2001-01-02 P & Z Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Silvemess, Director / YMCA, stressed that the YMCA will support any proposal the Parks and Recreation Committee offers, weather directly involved or not. Jason Swavely, Sr. Program Director / St. Croix Valley Wheel Park, explained that the St. Croix Valley Wheel Park has been open for three years. Mr. Swavely showed a video of a KARE II broadcast of one their programs called "Whatever" (airing on Saturday momings), of the St. Croix Valley Wheels Park that was taped two years ago. Mr. Swavely explained that the City of Hudson had problems with the youth riding their skateboards "downtown" where they are not allowed. Additionally, he stated that kids that have activities generally have fewer problems. The Wheel Park provides a place for the youth to go, keeps them out of trouble and works great. There is no longer a problem with "downtown" skating in the City of Hudson. Mr. Swavely shared some of the concerns and safety issues with the committee as follows: '" Will it work in the community '" Kids must wear protective gear to attain access to the park '" Kids played a small part in building / creating the park '" Build as you go '" Park is greatly used '" Reinforces good kids '" Kids like the pyramids the best '" May require segmented use (bikes, blades, skates) if desired '" St. Croix V alley Park is used by bikes, blades and skates at all times '" Kids use good protocol when used by all three wheel types '" Positive addition to the community '" Kids feel ownership '" Develops leaders ofthe community (kids) '" More successful if staffed '" Will need a boarder surrounding park '" College kids appear to work out better for staffing, as they can enforce the rules better (generally they don't know the kids attending the park) '" Roller-blading is the fastest growing sport in America '" Consider proximity to residents houses - very loud '" Suggests a six foot halfpipe (not too big for kids to use) Mr. Swavely shared the cost to build the St. Croix Valley Wheel Park was approximately $IOOk for the entire park, which includes $35k for a concession building. They are currently at approximately $115k - $117k with additions over the three years. The St. Croix Valley Wheel Park ran at a deficit the first two years, but balanced out in the third year. He stressed that concessions helped considerably. St. Croix Valley Wheels Park averaged 12 kids per day the first year, 15 - 16 kids per day in the second year, and 30 kids per day last year. Additionally, Mr. Swavely suggested having the wheel park built professionally, adding that they did not have much parent or youth involvement with the construction of the park. Mr. LeBlanc questioned the YMCA's plans to build a wheels park in Lino Lakes. Mr. Silverness explained it is just too expensive to build a wheels park in Lino Lakes where 2