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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-06-10 Park Board PacketCity of Edina EDINA PARK BOARD Tuesday, June 10, 1997 7:30 p.m. City Council Chambers (NOT THE MANAGER'S CONFERENCE ROOM) AGENDA 1. Approval of May 13, 1997, Park Board meeting Minutes. 2. Senior Citizen Proposal. 3. Walnut Ridge Master Plan. 4. Park Referendum Update. 5. Other. *6. Adjournment. These are agenda items that require or request Park Board action. City Hall (612) 927-8861 4801 WEST 50TH STREET FAX (612) 927-7645 EDINA, MINNESOTA 55424-1394 TDD (612) 927-5461 Memo To: Edina Park Board. From: John Keprios, Director Edina Park and Recreation Department Date: June 5, 1997 Re: STAFF REPORT. Enclosed you should find the following items: 1. Tuesday, June 10, 1997, Park Board Agenda. 2. Tuesday, May 13, 1997, Park Board Minutes. 3. Parks Referendum Budget Update. 4. Memo to residents of Walnut Ridge Park. 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. SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER PROPOSAL At the May, 1997, Park Board meeting, this issue was tabled to the June meeting to give Park Board members more time to consider the issues at hand and to allow staff an opportunity to gather more information to answer questions presented by the Park Board. One of the questions concerned the exchange and ownership of property as part of the agreement with the YMCA. As it is currently proposed, the City of Edina would assume ownership of the land on which the footprint of the new senior center building would require. In addition, the City of Edina would own 20% of an undivided interest of the entire parking lot surrounding the YMCA complex. This property ownership would be similar to that of townhouse complex associations. It is anticipated that there would be little or no net gain or loss of property to the City of Edina in the exchange of property. With regards to the ballfield, there would not be sufficient space remaining in the park to allow for an adult softball field, however, there would be adequate space for a small size soccer field that would have an east/west orientation, which is workable but not desirable. The most desirable orientation of soccer fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, etc. in our hemisphere is a north/south orientation. There would just barely be enough space available for a small youth softball field, which could overlap the small soccer field. To refresh your memory on the details of this issue, please refer to the May Staff Report. If the Park Board agrees that the Senior Citizen Center should be moved to a new location, please know that in my professional opinion, this joint partnership project is the most affordable and realistic option that we can come up with at this time without having to suggest another referendum. If the Park Board has some reservations about this proposal, please know that there is no tremendous urgency to relocate the senior center at this time. I believe that the seniors themselves (who have been very patient with this issue) will be satisfied as long as the issue continues to move forward towards the best long-term resolution, as opposed to rushing into any quick fix. I further believe that the senior population would still prefer a better option, such as a free-standing facility of their own, however, I doubt that they would be willing to contribute any significant amount of money to help fund the project (i.e. revenue bonds backed by user fees). Obviously, there are further reaching financial implications (including ongoing maintenance) with this approach. My perception of the senior citizen customer to date is that they approve of the YMCA venture mainly because it is better than what they have now and they don't see any better opportunities being offered or proposed at this time. If the Park Board has serious reservations about this proposal, (i.e., the unknown success of a long-term relationship with the YMCA, the loss of identity, etc.) then I recommend that the Park Board reject this option and suggest another alternative. As mentioned at the May Park Board meeting, one alternative is to remain at the Community Center. If that is not an agreeable option (and that is a judgment call), then other alternatives need to be further explored. Park Board action is requested on this issue. WALNUT RIDGE PARK MASTER PLAN At the May Park Board meeting, the Park Board delayed any action on the proposed master plan for Walnut Ridge Park for the following concerns: • Availability of adequate Park Referendum Funds. • The need for adding a large park shelter building at Walnut Ridge Park. • Relocating the hockey rink (hockey rink boards are still in fair condition). • Neighborhood concern about future development, such as, a basketball court and/or hard surface area within the hockey rink. • Change in overall character of the park. Since the May Park Board meeting, Bobby Arnold (resident neighbor) has been generous in offering her time and energy to help me answer questions and respond to concerns of resident neighbors of Walnut Ridge Park. Mrs. Arnold has even organized a neighborhood input meeting for Saturday, June 7, 1997, to discuss all their issues and relay my recommendations. As you know, her husband, Jeff Arnold, has also been generous of his time by serving on the Park Shelter Building Task Force, which helped establish a common design for all four park shelter buildings. A big thank you to the Arnolds! To give concerned residents of the Walnut Ridge Park area a better idea of the proposed placement of the hockey rink and park shelter building, the Engineering Department has placed stakes in the ground that outline the footprint of the proposed locations. Residents plan on reviewing and discussing the proposed locations at their meeting on June 7. To date, I have heard concerns from the neighborhood that include: • Do not believe that a large shelter building is necessary. • Do not ever want a basketball court in place of the hockey rink. • If the hockey rink has to be moved, the rink should be located within visual site of the parking lot. • If moved, the hockey rink should be located in such manner that hockey players do not have to skate through a general pleasure skating area to reach the hockey rink. • Relocating the hockey rink to the south would destroy the natural beauty, openness and character of the park. • A new shelter building is not necessary - just add toilets. • Do not want restrooms left open and available to the public during daylight hours because of potential crime, loitering and additional park use by outsiders. • Do not want a hard surface area in the hockey rink (one resident called to express the opposite opinion). • Do not want to look at a large shelter building from my property. • The biggest issue continues to be the early morning outdoor ice maintenance schedule. • Do not want to encourage more use of the park than what already takes place. • Do not want a large building that will draw more events, programs and people to Walnut Ridge Park. Being that the number one concern of the immediate neighborhood is the early morning maintenance schedule, I have submitted a memo to the Walnut Ridge Park neighborhood (which Bobby Arnold kindly offered to distribute to her neighbors) that addresses the maintenance schedule. As you will note on your enclosed copy, I have made a commitment to the neighborhood to adjust the maintenance schedule on a trial basis to not arrive at the rink with personnel or equipment until 7:00 a.m. the entire season. We will evaluate the results throughout the season and make any recommendations for changes for the 1998-99 skating season. If the Park Board has concerns about this proposal, I would ask that we discuss it at the Park Board meeting. As for the proposed park shelter building, I am curious to know of additional concerns from the neighborhood as a result of their June 7 meeting. As you will notice in the Park Referendum Update staff report, I currently anticipate that we will be short $166,247, however, the remaining capital plan and developer's fund could jointly cover that shortfall. With several large projects still ahead of us, the shortfall figure could still fluctuate in either direction. I would ask that the Park Board hear out the neighbors concerns again before making any final recommendations to the City Council. I would suggest that there are the following options for Walnut Ridge Park: • Build and locate the park shelter building and relocate the hockey rink as proposed by staff. • Design a smaller shelter building with permanent restroom facilities. • Add one or two permanent restrooms to the existing shelter building. • Add a comfort station (similar to the one planned for Wooddale, Garden and Lake Cornelia Parks). • Maintain outdoor ice at Walnut Ridge Park no earlier than 7:00 a.m. and leave the hockey rink in its current location. • Do not build anything new (do nothing). At this point in time, I would ask that the Park Board consider all of the above options for Walnut Ridge Park and listen to the neighborhood concerns. If the overwhelming majority continue to be opposed to the large shelter building, then I would recommend that we do nothing for now. This is not to say that we always leave the park "underdeveloped." There is no doubt in my mind that Walnut Ridge is an underutilized park with great potential. Without neighborhood support, however, I strongly suggest that we save the dollars now and readdress the issue in the future if and when funding is available. Park Board action is requested on this issue. PARK REFERENDUM UPDATE As shown on the enclosed budget update, I currently anticipate that we will be approximately $216,247 short of needed funds to complete all proposed Park Referendum Projects, including the third indoor ice arena. As you may recall, the City Council approved an additional $135,000 worth of play equipment for the wading pool (we received $9,000 in return for the sale of the old equipment). The equipment was approved with the understanding that if we fall short of needed funds to complete proposed referendum projects, then at that time we will take out additional revenue bonds backed by Aquatic Center revenues to cover the additional $126,000 ($135,000 less the $9,000) for the play equipment. Therefore, without securing additional revenue bonds, our anticipated shortfall will be approximately $342,247. With the revenue bonds, the shortfall is anticipated to be approximately $216,247. The updated budget report reflects all other sources of revenue that have assisted in paying the cost of some of the projects, such as: • $250,000 from the Mighty Ducks Grant (Arena Project). • $16,000 from the Edina Federated Women's Club (Lake Cornelia Park Project). • $72,000 from the Community Development Block Grant Program (Bredesen Park Project). • $207,000 from the Developer's Fund (Aquatic Center Project - to be paid back to the Developer's Fund when revenues are available). • $5,000 from the Golden Years Montessori School (Weber Park Project). • Annual operating budget resources where available. We are obviously on a tight budget and will likely not be able to accomplish all the proposed projects with Park Referendum dollars. However, I would hope that eventually we will have a capital plan reinstated in the near future. The State Legislature has again mandated levy limits, which severely limits our ability to reinstate a capital plan in the near future. We may have to slightly adjust our priorities again to ensure that the most critical projects have adequate funding. The main question is whether or not to go forward with the Walnut Ridge Park shelter building project. OTHER One final note that complicates the funding issue is the challenge to secure adequate funds to develop Van Valkenburg neighborhood park and Fox Meadow Park. Neighbors have recently come forward and will soon be addressing the Park Board regarding their requests for development. For your information, I have hired an architect to establish concept schematic plans for Van Valkenburg Park and I have asked a resident neighbor to form a neighbor task force input committee. I have made no promises on the future funding of the plan, but at least we are moving forward. As for Fox Meadow Park, neighbors have organized a petition requesting development of that 3.84 acre site, which has remained undeveloped for years. I will keep you all informed of this issue as it progresses. EDINA PARK BOARD 7:30 p.m. May 13, 1997 MEMBERS PRESENT: Beth Hall, Dave Crowther, Andy Herring, Michael Burley, John Dovolis, Bill Jenkins, Phyllis, Kohler, Andrew Montgomery, Jean Rydell MEMBERS ABSENT: Becky Bennett STAFF PRESENT: John Keprios, Ed MacHolda, Janet Canton, Susan Weigle, John Valliere OTHERS PRESENT: Jane Michael, Kay Bach, Gayle Crow, Catherine Mulholland, Mary Jackson, Marti Nelson, Tom Chochrek, Lila Larson, Harold Larson, Jeanne Fish, Helen Honmyhr, Glenda Corrigan, Tom Asp, Torrey Asp, Kim Sannerud, Pam Cabalka, Kate Donnelly Schenider, Jane Hesslein, Larry Leistiko I. APPROVAL OF THE APRIL 8, 1997 PARK BOARD MINUTES Bill Jenkins MOVED TO APPROVE THE APRIL 8, 1997 PARK BOARD MINUTES. Jean Rydell SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED. H. SPIKELESS GOLF SHOES - BRAEMAR AND FRED RICHARDS GOLF COURSES. Mr. Keprios indicated that staff would like a recommendation from the Park Board to go ahead and implement the spikeless golf shoe proposal at both Braemar Golf Course and the Fred Richards Golf Course effective the beginning of the 1998 golf season. This way it would allow staff a full year to inform their customers and give them enough warning to have spikeless shoes. Mr. Keprios pointed out that as you will notice from the staff report, spike golf shoes do cause a lot of harm, especially on public golf courses that receive a high volume of play. He stated that a lot of golf courses have already implemented this policy. Mr. Valliere passed around samples of both the stainless steel spikes as well as the new soft spikes. Mr. Valliere explained to the Park Board how the steel spikes tend to tear up the greens and also pointed out that according to the rules spike marks cannot be repaired, therefore, when a putt is towards the cup it tends to be deviated by spike marks. The soft spikes, however, do not seem to do that kind of damage to the greens. Mr. Keprios stated that one down side is the possibility of golfers losing their footing in wet conditions, which can result in falls. Mr. Valliere commented that last year signs were placed at Braemar Golf Course which indicated they highly advocate the use of the spikeless golf shoes. Therefore, in 1998 they would like to move to the next step and say that our golf facilities are spikeless facilities. However, if someone shows up with spikes they will encourage them to use soft shoes, they will not flat out prohibit someone from playing. It was noted that at this time they are asking for approval to move in that direction. Mr. Fee indicated that he is in agreement with Mr. Valliere but has a couple of comments. First, there is a liability issue involved in this and noted that at the Edina Country Club they are talking about having signs posted that indicate some areas are slippery when it's wet. Also, from a legal standpoint they indicated that they banned the spike shoes but didn't say you had to wear soft spike shoes. However, if something were to happen he doesn't know how much that will protect you. Mr. Dovolis commented that he agrees posting signs is very important Mr. Fee brought up the point that there have also been a tremendous amount of lawsuits with spike shoes with people falling or slipping on the tile, carpeting, etc. He stated that lawsuits are going to happen regardless of which spikes are used. Mr. Herring asked Mr. Valliere if they will sell soft spikes as well as install them. Mr. Valliere replied they will sell them as well as replace them for a nominal fee and possibly have a promotion day or two at reduced rates. Mr. Fee MOVED THAT PARK BOARD ACCEPT STAFF'S RECOMMENDATION TO BAN METAL SPIKES FROM THE CITY GOLF COURSES AND THAT STAFF MAKE SURE THAT THEY LOOK INTO THE APPROPRIATE DISCLOSURE AND DISCLAIMER RELATIVE TO THE SOFT SPIKES EFFECTIVE NEXT SEASON. John Dovolis SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. III. SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER PROPOSAL Mr. Keprios gave a presentation on the Senior Center proposal. After the presentation he indicated that staff would like the Park Board to make a proposal to the City Council to adopt in concept the joint venture with the YMCA. Mr. Keprios explained the plan would be to fund it through revenue bonds if approved by the City Council. The revenue bonds would be backed by liquor store profits and, if those profits fall short, it would be picked up by the general fund. Mr. Keprios indicated that he is not asking at this time for the approval of the purchasing or spending vehicle but is asking for the adoption of the senior center venture with the YMCA in concept. 2 Mr. Dovolis asked Ms. Weigle how the senior citizen group feels about this joint venture. Ms. Weigle replied that the Senior Advisory Council is here tonight and they are 100% in favor of some sort of move because there is a whole segment of the population that is not being served. Mr. Burley asked how many participants are there with the Edina Senior Center and it was noted there are currently 1,600 members but how many people actually participate varies from day to day. Mr. Montgomery asked how the move would impact Community Education. Ms. Weigle explained that Community Education would come with them as far as their classes are concerned. However, the YMCA has asked that there be an agreement that any type of exercise or physical fitness classes would be done through the YMCA. Ms. Hall asked if the YMCA is planning on staying at that location for a long time. Mr. Keprios indicated that currently the YMCA is proposing to do their own fund raiser to add on an additional pool, some gymnasium space as well as meeting rooms. Therefore, they are planning on staying at that location for a long time. Ms. Weigle pointed out they did a study of the surrounding community senior centers and Edina does fall short as far as facilities. Programs, however, they match up pretty well. Ms. Rydell indicated that her only concern is that the Edina Senior Center is going to lose its identity and become part of the YMCA. Mr. Fee asked if the Edina Senior Center name would be on the building. Ms. Weigle commented that one of the issues talked about with the YMCA was they would not use the city name and they would not use YMCA, it would have a name of its own. Ms. Hall asked why they are against using the word Edina and Ms. Weigle explained it's not using the word "Edina" but using "City of Edina". Mr. Burley asked if there is an option to do a stand alone building and it was noted that a free standing building would cost considerably more and would also change the City's responsibility for ongoing maintenance expenses. Ms. Weigle indicated that what is appealing to the majority is the location, it's on the bus line and on the ground floor, as well as the YMCA would do all of the maintenance. Mr. Burley asked why is the YMCA so motivated to have us involved, are they hoping to get more members. Ms. Weigle responded she thinks that is part of it and they are looking to the future because she thinks they see baby boomers becoming a huge senior population. Mr. Keprios added that it would also add to their expansion and they would have access to the senior square footage after the senior center is closed for the day. Mr. Herring indicated that the last information he had was of a survey of the Edina Senior Center and they gave the senior center a very high mark. Ms. Rydell commented that she thinks the Senior Center has always had very high mark, it's the location of the building and she can understand the third floor being a problem. Ms. Weigle added that it's not only the location being on the third floor but also the parking lot is a huge problem. 3 Mr. Montgomery asked Mr. Keprios what will be left of Yorktown Park because he is concerned about the softball diamond. Mr. Keprios explained that the tennis courts are gone. However, they may still be able to have a youth ball field but it will not be enough space for an adult field. Mr. Montgomery asked if there would be enough space for a soccer field and Mr. Keprios replied he will look into that. Ms. Hall asked if it would be possible to watch over the 43 spaces at the YMCA for just the Senior Center. Ms. Weigle noted that most of the seniors are gone by 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and the YMCA's busiest programs are from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Ms. Weigle also commented that 43 spaces wouldn't be enough but it is more than the 16 they currently have. Ms. Kohler pointed out that the YMCA is in the Richfield School District so you might have to program with Richfield's Community Education and not the Edina School Districts. Ms. Bach indicated that she thinks a free standing building with tons of parking would be everyone's first choice, however, that does not appear to be doable at this time. Mr. Burley stated that he is a little uncomfortable with the arrangement at the YMCA because in his experience with the YMCA is it is not that well run of a facility and he worries about kids getting into the Senior Center. Mr. Burley asked is there some way to guarantee that the senior citizen items will be protected because in his opinion there is not enough employees at the YMCA to watch everything. Mr. Montgomery asked is the intent of the motion now to approve the concept or continue discussions and look at some of the things that Mr. Burley is concerned about. Mr. Keprios replied that if the Park Board does not want to approve this in concept then staff would like to know what other recommendations the Park Board might have in mind. Mr. Fee asked Ms. Weigle if she is in favor of this and whether or not she thinks this is the best alternative. Ms. Weigle replied she is very much in favor of this and if they cannot have their own free standing building then yes, this is the best alternative. Mr. Fee asked Ms. Weigle how long she has been the Director of the Senior Center and she replied for 19 years. Mr. Dovolis asked if this would be a lease with the YMCA and Mr. Keprios replied it would be a legal written agreement in which the City would own its parcel of land on which the senior center rests. Mr. Dovolis asked what happens if all of a sudden there are issues and you need more than 43 parking spaces, etc. He indicated that to him there is a lot of down he can see. Maybe this is the best alternative, however, if you tie it into some sort of a long-term agreement and the program continues to grow and we are tied into a shortage of parking, we may not be looking down the road far enough. Mr. Keprios commented that one of the issues raised in the presentation is the potential disadvantage of what if you run into a divorce situation where the agreement we find out wasn't ideal like 4 we were hoping it would be is a risk we are taking. Mr. Dovolis commented what if all of a sudden there is a change in the manager of the YMCA and all of a sudden it ends up a controversial relationship, or a change of employees, whatever. Mr. Crowther asked what the time frame is projected on this project because it seems like there is some urgency all of a sudden. Mr. Keprios replied there really is no deadline, however, the seniors have been very, very patient in asking us to come up with a plan. We have researched a lot of options and this is the best option we've been able to come up with so far. Mr. Herring asked if there is any real property that's going to change hands in this deal. Mr. Herring asked if the proposal then is to leave the ownership so the city will own the parking lot and the YMCA will own the building. Mr. Keprios stated that the city will own the property that the senior center sits on and it might be the case that we are going to give up some of our land to accommodate the YMCA's expansion. Mr. Herring stated that he would like to know what the proposal is because it does look there will be some property exchange. Mr. Keprios noted that he will look into that. Mr. Herring again stated that the last information he had regarding the senior center was very positive feedback with respect to the existing senior center. He noted that the space is currently available and is being used and he thinks it's a good environment. Mr. Herring stated that he does understand the concerns with the third floor and he is trying to weigh the things about the community center that are not as good as spending 1.1 million dollars in building a new facility. Mr. Herring commented that he does like the idea of a joint venture with the YMCA but he does have some concerns. Mr. Burley MOVED THAT THE PARK BOARD TABLE THE ISSUE UNTIL THERE IS MORE INFORMATION AVAILABLE. John Dovolis SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO TABLE THE ISSUE UNTIL THE JUNE 10TH PARK BOARD MEETING. IV. TODD PARK MASTER PLAN Mr. Keprios indicated that recently there was a meeting with the Todd Park neighborhood residents regarding the master plan. It was noted that there was no one in attendance at the Park Board meeting from the Todd Park neighborhood. Therefore, Dave Crowther MOVED TO ACCEPT THE STAFF RECOMMENDATION FOR TODD PARK. Beth Hall SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. V. HEIGHTS PARK MASTER PLAN Mr. Keprios gave a presentation to the Park Board on Heights Park. 5 Mr. Montgomery indicated that he walked around the park and he agrees where the revised location of the basketball court is proposed to go does make sense. He commented that seems to be the only controversial issue with this neighborhood park. John Dovolis MOVED TO APPROVE STAFF'S RECOMMENDATION FOR THE HEIGHTS PARK MASTER PLAN. Andy Herring SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. A resident asked if the park benches could be moved and Mr. Keprios replied they can do that. A resident asked what the possibility would be of putting in an ice rink. Mr. Keprios indicated that there used to be a rink flooded at Heights Park approximately 8 or 9 years ago and no one ever skated there. Also, it is an extreme maintenance cost in flooding a rink. A resident pointed out that he would advise increasing the size of the Normandale skating rink because it is not that far away and there is a warming house there. Mr. Keprios indicated that they hope to regrade and enlarge the Normandale Park general skating area this fall. VI. WALNUT RIDGE PARK MASTER PLAN Mr. Keprios gave a presentation to the Park Board on the Walnut Ridge Master Plan. He indicated that over 200 notices were sent out to the Walnut Ridge Park neighborhood. Mr. Keprios indicated that a lot of the residents have asked how important is it to move the hockey rink. He explained that one of the problems with the current location of the existing building is we have to create a flooded area across that pathway which creates a slippery hazard for those who walk the path in the winter. He stated that some rubber surfacing could be put across the area but that isn't always the best alternative. Also, for access to utilities, access to sewer, water, electricity and access to maintenance from the parking lot it makes the most sense to move the shelter building. Mr. Keprios also pointed out that more lighting is needed for the general skating area. He stated that the main reason for relocating the skating rink is to create the best location for the shelter building. Mr. Keprios explained that the current hockey rink is either 7 or 8 years old and we try to replace the hockey rinks on a 10 to 11 year schedule. Therefore, we could get two or three more years out of this hockey rink if we really needed to. However, if we built a new rink we might be able to salvage some of material from the current rink A resident asked what the additional cost would be to put asphalt in the hockey rink and Mr. Keprios replied it cost approximately $20,000. A resident asked if the rink would have a view from the parking lot itself because a lot of parents sit and wait for their kids. Mr. Keprios replied there would be very little view. He 6 explained that part of the reason for placing the rink where it's proposed is we want to keep it far enough away from the building to avoid hockey pucks The residents asked Mr. Keprios to show them different aspects of the hockey rink, general skating rink and warming house. Mr. Montgomery indicated that he has a concern in that do we need to relocate the hockey rink at this time because it looks like it's still in fairly good condition. He asked whether the house could be put in such a position that you don't have to take down the existing hockey rink Glenda Corrigan, resident, indicated that her house backs right up to the park and she is not quite sure where the new shelter building is going to be located. She also stated that she doesn't know why they have to move it other than Mr. Keprios indicated that it's dangerous where the ice currently is. Mr. Keprios pointed out on the map where they are looking at placing the warming house and Ms. Corrigan asked if it could moved a little bit. Mr. Keprios replied that the new shelter building could be placed in a location that would not require relocating the hockey rink, however, that would require a longer utility run, which is a lot of money and it would not be his recommendation. A resident stated that one of the nice things about Walnut Ridge Park is that it's very wide and open and if the hockey rink is moved it will block the view from the park across the path to the wetland, which is full of birds nesting and the view is gorgeous. Therefore, you are in effect putting up boards and you are separating this kind expansive wilderness that currently is only separated by a few feet of asphalt and that concerns her. Kate Donelly-Schneider, resident, indicated that what she is not understanding is what is the cost of water and sewer that effects this and is it worth breaking up the beauty of the park. Mr. Dovolis indicated that when it comes to sewer and water if you are lengthening it in any way, it's a major expense compared to moving a hockey rink. Mr. Keprios indicated that everyone makes excellent points and it's the staffs proposal to kill a couple of birds with one stone. Mr. Keprios pointed out that they had an architect look at the park who, without knowing the history of the park, proposed the location of the building, which would require relocation of the hockey rink. A resident stated that they all feel very, very strongly about keeping the activities confined to a certain area for a certain part of the year. Mr. Montgomery stated that he would like to get more involved in this issue and the Park Board needs to put some more thought into it. John Dovolis MOVED TO TABLE THE WALNUT RIDGE PARK MASTER PLAN. Andrew Herring SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 7 It was noted that the Walnut Ridge Master Park Plan issue will be on the June 10th Park Board Agenda. Mr. Keprios stated that what he thinks he is hearing from the Walnut Ridge neighborhood is that they are okay with all that is proposed with the exception of the hard surface area and the relocation of the hockey rink. VII. PARK REFERENDUM UPDATE Mr. Keprios pointed out to the Park Board that the City Council just approved $479,000 worth of playground equipment. Mr. Keprios indicated that we originally had hoped to save ourselves some money by doing a lot of the concrete ring work ourselves. However, we are not meeting a lot of expectations because when people see construction that want it done now. Therefore, we have since decided we are going to contract out a lot more than we were originally hoping. In some cases, the community is wanting to see quicker progress. Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that the playground equipment is in at Countryside Park. Mr. Herring questioned the current status of the referendum budget. Mr. Keprios stated that he would have a written update in time for the June Park Board meeting. Mr. Montgomery asked what is status with the baseball fields at Countryside Park and Garden Park. Mr. Keprios indicated that six weeks ago there was a meeting with Jon Edwards, Jim Donohue, Ed MacHolda, Vince Cockriel, Wayne Houle and himself. The Baseball Association was told six weeks ago that our goal is to get it done by the first week of May but you better bank on May 15'h to have everything done. For Garden Park it will be June 15'h. Mr. Keprios stated that we are going to make the deadline for May 15'' for Countryside and we are going to be ready earlier than June 15th for Garden Park. Mr. Montgomery asked what the status is with the Courtney Baseball Fields Complex and Mr. Keprios replied that Wayne Houle assures him that we will have bids in hand by the middle of June which means it will be awarded in plenty of time for them to have their trucks out there that third week in July like we promised. Mr. Keprios indicated that he is looking for a volunteer or two to meet with him regarding priority use of public facilities. He stated that he is studying a policy that's been adopted by the City of Eden Prairie with regards to their facilities. He noted that it is 8 pages long and he is working on revisions that best meet our needs. Mr. Herring and Mr. Montgomery indicated they would help Mr. Keprios with the project. VIII. ADJOURNMENT Dave Crowther MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 9:20 P.M. John Dovolis SECONDED THE MOTION. MEETING ADJOURNED. 8 Memo To: Residents of Walnut Ridge Park. From:John Keprios, Direct r YP Date: June 4, 1997 Re: Outdoor ice maintenance schedule. There continues to be a serious concern regarding the time �f day that Park Maintenance personnel arrive to sweep and flood the outdoor ice skating rink and hockey rink. Therefore, for the 1997-98 outdoor skating season, I intend to adjust the scheduling of the outdoor ice maintenance so thal no equipment or personnel arrive at the rink site at Walnut Ridge Park until 7:00 a.m. from the beginning of the ice making season until the end. We will do this on an experimental basis and evaluate ihe results at the end of the season. I am confident that our maintenance personnel can adjust to this schedule, however, the overall quality of the outdoor ice, as well as the start of the season most likely will be compromised. To build a thick base of ice early in the season (immediately following Thanksgiving weekend at the earliest), the outdoor temperatures and orientation of the sun are such that it is almost essential to apply water during pre -dawn conditions. Water that is applied after the -2 - sun is high in the sky early and late in the season does not freeze as rapidly (especially along north facing areas of outdoor hockey rinks). Obviously, much of the success of building and maintaining quality outdoor ice is dependent upon the weather conditions. If it snows any appreciable amounts, the schedule is obviously adversely affected and the problems are compounded. Another critical reason for maintaining outdoor rinks early in the day has been due to the fact that children skate on the ice as soon as the sun comes up. This is not always the case at every rink, however, in most cases the children are eager and anxious to get on the rinks early in the season during the holidays, even though the warming house buildings are not scheduled to open until 12:00 noon. With a minimum start time of 7:00 a.m. (including the beginning of the ice base building season), residents need to know that the Walnut Ridge Park outdoor rink may not have safe ice to skate on until January. With cold daytime temperatures in December, the rink could be ready for use by December 20th. The overall quality of the ice could be somewhat less than what has been expected, however, again much of it is dependent upon on the weather conditions. With this commitment to start no earlier than 7:00 a.m., please know that Walnut Ridge Park will not be the only rink affected by this change. Three other rinks will also be affected by this later start time. The results of this trial schedule will be evaluated throughout the winter and the issue may have to be revisited again prior to the 1998-99 skating season. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at 826-0367. Many thanks. EDINA PARKS REFERENDUM PROJECTS LISTED BY PROJECT IN PRIORITY *=project completed; **=project under construction. 220,000 ENTERPRISE FACILITIES: 220,000 **EDINA AQUATIC CENTER 1,425,395 EDINA ART CENTER 75,000 WIPPERMANN GUN RANGE 50,000 **BRAEMAR WEST ARENA 952,633 TOTAL 2,503,028 2,503,028 PARK SHELTER BUILDINGS Cornelia School Park 220,000 Todd Park 220,000 Walnut Ridge Park 220,000 Weber Park 220,000 TOTAL 880,000 880,000 COMFORT STATIONS Garden Park 80,000 Lake Cornelia Park 80,000 Wooddale 80,000 TOTAL 240,000 240,000 FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM: Tupa Park (Grange Hall and Cahill School) 16,000 TOTAL 16,000 16,000 BASKETBALL COURTS *Alden Park 12,000 *Chowen Park 17,320 Heights Park 8,000 *Normandale Park 14,000 *Strachauer Park 13,000 Weber Park 13,000 TOTAL 77,320 77,320 BALL FIELD LIGHTING: *Courtney Ball Fields (Braemar Park) TOTAL 75,000 75,000 75,000 ROOF REPAIR *Creek Valley Park 17,805 TOTAL 17,805 17,805 PATHWAY REPAIR/ADDITIONS: *Alden Park 6,638 Arden Park 8,000 Arneson Acres Park (asphalt pathway) 12,000 *Arneson Acres Park (concrete sidewalk & patio) 9,726 Birchcrest Park 1,000 Braemar Park 6,000 *Bredesen Park 7,000 *Chowen Park (around playground equipment) 3,000 Cornelia School Park 18,000 Creek Valley Park 3,000 Heights Park 6,000 Lake Cornelia Park 20,000 Lake Edina Park 15,000 McGuire Park (around playground equipment) 3,000 *Normandale Park (from parking lot to building) 1,000 *Strachauer Park 3,000 Todd Park (new path around the park) 35,000 Utley Park 1,000 Walnut Ridge Park 20,000 Weber Park 6,000 Yorktown Park 3,000 TOTAL 187,364 187,364 REPLACE WALKING BRIDGE: Heights Park 23,000 Walnut Ridge Park 28,500 TOTAL 51,500 51,500 TENNIS COURTS: *Countryside Park 39,470 **Highlands Park 40,120 *Lake Cornelia Park 28,070 *Todd Park 20,420 TOTAL 128,080 128,080 PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT: Arden Park 50,616 Birchcrest Park 50,616 Braemar Park 50,616 Countryside Park 48,066 Garden Park 50,616 Highlands Park 50,616 Lake Cornelia Park 209,057 Strachauer Park 44,433 Tingdale Park 50,616 Todd Park 50,616 Walnut Ridge Park 50,616 Weber Park 70,000 TOTAL 776,484 776,484 REPAIR/REPLACE FENCING Alden Park 1,500 *Birchcrest Park 2,300 *Chowen Park 5,000 *Countryside Park 8,000 Garden Park 30,000 Courtney Ball Fields (Braemar Park) 40,000 Cornelia School Park 15,000 Heights Park 1,400 Highlands Park 1,500 *St. John's Park 2,300 *Tingdale Park 2,300 Todd Park 1,500 Walnut Ridge Park 1,500 Weber Park 15,000 Wooddale Park 1,500 York Park 1,500 TOTAL 130,300 130,300 PARKING LOT REPAIR/ADDITION Lake Cornelia Park 45,000 *Normandale Park 12,000 *Strachauer Park 24,820 Weber Park 50,000 TOTAL 131,820 131,820 Ll ROOF FOR GREENHOUSE: *Arneson Acres Park 7,500 TOTAL 7,500 SPIRAL STAIRCASE: Courtney Ball Fields Concessions Building 5,000 TOTAL 5,000 HOCKEY RINK BOARDS & FENCING: Cornelia School Park 20,000 *Lewis Park 23,000 *Normandale Park 20,000 Strachauer Park 20,000 Weber Park 20,000 TOTAL 103,000 ASPHALT HOCKEY RINK: *Lewis Park 18,000 *Normandale Park 18,000 TOTAL 36,000 OUTDOOR HOCKEY RINK LIGHTS: Cornelia School Park TOTAL CONCRETE APRON AROUND PARK SHELTER BUILDING: *Normandale Park *Strachauer Park TOTAL PARK SHELTER BLDG. REPAIR: Arden Park (brick wall; soffit & facia) Strachauer Park (furnace) TOTAL 5,000 5,000 10,000 7,500 5,000 103,000 36,000 18,000 10,000 8,000 1.500 9,500 9,500 BALL FIELD & GROUNDS IRRIGATION Arneson Acres Park 40,000 *Braemar Park Soccer Field 10,620 Cornelia School Park (3 fields) 18,000 *Countryside Park 9,800 Courtney Ball Fields (Braemar Park) 25,000 *Garden Park (softball field) 6,111 Highlands Park 12,000 Lake Cornelia Park (softball field) 5,000 Pamela Park 20,000 Wooddale Park 2,500 TOTAL 149,031 149,031 REGRADE BASEBALL FIELD *Countryside Park 19,115 Courtney Ball Fields (Braemar Park) 150,000 Garden Park 20,000 TOTAL 189,115 189,115 REGRADE SOFTBALL FIELD: *Garden Park (remove asphalt & add culdesac) 15,000 Pamela Park (3 fields) 80,000 TOTAL 95,000 95,000 COOKING GRILLS: *Lake Cornelia Park 7,500 *Utley Park 1,000 TOTAL 8,500 8,500 PARK BENCHES *Birchcrest Park (2) 500 *Chowen Park (3) 750 *Sherwood Park (3) 750 TOTAL 2,000 2,000 REBUILD DUGOUTS: Countryside Park 8,000 Courtney Ball Fields (Braemar Park) 32,000 TOTAL 40,000 40,000 PLAYER BENCHES: Garden Park softball and baseball fields 27000 Highlands Park 1,500 TOTAL 3,500 3,500 WIDEN SOCCER FIELD: *Braemar Park 20,000 Pamela Park 20 000 TOTAL 40,000 40,000 SANITARY SEWER HOOK-UP: Arneson Acres Park 6,000 TOTAL 6,000 6,000 BURY UTILITY LINES & ADD STREET LIGHT Arden Park 7,000 TOTAL 7,000 7,000 REPLACE PARK LIGHTS Arden Park 14,000 TOTAL 14,000 14,000 ASPHALT HOCKEY RINK: Cornelia School Park 18,000 Weber Park 18,000 TOTAL 36,000 36.000 STRIPE PARKING LOT: *Chowen Park 600 Highlands Park 500 TOTAL 1,100 1,100 REPLACE BLEACHERS Cornelia School Park 3,000 Todd Park 3,000 Wooddale Park 3,000 TOTAL 9,000 9,000 BALL FIELD & GROUNDS IRRIGATION Arden Park 2,000 Strachauer Park (soccer field) 5,000 Todd Park 4,000 Tupa Park 1,500 Weber Park (3 softball fields) 16,000 TOTAL 28,500 28,500 PARK SHELTER BLDG. IMPROVEMENT: Lewis Park (improve restrooms/add outside doors) 50,000 Creek Valley Park (exterior wall) 3,000 TOTAL 53,000 53,000 BATTING CAGES: Courtney Ball Fields (Braemar Park) 5,000 Van Valkenburg Park 10,000 TOTAL 15,000 15,000 REPLACE MAINTENANCE GARAGE: Courtney Ball Fields (Braemar Park) 18,000 TOTAL 18,000 18,000 IMPROVED ENTRANCE TO PARK.- Arneson ARK:Arneson Acres Park (new island entrance) 8,000 TOTAL 8,000 8,000 PICNIC SHELTER/GAZEBO Braemar Park 20,000 Pamela Park 20,000 TOTAL 40,000 40,000 PERMANENT PICNIC TABLE: McGuire Park 800 Sherwood Park 800 TOTAL 1,600 1,600 CONCRETE APRON AROUND PARK SHELTER BUILDING: Countryside Park 3,000 Creek Valley Park 4,000 TOTAL 7,000 7,000 BENCHES, FENCING, ETC Cornelia School Park 3,000 Garden Park 3,000 Highlands Park 4,500 Kojetin Park 500 Lake Cornelia Park 5,000 Pamela Park 15,000 Sherwood Park 1,200 Todd Park 5,000 Wooddale Park 6,000 TOTAL 43,200 43,200 PARK I.D. SIGN Arden Park 1,500 Birchcrest Park 1,500 Chowen Park 1,500 Cornelia School Park 1,500 Countryside Park 1,500 Creek Valley Park 1,500 Heights Park 1,500 McGuire Park 1,500 Pamela Park (2 signs) 3,000 Sherwood Park 1,500 Tingdale Park 1,500 Walnut Ridge Park 1,500 Wooddale Park 1,500 York Park 1,500 Yorktown Park 1,500 TOTAL 24,000 24,000 GRAND TOTAL 6,242,247 FUNDING SOURCE AND SHORTFALL GENERAL PARK REFERENDUM 5,500,000 EARNED INTEREST ON REFERENDUM 400,000 TOTAL CURRENT BUDGET GRAND TOTAL TOTAL REFERENDUM DOLLARS CURRENT BUDGET SHORTFALL CURRENT SHORTFALL AQUATIC CENTER REVENUE BONDS SHORTFALL WITH REVENUE BONDS Page 9 of 9 5,900,000 6,242,247 (5,900,000) 342,247 342,247 (126,000) 216,247 Memo To: Edina Park Board. From: John Keprios, Directr Edina Park and Recreati n Department Date: June 10, 1997 Re: GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION SCHEDULE. Please know that there are currently two Grand Openings scheduled to celebrate the opening of the newly renovated Edina Aquatic Center and the playground equipment at Lake Cornelia Park, specifically: 1. A Grand Opening Celebration event for specifically the Edina Aquatic Center facility to be held at Lake Cornelia Park at the pool on July 4th immediately following the parade. 2. Another Grand Opening Celebration ceremony on Thursday, July 24, in the evening at the start of the Edina Family Jamboree at Lake Cornelia Park. EDINA AQUATIC CENTER GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION The July 4th Grand Opening at the Edina Aquatic Center will celebrate the completion of the: • Bathhouse and concessions stand. • Filtration system. • Enlarged zero -depth entry wading pool. • New expanded water play equipment in the wading pool. The celebration event will include: • Cake and ice cream. • Aquatic games in the water for children. • balloons and banner. • Speeches from dignitaries. LAKE CORNELIA PARK PLAYGROUND GRAND OPENING The Lake Cornelia Park Playground Grand Opening Celebration is scheduled for Thursday, July 24th, 1997, at 6:30 p.m. The general contractor assures us that all of the playground equipment will be installed and playable by that date. INA The Grand Opening also coincides with the Annual Edina Family Jamboree Event, which is a wonderful family event to celebrate the finale of the playground program. All children who have participated in the summer playground program, along with their parents, are invited to attend an evening of entertainment, food, beverages and a variety of playground programs. This annual event will have well over 200 people in attendance and the entertainment includes: • The Big Fun Show with David Walbridge (magic, juggling, comedy and more). • Clowns and other roving entertainers. • Rented equipment from Fun Services, which include a moon walk, dunk tank and electronic basketball. • Playground leaders lead the children in quick art projects. • Food includes snow cones, popcorn, pop and hot dogs. This annual event replaced the Playground Olympics several years ago and has been a huge well -attended success. The Grand Opening Celebration will again include a ribbon cutting ceremony and speeches from dignitaries. This will also be another great opportunity to publicly thank the Edina Federated Women's Club for their significant financial support over the years to this playground site. I invite all Park Board members to attend and join in the fun and celebration of these exciting facility grand openings.