7-28-1997City of Golden Valley
Open Space & Recreation Commission
July 28, 1997
Members present: Jim Sicora, Liz Elder, Chuck Cahill, Linda Loomis, Tom Zins and Roger
McConico. Also in attendance were John Haberman from Golden Valley Phoenix Soccer, Greg
Spencer, Brookview Golf Greens Superintendent; Rick Jacobson and Sharyl Thompson.
There were no agenda changes or additions.
MINUTES
A motion was made by Jim Sicora and seconded by Chuck Cahill to approve the minutes of June
23, 1997. Motion carried.
PHOENIX SOCCER UPDATE — JOHN HABERMAN
This summer, Phoenix Soccer had over 400 kids participating on twenty-six teams. He strongly
emphasized the need for additional fields. He stated the club would not survive or grow with the
present facilities. In his opinion, the fields are sub -standard, they are not mowed often enough,
and there aren't enough fields to accommodate their needs. The development of the Schaper area
taking adult softball off of Lions Park and allowing a full size soccer field there will be a great
help. They would also like a full size field for the U-12 in-house level, as well as smaller
intermediate fields.
This fall, they will have 5 traveling teams, while the Park & Recreation Department runs the
recreation soccer program.
In regard to an additional soccer field, Rick Jacobson reported that the joint powers agreement
with the Minnesota Arts School is being delayed by language problems. The City wanted a
twenty year agreement, but the State says it can only do a five year agreement with an option to
renew, or a lease agreement. A lease agreement would need the approval of the top executives at
the state level, including the governor. Due to this delay, the field construction will likely not
begin until 1998.
GOLF COURSE UPDATE — GREG SPENCER
Greens Superintendent, Greg Spencer, reported on the damage to the golf course from the
excessive rain this summer. The turf that has had standing water is dead. Prime seeding time is
around August I O'h. Before the flood, the course was doing very well.
As far as improvement projects go, the bridges are all completed, and a new well was installed
which doubles the irrigation capacity. In 1998, there will be improvements to the driving range,
repairing the drainage problem, and putting in irrigation.
HIDDEN LAKES UPDATE
The developer of Hidden Lakes is preparing for general plan approval. The City has asked for
the plan to include a public canoe landing near the entrance with a small parking lot and
possibly a couple of picnic tables nearby. The developer would like to build and maintain the
area, however, the City wants to retain control of the area so access for all residents is insured.
AGGRESSIVE SKATE PARK FACILITY UPDATE
A committee has been formed representing neighboring cities, school districts and the YMCA to
discuss the issue of an aggressive skate park. They will meet again in the fall.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Chuck Cahill and seconded by Roger McConico to adjourn.
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