1984-04 Eagan News Special IssueEAGAN NEWS
CITY OF EAGAN 1
3830 Pilot Knob RoadApril 1984
Eagan, MN 55122 L
Vol. 7 No. 1
Phone: 454-8100 [[ I FFRI, v J
THE LONE OAK TREE_THE SYMBOL OF STRENGTH AND GROWTH IN OUR COMMUNITY
CITY COUNCIL SETS
PARKS BOND REFERENDUM
A special election for a parks bond refer-
endum has been set for May 22 by the
Eagan City Council. This action was
taken by the Council after much input
from residents and many public meet-
ings and hearings. On March 22, after
reviewing the specific recommenda-
tions of the Advisory Parks and Recrea-
tion Commission and of a special Citizens
Task Force, the Council set the bond
referendum amount and date.
In recommending the two part bond ref-
erendum, the Task Force and Commis-
sion's report stated that Eagan parks are
"inadequate". The Task Force cited the
continuing growth of the community and
overcrowding of existing park facilities,
the need to provide play facilities for the
City's youth, and that development of
City parks is long overdue.
Part I of the two part bond referendum
question would provide basic develop-
ment for neighborhood and community
parks to meet 1984/1985 need levels.
Part 11 of the referendum question would
provide additional funding to secure and
meet future park needs. Additional in-
formation regarding the bond referen-
dum is contained in this special news-
letter edition.
Every Eagan resident is urged to study
the park bond referendum proposal and
to vote on May 22. Voting precincts and
locations remain the same as in the last
election. If you have questions regarding
where to vote or how to register, call the
Eagan Municipal Center at 454-8100.
INSIDE
Referendum Planning Process .... 2
Sample Ballot ... ..... .......... . 3
Cost to the Taxpayer . . .3
What You Should Know... ........ 4
Park Map ....... ....... 5
Questions and Answers ....... . . 6
This special issue of the Eagan City
Newsletter is authorized bythe Eagan
City Council and prepared through
the office of the City Administrator in
order to supply residents of Eagan
with information regarding the up-
coming park bond referendum.
INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS
TO BE HELD
The Advisory Parks and Recreation
Commission is hosting a series of
public informational meetings regard-
ing the proposed bond issue. These
meetings will be held at the Eagan
Municipal Center, 3830 Pilot Knob
Road.
Saturday, May 5, 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 9, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 10, 7:30 p.m.
If you have any questions or if an
organization or group would like in-
formation about the proposed parks
bond referendum, please attend an
informational meeting or contact the
Eagan Parks and Recreation Depart-
ment at the Municipal Center - 454-
8100.
YESTERDAY, TODAY AND
TOMORROW
Yesterday: The Eagan Park System
began years ago when Eagan was still
just a township. In 1971 a successful
referendum made it possible to acquire
and develop several park sites. With the
adoption by the City Council of a dedica-
tion ordinance in 1974, the City required
residential developers to provide land
for future development as a park.
Today: The park system has grown to
33 park sites. Unfortunately the majority
of these sites remain undeveloped. With
the growth of the community, the demand
for park facilities has grown dramatically
overthe past several years. A decision on
how to meet today's needs and the future
of the parks system is now being con-
sidered.
Parks are an important part of a well-
planned city. The Advisory Parks and
Recreation Commission urdertook an
extensive study of the park .system. The
study included many neighborhood meet-
ings and public hearings. Serious short-
comings in providing developed parks as
well as athletic facilities were pointed out.
Tomorrow: The proposed parks bond
referendum will provide funding to de-
velop neighborhood and community park
facilities which cannot be completed by
any other means. Development of exist-
ing sites for neighborhood use, athletic
groups and family usage was deter-
mined to be important by the systems
plan study. Eagan now has the op-
portunity to develop a park system for
present and future usage by the resi-
dents of Eagan.
EAGAN'S PARK
DEVELOPMENT IS
BEHIND THE
NATIONAL AVERAGE
Year Developed Acres / Population
Eagan
1979 .. i
123 / 19,900
Eagan ■ Y
1984
( Projected
123 / 30,000
VOTE
TUESDAY
MAY 22
BOND REFERENDE.,0.," RESULT OF
LONG PLANNING PROCESS
The May 22 bond referendum is a result of more than two years of intensive
study and planning. The process started many months ago as a result of
citizens' requests to the City for more and better park services. Members of the
Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission, who are volunteer citizens
appointed by the City Council, began the formal study process in
April of 1982. A professional parks planning firm, Erkkila & Associates, was
hired to assist the City in the planning effort for better parks.
One of the first tasks to be completed was a detailed inventory and analysis of
existing park land and facilities. The consultant reported that the City was
seriously short of developed parks and concluded that the City had only about
one-half of the developed parks necessary fora city with the population the size
of Eagan. He found that in comparison to neighboring communities, Eagan was
far behind in providing all types of parks and play facilities.
A community survey of City residents was taken and a series of public meetings
was held to gain additional citizen input. Following these public meetings, the
Commission spent many hours with the parks consultant analyzing City needs
in relation to the inventory of existing parks and facilities. Also studied were
analyses relating to demographic information, population concentration and
parks' needs. These needs included basic athletic facilities, play equipment,
skating opportunities, trails, etc. Majorfacilities such as an indoor ice arena and
a community swimming pool were also studied thoroughly.
As part of the planning process, the necessity of balancing the distribution of
facilities was studied. A second series of neighborhood meetings was then held
to obtain additional citizen comment on the findings and initial conclusions of
the study.
The Advisory Commission then began prioritizing the park system's various
needs. The emphasis was placed on the development of neighborhood parks
which are the backbone of any park system.
Acquisition of additional parks for future population and construction of major
facilities such as an indoor ice rink or swimming pool were recognized as
important issues as were other specialized park needs. However, these more
complex and expensive needs were seen as being subordinate to the
importance of developing existing park land and community parks in order to
provide the basics of a city wide park system.
At the request of the Advisory Commission, the City Council established a
Citizens Task Force to review the park needs study and the necessity of a parks
bond referendum.
After detailed study, the Task Force concluded that the development of the
present Eagan park system is long overdue. They concurred with the Advisory
Parks and Recreation Commission recommendation that a parks bond
referendum be held to finance the development of the needed parks.
-2-
r-.
National
Average
Source:
Rational Park
�. .}
.�..
and R r_reation
Assoc t:.rion
125 /
12,500
Eagan
1979 .. i
123 / 19,900
Eagan ■ Y
1984
( Projected
123 / 30,000
VOTE
TUESDAY
MAY 22
BOND REFERENDE.,0.," RESULT OF
LONG PLANNING PROCESS
The May 22 bond referendum is a result of more than two years of intensive
study and planning. The process started many months ago as a result of
citizens' requests to the City for more and better park services. Members of the
Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission, who are volunteer citizens
appointed by the City Council, began the formal study process in
April of 1982. A professional parks planning firm, Erkkila & Associates, was
hired to assist the City in the planning effort for better parks.
One of the first tasks to be completed was a detailed inventory and analysis of
existing park land and facilities. The consultant reported that the City was
seriously short of developed parks and concluded that the City had only about
one-half of the developed parks necessary fora city with the population the size
of Eagan. He found that in comparison to neighboring communities, Eagan was
far behind in providing all types of parks and play facilities.
A community survey of City residents was taken and a series of public meetings
was held to gain additional citizen input. Following these public meetings, the
Commission spent many hours with the parks consultant analyzing City needs
in relation to the inventory of existing parks and facilities. Also studied were
analyses relating to demographic information, population concentration and
parks' needs. These needs included basic athletic facilities, play equipment,
skating opportunities, trails, etc. Majorfacilities such as an indoor ice arena and
a community swimming pool were also studied thoroughly.
As part of the planning process, the necessity of balancing the distribution of
facilities was studied. A second series of neighborhood meetings was then held
to obtain additional citizen comment on the findings and initial conclusions of
the study.
The Advisory Commission then began prioritizing the park system's various
needs. The emphasis was placed on the development of neighborhood parks
which are the backbone of any park system.
Acquisition of additional parks for future population and construction of major
facilities such as an indoor ice rink or swimming pool were recognized as
important issues as were other specialized park needs. However, these more
complex and expensive needs were seen as being subordinate to the
importance of developing existing park land and community parks in order to
provide the basics of a city wide park system.
At the request of the Advisory Commission, the City Council established a
Citizens Task Force to review the park needs study and the necessity of a parks
bond referendum.
After detailed study, the Task Force concluded that the development of the
present Eagan park system is long overdue. They concurred with the Advisory
Parks and Recreation Commission recommendation that a parks bond
referendum be held to finance the development of the needed parks.
-2-
WHAT IS BEING PROPOSED
IN QUESTION I?
Neighborhood parks form the heart of
the City parks system, providing residen-
tial neighborhoods with nearby access
to recreational opportunities. Lands al-
ready acquired from developers are pro-
posed to be constructed as neighborhood
parks. Included will be landscaping, park
trails, playground equipment, play fields
and basketball courts. Brief summaries
of the proposed development for each
park include:
1. Blue Cross/Blue Shield - ball
fields, tennis, soccer, play equip-
ment, parking, skating, hockey and
warming house.
2. Meadowland - ball fields, soccer,
play equipment.
3. Coachman - ball fields, soccer, play
equipment, parking, skating, hockey
and warming house.
4. Pilot Knob - skating, hockey, play
equipment, trails, shelter.
5. DeBoer - a play field, trails, picnic
areas, lake observation and play
equipment.
6. Fish Lake- picnicarea, trails, canoe
access and parking.
7. Wedgewood - ball fields, soccer,
tennis, parking and play equipment.
Lone oak Road '�
i
13 rn Hwy 55 I
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Hwy 1
t
i�
Yankee Doodle Roaa ,
1,
s° I
c'
fl/ onnaY Road
®
0
;o.
jZ/ C� Wl/tla"'-a Run
r
�✓ ARad,.,,
EAGAN PARK LOCATIONS
8. Ridgecliff-tennis, soccer, ball field, 17. Lakeside - development of play 26.
skating, hockey and shelter. field area.
Several existing park sites are in need of
improvements or completion. These
parks will receive new play equipment in
addition to what is being proposed:
9. Carnelian - improved ball field and
shelter, new all purpose court.
10. Woodhaven - lighted tennis courts,
improved ball field, parking and trail.
11. Evergreen -improved tennis courts
and ball field.
12. Highview - improved tennis courts
and improved ball field/soccer area.
13. Country Home - improved tennis
court facilities and ball field area.
18. Bur Oaks Park, 19. Oak Chase
Park, 20. Walden Heights, 21.
Peridot Path, 22. River Hills, and
23. Cinnamon Ridge park areas
will also be included in the bond
referendum to receive new play
equipment and improvements to
landscaping.
Community facilities forthe development
of athletic and other recreational activi-
ties are a logical extension of the neigh-
borhood parks. Funding for the develop-
ment of these community park areas is
proposed under the parks bond refer-
endum as follows:
14. Lexington -improved ball field and 24
tennis facility.
15. Carlson Lake - improved turf trails 25
and lake observation.
16. South Oaks - enlarged play field/
soccer and lake access.
Rahn Park - three softball fields, a
baseball field, an improved soccer
field and additional equipment.
Capricorn Park - will include a
major and minor league baseball
field, two hockey rinks, a skating
area, parking and shelter building.
-5-
27.
Northview Park - irrigation and
lighting to four existing softball
fields and shelter building.
Schwanz Lake Community Park -
include play field area, lake access,
a picnic pavilion, six picnic shelters,
trailways, horseshoe courts and
parking.
(Note: The above represents a brief out-
line of facilities included for each park
area. It is proposed that landscaping and
park benches be included.)
Trails: The bond referendum also in-
cludes funding for construction of addi-
tional trails which are to be a part of the.
City-wide system. Priority areas, which
provide access to community facilities,
are anticipated to be constructed.
QUESTION 11
Question II has been carefully planned
to provide for further development of
neighborhood parks. Acquisition of land
suitable forafuture athleticfield complex
is included.
THE PARKS BOND QUESTION
This special election is asking two ques-
tions of Eagan residents.
In Question 1, the voters will be asked
whether or not they want to authorize the
sale of $3,316,000 in general obligation
bonds to develop City parks to meet
today's needs for neighborhood and com-
munity facilities.
In Question 11, the voters will be asked
whether or not they will authorize an
additional amount of $1,096,000 in bond
funds to develop additional parks and
additional facilities to meet today's and
future needs. If Question I does not pass,
the results for Question II will be invalid.
Below is a sample ballot for your review:
SAMPLE BALLOT
Q 1. Shall the City of Eagan issue
general obligation bonds in an
amount notto exceed $3,316,000
for development of neighborhood
and community parks?
Q. I I.If the above proposal is adopted,
shall the City of Eagan issue ad-
ditional obligation bonds in the
amount of $1,096,000 for ac-
quisition and development of
parks?
Note: Question If cannot pass unless
Question I is approved.
COST TO THE TAXPAYER
Part i of the requested parks bond
referendum is for $3,316,000. Part 11
of the bond referendum which will
provide for future park acquisition and
development is for $1,096,000.
Taxwise, Eagan's business community
will contribute approximately 410 of
the total cost of the parks bond with
residents contributing the remainder.
As Eagan grows in population and
assessed valuation, the individual
property owner's cost for this bond
issue will decrease.
The estimated cost per household is
listed below:
Question I Question II
Property
Tax Per Per Per Per
Now Month Year Month Year
$ 600 $1.50 $18.00 $.55 $6.60
800
1.75
21.00
.65
780
1,000
2.00
2400
.70
8.40
1,200
2.25
27.00
75
8.85
1,400
2.50
30.00
.80
980
Information on cost estimates provid-
ed by the City of Eagan's fiscal con-
sultant, Miller& Schroeder Municipals,
I nc.
YOUR TAX DOLLAR
Other
3.80
City:-.`
Schools : :15.50
58.70
Parks & Recreation
1.90
County :::
20.10
This diagram shows how your property taxes are spent. The City receives 17.40
of each property tax dollar, only 1.90 of which is spent on parks and recreation.
mac;
THE
PARKS BOND REFERENDUM
PROPOSAL INCLUDES
Part I
For Our Community:
The proposed parks bond includes the
construction of new neighborhood parks
and improvements to many existing parks.
Development of community facilities
which provide for passive recreation such
as picnicing and hiking, as well as active
sports like baseball, soccer, tennis and
hockey are also included. The parks bond
referendum will provide adequate park
facilities for Eagan's present needs.
For Our Children:
The referendum will provide play equip-
ment for eleven (1 1) new park areas and
improved equipment for eleven (1 1) other
parks. Five (5) skating rinks and hockey
facilities are planned. Basketball courts,
winter sliding hills and open play areas
will also be prepared.
For Adults:
Parks will offer walking trails, jogging
trails, benches and picnic facilities. Six
(6) additional tennis courts (two with
lights) are planned. Athletic facilities are
also proposed for Eagan's growing adult
team sports.
For Families:
Many unique neighborhood parks are
proposed in the bond referendum. Some
of these parks will provide for park shel-
ters and all will have playground equip-
ment nearby for children. A community
picnic park will provide for open picnic
shelters, tables and grills along with op-
portunities for volleyball, horseshoes and
field game areas. A canoe access will
allow for trips around a lake.
For Team Sports:
Facilities for Eagan's outdoorteam sports
are proposed to include lighting for four
existing softball fields. Younger athletes
will play on three (3) new baseball fields,
several new soccer fields, softball fields
and hockey rinks.
Part II
Part It will provide similar improvements
as above with the addition of land ac-
quisition for athletic needs as well as
additional neighborhood park develop-
ment.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
1. The City of Eagan has experienced tremendous increases in housing and
population. In 1980, the federal census showed a population of 20,720. In
1984, the population is expected to exceed 30,000 people. The construction
of parks and playgrounds has not kept pace with this population growth.
2. In 1982, the City had approximately one-half of the developed park space
required forthe existing population based on recognized national standard
indexes. The Citizens Task Force suggested that the standards were too
conservative and that the deficiency in park facilities may actually be
greaten In comparison to our neighboring communities, the City of Eagan
is providing only one-third of what those cities have developed for their
populations.
3. Many of the City's youth teams - hockey, soccer, and baseball - must now
travel to other communities in order to find sufficient practice and game
field space. These youth associations expect continued growth in their
numbers of participants and projects that they will require additional
facilities to meet their needs.
4. The last park development project (Northview) was initiated in 1978! This
project was financed by federal and state park grants. In 1983, $80,000 in
grant money was awarded for the partial development of Rahn Park
Because of federal and state grant program cuts, future opportunities for
park grants will be severely limited or non-existent.
5. The State Legislature has placed a limit on the amount of money that can be
raised through City property taxes each year. Based on the need for
essential City services, parks capital improvements money cannot be
financed by the City budget. A bond issue is necessary.
6. The City has recently completed a 2 -year study of the park system. The
findings are:
a. There are undeveloped neighborhood parks in many residential areas
which have existed for a number of years. Development of neighbor-
hood parks as a backbone of the park system is essential.
b. Many existing neighborhood parks are inadequate to serve neighbor-
hood residents; particularly lacking is playground equipment.
c. Athletic facilities are too few and often "Substandard" to meet the needs
of the youth and adults. Serious shortcomings exist in every type of
facility - soccer, ballfields, tennis courts, skating, hockey, etc.
d. A community picnic area or "central park facility" is non-existent and
should receive high priority.
e. Continued development and completion of a trail system should have
priority to provide for safe access to parks, commerce, libraries and
other community facilities.
-4-
VOTE
TUESDAY
MAY 22
ADVISORY PARKS AND
RECREATION COMMISSION
Roger Martin, Chairperson
Carolyn Thurston, Vice -Chairperson
Richard Carroll, Secretary
COMMISSION MEMBERS
Joanne Alt
Sandy Bertz
William Jackson
Tom Ketcham
George Kubik
Sandy Masin
Douglas McNeely
CITIZEN TASK FORCE
Joanne Alt
John Ayotte
Norm Berg
Raymond Bohn
Joe Bozicevich
Kay Carney
Judy Forrde
Les Hanson
Bill Jackson
Glen James
Sue Kirk
Carolyn Kompelien
Dave Kompelien
Marilyn Lancette
Tony Lancette
Scott Nelson
Dick Pettit
Gary Pietig
Dick Starr
Roger Swenson
Carolyn Thurston
Paul Uselmann
Lois Van Dyck
Jim Williams
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q. Why do we need to build parks Q
now?
A.
Y
A.
Q.
A.
Q.
A.
Many residents have realized that
the existing development of parks
does not meet the needs of the
community. The last park develop-
ment by the City (Northview) was
completed in 1979, financed by a
grant from the Federal and State
governments. Since 1979, the City
population has increased by nearly
one-half. And building parks today
will cost less than it will in the future.
How much of the proposed parks
bond fund will be used for acqui-
sition of land?
None in Part I. The entire amount
will be used for development of
new parks for which the City al-
ready owns the land and improve-
ment to existing parks. In Part 11,
some of the bond money would be
used for acquisition of land.
Why do we need to bond for parks
development?
Bonding is the only way sufficient
money can be made available to
develop parks.
How deficient is the Eagan park
system?
The Eagan park system has about
one-half of the national standard
for "developed park acreage" and
about one-third of the developed
park land of surrounding commun-
ities. A recent study indicated that
there is a serious deficiency in vir-
tually every type of park amenity
normally found within a park sys-
tem -- playground equipment, ball
fields, tennis courts, picnic areas
and other park features.
How far will the bond money go
toward meeting the deficiencies
you've mentioned?
A. That is difficult to quantify, but based
on current population, all of the
money in the Phase I bond issue
will be used to meet current needs.
Part II of the bond referendum will
meet some of the future needs of
the City as it grows.
Q. Which neighborhood parks will
be affected?
A. Under the bond proposal nearly all
parks will receive play equipment,
seven new neighborhood parks will
be constructed and other existing
parks will receive improvements or
complete development.
Q. What about community parks?
A. A community picnic/leisure park is
proposed to be developed. Im-
provements to Northview Athletic
Fields are proposed and develop-
ment of team sports facilities at
Rahn Park and Capricorn Park is
also included.
Q. What happens if the bond issue
does not pass?
A. The parks will not be built.
Q. I know we need parks, but what
do I get out of it?
A. If the proposed bond issue passes,
the City will be able to develop a
wide variety of facilities for diverse
recreational needs. Playground
equipment, athletic fields, skating
rinks, tennis courts, jogging and
fitness trails, as well as a commun-
ity picnic area will be provided.
MORE QUESTIONS?
Q. Why are there two parts to the
bond issue?
A. The study that was recently com-
pleted and reviewed by the Com-
mission and Citizens Task Force
identified the past and present
needs of the park system. Part I of
the issue will allow the park system
to "catch up" to today's needs. Part
II of the issue begins to address the
needs of future community growth.
Q. If I vote "yes" on Part 11, does that
mean that I approve of Part 1?
A. "No!" Residents should vote on
both parts. Approval of Part 11 does
not approve Part I. Part 11 cannot be
authorized unless Part I is first
approved and Part II is also ap-
proved.
Q. What is included in the bond
amounts?
A. All costs associated with the build-
ing of the parks such as planning,
engineering, equipment and grad-
ing are included. In fact, grading
costs alone amount to approxi-
mately 27% of the total amount for
building the parks.
Q. Assuming the park bond issue
passes, when will construction
begin on the parks?
A. Construction will begin on detailed
plans and specifications immedi-
ately. Some construction can be
expected to begin this year while
other work will be phased in over a
period of time to insure that every
economy of construction can be
taken.
Come to an informational meeting at the
EAGAN MUNICIPAL CENTER:
Saturday, May 5, 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 9,7:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 10, 7:30 p.m.
or call the Eagan Parks & Recreation Department at 454-8100.