062805 PK WS MIN
CITY OF SHOREWOOD WATER INTO COFFEE
PARK COMMISSION WORK SESSION 5609 MANITOU ROAD
TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2005 7:00 AM
MINUTES
1. CONVENE PARK COMMISSION WORK SESSION
The Park Commission began its discussion at 7:00 a.m.
A. Roll Call
;
Present: Chair Davis; Commissioners Farniok, Young, Westerlund, and Moonen and City Engineer
Brown
Wagner
Absent: Commissioner
2. MANOR PARK IMPROVEMENTS; POND CLEAN-UP, SHORELINE PLANTING,
BALL FIELD IMPROVEMENTS, OTHER; LAKE MINNEWASHTA DOG PARK
PARTNERSHIP; OTHERS AS SUGGESTED BY COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF
Chair Davis stated that the Foundation would be hosting a second fundraising breakfast slated for
September. She indicated that the Foundation had expressed interest in participating in a ‘natural’ project.
While the Freeman wetland project estimated at $400,000 might be a bit high for the Foundation, the
Manor Park pond project might be of interest.
Chair Davis noted that Commissioner Wagner had suggested proposing a security project for the
Foundation to partner with the City on. In addition, the Foundation had expressed interest in raising funds
for the regional dog park, or one member suggested rebuilding Manor Park’s ball field to accommodate
Babe Ruth teams.
Young stated that, in his opinion, Manor Park ball field should remain the neighborhood park, as opposed
to a larger recreational baseball facility.
Westerlund concurred; stating that she would strongly oppose any move to enlarge the baseball fields,
pointing out that the parking would not accommodate such a move.
Chair Davis encouraged the Commission to brain storm additional ideas or suggestions of what it would
like seen done in the parks, in order to give the Foundation a focus for their breakfast fundraiser.
Young stated that the Commission has had a number of projects it’s spent a great deal of time on, most
significantly the Freeman Park wetland project, which he suggested be broken down into phases or pieces
for the Foundation to participate in. He maintained that the regional dog park had a great deal of
enthusiasm and support with or without the Foundations participation and he would not like to see them
spend a great deal of energy or time on the project.
Westerlund agreed that it would be easy for the Foundation to be the vehicle to which funds are raised for
the dog park if they did not have to expend all of their energies on it alone. Westerlund pointed out that the
PARK COMMISSION MINUTES
TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2005
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Freeman Park wetland project might qualify for numerous grants or other funding sources. Westerlund
noted that if she could get a copy of the plans to share with MnDOT and other organizations she might be
able to investigate funding opportunities.
Farniok questioned whether the Foundation would find it more desirable to participate in a portion of a
large scale project or several smaller scale projects.
Brown stated that the City has a very good feasibility study for the Freeman wetland project that he could
share with the Commission at their next meeting. He pointed out that Planning Commissioner Cathy White
has expressed interest in performing the public education piece regarding buckthorn removal and would
host a buckthorn removal effort for Freeman Park in late October or early November.
As part of her training for master gardening, Chair Davis stated that White could accomplish a removal
effort with the support of a good public relations campaign.
Based on White’s suggestion to assemble a few groups 25 for the project, Brown stated that the City could
purchase a couple of weed wrenches for the program. He further encouraged the removal to take place as a
preliminary step towards completing the wetland project.
While this would certainly be a worthwhile endeavor, Chair Davis noted that the Foundation expressed a
desire to participate in a project outside of Freeman Park, such as the Manor Pond project.
Passing around a rough memo outlining the expenditure of $176.00, Westerlund stated that she had begun
the water quality analysis of Manor Pond. She pointed out that the plantings near the waters edge would be
in addition to the estimate, but necessary as the geese problem poses a public health hazard.
Young suggested mentioning this project to the Foundation as a small scale effort in water quality and
education.
Brown urged Westerlund to choose plantings that require little maintenance, as there is not a master
gardener on staff.
Westerlund felt that a 3 year commitment on behalf of neighborhood volunteers would result in a self
maintaining area and suggested staff contact a consultant to lay out a plan.
Brown stated that once the Commission reviewed the Freeman wetland project, they might be surprised at
the many facets of involvement for the Foundation, be it kiosks, an overlook area, or restoration.
Westerlund also suggested looking into an erosion control plan for the Silverwood Park sliding hill. On a
separate note, Westerlund pointed out that the Music in the Park series featuring Ms Catherine was a
phenomenal success. Based on this success, she suggested the Commission consider expanding the program
for next year and asking for Foundation support. She thought that a kid’s or family friendly series rotating
between Shorewood parks might be an attractive opportunity for the Commission and Foundation.
Young agreed that many residents might like the idea of a rotating parks program as a service that serves
citizens in all areas of Shorewood.
PARK COMMISSION MINUTES
TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2005
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Brown reported that the new Skate Park equipment had arrived and the quality was fantastic in comparison
to the past pieces. He pointed out that the replacement of the existing skate park equipment or creating an
area for adults to relax while watching their children might be another option for the Foundation to support.
Brown stated that, in fact, the City had recently extended water service to the Skate Park and a fountain
would be a nice addition to the park.
Westerlund reported that the Silverwood playground slide had a large crack in it and needed to be replaced.
In summary, Chair Davis stated that the opportunities that she would be presenting to the Foundation
included; participation in a component of the long range water project at Freeman Park, a shorter term
Manor Park pond project encompassing a water quality and health issue, Skate Park water fountain and
adult friendly plaza area, and/or expansion of the Music in the Park series to additional family friendly
events.
2. ADJOURNMENT
The Commission adjourned their meeting at 8:15 a.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
Kristi B. Anderson
Recording Secretary