1-25-1993OPEN SPACE & RECREATION COMMISSION
January 25, 1993
Members present: Tom Zins, Mike Mauren, George Murad, Marshall Rappaport, Rich Krahulec,
Pat Borchert, Alex Azemove, and Julie Bergh. Also present were Steve Fahrney (Girls Slowpitch
Softball), Tom Klatt - Street & Park Superintendent, Rick Jacobson and Sharyl Thompson.
There were no agenda changes or additions.
MINUTES
Julie Bergh's name needs to be added to the attendance roster for November 23, 1992.
A motion was made by George Murad and seconded by Rich Krahulec to approve the minutes of
November 23, 1992. Motion carried.
GOLDEN VALLEY GIRLS SLOWPITCH SOFTBALL - STEVE FAHRNEY
Steve Fahrney reported on a successful girls softball program. In 1992 they had 14 junior teams
and 10 senior teams, with a total of 312 participants. They project an increase of about 50
participants in 1993. A traveling team (age 18 and under) will be added this summer. Because of
the increase in participants, field availability is becoming a problem. The majority of the
participants live in Golden Valley, with 99% of the sponsors from Golden Valley. Steve
commended the work of the Park and Recreation Department and the Park Maintenance staff for
their help and cooperation.
PARK MAINTENANCE REPORT - TOM KLATT
Tom Klatt gave the Commission an overview of the projects they worked on over the past year.
This past summer, the Twin City Tree Trust youth worked mostly in Pennsylvania Woods
repairing steps and walkways. Tom reported that it has been decided to have the park mainte-
nance personnel take on the responsibility of the care and upkeep of the grounds around three fire
stations and the City Hall complex. This will likely have an impact on other service levels within
the Department.
Marshall Rappaport stated that with his experience working with Little League in the past, and
now with the Babe Ruth Baseball organization, Golden Valley has the best maintained ball fields
in the Twin Cities, and commended the staff for their cooperation.
The Commission expressed their appreciation to Tom and the park maintenance crew for their
outstanding care of the facilities, parks and open spaces in Golden Valley.
ATHLETIC FIELD USE STUDY
Rick Jacobson reported that the staff is looking for ways to maximize the use of athletic fields.
All youth athletic programs are growing, putting a strain on availability of facilities. They have
met to identify parcels of land where fields could be constructed - both public and private
property. The City Council will be having a work session on February 13th at which time a report
from the staff will be discussed. Purchasing property is not being considered, but possibly lighting
current fields to the expand their use will be explored.
Pat Borchert inquired about the use and condition of the Breck School soccer field. Rick
Jacobson replied that it is available to the city in the summer. Any upgrading would be at the
City's expense since it is our understanding that Breck has no plans to upgrade that field.
Rick Jacobson said a copy of the report would be available at the February Commission meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
1) Rick Jacobson reported that virtually all City employees have been going through a
customer service seminar.
2) The American Disabilities Act requires that all facilities be fully accessible by 1995. An
evaluation of all City facilities is currently underway to find where improvements are
needed.
3) Rich Krahulec asked about the Adopt A Park Program. Rick Jacobson replied that several
parks have been "adopted" and that publicity will continue to attain the goal of all parks
being adopted.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Julie Bergh and seconded by George Murad to adjourn.
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