7-9-1970SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
GOLDEN VALLEY PARK AND RECREATION BOARD
July 9, 1970
A special meeting of the Golden Valley Park and Recreation Board was
held on Thursday, July 9, 1970 at 7:Oa p.m. at the Brookview Community
Center, 8200 Wayzata Boulevard, Golden Valley, Minnesota. Chairman
Fischer presided, and the following members were present: Brand, Kelby
Brown, Petersen. Members absent: Hammer, Kahn, Tart, Herje. Also
present: John Brenna, Park and Recreation Director.
G. V. THOMPSON PROPERTY- RICE LAKE PROPERTY
Pursuant to -.a petition from the residents of the Mary Hills addition
of Golden Valley, relative to the above mentioned properties, the
Park and Recreation Board did investigate said properties on
June 23, 1970.
At this time Mr. Fischer introduced a letter from Mr. G. V. Thompson,
wherein he stated that he did not want his property utilized for park
purposes.
At this time Mr. Kelby, Chairman of the Ad -Hoc Committee for natural
areas stated that the Thompson property was a logical choice for a
neighborhood park, in that the area is already park -like and would
require no filling, grading, seeding, or tree stock. Mr. Kelby also
stated that the cost factor on the above property would no doubt be
quite high, in that the property, about five acres, is on high
ground and abuts Bassetts Creek.
Mr. Kelby stated that in lmght of Mr. Thompsonâ–şs letter, the Rice Lake
area would indedd be an excellent alternative for a neighborhood park
site for the Mary Hills addition. Mr. Kelby pointed out that the
Rice Lake area is centrally located, and the area has a multi-purpose
character about it (i.e., pond&ng area, natural area and enough high
ground for a neighborhood park).
At this time Mr. Brenna stated that the Rice Lake property is
available at about $15,000,00. Mr. Brenna stated that the above area
comprises about eight acres.
At this time Mr. Brenna brought forth an aerial map, and showed the
park's features, open water, natural area, creek area and high ground.
Mr. Brenna stated that the owner would exchange the entire parcel for
a number of building lots on Bassetts Creek Drive on the south end
of the property.
At this time Board members asked how much high ground would be left if
the building lots were so granted.
Special Meeting_- Park and Recreation Commission Page 2
July 9, 1970
Mr. Brenna stated that according to the aerial map, very little.
Mr. Brenna stated that a great deal of fill would be needed, and
access to the park area would be limited to two small entrances
between houses on the east and west sides of the parcel if houses
were built on Bassetts Creek Drive.
Mr. Brenna pointed out that the high ground on the southern portion
of the parcel is where the present Bassetts Creek channel is now
located. Mr. Brenna stated that the creek would be rerouted to the
south end of the lake and then returned. Mr. Brenna stated that
Mr. Odland, our village engineer figured the cost of the creek
rerouting at $1,500. Mr. Brenna then stated that the portion of
the property between the rerouted creek and on the southern portion
of the property could be made into the neighborhood park. At this
point Mr. Brenna stated that the entire Rice Lake area was ideal,
in that its entire potential could be utilized (i.e., open water,
natural area, creek area and neighborhood park area).
After much discussion it was moved by Peterson and seconded by
Kelby that the Park and Recreation Board recommend to the
Village Council that they purchase the entire Rice Lake parcel for
its entire potential of recreational, natural, and ponding
purposes. Carried unanimously.
There being no further business, the Park and Recreation Board
adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
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Chairma ischer OVice rman r e
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