10-9-1978SPECIAL MEETING
GOLDEN VALLEY PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
October 9, 1978
The Golden Valley Park and Recreation Commission met on October 9, 1978,
at 7:30 p.m. at the Wesley Park Recreation building. The following
members were present: Brown, Hammer, and Petersen. John Brenna,
Director of Parks and Recreation, was also present. Chairman Brown
presided.
LITTLE LEAGUE
The meeting had been called for the purpose of discussing with residents
the possibility of refitting a baseball diamond in the western portion
of Wesley Park for use by the Little League for its Major League" games.
Residents in the surrounding nearby area had been notified by mail, and
about 20 were present.
After brief background explanations by Mr. Brenna and Paul Schliesmann
of the Little League Association, Mr. Brown asked for comments and
questions from residents.
Ken Schweback, 8335 Wesley Drive, asked about the number of diamonds,
whether the Little League use would be temporary, and whether there would
be a concession stand. Favorable toward Little League, but doubtful
about closeness to private homes.
Ken Larson, 1537 Zealand, concerned about parking (on Zealand, above
the diamond and litter)
Charles, Berry, 1529 Zealand, also concerned about parking on Zealand.
Dennis Kahn, 8325 Wesley, next to the Wesley parking lot, concerned
about noise, the view, drainage if the field is re—graded, possible
future permanent construction, and effect on the sliding in winter.
(The third baseline fence would extend along nearly the entire length
of a popular sliding hill, near its base) He acknowledged that the
parking lot is little used, even when perimeter streets are full of
cars.
Ronald Menk, 1625 Zealand, also was concerned about traffic on Zealand,
and wanted to knwo whether there would be permanent dugout shelters.
Resident, Orkla Drive, said girl's softball parking is so congested
local children can't use the park.
Marla Oakley, 8135 Winsdale, favors Little League, but has trouble
with park users parking in her driveway, loud radios, foul langauge,
cooking and drinking.
Mrs. Larson, 1620 Zealand, thinks the neighborhood is not big enough
for Little League activity, and that people who live near the park
can't enjoy it.
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Irma Norcross, 1430 Wisconsin, said parking and traffic are very
heavy on weekend evenings.
Mrs. Menk, 1625 Zealand, said the diamond in question is regularly
used by a sandlot league group. (Later checking revealed that such
use is not scheduled)
Tom Moore, 8330 Wesley, asked whether a team that doesn't need a
fence could use the Wesley Field, while Little League moves elsewhere.
Little League representatives responded to some of the resident's
concerns about litter, parking, permanent constructions and concessions.
They also explained that Little League games require a fence (though
not necessarily a permanent one) Mr. Brenna discussed the
possibilities for permanent Little League locations elsewhere in the
future. Mr. Brown thanked the residents for their comments and
explained the decision—making procedure to follow.
Since a quorum was not present, no action was taken. However,
the consensus of commission members present was that Little League games
would be a reasonable use of the Wesley diamond; but that if such use
is permitted, any fence should be removed in winter, steps should be
taken to ensure that Little League parking uses the parking lot, and
no permanent structures such as dugouts or concession stands should
be built.
Chairman Brown Vice Chairman Jaffe