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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1970 07-08 PRMa Minutes 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 July 8, 1970 • The Park and Recreation Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chairman Don Reichel at 8:00 P.M. Members present were Don Reichel, Henrietta Anderson, Wayne Finley, Earl Larsen, Ruth Lind, and Bruce Morrow. Also present were Gene Hagel, Arnie Mavis, and Kathy Fllesher. The minutes of the previous meetings of April 9 and June 17, 1970 were approved as recorded. The first item on the agenda was the discussion of the resolution presented by the Brooklyn Center Conservation Commission regarding the use of the Metropolitan Airport property for an Enviromental Park. Present from the Conservation Commission was Mrs. Sylvia Winkleman. Also present was Carl Bloedel, Chairman of the Steer- ing Committee for the Preservation of the Area West of Kylawn Park. A discussion followed regarding the proposed development and programming for the area. After discussion, a motion was made by Warren Olson and seconded by Henrietta Anderson to endorse the concept of an Enviromental Park and to recommend its approval to J the City Council. The motion was carried. Mrs. Winkleman next presented-the Conservation Commission's request for the use of the western portion of Kylawn Park. She explained. that it was to be used in conjunction with the 4t acres of Metro- politan Airport property. After discussion a motion was made by Ruth Lind and seconded by Warren Olson that the Park and Recrea- tion Commission retain the area as a natural site and to develop it as an Enviromental Park in cooperation with the Conservation Commission for a period of five years, at which time the project will be reviewed and.re-evaluated. It is further agreed that all plans and proposals for development and programming of the area be presented to the Park and Recreation Commission for approval prior to the commencement of work in the area. The motion was5 carried. 4 <a A progress report on the recreation program was nextTresen~ by k, t Arnie Mavis and Kathy Flesher. It was noted that response -6, -Z`-• recreation activities was very good and exceeded` expectations r. several cases. Additional` Tiny Tot Xeadeis had to be employed and registration was closed due to the large numbers attending. r.s -2- Additional leaders also had to be hired to take care of the large numbers attending certain playgrounds. All swimming classes were filled shortly after registration opened. Two very successful softball tournaments have been completed and more are scheduled for the end of the summer.. The Director next reported on developments and improvements within the parks. It was stated that construction of the Community Center is moving along after a brief work stoppage. The six new park shelters will be completed in time for use during the skating season. The first shelter will be built at East Palmer Lake Park. Construction is expected to begin in about two weeks. Several large tree transplants have been planted at East Palmer, Firehouse, and Grandview Parks. More are scheduled to be planted at Freeway and West Palmer. Most of the grading and topsoiling has been completed at East Palmer and West Palmer and it is expected that these areas will be seeded early this fall. Riverdale and Fire- house are essentially completed as to topsoiling and landscaping. Freeway Park is scheduled to be topsoiled, landscaped, and seeded before Fall. Work has begun on excavation for Tennis Courts at Kylawn Park. Tennis Courts will be constructed at both Kylawn and Grandview Parks. The Highway Department is being contacted with regard to acquiring additional land immediately north of Grandview Park. This would provide for an extension of the exist- ing ball diamond and allow for more room for Tennis Courts in that area. Additional bleachers have been ordered to be placed by the baseball diamond at Grandview Park. Resodding of the area is taking place at the present time. The suggestion of a dedication ceremony for the Athletic Field Lighting at Grandview Park was discussed. The Commissioners agreed that a dedication ceremony should be held and suggested that it be held in conjunction with the Lions Club Carnival this Fall. The staff was asked to suggest ideas for the dedication ceremony and discuss them with the Board at the next meeting. The proposed Sidewalk Plan and priorities were next reviewed by the Commission. Concern was expressed regarding the following: 1.) Possible removal of trees to make room for'sidewalks. 2.) Dates for the priorities as listed. 3.) Date for completion of sidewalks leading to the Community Center. The staff was instructed to obtain further information and report to the Board. The Board next discussed the proposal for the joint operation of an Ice Arena by Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park. After dis- cussion a motion was made by Henrietta Anderson and seconded by Wayne Finley to endorse the concept of a joint venture and to ask that the City Council proceed immediately to investigate all -3- possibilities letter to the carried. r of a joint operation as contained in the memo and Mayor and City Manager dated June 22, 1970. Motion The Director next presented the planned layout for the improvement of the area south of Palmer Lake. It was agreed that the area should be cleaned up, and that driveways and parking areas be improved so that citizens would be permitted to drive into the park for their enjoyment o: the natural-area. It was further suggested that recommendations for use of park lands be referred to the Park and Recreation Commission for study and recommenda- tion prior to Council consideration. Motion was made by Earl Larsen and seconded by Ruth Lind to approve in principal the plans for the improvement of the south Palmer Lake area. Motion was carried. The Director announced that budget preparations for the 1971 year were underway, and asked the Commissioners for any recommendations they may have regarding proposed developments in the parks and suggestions for new or enlarged recreation programs. The recommendations were noted and it was suggested that the complete budget be presented to the Park and Recreation Commission for approval at the next meeting. At this time Warren Olson announced that due to business reasons, he will be submitting his resignation as a member of the Park and Recreation Commission. His announcement was accepted with regret-and the Commissioners expressed their appreciation for his past efforts and contributions as a member of the Commission. The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 p.m.