042616 PK MIN
CITY OF SHOREWOOD 5755 COUNTRY CLUB RD
PARK COMMISSION MEETING SHOREWOOD CITY HALL
TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2016 7:00 P.M.
MINUTES
1. CONVENE PARK COMMISSION MEETING
Chair Mangold convened the meeting at 7:05 p.m.
A. Roll Call
;
Present: Chair Mangold, Commissioners Vassar, Kobs and RockCity Council
Liaison Deb Siakel; City Planner Nielsen
Absent: Stelmachers
B. Review Agenda
Kobs moved to approve the agenda as written. Rock seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Park Commission Meeting Minutes of March 22, 2016
Rock moved to approve the minutes of the March 22, 2016 meeting as Kobs requested Item 4
be updated to include bids were solicited from Astro Turf, FieldTurf and Sprint Turf, and
FieldTurf came back with the most accurate bid. Rock seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-
0.
3. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR
There were none.
4. UPDATE ON BADGER PARK
Nielsen stated following Council approval of the FieldTurf bid, legislation was introduced that would put a
moratorium on fields with crumb rubber fill. Staff asked the vendor about it, and he stated that same
legislation was considered the previous year with nothing happening. We won’t know until May 13 if the
legislation will continue. Staff is recommending going forward with the intent to change direction should
the legislation be approved. Council was comfortable moving forward until there is scientific proof that the
material is a problem.
Nielsen stated the grading plan for the field is underway. The bid received had a practice field. They are
asking now for a 45’ x 90’ field which would be larger than the previously approved 30’ x 90’ field.
Mangold believed it would fit but would be right up against hockey.
Nielsen stated staff would be in contact with the engineer about modifying the grading plan should the Park
Commission give the go ahead on the revised practice field size.
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TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2016
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Vassar asked why the practice field needs to be widened. Steve Well stated as long as they are constructing
the field, the decision was made to do it right. Vassar was concerned about cutting into the play area.
Mangold stated there isn’t a structure play area design yet. It doesn’t mean we will end up with less play
area than what we have now. Nielsen didn’t think going another 15 feet would be drastically different. As
we move forward, maybe the decision could be made to have one rather than two play areas.
Rock stated as long as we don’t go over the 45’, he didn’t have a problem. Nielsen stated the concept plan
would need to be revised. Parking would be added as the second phase.
Mangold didn’t think 45 feet was a problem in the concept plan, we would have short term issues if the
hockey rink remains. Nielsen stated the rink can be removed any time. The shelter could also be removed
but could continue to be used for summer events until it is removed.
Mangold discussed the need to get from the nature trail to the bottom corner of the lacrosse field. He felt it
should be done now. Nielsen agreed stating he had talked to the engineer about it. For whatever reason, it
became complicated. He would talk to the engineer again. Mangold discussed trail options and asked for
further information. Nielsen stated the existing trail needs to be rejuvenated with Ag lime.
Mangold asked if there was anything in motion on the lights and adjustments needed there. Nielsen stated
the hope would be to have the lights remain with possible redirection. Mangold stated we need to get going
on talking to an electrician on options.
Rock asked if there would be any concern about moving forward with the field should the legislation be
adopted. Nielsen stated the design would remain the same no matter what material is used. Vassar asked if
it would make more sense to change the product now than later. Nielsen stated it would be the cost of
removing the old crumb rubber. The simple fact is the scientific data shows there are no bad effects.
Nielsen asked for direction on widening the practice field.
Mangold believed the Park Commission would not be opposed to moving forward with the crumb rubber.
As far as moving forward with the widened field, he was unsure of what should be done. Nielsen stated the
grading plan should be completed and brought back to the May 8 meeting.
5. SKATE PARK FUTURE
Nielsen stated we have discussed a number of items dealing with the skate park. The question
remained which was how much does it get used. If we are going to keep it as a skate park, it needs
money. There had been discussion about turning it into a dog park. There is a nice community garden
area there which could be expanded. One of the things that occurred to him was to use the existing
pavement for a pickle ball court which is becoming more popular. He suggested a small survey be
done of what could be at the park.
Mangold stated a survey was done for that park, the dog park being the main issue, but there were
other questions. He recommended staying away from surveys unless there is something we specifically
want to know about.
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Mangold stated the skate park structure needs to be completely replaced. He stated we need to decide
whether it should continue as a skate park. He didn’t believe there has been enough use to keep it in
operation. Siakel stated there is value in the secondary market for the structures.
Kobs asked what the timeline is for removal and if they are dangerous. Nielsen stated the edges are
curling and could be dangerous. Siakel suggested a notice be put in the newsletter stating it will be
closed if that is the decision.
Mangold stated we have been discussing closing it down for a year now. It needs to change and be
developed into something different.
Mangold moved, Kobs seconded to recommend staff find out how to get rid of the structures
and close it down. Motion carried 4-0.
Mangold stated Public Works should create more garden spaces. Commissioners discussed garden
spaces, expansion, and location of new spaces.
6. CATHCART TRAIL
Commissioners reviewed the TKDA trail concept. Nielsen reviewed the trail location. Nielsen stated the
plan would be to connect the trail back to the LRT. Mangold believed a final plan should be brought to
Chanhassen with numbers.
Vassar believed the park design is underwhelming. She asked what else could be done to get Chanhassen
to want to help. Nielsen stated the park benefits Chanhassen residents more than it does Shorewood
residents. He did think the trail system would be appealing. He stated he would create information
showing the trail system. Following additional discussion, Nielsen stated more of an aerial presentation
would be created showing how it ties into the entire trail system and developments in Chanhassen.
7. NEW BUSINESS
None
8. STAFF AND LIAISON REPORTS/UPDATES
A. City Council
Siakel updated the Park Commission on recent City Council actions.
B. Staff
Nielsen suggested the Commission discuss times for the park tours. He did note they were done later in the year,
and the parks were in better condition. He stated Public Works prefers it be later.
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9. ADJOURN
Kobs moved, Rock seconded, to adjourn the Park Commission Meeting of April 26, 2016 at 8:15 p.m.
Motion carried 4-0.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
Clare T. Link
Recorder