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07-23-07Cet , 0ell all e OPEN SPACE & RECREATION COMMISSION Meeting Agenda Golden Valley City Hall Monday, July 23, 2007 6:00 p.m. I. Joint Meeting with Planning, Environmental and Open Space and Recreation Commissions — To Discuss the Park and Open Space Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan II. Call to Order of the Open Space and Recreation Commission III. Roll Call Roger Bergman Bob Mattison Jerry Sandler, Chair IV. Agenda Changes or Additions V. Approval of Minutes — June 25, 2007 VI. Adeline Lane Nature Area VII. Comprehensive Plan Review VIII. Adjournment Jim Johnson Roger McConico Jim Vaughan, Vice Chair Kelly Kuebelbeck Anne Saffert Tom Zins This document is available in alternate formats upon a 72 -hour request. Please call 763-593-8006 (TTY: 763-593-3968) to make a request. Examples of alternate formats may include large print, electronic, Braille, audiocassette, etc. Cit of U0,I denValley OPEN SPACE & RECREATION COMMISSION Meeting Minutes Golden Valley City Hall Monday, June 25, 2007 6:00 p.m. 1. JOINT MEETING WITH PLANNING, ENVIRONMENTAL AND OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION COMMISSIONS — COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE II. CALL TO ORDER Sandler called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Ill. ROLL CALL Present: Roger Bergman, Kelly Kuebelbeck, Roger McConico, Anne Saffert, Jerry Sandler, Tom Zins, Rick Jacobson, Director of Parks and Recreation; and Sheila Van Sloun, Park and Recreation Administrative Assistant. Absent: Jim Johnson, Bob Mattison and Jim Vaughan. IV. AGENDA CHANGES OR ADDITIONS None. V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — June 4, 2007 MOTION: Moved by Bergman and seconded by Saffert to approve the June 4th meeting minutes. Motion carried unanimously. VI. PARK AND OPEN SPACE TOUR The Open Space and Recreation Commission visited the following parks and open space areas: Golden Oaks Park, Lakeview Park, Golden Ridge Nature Area, General Mills Research Nature Area, Medley Park, Wesley Park, Hampshire Park, Wildwood Park/Olson School, Pennsylvania Woods, Honeywell Little League Area, Sandburg Ball fields, St. Croix Park/Bassett Creek Trail, Scheid Park, Briarwood/Unity Ave. Trail/Minnagua Pond Area, Gearty Park, Adeline Lane Nature Area, Schaper, Davis Community Center, Lions Park, Western Avenue Marsh and Brookview Park. VII. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN REVIEW Due to the time the park tour ended, the Commission agreed to review the Comprehensive Plan at the July meeting. Vill. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Moved by McConico and seconded by Bergman to adjourn at 8:35 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. AGENDA Golden Valley Planning Commission Joint Meeting with Environmental Commission and Open Space and Recreation Commission Comprehensive Plan Update Golden Valley City Hall, 7800 Golden Valley Road Council Conference Room Monday, July 23, 2007 6 pm - 7:30 pm 1. Presentation/Discussion of the Comprehensive Plan Update — Parks and Open Space Element 2. Adjournment This document is available in alternate formats upon a 72 -hour request. Please call 763-593-8006 (TTY: 763-593-3968) to make a request. Examples of alternate formats may include large print, electronic, Braille, audiocassette, etc. Date: 7/16/07 To: Planning Commission Members Open Space and Recreation Members Environmental Commission Members From: 4�­Joe Hogeboom, Planning Intern Subject: Comprehensive Plan Update: Parks and Open Space Element Commissioners: Planning 763-593-8095 / 763-593-8109 (fax) This month's Joint Commission Meeting will focus on the parks and open space element of the Comprehensive Plan. Planning consultants from Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc. have been assigned to author this element of the Plan. They, along with City staff, will discuss the nature of this element and the process in creating the Comprehensive Plan document. Attached you will find a copy of the parks and open space element, revised in 1999. We ask that you review this document prior to Monday's meeting. This document will stand as the basis for future revisions. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me at 763-593-8099 or through email at jhogeboom@ci.golden-valley.mn.us. We appreciate your input in this process. Attachments: - Comprehensive Plan: Parks and Open Space Element 1999 cc: Mark Grimes Jeannine Clancy Sue Cook Lisa Wittman Eric Eckman Sheila Van Sloun Rick Jacobson Al Lundstrom Veronica Anderson Chris Behringer Brian Erickson Jeanne Fackler Lisa Nesbitt r r Ell, t4 CITY OF GOLDEN VALLEY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PARK SECTION TABLE OF CONTENTS Mission....................................................................................................1 Introduction............................................................................................ 1 Background............................................................................................. 2 Park Systems Classification............................................................... 2 Park Locations and Acreage........:..................................................... 3 UrbanTrails......................:.............................................................. 6 Parks & Recreation: Goals and Policies...................................................... 7 Land Acquisition, Facility Development and Maintenance .................... 7 Recreation..................................................I.....................................8 TrailSystem ................................................................................ 9 Natural Resources........................................................................... it Exhibit A — Parks & Open Space Map ........................................................ 14 ExhibitB — Priority Items......................................................................... 15 Exhibit C — Park Facility Information......................................................... 16 MISSION The mission of the Golden Valley Park & Recreation Department shall be to provide and maintain sufficient, attractive parks and scenic areas for the beauty and leisure time activities of the community, and to provide wholesome recreation for the entire family. Consistent with this mission, every opportunity shall be afforded, with financial limits, to plan, procure, develop and maintain parks and recreation resources. INTRODUCTION Parks, playgrounds and other public and semi-public open spaces in Golden Valley must be continually assessed, maintained and upgraded if the City is to retain its image as an attractive and pleasant suburban community. Along with providing adequate and convenient recreational opportunities for all residents, parks furnish visual contrasts within the more densely built-up sectors and can help to better define the image and form of developing and redeveloping areas as well. Parks can provide a measure of relief from the monotony of buildings, industrial areas, parking lots, shops, streets and.other urban features, thereby imparting a psychological uplift to its surroundings — a value which is often difficult to express in terms of dollars. Well -kept parks with attractive facilities and open space areas act as positive influences to preserve the character of the community and to help deter any deteriorating influences. Parkland and open space provide an ecological function for wildlife habitat and native plant species which add to the quality of life in Golden Valley. Therefore, it can be concluded that parks and open space serve as essential resources in communities by keeping property values high, preserving certain areas for scenic and utilitarian qualities, maintaining a certain image for the areas and providing varied recreational experiences and opportunities. BACKGROUND A. PARK SYSTEMS CLASSIFICATION Under the general heading of park systems, various types of public recreation areas are normally established to provide for the two principle forms of activities — active use in community/neighborhood parks, and passive use in open space/nature areas. In evaluating the recreation facilities in Golden Valley, the following classifications have been utilized. Neighborhood Parks: an active area designed for intensive use by children and family groups close to home and affording opportunities for informal recreation and possibly some scheduled activities for all ages. Community Parks: a larger, active play area providing for a greater variety of play experiences and activities. Open Space/Nature Areas: land set aside for preservation of natural resources, remnant landscapes and visual aesthetics/buffering which may include areas for trails and other passive recreation uses. Regional Parks: a large park area providing broad expanses of natural scenery and capable of accommodating large numbers of people. It often includes special facilities of area -wide interest. Special Use Facilities: includes such facilities as play lots, squares and plazas, public beaches, swimming pools, parkway systems, golf course facilities, greenbelts, drainageways, trails, and any other facilities of a special nature for Xj which standards are difficult to formulate and whose number, locatign and distribution is dependent upon a number of factors such as physical conditions, natural amenities, opportunities for acquisition and public demand. B. PARK LOCATIONS AND ACREAGE Golden Valley's park system was developed with the neighborhood in mind. Attractive park facilities (community and neighborhood parks) and nature areas are scattered throughout the City in order that the maximum number of residents are provided with close proximity to the nearest recreational area. The following list describes the existing park system in the City. This includes a park's classification, location and size. Generally, the City's community parks are larger than the neighborhood park facilities. Each facility is geographically located on the map, Exhibit A. CommunityParks ............. Location ..................................... Acres Brookview Park ......................Winnetka Ave. & Brookview Pkwy...... 33.0 Gearty Park ...........................3101 Regent...................................... 4.7 Hampshire Park .....................Olympia & Louisiana.......................... 11.0 Lakeview Park ........................Olympia & Hillsboro............................ 5.0 Lions Park .............................Harold & Glenwood ........................... 20.0 Medley Hills Park....................Ensign & 23rd Ave............................. 11.0 Schaper Park .........................Hwy. 55 and Ottawa ......................... 14.0 Scheid Park ...........................Duluth & Toledo................................ 11.4 Wesley Park...........................Wesley Dr. & Orkla............................ 19.0 Neighborhood Parks Glenview Terrace Park....... Zenith & Manor Dr .................................. 5.0 Golden Oaks Park..............Valders & Plymouth.................................. 2.0 Natchez Park ....................201 Natchez ........................................... 6.0 3 North Tyrol Park ...............4300 Sunset Ridge ................................. 9.4 Seeman Park ....................1101 Florida Ave ..................................... 4.6 South Tyrol Park...............1501 Kaltern Lane................................... 2.9 Stockman Park..................Adell & Major .......................................... 1.3 Wildwood Park..................Duluth.& Pennsylvania............................. 5.0 Yosemite Park...................351 Yosemite .......................................... 1.2 St. Croix ...........................5850 St. Croix Ave.................................. 1.0 Special Use Facilities Brookview Golf Course .............. 100 Brookview Parkway................ 146.7 Honeywell Little League Area ..... 6600 Sandburg Road ..................... 11.0 Open Space/Nature Areas Bassett Creek Nature Area 2130 Zane Ave .............................. 7.6 Briarwood Wildlife/Bird Sanct. 2500 Unity 19.0 Honeywell Pond Laurel Avenue Ponds Laurel Avenue (Kings Creek) South Cortlawn Mary Hills Park Outlot #1 Pennsylvania Woods Rice Lake Nature Area St. Croix Nature Area Tree Farm Western Avenue Marsh 1800 Douglas Dr ........................... 3.6 7100 Laurel Ave ........................... 15.2 6200 Laurel Ave ............................ 2.0 6600 Laurel Ave. S........................ 17.3 Golden Valley Rd. & Bonnie Lane.. 14.2 2301 Noble Ave. N ........................ 2.9 23 d & Rhode Island ..................... 22.6 4120 Bassett Creek Dr ................... 9.3 5850 St. Croix Ave ........................ 1.0 Plymouth Ave. and Orkla Dr........... 2.0 Western & Winnetka .................... 21.0 In terms of acreage, it would appear that the City of Golden Valley is amply provided for in total amounts of dedicated park and open space land. Of the established parks, nature areas and special use facilities owned and operated by the City of Golden Valley, there are a total of 462 acres. Of this, 166.5 acres are 4 in community and neighborhood parks, 137.7 acres in nature areas,,, and 158 acres in Brookview Golf Course and the Honeywell Little League area, special use facilities. In addition to the city -owned open space and park facilities, Golden Valley residents have many other park acres in the municipality for their use. Theodore Wirth Park (owned and maintained by the Minneapolis Park Board but largely located in the City of Golden Valley), has 517 acres in Golden Valley. Also, the City of Golden Valley has agreements with General Mills, Independent School District #281,Breck School and the State Arts School, which add another 100 acres for resident use. In total, public park property totals approximately 1,068 acres. In Golden Valley, the total acreage of nature areas, community and neighborhood: parks is 304 acres, or about 14.5 acres per 1,000 residents. This does not include the 158 acres of special use facilities for Brookview Golf Course and the Honeywell Little League area. Many of the small sites are located within 1/4 mile of residential areas, while all are within '/z mile of a municipal site. However, not all sites are within easy accessibility of many small neighborhoods due to numerous barriers. While the park and recreation acreage appears sufficient; there still remain a number of opportunities to add to the system by further acquisitions, particularly as related to the environmental or preservative type of park holdings and through an active park development program The community park at Brookview is seemingly large enough, but since this represents the one and only community -wide special use facility, every effort should be made to enhance it within designated and logical directions. The 21 - acre City -owned tract east of Winnetka and north of Western Avenue (known as the Western Avenue Marsh) forms a logical extension potential ,for combining the active site with the passive. E Augmenting the public recreation sites are a number of private or semi -privately maintained areas which tend to serve a segment of the population needs. The largest facility is the 152 acre Golden Valley Country Club to the east of the Civic Center. Others include the various facilities provided by the public and private schools alike. Other specialized facilities are available at the Brookview Recreation Area, including the Brookview Community Center, an 18 -hole golf course, Par 3 golf course, driving range, pro shop and grill. Every effort should be made to cooperate with other agencies in order to perpetuate maximum recreational services. C. URBAN TRAILS (See Transportation Plan) The City of Golden Valley is nearly complete in the development of a 50 mile urban trail system. (The present system links various neighborhoods with parks, schools, and the Civic Center area.) The urban trail is one of the most effective forms of open space when laid along the routes people travel, walk or live. The spaces provide the maximum visual impact and the maximum physical access. Broad expanses of open space tend to be under-utilized, for it is the perimeter that is most readily available to the greatest number. Furthermore, it typically cuts cross -sectionally through urban regions, bordering industrial, commercial, residential, and green areas. Thus, it provides easy access to a great number of people as they engage in a variety of activities. Continued development of the trail system throughout the community may entail additional acquisition or controlling procedures to enable such linkage, a situation which could add a new approach to the present way of establishing sites, as well as provide additional acreage to the currently owned parkland. (For further discussion on urban trails, see the Transportation'Plan.) 1511 GOLDEN VALLEY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE Parks and Recreation: GOALS and Policies I. LAND ACQUISITION, FACILITY DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE GOALS 1. To develop appropriate park and recreation areas and facilities to serve the existing and future needs of citizens. 2. Continue to implement an excellent maintenance system that maximizes the available resources and provides for high quality parks and facilities. POLICIES The City will: 1. strive to foster efforts to retain historically significant elements within the community. 2. continue to provide input to the Metropolitan Parks Commission, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Suburban Hennepin Regional Park District and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. 3. continue to coordinate and cooperate with adjacent communities, Suburban Hennepin Regional Park District, the State of Minnesota and the Metropolitan Council in park planning, programming, and development efforts. 4. continue to evaluate the acquisition and development of neighborhood parks in order that each neighborhood service area as illustrated on the city map, is adequately served with appropriate recreational facilities. 5. continue to investigate available grants from regional, state, and federal agencies to obtain funding assistance for park and recreation planning, administration, acquisition, physical development, and programming efforts. 6. continue to look for opportunities to provide special use recreation facilities for broad community use such as a swimming pool, swimming beaches, mini -outdoor VA concert area, ice arena, drama production/concert theater, multi -use gym facility and youth center. 7. strive to maintain and acquire properties that provide connections between existing open spaces and parks. 8. continue to maintain, re-evaluate and improve Brookview Golf Course to provide an excellent golfing facility for the public. 9. continue development of the parklands acquired by the City in accordance with the City of Golden Valley Capital Improvement Plan. 10. acquire land or expand existing land for parks where it is deemed beneficial (i.e., Wesley, Lakeview, Scheid). 11. work cooperatively with the school districts and other agencies or businesses in order to maximize the joint use of facilities. OBJECTIVES The City will: 1. continue to develop park and recreation facilities which minimize the maintenance demands on the City as much as possible through appropriate planning, use of durable, quality materials, and labor-saving devices and practices, while maintaining high standards of quality of appearance and conditions. 2. continue to provide a public golf course facility to include an 18 -hole regulation course, 9 -hole par three course, driving range, putting/chipping-sand/green areas for warm-up, concessions, pro -shop and all other amenities considered appropriate for the operation of a full scale golf facility. II. RECREATION GOALS 1. To provide a balance of recreation and leisure opportunities to meet the diverse needs of the community, including all age groups and ability levels. 2. To deliver a variety of recreation and leisure programs in a flexible manner that is responsive to the changing needs, interests, and circumstances of the community. ,;i POLICIES The City will: 1. continue to cooperate with the school districts in promoting community use of school facilities (i.e. swimming pools, playfields, gymnasiums, and theaters). 2. continue to collaborate with other agencies.in the provision of recreation and leisure programs for special populations. 3. periodically monitor user satisfaction and solicit new program ideas through participant evaluations. 4. undertake entrepreneurial recreation program activities whenever feasible. 5. cooperate with public and private entities to provide recreation and leisure opportunities and utilize, to the fullestextent possible, the recreational facilities located within Golden Valley. 6. develop recreation program budget priorities that ensures quality leisure opportunities. 7. provide an excellent golfing opportunity for the public in a flexible manner that is responsive to the changing needs of the consumers of this leisure activity. OBJECTIVES The City will: 1. continue to provide direct recreational services while at the same time encourage and enable programs provided by other agencies and groups. 2. continue to recruit and utilize seasonal part-time employees and volunteers in order to assist in implementing the city's recreation programs. III. TRAIL SYSTEM GOALS 1. To strive for a citywide interconnected trail system that meets the recreational and transportational needs of the citizens of Golden Valley in a safe and environmentally sensitive manner. 9 2. To provide a citywide trail system that provides access to possible state and county trails, as well as trails in surrounding communities. POLICIES The City will: 1. continue to work toward the development of a citywide trail system to serve as a recreation facility and provide for alternative modes of transportation within the City. 2. encourage development of trail linkages to provide safe and convenient access to and between parks, schools, neighborhoods, commercial areas, and other destinations. 3. continue to review development proposals for conformance with adopted policies pertaining to trails and make recommendations consistent with the needs of the community. 4. cooperate with adjacent communities to coordinate trail system connections between the communities (i.e., Hwy. 100 overpass between Duluth Street and 36th Avenue North). 5. cooperate with state, regional, and county agencies in the formulation of a comprehensive trail system that enhances: access to facilities both inside and outside the city, and avoids duplication. 6. continue to work with Hennepin County to provide trails along the major arterials within the community. 7. work with the appropriate authorities to identify and utilize railroad and utility rights-of-way for trail purposes when opportunities arise. 8. periodically review its trail design and maintenance practices to ensure that they remain consistent with accepted designs that accommodate user needs. 9. periodically analyze the need for additional signals, signage, or special crossing facilities to enhance trail safety at high-volume traffic intersections (i.e., Hwy. 55 and Rhode Island, Douglas Drive and Ottawa Avenue). 10 OBJECTIVES 1. The City will continue to improve its trail signage and public information program pertaining to the citywide trail system for safe use of the trails. IV. NATURAL RESOURCES GOALS 1. To strive for adequate protection, preservation, enhancement and development of natural resources within the City such as water bodies, wetlands, swimming beaches, public water accesses, scenic views, woodlands, prairies, and wildlife habitats. 2. To expand knowledge and understanding of the City's natural resources and eco- system in order to protect them from detrimental impacts. POLICIES The City will: 1. continue to review development proposals for conformance with adopted ordinances regarding tree preservation, water quality, wetland protection and mitigation, and shoreland protection. 2. work with developers to provide permanent open space areas or cash in lieu of land in development plans. 3. encourage private property owners to protect and maintain natural resources on their property, emphasizing an educational approach where possible and effective. 4. work to protect its parks and open space areas from unnecessary encroachment or destruction from neighboring properties. 5. utilize site planning, construction and maintenance techniques on public parklands to minimize negative impacts on the natural environment. 6. utilize or specify native plant materials in projects on City property to the extent possible. 11 7. search for and, when appropriate, take advantage of opportunities to acquire tax forfeit properties to add to the City's inventory of natural resource-based open space as appropriate. 8. continue to identify and acquire, when feasible, significant habitat areas and areas of unique plant and animal species to ensure their preservation. 9. support efforts of the Metropolitan Parks Commission, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and the U.S. Fish.and Wildlife Service to protect and preserve endangered and threatened species and their natural habitat. 1O.The City recognizes the importance of wetlands for wildlife habitat, open space, storm water management and aesthetics, and will work toward the policy of no net loss of wetlands within its jurisdictional limits through administration of the Minnesota Wetlands Conservation Act. 11. increase its emphasis on minimizing runoff volumes through implementation of filtration and other practices that are environmentally acceptable technically and financially feasible. 12. continue to take a pro -active approach in efforts to identify and treat diseased trees in a timely manner through implementation of the City's shade tree disease program. 13. work with private property owners and developers to encourage preservation of significant vegetation and reforestation. 14.The City is committed to both working under its own initiative and with other organizational units to develop and test new techniques that will improve the effectiveness of natural resource management efforts. 15.The City should work to provide, maintain, search for and develop public access parks and areas on water bodies in the City of Golden Valley. Development may include, but is not limited to, public beaches, public boat accesses, fishing docks, lakeshore parks, picnic areas and scenic shore open space (i.e. Sweeney Lake and Twin Lake). 16. work to protect, and properly manage large open space areas within the City. 17. strive to maintain and/or develop natural corridors to foster eco -system continuity. 12 OBJECTIVES The City will: 1. continue to strive to maintain existing natural corridors connecting parks and open space. 2. continue to work with the school districts to expand school based environmental education programs. 3. continue to initiate inventories and analyses of its natural resources. 13 CIN OF GOLDEN VALLEY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN — PARK SECTION PRIORITY ITEMS EXHIBIT B The following list of projects has been selected by the Open Space and Recreation Commission as priority items to be considered in the City's Long Range Plan. ♦ Major park at Sweeney Lake f Purchase of underdeveloped and undeveloped land ♦ Multi -use community center Indoor multi -use soccer facility ♦ Mini -outdoor concert area ♦ Soccer field with Fights Archery range ♦ Environmental education facility ♦ Expanded city-wide trail network ♦ Purchase of General Mills land 1 Tunnel under Winnetka Avenue from Area B along creek ♦ Indoor community theater ♦ Expand volunteer recognition ♦ Access trail under railroad between Schaper Park and city -owned lot on Sweeney Lake ♦ Commuter trail ♦ Expanded golf opportunities Aggressive skate park 4 Periodically review parkland dedication requirements to ensure that they are consistent with current land values and acreage factors 15 Golden Valley Park information =Lighted Fall Use *Recreation building restrooms open during season. � ACTIVITIES AMENITIES GENERAL SPORTS WINTER o c�ti� o u x=a g W ii T 3F _ w.w wXr�y _ 0 � d o ti pp W i to S .O n �tO W u W 'mLCtn ti ...............:: Brookview Park 33 X X X L X 1 41, X 2 Brookvie,,v Golf Course 147 X X Gearty Park 4.7 L X X X 1 1 F 1 L L L X Glenview Terrace Park 5.0 X X X 2L Golden Oaks Park 2.0 L X X 1 Hampshire Park 11.0 L X L X 2 L L X Lakeview Park 5.0 L X L X 1 L X X Lions Park 20.0 L X L X 2 1/IF 2 L L X X Medley Park 11.0 L X L X 2 3L L L X Natchez Park 6.0 L X L X 1 North Tyrol Park 9.4 X X X I X St. Croix Park 1.0 X X Schaper Park 14.0 X X 2L X 1 Park 11.4 x X L 1 X 1 1F 21, L L ,l' X .._cman Park 4.6 L X X I X 2 South Tyrol Park 2.9 L X X X 1 L Stockman Park 1.3 L ,L X X 1 Wesley Park 19.0 X L 1 X 2 1/1F 3L L L X 3k Wildwood Park 5.0 X X X X 2 2 1 Wirth Pk (Mpls Pk Bd) 517 X X X h x X Yosemite Park 1.2 L ,l' X X 1 L Honeywell Little Lg. 11.0 IL Minnesota Alts School 1.5 I Sandburg Balllields 20.0 2 3 .. �... :..::}:: '•. �• �t• �lw...}. .v -:::::}.:.}}•?.,.::::;�:<:�::�:�:?::::r�.?:?:.`»::::�::::`r% ....... .... ......... :v..,..... ...., ............ ,r.- :... ::::. 2;:StRf::�'.:;::?::::tiv;:;:;;::::::::::rry:v:;::;>::::?_5::::::3:?:::::s::ti:`:'v:::::;:ti�:'%:.;•;::'.?:;:::�::;.}::::•}};:;}:•}}}:;;•;:?.r2;;?s•}:.�::r'; ..... ....,. ..}:.}Y..}:?q}:•}:??•}}:^:?.}}}%?{K4:-':Av:�:•<:6i: Bassett Creek 7.6 X Briarwood Bird Sanctuary 19.0 X General Mills Hdgtrs. 29 X General Mills Research 57.0 X Laurel Ave. Greenbelt 34.5 X Hills 14.2 X .}sylvania Woods 22.6 X Rice Lake 9.3 X W estem Ave. Marsh 21.0 X Revised /-guy. 1999 16 YOUTH SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS SURVEY — PRELIMINARY CONCLUSIONS 1. All associations are happy with the city support and generally satisfied with the facilities. 2. RAYBA (youth baseball) is adequately served in other communities and with use of Sandburg fields and Wesley — do not anticipate any large growth or demand for facilities 3. Girls' fastpitch is growing slowly, uses facilities in other communities, and is not strongly tied to GV. Gearty adequate for foreseeable future. 4. Little League a. Anticipates future growth, may be limited in fields b. Honeywell is adequate j c. Would like to expand Honeywell rp.i� d. Would like to upgrade Sheid e. With a new Honeywell, an upgraded Sheid, and use of other parks for practice and minor league games, would be set for the foreseeable future 5. The major growth organizations, and the ones feeling the most facility pressure right now, are Phoenix Soccer (GVPS) and Girls' Softball (GVGS). Both organizations very large and growing. 800 in soccer, 500+ in softball. 6. Soccer needs/wants: a. At least one more full-size field (only has one now — Arts School) b. Lighted field if possible c. Turf/dome field for year-round use 7. Softball needs/wants: a. More access to quality fields i. Medley too small, ground uneven ii. Sandburg has bad surface — almost dangerous iii. Lions, Wesley (one field for seniors) and Hampshire are good Possible solutions: a. Soccer fields at Sandburg — there is room for at least two full-size fields; turf/dome a possibility in cooperation with 281. Upgrade ball field on NW corner of Sandburg for softball and/or Little League. b. Soccer field at Medley — there is room for one full-size field. c. Use Lions for softball; possibly add another softball field in NE corner of park. With 5 fields at Lion, plus Wesley and Hampshire, softball would have adequate facilities for foreseeable future. Further needs could be met by playing some junior games at smaller fields — Gearty (when open), Stockman, Hampshire 2, Natchez. d. Upgrade Sheid — there is room for 2 Little League fields, one high-grade, the other adequate for developmental level play.