Memo- Joint Meeting with the Park BoardPublic Works Department
Memorandum
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
Park Board Members
From: Steven J. Stadler, Public Works Director
Copy: Rick Getschow, City Manager
Date: March 17, 2009
Subject: Joint Meeting with Park Board
Purpose
To update the City Council on the activities of the Park Board
Interlachen Park Improvements
The 2009 - 2013 CIP includes a total of $90,000 for park improvements, including
$50,000 for play equipment and $40,000 for park warming house /shelter improvements.
The Park Board, city staff and Brauer & Associates planners have met with the
neighborhood twice to discuss the park and potential improvements. These were good
discussions which led to follow -up emails and letters from neighborhood groups that are
advocating for various improvement schemes - some placing a priority on play
equipment and another on warming house upgrades. Notes from the second
neighborhood meeting and some of the correspondence pieces are included as the
final attachments.
The Park Board have reviewed and discussed the neighborhood feedback, including
the results from the 2007 neighborhood park survey, and have agreed upon a proposed
improvement plan - a copy of the preliminary plan will be available at the work session.
The Park Board intends to invite neighborhood residents to the April 20 Park Board
meeting to present this plan, receive feedback and answer questions.
The attached March 6 Park Board memo and cost estimate spreadsheet includes a
rough outline of some improvement options and associated costs.
Memorial Bench & Tree Donation Program
The Park Board is developing a new program that would allow residents to purchase
and donate a park bench or tree for placement in the park of their choosing. The
following is a summary of the proposed program.
Bench donation amount: $1,000
This would include the same or very similar 6' bench as we've used with the
memorial bench program in Downtown Park, a memorial plaque
and a concrete pad for the bench.
Tree donation amounts:
Tree with deed - $300
This donation would include a 2" caliper
tree and a parchment Memorial Deed bound in a padded portfolio.
Tree with monument marker - $600
This would include the tree and a 10" x 20" x 4" thick light granite marker with up
to four lines of lettering, 16 letters per line
• Tree and bench locations and tree type: Donors will specify a location
preference and the Street /Park Superintendent will then assist in determining the
location. We will develop a tree list for donors to choose from.
Tree guarantee: five years
Program implementation, timing & marketing
Anticipated start date: June 15, 2009
Order three benches in April
Design deed document
Develop order forms
Marketing:
Presentation to City Council - April 21
Hopkins Highlights announcement: June 2009
Website information in May
Community bulletin board item on local access TV
Hopkins SunSailor article
Park Improvement Planning and the Park Capital Improvement Fund
Following the receipt of feedback from the 2007 city -wide neighborhood park surveys,
the Park Board developed a multi -year park improvement plan. The attached Park
Capital Improvement Fund (301) spreadsheet shows the fund status and proposed park
improvement projects through year 2015. The 301 fund projection assumes a $50,000
dedication fee contribution in 2009 from the Marketplace & Main redevelopment and
annual $10,000 contributions from other, unspecified redevelopment projects. The plan
also assumes grant funding for Cottageville Park improvements. A major element of
the plan is upgrading play equipment on a 20 - 24 year cycle. There is some concern
regarding the viability of this plan - it is apparent that if this fund must pay for
Cottageville Park upgrades and the annual $10,000 contributions don't occur the fund
will be exhausted in year 2011. The Park Board wants to stress that, absent adequate
park dedication fee revenue; additional City reinvestment in the park system may need
to be considered.
3
Public Works Department
Memorandum
To:
Copy:
From:
Date:
Subject
Park Board Members
Rick Getschow, City Manager
Steven J. Stadler, Public Works Director
March 6, 2009
Interlachen Park Improvements Options & Costs
This memo provides some specifics for your consideration regarding Interlachen Park
Improvements options. The plan includes the following components:
• Play equipment options
• Warming House improvements
• New Picnic Shelter
• New paths in the park (between parking area, warming house and play
equipment
• New drinking fountain
• Concrete work around the play equipment and picnic shelter
• Lighting improvements
I understand that these plans may need to be modified based upon further input from
the neighborhood. This is just a starting point to discuss what is feasible based upon
neighborhood feedback to -date.
PLAY EQUIPMENT
There are a few options for the play equipment.
Option 1: purchase the equipment and have it installed by a contractor, including
removal of the existing equipment.
Option 2: City demos the existing equipment removal, purchase equipment, city lays
out and installs concrete equipment bases and neighborhood volunteers assemble the
pieces, supervised by the City and play equipment supplier.
Option 3: Retain the existing play equipment and just upgrade the safety surfacing
from pea rock to engineered wood fiber. The city would remove the pea rock and install
the liner and new surfacing.
PLAY EQUIPMENT CONTAINER AREA
Up to this point we've discussed upgrading the existing wood timber perimeter
containment to a concrete play curbing. However, installing new timber perimeter is
also an option for consideration. I am suggesting that this play area prep work be done
by a contractor. The work would include excavating to reshape the existing area to
match what's needed for new play equipment, installing drain tile and the new perimeter
curbing.
WARMING HOUSE IMPROVEMENTS
My thoughts on the warming house are that it is still structurally sound but it needs roof
repairs and a better appearance. I think we could accomplish both by having an
asymetric sloped roof constructed on top of the existing building. There would be two
different roof slopes with the front slope steeper than the back slope. Rutledge
Construction gave me a rough cost estimate of $10,000 - $15,000.
PICNIC SHELTER
There are options for a new picnic shelter. I like the idea of a small shelter in the area
of the play equipment and existing game court. This work could also lend itself to
volunteer construction, similar to what was done at Park Valley Playground.
IV
The installed price for such a shelter, not including concrete pad, is about $30,000. If
we purchased the shelter and the neighborhood installed it the cost is $15,000 -
$20,000 depending on the shelter size. Obviously the shelter design will dictate the
cost. These costs are based on the octagon metal shelter design used at Park Valley
Playground.
NEW PATHS IN THE PARK
I think the paths could be asphalt paved between the warming house and parking lot
and play equipment/picnic shelter area. This could be done in -house after the concrete
work around the play area and picnic shelter area is completed.
NEW DRINKING FOUNTAIN
This fountain would be located in the area of the play equipment/picnic shelter.
Depending on the fountain design, the cost would be $6,000 - $8,000.
CONCRETE WORK AROUND PLAY EQUIPMENT AND PICNIC SHELTER
I think this would be a nice improvement. The concrete work around the play
equipment area could be asphalt if we went with timber edging.
LIGHTING IMPROVEMENTS
Lighting improvements for hockey and open skate areas plus additional electrical work
regarding the picnic shelter would cost $5,000 - $10,000 depending on the number of
new poles, fixtures, etc.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
This includes BBQ grills, benches, tables, restroom enclosure, etc - estimated $10,000.
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
Warming house improvements: June 2009
Lighting improvements: September 2009
Install water line for drinking fountain: September 2009
Remove existing play equipment: October 2009
Z
Install play area drainage, edging and other concrete: October 2009
Install new play equipment and safety surfacing: May 2010
Pave paths: May 2010
Install drinking fountain + other miscellaneous items: May 2010
Install picnic shelter: Summer /fall 2010
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Memorial Tree with Deed
Order Form
Date:
Name:
Mailing Address:
City:
State: Zip:
All trees will be planted between October and December as a part of the annual City fall tree planting
program. Memorial trees have a five year replacement guarantee. If a tree should die within five years of
its planting, please notify Public Works and it will be replaced during the next fall tree planting season.
Please indicate the type of tree you are requesting and the location:
Tree Preference:
(Refer to approved tree listing)
Location Preference:
(Specific Park)
A parchment Memorial Deed bound in a padded portfolio will be provided to the donor as a permanent
record of this special tree's significance and location with GPS coordinates. The Public Works
Department will maintain a permanent record of this Memorial Deed. Please use the form below to show
what you would like the final document to say.
In Recognition of
_In Memory of
_Other (specify below)
Cost: $300 (Check or Money Order only, please. Checks should be made payable to City of Hopkins)
Mail this form and check to: City of Hopkins
Attn: Memorial Tree Program
1010 First Street South
Hopkins, MN 55343
For more information call: Ray Vogtman, Parks /Streets Superintendent
952 - 548 -6372 or email: rvogtman @hopkinsmn.com
Vt
cit of Hopkim
Interlachen Park Master Plan Brauer & Associates, Ltd. - Project 408 -42
k Bwkuu,R & At3c.IfvrlS, Lrt). 2nd Neighborhood
Meeting Notes:
10417 Excelsior Boulevard - Suite One - Hopkins, Minnesota 55343
Date: March 2nd, 2009
Project: Interlachen Park Master Plan
From: Brauer & Associates, Ltd. (George Watson & Amanda Prosser)
The 2" `' neighborhood meeting was well attended with about 30 residents participating. The agenda for the meeting was to
review two preliminary concepts for the park as well as to define a list of priorities for future park improvements. The
following table summarizes the discussions with the residents, park board members, and city staff. An attendance list follows
on page two.
Currently, a preliminary master plan for the park is being developed based on the comments received from the previous two
neighborhood meetings. This plan will be emailed 1 -2 weeks prior to the April 20` Park Commission meeting to the people
who were in attendance for the first and second neighborhood meetings and who provided their email address. Additionally,
the City intends to mail a meeting notice along with the preliminary master plan to each resident prior to that meeting. This
will provide residents a chance to review the plan prior to the meeting time, which is scheduled for 6:30pm at Hopkins City
Hall. Comments or questions regarding the plan or planning process are welcome at any time.
Page 1 of 2
Topic / Description
There was general consensus on the ranking of the following priority list:
1. Update existing play equipment and safety surfacing.
2. Aesthetically update the warming house
3. Replace existing trail connection to warming house from parking lot
4. Grade turf areas and improve turf quality
5. Include a picnic shelter for neighborhood gatherings
6. Include a hardcourt surface for 4- square, hopscotch, etc. A basketball hoop or drop shot hoop could be
included.
7. Add a portable restroom enclosure
8. Improve hockey lighting
1
The amount and size of the existing play equipment seems to be adequate for the users. The residents feel the location
of the existing play container is in an appropriate location. The swings should be in a separate container for safety
reasons.
2
After much discussion regarding the costs associated with a new building that would function as a warming house,
zamboni garage, and permanent restrooms it was determined the benefits didn't outweigh the costs and this type of
building should not be included in the master plan. However, the existing warming house should be aesthetically and
structurally improved (i.e. improve lighting, fix leaks, paint exterior, add new mats, add windows if feasible, install
vegetative screening)
3
A picnic shelter is desired for group gatherings of 20 -30 people. The shelter should have picnic tables, electrical outlets
for potlucks, security lighting, with grills and a drinking fountain nearby. This should be located within the vicinity of
the play area.
4
The existing traits need to be replaced and should connect important facilities such as the warming house and play area.
5
The residents indicated their concern over the degraded state of the turf area within the park and would like to see it
improved.
Page 1 of 2
Interlachen Park Master Plan
Brauer & Associa L - Project #08 -42
6
The need to keep a basketball court / hard court surface is desired and should be located in a similar location as the
existing basketball court.
7
The need for portable restrooms is evident and the residents would prefer to see them located in some type of enclosure.
It was also expressed that hand sanitizer should be available in those facilities.
8
The existing hockey rink lights should be better located and improved.
9
There was some interest in the compacted aggregate trail loop, but it was determined a low priority item.
10
There is a need for a backstop for informal ball games; however the existing backstop should be replaced.
11
A fire pit should not be included in the master plan.
12
The trees along the western side of the park are very important and no disturbance should be made to them.
• Joel Jensen — resident
Attachments:
1
None
Note: The information listed in this document represents the sender's impression of the meeting. Please report any errors, omissions,
and /or discrepancies to him /her promptly.
Attendance List (my apologies for• any misspelled names - some were a bit difficult to read)
• George Watson — Brauer & Associates, Ltd.
Amanda Prosser - Brauer & Associates, Ltd.
• Betsy Vilett — resident
Bill Sedoff - resident
• Bob Hatlesta - resident
Charles Watts - resident
• Charlie Firth — resident
Dan Hatzung - resident
• Dave and Sandy Murrin —residents
Dave Stuessi - resident
• David Buker — resident
Fred Berg - resident
• Gary Link — resident
Jason Anderson - resident
• Joel Jensen — resident
John Landschoot - resident
• John Render — resident
Judy Aarness - resident
• Kim Gerten — resident
Lauren Jensen - resident
• Lisa Taylor — resident
Mina Harrigan - resident
• Nora Watts — resident
Pat Beddor - resident
• Rick Trachy — resident
Sally Goddard - resident
• Sanford Hendrickson — resident
Shirley Anderson - resident
• Tad VanderVorste — resident
Thomas Barker - resident
• Tim Ryan — resident
Virgil Aarness — resident
• Steve Stadler — Public Works Director
Doug Datta — Park Board
• Molly Cummings — Park Board
Sharon Paulson — Park Board
Page 2 of 2
41;
Page 1 of 4
Steve Stadler
From: Peter Torvik [peter.torvik @comcast.net]
Sent: Monday, March 09, 2009 4:04 PM
To: Steve Stadler
Cc: 'Tim Ryan'
Subject: RE: Park
Thanks Steve:
I agree with everything you said. I am glad that the area doesn't expand. Please consider us as a resource in
decontstructing (we are probably better at that) and assembling /installing new play equipment. Also, check out
the US League of Cities web site for US Communities which is a US League and US Conference of Mayors
endorsed cooperative purchasing effort that serves over 12,000 units of local government. The programs are all
competitively bid by lead agencies like Hennepin County and the products include playground equipment,
artificial surfaces and other things you might buy. (hey, there's a solution, a $750,000 artificial turf play field) In
the interest of full disclosure, I am an owner and board member of the public - private partnership that started
and runs this effort and could benefit if you bought something from them. But heck, get a bid and compare it to
your other suppliers.
My feeling is we should either do something complete or just cosmetic to the warming house. Maybe some
sizable pine tree transplantings would draw attention away from it for the time being. Realizing that the cost of
water, bathrooms, electricity and structural changes will be substantial, it would be nice to get some kind of
realistic estimate and plan on the table so we know what we are shooting at. We will keep working on it on our
end.
Peter
From: Steve Stadler [ mailto:SJStadler @HOPKINSmn.comj
Sent: Monday, March 09, 2009 3:02 PM
To: Peter Torvik
Cc: Tim Ryan
Subject: RE: Park
Peter,
I agree that the neighborhood priorities are the play equipment and the shelter. Our goal is to come up with an
improvement plan that will adequately address both of them. However, it would also be good to have some money
available for a lighting upgrade, as well. I believe that you are correct in that the service to the warming house would have
to be upgraded in order to add new park lighting. I will confirm that with Doug and get an estimated cost to upgrade to a
new service panel.
I don't think a play equipment upgrade would require an increase in the size of the play area. The current area is about
7,500 sf total area including the swings. That would be sufficient size for new equipment.
If we were to delay replacing the play equipment that would mean we'd have to reduce the current budget so that the
money would be available for new play equipment in the future. The Park Board cannot assume that there will be new
contributions going into the park capital improvement fund.
It will be a real challenge to increase the current budget to the point where we could upgrade the play equipment plus do
pr
3/9/2009
Page 2 of 4
an extensive upgrade to the warming house, i.e. adding bathrooms, picnic shelter add -on, and Zamboni storage.
Perhaps we'll come up with a few options for the warming house, requiring from zero to two different levels of
contributions.
I would prefer that you wait until the April 20 meeting only because I'm working with others in the neighborhood and
haven't advertised tonight's meeting as a public input session.
Sincerely,
Steve Stadler
From: Peter Torvik [ mailto :peter.torvik @comcast.net]
Sent: Monday, March 09, 2009 10:06 AM
To: Steve Stadler
Cc: 'Tim Ryan'
Subject: RE: Park
Thanks Steve.
I agree that a lot of people want updated play equipment. I just don't know what that means. If it means
doubling or more the size of the play area to meet code with a much reduced functionality of the play
equipment, then I think people would think twice. if we burn the entire budget with the best and biggest,
leaving the warming house as is, then I think people will think twice. We need to know what the final design,
placement and package look like. My dentist would love to replace every filling in my head in advance of the
end of their useful life. I have been living on fillings that he told me would drop out 5 years ago and he still
warns me. I think you get my drift. Another 5 years on that equipment, with necessary repairs and updates, is
just money in our pockets.
On the other hand, if it has to go, it goes. We saved $5,000 assembling our play equipment with volunteers up
at St Johns. I can guarantee you that we can assemble a group of neighbors to pour footings and bolt that stuff
together with a minimum of supervision from someone who knows what they are doing. A few wrenched backs
and a couple of smashed thumbs is all it will cost us. I think this kind of help is always available in our
neighborhood.
As for the shelter, a roof might be.nice but, as my wife pointed out, anything that draws attention to it will be a
negative. A higher roof, a catchy paint job, a noticable expansion would make it more, not less noticable, and
without windows, bathrooms and, yes, I will say it, Zamboni storage, it is not more functional. She suggested
coating the thing with lattice and vines. I don't know what condition the roof is generally but there is a split
where the roof panels are parting due to shifting of the Northeast pillar. That is the only real structural issue.
it's really simple math to us. I think the neighborhood priorities are the play area and the shelter. Our proximity
to Edina makes us want our cake and eat it, too. So, if the budget is z and the cost of the play area is a and the
cost of a makeover for the facility is b then the shortfall is c. Can we realistically make up c in fund raising and
volunteerism. We have stuck about $15,000 into the Zamboni in cash for buying, housing and operating.
Volunteer hours are in the hundreds. I think we can do at least as much for the other amenities at the park.
One final word, we should get Mr. McPeek out there to take a look at our lighting options. It would be great to
have a little more illumination on the hockey rink. I don't know if different kinds of lights would help or if we
3/9/2009
Page 3 of 4
need more lights. I have to believe there are technologically advanced options but I am also sure they cost a lot
of money!!!! The problem is that I think we are electricity constrained because of the zamboni house.
Would it be helpful to come to the meeting tonight or wait until April 20th?
Peter
From: Steve Stadler [ mailto:SJStadler @HOPKINSmn.com]
Sent: Monday, March 09, 2009 8:36 AM
To: Peter Torvik
Cc: Tim Ryan
Subject: RE: Park
Hi Peter,
Thank you for the email. It appears that there are a few groups of residents formulating ways to best spend and
supplement the available park improvement funds. This is good because with this kind of neighborhood
involvement we're more likely to come up with a feasible plan that meets a majority of residents' expectations.
The Park Board must ultimately decide what Park improvements should be done based upon budget,
neighborhood input and overall city -wide park improvement goals. One of the goals of this Park Board early on
was to plan for the upgrade of our aging play equipment. Rather than wait until it starts breaking down and
getting difficult to maintain, they opted to implement a plan with a 20 +/- year replacement cycle. The
neighborhood park surveys conducted in 2007 showed that many park users want updated play equipment.
This was also true in regards to the 80 surveys that were returned by Interlachen Park neighborhood residents.
There are lower and higher priced options for upgrading the play equipment area. I cannot speak for the Board,
but I think it will be difficult to convince them that the improvement money should be spent predominantly on
the warming house, unless there is also a plan for a play equipment upgrade.
There is a Park Board meeting Monday night at 6:30 pm. That meeting agenda includes some time for the Board
to discuss the public input to -date and consider options for a park improvement plan and implementation. As
mentioned at the February 24 meeting, I'd like the Park Board to formulate a proposed improvement plan to be
presented and discussed at the April 20 Park Board meeting. Having said that, we don't want to curtail input
and ideas from the neighborhood, either, as I'm sure that we'll probably end up in some sort of partnership with
the neighborhood in order to make maximum use of the available funds. As I mentioned, that's good. I'm quite
certain that there will be more informal neighborhood input to consider between now and mid -April and also at
the April 20 meeting. Then, the Board must decide what constitutes the best improvement plan, all things
considered, present it City Council and start moving forward.
I'm definitely in favor of improving the existing warming house. For instance, I know that for $10- 15,000 we
could have an asymmetric -style sloped roof installed that would really enhance the current appearance'and
address the roofing problems. I'd be very interested in meeting to discuss in more detail the plan you
mentioned. Regarding building plan code requirements, you could contact the City's Inspection Division, Chris
Kearney, 952 - 548 -6321 or Chris Van Hauer, 952 - 548 -6324 for assistance.
If we upgrade the play equipment and /or the safety surfacing, we're looking at an engineered wood fiber
product. This is safe, ADA compliant, and "digable ".
Thanks again — I look forward to continued work with you and the neighborhood on this important project.
� (0
3/9/2009
Page 4 of 4
Sincerely,
Steve Stadler
From: Peter Torvik [mailto:peter.torvik @comcast.net]
Sent: Friday, March 06, 2009 2:47 PM
To: Steve Stadler
Cc: 'Tim Ryan'
Subject: Park
Hey Steve:
You skillfully jumped in and saved the meeting the other night. The consultants didn't fully explain their purpose
in exploring any and all alternatives just to see if any potential re- configurations made sense. I think the
meeting ended up in a good place. However, I can't help but make a couple of points.
I haven't inspected it personally, but my feeling is the deterioration of the play equipment is overblown. It
might need some replacement parts or complete removal of a feature or two that wouldn't currently be
permitted, but I would like to see the space requirements, the configuration and the placement of the new set
presented before any consensus is assumed. Also, an all weather plastic surface could be installed if people
were not liking little tennis shoes full of rocks. However, as my wife says "where will they dig ?" And you know
how much kids dig digging!
I also think we can reconfigure the present shelter to better accommodate the needs of the warming house, the
summer program and storage for everyone's favorite pet project, the Zamboni. The idea of spending (did I
hear ?) $280,000 on this simple facility in any economy just doesn't make sense. I have rounded up some
professional volunteers to help propose a redesign of and provide supervision of volunteer labor to rebuild and
expand the shelter to make it into a more attractive, first class facility. Recognizing that everything would have
to be done properly to code, we would have to get a lot of input on the project in order to not look stupid. You
would have to tell us who would know things like bathroom sizes, required door configurations and other things
not apparent to otherwise practical people. I think it is an option at least worth exploring. Please let me know.
If we could get these two primary features updated soon and within our budget, I think you guys would look like
heroes. It has been a lot of fun working with you on projects over the years and I look forward to this one also.
Is there a meeting Monday night?
Peter 0. Torvik
612 - 618 -7869
peter.torvik @comcast.net
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3/9/2009
March 9, 2009
Mr. Steve Stadler, Public Works Director
City of Hopkins
11100 Excelsior Blvd.
Hopkins, MN 55343
Dear Mr. Stadler
Thank you for including the residents of Interlachen Park in the park improvement planning process.
A small group of neighbors met today to discuss priorities and various options for improving Interlachen
Park. While we cannot speak on behalf of all residents of the Interlachen Park neighborhood, in general
we feel that the 2007 park survey accurately reflects priorities of neighborhood residents. We are,
however, offering additional feedback to provide perspective, clarification and rationale for the priorities
documented by Brauer and Associates.
Thank you for considering this feedback. The residents of Interlachen Park look forward to working with
the City to move this project forward.
Please feel free to contact either Anne or Tad VanderVorste if additional clarification is needed.
Home Telephone 952 - 930 -0364
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Priorities as identified by Brauer & Associates
1. Update playground equipment
2. Warming house
3. Trail(s)
4. Turf
5. Picnic shelter
6. Basketball /hardcourt
7. Restroom facilities
8. Lighting
Additional comments /discussion is provided below for each priority listed.
It should also be noted that:
• Priorities identified by Brauer & Associates (above) are not in order of resident priority. As an
example, turf improvements are considered a low priority.
• Resident feedback at the second meeting with Brauer & Associates was strongly in favor of
maintaining the existing layout of the park. Both conceptual plans presented included relocating
the playground equipment. Interlachen Park residents attending the meeting opposed relocating
the playground and the basketball court to the North end of the park.
Interlachen Park Improvements Page 1 1
Funding
In discussions following the second neighborhood meeting, three potential options for funding various
improvements have been identified.
1. Park Dedication Fund, $90,000
2. Regular City maintenance and repairs
3. Resident sponsored work, with City approval
While we recognize it is unlikely that work funded with Park Dedication Funds will be completed in 2009,
our hope is that many of the City maintenance items can be completed during the Summer of 2009.
Below are suggested improvements listed by funding category
Park Dedication Fund
• Install new playground equipment and surface
• Add picnic shelter with power and lighting
• Add portable bathroom enclosure structure and outdoor sink
• Improve lighting (general skating area & rink), if not feasible as a City commitment
(Maintain existing layout of park)
City Maintenance Commitments
• Repair /replace warming house
• Replace walkway to warming house
• Improve lighting (general skating area & rink)
• Address grading /drainage /turf issues
• Repair parking lot
• Assess safety of gate
• Assess condition of the basketball court, filling cracks and other repair as needed
Resident Sponsored Options
• Benches — donate a bench program
• Shrubs — donate and /or plant shrubs as needed
• Improve ball field — benches, low bleachers, etc. (provided by city)
• Possible trenching for water and power
• Labor for assembling playground equipment
• Create a non - profit for collecting donations to accelerate certain City commitments
Priority Discussion
1. Update playground equipment
Replacing the playground equipment is a high priority for the City as well as residents with young
children. Brauer's two preliminary designs both had relocated the playground equipment very close to
the parking lot. Feedback from residents attending the second meeting was clear that the current
playground location is preferred. Having swings in a separate area from the rest of the equipment is
preferred for safety reasons.
The cost of replacing the playground equipment is estimated at well over $60,000. Options for cost
reduction include less playground equipment and help with assembly of the equipment by residents.
Interlachen Park Improvements Page 2
2. Warming house
There is strong support from residents for a new warming house. The building is currently used for
the Summer park program, as well as for skating. Ideally, the structure would include a restroom and
garage /shed for park equipment and the Zamboni.
The current warming house is in disrepair and in need of immediate maintenance. In addition to
cosmetic changes proposed by Brauer, the roof leaks and has frozen one of the doors open /closed
on numerous occasions. Flooring and general appearance are also in need of improvement.
Brauer presented a very expensive ($260,000 +) option for a new warming house & also a very
modest option. It seems there is some middle ground between these options.
One option may be to convert the existing warming house into a garage for storage of grills, park
equipment and the Zamboni. In addition, the existing structure could be extended toward the parking
lot to create a space for the park program and warming house needs.
A phased set of changes seem most appropriate with the City completing roof repairs as an initial
step and residents raising funds and potentially providing labor for longer term replacement/extension
of the structure. Adding a fence to "hide" the current Zamboni shed may also be an option to
consider. However, prior to completing maintenance, residents would like to understand the cost of
repairs in the event they are significant and not considered worthwhile, particularly if replacing the
warming house is an option in the next few years. Residents may also be willing to assist with
general maintenance.
Discussions regarding restroom facilities are addressed below
3. Trail(s)
The existing trail from the parking lot to the warming house is in need of replacement. Additional
trails may be desirable but are considered a low priority.
4. Turf
The turf at the park has been poor for at least the past 15 years. It is primarily weeds and very
uneven. Any maintenance the City could offer to level the surface and improve the turf quality would
be appreciated. However, without an irrigation system it seems unlikely the quality of the turf will
improve significantly so any expenditure should be modest. It should also be noted that the turf is in
poor quality throughout the entire park, not just in the area where the skating and hockey rinks are
located, as may be the perception.
5. Picnic shelter
A picnic shelter for group gatherings of 20 -30 people would be an excellent addition to the park.
Electrical outlets and lighting would greatly improve the utility of such a structure.
6. Basketball /hardcourt
The current basketball surface is used extensively and is a high priority to maintain. Changes beyond
general maintenance and potentially new paint for four - square or other games seem unnecessary.
7. Restroom facilities
Restroom facilities with year round running water are highly desirable. While this may not be feasible
in the short term, residents would be interested in pursuing incremental steps toward such facilities.
Options include an outdoor sink with running water and an enclosure or fence to "hide" the portable
bathrooms.
Interlachen Park Improvements Page 3 71,10
8. Lighting
The current lighting at the park is very poor. There is one light on the warming house that illuminates
only a small portion of the main skating rink. There are two light poles, each with two lights, for the
hockey rink. Additional, or brighter lighting would provide safety improvements. Also, it is our
understanding that the electric service is already near capacity.
Again, thank you for working with neighborhood residents to improve Interlachen Park.
•
Interlachen Park Improvements Page 4
Page 1 of 2
Steve Stadler
From: Amanda Prosser [amanda @brauer- Itd.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 04, 2009 7:57 AM
To: Steve Stadler
Subject: FW: Interlachen Park Meeting Notes & Concepts
FYI - received this from a resident.
Sincerely,
Amanda M. Prosser, R.L.A.
k - BRAUR & A S()ClAlts, hi .
Brauer & Associates, Ltd. W Phone: (952) 238 -0831 ext.12
10417 Excelsior Boulevard V Fax: (952) 238 -0833
Suite Number One Email: amanda �brauer- Itd .com
Hopkins, MN 55343 Website: www.brauer- Itd.com
From: Dan Hatzung [ mailto:dhatzung @fusionhill.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 03, 2009 6:28 PM
To: Amanda Prosser
Subject: RE: Interlachen Park Meeting Notes & Concepts
Thanks for the notes on the meeting.
At this point I believe if the warming house is not being replaced the city will be responsible for updating the
structure as well as the path going from the parking lot to the warming house. The money the city uses for that will
not come out of the $90,000. 1 believe that Steve clarified that in the meeting.
I would recommend copying Steve on these emails unless he told you otherwise so we make sure we're all on the
same page heading into the next meeting. I did not copy him on this email as I wasn't sure what you and Steve
have agreed to as far as handling communications. If you would like to forward this to him and get clarification on
what money is going where that would be fine with me.
The feedback that I'm getting from the neighborhood is that the warming house is more of a priority than the
playground. The neighborhood will probably design the warming house and get bids for the construction. This way
we don't need to spend any more of the money given to us by the city.
Dan Hatzung
'249 Hawthorne Road
From: Amanda Prosser [mailto:amanda @brauer- Itd.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 03, 2009 4:09 PM
To: Betsy Vilett; Bill Sedoff; Bob Hatlesta; Charles Watts; Charlie Firth; Dan Hatzung; Dave and Sandy Murrin;
Dave Stuessi; David Buker; Fred Berg; Gary Link; Jason Anderson; Joel Jensen; John Landschoot; John Render;
Judy Aarness; Kim Gerten; Lauren Jensen; Lisa Taylor; Mina Harrigan; Nora Watts; Pat Beddor; Rick Trachy; Sally
Goddard; Sanford Hendrickson; Shirley Anderson; Tad VanderVorste; Thomas Barker; Tim Ryan; Virgil Aarness
Subject: Interlachen Park Meeting Notes & Concepts -7
v
3/19/2009
Page 1 of 2
Steve Stadler
From:
Steve Stadler
Sent:
Thursday, March 05, 2009 9:05 AM
To:
'Dan Hatzung'
Cc:
Amanda Prosser
Subject: RE: Interlachen Park Improvements
Dan,
The Interlachen Park warming house was built in 1964. The warming houses in the other parks were built as
follows: Harley Hopkins - 1959, Oakes — 1974, Valley — 1976, Central — 1966. The Capital Improvement Plan
budget is $90,000 — you can use that figure for your planning.
Thank you for your involvement in the planning process — I'm confident that with the neighborhood feedback
we've received thus far plus the ongoing interest from many residents that we'll come up with an improvement
plan that is both achievable and acceptable to all parties.
Sincerely,
Steve Stadler
From: Dan Hatzung [mailto:dhatzung @fusionhill.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 04, 2009 2:37 PM
To: Steve Stadler
Cc: Amanda Prosser
Subject: RE: Interlachen Park Improvements
Thanks for the email. I understand the budget issues, times are tough.
I took pictures of every park in the city of Hopkins yesterday and I'm sending them to other residents so they have
an idea of what you've done to the other parks, very nice stuff. I think the most frustrating thing for us at this point
is to see the efforts you've put into those parks over the years and our park has kind of gone to waste. We are the
highest taxed neighborhood in the city of Hopkins and here we are with a warming house that needs major
improvements and lighting that in comparison to the other parks is way below average. Do you know when the
warming house was built?
On the other hand you did support us with the zamboni and that has been GREATLY appreciated!! Residents are
so pleased with the ice and the flexibility you've given us.
Like I said, at this point the feedback that I'm getting is the focus should be on the warming house, not the
playground. I will get back to you and let you know if that is still the case.
How much money is left after you've paid the consulting firm? We would like to know so we know what we're
dealing with from a budget standpoint if we decide to help with the construction of 'a new warming house.
Again, thanks for your time and working with us to improve Interlachen Park. I think if we continue to respect each
others standpoint we will develop a very nice plan for the park.
From: Steve Stadler [ mailto:SJStadler @HOPKINSmn.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 04, 2009 2:12 PM
To: Dan Hatzung
Cc: Amanda Prosser
Subject: Interlachen Park Improvements 2
3/19/2009
Page 2 of 2
Dan,
Thank you for your follow -up email to the meeting. I did mention at the meeting that general funds could be used
for certain park work such as warming house roof repair, repaving park trails, etc. If we decide to retain the
current warming house and just do the needed repair work, i.e. roof, NE column adjustment/stabilization that
money could come from the City's general fund. We usually have park repair work budgeted each year for this
type of work. One issue will be the anticipated difficulty of putting together an acceptable 2010 City budget. With
falling property values and State aid to local governments being cut, it is a tough budget time for us, even this
year. It could be that the 2010 budget will only be able to fund essential services, with other work being deferred
to future years. Our goal is to put together a comprehensive park improvement plan that the Park Board and City
Council will support. I envision that plan being a combination of park maintenance (general fund contract work
and in -house work), improvements (park dedication funds contract work) and potentially neighborhood
contributions. We've got a good start with the neighborhood being engaged in the process, giving great feedback
and even thinking of ways they might help in order to stretch the available funds.
Thanks again for the email — I'm available to discuss any of this with you in more detail
Sincerely,
Steve Stadler, P.E.
Public Works Director
City of Hopkins
952 - 548 -6350
ssta dler@a hopkinsmn.com
1K
Hopkins
- 2,4 --
3/19/2009