052395 PK MIN
CITY OF SHOREWOOD COUNCIL CHAMBERS
PARK COMMISSION MEETING 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD
TUESDAY, MAY 23, 1995 7:30 P.M.
M I N U T E S
CALL TO ORDER
1.
Chair Mary Bensman called the meeting to order at 7:45 p.m.
ROLL CALL
2.
Present: Chair Bensman; Commissioners, Dzurak, Martin, Puzak, Wilson; Council Liaison
McCarty; and Administrator Hurm.
Absent: Commissioners Trettel and Colopoulos.
REVIEW AGENDA
3.
There were no changes or additions.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4.
Dzurak moved, Martin seconded, to approve the minutes of Tuesday, April 25, 1995.
Motion passed unanimously.
MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR
5.
Chris Lizee, 27055 Smithtown Road, speaking as resident and Planning Commissioner, reported
that Lundgren Brothers is willing to dedicate four acres of the future 75-acre development site as
open space along the north side of Smithtown Road. Residents are interested in a bike/hiking
trail in that area. Chris located the area on a map for those present. Discussion followed about
possible bird-watch area, car pull-off space and connections to future trails. Martin recommended
that the Commission have a tour at the site prior to a future meeting. It was decided that more
information was needed before considering possible options and that there would be plenty of
time for further discussion.
REVIEW PARK TOURS
6.
The Park Tour (Part II) began at 6:00 p.m. at Silverwood Park and moved on to Manor Park and
then on to Crescent Beach. Freeman, Badger and Cathcart Parks were toured on May 11, 1995.
FREEMAN
Hurm stated that the consensus was that there would be no bushes planted along the side of the
concession stand and that the location of future tennis courts should be moved to the east side of
the softball fields. Other ideas were mentioned about the use of the parking lot as a free skating
area, the possibility of paving the parking area, possible landscaping, and placement of volleyball
area and picnic shelter.
SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MINUTES
TUESDAY, MAY 23, 1995
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CATHCART
Hurm noted that the west swing needs repair and the slide needs attention as well. Both small
buildings need to be removed. Hurm reported RFP’s will be sent to two suppliers of playground
equipment. Martin mentioned that a resident recommended that a section of fencing be added as
a screen to block bicycles from the tennis courts.
BADGER
The tennis court has some major cracks which are priced at $800 for repair. The issue of moving
the hockey boards and/or enlarging the free skate area was discussed. Bensman noted that the
football field is in bad shape and Hurm explained the agreement with the football organization.
The question of future use by a Senior Community Center was raised as it may affect plans for
further development of the park. The football association should be told that they are welcome to
make improvements, but that the designation of the space may be temporary. Bensman
concluded that the three main areas of concern are the cracks on the tennis courts, larger free
skate area and the need to move the hockey boards in late summer.
SILVERWOOD
Needs for improvement include: solving the erosion problem on the hill along side of the tall
slides, rickety railings around wellhouse, and the washout area by the wellhouse. It was
suggested that the planting of shrubs would prevent erosion and keep traffic on the steps and slide
only. Hurm asked about the low spots in the open grassy area. After discussion, it was decided
that the first step is to check with the landscaping contractor about repairing bald and low spots in
grass before turning this over to maintenance. Hurm will check with Don about the orange
fencing on the north end of the former trail. There had also been a concern expressed by a
resident about the stone retaining wall being too close to the swings. It was also noted that it
appears that people had been on top of the wellhouse and the question of how to prevent the
problem was discussed.
MANOR
A resident requested the addition of a baby swing which could be added in one of the two empty
slots on the existing swing set. The tennis court has many cracks and some apparent root
damage which may need to be addressed. A suggestion was made that the old play area which is
still full of sand could easily be converted to a second volleyball court. This idea was supported
by a resident noting that there is heavy use of the existing court. Hurm questioned its proximity
to the future parking area and suggested that the Park Planner could take a look at the possibility.
There is also a need to install new flooring in the warming house due to significant water damage
from winter. Public Works will regrade the area around the entrance to prevent future drain
problems there. A decision needs to be made about what type of flooring surface is to be used.
Fencing and plantings around the satellite were noted as unfinished projects. Horseshoe pits
were also considered briefly, but noise pollution is a possible concern.
CRESCENT
The only recommendations for Crescent are to clean the shoreline and enjoy.
Puzak moved, Martin seconded, as a result of the Park Tours, to recommend to Council
one change to the Comprehensive Plan to relocate the proposed tennis courts at Freeman
SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MINUTES
TUESDAY, MAY 23, 1995
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Park to an area east of ballfield #6 and reduce the number of courts from three to two.
Motion passed unanimously
.
Puzak will make adjustments in the report to the City Council to show these changes. Wilson will
report to the June 12 City Council meeting.
REPORT ON PARK FESTIVAL HELD MAY 20, 1995
7.
It was agreed that the report will be postponed until the June meeting due to Sandy Trettel’s
absence. A suggestion was made that Thank You’s be sent to Trettel and others who
contributed. Bensman will take care of these and flowers for Sandy. There will also need to be a
follow-up meeting to wrap up final details. Some suggestions for next year were to have music
suited to a broader age group, to obtain a permit to serve beer, and to have a “Must be present to
win” policy for prizes. Overall, the event was well received and many positive comments were
heard from those who attended.
REVIEW PLAN FOR CATHCART PARK PLAYGROUND INSTALLATION
8.
Hurm recommended that the two firms whose equipment have been installed in 1993 and 1994,
would have the opportunity to present their proposals at the June 13 Park Commission meeting
(one at 8:00 and the other at 8:30). The Park Commission will then make a recommendation to
the City Council on June 26. This plan was agreeable to all.
REVIEW HISTORY OF PARK IMPROVEMENTS
9.
Hurm presented a list of past park contributions and involvements of team organizations and
described his conversation with Tonka United Soccer and the results of his meeting with them.
He also reported on a meeting with the City Manager of Minnetonka regarding the Bennett
Family Park, which led to the conclusion that a Joint Facilities Planning group would be a good
idea for the future.
COMMISSIONER REPORTS:
10.
Martin asked about having a phone list for City staff and organizations which would include the
names of spouses. Names were provided as follows:
Wilson - Peggy
Bensman - Kirk Rosenberger
Martin - Steve
Dzurak - Not provided
Puzak - Colleen
Trettel - Not present
Colopoulos - Not present
ADJOURNMENT
11.
SHOREWOOD PARK COMMISSION MINUTES
TUESDAY, MAY 23, 1995
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There being no further business,Puzak moved, Wilson seconded, to adjourn the meeting at
9:27 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
The Park Commission will meet on June 13, 1995 for a regular meeting and to interview
vendors for prospective plans for playground equipment at Cathcart Park.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,