03-27-2001 PTRC Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PARKS TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE 3 MOTION: Committee Member Crassweller moved and Chairperson Johnson seconded the motion to keep two rinks open as a pilot project and directed Staff to choose which two rinks will remain open. The motion carried unanimously. Ms. Olson told the Committee there were sledding issues with Hazelnut Park as children slide down the hill into the hockey rink breaking the boards and causing a safety hazard. There are sledders knocking over skaters as they go down the hill and a girl also suffered injuries requiring stitches when she ran into the light pole. Chairperson Johnson suggested putting signs in the parking lot that say no sliding. Ms. Olson indicated there are already signs posted indicating sliding is not allowed. Council Liaison Larson asked if it would be feasible to extend the skating season for two weeks instead of one. Ms. Olson indicated that in most years weather does not permit the extension of the skating season. Council Liaison questioned if there would be enough use to justify the expenditure as people have an expectation of when the rinks close and the leagues are based on the typical schedule of the skating rinks. Chairperson Johnson indicated his hockey teams practice and play indoors and that any ice time outdoors is a bonus and basically for fun and to practice skating. He also stated he felt there would be enough interest to justify the expenditure to keep two rinks open weather permitting. Ms. Olson told the Committee there were a lot of complaints concerning the Bethel broomball teams this year and questioned whether the City needed to change the stopping time from 10:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. It was the consent of the Committee to direct Staff to inform Bethel that the ice rinks will close at 10:00 p.m. next year. Ms. Olson told the Committee there were concerns for allowing broomball players to use the ice rinks. She then asked the Committee how they wished to handle the issue of allowing time for broomball players, hockey players and pleasure skaters. Chairperson Johnson stated he felt there were enough off hours' times to accommodate broomball players. Ms. Olson stated she would like to try to accommodate all types of uses for the ice rinks.