed 82,.000., making soccer the largest env Recruiti youth sport pn � - n� ing scene stia Park p tl > Guard icksi CtadErick...:..el Burnsville's Simley,, . 01 CITY OF EDINA 4801 WEST 50TH STREET EDINA, MINNESOTA 55424 Phone: 927-8861 a> 6 i►v, es [561. RCrjC714;.,,t INVOICE NO. rABA INVOICE DATE November 29, 1999 Attn. Paul Meehl SOLD TO 1758 Hickory Hill Dr. SHIPPED Lagan, MN 55122 To OUR ORDER NO.) YOUR ORDER NO. I I TERMS I SNIPPED VIA I PPD. OR CO{.- NET - NO DISCOUNT QUANTITY I D E S C R I P T I O N PRICE AMOUNT Lewis Park Ice Rental 44 hours @ 120.00/hr 5,280.00 Please make check payable to "City of Edina" and mail to the address above, attn. Ed MacHolda. Thank you. a> 6 i►v, es [561. RCrjC714;.,,t