4-28-1980REGULAR MEETING
OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION COMMISSION
April 28,1980
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Pro -ten, Chuck Burmeister, Diane Asproth,
Lowell Benson, Rhoda Jaffe, Emilie Johnson, Dick Lyons,
Martha Micks, Bob Szyman. Also present were Mayer Tapper,
Chuck Corlett and John Brenna.
MINUTES
The minutes for the March 31st meeting were proved as ammended to correct
the typing errors on page 4.
BABE RUTH BASEBALL
Mayer Tapper, presidant of the Babe Ruth Baseball Association discussed
various needs and problems, and the relationship between the Parks and
Recreation Department and Babe Ruth Baseball. He shares a concern of the
Little League since Babe Ruth has used the Golden Valley High School
Fields since 1957. If the fields are lost to a developer others must be
located. This year there will be seven teams for a total of 105 boys
between the ages of 13 and 15 part.cipating on the leagues. A greater
drop-in registration was anticipated but it seems that the boys are
planning on staying at home during the summers and Babe Ruth may be able
to hold its own if the field problem can be solved. Babe Ruth baseball
is basically self-supporting with an $8,500 annual budget. A quarter
of this is raised through dues, a quarter through sponsor's fees, and
half throueh consessions. Currently the Babe Ruth Baseball uses 2 fields
and if the program is reduced to 1 field the field will need to be lighted.
The fields could be split but then the Babe Ruth would loose a common
consession stand which accounts for approximately 1/2 of their revenue.
A discussion then ensued about the disposition of the Golden Valley High
School baseball fields. It was pointed out that it was imperative to look
at a facility this year for next year. It was suggested that the parks
department could bring Schied or Wesley Park up to standard this year
in preperation for next year. If no fields are available for 1981 season
the Babe Ruth baseball may be forced to merge with Crystal or Robbinsdale.
This would present a serious transportation problem to the boys and the
number of participants would naturally drop. A long discussion then
ensued about switching the leagues to other fields and the growth components
of Babe Ruth Baseball.
Chuck Bermister said that it was necessary to have some long range thinking
on the problem of softball and baseball diamonds in the city of Golden Valley.
Tapper continued by identifying one problem is the recruiting of coaches
because coaching is time consuming and costly. All and all however he
felt that most of the adult leaders have displayed good sportsmanship.
Open Space and Recreation Commission Page Two
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Rhoda Jaffe was nominated for chairperson by Diane Asproth. Seconded by
Emilie Johnson. Jaffe was elected unanimously.
Emilie Johnson nominated Chuck Burmeister. The nomination was seconded
by Lowell Benson. Being no Further nominations Chuck Burmeister was named
Vice Chairman. Bob Szyman was then nominated to the position of Secretary.
He remarked that he might be moving to Robbinsdale. However, it was the
Concenus of the commission that he remain on the Commission as secretary
until the time that he actually moved.
RENAMING OF NORTH TYROL PARK
John Brenna presented a letter from Mr. James Gannon requesting that North
Tyrol Park be renamed for Harold Lynch, longtime resident, now deceased.
Chuck Burmeister felt that the commission needed to establish criteria
for naming parks.
Burmeister moved that the commissioner recommend to the City Council that
it inform Mr. Gannon that their commission will work on a policy for naming
parks but right now it is not in a position to accept or reject requests
because no policy exists. The motion was seconded by Micks and approved.
SPORTS COACHING
Chuck Corlett presented materials regarding effectiveness training.
He felt there is a need for the recreation department to develop within the
youth sports groups, sound philosophy and the
psychology
ul cuac11L116. -rue emphasis is not on actions on the field but to develop
concerns that will ultimately affect behavior. Emilie Johnson felt that
the approach was too low key and that there was need for the subject of
sportsmanship to be addressed to the coaches.
Rhoda Jaffe wanted to know to whom and how this program would be offered.
Corlett explained that he would serve for all the youth sports programs,
hockey, football, little league, baseball and softball. All the officers
of these organizations say that they want the program and will require
their coaches to attend. It has been tried in other suburbs. The cost
of such a program will be at Dr. Schmoll's expenses and a stipend.
Chuck Corlett also said he would like to see the city invest in a library
of materials for the coaches to use and also in subsriptions to Sports Lines,
a periodical on y uth sports coaching published at the University of Illinois.
This total package could be purchased with less than $1,000. The literature
s:, -"'d 't` d Signed to coincide with Dr. Schmoll's visit.
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Open Space and Recreation Commission
Page Three
Diane Asproth asid that she felt first aid should be added to the coaches
training.
Rhoda Jaffe asked Chuck Corlett to keep a commission informed of the progress
of the program.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
John Brenna reported that there was a $10,000 construction credit with the
Department of Natural Resources and this money will be used to take care
of the development plans which were originally to be submitted in
a Law Con proposal.
CHAIRPERSONS REPORT
Dick Lyons reported that the city council accipted the commissions recomendation
on tennis court reservation system.
The next regular meetion scheduled for May 19th at 7:30.
Meeting adjourned at 10:14 p.m.
Vice Chairman