HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-08-13 Park Board MinutesEDINA PARK BOARD
8:00 p.m.
August 13, 1996
MEMBERS PRESENT: Beth Hall, Dave Crowther, Andy Herring, Becky Bennett, Mike
Burley, Jim Fee, John Dovolis, Bill Jenkins
MEMBERS ABSENT: Andrew Montgomery, Jean Rydell
STAFF PRESENT: John Keprios, Ed MacHolda, Janet Canton
I. APPROVAL OF THE JUNE 12, 1996 MINUTES
Andy Herring MOVED TO APPROVE THE JUNE 12, 1996 PARK BOARD MINUTES.
John Dovolis SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED.
II. EDINA AQUATIC CENTER DOME PROPOSAL UPDATE
Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that the Edina Swim Club no longer
has a dome proposal. They realized how difficult it would be to come up
with the money. Mr. Keprios pointed out, however, that he feels it was
good for them to go through the process. Ms. Bennett stated that she
thinks it was important that the Swim Club Board inform all Swim Club
members and have them come to their own conclusion.
III. LAKE EDINA PARK PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT UPDATE
Mr. Keprios explained to the Park Board that he hasn't done anything to
Lake Edina Park at this point other than attempt to first correct the
safety issue involving Normandale Golf Course. Staff is attempting to
correct the safety issue of the potentially hazardous area with the golf
balls. Secondly, they are going to cut the grass differently, reorient
the tee and possibly erect some netting. Mr. Fee noted that he thought
the Park Board already passed a motion on this issue. Mr. Keprios
replied that is correct, however, a gentleman showed up at the City
Council meeting to further discuss the issue. The gentleman pointed out
that to plow out the area and level it made absolutely no sense because
it's peat and in a matter of a few years, or even as few as one, it will
be right back to where it was. There will be weeds where we currently
have a really good growth of grass. Mr. Keprios stated that he doesn't
disagree with this because if we are going to do it right and make the
area playable we have to put fabric down and that's not financially
feasible. Mr. Keprios stated that what he is trying to say is if we are
ever going to put in playground equipment we need to make the current
area safe and leave the ring in place until we feel it is safe.
However, once we feel we have the safety issue corrected we are going to
go ahead and put in the trail.
Mr. Crowther asked Mr. Keprios if he received another call from a
resident relative to the equipment issue. Mr. Crowther went on to
explain that he received a couple of calls from one individual who was
upset at the Park Board's decision and felt we didn't properly canvas
the neighborhood. He noted that this resident would like to have the
playground equipment installed. Mr. Keprios indicated that this
gentleman did come in and visit him in his office for 45 minutes. Mr.
Crowther stated that he was never notified and felt maybe there were
more people who might be in favor of the equipment. Mr. Keprios
explained that he sent out a notice to everyone within 1,000 feet of the
park and that most everyone else outside of that area actually lives
closer to Cornelia School where there is ample play equipment. Mr.
Keprios noted that for this gentleman it is just a slightly shorter walk
for him to Lake Edina. Mr. Keprios noted that he explained to him that
right now it's not a safe condition and we are not sure what we are
going to do. It could be developed, however, we are not sure what the
best development is at this point.
Mr. Fee asked Mr. Keprios if it has been our practice to canvas the
neighborhoods and get their input. Mr. Keprios replied that in areas
where he feels there is going to be controversy and we are adding
something new that has never been there before he will send out meeting
notices. Mr. Fee noted that he thinks this is a good idea to get
neighborhood input and involvement.
IV. CHOWEN PARK BASKETBALL COURT LIGHTS
Mr. Keprios pointed out that lights are always a potentially
controversial issue. Mr. Keprios indicated that he mailed out 111
notices to people who live in the immediate area of Chowen Park. He
went on to explain that the idea for lights came when he was giving a
speech at Chowen Park for the Hidden Valley Garden Club. There were a
group of people playing basketball who listened to the speech and
afterwards asked him if lights could be put up. He noted that these
people have been using the headlights of their cars when playing
basketball in the evening. Mr. Keprios explained that he never heard
anything negative about putting up lights, however, he sent out notices
to get some feedback. Mr. Keprios stated that it was close to a 50/50
response both in favor of the project and against it.
Mr. Keprios explained that one thing that would be hard for Chowen Park
is they would be the first and only park in the City of Edina to have a
lighted basketball court. He noted that this might attract too much
pressure on a park of that size. Mr. Keprios pointed out that there is
conduit in the ground so in the future if they decide to put in lights
it will not be a big deal. The cost would be approximately $5,500 to
$6,000.
Mr. Keprios informed the Park Board that at this time his recommendation
is not to do this. He noted that right now the neighborhood is split
and he doesn't want to push it. He indicated that right now there are
enough people out there who may want to get a petition going to force
the issue to have a hearing.
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Mr. Crowther asked Mr. Keprios if he has heard from anyone in the
neighborhood and he replied that he has heard from almost all of them.
Mr. Dovolis asked Mr. Keprios what is the next step. Mr. Keprios
replied that he will now send out notices to the same 111 residents and
say thank you for your input, however, at this time there seems to be a
large enough objection and therefore he will not be recommending it.
Mr. Burley noted that he is curious as to why this makes sense when a
person can play basketball until 9:00 or 9:30 p.m. He asked if the
lights would allow people to play until midnight. Mr. Keprios explained
that the lights would be on a timer and a photocell, therefore, people
would not be able to turn the lights on by themselves during daylight
hours. The timer would automatically shut off the lights at whatever
time they are set to go off, such as 9:00 p.m. Mr. Keprios explained
that the lights would buy a couple of months each year to be able to
play into the fall. Lighted basketball courts is popular in other
communities.
Mr. Fee asked if there is anything else at the park that could be
utilized because of the lights. Mr. Keprios noted that the kids may
feel a little safer using the playground equipment and it might add a
little bit of light to the picnic shelter.
The Park Board indicated that they support Mr. Keprios' decision.
V. STRACHAUER PARK PLANS AND NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING RESULTS
Mr. Keprios pointed out that 297 notices were sent to people who live
near the Strachauer Park area to invite them to a neighborhood input
meeting. He indicated that the big issue was the proposed parking lot.
Mr. Keprios then went on to explain how the park would look on a map.
Of the 297 notices sent out, 23 people attended the meeting.
Mr. Keprios indicated that the meeting went very well. He also pointed
out that they want to make the soccer field more -of a practice site than
a game site.
Mr. Herring asked what is happening to the warming house. Mr. Keprios
replied that a concrete apron was put around the warming house and they
are going to repair the brick damage to the corner of the building.
Also, the warming house now has a new furnace as well as a new roof.
VI. OTHER
A. Lewis Park - Mr. Burley asked if there is a specific plan for
Lewis Park. Mr. Keprios replied that his understanding is the Park
Board would like to see a basketball court put in and if money is
available that will be done. Mr. Keprios explained that they will have
to come up with a plan as to where to put it, however, the broken
equipment needs to be replaced first. Therefore, a basketball court
could probably be put in sometime next year.
Mr. Keprios pointed out that right now they are repainting the warming
house. Also, they will be building a comfort station on the west end of
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the park which will essentially consist of restrooms, a utility room and
drinking fountain. He noted that this should pretty much complete Lewis
Park.
Mr. Burley indicated that a basketball court would be great, however,
his concern is that Lewis Park have more of a variety. Mr. Burley asked
if the neighborhood should be canvassed for any other thoughts as to
what should be put in the Park. Mr. Burley stated that three fields are
being utilized for soccer and noted that he would like to see Lewis Park
be more of a neighborhood park. Right now it is used for a lot of
organizations. Mr. Fee pointed out that Lewis Park was not designed to
be neighborhood park. Mr. Burley noted that he understands that,
however, his contention is for that segment of Edina where there is no
park except for the playground equipment. There is no where for a kid
to go and play a pick up game of baseball or basketball. Mr. Burley
stated that something else needs to be put in Lewis Park that is more
community or neighborhood friendly besides just being a facility for
soccer, football and hockey. Mr. Dovolis indicated that he thinks this
is a legitimate request and asked Mr. Keprios if he would do a study on
this.
Ms. Bennett indicated that she does agree with Mr. Burley and feels now
that there is more money, we need to look at the different age groups
that we serve and the Lewis Park area does not have much. Mr. Crowther
asked Ms. Bennett what she would like to see put in at Lewis Park. Ms.
Bennett responded the people would like to see a basketball court,
backstop, and sand volleyball. Mr. Burley noted that his teenage kids
are going to Hopkins to play frisbee golf, volleyball and horseshoes.
He pointed out that the teenagers in Edina have no place to go. Mr.
Burley noted that Lewis Park might be a good place for some of these
activities. Mr. Herring asked if the sand volleyball court is used at
Lake Cornelia and Mr. Keprios noted that it would be used more if it was
in better shape.
Mr. Crowther pointed out that the consensus seems to be that we need to
at least look at some of these ideas and see if they are practical. Mr.
Keprios indicated that he and Mr. MacHolda will work on getting some
information together.
B. Walnut Ridge - Mr. Jenkins asked if the location of the Walnut
Ridge hockey rink is being moved. Mr. Keprios replied that currently
the answer is no. He indicated that he left it with the Arnold's and
their next door neighbors to talk it over and get back to him. Mr.
Keprios noted that his sense is that it isn't going to do any good if
the rink is moved another 100 to 200 yards, they are going to hear that
tractor come through the park. Mr. Keprios also informed the Arnolds
that he promises to stay on the same maintenance schedule that they have
had.
C. New Hockey Boards - Mr. Keprios noted that Lewis Park and
Normandale Park are going to get new hockey boards and new asphalt
surfaces.
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VII
D. Lake Cornelia Park - Mr. Keprios indicated that there is a bid in
two weeks for the Lake Cornelia Park playground equipment.
E. Aquatic Center and Ice Arena - Mr. Keprios stated that they have
hired the architects for the aquatic center and ice arena. Mr. Keprios
also pointed out that it looks like there will not be enough money to
build an Olympic size arena.
F. Van Valkenburg Park - Mr. Keprios noted that in the not too
distant future they will work on the completion of Van Valkenburg Park
by adding the playground equipment, pathways, etc.
G. John Dovolis - Mr. Keprios noted that Mr. Dovolis sold four
furnaces for the park shelters at cost. Therefore, we now have four
furnaces for the price of three. Everyone thanked Mr. Dovolis.
H. Minnesota Splash - Mr. Herring indicated that Minnesota Splash was
a nice family event.
I. Park Tour - It was noted that at the September meeting there will
be a park tour and an update on the progress of the different parks.
ADJOURNMENT
Jim Fee MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:45 P.M. John Dovolis SECONDED
THE MOTION. MEETING ADJOURNED.
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