02/21/1985 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission
MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
ADVISORY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
FEBRUARY 21, 1985
A special meeting of the Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission was called to
order by Chairman Martin at 7:05 P.M.. Present were Martin, Bertz, Masin,
Caponi and Alt. Absent were members Ketcham, Carroll, Thurston, Fedde and
Kubik. Parks & Recreation Director, Ken Vraa; Landscape Architect, Stephen
Sullivan; Parks Intern, Scott Morgan; and Liz Witt, Administrative Assistant,
were present.
1. PARK SYSTEMS PLAN - MATERIALS REVIEW & HANDOUT OF 2/7/85
It was the consensus of the Commission members present to place material
updates at the back of each section to which the material pertains. A 1985
date will be shown at the bottom of each one of the new pages. Most of the
pages were found to be in order; there were a couple which contained typos.
It was noted that the population figures are as of June 30, 1984 and they
should be updated to reflect the December 31 figures. Director Vraa said the
water elevation/figures have all been updated and are correct.
There was some discussion about the handicap standards. Section 501 mandates
that the City have a "policy to have facilities handicap accessible". He
suggested the Commission take a better look at this issue this summer and to
identify and implement the necessary changes to come into compliance with the
statute. Commission members present at the meeting thought a section on
handicap should be included in the Systems Plan.
2. PLAY EQUIPMENT - SPRING/SUMMER 185
Parks &_Recreation Director Vraa said that six parks were reviewed for play
equipment; however, Oak Chase and Carnelian have issues to be resolved. The
Director indicated Commission member Masin had asked if it would be possible
to put play equipment in at Carnelian Park in advance of the rest of the
development. Director Vraa said it would not be feasible to do so as it would
conflict with current and future use of the park.
Discussion then focused on Oak Chase Park located at the corner of Wilderness
Run and Oak Chase Road. Staff explained the issue relative to location, use
relationship and safety. The proposed plan called for the main play
structure, a climbing unit, a spiral slide, a tube slide and swing. The play
equipment would be located west of the existing tennis courts and 35' east of
Oak Chase Road. Steve Sullivan suggested a 3' berm between the road and play
equipment, focusing the play into the park and away from the street. There
was some thought given to the placement of a low prickly shrub to further
deter movement into the road and to control access to the play area.
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Adv. Parks & Rec. Comm.
February 21, 1985
Commission member Caponi was greatly concerned about the safety aspects of the
play area and while generally opposed to fences, felt a chain link fence would
offer the best protection. He felt a berm would screen off the child who
could suddenly appear at the roadway giving a driver no chance to take evasive
action. He felt that children would cut through any plantings the City
provided. He questioned in which direction residents enter the park and
design the access accordingly.
Director Vraa said a trail could be put in to show the park entrance. He
noted that parking is on the street and the topography somewhat dictates the
accessibility to the park. Commission member Bertz suggested the play area be
more elongated and moved closer to the tennis courts and away from the woods.
After additional discussion, Director Vraa said the suggestions will be
considered further and staff will come back to the next meeting with profiles
for the Commission to review.
Chairman Martin asked if different brands of play equipment have been
installed. Director Vraa said that Play Boosters, Landscape Structures and
Big Toys have been placed in Eagan parks thus far.
3. PARK COST ESTIMATES
This item was deferred to the March 7 meeting.
4. ITEMS FROM THE FEBRUARY 7 MEETING
a. Security lights
Director Vraa said he talked with Captain Geagan of the Police
Department and that in Geagan's opinion, security lights are a must.
The Commission members agreed to their installation, where
appropriate.
b. 1984 Housing Update
The recently issued report of Eagan's growth was noted by Director
Vraa. He said Eagan had 952 dwelling units constructed in 1984. Eden
Prairie, with 815 units, was the next closest growing city. Such
growth is expected to continue.
c. 1985 Commission Objectives
Chairman Martin noted that the Commission still should visit special
use facilities as they did not do that in 1984. Commission member
Masin said we still have to make an all out effort to get parkland for
the much needed community park. Commission members wanted to take a
construction tour of the parks, view park buildings in other
communities and meet with neighboring communities park commissions
(the latter is scheduled for April 24). Chairman Martin asked to have
1983 and 1984 objectives at the March 7 meeting and then to compile a
list for -1985.
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Adv. Parks & Rec. Comm
February 21, 1985
5. OTHER
Director Vraa said the Landscape Architect Department, University of
Minnesota, is taking on the water feature at Schwanz Lake as a teaching
project this year. Class members are to bring back models of proposed
designs. Much creativity is expected of their efforts, but whether anything
practical will come of it remains to be seen.
6. ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Martin adjourned the meeting at 8:30 P.M..
Dated : Xo go "I
Advisory Parks & Recrea ion Secre ary
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