7-25-1974REGULAR MEETING
GOLDEN VALLEY PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
July 25, 1974
A regular meeting of the Golden Valley Park and Recreation Commission was
held on Thursday, July 25, 1974, at 7:30 p.m. at Brookview Community
Center, 8200 Wayzata Blvd., Golden Valley, Minnesota.
Chairman Gergen presided, and the following members were present: Brown,
Courey, Duebner, Hammer, Jackson, Jaffe, and Petersen; absent: Kelby.
Also present were John L. Brenna, Director of Parks and Recreation;
David H. Latvaaho, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation; Mabel
Pearson, playground director, Robert Lockwood, athletic director, and
Gertrude Peterson, secretary.
MINUTES
It was moved by Brown and seconded by Duebner, that the minutes of the
regular meeting of May 30, 1974, be approved. Motion carried.
RICE LAKE PARK
Mr. Brenna stated that he had checked two parcels of land near Rice Lake
Park where a small active playground could be constructed. One area
consists of three lots which are located east and contiguous to the park
area. Mr. Brenna stated that the lots need to be filled, and if filled,
they would provide a 1.9 acre play area. Mr. Brenna stated that the
owner is asking $30,000 for the three lots.
The other area is located in Robbinsdale, north and adjacent to Dresden
Lane; the area is 11 acres in size, and has about 6 acres of nice high
ground. A Mr. Roger Scherer owns the property and is in the process of
having the property appraised, and plans to deed the area to the City
of Robbinsdale for a tax write off. Mr. Brenna stated that he had tried
to contact the City Manager in Robbinsdale to see what they had in mind
for the property, but was unable to make the contact. Mr. Brenna
stated that he will call the City of Robbinsdale again, and will report
back at our next meeting.
Mr. Brenna also stated that he had sent an application to the Department
of Natural Resources again for the acquisition of the north one third
of Rice Lake. Mr. Brenna stated that last year we were turned down on
an application for the north one third of the lake because other open
areas in the metropolitan area had higher priorities.
SUMMER PROGRAM
Mr. Latvaaho introduced Mrs. Mabel Pearson, the summer playground director
and she reviewed the summer playground program. Mr. Latvaaho also
introduced Mr. Robert Lockwood, the summer athletic director, and he
reviewed the summer athletic program. The Park and Recreation Commission
commended Mrs. Pearson and Mr. Lockwood for their fine and dedicated work
with the summer program. In the absence of Mr. David Tjosvold, the
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Golden Valley Park and Recreation Commission
page two
pool director, Mr. Latvaaho summarized the pool activity to date. Our
pool receipts are up from last year, our lesson and pool attendance is
up, and we have had no break downs in the facility. A major reason for
the above is that the weather has been very favorable.
MOTOR BIKE REPORT
Mr. Brenna passed out brochures and a report of incidents in our city
parks from April 15, 1974, to June 29, 1974. Mr. Brenna stated that
many problems arising in our parks could be solved and thwarted if
two wheel vehicles could be used for patrolling and policing our park
system. After much discussion, it was moved by Petersen and seconded
by Brown that the Park and Recreation Commission support the Department
of Public Safety in the use of motor bikes for the policing and maintain—
ing of order in our parks and on our trails. Motion carried
PROGRESS REPORT — Trail System
At this time, Mr. Brenna briefed the Park and Recreation Commission
on our trail system. He stated that on the first leg of the system,
from Highway #18 to Winnetka Avenue, all easements have been drawn, and
next week he will stop by each business involved for the owner's signature.
Mr. Brenna further stated that he hoped to begin construction in about
four weeks.
Mr. Brenna also stated that he has sent another application to the
Department of Natural Resources for some additional monies for the trail
system.
OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
A copy of the minutes of the Open Space Committee was submitted to the
members of the Park and Recreation Commission, and the recommendions
set forth therein were discussed. After discussion, it was moved by
Courey and seconded by Jackson, that the City Council pursue the purchase
of the Brunswick lots outlined in Plan A of the Open Space Committee
minutes of July 17, 1974. Motion carried. Mr. Brown will make the
presentation with the Open Space Committee chairman at the next council
meeting.
COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT
Mr. Brenna stated that Mr. Westlake had asked, on behalf of the Planning
Commission, if a member of our Commission wound serve on a committee
to determine the demise of the dump site at the corner of Highway #55
and Winnetak Avenue. After discussion, Mr. Gergen volunteered to serve
on the committee.
PARK CONSTRUCTION REPORT
At this time, Mr. Brenna stated that our contract on the park walkways
will be completed next week. Mr. Brenna also stated that play
equipment and play areas will be installed in a number of our
parks before fall.
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Regular Meeting
Golden Valley Park and Recreation Commission
ADJOURNMENT
page three
There being no further business, it was moved by Hammer and seconded
by Petersen, that the meeting be adjourned. Meeting was adjourned
at 11:15 p.m.
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Chairman Gergenif
Vice Chairman Petersen