Memo Shady Oak Beach Redevelopment Study . �+ �
CITY OF HOPKINS
� MEMORANDUM
DATE: November 16, 1994
TO: Hopkins and Minnetonka City Council Members
FROM: Dave Johnson, Director of Recreation Services
Lee Gustafson, Hopkins Public Works Director
SUBJECT: Shady Oak Beach Redevelopment Study
A joint meeting has been scheduled with the City Council
members of Hopkins and Minnetonka to discuss the status of
the Shady Oak Beach Redevelopment Study. Staff from both
cities felt that a joint meeting of the Council would be
beneficial at this stage of the study to ensure the study is
heading in the right direction from each Council's
perspective. The goal of the meeting will be to first
review the project and answer any questions or concerns.
The next step will be to possibly approve or modify the
concept drawing. If a consensus on the concept drawing
� cannot be reached, the next step may then be to have each
Council review the concept drawings individually. Some
direction is, however, needed at the meeting so the
consultant, Brauer and Associates, knows how to proceed on
the study.
Jeff Schoenbauer from Brauer and Associates will be giving a
short presentation on the study that will include a brief
review of the information contained within the attached
development program. He will also be updating everyone on
the various meetings that have been held. He will conclude
by discussing the attached concept plan and how it was
developed from the information he obtained. Also included
in his concept discussion will be the associated costs that
range from $1,100,000 to $1,600,000 for a complete overhaul
of the site.
Staff is hoping to leave the last 30-40 minutes for question ,
- and answers, and to provide our consultant with some
direction. If more time is needed for discussion, then it
may be necessary to adjourn the meeting and discuss the
study at a later date in a different format.,
If any Council member has any questions prior to the
meeting, please contact Dave Johnson at 939-8360 or Lee
� Gustafson at 939-1382.
, Seclion 2- l�opnient 1'rogram S ShaJy Onk 13enclr Redevelopme�it Sludy - HopR�linnetonka' .
�
. � ,
�
• � �
Sect�orl 2- Develo rner�fi Pro ram �
p g �
�
; > > those users, it was also recognized that an excessive
� � ' '�' Prirnary User Groups and Use Patterns influx of people from outside the area would impede
i QV@YV1 eW
; local residents opportunity to use the facilities.
'1'he most cornmon theme tl�at emerged for tl�e park is With this potential in mind, thc design of tl�e park,
Shady Oak Beach, Outlot B, and the surrounding land � mai��tain or enhance its image as a fntnily-oriented along with administrative policies, should foremost
' area is a community park shared by the City of recreational facility. In this case, family is deCued in provide for the residents of the two cities. It should be
' Hopkins and lhe City of Minnetonka.l'his association broad ter�us �nd includes trnditional, e�ttended, single- recognized, l�owever, that any redevelopment will tend
functions we�l and therefore will likely coutinue .��rent, and alternative fantily structures. Given tliis to increase use of the park, both from insid"e and
' indefinitely. The primary recreational focus of the park jn�nily-orienlation, design emphasis should be placed outside the two cities. Although tlie types of facilities
relates largely to beacti activities, although other on rovidin amenities thAt continue to encoura e rovided la s a si nificant role i�i use atterns and
P 8 8 p P Y 8 P
recreational opportunities (i.e. fishing, boating, family use. attendance, administrative policies �vill have to be
walking, picnicking) ure available in varying degrees. relied upon to a large degree to control who has access
Although the family-oriented theme rem�ins strong and to the park. Currently, there is no limit to park usage.
A common theme that surCaced during discussion �vas tl�e major in(7uence on design, a number of suU-groups A straight fee is charged for admission irrespective of
to view the site as a community park tliat oFfers a Wcre idcnlificd tl�at warraut specific design whetl�cr nn individunl is tt resident of Iiopkins or
variety of recreational opportunities, ratl�er than si�nply consideration: Minnetonka.
a beach. Although the beach will remain t}ie major . youtli/teen�gers.
attraction, other recreational opportunities need to be . Recreation progrAtn partici�iants. The issue of fees is important in that the beach area is
explored and accommodated to appeal to a Uroader . Canoeists/boaters. currently a fee-generating facility, with proceeds used
cross-section of residents in the two cities. • Fislier-persons. for operations and maintenance. The extent to which
• Neigliborliood residents. fees nre chnrged in the future will impact the potential
The following development program is broketi-do�vn range of development options. This is an important
by use areas and key areas of concern affecting tlie consideration in evaluating alternative concepts and
development of the park. ,The program serves as tl�e Secondary User Groups should not be overlooked.
basis for the preparation of the alternative concepts
and, ultimately, the mASter plan.
'� Altl�ougl� the rark focuses speci�cally on rroviding for
the residcnts of tlie two cities, Qiere is 1n innate
likelil�ood that redevelopment of tl�e site �vill draw
families nnd individuals frotn outside the area.
Altl�ou h� desire was es �ressed to ncc<�mmodate
� � I
-
13rauer & itssociale.r, I,td. S Seplemher, 1994
ian 2• l.�a�me�rt 1'r•ogram � Shnav w_
• C6115t(ICTAfit)!t SIlOUI{I �?C �1VCti fU 1VAYS til 4VIIiCI1 Beach Area Buifdings Tl�e rsu�._
Beach Area tnaprovemerits tlte pnrk could i�e copen yeAr-jaunc�. �katiug �vas as needing consicierable atteiftion. Most ot u,4 _
icletatiCed as a stro�ig possibitity. Winteri�ii�g t��e oeiitered araend aeoessibilit�, s�fety, function, and
�?1lI1Ct)c)litS 1iiCI CI7flil�T TOOt133 SVAS SU�,gCSICt�. UV6t8II trppeal. Section 1- Site nnnlysis (Building
In general, beach area smprovements facusing o« • Sc��r�e residents indicateci t1�at tlaey w�ri�td ;�ay /1nAiysis) ideniiCtes tl�e �rr���t�atic concerns rel�ted to
mesting family reereation needs and ciealing wiEh �Yiorc f«r t�eacli use iF�additiona! �sz�er�ities �vere tl�e existit�� baildings. 7"Eie folio«ring sutnmarizes
c�ngoing maintenunoe, sal'ety, and uccessit�ility avnilnl�le. Uthers ['elt tht�t Cees slro��!<i be ke��t as can�►i�e�its, icieus, and general themcs rei�#e�i to tiie
cancerns were faund ko bc the most irt�{�ortnnt. '1'tiese tt�iniisal as Z�c�ssik�le. buitdings:
basie grecepks serve as tl�e guidepasis for ttie design of •'I'lie grot��s rc���aii�ccl o�cn tc� I�rgcr scnle • f3uildings need improvement. Nat very visibly
the beach area. Bey�nd tiaat, tnan� otiicr issues and actienities, such as tiv�tes slides, btti cautianed appealing. Bathroams are u���p��ealing.
points of diseussion were considered as park vf ���tRSt [3tt�1iti8 �di3 LriUCIl lltf0 tf relaiively s�nall • WOUI{I IiICB f0 $88 t}2C C4tiSUIl�t1� "run wild" wilh
program formation. The fallvwing suinmarizes site. the proposats !`ar tlxe development of the
i� eomments, ideas, nnd genertti tlzen�es fc�r il�e • I'r�viditt� additian�! ucHviiies Cor cliildre��, suci� as tauildings. { Use some imaginA#ion with the
redeveiapment nf tlxe beach nrea atld assaciateci n lnrgcr pl�y struciure, is ec�t�sidered it2�J�orin��t. ad�ptive reuse ot' tlie existitsg buildings or witl�
� bt�ildingg. • 1'rU�riciin� nt�ire szreas Tor sitting an�l joui��irag rv�s prc�pos�d n�w o�es.} �
cc��asidere�i i�n{�ortani. t� gn7et�t�-ty��c stn�ciure • Would like to maint�iaz t�ie "vi[lage coneept" c�f
$e�Ch A1'e�: <�verloc�kii�g tlte beacl� was 'sniroduced as an aclea, tt�e current building cc�n�guration.
• The design fQr ihe beach area sl�ould nraiFitai�i its • Builditigs sliauld be natural, light, anc3 airy in
' � fatniIy-orient�d cl�aracter. lii udciition to gei�erai com�z�ents, tl�e Coito�ving list nppearance. Perhaps Callotiving t}ae Prairie School
� * Residents gener�lly like tl�� c}�nracter«f tl�e be�ch. idez�tii'i�s s��ceiFic use �reas {eitller existi�t� or style. Tlie laui}r�ings st�outd rt the site, Multi-story
` Develognien! stiotticl foaus on im��r�vit�� ��oleiitif�t} tlt�k sl►aitic! l�e co�tsidarect clurin� tfie cicsig�� with� �unikou# tnight tnaks tlie eoi�►�cctivn or �
' Ctl11Ct10Itiil USCS &GCC$S1�7III�y and averall aestl�etic process. tran§ition to tlte beach easier.
f �
� quatity (e.g. the cliainlink f�nce}. Kee� ti�c design • SGVi�u��ii►�g zvne, • Warming house aciiviEies sl�ould be inclutled in
srmpte, ,yet a��seaiing. � Sand/t�each nrea. building if applicable, buk no othsr pragrammed
• Provide amenities that agpeal to a wider group, * Sunbathing deck. activities.
especially teens. But keep it a fttirly law-key, • 1'atio. • Form fallows �'unation: the buildings should be
enmmunity-type and family faoility that �von't • Volleyball. designed �rst and faretnost to �ccomtnadate user
draw #oo tnany peaple frotn otitsidc ttie two • iinrcicat2rt (t�nsketl�all} and programmatie nceds.
� communities. l�ocus sli�ruld be ou "goad cleat� • I)iving ptztrt�rn�s.
f�n". � • t�claft gathering Area.
• Add amenities that make 'tt mare altractive on • Youtti/teev gatl�ering area. {�uttof B l;mprovements
poor weather days. ldeas tl�at surfuoed incladed � �tiilclrelr's play areas (land/�vater} �vitli ptay
h�rdcourt area, valleyball $nd mitiiafure golf. structures at�d st�s�ll t�� slicle.
� • I,imited "cnusic-on-the-beac}�" rttay be at� • Waier slides {ot� A timited basis). In general, flutlaE B was faund t� he ioa small a space
appartunity ta a��peal to #eens. • Sl��zfl�eboard. for an ititense Ievel of develo�sment. Given this,
• Ceri�in amenities are desirable, incluciing diving • F�orsesltoes. keeping development to mare of a neighborhood or
platforms, slides inio the tvater, rope s�uutgs, � 1'icnie area. rssidential level was found to be mast desirable --
oabtc-ride across ►vaker, and sa forth. • Rope swing/cable ride. although providing the cammunity-based trail link
"'L4 sandy beacEx, of course, remains a big dra�v through Qut3ot 8 ta the beach area was considered
�� be enhanced if passible. very important.
� �- •-- z -- �
Serttan 2-�lo�r»re�t 1'rogr•urn � S'hndy Qak 13eac�► n�u., ._ _
The Collowing summarizes comrnents, ic3ens, and `
general themes for the devclo�mant af Outirrt f3: Vehicte Aecess and Parking Traif Linkages
� • Maintain a "pocket park" appeal.
•�ocus sho�ld be on a p[ny are�z for children,
sitting area for adults, and perl�aps tt l�asketUatl I'rovi�Iing safe, conveilient, adec�uate, unob[rusive, and Praviding adequate trait� Ii►ikages ta tha park cvas
court and other neighborhood-lype amenities. a�pc�ling velsicle access, drop-off area, aixl parksng IoE considered im�>ortant far a number af reasons:
• Maintaining a naturutized,. lower niaiFitenance �rc kcy faot�rs in tlie redeveto}��itent oC the �ark. • Reduce tt�e number of parking spaces required to
charaaier shoutd ba considered, at leusC as one I3alaricing tlus against otlier park reclevelc��ment acaammodate peak crawds.
. option. c�bjectives is clearly vtze of ttze key ctta(lenges af the • Encourage atternative mades of trans�ortation.
• Parking loi not desirable.lncreases opportunity far design I�roaess. • Imprave apportunitiss for youthstteens ta get to
undesicable uses (c.g. Ioifering, drugs, and noise), and from the park on their awn.
Problem iends to be year-round. Also proinotes In acicfiliUt� to the coi�sider�tions defineci i�� 11�e Section • t3se of the traiis as stand-alone recraational
beach users to usc the lot insfead of parking i�i ttie - Siie Annlysis ("1'rmf�o 11��alysis}, n nutt�6cr c�� atlrer o}ncnities.
beach lat. I'r�ntote �arking for beach use �rut issues need to be ncldressed:
�stiing in the beach lat. • P�►rki►�g lat �ieecis ir�iprUVeme�ils. Safety af ��co��te A kcy 8S()CCl tif tIIC �IBtI IitllCfigCS t0 l�iC pflflC lS �IiClf
; • Access far maintenance vel�ieles slsouid, be bcic�g �r����a-orr was big cozicerc�. General izzterretation wiiii the Iarger trait system, at both t�ie
� pravided, veliicular iizvvemei�t ancl site nceess need comm�anity and regianat level. In this coniaxt, three
� • Althaugh mai�y peaple shore Csh, nat many Lr�ve reevnluatidn, pveratl size tivas c�uestic�ned, poientiut tr�il linkages tp the park aan bc identi�eci
, been observed Cishing fran� Uuttot �3. 't'iie Allowi►zg for the parking lot io Ue ope�i to public ai1CI I1C�C� l4 be aonsidered: 1) frc�m Daminick Urive
� residents would like ta see tliat use aocommodated use ��as �Isa r�ised as nti issue, acijacent to Outlot �3; 2} from Sfiady t7a1C Road on the
! elsewlxere on pubiic property surraundirtg il�e lnke. � Co��sicieraiiat� r3eec3s tci Ge givez� tv prt�viciing siortlie�st corner af the beach area; and 3} Along tlye
� •'CcsfCa on Daminick already t►eavy Car tt parking far activities �iot associated �viili tlye beaoli railroad righk-of-way along 41te sautli property line.
residential area. Completion of Ehe regionni trail is Aren, such as �shing, canoelboat dre�p-off, trail .
� increasiag traffic and illegal parkii�g prohlems. tzse, etc. With tt�e oJ�ening of the region3l trait an thc north side
i The inierseciion of 3arisson and Uominick • 1'rUVidii�g p�rking for winter use neecis of tlie take, ne�rby residenis are alressdy seeing
par#icularly busy. Safety is a major concern, atong consicleration. increased pedestrian and bicycle trsf�c thraugh the
wiih noise, Devetopment of {�uiioi B 3IlOUIt� riOf • Providing parking ficrr buses was a3i uricertt�ixity. area. Expactnntly, a fair portian of ihis trat'�o tivilt
promote sncreased vetiicle tr�ffic itt tlie areA, Fe4li�sps re�naie parkii�g �vauld serve this purpose. ultimaiely end u}� in the park.
• Community-based trail througEi ttie oc2tic�t fiot
� considered a majar conc�rn, aIthough sttfety of 1'flrking Iot size needs Eo take into cansideraiivn With the strang emphasis on trait dsvelopment and the
, park and trail users is an issue. The trail sliautd bc generat park c���aciiy, t\Iso, altertfaiive p�rki�tg 'sacreasing lavei af use being reatized, praviding
�' designed to minin3ize iinp�at ta other uses and Iocatic�i�s fc�r ��cak tise sEiould !�e aansidered (i,a. adequate support facilities becvmes �aramount. T�his
private property. Signnge very importa►tE. re�iiote con�nicrci�f �arking �ild develo�m�enk of city- iiticludes:
owned prnperty ore tl�e west side af Shndy Uuk Road. • Adeqaate bike parking. Currently, up to 1�0 bikes
, are parkad an sits during peak times. Additional
i bike packing s}�ace will be needed witi� increased
i� trail use.
� * Bike parking faailitics (i.e. bike racks} shauld
i . have laoking d"evises to limit thaft oppoctunities.
7 SePtember, !94
i , Section Z-�lopment 1'rogram � Slrady Onk 13each Itedevelapment Sh�dy - Ilop�lfinnetonka' .
,
• Adequate signage should be provided alung tr�il Canoe/paddle boat laimc/�/renta/ 1'roviding an the safety of park users and preventing damage to the
segments. Sigtiage should orientnte pcople to �ccess point for launcl�ing � canoe or small bo�t wus landscape.
facilities and trail connections. considered desirable. Providing canoe and paddle boat
.• Bench locations, picnic tubles, ond small shelters rent�l wns nlso considered arpropriate, as long as tl�e Given the size of the lake, providing additional access
along the trail should be considered. nwnber avnilable st�ys �vithin reasonablc lake c�pacity for power boats was highly discouraged.
• Trails should be designed to meet accessiUility limits. I'roviding u boat launch that encourages power
standards. boats to use tl�e lake �vas not considered appropriate,
• Adequate landscaping should be provided aloug given the size of ll�e lnkc. Nelghborhood Concerns
' , the trails to improve their aesthetic �ppeal and
provide separation from adjacent uses, especially Peninsula Developtnent "I'his area is considered
private properties. a unique as��ect of the park thAt gives it additional As an initial step in tl�e design process, a
charactcr. It also �vns considered fairly sensitive to neighborhood meeting was held at the park to take
The bridge connecting the ttvo peuinsulas should be devcloimicnt givcu thc li�uited spacc. In gcncral, iuput from nenrby neighUorhood residents. For the
designed to accommodate legitimate ttail uses but redevclopment should focus on: most p�rt, the group expressed excitement about the
impede undesirable uses, such as motor vehicles. Use •'I'►nil Developme�it redcvelopment of the beach area and Outlot B. Out of
of lhe bridge by motorcyclists and snowmobilers were • Providing nn ettractive bridge. the discussion, a couple of themes surfaced which
I major concerns. • Im�>rovements to the laiidscnping. seern to reflect the general opinion of the sesidents.
- . �' Interestin 1 the concems of the nei hborhood
I ratl-side amemties (�.e. Uenches, ��cnic taUles, g y, g
The design of the bridge should be aesthetically fishing decks, etc.) -- but don't overdo. gener�lly reflect those of the Advisory Committee as
appealing and appropriate for the park, r�ther than • Control of crosio�i. previously deCned. The follo�ving summarizes
resembling a high�vay bridge. • t'roviding case of access for u�aintcnance neighborl�ood input.
�crsonncL
Beach Area Generally sPeaking, tlie neigliborhood
Additlonal Design Consfderations Winter Use: Currently, winter use of the park is strongly supported redevelopment of the Ueach area to
licnited. Sotne ice houses are placed oti tl�e l�ke each meet contemporary recreation needs us well as deal
i year. 'I'he opportunities to enhance year-round use of with ongoing maintenance, safety, and accessibilit}�
In addition to the fore-mentioned program elements, the ��ark stiould be considered, including ice skating concerns. Although the neighborhood supported
�
� • ��
the following defines a number of other redevelopment (inay�e a skating trail ), sledding, ice fishing, and so redevelopment, they did not want it to be too overdone
concems that warrant due consideration: forth. -- meaning tl�ey like its current appeal and general
Fishfng Is a popular family activity that was character. T'hey also seemed to feel that tt�e
considered an important design element. Past Small Gathering Areas Should be considered redevelopment of the beach would not have a
� conversation centered on construction of a fishiug pier. throughout the p�rk to nllow ample op��ortunity for significnnt negativc impttct on their property as long ns
However, providing several �sl�ing decks or plAtfonns individu�ls, fainilics, nud smat( groups to g�illier. 'I'I►is tl�e desigu prevcnted tlie public frorii wondering onto
along the peninsula (rather tlian a single Cshing pier) rnay include gnzcbo or picnic structures sc�ttcred private residential properties.
, was considered an option. The ide� being to spread-out tlirou�liout U►e park tl�at give it a unifying a��I�ear�nce.
fishing pressure as well as provide alternate fishing Outlot B: Received significanl neighUorhood input,
. locations. A key point �vas to encour�ge access from I�evelo�ment sl►ould also nllo�v for ease of security witli a clear consensus tliat the development of this
I the beach area rather than Outlot B. and survcillancc, ln nddition, measures sh��uld be aren should focus on neighUorhood-related recreation.
taken to keep nwtorcycles, snowmobilers, and all- 'I'he residents felt strongly that providing amenities
terrain vchicics out of ttie ��cninsula area (and ��ark) for such as plrking, docks, nnd Uo�►t �ccess would simply
13rauer & Associ�fes, Ltd. 8 .S'eptemher•, 1994
. ,
I ' Seelion 2- 1�'opmerit Program � S7�ndy O�ak 13e��cl+ Reclevelopnre.nt Sh�rJv - Ilop�finnetv�rkn�
, ,
�
create too much activity in such a small space. It . ',
should be pointed out, however, tliat providing trail
access through the outlot to the beach area was
acceptable and recognized as important.
Trall Linkage With the opening of the regional trail
on the north side of the lake, the residents are already
seeing increased pedestrian and bicycle traf�c tl�rougli
the area. Although not seen as necessarily negulive,.
concern was expressed that increasing use of tlie trail
will increase the likelihood of problems.
Specl�c Areas of Discusslon; The neighborl�ood
group had many speciCc ideas for improving tl►e bench
area, Outlot B, and the interconnecting trail corridor.
Since their ideas generally paralleled those of the
Advisory Committee, their comments have been
incorporated as appropriate into the previous text. �
Interesting to note is that the neighborhood group's and
the Advisory Committee's opinion on redevelopment of
the park were very much in sync, with little discord
over major design issues and park uses.
As would be expected, the neighborhood group
I expressed concems related to public encroachment on "
rivate ro ert . The felt stron 1 that the desi n
P P P Y Y 8Y S
should discourage such activity. This is especially true
with respect to the properties adjacent to Outlot B.
Finally, the neighborhood group was encouraged by
getting the opportunity to express their opinions during
the early stages of the design proeess,
.
.
1
L3r•auer & ii.rsncrales, /,Ic�. 9 .S'eplemher•, 1994
� + �\
\
�
� . .
`� '` ��� \
��•� ��, '\
�.� ,��
� � �. �
,,
�. � _ � `�_ , �,
� \ � � \`\ \�`�
`\ �, • �
,\ � ���`,
�
�,. \:1`' ` '
� � �� �.A ���\l
4` � 41 ! \
, \`� I �
r � ` , '�
�\
. � � , � : `� \'�...�--> �
. ,�, _ m\ , `
_ . � \ : � �,,\ .
_�� ;
_ i� �'��, _ - �� -
- J _ `` - \
. . � . n � . -m �\ .
' . .. �` '. � ( �� ' � �� � �
. i�,' �.- I I. . � - n
� ' 't .
.�
� - �;'1�;' � +� �� � � �� j - \
�� � J . " . ' .. . . .. Yi �+ .. ? i .. ✓' _ . .-�
� � `i / j' /� A �.,. � C ' � � .
� �� \ 'l� s. _ = r '
� n D T 1
�-• E_ Z m
=' �
� � _ � 9 ' -
•\\� � �. . �� `, � ��. j li ''
`. .._ -1
.' - . _
�; ,
�`� --- - . � a _ i.\
� �
,, �,�, �° . tI
� \ � ;�' -
,,, , . ; _
. �� r � ` �
- - . �. , I .' \' . .
1
_ n n . > e n .
, , � „ � _ • , '.. ,
� - .
� : ` PRELlM1NARY MASTER PLAN � j ;, ( . � � � ..�.� �� .. �'�.••,"• � .•�. � r ' �. �� ,
I SHADY OAK BEACH � [U r .�,/ �-•- 1, rl.�r-•, l f.�.l.
I . . ,.._ ._ .. ..
� � HOPKlNS. M/NNESOTA � i '::: .;" .... '.