HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-08-13 Park Board Packetr�
City of Edina
EDINA PARK BOARD
Tuesday, August 13, 1996
7:15 p.m. - KOJETIN PARK DEDICATION
(meet at Kojetin Park, 4201 W. 44th St.)
8:00 p.m. - PARK TOUR
(depart from City Hall)
9:00 p.m. - PARK BOARD MEETING
(Managers Conference Room, City Hall)
A G E N D A
* 1. Approval of June 11, 1996, Park Board meeting minutes.
2. Edina Aquatic Center Dome Proposal Update.
3. Lake Edina Park Playground Equipment Update.
4. Chowen Park Basketball Court Lights.
5. Strachauer Park Plans and Neighborhood Meeting Results.
6. Other.
* 7. 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
CITY OF EDINA
PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM
DATE: August 5, 1996
TO: All Park Board Members
FROM: John Keprios, Director
SUBJECT: Staff report for upcoming Park Board meeting.
Enclosed you should find the following items:
1. August 13, 1996, Park Board Agenda.
2. June 11, 1996, Park Board Minutes.
3. Letter to residents of Chowen Park.
4. Letter to residents of Strachauer 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.
KOJETIN PARK DEDICATION
As recommended by the Edina Park Board at the June meeting, there
will be an official dedication of the Robert Kojetin Park at
7:15 p.m. at the Park site. Every Park Board member should have
already received a formal invitation to this dedication. Please
meet at the Park for the 7:15 p.m. ceremony, which should last
roughly 30 minutes followed by refreshments.
PARK TOUR
Following the Kojetin Park Dedication, I ask that Park Board
members drive to Edina City Hall and board the bus for a brief
tour of some parks. The tour will include various park sites
that have been recently under construction:
1) Normandale Park
2) Chowen Park
3) Alden Park
4) Strachauer Park
EDINA AQUATIC CENTER DOME PROPOSAL UPDATE
The Edina Swim Club has withdrawn their request to purchase
(through fund-raising) and install a dome for the Edina Aquatic
Center.
LAKE EDINA PARK PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT UPDATE
At the June Park Board meeting, the Park Board approved staff's
recommendation to currently not install playground equipment at
Lake Edina Park. Further, it was the Park Board's consensus to
• consider future development of Lake Edina Park.
Staff will give a verbal report on the progress of this matter at
the meeting.
-2-
CHOWEN PARK BASKETBALL COURT LIGHTS
On July 26, 1996, we mailed a letter (copy enclosed) to 111
residents of Chowen Park to request feedback regarding the
installation of lights for the Chowen Park basketball court. The
111 residents were those who live within approximately 500 feet
of the Park.
The overall response has been approximately 50% in favor and 500
against the idea. The most common concern among those who are
not in favor of the lights is that it will attract
"non-residents" to their park. At this time, staff recommends
that we not install lights, however, not to say that we should
not consider the possibility in the future.
STRACHAUER PARR PLANS AND NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING RESULTS
On July 26, 1996, we mailed a letter (copy enclosed) to 293
residents of Strachauer Park to invite them to a community input
meeting regarding the development plans for Strachauer Park.
Some residents have already responded to me in writing and by
phone. The overwhelming majority of the residents at this time
are very much in favor of all the proposed improvements.
Staff will give a verbal report to the Park Board of the
Strachauer Park meeting results.
•
City of Edina
July 26, 1996
Dear Resident of Chowen Park Neighborhood:
The purpose of this letter is to get community input regarding
the plan to install lighting for the soon to be rebuilt
basketball court at Chowen Park.
Based on previous community input, there have been requests to
install outdoor lighting for the basketball court at Chowen
Park. After mentioning the proposed plan to some residents in
the Chowen Park neighborhood at various civic meetings, I have
not received any negative responses, only favorable. Even so, I
simply want to be sure that all immediate resident neighbors of
Chowen Park are aware of this proposal and to request your input.
The plan is to erect two 40 foot poles (both on the east side of
the court) and install two lights on each pole. The lights would
be on a timer that would automatically turn off the lights and
could not be turned on again after a specific time. In addition,
a light sensor would be installed which would not allow users to
turn on lights before dark. The push button switch would be on a
timed basis, whereas, the lights would stay on for 20 or 30
minutes and automatically shut off until the button is pushed
again.
The lights themselves would allow for only 25 foot-candles of
light on the court surface, which is similar to the candle power
used on Edina's outdoor hockey rinks. The fixtures will have the
very best glare control and spill control capacity on the
market. In other words, surrounding houses should not have any
spill light in their yards or glare nuisance due to these new
light fixtures.
My perception is that the overwhelming majority of the
neighborhood is in favor of this park amenity, however, I would
appreciate hearing from all concerned residents regarding this
park improvement. Please feel free to write or call me as soon
as possible. If I do not receive a large number of objections to
this park improvement within the next two weeks, we will go
forward and install the lights as described above.
Thank you in advance for your input.
Sincerely,
John Kepr/ s, Director
Edina Park and Recreation Department
City Hall (612) 927-8861
4801 WEST 50TH STREET FAX (612) 927-7645
EDINA, MINNESOTA 55424-1394 TDD (612) 927-5461
City of Edina
July 26, 1996
Dear Resident of Strachauer Park Neighborhood:
The purpose of this letter is to get community input regarding
park improvement plans for Strachauer Park. I ask that concerned
neighborhood residents either write me a letter and/or attend the
following community input meeting:
Thursday, August 8, 1996
7:00 P.M.
City Council Chambers
Edina City Hall
4801 West 50th Street
At the community input meeting, drawings of the park design will
be presented, which will show locations of the following proposed
park amenities:
1. basketball court
2. playground equipment
• 3. soccer field (add irrigation)
4. parking lot
5. hockey rink
6. accessible pathway from warming house to playground
Based on previous community input, there have been requests to
install a hockey rink and a parking lot. In addition, there have
been several requests to replace all the playground equipment.
These improvements will be financed by the Park Improvement Bond
Issue funds which were approved by Edina voters on May 7, 1996,
by a margin of 77a.
Your input is extremely valuable in the planning process for your
neighborhood park. If you do not plan to attend this community
input meeting but have concerns regarding the park improvement
plan, please send me a letter so that I have written record of
your input.
Thank you in advance for your input.
Sincerely,
c�ohn Keprios, Director
Edina Park and Recreation Department
City Hall (612) 927-8861
4801 WEST 50TH STREET FAX (612) 927-7645
EDINA, MINNESOTA 55424-1394 TDD (612) 927-5461
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**FAX COVER SHEET -
To: John Keprios, Director of Edina Park & Recreation
From: Rosc Gcbo
Date: .August 13, 1996
Re: Chowen Park Lights
Dcar Mr. Kcprios,
It has been brought to my attention that the count of those for and those against the lights at
Chowen Park is tied. If you please, send me a copy of all the names on either side. From my
conversation with the neighbors, it seems as though there is a larger number of individuals for the
lights.
I also understand that there is a City Counscl meeting tonight, which I hope to attend. If I
am unable, I request that this next part of my letter be read out loud on my behalf
With the increase number of rapes. abductions and other personal assaults. the Cit` needs
to consider safety first and foremost in all the decisions that are made on the behalf of the citizens.
I am strongly requestine that lights be installed ui the Cho\\en Park so that our children can safell
play at the park after school during the months of September and April when the days are
shortened.
Halloween is a prime example of when the streets are filled with young children and the
park cuuld be a potential danger -spot for them without the benefit of lights. Also, with the great
number of adults, both male and temale, who walk at night, their safety also needs to be
considered.
Before the house at 5721 Drew Avenue was sold last year, we had all kinds of riffraff in
our neiehborhood and the place where these individuals collected was not in the lighted areas of
our streets, but rather in the dark secluded places. There is no evidence in the crime records that
indicates that lights attract crime. The contrary is true - where there are lights the likelihood of
crime is greatly reduced.
Because I don't want this to become an issue that would divide the community, I am
proposing that the lights be installed on a trial basis and only until 9:00 p.m. If every questionable
young person from the inner city flocks to our basketball hoops because of the lights and the
neighborhood risks loosing it's exclusivity and safety, then I would strongly suggest shutting the
lights off.
If you don't install the lights and there is a rape or an abduction or another assault against
an individual at Chow -en Park between sunset and 9:00 p.m.. can bet there will be an uproar in the
neighborhood and it will be against you because safet\ k�as not considered \\ lien the dCcision k\as
made to not install the lights.
None of us really knows ho\y much these lights can or cannot benefit us unless \\e put
them to a trial test. We can make a difference in our streets by becoming a community once again
and watching out for one another rather than hiding behind locked doors because of fear of the
unknown.
Rose Gebo, 5733 Drew Avenue South, phone: 927-6642 fax: 929-3990
P.S. This copy is a proofed copy, sorry for the mistakes sent out in the first letter. It only
shows my humanness!!!!
Varno, Inc. 926-5556 P. 2 Sat Aug 3, 1996 14116135
August 3. 1996
John Keprios, Director
Edina Park & Recreation Department
City of Edina
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, i1N 55424-1394
Dear John;
As President of the Edina Garden Council, member of the Arneson Acres Development Committee, and as a
resident of the city of Edina, I am very much committed to the improvement of our parks. However, I am
concerned for the development of my neighborhood park. Chowen Park, as well as the reaction my
neighbors arc taking xvith regards to its development.
When you and I spoke_ I was under the impression that the lights would be set on a timer that could he
activated by basketball players when they want to play. And the lights could not be re -activated after 9 pm.
%iv neighbors tell me that the workers say the lights will stay on at 50%, until 1 1 pm at night and the
activation switch Evill turn them from 50 to 100%. This is unacceptable.
Chowen Park's primary users are children. Many neighbors, my husband and I want to keep it that way. We
feel lights that stay on until 11 pun will bring in young adults and people looking for a hang out. We want
the "closing time" of the park to be no later than 9 pm. I have picked up beer cans and bottles from the park
and my v erd (which is across the street); however, I don't want to it become a regular occurrence nor do I
wish to find condoms, drug paraphernalia or other items associated with unacceptable behavior. There has
already been two drug busts and a shooting. Let's limit it to that!
The following people have stressed concern to Ire with regards to the lights and the development of the part,
you may wish to call them directly for their personal opinions.
Tom and Fran Gleason John & Rita Tiggas Mike Smith
3608 W. 57th 5637 Chowen 5629 Chowen
929-7314 929-2439 926-4119
I am also concerned with regards to the park in winter. Will the lights remain illuminated? Why? Isn't that
a waste of tax payers' money? Also, the "Porta-Poddy" was recently removed -- and we all hope it is a
permanent removal!
None of the neighbors are certain as to the exact design of the park and the intent of the lights. We were on
vacation when the meeting was held. As you can see, the trucks and pushing of dirt has brought the subject
back to the forefront of our -over the fence" talks in the neighborhood.
Please call me during the day to discuss this hatter 522-1200.
Regards.
Helen P. Yarmoska
"FAX COVER SHEET "
To: John Keprios, Edina Park & Recreation Director
From: Drew Avenue, 57th Street and Chowen Avenue
Date: July 31, 1996
Re: Chowen Park Lights
The neighbors on Drew :Avenue, 57th Street and a number of them on Chowen are
delighted that you are considering lights for the Chowen Park. The general consensus is
that the lights will make our park and neighborhood safer for those of us who enjoy using
that park.
Sinccrcly,
The Drew, Chowen & 57th Street Committee
Marion Mulcare and Rose Gebo, representatives
August 5, 1996
5636 Chowen Ave. So.
Edina, MN 55410
Mr. John Keprios
Director
Edina Park and Recreation Department
4901 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424-1394
Dear Mr. Keprios:
Thank you for your letter dated July 26th. Having lived on Chowen
since 1956, my family and I have always supported anything that
is good for property values. I especially want to thank you for
all the hard work in getting this massive project on the city
budget. I know that you have been trying to get some order in
things since as far back as when I worked for you in the mid -'70's,
and it's probably a rewarding to you to see it come to fruition.
I am a little concerned, though, about the lighting question.
As I understand it, the lights (at some point) will or can be controlled
by the players or anyone else who wishes to be on the court. This
seems to be something that will be encouraging after-hours night ball.
Common sense says that just because a sign says that the park is
• closed does not actually mean that players are going to get off the
court and forget about who is up and who is down. I have even seen
play continue under the moonlight or street light. I've always
had friends on the E.P.D., and I know that given their shift schedule
these days, they have a lot more important things to do than play
potential babysitter to a bunch of pick-up game players.
Aside from my observations as a long-time resident, I also would
question how this would impact my role in our neighborhood. It was
always my understanding that Ord. 1040.03 states very clearly that
I can not operate even so much as a leaf blower after 10:00 P.M.
The message then sent, under the lighting proposal, is that it's okay
to have recreational noise (or worse) after dark, but it is not okay
to clean-up or enhance your property or neighborhood after dark.
I know that you are trying to achieve the best standards for Edina
Parks and get everything up to tech. speed, but it seems to me that
if players wish to play night ball, they should go pay the proper
fees like our Youth Basketball Association expects, and go get into
it in a structured, orderly environment.
When I worked for you as a responsible rink attendant, I knew you
as a pretty fair guy, and you knew me as a fair guy too who kept
accurate stats. on the nature of park use at Chowen. All I am asking
now is that you just take a second look at things.
Thanks again for the opportunity to give Park and Rec. some input.
Sincerer Your
David D. Hanson
- - _ _ _ /1����--- ����i---yam - �//� ___ __ -----
FROM : DOD -ROSE GEDO
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PHONE NO. 6129200140
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400 4 A?
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July 26, 199605
Dear Resident of Chowen
Park Neighborhood:
Jul. 30 1996 02:03PM P1
City of Edina
The purpose of this letter is to get community input regarding
the plan to install lighting for the soon to be rebuilt
:basketball court at Chowen Park.
Based on previous community input, there have been requests to
ins tall. outdoor lighting for the basketball court at Chowen
.Park. : After mentioning the proposed plan to some.residents in
the Chowen -Park`neighborhood at various civic meetings,
I:have
not received any negative responses, only favorable. Even so, I
s of
simply want to be sure that all immediate resident neighbor inP ut.
Chowen Park are aware of this proposal and to request y
The plan is to erect two 40 foot poles (both on the east side of
the court) and install two lights on each pole. The lights would
be on a timer that would automatically turn off the lights and
could not be turned on again after a specific time. In addition,
a light sensor would be installed which would not allow users to
turn on lights before dark. The push button switch would be on a
timed basis, whereas, the lights would stay on for 20 or 30
minutes and automatically shut off until the button is pushed
again.
The lights themselves would allow for only 25 foot-candles of
light on the court surface, which is similar to the candle power
used on Edina`s outdoor hockey rinks. The fixtures will have the
very best glare control and spill control capacity on the
market. In other words, surrounding houses should not have any
spill light in their yards or glare nuisance due to these new
light fixtures.
My perception is that the overwhelming majority of the
neighborhood is in favor of this park amenity, however, I would
appreciate hearing from all concerned residents regarding this
park improvement. Please feel free to write or call me as soon
as possible. If I do not receive a large number of objections to
this park improvement within the next two weeks, we will go
forward and install the lights as described above.
Thank you in advance for your input.
sincerely,
/C
John Kepr/os, Director
Edina Park and Recreation Department
(612) 927-8861
city Hall FAX (612) 927-7645
. ecv cnTu IM2FFT TDD (612) 927-5461
JACK BABTLETT
6012 ZENITH AVENUE SOUTH
EDINA, MN, 55410
City of Edina
July 26, 1996
Dear Resident of Strachauer Park Neighborhood:
The purpose of this letter is to get community input regarding
park improvement plans for Strachauer Park. I ask that concerned
neighborhood residents either write me a letter and/or attend the
following community input meeting:
Thursday, August 8, 1996
... �::iamners
Edina City Hall
4801 West 50th Street
At the community input meeting, drawings of the park design will
be presented, which will show locations of the following proposed
park amenities:
1. basketball court
2. playground equipment
3. soccer field (add irrigation)
4. parking lot
5. hockey rink
6. accessible pathway from warming house to playground
Based on previous community input, there have been requests to
install a hockey rink and a parking lot. In addition, there have
been several requests to replace all the playground equipment.
These improvements will be financed by the Park Improvement Bond
Issue funds which were approved by Edina voters on May 7, 1996,
by a margin of 770.
Your input is extremely valuable in the planning process for your
neigtmorhood park. It you do not plan to attend this community
input meeting but have concerns regarding the park improvement J ,,
plan, please send me a letter so that I have written record of
your input .
Thank you in advance for your input. L ���11�
Sincerely,
� �� ��
John Kepri.os, Director 1 � � � y �
Edina Park and Recreation Department \ �0
�V
City Hall (612) 927-8861
4801 WEST 50TH STREET FAX (612) 927-7645
EDINA, MINNESOTA 55424-1394 TDD (612) 927-5461
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City of Edina
S
July
26, 1996
GODH
50-� ' ` �SL/lO
Dear
Resident of
Strachauer Park
Neighborhood:
The purpose of this letter is to get community input regarding
park improvement plans for Strachauer Park. I ask that concerned
neighborhood residents either write me a letter and/or attend the
following community input meeting:
Thursday, August 8, 1996
7:00 P.M.
City Council Chambers
Edina City Hall
4801 West 50th Street
At the community input meeting, drawings of the park design will
be presented, -7nich will shcs.., )i the following proposed
park ameni ::.ie= .
1. basketball
2. playground equipment
3. soccer field (add irrigation)
4. parking lot
5. hockey rink
6. accessible pathway from warming house to playground
Based on previous community input, there have been requests to
install a hockey rink and a parking lot. In addition, there have
been several requests to replace all the playground equipment.
These improvements will be financed by the Park Improvement Bond
Issue funds which were approved by Edina voters on May 7, 1996,
by a margin of 770.
Your input is extremely valuable in the planning process for your
neighborhood park. If you do not plan to attend this community
input meeting but have concerns regarding the park improvement
plan, please send me a letter so that I have written record of
your input.
Thank you in advance for your input. 7-
Sincerely, :i. J ,�--�-
�,.�i �� l �j• E ��y�,c�,
Aly,
/. �!'+..Si��-�-►rn. fL,�,�_ c� __ � �.�'" Sr�i�,�y.�, rt} -l. °.-'�'hQ �:v,.�Z
John Kepr os, Director
Edina Park and Recreation Depa tment'�^�-+r'��
City Hall 4P -D `�� ` (612)92 7-8861
4801 WEST 50TH STREET 1 FAX (612) 927-7645
EDINA, MINNESOTA 55424-1394 FAX TDD (612) 927-5461
V V ,
rr I
Christine Roumel
6320 Ewing '`+XNS33410
Minneapolis,
CS�1
City Of Edina
July 26, 1996
Dear Resident of Strachauer Park Neighborhood:
The purpose of this letter is to get community input regarding
park improvement plans for Strachauer Park. I ask that concerned
neighborhood residents either write me a letter and/or attend the
following community input meeting:
Thursday, August 8, 1996
7:00. P.M.
City Council Chambers
Edina City Hall
4801 West 50th Street
At the community input meeting, drawings of the park design will
be presented, which will show locations of the following proposed
park amenities:
•1. basketball court
2. playground equipment
3. soccer field (add irrigation)
4. parking lot
5. hockey rink round
6. accessible pathway from warming house to playg
Based on previous community input, there have been requests to t
install a hockey rink and a parking lot. In addition, there have
been several requests to replace all the playground equipment.
improvements will be financed y
These improve bthe Park Improvement Bond
Issue funds which were approved by Edina voters on May 7 1996,
by a margin of 770.
Your input is extremely valuable in the planning process for your
neighborhood park. If you ao not plan to attend
this community
'input meeting but have concerns regarding the p P
plan, please send me a letter so that I have written record of
your input.
Thank you in advance for your input.
Sincerely,
John Keprio , Director
Edina Park and Recreacion Department
`n (612) 927-,8861
City Hall O`/ �� \ (,l U��,i�Q� �(r.:l�, "�, `' FAX (612) 927-7645
4801 WEST 50TH STREET I" �. TDD (612) 927-5461
EDINA, MINNESOTA 55424-1394
V i -
DonaIJ M. lZrIorg
6201 ;wing Avenue Sout�
Quina, Minnesota 55410
August 5. 1996
Mr. John Keprios, Director
Edina Park and Recreation Department
Edina City Hall
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, Minnesota 55424-1394
Dear Mr. Kephos:
I am writing in response to your letter of July 26, 1996 regarding the
meeting scheduled for Thursday, August 8 to obtain neighborhood input
on proposed amenity improvements for Strachauer Park.
While it appears unlikely that I will be able to attend the meeting, I do have
a suggestion which I think would immeasurably improve the total
ambiance of the park and significantly complement and enhance any
improvements which will be made in the park's amenities.
My suggestion is that a berm and wall be constructed along the south
boundary of the park to shelter it from the sight and sound of traffic on
County Road #62. While I admit to not being knowledgeable as to the
feasibility of implementing this suggestion, and would assume that county
and possibly state agencies might need to be involved, I do feel that the
timing of such a project would be excellent.
I would hope that this thought might at least be thrown into the hopper at
the August 18 meeting.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Dr. Robert Bjoraker
6133 Beard Place
Edina, Minn.. 55410
August 7, 1996
1 is City Hall
4801 West 50 Street
Edina, Minn 55424-1394
ATTN: JOHN KEPRIOS, Director
Edina Park & Recreation Dept.
RE: ST RACHAUER PARK INPUT
� Dear Sir:
As a forty (40) year resident of 6133 Beard Place and a long time
observer of daily participant activity'35trachauer Park (Beard Park), I
would like to make the following comments and recommendations.
Suggestion 1: i
ion signs.
More numerous and visible placement of Edina Park Regulat
At present the single sign is at the eastern border of the park in an
area seldom used by most park participants. Every year I find golf balls
in my yard! My wife was repeatedly hit by golf balls when working around
the yard in the flower beds. Golf is supposedly not permitted in any
Edina parks yet the golf balls in my yard every year were not mine but
the result driving practice from the park -not putting or chip shots.
In todays society I know better than to confront a young teen ager with
a golf club in his hand.
Suggestion 2: I
ocate the soccer -football field to a more central north -south location
G__proximately twenty (20) yards south of the present location close to
62nd. street. Install a wire screen back -stop the width of the field to
contain missed soccer goal attempts and footballs from rolling out of the
park and landing into west 62nd street and private property north of the f
park. Exuberant you'$ athletes sometimes dart into the street without ,
attention to traffic and have been known to trample gardens while looking
for "lost" balls (footballs, golf balls, & soccer balls). During scheduled
supervised games, this is not quite the problem it is when individual
athletes or teams are practicing goals—Cars do not always stop at the
Beard Avenue thruough stop sign. There is some speeding on 62nd street.
Is it necessary for a child to be injured or killed by a car before
something is done to correct this hazard ???
Comment 3: Hockey Rink '
Hockey is a popular sport and indoor ice is costly and limited. It is alsL
evident that hockey and individual recreational skating can not co -exist on
the same ice at the same time ! Hockey players will completely take over.r
A hockey puck is a dangerous missile capable of inflicting serious injury
or death if it stricks the head or temple. THE SOLUTION: An ugly wooden I
barrier surrounding the hockey rink area to protect and separate innocent
individual skaters from flying pucks and the "defensive stick work" that
seems intrinsic to the game of hockey. We already have the night lights.
The noise of pucks banging against the boards would only be another of the!
mixed blessings of being neighbor to a park. j
Comment 4: A Parking Lot ?? WHY or WHY NOT ,
_ntwo (2) street perimeter of Strachauer Park (Beard Place & W. 62nd. St:�)
CEEDS SIXTEEN HUNDRED (1600) linear feet of curbside parking. That is
enough to park eighty (80) cars curbside without parking in front of priva�e
property on those streets ! YES, it is a nuisance and agrevation for
property owners during soccer, football or baseball games but the congesti n
caused by the number of people and cars will still be a problem even with
a large parking lot for twenty (20) or thirty (30) cars :: (continued)
JOHN KEPRIOS, Director; Edina Park & Recreation Dept.
Strachauer Park INPUT Dr. R. J. Bjoraker, 08-07-96 (cont.)
page 2.
There was a designated off street parking lot in the original BEARD PARK
plans many years ago but it was never identified on site nor paved.
It was very seldom if ever used. A large bituminous lot now would invite
tailgate partying and lovers lane activity and would be an unsightly
change from the "open green space" concept of the present park. The large;
open green of the park is one of the few benefits of being a park neighbor.
I personally did not move to Edina to look out at a paved parking lot ! I
To create a parking lot that would solve any and all congestion problems
that occur only during scheduled ballgames with off street parking would
be so large as to destroy the recreational value of much of the park for
the kiddies and young people of the neighborhood. These individuals use
Strachauer Park on a daily basis year around for spontaneous play periods
and neighborhood activities not regional in concept. Organized team sports
use the park for three (3) or four (4) hours several evenings a week 1
during soccer and football season.
I have lived with the noise and congestion during the soccer season and
accept it in exchange for the wide open green space the park now presents.
Please don't replace that green with blacktop just for cars. MainTenance
of blacktop surfaces for parking is high cost and a continuing budget item
with little real benefit to recreational park use in this instance.
SUMMARY:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Three (3) additional Park Regulations signs.
Soccer Field backstop & relocation for SAFETY.
Hockey Rink to separate skaters & allow recreational skaters
use of the park withe SAFETY.
Park Improvement Bond Issue Funds would be misspent in this
situation. Certainly Edina would not get its monies worth ::
Thank you for your request for input.
Sincerely,
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No
THURSDAY, AUGUST 8TH
• Seven showed by hands that they were in favor of a parking lot four were opposed.
• What will become of the parking lot when the programs are over?
• Will it be lit separately?
• Will it be left wide open or gated?
• Can you provide additional lighting?
• Would you place/post no parking signs along one or both sides of the street?
• Letter was read in favor of eliminating the soccer program as of 1996.
• What is the timetable?
• What kind of safety surface will be used?
• Has anybody considered a wading pool there?
• Question was asked about the county owned land.
• Many questions about lack of landscaping north of crosstown.
• Will hockey rink be permanent?
• Could hockey rink be used as a dog run?
• Could you post more park regulation signs?
• Will hockey rink have a paved surface?
• Will residents have access of the hockey rink when the association isn't using it?
• Many comments in favor of paving hockey rink.
• Comment was made regarding lights. Last time Strachauer Park had a hockey rink the
lights were on all night.
• A number of comments were made about the poor quality of the ice surface.
• Will the playground program be offered at Strachauer Park?
• Is there any chance of getting a small shelter/gazebo with picnic table?
• Will there be a drinking fountain?
• Question about time table again.
• Happy Anniversary.