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1998-09-08 Parks and Rec Comm Agenda PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA AGENDA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION September 8, 1998 6:30 p.m. -Large Conference Room 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Introduction and Welcome for New Commissioner, Lawrence Craighead 4. Approval of the August 11, 1998 Minutes 5. Metro Greenways and Natural Areas Program 6. Friendly Hills Tot Lots 7. Friendly Hills Middle School Outdoor Recreation Equipment Donation Request 8. Proposed Crrass Infield and Pitching Mound at Civic Center 9. Replacement Lights at Friendly Hills Hockey Rink 10. Updates • Recreation Report, September 1998 • Parks Report • Police Report (Available Tuesday) 11. Adjourn Auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities are available upon request at least 120 hours. in advance. If a notice of less than 120 hours is received, the City of Mendota Heights will make every attempt to provide the aids. This may not, however, be possible on short notice. Please contact City Administration at 452A 850 with requests. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO September 4, 1998 T0: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Patrick C. Hollister, Administrative Assistant SUBJECT: Introduction and Welcome for Lawrence Craighead Discussion Mr. Lawrence Craighead has been appointed by the City Council to serve the remainder of Steve Meinglass's term on the Parks and Recreation Commission, which will expire on January 31, 2000. (Mr. Meinglass has now been appointed to the Planning Commission.) Mr. Craighead is a long-time resident of Mendota Heights and has been active in the Mendota Heights Athletic Association. Action Required Please welcome Mr. Craighead to the Parks and Recreation Commission. CITY OF MENDO I A HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES AUGUST 11, 1998 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Tuesday, August 11, 1998, in the Large Conference Room at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. The meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m. The following Commissioners were present: Spicer, Liberacki, Linnell, Damberg and Norton. Also present were Recreation Programmer Bill Bird, Parks Project Manager Guy Kullander and Administrative Assistant Patrick C. Hollister. MINUTES Commissioner Damberg moved to approve the 7uly 14, 1998 minutes with no corrections. Cormnissioner Norton seconded the motion. AYES: 4 NAYS: 0 ABSTAIN: 1 (Liberacki) UPDATES Chair Spicer suggested that Staff provide the Updates first in order to provide time for more Commissioners to arrive. Staff provided updates on the following items: • Recreation Programmer's Report • Batting Cage Request • Friendly Hills In -Line Skate Hockey Rink • Friendly Hills Park Light Replacement • Mile Markers on Trails • Comprehensive Plan • Parks Report • Police Report SOMMERSET 19 LAND SALE OFFER Mr. Howard Guthmann and Mr. Ralph Sonday of the Sommerset 19 Homeowners Association were in attendance at the meeting. ADJOURN Motion made to adjourn by Spicer and seconded by Damberg. AYES: 5 NAYS: 0 The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. Respectfully Submitted Patrick C. Hollister CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO September 4, 1998 TO: Parks and Recreation Corrunission FROM: Patrick C. Hollister, Administrative Assistant SUBJECT: Friendly Hills Tot Lots Improvement Concepts Discussion The Council held a public hearing at their regular meeting on August 4, 1998 to discuss the release of four city -owned lots in the Friendly Hills neighborhood for the purpose of single-family residential development. The four lots are known as Lots 3, 4, 10, and 11, Friendly Hills Re -Arrangement and are located between Keokuk Lane and Apache Lane. Several Friendly Hills Residents appeared at the public hearing; most were opposed to vacating the lots. The Council directed Staff to relay their comments to the Parks and Recreation Commission and to conduct further research on these lots. The Council also directed Staff to conduct research on several issues, including the costs and benefits of selling vs. maintaining the lots, the marketability of the lots, water table and soils issues, and possible means of covenanting the lots to make sure that the new homes fit the neighborhood. Staff is currently researching the above issues. In the meantime, some Friendly Hills Residents have expressed interest in making improvements to the Tot Lots, perhaps along the lines of an "urban neighborhood park" concept. Eve and Tom Bergmann, residents of Friendly Hills, and Councilmember Sandra Krebsbach will be present at the September 8, 1998 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission to discuss possible improvements to the four Friendly Hills Tot Lots as an alternative to vacating them. Action Required Discuss the improvement concepts for the Friendly Hills Tot Lots with the Bergmanns and Councilmember Krebsbach. Staff does not anticipate bringing this issue back to Council until the above -mentioned research regarding selling potential of the lots has been completed. L M' Jt�■s �I Q. 6�ti CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO September 4, 1998 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Patrick C. Hollister, Administrative Assistant SUBJECT: Friendly Hills Middle School Outdoor Recreation Equipment Donation Request Discussion Linda Nides and Beth Sevenich of the Friendly Hills PTA and Liz Wynne, Principal of Friendly Hills Middle School will be present at the September 8, 1998 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission to discuss a request for a $30,000 donation from the City to help pay for additional recreational equipment at the Friendly Hills Middle School. Please see the attached materials submitted. Action Required Review the attached materials and discuss the donation request with Ms. Nides, Ms. Sevenich, and Principal Wynne. The Parks and Recreation Commission may either make a recommendation to Council or request more information, or take some other action. AUGUST 285 1998 TO: RICHARD SPICER/CHA{R PARKS COMMISSION PROPOSAL FOR COMMUNITY OUT900R RECREATION EQUIPMENT SITE: FRIENDLY HILLS- MIDDLE SCHOOL �IIAIN GOAL: TO PF34V1DF OUTDOOR RJ=CREATION EQll1PMENT A) A PLAYGROUND GEARED FOR OLDER CHILDREN 7-14 YEARS ODD B}TO INCLUDE HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE AREAS(SEE APPENDIX A) TARGET POPULATION: APPROXIMATELY 800 STUDENTS AT FRIENDLY HILLS MIDDLE SCHOOL, IN ADDITION THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY NEED: PRESENTLY THERE ARE NO EXISTING AREAS/PLAYGROUNDS TARGETING THIS AGE GROUP, ALL OTHER PLAY AREAS IN TFIE COMMUNITY TARGET CHILDREN 6 AND YOUNGER. OUR RESEARCH ALSO SHOWS THERE ARE NOT AREAS IN MENDOTA HEIGHTS WHICH -HAVE HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE TABLES OR EQUIPMENT. PfNANCIAL COST: APPROXIMATELY $40,000-$50,000 CONTRIBUTION FROM PARENT AND BUSINESS COMMUNITY( ESTIMATED AT $15,000 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM -CITY OF MENDOTA $30 000 PROJECT ADVENTURE nture ams )nd ork id to �t ;d by rtive, ive nts e to ils. Project Adventure, Inc. has been designing and constructing Challenge Ropes Courses since 1971. Since that time, our builders have planned and installed over 1.000 Ropes Courses in this country and overseas. Our building staff are well-known for their innovative and aesthetic design capabilities, and for their expertise in the safest construction techniques. Project Adventure programming utilizes the Challenge Ropes Course as a tool — a catalyst for personal and educational growth: The course is a blend of low and high activities, presented n a prescribed sequence, designed to take individuals and groups beyond their own expecta- ions, or perceived willingness to try. Data spanning many years has shown that persons who go beyond these self-imposed boundaries become stronger in terms of self-confidence and self-awareness. In all Project Adventure activities, participants are engaged in "Challenge by Choice;' where no coercion is involved. A reasonable willingness to try is the criterion for success. The actual mastering of a particular feat is not as important as the attempt itself. It is through a series of these attempts that groups become teams and strangers become friends. The Challenge Ropes Course facilitates this growth and learning experience. Safety Safety considerations are always of the utmost importance in Ropes Course programs. The excellent safety record of Ropes Course programs parallel and often exceeds that of traditional school physical education classes. This is a direct result of the comprehensive training work- shops offered by Project Adventure, Inc. Training is an essential step in the implementation of all Challenge Ropes Course programs. Workshops are offered regularly by our offices in Hamilton. Massachusetts and Atlanta. Georgia. and by our network of National Certified Trainers in many locations throughout the U.S. Training is also done on -site, developed specifically for your own staff, using your own course. Emironmental Impact Challenge Ropes Courses are designed to blend into an area and cause minimal environmen- tal impact. Particular attention is given to prevention of soil compaction (caused by heavy foot traffic), affecting tree longevity. Our through -bolting technique for connecting cables has been approved by arborisu and tree surgeons. Unauthorized Use/Vandalism Because of concern involving after-hours use of a Ropes Course facility and fears of van- dalism, our building techniques allow a put-up/take-down capability that precludes many potential problems. Warranh Project Adventure. Inc guarantees all parts and materials used in the construction of the course (exclusive of wood products, hardware and/or rope subjected to excessive or abusive use) for a period of two years from the date of completion. It is the responsibility of the users of Project Advantage Challenge Ropes Courses to obtain training in the safe and proper use of these courses and associated technical gear. Benefits/Challenges "The specific benefits listed relate to some of the common experiences for the particular event:' One of the benefits of a Challenge Rope Course is that participants experience aspects of challenges beyond the average. The "briefing" for preparation of a group or individual for a particular event also can dramatically change the experience and thus the benefits perceived from the challenge. Indoor Courses Project Adventure also can adapt many of the "outdoor" elements (both low and high) to ndoor locations, e.g., gymnasiums. These include indoor Climbing Walis, Tension Traverse, Spiders Web.Trustfall Platform. Two Line Bridge. etc Prices for these vary, call for a quote. THE LOW ROPES COURSE/INITIATIVE PROBLEMS Low Ropes Course elements are characterized by group rather than individual participation and the absence of belay needs; i.e., rope protection. Many of the low events are individually challenging, such as the Tension Traverse and the Wild Woosey, but the safety support offered by spotting results in more of a group feeling than a rope belay offers. Some low elements/initiatives are truly group challenges in that many people are physically needed to achieve a goal; for example, the Wall, the Nitro Crossing, or the Spider's Web. Low Ropes Course events provide the groundwork and solution orientation for "real life" problems associated with personal relationships, school, occupations, etc. • ALL ABOARD • THE BEAM • BOSUN'S CHAIRS • CRISS CROTCH • FIDGIT LADDER • HICKORY JUMP • THE MAZE • MOHAWK WALK • REBIRTH (HOLE IN ONE) • SINGLE LINE POTPOURRI (NITRO CROSSING) • SPIDER'S WEB • SWINGING LOG • SWINGING TIRES (TIRE TRAVERSE) • TELEPHONE POLE SHUFFLE (T.P. SHUFFLE) • TRIANGULAR TENSION TRAVERSE • TROLLEYS • TRUST FALL PLATFORM • VERTICAL POLE & TIRE • THE WALL • WIL.D WOOSEY THE HIGH ROPES COURSE `Highis in the eyes of the beholder. Some participants have indicated that the 12' height or the Wall was too much for them and, even more extremek some have doubts about getting up on another participants shoulders because of the increased distance from the sound. "High Ropes Course" in our terminology refers to events that must be belayed (rope attachment system) to ensure the safety of a participant. High ropes events are usually the ones most remembered by participants because of the drama, anxiety, fear and exhilaration experienced. • BURMA BRIDGE • CARGO NET • CATWALK • CENTIPEDE • CLIMBING & RAPPELING TOWER • DANGLE DUO • GIANT SWING • HEEBIE JEEBIE BI_JI�tVIA BRIDGE The Bumia Bridge consists of four parallel cables: three for participant support in the shape of a V, and an upper cable that serves as a belay connector. Benefits/Challenges Personal responsibi(in, satisj'in,o, deuli�r; wirhfcar; Pride. • HIGH TENSION WIRE • INCLINED LOG • MULTIVINE TRAVERSE • PAMPER POLE OR PLANK • PLATFORM TO PLATFORM SWING • TIRED TWO LINE • TWO LINE BRIDGE • VERTICAL PLAY PEN • ZIP WIRE ZIP WIRE A participant. safely attached to a ROSA two - wheel pulley, rides swiftly down a cable from a high tree platform. Benefits/Challenges T7"f67, sums}action, relief personal responsibilin. For more information contact: A NON-PROFIT CORPORATION P.O. Box 100 Hamilton. b1A 01936 P.O. Box 2447 Covington, GA 30210 P.O. Box 1640 Brattleboro, VT 05302 P.O. Box 14171 Portland, OR 97293 508-=i63-795 I 770-784-9310 sot-254-5054 503-239-0169 FAX 508-468-7605 FAX 770-757-7764 E4X 802-254-51s2 FAX 503-236-6765 r��je%'��%X .� � rc T �--� � � ---- ���. � ;� r�z�� ?'b � a , �/ xx ij i�- .ego I _� V �� l� `\y �..? � �jT =�a �� � e _� � 1 ��{ f � _ ��--� sa � ''' - z �� V ��--------".� '�� j�i'. �� ,i� Y �'', _ 'I _ j L �;^ -s �_ ._ ±i _' -- � a 3. £ CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMORANDUM TO: PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION FROM: BILL BIRD, RECREATION PROGRAMMER RE: CIVIC CENTER BALL FIELD DATE: SEPTEMBER 3, 1998 I received the following letter from Scott Miller, Mendota Heights resident, concerning the possibility of converting the Civic Center Park Ball field to a permanent Baseball Field. I am currently collecting information from Guy Kullander, Engineering Technician and Terry Blum, Parks Leadperson, regarding the costs involved with the construction of the baseball field and the maintenance of such a field at Civic Center Park. I am also evaluating the use of Civic Center Field, by non -baseball groups, including the city adult softball leagues. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO September 2, 1998 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Guy Kullander, Parks Project Manager SUBJECT: Replacement Lights at Friendly Hills Hockey Rink DISCUSSION: The hockey rink at Friendly Hills Park has been lighted by multiple 1500 watt quartz flood lights for the past twenty some years. The twelve light units are attached to six wood "telephone" poles. The design of the existing flood light fixtures allows as much as 25% of the light to "spill' off of the rink area. This spill light most directly affects the houses on the west side of Pueblo Lane which are approximately 120 feet from the hockey boards. Mature boulevard trees currently screen most of these residences. I have not received any complaints from this neighborhood regarding the rink lights, in several years. RECOMMENDATION: To conserve on electrical consumption and control the level of unnecessary spill light, I recommend that the Commission consider replacing the existing 12-1500 watt flood lights with eight metal halide sports lighting fixtures which are designed to focus the majority of the light output onto the rink area. These lights would be mounted on the existing wood poles. Estimated cost for this improvement would be $3,000 to $4,000.00. ACTION REQUIRED: If the Commission agrees with the recommendation, they should request City Counci] authorize the use of Special Park Funds for this improvement. Recreation Report September 1998 TO: PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION FROM: BILL BIRD, RECREATION PROGRAMMER DATE: SEPTEMBER 3, 1998 Mendota Heights Senior Club: On Wednesday, September 2, 1998 representatives from the senior club met to discuss the following issues: 1. A review the club's inaugural year. 2. Bill Bird's role within their organization. 3. Finances. 4. Club T-shirts. 5. Election of officers. 6. Programs for the September, October, November and December meetings. The next members meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 1998, at 12:30 p.m. Summer Programs: Youth Dav Trins On Thursday, August 20, 1998 I took 8 children from Mendota Heights to "Wild Mountain" in Taylors Falls, MN. I am not sure who went down more slides, the kids or myself. Judging by the kid's stories on the bus headed back to West St. Paul they had a terrific time. Safety Camp Safety Camp was held on August 11, 12 and 13, 1998. There were 25 third and fourth graders from Mendota Heights who participated. The Mendota Heights group was led by Mario Reyes from the Mendota Heights Police Department, Jennifer Ready, a teacher from the Minneapolis school system, Heidi Heller and Tom Fangel from the West St. Paul Police Department and myself. The camp focused on fire safety, gun and weapon safety, bike safety, electric safety, drug awareness, poison awareness, stranger danger, choking and many other topics. The kids were put into many situational activities to see how they would react to the situation. Athletic Leagues: MEN'S D FINAL STANDINGS TEAM RECORD WINNING PERCENTAGE Heks/Budweiser 13-1 .929 Northland Blue 11-3 .769 Northland Black 9-5 .643 Fireside 8-6 .615 Pace Landscape 7-7 .500 Captain Courier/ 6-8 .429 King Cutting Northland Red 5-9 .357 Buttery 3-11 .214 Furys 1-13 .071 All season long Heks/Budweiser dominated the Men's D league. Post season treated Heks rather rudely as they lost in the second round to Northland Black 12 to 5. Northland Black went on to win the tournament championship over their office foes Northland Blue, 12 to 9. Heks received an automatic bid to the district tournament by winning the regular season standings title. Northland Black will represent the city in the district tournament as a result of winning the league tournament. The district tournament is being held in Coon Rapids. Neither team advanced to the state tournament. MEWS OVER 30 FINAL STANDINGS TEAM RECORD WINNING PERCENTAGE Condors 18-6 .750 Bogey's 17-7 .708 Eagan A 15-9 .625 Guns & Hoses 15-9 .625 Friendly Awada's 14-10 .583 Rogers Lake 13-11 .542 Somerset 10-14 .417 Copperfielders 9-15 .375 Fourth Shift 6-18 .250 No Names 4-20 .167 The cities largest and longest running league was primarily a race between the Lexington Heights Condors, Bogey's, Eagan A and the Mendota Heights Police and Fire Department team appropriately named "Guns & Hoses". The Condors narrowly edged out Bogey's for the regular season title. The Condors received an automatic bid Golf Leagues The Women's and Youth Golf Leagues ended during the second and third week of August. The weather cooperated quite well with the golfers this year. There were give away's during the final round of each league. It was a pleasure working with the Mendota Heights Par 3 golf course and we are both looking forward to the summer of 1999. Meetings Attended August 27, 1998: Northern Dakota County Community Pulse Project at the Dist. 197 Learning Center, September 2, 1998: Minnesota Park and Recreation Association's State Conference Committee at Mendota Heights City Hall, September 2, 1998: Mendota Heights Senior Club Meeting at Mendota Heights City Hall. Working On... -Fall park, field and pavilion reservations. -Fall programs. -Planning for the 1998-1999 Mendota Heights Senior Club. -Wrapping up the 1998 softball season. - "After Action" reports on summer programs. -Cross country ski trail at Par 3. -Ice Rink Attendant hiring process. -Youth programming with Dist. 197. -Hiring an ice skating instructor. F_EL�s- � el _ L - -- — 47` _ _ _ XA Ati r Tayclwa �oc4J44 _ / ZZ4� i c �t1 _f