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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-12-14 Park Board Packet• EDINA PARK BOARD TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1999 7:30 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS AGENDA * 1. Approval of Tuesday, November 9, 1999, Park Board Minutes. 2. Welcome Donna Tilsner, Recreation Supervisor. 3. Capital Improvement Plan/Proposed Items for Park Referendum. *4. Wooddale Park Playground Equipment. 5. Park & Recreation — Your Best Investment Video Presentation. 6. Community Education Services Report - Linda Presthus. *7. Park Board Meeting Calendar for the Year 2000. 8. Other *9. Adjournment. * These are agenda items that require or request Park Board action. City Hall 4801 WEST 50TH STREET EDINA, MINNESOTA 55424-1394 City of Edina (612) 927-8861 FAX (612) 826-0390 TDD (612) 826-0379 To: Edina Park Board. From: John Keprios, Directo Edina Park and Recreatio Department Date: December 10, 1999 Re: DECEMBER 14, 1999, PARK BOARD MEETING STAFF REPORT. Enclosed you should find the following items: 1. Tuesday, December 14, 1999, Park Board Agenda. 2. Tuesday, November 9, 1999, Park Board Minutes. 3. Revised Capital Improvement Plan. 4. Proposed items for proposed Year 2000 referendum. 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 in case last minute items come up between now and the Park Board meeting, plus, cover any other concerns of Park Board members and/or attendees. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN The capital improvement plan (CIP) has been updated and revised by staff and a copy of that plan is enclosed for your review. These capital improvement projects are basically those repairs, upgrades and additions to the park system that are not affordable within the operating budget. Please keep in mind that funding for the CIP is a separate issue. Even without funding, it is vitally important to maintain a short and long term CIP, a vision for the future of the park system. Some of the changes from the last edition are the ball field upgrades for Lewis Park, Pamela Park and a few others, plus some parking lot and pathway upgrades and additions. At the November Park Board meeting, staff was requested to recommend a list of capital projects that may be appropriate to include in the proposed upcoming Year 2000 referendum. A copy of that list is enclosed for your review. Many of the proposed referendum items are safety or health related issues. For example, our ball fields, which are a significant amount of the proposal, are getting to a point where the fields are not safe to play on and are in need of major renovation. Many of our parks are filled with concrete that continually surfaces and becomes a safety issue. Other safety related issues include the need for a fire suppression system at Braemar West Arena and the two historical buildings in Tupa Park. The replacement of the concessions building at Courtney Fields is partially a safety issue due to the unsafe condition of the access to the upper level plus the need to cover the commons area to protect spectators from foul balls. The lift station for Arneson Acres Park would eliminate the potential hazard associated with the septic tank (holding tank) for the bathrooms at the Greenhouse. A lift station would allow the bathrooms and greenhouse plumbing to be connected to the city's sanitary sewer system. The lack of funding to accomplish our ongoing capital improvement plan (CIP) is an important issue that would be a good topic of discussion for the Park Board to have with the City Council. In fact, Park Board members should soon receive (if you have not already) a letter of invitation from Mayor Dennis Maetzold to meet with the City Council at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 4, 2000, for one hour. The City Council plans to meet with all the commissions and boards one at a time for one hour in a work session setting. The Park Board is first in line. Please keep in mind that the prioritization of CIP projects is separate from CIP funding. The source of CIP funding is an important topic that needs to be discussed and given a lot of thought before final decisions are made. Sources of funding are limited and some sources are controversial in nature with philosophical implications. The December Park Board meeting may be a good opportunity to engage in a discussion about where funding should come from to finance the Park and Recreation Department's CIP. I would be happy to share my views and recommendations on the subject at that time. I ask that Park Board members please review the proposed CIP and the proposed items to be included in the proposed referendum and make recommendations for changes, deletions or additions. WOODDALE PARK PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT Ed MacHolda, Assistant Director, has been working closely with selected Wooddale Park neighbors to establish a playground equipment replacement plan. After a few revisions, Mr. MacHolda and his committee have created an exciting plan that will be shared with the Park Board at the December meeting. Mr. John Wallin, Finance Director, has informed me that our balance in the Developer's Fund is $180,000 and all debts associated with the account are paid in full. The old capital fund that has not been touched since 1996 continues to hold a balance of $129,000. As mentioned before, the Developer's Fund is the vehicle to be used to pay for the construction of the Wooddale Park comfort station. There are ample funds available to cover the cost of that construction. Worst case scenario, the Wooddale comfort station construction costs are estimated to be around $108,000, including contingencies (quote provided by a professional estimator hired by SGN Architects). I am recommending that we go forward with the equipment replacement plan for Wooddale Park and use the remaining funds left over from the old capital plan, $129,000. I suggest that replacing Wooddale Park playground equipment be given priority because: 1. The equipment is in poor condition and badly in need of replacement (same as Normandale Park). 2. Wooddale Park will be under construction during the summer of 2000 with the development of a comfort station (better not to have to endure construction two years in a row). 3. The perimeter sidewalk around the above grade playground border is a significant safety issue that is unique to Wooddale Park and needs to be corrected. 4. The neighborhood has been very vocal and actively involved in a positive fashion to develop a playground equipment replacement plan. Having said all that, a good argument could be made to seek neighbors from the Normandale neighborhood, form a small committee, establish a playground equipment replacement plan, and replace the playground equipment at Normandale Park first. That is an option. I mention Normandale Park only because its equipment was installed the same year as Wooddale Park. Wooddale Park has a much higher visibility to the general public than Normandale Park, however, that may not be an important factor. I hope I have provided you with all the facts to help you make this decision. As I have mentioned many times before, I will support whatever decision you make. Park Board action is requested on this agenda item. "PARK & RECREATION - YOUR BEST INVESTMENT" VIDEO This is a professionally done 13 -minute video starring Don Shelby that shows the value and importance of parks and recreation programs and facilities. This video was created and given to us at no cost by the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association in an effort to promote parks and recreation throughout the state of Minnesota. The video is educational, enlightening and entertaining. 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! PARK BOARD MEETING CALENDAR FOR THE YEAR 2000 In response to requests from the Park Board, I would suggest the following calendar of Park Board meetings for the Year 2000. PRESENTATIONS BY Bob Kojetin, Historical Society Diana Hedges Larry Thayer 3 athletic associations 3 athletic associations Garden Council, Ed MacHolda & Sue Weigle INSPECTION TOUR 3 athletic associations Tom Shirley & Ann Kattreh 3 athletic associations Tom Horwath, Forester **Donna Tilsner & Susie Miller *On September 12', we would meet at Centennial Lakes Park for dinner and a round of putting golf followed by a Park Board meeting that includes a presentation by Tom Shirley, Manager of Edinborough and Centennial Lakes Park and his assistant, Ann Kattreh. **On December 12th, Donna would report on recreation programming (playgrounds, tennis, special events, etc.) and Susie would update the Park Board on our Adaptive Recreation programs and the joint cooperative with Edina, Eden Prairie, Bloomington & Richfield. MEETING DATE LOCATION January 90 Arneson Acres Park February 8 Edina Art Center March 14 Braemar Arena April 11 City Hall May 9 City Hall June 13 General Park Tour July 11 Braemar Golf Course August 8 City Hall September 12 *Centennial Lakes Park October 10 City Hall November 14 City Hall December 12 City Mall PRESENTATIONS BY Bob Kojetin, Historical Society Diana Hedges Larry Thayer 3 athletic associations 3 athletic associations Garden Council, Ed MacHolda & Sue Weigle INSPECTION TOUR 3 athletic associations Tom Shirley & Ann Kattreh 3 athletic associations Tom Horwath, Forester **Donna Tilsner & Susie Miller *On September 12', we would meet at Centennial Lakes Park for dinner and a round of putting golf followed by a Park Board meeting that includes a presentation by Tom Shirley, Manager of Edinborough and Centennial Lakes Park and his assistant, Ann Kattreh. **On December 12th, Donna would report on recreation programming (playgrounds, tennis, special events, etc.) and Susie would update the Park Board on our Adaptive Recreation programs and the joint cooperative with Edina, Eden Prairie, Bloomington & Richfield. Regarding the above proposal, the questions I have for the Park Board are: 1. How do you feel about holding Park Board meetings outside of City Hall? 2. Do you like the idea of meeting with athletic associations, Historical Society etc.? 3. Do you want staff reports on programming, forestry, facility operations etc.? 4. Is the general park tour of benefit to Park Board members? I must admit, I have a bias about the general park tour. I love to have our Park Board see the parks at their best....filled with park users. Again, your call. The Edina Historical Society has requested to meet with the Park Board. However, there are other groups that may also want to be added to the list, such as, the Centennial Lakes Model Yacht Club, the Braemar Golf Association, and the Senior Citizen Advisory Board. Park Board action is requested on this agenda item. EDINA PARK BOARD 7:30 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS NOVEMBER 9, 1999 MEMBERS PRESENT: Bill Jenkins, Dave Fredlund, George Klus, Karla Sitek, John Murrin, Chuck Mooty, Tom White MEMBERS ABSENT: Andrew Herring, Andrew Finsness, Floyd Grabiel, Linda Presthus STAFF PRESENT: John Keprios, Janet Canton, John Valliere OTHERS PRESENT: Bruce Carlson, Jude Dugan Olson I. APPROVAL OF THE OCTOBER 12.1999 PARK BOARD MINUTES George Klus MOVED TO APPROVE THE OCTOBER 12, 1999 PARK BOARD MINUTES. Bill Jenkins SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED. II. EDINA HOCKEY ASSOCIATION ADVERTISING PROPOSAL Mr. Keprios indicated that as his staff report points out the Edina Hockey Association (EHA) is requesting that they be able to venture into an advertising fundraiser. He noted that Mr. Bruce Carlson, President of EHA, has submitted a letter that outlines EHA's proposal. Mr. Keprios showed examples of what the ads would look like and indicated that Larry Thayer, manager of Braemar Ice Arena, gave the EHA permission to put advertising on the dashers on a temporary basis for a recent Bantam tournament. Mr. Carlson explained that the advertisements are clear decals that are 10' long by 30" high and stick right onto the boards. Mr. Jenkins asked which arenas would have the advertisements and Mr. Carlson replied they would be in the West and South arenas. This way the East arena is open for the Figure Skating Club to have the same opportunity. Mr. Keprios pointed out that some precedent has already been set in the arena with the advertising that was done for the hockey tournaments on a short-term basis. He also commented that the Edina Baseball Association has set some precedent because they have been advertising on the scoreboards at Courtney fields. Mr. Carlson commented that they use the same company that does the decals for Mariucci Arena, and it's a very high quality look. Mr. Keprios indicated that one question that came to his mind is the aesthetics. Also, he noted that the city is not doing this with the intent to make money but with the intent to be supportive much like we are with the concession stand for the Edina Hockey Parents. He noted, however, that the city does get a cut of the profits. Mr. Keprios indicated that another issue of concern is to make sure that the East arena is set aside if the Figure Skating Club is interested in using advertising as a fundraiser. He explained that he did speak to the president of the Figure Skating Club and was told the issue would be discussed with their Board members, however, they are not sure if this is something they would be interested in. Mr. Keprios noted that the Figure Skating Club's concern is could the advertisements be taken down from the West arena when they have their figure skating show. He informed her that he did not have the answer. Mr. Carlson commented that once you remove the adhesive you have to redo them in which Mr. Keprios responded that, if necessary, they we could simply cover them up. Mr. Murrin asked if this has good revenue potential. Mr. Carlson explained that if they sold everything the gross revenue would be approximately $40,000 with net revenues of $26,500. The revenue sharing market appears to be 25% of the net revenue going to Braemar Arena, which would be $6,625 in this example. Mr. Keprios commented that this would be a great fundraising opportunity for the EHA. Mr. Mooty asked what is the approach as far as what's appropriate to have advertised as well as the look and consistency of the advertising. Mr. Keprios explained that a few year ago he was asked to come up with a policy for advertising on city property. The policy included language that covers us so we are sure to stay away from alcohol, tobacco and all of the other politically and culturally sensitive issues. The process is that it has to meet the city's approval and he will administratively handle that issue. Ms. Sitek explained that the graphic people suggest just using one word with their logo because that is what the people will see, as well as it makes less of a danger of coming up with inappropriate items. Mr. Mooty confirmed that Mr. Keprios is saying that he will be giving the approval from the city's standpoint in which Mr. Keprios replied that is correct. He noted that if there is ever any question or issue he will run it through the process, however, he doesn't see there being a problem. Mr. Carlson indicated that he had a discussion with Mr. Thayer regarding the fact that the city has a deal with Coca-Cola and therefore we do need to offer them a dasher on each board if they want to pay for it. Mr. Mooty asked if the deal with Coca-Cola prohibits any tie with a competitor. Mr. Keprios noted that the contract arrangement is that we have so no other soft drink competitors could come into the city throughout the whole park system including the golf course. In return Coca-Cola gives us a lot of dollars up front to use for capital at those enterprise facilities, $80,000 to be exact. He noted that was part of the contract arrangement that if there was any advertising they would be it. Mr. Keprios stated that at one time Coca-Cola requested to advertise on a dasher board and we told them no. Mr. Murrin asked if it is legal to favor one competitor to the exclusivity of another. Mr. Keprios explained that we had an open bid process where other soft drink companies competed for the large contract, which resulted in tremendous savings for the city. He commented that not long ago Pepsi was the provider for the city. 2 • Mr. Jenkins asked what is going to be done with the money that is made. Mr. Carlson replied that the additional resources will assist in keeping our program costs affordable to the youth hockey players in our community and help us to maintain the standards associated with administering the program. Mr. Jenkins asked how many participants are there in the program to which Mr. Carlson noted about 800. Primarily what they want to do is reduce or maintain registration fees and make it a more affordable experience. He also explained that what they do through capital improvements helps out the entire program and more times than not the High School as well. They put in a shooting cage a few years ago, they now have a furnished meeting room, video resources, coaching resources and an education program for coaches. He pointed out that they require all of their coaches to be certified even the assistant coaches which costs $35.00 to $40.00 per person and there are a lot of coaches. Jude Dugan Olson pointed out that they have one sponsor for each team and they are usually Edina businesses or parents who sponsor these teams. She noted that right now they have 35 community sponsors. She indicated that five of those sponsors have already indicated that they would be interested in this advertising fundraiser. Mr. Mooty asked if the hockey season is a full year as far as the hockey association is involved. Mr. Carlson responded that their season is basically November through the middle of March. However, there are kids who play hockey all year which is through other organizations and individuals. Mr. Mooty indicated that the reason he is asking is does the association really get the benefit for a full year. He noted that he doesn't see that to be a real problem but he thinks again it is setting a precedent for other activities that we get into where the beneficiary of it is not for the time that all of the activity is going on. This may have a potential to cause some more issues as we go into this endeavor. Mr. Mooty commented that he thinks it's a great way to capitalize and utilize whatever dollars we can get from outside to support it. Mr. Carlson suggested taking it one year at a time and see how it goes. Mr. Mooty replied he thinks that is the approach we are going to have to take. It should be done on an annual basis. Mr. Carlson indicated that maybe it would make sense to make the contract 6 to 8 months. Mr. Mooty noted that he doesn't know if you would lose much by saying it's for the season, but again you could try it and see what happens. George Klus MOVED THAT WE APPROVE THE EDINA HOCKEY ASSOCIATION ADVERTISING PROPOSAL FOR THE PERIOD OF DECEMBER 1ST, 1999 THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2000. Mr. White noted that Mr. Keprios had mentioned in his proposal that the motion needs to be contingent on the Figure Skating Club. Mr. Keprios replied that he wanted them to have their day in court if they are interested and believes they have been informed and will continue to have an opportunity to participate. Mr. Klus stated that the EHA is only asking for the West and South arenas. John MURRIN SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 3 III. BRAEMAR & FRED RICHARDS GOLF COURSES PRESENTATION - JOHN VALLIERE Mr. Keprios indicated that John Valliere, manager of the golf courses, will give a brief presentation to inform the Park Board about Braemar and Fred Richards golf courses. He will discuss the history, mission, philosophy and general operations of the golf courses. Mr. Keprios commented that the finances were already discussed at the October meeting and therefore the focus will be more on the philosophy and operations. Mr. Valliere indicated that he would first like to start off with the history of the Braemar Golf Course. He explained that the golf course was built in 1963 and opened in 1964, therefore, the city manager at that time decided that the address should be 6364 Dewey Hill Road. The address is now 6364 John Harris Drive in honor of John Harris who is an Edina resident who won the US National Amateur in 1993. The city wanted to recognize him and that is why it was renamed. Mr. Valliere stated that Braemar has hosted a lot of national tournaments as well as state tournaments and there have been a lot of good reviews. Mr. Valliere pointed out that Braemar also prides itself with the outstanding lesson programs that are offered. He indicated that Braemar has seven PGA instructors who are renowned in the state. There are group lessons and individual lessons offered for both juniors and adults. He explained that they introduce people to the game and hopefully get them involved so they stay with the game. Mr. Valliere indicated that the patron card was already in place when he started working at Braemar Golf Course in 1969. He explained that the patron card is a card that gives people who live in the community first access to the course as well as it gives them a reduction in the green fees. He noted that he feels the patron card has created customer loyalty and the desire for them to get into leagues. It's almost like a community within a community at Braemar. He commented that there are some people who have played golf together for 30 years. Mr. Valliere stated that the golf dome has been very profitable. He explained that the dome started out as a privately owned facility on public land and they were paying the city rent. The golf dome didn't turn the corner as quickly as the previous owners wanted and subsequently the city bought it. Mr. Valliere commented that with the staff's efforts it has become a very profitable venture for the city. However, right now it is starting to have more competition because there are more and more inflatable domes being built in the metropolitan area. Mr. Valliere pointed out that there are 45 holes total and they take a lot of maintenance. He indicated that there are approximately 130 to 140 people who work at the golf courses in the summer. He then noted that the question he always gets asked is what do we do during the winter. Mr. Valliere explained that in the summer they start at 6:00 a.m. and are usually still there until 10:00 p.m. Therefore, his staff is run ragged especially when 4 the seasonal help is gone and the weather is still nice outside. Mr. White asked if the golf courses are still open to which Valliere replied yes they are. Mr. Valliere noted that there are 12 full-time people who work for the golf courses and 8 of them work on maintenance. He indicated that because there are so many seasonal people, training and wages can be a problem because they are only there for 90 days. However, the majority of his seasonal staff do a good job and have a good work ethic and care about the facility. Mr. Valliere pointed out that a lot of improvements have been made over the years with the driving range, executive course and so on. He noted that they are always trying to meet the needs of the community as it grows. Mr. Valliere explained that when the golf course first opened up in the 1960's there were 350 patron card holders. In the late 1970's there were 900 to 1,100 patron cards sold. In the late 1980's there were 1,800 patron cards sold to which we could not accommodate everyone on the regulation 18 hole course. Therefore, it became necessary to expand and now meets the needs of the community. This year there were 2,650 patron cards sold. However, it's still a challenge because the new nine hasn't been tremendously received by the larger portion of clientele which are seniors. The reason is because there are climbs involved which needed to be there because of stipulations from the Corps of Engineers. He indicated that they are hoping that they can somehow soften the golf course and make it a little more receptive. This is something that will definitely have to be addressed in the future. Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that Mr. Valliere does a tremendous job with the golf courses. It's not just a summer operation but it's a twelve month operation with the golf dome, banquet facilities, grill area and maintenance. There is a great staff out there and Mr. Valliere and his staff deserve a lot of credit. Mr. Fredlund asked Mr. Valliere if there have been any ideas on softening the golf course. Mr. Valliere replied there have been a couple of architects who have looked at it but there have not been any permanent plans drawn up. He noted that now that some time has gone by maybe they can approach the Corps of Engineers with a new routing plan so that we can soften the course. Mr. Keprios added that Mr. Valliere has an excellent goose management program at Braemar. He noted that the golf course has had a dog living there for the last three years and it has done a wonderful job. IV. COMMUNITY EDUCATION SERVICES REPORT - LINDA PRESTHUS Ms. Presthus was not at the Park Board meeting but Mr. Keprios commented that he attended the most recent Community Education Services Meeting where they discussed putting together a generic joint publicity piece. He explained that Park and Recreation will be putting in about 2 % pages of our basic program service offerings and who to contact. As more progress is made on this issue Ms. Presthus and himself will keep the Park Board up-to-date. 5 Mr. Murrin informed the Park Board that the School Board just finished their election and Colleen Feige, Peyton Robb and Maureen Andrew -Knudsen will be the new School Board members. He noted that they are looking forward to the new group but that they are also losing some good people. V. COMMUNITY CENTER STUDY UPDATE - CHUCK MOOTY Mr. Mooty indicated that he has been meeting every two to three weeks with the various people who have been involved in this process. These are people from the school board, city and outside experts who are in the fields of engineering and architecture. He explained that currently they are trying to get a better sense of what the costs are going to be for the project. Mr. Mooty stated that the concept is basically to revitalize the whole community center area which includes improvements to the football and soccer facilities. Currently they are looking into the different types of turf in order to get the maximum utilization of that space. They are also looking at trying to enhance the baseball field. Mr. Mooty indicated that they are also looking at adding on to the field house three basketball courts on the south side of the community center. Mr. Jenkins asked Mr. Mooty if this is a task force that he is on and asked who put the committee together. Mr. Mooty replied that basically Ken Dragseth and Gordon Hughes have put this committee together. Mr. Jenkins asked Mr. Mooty if he is on the committee irrespective of his position on the Park Board. Mr. Mooty noted that he is on this committee because he has been a big proponent of trying to enhance the different facilities and therefore was asked to be part of the committee. This way the Park Board is also part of it. Mr. Mooty indicated that he feels everything is progressing and right now they are trying to prioritize because of the dollars, it's not going to be cheap. We need to figure out what are the critical items and then try to finalize the overall improvements. Mr. Mooty stated that there are also other things such as the theatre improvements and parking enhancements. Mr. Jenkins asked if those plans are firmed up a little bit with the finalization of the Lewis site. Mr. Mooty responded that things will start moving more now that they've made that decision. Mr. Jenkins stated that he thought there was some talk about putting gymnasiums on that site. Mr. Mooty replied at one time there was but when the WEMEP proposal got turned down so did the gymnasiums. He indicated that potentially gymnasiums could be put there, however, it makes the most economic sense to keep everything together and not separate it further out. Mr. Mooty noted that the goal is to have the referendum take place in May. Mr. Keprios indicated that he received the latest numbers and it's not going to be a cheap venture, however, it is one that is very important and we need to pursue it and see what type of response there is because it's important for the community. 2 Mr. Jenkins asked have they finalized the components that are going into the bid. Mr. Mooty replied that all of the components have been identified but because there are so many things there is a basic core of items. Mr. Jenkins asked what are the core items. Mr. Mooty noted that it is basically the field house with three gymnasiums. Mr. Jenkins asked if that is enough to which Mr. Mooty replied three are not enough. Mr. Jenkins asked why don't you do four. Mr. Mooty commented that four is one of the options with the concept of adding one gymnasium onto Concord because from an enrollment standpoint they have been the ballooning elementary school. Mr. Mooty stated that according to the experts the issue with four is the economics, it turned out better to do three and splitting the fourth gymnasium somewhere else. The three gymnasiums will be side by side with basically net dividers because of the cost. Therefore, the core will be the field house, locker room improvements, some remodeling of Concord, South View and the Community Center gymnasiums as well as remodeling of the theatre. There will be new facilities for the football stadium. Mr. Mooty went on to say that the two tennis courts may be moved up to where the other tennis courts are and ultimately may be lighted. Mr. Jenkins asked if all of this will be district maintained to which Mr. Mooty replied yes. Mr. Jenkins asked how much are they looking at to which Mr. Mooty replied it currently is in the 15 plus million. Mr. Murrin asked if this includes what is being done at the Kunz -Lewis site with the senior center and library. Mr. Mooty commented that will be a separate deal. Ms. Sitek asked who is going to say what the referendum is for and how is this going to be sold to the public. Mr. Mooty replied that both the school and city will be selling this referendum and will be saying it is for enhancements for the school district as well as the city. He indicated that the city will have the up front dollars and the school district will take care of the ongoing maintenance. Ms. Sitek noted that she feels a lot of people will say didn't you recently ask for everything you needed. Mr. Jenkins stated that he would like to bring up the bidding process and noted to make sure the numbers are correct and you don't end up short like we did for the Park Bond. You have to spend money to figure out what it's going to cost, you can't just guess. Mr. Mooty commented that he agrees. Mr. Keprios pointed out that at the last meeting all of the numbers were laid out. If such and such was done it would cost a certain amount and if other things were done it would cost this amount. Every scenario imaginable was discussed. A lot of comments were thrown out as to what makes financial sense and what doesn't. Therefore, like Mr. Mooty mentioned, we are down to three gymnasiums and a track up above and those kinds of things. Mr. Keprios stated that where it stands today is both Ken Dragseth and Gordon Hughes are cooperatively drafting a memo to the elected officials (school board and city council) to request a joint meeting to answer all of the tough questions. He pointed out that there are a lot of questions that still need to be answered and ultimately thinks that some of this will come before the Park Board. Mr. Keprios commented that he would like to go back to what was discussed earlier regarding Mr. Mooty serving on the committee. He indicated that Mr. Mooty is being a 7 little bit humble in that his participation with this group is far more than just an interested party. Mr. Mooty is really leading the charge, very respectfully, on the gymnasium side of life and if it wasn't for him this may not even be on the docket. Mr. Murrin commented that he knows the school district has invested a lot of time and effort in this and also feels that if it wasn't for Mr. Mooty this whole thing wouldn't really be going on. He stated that he thinks this has been well thought out and the people who are working on this are doing a great job. VI. OTHER A. Donation Policy - Mr. Klus asked Mr. Keprios if once in a while he could put in his staff report who has donated what so that the Park Board is aware of who has donated money. Mr. Keprios replied that he is working on updating his donation list so that it is current to where we are at. When this is completed he will make sure the Park Board receives the information. B. EGAA Scholarship - Mr. Jenkins indicated that he read in EGAA's minutes that they offer scholarships and asked what kind of scholarships they are. Mr. Keprios replied they are $500.00 scholarships for college and they have been doing it for years. C. Referendum - Mr. White stated that he has already discussed briefly with Mr. Keprios to have staff identify capital issues to see if we should pursue a referendum in May. Mr. Jenkins indicated that he feels capital issues for Park and Recreation should be coming out of the annual city budget. We should be receiving $180,000 to $200,000 every year from the city to address these capital needs. Mr. Keprios commented that Mr. Herring did a wonderful job representing the Park Board on the capital budget. He went before the City Council during the budget hearing process and indicated that the Park and Recreation Department's number one issue is that we need a capital plan and need it right now. Mr. Herring informed the City Council that it doesn't serve the community well to let things go and then try to fix it all at once. Mr. Keprios stated that Mr. Herring did a fine job, kept it very positive and to the point and was well received. However, in response to what Mr. White has said there are a few large ticket items that might be appropriate to include in the referendum because certain projects would have to wait forever under a capital plan. Mr. White asked Mr. Keprios to have a report regarding this at the next Park Board meeting. D. Julia Bertrand - Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that Julia Bertrand, Recreation Supervisor, will be leaving the department. Her last day will be November 29ffi. He noted that Ms. Bertrand has been with the city for 5 years and has done a great job. However, she has decided to stay home and be a full-time Mom. Mr. Keprios indicated that they have replaced her with Donna Tilsner who will start with the city on November 22'. He indicated that Ms. Tilsner is an Edina resident who has worked in Park and Recreation for over 22 years and currently works for the City of Eagan. She is wonderful and he is sure she will do a fabulous job for us. E. Wooddale Comfort Station - Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that the City Council has approved to go forward with the Wooddale Comfort Station. F. Hennepin County Parks - Mr. Keprios indicated that Hennepin County has pulled together a lot of first and second ring suburbs who have made an issue with Hennepin County and he has been part of several meetings with them. Mr. Keprios explained that when Hennepin Parks were first formed by the legislature a lot of suburbs like Edina had already formed their own park system. Therefore, in Edina we have 1,553 acres of park land, all city owned. There is no county, state or federal park land in Edina. Mr. Keprios noted that some people have been complaining that they pay a lot of taxes to the county but don't get the benefit, they have to drive in order to get a benefit from their county tax dollar. He stated that they are currently trying to get some benefit into the first ring suburbs where maybe there is some land that could be county land. Also, possibly take it a step further and have a consorted effort to have a regional trail system that upgrades some of our trails to connect to some of the major regional corridors. Hennepin County has already identified that if the Canadian Pacific Railroad here in Edina were to ever get abandoned there is already a process in place to make that corridor a wonderful trail system. Mr. Keprios explained that he suggested the possibility to Hennepin County that they may want to consider purchasing Bredesen Park. He noted that it would have restrictions such as they give the city tons of money, it always has to remain park land for natural purposes and they maintain it on their nickel. Also, if it were to ever go to anything other than parkland it goes back to the ownership of the city. Mr. Keprios also pointed out that they would have the funding to do some naturalist programs and possibly build a small nature center. Mr. Keprios stated that he doesn't know how they are going to respond to this but he thought he would suggest it to them since they asked. Mr. Jenkins asked is Hennepin County Parks driving this in which Mr. Keprios responded that is correct. Mr. Jenkins also asked what is Hennepin County getting out of this deal. Mr. Keprios replied they would add it to their park system and also commented that Hennepin County has a lot of money because they are not strapped with levy limits like we are. He stated that the Park Board will be hearing more about this as we go down the road. VII. 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L L W a- 1 d LL f0 'C (� Y LCU M CO m O L c6 a W O M W O W CL O M �_ J -0 F V cv 70 -O W O � v p j 'E 2 E R UZa U U VQ= m2 m W LU LU w llJ 1� z SW L a L1J 0 z O W U W 06 Y Q a J Q F- O Mul PROPOSED PROJECTS FOR A REFERENDUM PARK & RECREATION BALL FIELD IMPROVEMENTS BALL FIELD & GROUNDS IRRIGATION: I ESTIMATE School Park little league field $ 25,000 Cornelia School Park (2 ball fields) $ 60,000 _7jCornelia Countryside Park (west baseball field) $ 9,800 Courtney Ball Fields (Braemar Park field #4) $ 15,000 Highlands Park (1 softball field) $ 30,000 Kenneth Rosland Park (baseball field) $ 20,000 Pamela Park (junior soccer field) $ 20,000 Todd Park $ 15,000 Tupa Park $ 207000 Weber Park $ 60,000 Wooddale Park $ 15,000 REGRADE & SEED BALL FIELD: Cornelia School Park little league field $ 40,000 Cornelia School Park (two ball fields) $ 150,000 Countryside Park (west baseball field) $ 50,000 Courtney Ball Fields (Braemar Park field #4) 1_1 00,000 Highlands Park (senior soccer field) $ 250,000 Lewis Park (east soccer field) $ 250,000 Lewis Park (west soccer field) $ 250,000 Lewis Park (central soccer field) $ 250,000 Pamela Park (4th New field) $ 30,000 Rosland Park (reorient baseball field) $ 30,000 Weber Park (1 baseball and 1 softball field) $ 95,000 BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM: Braemar West Arena $ 75,000 Tupa Park (Grange Hall and Cahill School) $ 50,000 REPLACE CONCESSIONS BUILDING: Courtney Fields Complex - Braemar Park $ 400,000 $ 1,495,000 $ 125,000 $ 400,000 PARK DEVELOPMENT COMPLETION OF VAN VALKENBURG PARK: Grading and landscaping $ 100,000 Hard surface court $ 15,000 Pathway $ 30,000 Playground equipment & misc. park equip. $ 100,000 Van Valkenbur Park 3 batting cages) $ 60,000 IMPROVED ENTRANCE TO PARK: Arneson Acres Park (new island entrance) $ 50,000 LIFT STATION FOR SANITARY SEWER: Arneson Acres Park (greenhouse) $ 35,000 PATHWAY REPAIR/ADDITIONS: Arneson Acres Park $ 30,000 Cornelia School Park $ 100,000 Rosland Park $ 75,000 Walnut Ridge Park $ 60,000 PARKING LOT REPAIR/ADDITION: Arneson Park $ 50,000 Braemar Arena $ 100,000 Rosland Park $ 300,000 Pamela Park south End $ 60,000 Weber Park $ 200,000 REPAIR/REPLACE FENCING: Bredesen Park $ 150,000 Cornelia School Park adult softball field $ 60,000 Courtney Ball Fields field #4 $ 40,000 Rosland Park (playground/picnic area $ 60,000 Rosland Park baseball field $ 20,000 Weber Park $ 25,000 305,000 35,000 265,000 710,000 355,000 REPLACE DUGOUTS: Courtney Ball Fields (field #4) $ 40,000 TENNIS COURTS: F— I Walnut Ridae Park (rebuild) 1 $ 50,000 $ 40,000 50,000 TOTAL PARK & RECREATION DEPARTMENT $ 4,119,800 Mr. Andy Herring, Chair Edina Park and Recreation Board City of Edina 4801 West 50t' Street Edina, MN 55424 Dear Andy: November 7, 1999 I am the incoming president of the Braemar Men's Club, a group of 375 Edina residents who are committed to playing golf regularly at the Braemar Golf Course. I have heard that the Park and Recreation Board is discussing the feasibility of transferring the golf course's operating surplus to support the capital plans of the Park and Recreation Board. There are three reasons why I conclude that this strategy is not in the best interests of the community. First, you are discouraging Edina residents from utilizing a community asset that `theoretically' was developed for Edina residents. Edina seniors, myself included, seek out other golf courses of comparable quality that offer golf at a more reasonable price. For example, I have played at three other courses this past summer for $21, $23 and $25 that includes both the costs of an electric cart and 18 holes. Yet, I hear that there is board discussion about raising the cost of golf at Braemar because "it is such a great deal" and then use the excess surplus to fund capital improvements in other sectors of the community. Secondly, I view this "cost shifting" strategy as similar to the approach government uses to fund health care. Medicare and Medicaid do not reimburse the health care system adequately for care delivered. Consequently, the health care system shifts these costs to the private sector so that you and your employer annually experience a higher annual increase in your policy premium than you deserve....a hidden form of taxation. The politicians are unwilling to deal with the real cost of the benefits they offer seniors and the poor, place artificial caps and shift the cost to the private sector. Your consideration of taking some of the operating surplus from the golf course's operations is cost shifting. It will result in either fewer improvements to the golf course and/or price increases. This cost shifting is from seniors with fixed incomes to younger families with children who are experiencing annual raises at their place of employment. The assumption underlying this claim of cost shifting from seniors to younger residents is that a disproportionate number of seniors with fixed incomes use the golf course and that mostly younger families with children use the park system. Finally, the citizens of Edina generously approved your bond referendum just a few years ago. You, not we, decided on the amount of money that you needed to upgrade the park systema We continue to assume you requested and received adequate funds to satisfy the capital needs of the park system for a significant period of time. I believe that the patron card and the cost of golf at Braemar should be a great deal for Edina citizens and it is your responsibility and privilege to assure that occurs. Sincerely l J. Paul O'Connor 4604 Gilford Drive Edina, MN 55435 Cc: Bili Jenkins and John Keprios r7l LI�j Just fhe Facts — Answering the Critics of Local Government Park and Recreation Services �il By Jack Harper, Geoffrey Godbey, and Stephen Foreman :71 Just the Facts - Answering the Critics of Local Government Park and Recreation Services by Jack Harper, Geoffrey Gcdbey and Stephen Foreman There ere many myths which surround local government recreaticn cnd park services in both the United States and Canada. Most of these myths have deveicped because, until recently, there has them, the been no national database in either country to identify how much these services are used, benefits the public associates with such services and their willingness to pay for them. Recently, however, studies of nationally representative samples of the public undertaken in the United States and in Canada, using a common set of questions and research procedures, provide the first comprehensive look at these services. These studies in combination with other recent research, shatter the many myths about local recreation and park services. Among such myths are the following: MYTH: People don't think recreation and leisure are very important REALITY: About two out of three people ien America say them than that their leisure is either as important to them as their work MYTH: People don't have any free time to use for recreaticn and parks REALITY: North Americans average about for,-/ hours of free time per week and the amount of free time they have has increased almost on hour per dcy since 1965. About 15 hours of this ry activity and another five hours for TV free time is used for N viewing as c prima viewing es a secondary activitiy. MYTH: Local government is becoming a less important provider of recreation REALITY: About four out of five residents of bath the US cnd Canada use their local government recreation and park systems. This is probably a hicher percentage of use than almost any local government service. Only 7.5 percent of the adult public in the US said that they ticn services or that such services weren't designed for weren't interested in park an recrea people like them. MYTH: Recreation and parks is a service in decline REALITY: Recreation and park services, as e percentage of Iccal government spending, have remained constant during the last few decodes. In inflation adjusted dollars, Crompton spending for these services in the and McGregor (1994) found that Icccl government had increased from $20 per person in 1965-6 to over $32 in 1990-1. It should be not ed, however, that fees and charges and other means of generating revenue have incrreased to compensate, in part, for the huge decline in Federcl and state or provincial Supp ort to municipalities. Employment of full-time staff remained essentially unchanged from 1978- 1990. MYTH: Parks cnd recreation services are just for kids REALITY: Use of local government recreaticn crd perk services not only continues across the life cycle, but people between the ages of 66 and 75 cre slightly more likely to use local park frequently than any other age group. In cging society, recreation and park services will become increasingly important. Even now, for he US and Canada combined, 35 is the best predictor year for use of services, slightly older than the average age of residents of both countries. US participation in Local Park and Recreation Services MYTH: Ethnic minorities get excluded REALITY: There wcs no statistical difference in le likelihood of participation in recreation procrams based on one's ethnic status in the US. For park use, the percentage of Hispanics who make no use of local parks during the I= twelve months was only 10 percent while for Blacks it was 29 percent and for whites 26 percent. For other ethnic groups, the figure was 18 percent. Hispania and African-Americcns were equally likely to use other recrection services provided at the local level. MYTH: Women get excluded from local ccvernment recrection and park services. REALITY: Women cre as likely to use loccl perks cs men and are as likely to participate in other recreation activities and services sperscred by local government. This is true in both the US and Canada. MYTH: People who live in condominiums or luxury apartments are no less likely to use lcccl parks than cny other citizens. REALITY: People who live in condominiums or luxury cpertments are no less likely to use parks than any other citizen. Use local parks Use recreation programs Age Group Frequent Clcccsioncl No Yes No 15-20 23 57 20 39 33 61 67 21-35 25 56 53 18 22 34 66 36-55 25 21 42 38 20 80 56-65 26 35 39 1882 66-75 15 29 56 11 89 76-95 MYTH: Ethnic minorities get excluded REALITY: There wcs no statistical difference in le likelihood of participation in recreation procrams based on one's ethnic status in the US. For park use, the percentage of Hispanics who make no use of local parks during the I= twelve months was only 10 percent while for Blacks it was 29 percent and for whites 26 percent. For other ethnic groups, the figure was 18 percent. Hispania and African-Americcns were equally likely to use other recrection services provided at the local level. MYTH: Women get excluded from local ccvernment recrection and park services. REALITY: Women cre as likely to use loccl perks cs men and are as likely to participate in other recreation activities and services sperscred by local government. This is true in both the US and Canada. MYTH: People who live in condominiums or luxury apartments are no less likely to use lcccl parks than cny other citizens. REALITY: People who live in condominiums or luxury cpertments are no less likely to use parks than any other citizen. MYTH: Local government park and recreaticn services ore just for poor people. are scmewhet less likely to use Icccl government recreation and park REALITY: Poor people services, as they are less likely to use clmest every other local government service. low income using local Suprisingly, however, the percentage of the public who are is substantial. In the US, 69% of those with government recreation and park services $20,000 used both local parks and 25% used other recreation household incomes under services supplied by local government. Recreation and park use in the US by income % use recreation service use parks <$20K 320-59K 560K+ <520K $20-59K ScCK� 33 Yes 25 42 50 Frequently 25 23 Occasionally 44 54 51 No 74 55 49 Not at all 31 23 16 N/R 1 3 1 MYTH: Park and recreation services are just c frill, on "amenity," not very necessary REALITY: The benefits that the public reports frcm use of local government recreation and park report significant services ore very high. In North America, nine out of ten persons e(e benefits to themselves, their household and .lnt .e community. In fact, even non-users, 80 p report that there are many benefits 'hct result from recreation and park services. The areas in which these benefits are received ore among the most important issues of the day: health benefits ore not just for ycuncer people. Preliminary findings from an NRPA sponsored study have found that ieers1equenotCleveland d have b tterrks age reportedOhealand th than have lower blood pressure, drink non-users. (Godbey, Roy, Payne, Crsega-Smith). MYTH: Recreation and park services are mainly organized activity REALITY: Findings from both the US and Canadian study confirm that residents use parks and other recreation facilities managed by Icccl government "as" recreation as well as "for" recreation. Much of such recreation experience is not "organized." MYTH: These services ore used mostly by people who support big government REALITY: People of all political lY likesioouse local eservices. In the US, parks but 44 percent o Republicans Republ can households Democrats were equally likely used a local government sponsored recreation service, while 38 percent on Independents 40 and 30 percent of Democrats. MYTH: Most people don't want or aren't willing to pay for park and recreation services REALITY: Most North Americans ore willing to pay for these services. About 3 out of 4 citizens say their local recreation and park services are worth as much or more than the national average paid for such services. There ore mixed sentiments concerning the proper way to pay for such services, with the majcrity of citizens, in US and Canada supporting a ccmbinction of tax support and fees and charges. These findings, based on representative samples from both the US and Canada, provide the first comprehensive understanding of the use and benefits cssccicted with local government recreation and park services. The vast majority of North Americans use these services, identify benefits which they value from such use, and are willing to pay for them. REFERENCE: Crompton, J. and B. McGregor. 1994. Trends in tie Fincncing and Staffing of Local Govemment Park and Recreation Services: 1964/5 to 1990/1. Godbey, G., A. Grcefe and S. James. 1992. The Benefits of Local Recreation and Park Services: A Nationwide Study of the Perceptions of the American Public. Arlington, VA: NRPA. Godbey, G., M. Roy, L. Payne and B. Orsega-Smith. The Relation of local Park Use to Personal Health: An Exploratory Investigation. In manuscript. University Pcrk, PA: The Pennsylvania State University, College of Health and Human Development. Harper, J., D. Neider, G. Godbey and D. Lamont. 1997. The Use and Benefits of Local Government Parks and Recreation Services: A Canadian Perspective. Winnipeg: Mcnitoba. University of Manitoba. Robinson, J. and G. Gcdbey. 1997. Time for Life: The Surprising Ways Americans Use Their Time. University Park: Penn State Press. C C� Minnesota Parks and Recreation "Your Best Investment" Video Script 40 © Minnesota Recreation and Park Association, 1998 MINNESOTA PARKS AND REC.:REATiC FEST INVESTMENT MINNESOTA: A STATE LONG KN( ITS EEAUTY, ITS DIVERSITY, ITS QUALIT LIFE. HL I'M DON SHELBY, YOU KNOW, EXISTS AMONG MINNESO TANS A DESIRE EE i i ER, A PHILOSOPHY THAT WITH A CA ATTITUDE, WE WILL FIND WAYS TO IMPR( IN THIS GREAT STATE TO GO BEYOND WF CAN EVEN IMAGINE. TE=E CERT AINiY THS CAN MAKE. THINGS St i i cR IS VISIBLE IN 1 PARKS AND RECREATICN PROGRAMS. INVESTMENTS IN OUR PARKS FRC HIGH DIVIDENDS. MINNESOTA'S NATURAL EEAU TY, FRESERVED IN DIVERSE FEDERA STATE, COUNiYAND MUNICIPAL SET-i!NG: RE=RESENTS A COMMIT HENT WE MUST PROTECT AND CONTINUE TO NURTURE. DECISiCN MAKERS TO ENSURE THAT COMMITMENTS WE MAKE REGARDING RECREATION PROGRAMS AND PARK DEVELOPMENT MATCH THE CHANCING NEEDS OF OUR CITIZENS. LEISURE TIME IS CHANCING IN AMERICAN SOCIE T Y, ALONG WITH THE MORALS AND SOCIAL NORMS EY WHICH WE LIVE. TWO - INCOME FAMILIES AND EXT ENDED CHILD CARE obHOURS ARE TWO NEIN TRENDS IMPACTING PARKS AND RECREATION. RECREATION PROGRAMMING FOR YOUTH IS AN INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT FART OF OUR SOCIETAL NEEDS. OFFORTUNITIES "OR AND WISE CHOIC" ASOUT LEISURE TIME USE ARE CRITICAL TO TH-E SOCIAL DEVELOFMENT OF OUR YOUTH. PARKS, MUCH LIKE BACKYARDS AND SAND LOTS OF T -E PAST, OFFER SE -11 INGS AND RELATIONSHIPS NTHAT HELP CUR CHILDREN [)E,/E:-CP VALUE SYSTEMS TO GUIDE i HE:.RA.DULT LIVES. UFEA.N AND RURAL YOUTr', ALIKE r Y ON Motes... Quotes... Ideas Importance of Leisure Establish positive value systems INVESTMENTS WE MAKE NOW TO FROVICE THE LE.ACERSH'IF ANC RECREATION SPACE OF TOMORROW. GROWING CEIMANCS ON EALL FIELDS, HOCKEY ARENAS, EASKE CALL COURTS AND FLAY AREAS LIMIT THE ACCESS CUR CHILDREN WILL HAVE TO THESE RESOURCES. AS OVERCROWCING OF THESE SERVICES AND FACILITIES EE; --CME MORE COMMON YOUNG PEOPLE WHOSE NEEDS ARE NOT EEING MET WILL SEEK ALTERNATIVES IN THEIR LEISURE TIME. BALANCING THE FINANCIAL AND SOCIAL CCST OF RECREATION INVESTMENTS AGAINST THOSE OF DELINQUENCY AND VANDALISM, WE ARE CHALLENGED TO MAKE HARD CHOICES TODAY OR FAY THE HIGH COST OF FUTURE SOCIAL PRCEL=MS. STUCIES HAVE S'H'OWN THE IMFORTANC"c OF"QUALITY" LEISURE T IME. RECREATION PROGRAMS INVOLVING C-ILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES HELP DEJELOF CLOSER TIES TO THE COMMUNITY AND AN A.F=F;ECIATION OF THE NATURAL WORLD IN OUR PARKS ANC OU T DCCF Notes... Quotes... Ideas Make sure opportunities exist • SPACES. PROGRAMS ARE OFFERED THROUGH SCHOOLS, ON OUR STREET S, AND EVEN IN OUR HOMES EY THOSE DEDICATED TO REALIZING i HE SOCIAL EENEFiTS OF LEISURE TIME. CCMMUNI TIES SE= AN INCREASE IN THEIR CUALITY CF LIFE, INCREASED PROPERTY VALUES, AND REDUCTIONS IN VANDALISM AND CRIME. NONE OF THESE EENEFITS WILL EXIST WITHOUT OUR COMMITMENT OF TIME, ENERGY, AND RESOURCES. PARKS PROVIDE US WITH THE MOST FUNDAMENTAL ELEMENT OF RECREATION - SPACE. OPEN SPACES PROVIDE CFFORTUNITIES TO GETAWAY FROM THE NOISE AND FRUSTRATION OF CAILY LIFE, RELIEVE STRESS, AND CATCH CUR EREATH. THE TRE -=E AND PLANTS OF OUR GREEN SPACES PRODUCE CLEAN AIR AND A NATURAL EEAUTY THAT ENHANCES MINNESOTA'S CHANGING SEASONS. goPARKS, RIVERS, LAKES AND GOLF COURSES GENERATE HIGHER FROFE=cTY VALUES FOR HOMES AND EUSiNE-5SE-5, INCREASING Notes... Quotes... Ideas Parks and recreation is cost effective Open space is essential ECONOMIC ACTIVITY WITHIN OUR COMMUNITIES. PROVIDING PARKS AND RECREATION SERVICES REtCUIRES THAT WE SUSTAIN AND EXPAND OUR FACILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE. PACE FOR RECREATICN IS ATA PREMIUM, FORCING US TO MAKE HARD CHOICES WITH AVAILskSLE RESOURCES. WHEN FUNDING DOLLARS ARE LIMITED, WE FACE THE UNCCMFORTAELE TASK OF DECIDING WHOSE NEEDS WILL EE MET AND WHO WILL EE LEPT OUT. PARKS AND RECREATION PROFESSIONALS ALONG WITH COMMUNI T Y LE4DERS, MUST MAKE DIFFICULT CHOICES – EUILD A SENIOR CENTER OR AN IN-LINE SKATE PARK? NEN COMPUTERS FOR OUR PARK PATROL, OR A PROGRAM FOR TROUELED YOUTH? IT'S A CHALLENGING TASK! IN MINNESOTA 'PIE STRIVE TO PROVIDE ACCESSIELE PROGRAMS, SERVICES AND FACILITIES THAT WELCOME ALL CITIZENS. TO C,. ;EATE LIVES E E i —1=,= i r'AN WE CAN EVER IMAGI,NE, EVERYGNE MUST EENEF7. Notes... Quotes... Ideas Difficult Choices: make sure park and recreation is included • • COMMUNITIES CEVELCF FROGRAMS DESIGNED TO MEET A WIDE VARIEi ( CF IN i EFcESTS AND AEILITIIES. AL i r10UGH NEN FACILITIES ANO SERVICES ARE DESIGNED WITH ALL CITIZENS IN MIND, CUR OLDER FACiLI T IES NEED ASSISTANCE TO MATO.-( CHANGING SOCIAL AND FHYSICAL NEEDS. THESE INVESTMENT S ENSURE THAT EVERY MINNESOTAN CAN ACCESS THE FOSSIEILI T IES OUR FAFKS AND RECREATION SERVICES OFFER. MAKING WISE C.1-i010ES TODAY REQUIRES COMMUNITY L_4DERS TO CONSTANTLY LOOK FORWARD. FROM SMALL TOWN EASEEALL DIAMONDS TO NATIONAL WILDE=NESS AREAS, MINNESO TANS AFE DEMANDING LEISURE TIME EXFERIENCES THAT ADD MEANING TO THEIR LIVES. WE ARE CHALLENGED TO FIND NEN AND INNOVATIVE WAYS TO CREATE E QUALITY, ACCESSIELE GoF.ECFEATION OFFORTUNI T IES. THERE IS A EA -SIC NEED TO INVEST IN OUR F°OGRAMS ANC TO DEIELOF NEN RESOUFCES AS Ti -,'E NUMEEF Notes...Quotes... Ideas Parks and recreation is for everyone Invest now: in the future it will Cost mor4e AND DEMANDS OF OUR CITIZENS INCREASE. IF N®tes...Quotes... Ideas TOMORROW'S COMMUNITIES ARE TO HAVE THE OFFORTUNITiES WE HAVE HAD, IT IS CRITICAL i H:AT WE INVEST NOW. RECREATION IN MINNESOTA IS AS DIVERSE AS THE LAND ITSELF. OUR CLIMATE AND TERRAIN TREAT CITIZENS AND VISITORS TC A RANGE OF EXPERIENCES FROM SUM] SWIMMING TO THE FROZEN DELIGHT Of FIS'H'ING, ALL WITHIN A YEAR'S TIME. V SOME OF THE MOST VARIED RECREATIC OFFOR T UNITIES AVAILABLE ANYWHERE FESTIVALS AND EVENTS IN WHICH WE CELEBRATE OUR HISTORY, OUR COMMU AND CUR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT ENRI( LIVES OF OUR CITiZENS, HELPING T'H'EM MEANING WITHIN THEMSELVES. AL T HCUGH MINNESOTA'S CHANG NE=7,S PRESENT ITS CITIZENS WITH GRE4 CHALLENGES, CUR DE-DICATION TO OUR F AND CUR COMMITMENT TO RECREATION • r-� MINNESOTANS LOVE THEIR FARKS} PARKS ARE THE "OWN SCUARES" OF YESTERDAY, WHERE YOUNG AND OLD ENJOY FAMILY REUNIONS, EVENING CONCERTS, EASEEALL GAMES, CR EVEN A GOOD ECOK. INVESTMENTS IN PARKS AND RECREATION YIE:-0 REDUCED MEDICAL CCS T S, IMFROVED QUALITY OF LIFE, AND OFFORTUNITIES FOR US TO EXFE;RIENCE THE REWARDS OF AN ACTIVE, HEALTHY LIFESTYLE. EXFERTS TELL US i IHA T FHYSICAL FITNESS CONTRIEUTES TO LONGEVITY AND HAFFINESS THROUGH EE -71 i=R 1:E4L T H AND SELF-SATISFACTION. FROGRAMS STRESSING FHYSICAL ACTIVITY ANO WELL-=EING ARE FL_NTiFUL IN OUR COMMUNITY CENTERS AND FARKS, OFFERING FEOF' E AN OFFORTUNI T Y TC FIND FULFILLMENT IN NATURAL ScTi� iNGS. /',S WE ENJOY 7--EEENE=TTS OF LONGI= AND MCFE ACTIVE LIVES, IT EECCMES EVEN MCRE IMFCRTANT FOR CUR COMMUNITY Notes... Quotes... Ideas Emphasize social value of parks and recreation Emphasize health and wellness FRCGRAMMING HAS NEMER WAVERED. IT MAY EE CIFF ICULT TO AN7CIFATE ALL THE CHANCE - CUR FUTURE HOLDS, EUT OUR FAST SHOWS US i 1HAT CUR PARKS SERVE US WELL, SUSTAINING COMMUNITIES, FAMILIES, AND CUR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT THRCUGr' TRE.%9ENCOUS SCCIAL AND ECONOMIC CHANGE. WE HAVE A FESPC NSIEILITY TO HCNOR CUR RICH HERITAGE - EY CONTINUING TO INVEST IN PARKS AND RECRE;7CN FOR CUR C' ;ILDREN. RESOURCE: CCMMI —i ED NOW WILL FAY DIVIDENDS i - .R0O0nOUT THEIR FUTURE! MINNESOTA FAFKS AND RECREATION ....................YOUR EEST INVES ENT! Notes ... Quotes...Ideas It is our responsibility to provide park and recreation opportunities Community Festivals Celebrate Bir Benefits A study. which examined the impact of. cammuntty festirrls found that they establish an opportunity for community pride, social Interaction, sharing Ideas, community Identity and -e community wellness. �- peiarnere and Hinch,1994 Benefits of Recmatbn Research Update zr yigorouo cxcrciacrw live longer In a Harvard Univereity study it was found that * engaging in an exercise prceram which combines the following tyPes of caicrie reducing activities each week, cne can lower mortality rate * 257•: • walk at (4- 5 mph) 45 minutes five times per week • jog 3 totai houro per week (6-7 mph) • swim lap., 3 total houm per week • cycle for 1 hour 4 timed per week • Inline ekate for 2-3 houry total per week — Harvard Univereity, 1956 otudy of 17,000 middle age men over 76 years of age cited in the Practical Guide to Practically Evcry'thing Municipal Government in Cha n By Geoffrey Gc nment In An Era of Profound Change by Geoffrey Godbey The world is in a state of change which is unprecedented in human history. Demographically, almost all modern nations have birth rates below replacementonations, where l9 of every 20 new dly aging populations, and increased immigration form deve p 9 "Post -cc italist" humans are currently being born in the wrba � know'ledge) havare e become the basis of society where knowledge (and knowledge economic well being. Technologically, everyday life is being re -configured at an exponential rate such that the meaning of geographic communities is less clear. I government will not only become more imports e �i wovernmentsl be n Within this context, loca through a series of revolutions in terms of how it does things. Because fedperiod of peacetime have spent themselves into impotence almost all modern nations, in In a regionalized economy and unbridled prosperity, more will be asked of local governments with de -centralized work arrangements, where less than half al workers work weekdays ee nays from nine to five or eight to five, the functions of local government g social capital will be critical. sen/ communities will be establishing community and buildine, child , and in quality oflife those which have invested heavily in education, infrastructur issues. not and that Peter Drunker argues that local government will be Calle onle� within the community as well as social services which seek to change the community and pe p traditionally been called "charity" will both be tasks which local governs en have what has n those to undertake. These tasks will increase due to an aging population, and an increase increasing need to invest who are left behind in the rapidly emerging knowledge economy, 9 the demands of a more highly educated in youth —the poorest segment of the community, preventative strategies citizenry with rising expectations about bml15percent of NNP. 1s thneed for tp in health care, which currently consumes almost Key issues for local government will be the ability to 1. become agile, 2. create places worthy of our respect, 3. form partnerships with organizations in all sectors to achieve goals, A. establish identity for the community in terms of place and meaning, 5. crate a and, in the long Qe�-m te f willingness to investment in ways which both improve quality ofny reduce costs rather than model after the extremely short-term ersPt both toymi amize corporations, 6. get rid of single use zoning as the co planning, rks and recreation services in ways which reduce sprawl and establish community, 7. invest in pa spending costs as well as generate tourism revenue pending in police, health care, and environme and contribute to sense of place. Parks and recreation has a unique role to play in all of these challebnggtehs R search the US and showsthatCanada. citizens use local park and recreation services in about four or five 1996). Such use is broadly (Godbey, Greafe and James, 1992; Harper, Neider, and Godbey, distributed across the life cycle; in fact, those 65 to 75 are slightly more likely to be frequent users of local parks than any other age groups. In separate national studies done in both the US and in Canada, it is apparent the vast majority of local residents not only express high levels of satisfaction with such services and willingness to pay taxes which fall within the range of what such services typically cost or more, the benefits that local citizens identified with using their park and recreation services are clearly related to issues of health. Central challenges of all local governments services will be developing agile employees, collecting and using information in decision-making as an ongoing process, purchasing state of the art computational systems, recognizing that all organizations have become mixed economy organizations - most successful organizations are no longer strictly "government," "private -non- profit," or "commercial." Local government will have to both customize services based on social and economic stratifications within their community even as it attempts to bring people together. The public increasingly holds all organizations to the same standard in terms of delivery of services. Local government will have to increasingly reward employees based on merit rather than seniority and take the continual training of employees more seriously. Most basically, however, in an era of tribalism and decentralization, municipal government will be the spearhead for the re-establishment of collective identity and purpose lacking in this lonely culture, where one out of five households has only one person in it and the average household has only 2.6 occupants. &0 References Drucker, Peter. 1993. Post -Capitalist Society. New York; Harper Business. Godbey, Geoffrey. 1998. Leisure and Leisure Services in the 21 n Century. State College, PA; Venture. Godbey, G.; A. Graefe; and S. James. 1992. The Benefits of Local Recreation and Park Services. A Nationwide Study of the Perceptions of the American Public. National Park and Recreation Association.- November. ssociation:November. PP. 13 1. Harper, J.; D. Neider; and G. Godbey. 1996. The Use and Benefits of Local Government Recreation and Park Services: A Canadian Perspective. Winnipeg: University of Manitoba. Hudnut, William. 1998- Cities on the Rebound - A Vision for Urban America. Washington, D.C.; The Urban Land Institute. Kunstler, James. 1996. Home from Nowhere - Remcking our Everyday World for the 21 n Century. New York; Simon and Schuster. _ Preiss, Kenneth; S. Goldman; and R. Nagel. 1996. Cooperate to Compete - Building Agile Business Relationships. New York; Van Norstrand Reinhold.