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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1971 04-14 PRMMinutes.of the proceedings of the Park and Recreation Commission of the CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER in the COUNTY OF HENNEPIN and the STATE OF MINNESOTA - April 14, 1971 The Park and 'Recreation Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chairman Don Reichel at 7:30 P.M. Members present were Don Reichel, Ron Coop, Earl Larsen, Ruth Lind, and Bruce Morrow. Members absent were Henrietta Anderson and Wayne Finley. Also present were Gene Hagel, Doug Bryant, and Kathy Flesher. The minutes of the previous meeting of March 3, 1971 were approved as recorded. Mr. Bob Harvey, appeared before Mr. Harvey outl as follows: 1) possible, 2) To the facilities, Chairman of the Capital Projects dedication events, the Commission to discuss open house activities. ined the objectives of the dedication committee To expose the new facilities to as many people as recognize the individuals who had helped to achieve and 3) To promote Brooklyn Center. Mr. Harvey further outlined th, various facilities. ing a proposed free period. Discussion was that they would during the two week a functions planned for utilizing all of the He then asked for the Board's reaction regard- or reduced rate swimming during the open house followed and a general reaction from the Board favor such a proposal at least at certain times period. The Commission thanked Mr. Harvey for his efforts in keeping the Commission informed and expressed an interest in assisting or advising on other matters that may pertain to them. 1.1r. Bryant and Miss Flesher next presented a preview of activities being planned for the summer recreation program. Among the high- lighted activities were new puppetry classes, creative dramatics, an expanded Tiny Tot program which contemplates twenty-three different classes, playground scheduling, girls softball which includes a "Ponytail" and "Classic" League, tennis programs, Pro- grams in the Park, and canoe trips. A question and answer period followed in which was discussed program content, promotion, and registration. The possibility of decentralizing the location for registrations was suggested as a convenience to parents and partici- pants. A detailed program report for the summer will be presented at the May meeting. A joint summer nature program utilizing the Kylawn-Aiport nature area and sponsored by the Crystal and Brooklyn Center Park -2- and Recreation Departments was discussed. It was reported that the two staffs had met and had reached tentative agreement for the cooperative programming of the area. Crystal has budgeted $750.00 for the project. Brooklyn Center has $250.00 budgeted. In order to balance the contribution to the program, it is suggested that Brooklyn Center contribute the use of one of the movable buildings now located at the park garage. This building will provide a headquarters area and storage for program supplies. The Chairman of the Conservation Commission has been apprised of the joint plans and a meeting will be scheduled in the near future with members of the conservation Commission and the Crystal and Brooklyn Center Park and Recreation Departments to discuss details of the program. The Director reported that he had met with members of the Conserva- tion Commission regarding their interest in designing certain land- scape areas in the parks. It was noted that the'initial design of all park areas had contemplated an area which was to be set aside as a quiet landscaped area away from the noise and traffic of the developed play areas. Discussion followed and it was agreed to proceed with the project. The Park and Recreation Director will designate the areas to be designed and after a review and critique C by department staff the plans will be presented to the Park and Recreation Commission. Although there is no plan for implementation of the approved designs at this time, it is hoped that this can be one of the high priority items in development of the parks. A proposed tour of the Wood Lake Nature Center in Richfield was discussed. It was agreed that all members of the Commission would take a scheduled tour of the area on Wednesday, May 5. Members will meet at the City Hall parking lot at 6:00 P.M. and proceed from there. Spouses are invited to attend. The Director will make arrangements for a special tour conducted by members of the Richfield staff. The Director reported on miscellaneous items as follows: Several gift donations to the Park and Recreation Depart- ment have.been received including $50.00 from Petsuch Realty, and $50.00 from Doris Petsuch to be used for purchasing equipment for the Community Center. The ,Mrs. Jaycees have donated $100.00 for the purchase of a lectern to be used in the Social Hall at the Commun- ity Center. The Brooklyn Center Harmonettes have donated $40.50 to carpet the choral risers which are used by the Harmonettes and the Children's Chorus. A meeting was held on Tuesday, April 13, at the pro- posed Mississippi River Park located south of the -3- Interstate Highway bridge and east of the Freeway. Persons attending included representatives from the State Department of Natural Resources, the Highway Department, Bureau of Public Roads, the Conservation Commission, and Brooklyn Center staff. It now appears possible that the City can do the necessary work to provide a road and parking facilities in the area by mid or late summer. The Department of Natural Resources plans to install a boat launching ramp and members of the Garden Club have indicated an interest in introducing new plantings in the area. The annual Choral Concert presented by the Brooklyn Center Harmonettes and Children's Chorus is being held on Friday and Saturday evenings, May 14 and 15 at Robbinsdale High School. All members of the Commission are urged to attend. Further notices and tickets will be sent to the Council and Commission members. Efforts towards the accruisition of Twin Lake properties are proceeding. It is expected that it will be approx- imately one year before any of the parcels will be acquired. Construction at the community Center continues at a normal rate and it appears that the building will be occupied by early June. The,,construction of a concession trailer is underway and it is expected that this will be completed about May 1. Renovation of the former bath house at Lower Twin Lake Park will be undertaken this spring. This will include some redesigning to allow for proper utilization of the building as a warming house in the winter and a playground shelter building during summer months. Playground equipment and park benches are on order and will be installed at Riverdale, Freeway, and Lower Twin Lake parks this year. A limited use permit for use of the Highway Department property contiguous to Grandview Park has been applied for. This would provide one more full size ball dia- mond at Grandview Park, plus additional parking space, a relocation of the proposed tennis courts, and an expanded quiet landscaped area. _4__ Commissioner Ruth Lind introduced the subject of summer playground hours. Discussion followed whereupon a motion was made by Earl Larsen and seconded by Ruth Lind to reaffirm the resolution adopted at the regular meeting of December 9, 1970 entitled "Resolution Requestina Funds Td Provide For ExoandinQ The Eours Of Operation At Summer Playgrounds" and to request an early consideration of the resolution by the City Council. The motion was carried unani- mously. Commissioner Bruce Morrow introduced the subject of the proposed ice arena. After discussion regarding construction schedules and anticipated need for programming of the facility for the 1971-1972 skating season, a motion was made by Bruce Morrow and seconded by Ruth Lind to request early action by the City Council as recommended in the minutes of the Park and Recreation Commission of February 10, 1971. The motion was carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 10:50 P.M. C • •