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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1983-06-14 Park Board MinutesEDINA PARK BOARD MEETING Tuesday, June 14, 1983 7:30 p.m. Edina City Hall MEMBERS PRESENT: Joan Lonsbury, Don Wineberg, Virginia Shaw, Bill Lord, Leonard Ring, Mack Thayer, Bob Christianson, Art Erdall STAFF PRESENT: Bob Kojetin, Rick Jacobson, John Keprios, Madelyn Krinke OTHERS PRESENT: Sherwin Plummer, Edina Football Assn.; Paul Presthus, Edina Basketball Association; Bing Carlin, Edina Hockey Assn.; Tom Keating, Edina Soccer Assn.; Paul Lorenz, Edina Youth Softball Assn.; Jim Matson, Edina Baseball Assn.; Micki Gamer, Human Relations Commission; Donald Brundage, Edina High School Chemical Health Coordinator & Coordinator for City of Edina, Dave Duff, Editor, Edina Sun; Leslie Turner, City Council Member I. Approval of Minutes of May 10, 1983 Meeting Leonard Ring MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MAY 10, 1983 PARK BOARD MEETING. Art Erdal SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED. II. INTRODUCTION OF ATHLETIC ORGANIZATIONS Joan Lonsbury welcomed all the representatives of the athletic organi- zations. She commented about the growing problem of vandalism of parks and facilities in Edina and made a special request that all members of the athletic organizations make a special effort to help instill a feeling of pride and respon- sibility in the youngsters toward the parks and facilities. .The representative of each organization was then asked to give a brief summary of their program. Edina Baseball Association - Jim Matson reported that there were 60 teams organized this year and felt the program was operating very well. He complimented the Park Dept. on the job they do. Edina Basketball Association - Paul Presthus stated that last year's program was very successful. Rick Jacobson was commended for his assistance to the association. The Basketball Association made a donation for improving some of the outdoor courts and sponsored a three-man basketball tournament to bring attention to the outdoor courts. Edina Football Association - Sherwin Plummer noted that there has been an organized football program for 27 years in Edina. They are concerned about numbers as last year participation dropped below 500, however, that represents 52% of all available boys in<:grades 5-8. Edina Youth Softball Association - Paul Lorenz stated that the program was -2 - begun in 1975, and remarked that they are looking for suggestions on how to get boys interested. This summer there were 35 teams total, 76 coaches, 460 players in grades 3-12. That reflects an increase of 60 players over last year. Edina Hockey Association - Bing Carlin represented the association and reported that in the past season the number of participants totaled 835, the year before the total was 900. There were.50 teams last season. The rising costs of operating the program was mentioned. The fund raiser last year resulted in $12,000.00 which may go to the program to help reduce the registration fees. Edina Soccer Association - Tom Keating reported that the Soccer Association was begun in 1973. This summer there were 8 leagues for grades 3-12. involving a total of 1721 participants. There were 95 teams with 1608 participating in the recreational league and 113 on traveling teams. The traveling teams increased from 2 last year to 6 this year. One of the primary problems is finding enough coaches. This year there are 144 coaches, but it was difficult getting a suffi- cient number. Mr. Keating wondered if the Park Board could help to work as a liaison with the schools to secure more coaches. Appreciation was also expressed for the assistance which has been given by the Park and Recreation office. Dave Duff of the Edina Sun Newspaper offered a fund raising project for any of the associations which might want to use it. The fund raiser would be to sell subscriptions to the Sun which would also help to get the local news into Edina homes. Virginia Shaw commended the volunteers in the associations and the young people who participate for getting out of the house and onto a team and being involved in a learning experience. Bob Christianson, speaking as a representative of the school board as well as Park Board member, indicated that he thought the associations should be doing some long-range planning to handle the full load of sports in the community if the day comes when the schools can not sponsor sports through the school system because of budget cuts. III. INTRODUCTION OF DON BRUNDAGE Micki Gamer of the Human Relations Commission introduced Don Brundage who is the Edina High School Chemical Health Coordinator. Mr. Brundage stated that he works through the high school and also through Store Front Youth Action, where he arranges counseling programs for chemical health and chemical abuse prevention. He stated that chemical abuse prevention is supported incredibly by being involved in athletic association programs. Mr. Brundage indicated that his purpose for being at the meeting was to offer his assistance with inservices to the associations and the Park Board to give coaches and staff some help in recognizing chemical abuse, and in knowing who to refer such individuals to. Micki Gamer, member of Edina Community Task Force II, outlined the purpose and objectives of that committee♦as set forth in the attached sheet. All of the associations are encouraged to promote functions for families. -3 - Virginia Shaw made a strong recommendation to the Athletic Associa- tions to ask Don Brundage to come to some of the initial meetings, especially coaches meetings. Bing Carlin suggested that Brundage do some type of presentation which could be shown on cable TV because that would probably reach more of their coaches and volunteers. Don Wineberg felt the Park Board should get involved immediately with the vandalism counseling program mentioned by Mr. Brundage. IV. RECREATION REPORT Rick Jacobson reported that although some repairs had been done in 1976, because of further deterioration of the pool inlets and other mechanical operations, further repairs are needed. Rennovation of the bath house is also necessary due to such things as a leaky roof, plumbing deficiencies, handicapped access, etc. Bob Kojetin mentioned that an architect is doing a feasibility study on enlarging the Golf Course Club House. Art Erdal MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. Don Wineberg seconded. Meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.