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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-24-00 PTRCAGENDA PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2000 **7:00 P.M." ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL 4364 W. ROUND LAKE ROAD 1. Call to order and roll call. 2. Approval of Minutes. 3. Council Update. a. Winter Ice Skating 4. Recreation Update a. Winter Recreation Guide 5. Review of the Flower Garden Designs a. BRW submitted plans 6. Update on the Park Comprehensive Plan process 40 7. Arden Manor Park Construction Project — Phase 11 8. Park Update a. Park Tour III — Evaluations b. Crepeau Park — Boy Scouts c. Review Packet Handouts 9. Next Meeting Agenda 10. Other Items for Discussion. 11. Adjourn Please Call Tom: 651/633-5676 or Jim: 651/628-9406 if you are unable to attend this meeting*** 11 L MINUTES PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2000, 7:00 P.M. ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL 4634 W. ROUND LAKE ROAD CALL TO ORDER Acting Chairperson Messerly called the October 24, 2000 meeting of the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee to order at 7:04 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT Members present were Don Messerly, Don Tix, Rich Straumann, Patrick Krenn, and Steve Zilmer, Tom Moore, Council Liaison David Grant, and Joan Lenzmeier, Recording Secretary. MEMBERS ABSENT Members absent were Jim Johnson, Louis Speggen, and Jim Crassweller. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The Agenda was approved by consensus. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The Minutes of the August 22, 2000 meeting were unanimously approved with the following changes: On Page 3 the correct spelling of "Cost" is "Kost". Council Liaison Grant requested he be referred to as Council Liaison Grant rather than Mr. Grant for the Minutes. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT Council Liaison Grant reported the Council approved the Winter ice skating plan. The pleasure rink at Valentine Park was approved and will include a warming house which is in keeping with other rinks around the City. RECREATION UPDATE Tom Moore told the Committee Michelle Olson will no longer be attending the Park, Trails and Recreation Committee meetings as she is very busy with other responsibilities for the City. 0 ARDEN HILLS PARKS TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE 2 1 .r Mr. Moore reported the Winter Recreation Guide is in the final copy phase and should be sent out on schedule in early November. Mr. Messerly provided the picture for the cover and it is very nice. Council Liaison Grant noted the brochure is very nice which may lead residents to think it is expensive. He suggested members of the Committee whenever possible let residents know the brochure is printed three times instead of four and the City is maintaining the cost structure for the brochure. There is a pumpkin hunt at Valentine Hills Elementary on Friday, October 26, 2000. The Arden Hills 4H Club is providing volunteers and City Staff will also be assisting with the event. In the first week of November there will be a meeting with representatives of Arden Hills, New Brighton, Mounds View, Shoreview and District 621 to discuss participation in youth track. There are a few issues that need to be resolved and Mr. Moore is hopeful they will be addressed at that meeting. The registration numbers are in for the Fall soccer program and the numbers indicate a very successful soccer season. REVIEW OF THE FLOWER GARDEN DESIGNS The City has received proposals for two different types of gateway flower gardens from BRW. BRW has proposed a solid concrete garden with a sign and without a sign and also a loose stone garden with and without a sign. The cost for the loose stone garden without a sign is $9,000. The cost for the loose stone garden with a sign is $14,000. The cost for the cement garden without a sign is $35,000. Mr. Moore proposed the City look at installing gardens in six locations throughout the City introducing two per year. His proposal for the first year is two loose stone gardens. One garden without a sign and one garden with a sign. Mr. Messerly inquired as to the life expectancy of the loose stone garden before it would need to be replaced. Mr. Moore indicated BRW had told the City the life expectancy on the loose stone gardens would be approximately 20 years. Mr. Zilmer inquired as to if the cost could be dispersed among other entities of the City if the garden contains a City sign. Council Liaison Grant indicated the Finance and Operations Committee is currently reviewing plans for gateway signage. He indicated the Park, Trails and Recreation Committee and the Finance and Operations Committee may want to cooperate to coordinate signage so there is not a duplicate effort. 0 06. • . ARDEN HILLS PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE V Mr. Tix inquired as to whether the Comprehensive Plan for the parks could include gardens with or without gateway signage. Mr. Moore indicated the Plan could include gardens but at this time does not. Mr. Zilmer inquired if Mr. Moore had received other estimates to construct the gardens. Mr. Moore indicated he had only received a quote from the City Engineer. Mr. Zilmer indicated he would like to see other quotes before deciding on a garden style/cost. Consent was reached by the Committee to direct Staff to obtain two additional bids for construction of the gardens. UPDATE ON THE PARK COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Mr. Moore told the Committee the November meeting of the Park, Trails and Recreation Committee will be completely devoted to discussion on the Park Comprehensive Plan. The Committee will need to make a decision as to which plan it supports and wishes to present to Council for approval. Upon approval of Council the process is scheduled to begin January 1, 2001. ARDEN MANOR PARK CONSTRUCTION PROJECT — PHASE 11 Phase 11 of the Arden Manor Park Construction Project is scheduled to begin this week. There are three components of Phase II which include fencing, blacktopping the existing road, and landscaping. PARK UPDATE Mr. Moore requested members of the Committee turn in their park evaluations. He will tabulate the results of the survey and bring statistics to the December meeting. The Boy Scouts have completed the projects in Crepeau Park. The Boy Scouts will be invited to the November meeting to recognize their efforts and thank them for their hard work. Mr. Moore reviewed with the Committee various handouts included in their packets. Consent was reached by the Committee to direct Mr. Moore to apply to have Arden Hills recognized as a Tree City USA. DATE/TIME OF NEXT MEETING By consensus, the next meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, November 28, 2000 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. r ARDEN HILLS PARKS TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE 4 Y 4 AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING Recognize and Thank Boy Scouts for Work in Crepeau Park Discuss and Make Recommendation to Council on Park Comprehensive Plan OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION There was various discussion on the need for a Comprehensive Park Plan. Consensus was reached that a Plan is definitely needed. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Committee Member Straumann moved and Committee Member Tix seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 p.m. The motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Joan Lenzmeier Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. • 0 S CITY OF ARDEN HILLS All WEST ROUND LAKE ROAD PQ ARDEN HILLS, MN 55112-5794 November 6, 2000 i Byron Northwick, Ph.D. Pastor Trinity Lutheran of Lake Johanna 3245 New Brighton Road St. Paul, MN 55112 Dear Pastor Northwick: The City of Arden Hills, Parks and Recreation Department is requesting a meeting with the leadership of Trinity Lutheran of Lake Johanna. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the future of Hazelnut Park and to formalize, in writing, our partnership. The City is requesting that this meeting take place in either November or December of this year. Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future. I can be reached by telephone at 651/633-5676. �r! j� �/ Thomas J. Moore Parks and Recreation Director cc: Mr. Joseph Lynch, City Administrator PHONE: (651) 633-5676 - FAX (651) 633-7839 2000 Pumpkin Hunt Expense/Revenue Report EXPENSE Sally $311.46 Target $66.81 Rainbow $29.90 Sam's Club $50.18 Happy Faces $185.00 Country Sun Farm $100.00 TOTAL $743.35 2000 REVENUE 29 participants = $344.00 At1999 Revenue 53 participants = $424.00 1999 Expense $597.60 0 2000 FAMILY TURKEY SHOOT Target Gift Certificates $45.00 Target Gift Certificates $30.00 McDonalds Gift Certificates $25.00 U.S. Toy $66.85 Target $10.98 Festival Foods $24.90 Snyder's $8.48 Sally's $72.10 TOTAL $283.31 2000 Revenue 29 participants = $151.00 1999 Revenue/Expense 35 participants = $175.00 Expense = $318.81 0 SA n l as /0.0 SAINT PAUL PIONEER PRESS • • • SUBURBS CRAIG BORCK/ PIONEER PRESS Drake Bell, foreground, and Rick Clascan work on a new center In Han- son Park in New Brighton. The 2,200-square-foot buildings feature vaulted ceilings, knotty -pine paneling, gas fireplace and lots of w1h.. dows. The centers can be used for Scout meetings, family reunions, card or book clubs and neighborhood groups. NEW BRIGHTON/ROSEVILLE New park buildings to open Designs said playful, versatile, welcoming for 2 nearby cities CYNTHIA BOYD sTAFF wRIrER Welconiing, playful designs and increased versatility charac- terize city park structures opening this month in New Brighton and Roseville. In New Brighton, community and utility are the ideas behind the design of four $250,000 build- ings that have replaced deteriorat- ing 1960s,.precast concrete sheds that provided simple .shelter for skaters in winter and for young- sters involved with recreation pro- grams in summer. "They were bomb shelters," at least in appearance, said Maurie Anderson, director of New Brighton's Parks and Recreation Department. The replacement buildings at Totem Pole, Sunny Square, Freedom and � Hansen parks will serve more as small neighborhood centers, he said. Tha ilia, moo 11o" o44asnn4 1n Highway 8; and Hansen Park on Fifth Street, about three blocks west of Old Highway 8. The building projects are part of a broader $2.4 million renovation effort this year in New Brighton parks and include a skate board area at Freedom Park, playground equipment, pedestrian trails, light- ing and retaining wall projects. In Roseville, the idea was to create provocative structures as "multi -use as possible," said Bob Bierscheid, the city's parks and recreation director. "We told (architects) we wanted something that would be _ a discussion point, something different, something that the community would say,. `This is not your run-of-the-mill building,' " he said. Apparently, they succeeded.' "We've had some people say these are the ugliest facilities they've seen," Bierscheid said. Others like the angular structures that look like two pods under one roof with an open space similar to a carport between; he said. The 2,000-square-foot shelters that went up at Acorn Park at • • • crease MUM cuttituuutiy, baiu Jim O'Brien of Williams -O'Brien, architect for the New Brighton project. - .. The result is bright; welcoming 2,200-square-foot buildings with vaulted ceilings, knotty -pine panel- ing, gas fireplace, television, VCR and seemingly never-ending win- ° doors that welcome the outdoors and community groups inside. • The look is playful. Windows, including two 16-foot panes of glass, climb the wall almost haphazardly, and the ceiling has a stair -step look to it. Visitors enter doors on either of two sides of the buildings to find vending machines, bathrooms and a large great room that can be sectioned into two rooms . to accommodate two smaller groups or,, one large group and seat 50.to 55 people. There are rubber floors where skaters tread and carpeting where they do not. ;Anderson expects to"see the cen- ters used fdr Scout meetings, fam- ily. reunions, card or book clubs and neighborhood groups. The structures will open soon at Sunny Square Park at County Road H and Silver Lake Road; Freedom ' Park at Silver Lake Road and 14th Street; Totem Pole Park at Foss Road one block west of _ Old OWCCl., auu ill. •L' VCISAVCU .1 ass al. ;County Road B and Fairview, fea- ture points, angles and bi-fold ' air= plane hangar doors with multiple panes of glass. In warmer weath- >er;.;with;=the hangar doors'- open, the .building becomes "an: open-air pavilion," Bierscheid said. Groups can use the structures, which cost .$280,000 each including site work, though the buildings were designed "primarily..as drop - in spaces," Bierscheid said. Tom Fisher, dean of the College . of Architecture and Landscape Architecture at the University of Minnesota, has noticed the Roseville structures; which he finds "really interesting" and says "look like two buildings all screwed and bolted together." Fisher applauds both cities' efforts to provide aesthetically appealing utilitarian spaces. "Peo- ple are .looking for places to gath- er as a community that are not shopping malls," he said: Cities are realizing that quality of life includes enjoyable_ parks and recreational facilities and these serve everyone. The Inver Grove. Heights 'sc "seem to be taking some •kit hit every time you' turn .ar and .they don't deserve. than Barb. Theirl, a media. Me Salem Hills_ il'M tat►: Merritt, 0,: grew`* -in Mimi California and Florida.,* He. i 'as a regional sales manager company. that m4kes lnduf high-pressure pumps,':#raveifql .quently. His,:.daughters aided 'el$ tary.... &ool in Souk fit: Pam; the family lived tbeii and' satisiiied' with the schools; thea said. But that changed ante district opened ..the new Ka Education Center. He said the floor -plan there and some add al bureaucracy were frustrath The family moved to l Grove Heights four years When his oldest _daughter w ninth grade at Simley, •-he upset that she was required some volunteer work related civics class. "There's no such 4, • 0 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS MEMORANDUM DATE: November 22, 2000 TO: Thomas J. Moore, Parks & Recreation Director FROM: Michelle Olson, Program Supervisor MV1 SUBJECT: Fall 2000 Program Report Summary Attached you will find the Fall Program Report for the Recreation Department. We had a very successful season! Summary • We offered 43 programs Fall of 2000. Of those 43, 7 classes were cancelled. This is an 84% success rate and a 16% cancellation rate, compared to last year's 73% success rate with a 27% cancellation rate. • We started a new Preschool Soccer League with success. We had 24 participants! • The number of Fall Soccer participants grew from 222 last season to 264 this year, a gain of 42 participants. 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W. 0 0 0 0 000ou zz (,5 60 u ;> COD A to 03 U2 Cd w cc 0 al , — cn 0 0 0 Ln C'n cX C..) &6 C'n , 14 -r, �: ;, — >� >� >4 A t , 0 0 0 9 8 t (-. 14 - 0 p �! . — 'p. K CL A > , < 6 < < < u 4. 42 Qwww < C4 rA < < > \6 t%: 00' 0+ 0* * —I rq* M* t--* oo* cl*� C5 M M en en M I • • Rising Standards early two years have passed since 6-yearold Toby Lee of Mound, Minn., fell to his death through a 13-inch gap between the bleacher footboards and seats at a hockey game in Janu- ary 1999. That no statewide standards for retrofitting bleachers have been developed since Lee's death doesn't mean that lawmakers have been sit- ting idle. It does, however, demonstrate the difficulty in making policy even in response to an incident that provoked widespread public outrage. While state building codes in 1998 mandated a 9-inch or smaller gap on all new bleach- ers, no policy then existed for retrofitting existing bleachers. "I would have preferred only to extend the date for compli- ance rather than back away from the standards," says Sen. Gen Olson (R-Minnetrista), original sponsor of the bill. "We did a little bit of both here." Legislators also were unable to agree on a timetable for compliance; the compliance date for retrofits, initially Jan. 1, 2001, was moved back a year, to Jan. 1, 2002. In addition, law- makers left the issue of enforce- ment up in the air. As written, the law will compel facility operators to police themselves. Many new bleacher units include guardrails on at least some higher rows, as well as narrower gaps between foot - loans to help facility operators finance bleacher retrofits. According to the U.S. Con- sumer Product Safety Commis- sion, 10 deaths occurring between 1980 and 1999 were attributed to bleacher falls. Of those deaths, four were chil- dren under the age of 15, and two occurred last year (the other was a 3-year-old who fell through a guardrail opening in Texas). From 1991 through 1999, the annual number of bleacher -related injuries treated in emergency rooms across the country averaged 19,100. In 1999 alone, 22,100 injuries were treated in emer- gency rooms, and roughly 6,100 of them were the result of a per- 11 Out with the old, in with the new: Which bleachers would you want your young fans using? Lawmakers hoped that a boards and seats, notes Juggle son falling from or through the statewide standard for these Hinduja, owner of Sinclair bleachers. Nearly 5,000 of those facilities could help prevent Industries, a St. Louis -based cases involved children 15 future accidents and even serve bleacher manufacturer. But years old or younger. as the blueprint for a national retrofits of older bleachers — The CPSC is in the process bleacher -safety standard. for example, adding guardrails of developing national guide - But a bill passed quickly after onto an old five -row bleacher lines for retrofitting bleach- Lee's death — which called for unit — might carry a price tag ers that will be stricter than gaps no wider than 4 inches that's higher than the bleach- Minnesota's. Hinduja joined and guardrails on all bleacher ers themselves, Hinduja says. other manufacturers, mem- units higher than 30 inches — Olson, however, says she's bers of Congress and parents soon gave way to a more seen creative ways of defraying of children injured or killed in watered-down version. As it the costs — including the bleacher falls for a round - stands now, facility operators donation of materials and/or table discussion with CPSC will be required to ensure that: labor by local companies. At officials last year. He says the • All bleachers 55 inches or least one facility operator con- guidelines should (and prob- higher have guardrails, and verted his five -row bleacher ably eventually will) become • No non -retractable bleach- sets into three -row units, which mandated nationwide. "I'm ers have gaps of more than 4 don't require guardrails, and surprised it's taken this inches between floorboards the League of Minnesota Cities long," he says. and seats. has even created no -interest —MiaMn PoMX www.athieticbusiness.com November 2000 ATHLETIC BUSINESS 9 • • 0 SA►Ii I as )0.0 SAINT PAUL PIONEER PRESS is • SUBURBS CRAIG BORCK/ PIONEER PRESS Drake Bell, foreground, and Rick Clascan work on a new center In Han- son Park In New Brighton. The 2,200-square-foot buildings feature vaulted ceilings, knotty -pine paneling, gas fireplace and lots of wig dows. The centers can be used for Scout meetings, family reunions, card or book clubs and neighborhood groups. NEW BRIGHTON/ROSEVILLE New park buildings to open Designs said playful, versatile, welcoming for 2 nearby cities CYNTHIA BOYD STAFF WRITER Welcoming, playful designs and increased versatility charac- terize city park structures opening this month in New Brighton and Roseville. In New Brighton, community and utility are the ideas behind the design of four $250,000 build- ings that have replaced deteriorat- ing 1960s,.precast concrete sheds that provided simple ,shelter for skaters in winter and for young- sters involved with recreation pro- grams in summer. "They were bomb shelters," at least in appearance, said Maurie Anderson, director of New Brighton's Parks and Recreation Department. The replacement buildings at Totem Pole, Sunny Square, Freedom and, Hansen parks will serve more as small neighborhood centers, he said. Th. M.. mom 11— o++n # #n Highway 8; and Hansen Park on Fifth Street, about three blocks west of Old Highway 8. The building projects are part of a broader $2.4 million renovation effort this year in New Brighton parks and include a skate board area at Freedom Park, playground equipment, pedestrian trails, light- ing and retaining wall projects. In Roseville, the idea was to create provocative structures as "multi -use as possible," said Bob Bierscheid, the city's parks and recreation director. "We told (architects) we wanted something that would be _ a discussion point, something different, something that the community would say, 'This is not your run-of-the-mill building,' " he said. Apparently, they succeeded. "We've had some people say these are the ugliest facilities they've seen," Bierscheid said. Others like the angular structures that look like two pods under one roof with an open space similar to a carport between; he said. The 2,000-square-foot , shelters that went up at Acorn Park at l�nnn#o i?n.,.i ! .Dori 11(n#il.in • is crease inure cummunny, billu Jim O'Brien of Williams -O'Brien, architect for the New Brighton project. The result is bright, welcoming 2,200-square-foot buildings with vaulted ceilings, knotty -pine panel- ing, gas fireplace, television, VCR and seemingly never-ending win- dows that welcome the outdoors and community groups inside. • The look is playful. Windows, including two 16-foot panes of glass, climb the wall almost haphazardly, and the ceiling has a stair -step look to it. Visitors enter doors on either of two sides of the buildings to find f vending machines, bathrooms and a large great room that can be j sectioned into two rooms . to accommodate two smaller groups or one large group and seat 50 to 55- people. There are rubber floors where skaters tread and carpeting Aere they do not. ;Anderson expects to see the cen- tors used fdr Scout meetings, fam- il� reunions, card or book clubs aid neighborhood groups. The structures will open soon at Sunny Square Park at County Road H abd Silver Lake Road; Freedom Park at Silver Lake Road and 14th Street; Totem Pole Park at Foss Road one block west of Old OLICCL, Zulu QL •L' VCIrI=" I a&& a6 County Road B and Fairview, fea- ture points, angles and bi-fold air- plane hangar doors with multiple panes of glass. In warmer weath- ler,�.with,jhe hangar doors, open, the building becomes "an open-air pavilion," Bierscheid said. Groups can use the structures, which cost $280,000 each including site work, though the buildings were designed "primarily as drop - in spaces," Bierscheid said. Tom Fisher, dean of the College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture at the University 6f Minnesota, has noticed the Roseville structures; which he finds "really interesting" and says "look like two buildings all screwed and bolted together." Fisher applauds both cities' efforts to provide aesthetically appealing utilitarian spaces. "Peo- ple are looking for places to gath- er as a community that are not shopping malls," he said.- Cities are realizing that quality of life includes enjoyable parks and recreational facilities and these serve everyone. The Inver Grove- Heights 'ac "seem to be taking some 'kit hit every time you turn ,ar and .they don't deserve- that;" Barb. Theirl, a medals.. A Salem Hills Elementary. Merritt, 40,.grew'up'in Miss California and Florida. ' He. i as a regional sales manager company that M4kes ihft h4h-priisure puniM ..traveiiN quently. H3is.,daughters adehded. eM' tary . school in Soutli.*: ".Paid. the family lived theme-,and'hi satisfied' with the schools; tlei said. But that changed aite district opened .the new Ka Education Center. He said the floor -plan there and some adc al bureaucracy were frustrath The family moved to 1 Grove Heights four years When his oldest daughter w ninth grade at Simley, -he upset that she was required some volunteer work related civics class. "There's no such MINUTES PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE Tuesday, September 26, 2000, 7:00 P.M. ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL 4364 W. ROUND LAKE ROAD Wool 01 Ll Chairperson, Jim Johnson, called the September 26, 2000 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Committee to order at 7:03 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT Jim Johnson Don Messerly Louis Speggen Don Tix Committee member Patrick Krenn arrived at 8:15 p.m. MEMBERS ABSENT None OTHERS PRESENT 0 David Grant, Council Liaison Tom Moore, Parks and Recreation Director Michelle Olson, Recreation Program Supervisor Jim Crassweller Rich Straumann Steve Zilmer Dave Winkel, Parks Maintenance Foreman Sheila Stowell, Recording Secretary Joan Lenzmeier, Recording Secretary in Training APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was amended to delete Item No. 9, "Review of the three park comprehensive plan presenters. Recommendation to City Council," as formal Request for Proposals (RFP's) needed to prepared and received prior to a committee recommendation to the City Council. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes of the August 22, 2000, Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee were approved by consensus as presented, with a minor time correction from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. of the next meeting at that time, scheduled for 7:00 p.m. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT Council Liaison Grant provided a report of recent Council events, including logo design; and an update on City Hall construction. Fj ARDEN HILLS PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 26, 2000 • REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS, PRESENTATION FOR PROPOSED COMPREHENSIVE PARK PLAN At 7:00 p.m., Mr. Greg Ingraham of Ingraham and Associates presented his firm's projected Master Plan for a Comprehensive Park Plan for the City of Arden Hills. Mr. Ingraham listed as his credentials service as the former Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Bloomington, MN; development of the City of New Brighton's Comprehensive Park Plan; and the recent Needs Assessment for the Mounds View School District. Mr. Ingraham reviewed their firm's proposed Master Plan if their firm were chosen to provide the Comprehensive Park Plan; and provided several potential activities that would be pursued. The Committee posed questions to Mr. Ingraham, which he responded to accordingly. PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR REPORT Mr. Moore provided an update on current activities including draining of irrigation systems; re - keying of the warming houses; Ramsey County proposed signage for several crosswalks between trails; and a recently -completed tree inventory and proposed future maintenance of trees within the City's numerous parks. RECR EATION PROGRAM SUPERVISOR REPORT is Ms. Olson provided a staff memo entitled, "Summer Program Report Summary," and verbally reviewed highlights of the summer programs. Mr. Crassweller inquired about the possibility of providing more personal solicitation, rather than just distribution of flyers and brochures to students. Ms. Olson expressed concern with willingness of school officials and teachers to available time and classroom interruptions; however, staff indicated they would research the possibilities. Councilmember Grant requested, and staff responded to, potential for expansion of the City's soccer program for older children. Ms. Olson requested suggestions for volunteer manpower assistance with the upcoming Pumpkin Hunt scheduled for October 27th Ms. Olson indicated continuing problems encouraging timely registrations for upcoming after school programs for Skyhawks. C 'AN ARDEN HILLS PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 26,2000 REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS, PRESENTATION FOR PROPOSED COMPREHENSIVE PARK PLAN At 7:45 p.m., Bob Coster, Augie Wong, Katherine Ryan, and Barry Gore from BRW provided their credentials and presented an overview of their firm's approach for a Comprehensive Park Plan. Committee members posed questions regarding aspects of the presentation, and Mr. Coster responded accordingly. Council Liaison Grant expressed concerns regarding several recent design options presented by BRW (i.e., a proposed warminghouse at Ingerson Park, and suggested extension of a section of trail), and the unrealistic cost estimates of those two projects. Mr. Grant stated that any proposed improvements related to a Comprehensive Park Plan needed to be realistic and feasible. REVIEW OF WINTER ICE RINK PROGRAM Director Moore introduced the next agenda item, entitled "Review of the Winter Ice Rink Program," with staff providing a written and verbal recap of the 1999/2000 season. Committee member Crassweller responded that he would prefer that the committee review the Valentine Park ice rink issue as a separate item at this time. At that point, Mr. Moore reviewed the numerous e-mails, petition, and correspondence received by staff as related to the Valentine Park ice rink, and provided for committee members in the packet. Mr. Moore introduced the Valentine Hills neighborhood representative, Fran Holmes. Ms. Holmes provided an overview of neighborhood concerns regarding re-establishment of the ice rink at Valentine Park. Ms. Holmes expressed concern regarding the decision to close the ice rink, and questioned the City's rationale regarding costs, the aesthetics of continuing the "neighborhood" rink; and warminghouse staffing issues. Mr. Moore responded to Ms. Holmes, from a staff perspective, reviewed programming issues for Valentine Park ice rink and provided additional information regarding the process; usage; maintenance; staffing and budget concerns; Comprehensive Park Plan development; and then deferred to Ms. Olson to continue addressing staff concerns. Ms. Olson discussed various programming issues, providing a historical perspective for the staff and Council's decision to no longer have an ice rink at Valentine Park. Ms. Olson deferred to Dave Winkel, the City's Parks Maintenance Foreman, to provide his expertise regarding various maintenance issues. Mr. Winkel addressed the various maintenance issues, using a visual display of the park and warminghouse. Those issues included the location of the ice rink on the softball infield and A ARDEN HILLS PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 26, 2000 0 related ag lime performance issues; formal availability of gravel parking lot vs. current asphalt for the skating rink; soil structure of the park (peat) and seasonal heaving; difficulty in berming the skating area due to the substantial sloping of the park; continued flooding of the warminghouse relative to the lake level at Valentine Lake; makeup of a berm for the ice rink; relocation of the skating rink and lack of parking alternatives. Other items addressed were the sewer manhole location in the middle of the parking lot; potential culvert plugging problems; access road for tanker truck; past lack of usage with no warminghouse; and location of lights. Committee members continued discussion, including potential relocation of the warminghouse; location of the ballfield; safety issues; parking area blacktopping; ice rink no longer being feasible; potential removal of blacktop, since it's alligator -cracking at this time; and potential need for additional lighting. Committee member Crassweller posed questions to staff, including if there were any way to downsize the rink to have a sheet of ice that residents could use; if there were enough snow, could a small rink be sufficiently bermed; light timer possibility; potential cost of other material for berming; and black dirt vs. ag-lime base. Ms. Holmes responded to committee members that the neighborhood was not concerned with the rink being smaller. 0 Council Liaison Grant expressed concerns regarding potential closing of the pleasure rink at Cummings Park, and the need to keep an adequate number of pleasure rinks in the community. Mr. Moore addressed several additional issues from a budget standpoint, stating the cost of $7,000 to maintain each ice rink location at $3,500 per rink (i.e., equipment, warming house staff, maintenance, etc.). Mr. Moore also addressed the recently -completed comprehensive drainage survey and future use of Valentine Park as a proposed stormwater treatment pond; and status quo of park projects, future capital improvement purchases until the overall park comprehensive plan has been completed. Staff recommends that Valentine Park ice rink remain closed until the final report for the Comprehensive Park plan is complete, and at that time, focus on the findings of the report and work from there. MOTION: Crassweller moved and Messerly seconded a motion directing staff to provide a committee recommendation to the City Council that staff be authorized to construct a small, limited -use ice rink at Valentine Park this upcoming season; that the ag lime be pealed back to allow for berming a rink, using Mr. Winkel's discretion for construction of the rink; and that a timer or photo cell system be installed for Valentine Park lighting so that the warminghouse could remain closed, with no ice rink attendant. The motion carried unanimously. ARDEN HILLS PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE S SEPTEMBER 26, 2000 Discussion ensued regarding tracking actual usage of the ice rink. Mr. Winkel responded that the maintenance crews would be able to determine use from ice shavings during their daily sweeping of the rink; and Ms. Holmes responded that she would be willing to survey the neighborhood as well. Staff recommends that, based on last season's final rink numbers, Cummings Park pleasure rink be eliminated, due to it being hard to maintain, and safety issues regarding the dangerous location down slope from the hockey rink. MOTION: Crassweller moved and Messerly seconded a motion to recommend to the City Council that the pleasure rink at Cummings Park be eliminated, due to safety concerns. The motion carried unanimously. Committee member Speggen expressed concern that the rinks be monitored to prevent hockey players from overriding pleasure skaters during public skating times and due to the elimination of the pleasure rinks. Staff also sought direction on the issue of ice rink rental during public skating time. Staff provided current program policy during public open skating was that one (1) hour maximum could be reserved during public skating at no charge. Staff provided additional comments regarding concerns of residents and rink attendants; additional practice time for hockey teams and research with other area cities. Staff reported on their research with the cities of Roseville, Shoreview and Vadnais Heights regarding rentals during public use times. Staff reported that none of those three cities allow rentals during public use times. City staff recommends that, with the exception of two (2) hours per week for local hockey association use, no rentals be allowed during public use time. MOTION: Krenn moved and Zilmer seconded a motion to recommend to the City Council that staff be directed to no rentals be allowed during public use time, with the exception of two (2) hours per week for local hockey association use, and that adequate signage be provided stating City policy at the appropriate rinks. The motion carried unanimously. Staff also sought direction on the rental fee of $25.00 per hour for ice rinks. Last season's policy was that all rentals (after hours) required a rink attendant on duty at a rental fee of $25.00 per hour to cover staffing and lighting. Staff recommended that this policy remain status quo. MOTION: Crassweller moved recommendation to the City Council that the ice rink rental fee be increased to $35.00/hour. After further discussion, Mr. Crassweller withdrew the motion. ARDEN HILLS PARKS, TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE SEPTEMBER 26, 2000 0 Staff noted that the Bethel College Athletic Department has a separate rental fee, and their program is handled differently, with Bethel providing their own rink attendant. It was staff s recommendation, and committee consensus, that this usage remain status quo. Staff and committee members discussed continuing issues with residents and the use by Bethel of off rink (broomball) during public times. Ms. Olson stated that she would be addressing these issues at Manager's meetings for Bethel in the near future. She indicated that they would be advised that they needed to adhere to the rules of the City for rink usage, and the City's posted schedules. Committee members requested copies of the schedules to assist in monitoring of ice usage. Resident concerns included lights being on after normal hours. MOTION: Crassweller moved and Johnson seconded a motion to recommend to the City Council that the ice rink rental fee, as recommended by staff, remain at its current rate of $25.00 per hour. The motion carried unanimously. PARK TOUR THREE Chairperson Johnson discussed the logistics of the planned final park tour, number three. It was the consensus of the committee that staff would provide each member with an informational packet, with a brief description of the park's current and potential usage, and that committee members would individually tour the remaining four parks, Crepeau, Freeway, Floral, and Royal 10 Hills. Staff should inform committee members of the anticipated return of the park surveys, so staff could summarize comments prior to the next meeting. Committee members also requested maps of the parks, parking and access points. In a related note, Mr. Moore advised committee members that he and Mr. Winkel were coordinating with a Boy Scout troop for wood chips to be placed on trails in Crepeau Park. NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee is scheduled for Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 7:00 p.m. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Crassweller moved and Johnson seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 p.m. The motion carried unanimously. Respectfully Submitted Sheila Stowell Recording Secretary October 6, 2000 Dear�Park--Dh tor, The trees the Friends will be selling for the spring of 2001 are listed below. There is a possibility that the sugar maple will be substituted with the red maple. Please look over the list and let me know if you want to restrict donations of trees for your parks to certain species and/or certain parks within your community. 1621 Beechwood Ave. If you let me know that information I will be able to steer the donations to be sure that you get St. Paul, MN 55116 tree species that you want and in the parks you need trees. If I don't hear from you, I will 651-698-4543 expect that you will accept donations of all species for any park. www.fdendsoftheparks.org President The charge for commemorative trees is $50.00. Robert Nethercut Vice Presidents Trees for 2001 Jeanne Weigum Treasurer Large Trees: Size Selling Price James R. Bricher Sugar Maple (or Red Maple) #5 gal 35.00 Directors Craig Andresen River Birch #5 gal 35.00 Perry R. Bolin Theresa Bradshaw Dan Collins Red Oak #5 al. 40.00 g Thomas T. Dwight Neil Franey Autmnn Blaze Ash 8 ft.bare root 37.00 William Frank rKellogg WU yn Lundberg Small Tree: Mark M. Nolan Royal Star Magnolia #5 container 33.00 Janet Olson Larry Peterson Evergreens: Scott Ramsay Black Hills spruce #5 container - 24" 33.00 Pierre Regnier Jerry Seck Marsha Soucheray White Pine #5 container - 24" 33.00 Jerrilyn Thompson Vice President Emeritus Samuel H. Morgan Flowering Crabs: Director Emeritus Prairie Fire #5 container 30.00 David Lilly Truman W. Porter Sugar Tyme 5 ft. 20.00 Ex Officio Dennis Asmussen when the tree brochures are printed in February, 20011 will contact you again about placing Thomas Eggum Marc Goess them around public buildings in your community. Greg Mack Terry Noonan Thanks for our help and for participating in our tree program. You may e-mail me at Y P P P g P g►' Y Vic Wittgenstein peggylynch@uswest.net or send a response in the mail. Executive Director and Secretary Sincerely, Peggy Lynch Mississippi River Bluffs Project Manager dy Schwie Peggy ynch 1621 Beechwood Ave. St. Paul, MN 55116 peggylynch@uswest.net Parks and Recreation Department Gregory A. Mack, Director Tel: 651-748-2500 2015 N. Van Dyke Street Fax: 651-748-2508 Maplewood, MN 55109-3796 www.co.ramsey.mn.us October 9, 2000 Mr. Thomas Moore Parks and Recreation Director City of Arden Hills 4364 West Round Lake Road Arden Hills, MN 55112-5794 Re: City of Arden Hills 50th Anniversary Celebration at Tony Schmidt County Park on Saturday, June 23, 2001. Dear Tom, This letter is to confirm your request to reserve Tony Schmidt County Park for the City of Arden Hills 50th Anniversary Celebration to be held on Saturday, June 23, • 2001, from 6:00 a.m. to 12 midnight. I would like to meet with you prior to December 15 in order to discuss the responsibilities, expectations, rules, and other specific details and requirements related to hosting a large community event within a county park. Also, we would need to ensure that park needs are identified prior to reservations being open to the general public on January 2, 2001. After this meeting, we will be forwarding your shelter reservations and special use permit. We look forward to working with you. Please give me a call at 651-748-2500, Ext. 344, to set up a meeting. I will be out of the office the week of October 9-13, but Joyce Hildreth has my appointment book and you can talk to her to schedule an appointment with me. Sincerely, I dy ungers Director of Park Services JY/jh cc: Bill Schneider Sandy LaBore Park Service Coordinator Minnesota's First Home Rule County printed on regcled paper with a minimum of 10% post -consumer content -,* CITY OF ARDEN HILLS MEMORANDUM DATE: October 6, 2000 TO: Thomas J. Moore, Parks & Recreation Director FROM: Michelle Olson, Program Supervisor HO SUBJECT: Summer T-Ball/Baseball/Softball Evaluation Results Attached you will find the Summer T-Ball/Baseball/Softball Evaluation Results. Below is a summary of the overall results of the evaluations. Overall Results: 34 Evaluations Returned Question #1: T-ball — 4.1 avg. Question #2: T-ball — 4.0 avg. Baseball — 4.7 avg. Softball — 4.2 avg. Average — 4.3 Question #3: T-ball — 4.6 avg. Baseball — 4.8 avg. Softball — 4.3 avg. Average — 4.6 Question #5: T-ball — 4.0 avg. Baseball — 4.5 avg. Softball — 4.2 avg. Average — 4.2 Baseball — 4.8 avg. Softball — 4.2 avg. Average — 4.3 Question #4: T-ball — 3.3 avg. OVERALL AVERAGE: (for all 5 questions) 4.3 Baseball — 4.5 avg. Softball — 3.9 avg. Average — 3.9 SUMMARY: The question that scored the lowest (3.9) was concerning the length of the season. We had many comments that the season was too long. This will be reviewed for next season. The question that scored the highest (4.6) was concerning the kind of experience each child had. This is an outstanding score and says a lot about the success of our season. The overall score (4.3) was impressive as well. The comments were positive and will be helpful when organizing the leagues next year. The volunteer coaches were outstanding and deserve much of the credit. • RECREATION PROGRAM EVALUATION RESULTS PROGRAM: T-Ball Year: 2000 Season: Summer 9 Evaluations Returned Rating Scale = (poor)1 2 3 4 5 (outstanding) 1. How would you rate the customer service you received from the Parks & Recreation Department? Survey Results: Cumulative Score: 29 Average Score: 4.1 2. How worthwhile was the program for your child? Survey Results: Cumulative Score: 36 Average Score: 4.0 i3. What kind of experience did your child have? Survey Results: Cumulative Score: 41 Average Score: 4.6 4. How would you rate the length of the program? Survey Results: Cumulative Score: 30 Average Score: 3.3 5. How would you rate the cost of the program? Survey Results: Cumulative Score: 36 Average Score: 4.0 Please answer the following questions YES or NO. Please circle your response. 1. Did your child enjoy the course? Survey Results: 9 — Yes 0 — No 2. Would you enroll him/her next year? Survey Results: 6 — Yes 3 — No (because of age) 3. Would you recommend this league to a friend? Survey Results: 9 — Yes 0 — No Please write in responses to the following questions. 1. How effectively was this program organized and were your expectations met? Coaches were outstanding! Treated the children fairly and with FUN!! All children on the team showed improvement and they were rewarded. Coaches did a great job with organization of the team and offering opportunity for all ages and skills levels to develop. Everyone got to bat and rotate all positions on the field. Everything was fun. Everything went very well. Well organized. No problems. Park director was available when needed. The. program was very well run. The pictures would up to be a real fire -drill, but the rest was great! Frustrated by unclear start date and then sudden start. 2. What would you change in order to improve the program? Could the last games play w "outs" for fun? Location of all 3 parks was good. Easy access from Arden Hills neighborhoods. 6:15 would be better than 6:00. Either end two weeks earlier or move into more ball rules as season progresses. i.e. outs. I'm not sure that this age group needs to play t-ball two nights a week. I would eliminate ` any practices (maybe a couple at the beginning of the season) and only have one game per week. Move the season starting date up to early or mid -May and end it two weeks earlier. Shorten the season by 1-2 games. Shorten season to 6 weeks 3. Any additional comments or suggestions? The coaches were fantastic! Our coaches were great! Add Baseball hats to team uniform. Great coaches! 4. What new classes/programs/activities would you like us to offer? You've got plenty. 0 • RECREATION PROGRAM EVALUATION RESULTS PROGRAM: Coach Pitch Baseball Year: 2000 Season: Summer 8 Evaluations Returned Rating Scale = (poor)1 2 3 4 5 (outstanding) 1. How would you rate the customer service you received from the Parks & Recreation Department? Survey Results: Cumulative Score: 33 Average Score: 4.7 2. How worthwhile was the program for your child? Survey Results: Cumulative Score: 38 Average Score: 4.8 3. What kind of experience did your child have? Survey Results: Cumulative Score: 38 Average Score: 4.8 4. How would you rate the length of the program? Survey Results: Cumulative Score: 36 Average Score: 4.5 5. How would you rate the cost of the program? Survey Results: Cumulative Score: 36 Average Score: 4.5 Please answer the following questions YES or NO. Please circle your response. 1. Did your child enjoy the course? Survey Results: 8 — Yes 0 — No 2. Would you enroll him/her next year? Survey Results: 7—Yes 1— No 2. Would you recommend this league to a friend? Survey Results: 8—Yes 0 — No Please write in responses to the following questions. 1. How effectively was this program organized and were your expectations met? Too bad there wasn't a 4`h team in the league but overall it was a great season. It was very well organized and exceeded our expectations. Very well organized. Very effective. Excellent. The fields were always available for the team to play. Games were always at Valentine Hills, which had great fields for the games. The coaches of all the teams were kind and cooperative to each other. Thanks to Jack and Kathy Lindberg who were great coaches with spirit and patience!! Great time, coaches were wonderful! Everything was fine! Coaches were on time and had the equipment they needed to do the job. 2. What would you change in order to improve the program? Having two coaches (Hoyme & Larson) really helped. They went the extra mile and gave the kids trophies at the end. Not sure what other coaches do but some recognition is Nothing. Nothing, just try to promote it more for kids. I thought it all went well. Starting &am at 6:00 was difficult when parents are getting home at that time. Maybe swapping the start times for practices & games would be easier. It is OK to be 10-15 minutes late for practice — you do want to start games on time. AD 3. Any additional comments or suggestions? Coaches were excellent — very supportive & encouraging. The non-competitive nature of the program is super and what we looked for. Katherine & Jack Lundberg were exceptionally patient and friendly and FQUdCE j coaches. Try not to plan team photos so close to a holiday (0 of July). We had to miss them, which disappointed my son. Hope we can get more than 3 teams next year. , Ask or request Terry Olson to coach the Mariners next year. I've noticed during the fall season you offer a lot of classes at 3:00, which doesn't accommodate students that go to St. Odilia's or St. Johns until 3:40. Could you consider offering these classes or additional classes at 4:00?? 4. What new classes/programs/activities would you like us to offer? I appreciate the variety. A dance class for girls and boys W taught by Lynn Burwell or Jenny. Everything you did last year was great. 4 • RECREATION PROGRAM EVALUATION RESULTS PROGRAM: Youth Softball Year: 2000 Season: Summer 17 Evaluations Returned Rating Scale = (poor)1 2 3 4 5 (outstanding) 1. How would you rate the customer service you received from the Parks & Recreation Department? Survey Results: Cumulative Score: 71 Average Score: 4.2 2. How worthwhile was the program for your child? Survey Results: Cumulative Score: 71 Average Score: 4.2 3. What kind of experience did your child have? Survey Results: Cumulative Score: 69 Average Score: 4.3 4. How would you rate the length of the program? Survey Results: Cumulative Score: 62 Average Score: 3.9 5. How would you rate the cost of the program? Survey Results: Cumulative Score: 72 Average Score: 4.2 Please answer the following questions YES or NO. Please circle your response. 1. Did your child enjoy the course? Survey Results: 16 — Yes 0 — No 2. Would you enroll him/her next year? Survey Results: 15 — Yes 1— No 3. Would you recommend this league to a friend? Survey Results: 15 — Yes 0 — No 1- Maybe Please write in responses to the following questions. 1. How effectively was this program organized and were your expectations met? Alison's coaches were very well organized. They were fair with the children, encouraged them and did a great job teaching them the fundamental skills of softball. Good program. . It was effective because we had scheduled times & practices & we knew who we were playing. But the ump didn't show up on time plus the boys from baseball were playing in our field while we were having games. For this league my expectations were met. We had excellent coaches who were very organized. Very well organized. I felt it was unfair to put these kids up against older ones. I felt the coaches were excellent! Judy & Mike were excellent coaches. We sure appreciate their time, effort & attitude. As Emily as an older 4th grader, it was a bit frustrating to find that Arden Hills has grouped grades 2,3, and 4 together while all the other teams they played were 3,4th graders. Emily was far bigger than her team-mates, many who were playing for the first time. Great — except early on — Oasis Park in Roseville was in rough shape. They cleaned it UP. Impressed with pre -season organization. Also appreciated games being played nearby. Enjoyed the coaches as well as the other children on the team. It was wonderful to have directions to the different fields. Good. Yes. It was well organized and met our expectations. Would have liked more advanced notice of actual schedule. Very good. Excellent volunteer coaches! We loved the organization! i 2. What would you change in order to improve the program? Nothing. I'd like to see the baseball season be extended for a little longer. Rule Clarification — pitchers shall pitch from 40 feet not some at 30' and some at 50'. Mix newcomers with better kids instead of all the youngest together. • Again this team was up against some "Big" "Older" girls and teams. 0 This was her 4th year. Would suggest a Gr. 1-2 team and Gr. 3-4 team. The other A.H. team seemed to have most of the older players — perhaps a more even division of players go* would have helped. I would have bumped Emily up a level had I known the wide age spread. Kids have requested numbers on jerseys. Coaches requested it too for line-up info. Require that all teams in co -community leagues wear batting helmets for everyone's safety — not so much as a batter but as a base runner. There was one team that didn't wear them. Team should have been smaller. It would be nice if the same group of kids could be together again next year (whoever signs up) with the same coaches if they volunteer again. This team was young and continuity to next summer would be fun. In general we felt there was good coaching and were pleased with the work on developing skills. Our daughter felt that one of the coaches could have been more positive/encouraging. When there are more than 10 players at the game — everyone should still play the entire game. OK to have 14 players in the field. 60 ft. baseline was too fafl! Bases?? 2 or 3 whiffle balls!H 3. Any additional comments or suggestions? I was really impressed with the fine coach (Patty L.) Please pass on sincere thanks to Mike and Judy Hoen for doing such a fine coaching job! I felt the coaches didn't have their daughter sit as much as some others. The coach is an excellent coach! ' Judy & Mike Hoen were great coaches for this group. They are to be commended for their enthusiasm, patience and gift for teaching skills & strategies to these new players! Based on going to other cities, we've got facilities that are kept up better than surrounding communities. Great job! Few girls had any parents watching the game — Is there any way to stress that a few parent "cheerleaders" at the games would mean a lot to these girls? Jessie had a great time! She hadn't been in softball before and this was a great introduction. Mike & Judy Hoen do a good job of teaching the skills and teamwork in a very positive environment. We really appreciate strong skill & strategy development with the overall intent of learning to play well but enjoying the experience and the games. 160 2 nI grade with 3rd & 4h grade was tough! 4. What new classes/programs/activities would you like us to offer? Program good now. Lake swimming classes. I like the detailed book sent out for the new season! The Skyhawks program has been a huge improvement over previous offering. 0 October 4, 2000 To: Tom Moore Arden Hills Park & Recreation Director From: Mary Ortt 4KAA-T Re: Freeway Park //�� During our conversation last month, you requested I send you an "enhancement list" for Freeway Park. The playground was a busy place this past summer and with winter around the corner, the skating rink will be busy as well! Following please find enhancement suggestions for the park and skating rink. Playground area • Graffiti and paint scraping happened again for a short period near the end of summer. Your crew painted over some of the graffiti, mainly found on the picnic tables. There are areas on the playground equipment which will once again require another coat of paint, and some of the plastic areas (such as the top of the tunnel) will need the graffiti buffed out. • At our neighborhood meeting with you last Spring, we discussed the possibility of installing lighting in the park. Do you know if this will be done Spring 2001? • The basketball hoop was moved away from the street... thanks. However, the ball constantly gets stuck in the net. Could we get a new net installed? • Also related to the basketball area, I've noticed some of the other Arden Hills parks have free-throw lines painted on the pavement. Could this be added next Spring? • Finally, the Arden Hills Facility Guide mentions Freeway Park as having a tennis area. I know years is ago there was a tennis wall in the park that was moved over to Arden Oaks Park and never replaced. Is it possible to re -install a tennis wall somewhere in Freeway Park? Skating rink • When the playground equipment was replaced a few years ago, we were told (by Cindy) that the hockey rink would be resurfaced so it could double as a roller blade rink in the summer. Is this still in your plans? • Since many of the people living in the area "down near the playground" also frequent the skating rink would it be possible to install stairs going up the hill? It is extremely difficult to climb the hill since it either has very deep snow to climb through or it becomes icy. Driving to the rink is an option, but one that would crowd an already small parking area. • I've noticed some very long bolts sticking down through the outside of the hockey rink boards. They simply don't look safe for spectators who are walking around the boards, should they fall. • The hockey nets are made of metal. Is this standard for all Arden Hills hockey rinks? They don't look very safe to me, the edges seem very pointed and sharp, but I do not know what the "norm" for hockey nets is. • Last year while on the skating rink, I was constantly dodging flying pucks. This also occurred while climbing the hill to get to the rink. Since the hockey and skating rinks butt up to each other, there should be some sort of fencing enclosing the entire hockey rink to prevent a personal injury. • Along the same line, I noticed last winter the "door" leading to the hockey rink was left open (I assume to make it quick and easy to enter and exit the hockey rink.) However, this was another area from which hockey pucks came shooting out. • Finally, there needs to be a safe barrier in the parking area to keep cars from slipping down the • driveway potentially onto the skating rink. Tom, thank you for taking time to review these suggestions. If you would like to meet at the park/rink to further discuss the above, please contact me at 6364526. Thank you. Ll 0 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS MEMORANDUM DATE: October 11, 2000 TO: Thomas J. Moore, Parks & Recreation Director FROM: Michelle Olson, Program Supervisor Md SUBJECT: Winter Warming House Operating Hours These are the hours that we have operated the rinks in the past two years: 1998/1999 Monday -Friday 4:00-8:30 p.m. Saturday 10:00-8:30 p.m. Sunday 1:00-8:30 p.m. Holidays 1:00-8:30 p.m. Closed: Dec. 24, 25, Jan. 1 1999/2000 4:00-8:00 p.m. 1:00-7:00 p.m. 1:00-7:00 p.m. 1:00-7:00 p.m. Closed: Dec. 24, 25, 31, Jan.1 Here are the proposed hours for the 2000/2001 Winter Ice Rink Season: Monday -Friday 4:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday 10:00-8:30 p.m. Sunday 1:00-7:00 p.m. Holidays 1:00-7:00 p.m. Closed: Dec. 24, 25, Jan. 1 (Close at 5:00 on Dec. 3l') I will be putting these hours in our Winter Recreation Guide that will be going to print in early November. If you have any recommendations or comments, please let me know as soon as possible.